ts *«>: s*±. «£ - V? ~"7? THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY 577325 «-. ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY *S2 ? yifc fa. Umax, J Joe Genealogical a ^~ Biographical Record of WILL COUNTY ILLINOIS Containing Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO 1900 5 % r : 15 PREFACE. A MONG the counties of Illinois, Will County occupies a foremost rank. From the earliest I \ period of its settlement to the present time, its citizens have been progressive, enterprising and public spirited. They have not only developed the agricultural, commercial and manu- facturing resources of the county, but have maintained a commendable interest in public affairs, have been liberal contributors to movements of an educational, religious and philanthropic nature, and have given to their commonwealth some of its ablest statesmen. In the lives of the citizens, indeed, is the history of the county best narrated; and those who read the following pages will become acquainted with men and movements inseparably associated with the county's progress. In the preparation for the data of this work a number of writers have been engaged for many months. They have visited leading citizens and have studied local history, using every endeavor to produce a work accurate and trustworthy in even the smallest detail. Owing to the great care taken in the compilation of the work and to the fact that every opportunity was given to those represented to insure correctness in the biographies, the publishers believe that they are giving to their readers a volume containing few errors of consequence. The biographies of some representa- tive citizens will be missed from the work; this in some instances was caused by absence from home when our writers called, and in other instances was caused by a failure on the part of the men themselves to understand the scope of the work. The publishers, however, have done everything within their power to make the volume a representative biographical work. The value of the data herein presented will grow with the passing years. Posterity will pre- serve the work with care, from the fact that it perpetuates biographical history which would otherwise be wholly lost. In those now far-distant days will be realized, to a greater degree than at the present time, the truth of Macauley's statement that "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its people." BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO. 1900. Chicago. 3 93 1 i 93 " Let the record be made of the men and things of to-day, lest they pass out of memory to-morrow and are lost. Then perpetuate them not upon wood or stone that crumble to dust, but upon paper, chronicled in picture and in words that endure forever." — Kirkland. 'rA ^ "A true delineation of the smallest man and his scene of pilgrimage through life is capable of interesting the greatest man. All men are to an unspeakable degree brothers, each man's life a strange emblem of every man's; and human portraits, faithfully drawn, are, of all pictures, the welcomest on human walls." — Thomas Cariaxe. INTRODUCTORY n IOGRAPHY alone can justly represent the progress of local history and portray with accuracy V^\ the relation of men to events. It is the only means of perpetuating the lives and deeds of \^J those men to whom the advancement of a city or county and the enlightenment of its people are due. The compilers of this work have striven to honor, not only men of present prominence, but also, as far as possible, those who in years gone by labored to promote the welfare of their com- munity. The following sketches have been prepared from the standpoint of no man's prejudice, but with an impartial aim to render justice to progressive and public-spirited citizens and to collect personal records that will be of value to generations yet to come. To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to preserve the memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory have been in proportion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. The pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhumations made by the archaeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate the memory of their achievements. The erection of the great obelisks was for the same purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monuments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the ages. It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many of them costly in the extreme, give but a faint idea of the lives and character of those whose memory they were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crumbling into dust. It was left to modern ages to establish an intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating a full history — immutable in that it is almost unlimited in extent and perpetual in its action; and this is through the art of printing. To the present generation, however, we are indebted for the introduction of the admirable system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages. The scythe of Time cuts down all; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which his children or friends may erect to his memory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and pass awav; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits; for the same reason we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone; to do this we are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public record. lib; OF IE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS HON. GEORGE H. MUNROE. NON. GEORGE H. MUNROE. In a career honorable alike to himself and the city long his home, Mr. Munroe has displayed those traits of character without which success is im- possible. Few citizens have done more than he toward the development of Jolietand particularly toward the improvement of Chicago street, the building up of which is largely due to his efforts. From the time he reached his majority to the present he has been an important factor in Joliet's business enterprises, and his name is intimately associated with a number of well-known con- cerns, notable among these being the Western Stone Company, of which he is vice-president and a large stockholder; also the Joliet National Bank, of which he is a director and one of the largest stockholders. With his brother, Edwin S., he conducts a real-estate and mortgage, bank- ing and general trust company's business, and has platted numerous additions and subdivisions, probably twenty in all. Near Watertown, N. Y., Mr. Munroe was born, September 24, 1S44, being a son of George Mun- roe, whose sketch appears on another page. He was five years of age when the family settled on a farm in this count}', and his education was ob- tained mostly in the public schools of the town of Florence and in private schools in Wilmington and Joliet. From an early age he showed that he possessed great energy and determination of character, and while still a mere youth he filled the position of deputy sheriff efficiently for a period of two years. In the year 1865 he be- came connected with his father, George Munroe, in the establishment of the firm of G. Munroe & Son, of which he was a member until the death of his father in 1890 caused its dissolution. It is said that he is the largest holder of real estate in Joliet to-day, and certainly the firm of Munroe Brothers is by far the largest teal-estate firm in the city. In addition to his other interests he has had the two most important receiverships in the county. In 1868, when the state penitentiary changed from the contract system to state ac- counts, he was appointed receiver of the Illinois Manufacturing Company, which had the lease and all of the business there at the time. He settled the affairs of the company, made the sale to the state, and divided about $250,000 net among the stockholders. He also acted as re- ceiver of the Joliet Enterprise Company, his management .of which and of other large trusts added to his already high reputation as a financier. Fraternally Mr. Munroe is connected with Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M. St. John's Universalis: Church, of whose board of trustees he was for many years the president, has received the benefit of his practical business experience, and he was the leading spirit in the erection of the large auditorium on the corner of North Chi- cago and Clinton streets. He assisted in organ- izing the Joliet Business Men's Association and was one of its presidents. He is a member of the Union League and Marquette Clubs of Chicago and the Stone City Club of Joliet. His marriage, in this city, united him with Miss Eva Weeks, only daughter of Judge Charles H. Weeks. Mrs. Munroe was educated at Miss Skinner's private school at Naperville, 111. She is a lady of culture and refinement and is among the leaders of society in this city, where her tact as hostess and her rare qualities of head and heart have secured her lifelong friends. The IS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home of Senator Munroe have been brightened by the presence of two children: Esther, now the wife of Jesse J. Shuman, of Cleveland, Ohio, and George Fuller Munroe. An}- review of the life of Mr. Munroe would be incomplete without considerable mention of his service in the state senate and his devotion to the interests of his fellow-citizens. He has never been an office-seeker nor a politician, in the or- dinary acceptance of that word. At the same time he is an ardent Republican, pronounced in his support of party principles. In 1894 he was elected to the state senate, succeeding a Democrat and receiving a majority of more than twent\--five hundred, the Democratic city of Joliet giving him a majority of eleven hundred. In the thirty-ninth general assembly he was chairman of the committee on waterways and drainage, and a member of the judiciary, appropriations, canals and rivers, farm drainage, mines and min- ing, fees and salaries, printing, state library, and arts and sciences committees. On the convening of the fortieth general assembly he was again made chairman of the committee on waterways and drainage, in which capacity he secured valu- able concessions and improvements for the local interests along the great waterway and through the Illinois valley. In this assembly he was the second member on the Republican steering com- mittee, and a member of the committee appointed to visit state educational institutions. He was also a member of the committees on railroads, finance, revenue, insurance, penal and reform- atory institutions, canals and rivers, agriculture and horticulture, labor and manufacture, county and township organization, state librar}-, and arts and sciences. Among the important meas- ures which were secured through his efforts may be mentioned the following: a bill for amending rights of eminent domain, compelling corpora- tions to pay expenses in condemnation cases, where they failed to take the property; the parole law; an amendment to the general banking laws of the state, throwing greater safeguards around the bank for the benefit of its depositors; the amending of the school laws of Joliet, increasing the number of school inspectors; the establish- ment of the Woman's Relief Corps home at Wil- mington, this county, now a fine and thriving institution; and the establishment of a female prison on separate grounds from those of the Illinois state penitentiary. When the Humphrey bills were brought before the senate he was largely instrumental in creating that strong public senti- ment against the bills which made their ultimate success impossible. It was largely due to his watchfulness that the sanitary drainage district did not secure a single change in their interest from the original bill; two tax bills only were passed permitting the trustees to tax their dis- trict for more funds and in both of these bills suitable amendments in behalf of the valley peo- ple were added, one for the necessary amount of water and the other requiring swinging bridges, thus making it a navigable channel. At the ex- piration of his term as senator he was not a candidate for re-election. There were man}- who desired him to become a candidate for governor, but, with characteristic unselfishness, he threw his influence toward securing another Will Coun- ty citizen, Hon. E. C. Akin, as nominee for at- torney-general. The life of Senator Munroe furnishes an example worthy of emulation by the young men of this generation, many of whom have occasion to remember his fatherly interest in their per- sonal or business affairs. To those who study the history of Joliet in the years to come his name will always stand out pre-eminently as its most public-spirited citizen. It is to such men as he that Joliet owes its present prosperity. When the city was far smaller than now and few antici- pated its steady growth and development, he al- ways had the greatest faith in its future, and that firm faith was never shaken by times of financial depression. It has been a privilege to witness the realization of many of his hopes, although in his opinion the city has before it a future even greater than its past. To promote its progress and to advance the interests of its citizens have formed no small part of his work in life, and while he has labored quietly and unostentatiously, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 19 he has labored none the less effectively in the promotion of enterprises that will conserve the permanent welfare of the city. Few people realize the true value of a thor- oughly honest and capable public-spirited citizen of the Munroe type, of which this great republic has none too many. Though able to fill any office in the gift of the people, his modesty has been a bar to the realization of ambitious hopes. A future generation will fondly look on the por- traits of such men and study their character in the annals of local history. Then the unselfish work of Senator Munroe in the Republican part} - , in his state and in Joliet, will be given greater praise; his noble effort to secure a home for the Woman's Relief Corps at Wilmington will be better understood, and his conscientious work in the affairs of the drainage canal more thoroughly appreciated, and will then be given unstinted praise. ^EORGE MUNROE. The genealogy of the □ Munroe family is traced back to the year 1050, when it flourished in the extreme north of Scotland. Later generations removed to Lanarkshire, near the English border. During the seventeenth century some of the name served in the army of the ill-fated Charles I. The traits of character for which the Scotch are noted were noticeable in the life of the subject of this sketch and were large factors in his business success. He was born in Lanarkshire April 4, iS2i, a son of Daniel and Jane (Richmond) Munroe. His father, who was a woolen manufacturer, brought the family to America in 1827 and settled in Brownville, Jefferson County, N. Y. , where he followed his chosen occupation. At an early period in the history of Joliet he came to this city and acted as manager of the woolen mill which at that time stood near the Jefferson street bridge. Later he improved a farm in Florence Township, where he died in i860. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in Brownville in 1829. They were the parents of three children: George, Angus and Barbara. Having learned the moulder's trade, the sub- ject of this sketch was made foreman of a foundry in Brownville. In 1849 he settled in Florence Township, this county, where he engaged in farming. In 1862 he was elected sheriff, which office he filled for one term. In 1865 he and his son, George H., embarked in the grocery busi- ness, and they continued as partners until his death. For ten years they occupied a building on the corner of Jefferson and Chicago streets, after which for six years they conducted business in the Opera House building. In 1884 they erected the first large building on Chicago street, and in it they carried on a very large and suc- cessful wholesale business; this building, since remodeled, is now the Munroe Hotel. The part- nership continued until the death of the senior member of the firm in 1890. In the midst of his important business interests Mr. Munroe nevertheless kept in touch with local affairs and contributed his quota to the advance- ment of his city. As alderman and school trustee he was helpful in public and educational matters, and for three years he served the county as its treasurer, being first chosen to fill a vacancy in the office and subsequently elected without oppo- sition. Fraternally he was a Knight Templar Mason. He aided in religious movements and was identified with the Methodist Church, in which he served as a trustee. In his character he combined those qualities of heart and mind that rendered him deservedly popular and secured to him the warm friendship of his associates. Beginning for himself with limited means he steadily, by perseverance and good management, won a prominent place in the business world, where his talents were recognized and appre- ciated. Methodical and exact in transactions, conservative in judgment, and careful in his decisions, he possessed the qualities which go to make success in the world of commerce. As one of the pioneers of the county, and a man whose energies were devoted to the development of its resources, his name is worthy of perpetuation on the pages of local history. December 22, 1842, Sarah M. Hentze became the wife of Mr. Munroe. She was born in Brown- 20 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ville, N. Y., a daughter of Henry and Charity (Gould) Hentze. Her father, who was born in Rutland, Vt., was a son of Henry Hentze, a Hessian soldier brought by England to America at the time of the Revolutionary war: who, later, being in sympathy with the struggle for freedom, deserted and joined the Americans; he was a descendant of a large landed proprietor of Ger- many. The father of Mrs. Munroe brought his family via the lakes on the steamer "Mayflower" to Chicago, where Mr. Munroe met them with teams and brought them to Wilmington. In 1852 he and his son George went overland with ox- teams to California, where he engaged in mining until his death; many years afterward his son came back to Joliet. Mrs. Munroe died in this city in 1S95. Of her five children all but one are still living. The eldest, George H., is rep- resented 011 another page. Jennie A. is the wife of Rev. G. R. Van Horn, of Rockford, 111., who is a prominent minister in the Rock River con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mary E. is the wife of Charles B. Hay ward, of Joliet: and Edwin S. is a partner of his older brother in the real-estate business. NOX. JOEL A. MATTESON, governor of Illinois 1853-56, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 8, 1808. When a boy he was employed in Prescott, Canada. His later years were filled with varied employments, teaching school, improving a farm, working on railroads in the south, visiting the gold diggings of northern Georgia, etc. In 1833, with his wife and one child, he came to Illinois and entered a claim in what is now Kendall County. At that time there were only three or four houses between his place and Chicago. In 1835 he bought largely at the government land sales, but the following year sold his land and settled in Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy contractor on the Illinois and Michigan canal, which contract he completed in 1S41. One of his next ventures was the estab- lishment of a woolen mill in Joliet, which, with subsequent enlargements, became an enormous factory. His connection with public and political affairs began in 1S42, when he was elected to the state senate. His service was so satisfactory that he was twice re-elected, and during the entire time held the position of chairman of the committee on finance. At the same time he superintended his woolen mill and also again became a heavy con- tractor on the canal. At the Democratic state convention, April 20, 1S52, he was nominated for governor. At the election he received a good majority. During his term of office the most ex- citing occurrence w T as the repeal of the Missouri compromise by congress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, in 1854, when the bill was passed organizing the territory of Kansas and Nebraska. Before his term expired the Repub- licans were fully organized as a party and in 1856 put into the field a ticket, which carried the state, but not the nation. The legislature of 1S55 passed two important bills, the present free- school system and the submission of the Maine liquor law to the vote of the people. The latter was defeated by a small majority of the popular vote. During his term the taxable wealth of the state was trebled; the public debt reduced; tax- ation reduced; railroads increased in mileage from less than 400 to more than 3,000; and the commerce of Chicago quadrupled. Upon his retirement from office Governor Matteson re- sumed the management of his extensive business interests in Joliet. He did much toward the up- building of this city and gave employment to many workmen. Toward those in need he was always generous, and many a poor man has reason to remember him with deepest gratitude. Toward the close of his life he relinquished, to some extent, the management of his extensive in- terests, but he continued to be, in old age, as in early life, a very active, busy man. He died in Chicago during the winter of 1872-73. OF E UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS M!£/iM>idU GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 23 MARTIN C. BISSELL. V A ARTIN C. BISSELL. Through a life that Y was prolonged to an advanced age Mr. (9 Bissell proved himself to be an active man of affairs and a successful financier, managing every enterprise that he undertook in such a way as to bring it to a fortunate termination. Having made his home in this city for many years and owning valuable property interests in this locality , he became well known by the people of the town, and was by them recognized as a man of unusual force of character. At his death, which occurred April 12, 1888, a portion of his estate was left to relatives and the remainder was bequeathed to the Swedenborgian Church, of whose teachings he was an ardent supporter. The Bissell family came from France to New England in an early day. Noah Bissell, who was a Vermonter, possessed the quality of divina- tion to a remarkable degree and foretold the day and hour when his spirit would leave its earthly tenement house. Aaron, a son of Noah, served in the war of 1812 and spent his early life near Rutland, Vt. From there he moved to the vicinity of Burlington, the same state, and after the war of 18 12 settled in Oneida County, N. Y. His son, the subject of this article, was born in Huntington, Chittenden County, Vt., in June, 1802. When the family removed to New York he worked on a farm for $4 a month. At four- teen years of age he secured employment with a farmer in Pompey, Cayuga County. This man, who was a Presbyterian of the old school, became convinced that the boy was one of the elect and decided to educate him for missionary work, so sent him to a Presbyterian school at Homer. The officers of the school concluded to take the boy, but said they must have absolute control of him, but the parents refused to give their consent to this, so Mr. Bissell's future was changed. Learning the mason's trade at Lansing, N. Y., he afterward worked at Ithaca and on the Cham- plain canal locks, and was foreman in the con- struction of masonry at Rochester. While work- ing on the canal at Elmira, N. Y. , he married Miss Eliza Wells, in 1826. Later he had a con- tract for masonry on the Allegheny canal at Cuba, Pa. On the completion of that work he moved to Cass County, Mich., and bought a farm, where he lived for three years. However, agri- cultural pursuits were not congenial, and he re- turned to contracting. He constructed a section of the Michigan Central Railroad, later had a contract on the Illinois Central, meantime mak- ing Blootnington, 111., his home. Later he had contracts in Iowa and Missouri. The year 1854 found him a resident of Joliet, where he afterward made his headquarters, although his business in- terests required his almost constant presence in other places. As a railroad contractor he was successful. Possessing great energy and force of will, he was fitted for the work of superintending large contracts and overseeing a corps of men. During all of the years in which he engaged in railroad contracting he had many experiences in- cident to life upon the frontier, in the midst of primeval surroundings. He never forgot his ex- periences during the cholera epidemic in 1854, and particularly one trip that he made by canal boat from Pekin to Chicago, when half of the men on the boat died of that dread disease. Aside from his contracting business Mr. Bissell had other interests. At one time he owned a store at Niles, Mich., which was managed by Giles Heath with flattering success. His prop- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. erty interests were valuable, and included a farm near Chicago, another near Cassopolis, Mich., and many tracts of land in Illinois and Iowa, be- sides a large amount of real estate in and near Joliet. He and his wife were childless, and on the death of the latter, which occurred December 30, 1889, their valuable estate was inherited by relatives and by the church to whose doctrines they had long adhered. He was a man of original ideas, very outspoken in the expression of his opinion, and possessing the courage of his convictions. At a time when the principle of abolition was very unpopular he was known as a "black Abolitionist," which in the minds of many was next to being a "black man." He did not flinch in the face of much opposition. He stood beside Frederick Douglass in Young's (now Werner's) hall in Joliet and introduced him to the audience in the spirit of one who believes all men to be brothers. Though skeptical in busi- ness matters, requiring every proposition to be submitted to the severest test, in religion he pre- sented a phase of character directly opposite, and accepted, fully and completely, the transcendental teachings of the New Church, in which faith he lived and died. \A ISS FRANCES M. WEED. The family V of which Miss Weed is a member was (fj founded in America by three brothers from England, who settled in Stamford, Conn. One of these was her grandfather, Jonas, who served as a member of Washington's body-guard during the Revolutionary war, and was afterward acci- dentally killed in Connecticut. His son, Mun- son, a native of Stamford, was bound to a trade in youth, but being of an adventurous disposition the confinement of his work was irksome to him, and he ran away to sea, shipping on a whaler engaged in the whaling business on the Atlantic. Later he was in the trans- Atlantic and West India trade. After eleven years as a sailor he returned to his home. Later he settled in Danby, near Ithaca, N. V., where he engaged in farming and died in 1867. In religion he was a Baptist. He was a cousin of Thurlow Weed, whose father, Hezekiah, came from England with Jonas Weed. The mother of Munson Weed attained a great age, lacking only a few days of one hundred years at the time of her death. She was related to the Wisners, of Orange County, N. Y. , one of whom served as a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war and was killed in the battle of Minisink. Her brother, Usal Knapp, was the last survivor of the famous Washington life guards. When he was sixteen years of age he entered the service as water boy for General Washington, and blacked his boots, cared for his horses, etc. He served for seven years in the Revolutionary war. For forty years he was a member of the Presbyterian church, and attended services regularly, even when he had rounded a century of life. He was a man of hospitable na- ture, and those who stayed beneath his roof never forgot his large-hearted hospitality; his guests always found their boots blacked in the morning, and in many other ways he showed a thoughtful courtesy and kindness toward every visitor. He died at Little Britain, Orange Count)-, when one hundred and four years of age. His was the largest funeral ever known in the county. He was buried with military hon- ors, seven military companies being present, and thirteen cannon were fired over his grave. His body was interred at Washington's headquarters, and his resting place is marked by a monument, erected by the state, and bearing the inscription, " The last of the bodyguard." The marriage of Munson Weed united him with Miss Polly Bissell, who was born in Rut- land, Vt., September 25, 1796, and settled at Danby in 1818. She was a daughter of Aaron and Mary Bissell, and a sister of Martin C. Bis- sell, whose sketch appears in this volume. Sur- viving her husband for many years, she passed away April 6, 1S91, at the age of ninety-four years, six months and eleven days. She lived under the administration of every president of the United States up to her death. She distinctly remembered having heard the guns at the battle of Lake Champlaiu. Her memory remained un- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 25 impaired until death. Of her ten children six are living, namely: William, of West Danby, N. Y. ; Harriet, Mrs. H. N. Bement, of Pennsyl- vania; Almira, who married Alfred Vose, of Spencer, N. Y.; Mary E., who married D. T. Fish, late of Newfield, N. Y. ; Edwin, a contrac- tor in Ithaca, N. Y.; and Frances M. Not a lit- tle of the success which the children have at- tained is due to the influence of their mother, who was a woman of remarkably strong charac- ter and intelligence. In the public schools of Danby, N. Y., and the college at Naperville, 111., Miss Weed received an excellent education, and after leaving college she was engaged in educational work in this county for a number of years. Of a benevolent disposition, she is identified with the Dorcas So- ciety and devotes much of her time to relieving the wants of the worthy poor. In the Ladies Order of Maccabees she holds office as keeper of records. She is a believer in the teachings of the Swedenborgian Church, of which her uncle, M. C. Bissell, was one of the leading members, and to which he contributed much of his fortune. She maintains an intelligent interest in public affairs and upholds Republican principles. The management of her property interests requires much of her time and thought, and in it she has displayed business ability and good judgment. She is the owner of four acres comprising her homestead at No. 1502 Cass street, and also owns two hundred and twenty acres near Chicago, on the Wabash Railroad, and within a few rods of the feeder for the canal. HON. FREDERICK WILKE, chairman of the board of supervisors, is one of Will County's best known citizens. He has been one of the property owners of this county since 1857, when he visited Illinois and purchased slightly improved land lying on section 17, Washington Township. Three years later he returned to the county and established his home on the tract, building a frame house on the eight-acre piece, and making other improvements that added to its value. As he prospered he added to his farm until he owned three hundred and thirty-five acres on sections 17 and 18. Of this he afterward gave his son a quarter section, and the two now own, together, two hundred and seventy acres (fifteen being in Indiana just across the state line). They have brought the land un- der first-class improvement, and have drained it by means of one hundred thousand tile. He was a pioneer in introducing tiling, and paid as much as $38 for four-inch tiles that now sell for $12. The idea of tiling at first seemed ludicrous to his acquaintances, but after a time they saw the utility of it and became interested themselves. While he engaged in general farming, for some years his specialty was the dairy business, and he had on his place a number of full blooded and high-grade Holsteins. In 1889 he left his place in charge of his son and moved to Beecher, where he carried on a grain business for a short time, and where he has since made his home. Of a family of eight, five of whom grew to mature years, Mr. Wilke was third in order of birth, and is the sole survivor. Four of the fam- ily came to America, of whom one daughter died in Indiana, another in Iroquois County, 111., and Christ, who came to America in 1850, died at the home of his brother Fred. The father, Herman Wilke, a native of Westphalia, Ger- many, was pressed into the Napoleonic army at the time of the march to Moscow, and was one of the few who returned from that ill-fated expe- dition. From that time he engaged in farming until he died, at fifty-nine years. He married Katherine Waltmau, who was born in West- phalia and died there when thirty-nine years old. In Westphalia, where he was born March 17, 1829, our subject grew to ruanhood on his fath- er's large farm, and received his education in German schools and under private tutorship. The death of his father put an end to his classi- cal studies and forced him into the world of commercial activity. After working for an uncle for a time, in 1850 he entered the Fifteenth Reg- 26 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. iment Infantry, where he served for two years and became a non-commissioned officer. In 1854 he left Bremen on a sailing vessel that reached New York City after a voyage of six weeks, and from there he proceeded to Cincin- nati, Ohio, joining his brother Christ. From that time until i860 he was employed on an omni- bus line in that city. He then came to Illinois, and has since been identified with the history of Will County, as farmer, business man and offi- cial. The first marriage of Mr. Wilke united him with Miss Mary Nuenker, whom he had known in childhood. She died at twenty-four years of age. Two children were born of that union, both now deceased, Henry having died in child- hood in Cincinnati, while Lizzie, Mrs. Scheiwe, died in 1890, leaving three children, two of whom survive. The second wife of Mr. Wilke was Christina Brutlag, who was born in West- phalia. The only child of this union, Herman F. , is a member of the firm of Bidefeldt & Wilke, at Beecher, owners of a large lumber and coal business, and an agricultural implement store, and with their warehouses on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois road. Twice married, by his first wife he had a son, Frederick. His second wife was Sophie Meier, by whom he has eight children. From 1862 to 1864 Mr. Wilke was assessor of Washington Township. Later he was collector. In 1870 he was elected supervisor without oppo- sition and continued until 1884, when he re- signed, but after a year and four months he was again elected without solicitation on his part. From that time to the present he has continued in the office, which he has held for a longer pe- riod than any other supervisor in the entire state; and it may be added that, in all the time since 1870, he has had opposition only two times. He has been a member of various committees, and has worked in the interest of all public build- ings that have been erected, being a member of the committees that built the court house, im- proved the poor farm, put up the residence on that farm, and remodeled the sheriff's residence and jail. In 1899 he was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, without opposition, and by virtue of this office he is also chairman of the board of review, the first board in the county un- der the new law. In 1888, on the Republican ticket, he was elected to the legislature, leading the ticket by three hundred majority. He was re-elected in 1890, and again in 1892 he received a large majority. In the various bills that were brought up before the legislature he took an ac- tive interest, favoring movements in the interests of his constituents and the public at large. As a committee member, his record was unexcelled for faithfulness and intelligence. After three terms of service he retired, refusing further nomination for the office. Since 1890 he has been school treasurer of Washington Township, and he handles and is responsible for the township's school fund of $11,500. Religiously he is a Lutheran. He took an active part in the build- ing of the Eagle Lake Church, being chairman of the building committee, and he still holds his membership with this congregation, of which for years he was the treasurer. OF 1 IE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ^^ ^Wz^T^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 29 GEORGE H. WOODRUFF. (£J FORGE H. WOODRUFF. In the annals I— of Will County no name is entitled to more \Jl lasting remembrance than that of Mr. Wood- ruff, who was one of its pioneers and is well known as its historian. A fluent writer, he put in permanent form, for the benefit of future gen- erations, many incidents connected with the early history of the county and its brave pioneers. Among his works are "History of the Black Hawk War;" "Patriotism of Will County," a record of the men from here who took part in the war with the south; "Will County on the Pacific Slopes," which gave sketches of the men who went to California during the gold excitement of 1849-51; and "Woodruff's History of Will County." The first home of the Woodruff family in Amer- ica was in Connecticut, and later generations lived in New York. In the latter state Theor Woodruff was born and spent much of his life, engaging in business as a manufacturer of scythes and edged tools, but at an advanced age he came to this county, joining his son in Joliet, and re- maining here until his death. His son, the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in Clinton, N. Y., August 16, 1 8 14, and w r as one of three children, of whom the other son died in boyhood, and the daughter, Adele, wife of M. H. Demtnond, died in New York. George H. was educated in Ham- ilton College, at Clinton, from which he gradu- ated at eighteen years. In the summer of 1S34 he came to Joliet with his brother-in-law, Mr. Demmond, for whom he clerked in the general mercantile business. Prior to 1840 he established the Pioneer drug store on Bluff, between Ex- change street and Western avenue, and afterward 2 for many years had his place of business at the corner of Bluff and Exchange, continuing there until his death. He was the first circuit clerk and recorder of the county, and also held the office of county judge at onetime. He assisted in the organization of the First Presbyterian Church and long held office as its treasurer. A stanch believer in Republican principles, he voted with that party after its organization. After having been in poor health for three years he died November 1, 1890, fifty-six years after his arrival in the then frontier town of Joliet. The first wife of Mr. Woodruff, Hannah (Lucas) Woodruff, was born in New York and died in Joliet, leaving a son, Henry Theor Wood- ruff, and two daughters, Annie Mary, a teacher in Marion, Ala., and Julia H., a teacher in the Joliet high school. The sou graduated in medi- cine in Chicago and is now practicing his profes- sion in Harvard, 111. During the Civil war he was surgeon of the One Hundredth Illinois In- fantry and remained at the front until the close of the war, with the exception of the time when he was imprisoned in Libby. Mr. Woodruff's last marriage united him, in Joliet, in 1857, with Mrs. Achsah (Wheeler) Perkins, who was born in Berkshire, Mass., and died in Joliet. Her father, Harry Wheeler, a native of Massachu- setts, served in the war of 1812. Late in life he moved west to Illinois and established a lumber and nursery business in Aurora, from which city he came to Joliet, and died here at the age of ninety-two. His father, Benjamin Wheeler, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a member of the Massachusetts legislature; the latter's wife bore the maiden name of Achsah Johnson. The 3Q GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mother of Mrs. Woodruff was Clarissa, daughter of Elisha and Alice (Freeman) Harmau, the former of whom was a native of Berkshire Coun- ty, Mass., and a lifelong resident there. Mrs. Woodruff was one of three children , having two brothers: Henry, who died in Aurora; and Mark H., who served in a Connecticut regiment during the Civil war until he was killed in the storming of Port Hudson. When a girl Mrs. Woodruff was a student at Mount Holyoke Seminary, grad- uating in 1S48. Soon afterward she became the wife of Dr. John P. Perkins, a graduate of the Albany Medical College. They came to Joliet in 1856, and the doctor died in this city while still a young man. Afterward Mrs. Perkins was married to Mr. Woodruff, by whom she had two sons, namely: George F., who is a chemist in Chicago and makes his home in West Grossdale; and Harry Wheeler, whose sketch follows this. We cannot more appropriately close this mem- oir thin with the presentation of "Israel's Pray- er," by Mr. Woodruff, as it appears in "Bitter Sweet:" Our father's God! To Thee we come once more, With united voice and heart, to offer Thanks and prayer. Thanks for the past, whether Of good, or seeming ill. Thanks that we meet Once more beneath the old roof ! Our Father! Forgive our sin, for sin is ours, we dare Not lay it at Thy door! Our Father, give Us humility! May we not presume To comprehend Thee or Thy way so full Of mystery! We only ask light enough To guide us to Thee! We ask strength that May overcome our weakness and resist Temptation, and strong grow in virtue. Give us faith! Faith in Thyself and in Thy Wisdom, power and love and holiness, And in Thy purposes of good to man. Father, in Thy Son, and in His sacrifice; Father in heaven and in joy eternal In store for all who Thy dear Son accept. Give us love! Love supreme and reverent To Thyself ! — to each other tender and Patient, and to the world, outside Thy fold, Pitiful and helpful. And now once more We lie down to sleep, safe under Thy wing. May we wake rested and with thankful heart! And when we take our last deep sleep may we wake In heaven! We ask all in Christ's dear name. Amen! HARRY W. WOODRUFF, M. D. There is no branch of the medical science requiring greater skill or more thorough knowledge of its intricacies than that which relates to dis- eases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In an intimate knowledge of these specialties Dr. Wood- ruff has few equals among physicians of his own age and few superiors even among those of greater experience than his own. He has confined his practice exclusively to the treatment of these dis- eases, believing that in the present development of therapeutics he is most successful who devotes himself exclusively to one of its departments. Since 1893 ^ e ^ as engaged in practice in Joliet, where he has his office in the Auditorium. Dur- ing all of this time he has also acted as surgeon to the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago. In 1897 he was appointed a professor in the Chi- cago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat College, and has since filled one of the important chairs in that institution, for this purpose making bi-weekly trips to Chicago. In Joliet, where he was born February iS. 1868, Dr. Woodruff grew to manhood, attending the public schools and graduating from the high school in 1886. His home was one of culture, and from his earliest recollections he had the advantage of refined surroundings, his father, George H. Woodruff, being a man of literary tastes, while his mother was also well educated and cultured. At an early age he began to assist his father in the drug business and in this way first became interested in the medical profession. Desiring to gain a complete knowledge both of pharmacy and medicine, he studied both under competent instructors, graduating from the Chi- cago College of Pharmacy in 1S89, with the de- gree of Ph. G. , and from the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1892, with the degree of M. D. In a competitive examination he was appointed resident surgeon to the Illinois Char- itable Eye and Ear Infirmary, where he remained for one year, but has continued to be connected with the institution as a surgeon up to the pres- ent time. Every matter of vital interest to his profession receives his consideration. He has been a contributor to medical journals, his arti- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3i cles usually bearing upon some theme that is connected with his specialties. He is a member of the Chicago Ophthalmological Association, and is also connected with the American, Illinois State and Will County Medical Societies, the last-named of which has honored him by election to its pres- idency. The marriage of Dr. Woodruff, in Deerfield, N. Y., united him with Miss Jennie Coventry, who was born in La Salle County, 111., and re- ceived her education in Utica, N. Y., and the Houghton Seminary at Clinton, N. Y. The two sons born of their marriage are George H. and Robert C, who are namesakes of their grand- fathers. The family attend the First Presbyte- rian Church, with which the doctor has been identified from boyhood. ROYAL E. BARBER, a resident of this coun- ty since 1832, represents the seventh gener- ation of his branch of the Barber family in America, the first of his ancestors in this country being Matthew, who in 1634 came from England to Connecticut. From Connecticut Daniel Bar- ber, with others, removed to Benson, Rutland County, Vt., about 1780, and there followed farm pursuits. His son, John, father of Royal E., was born in Benson in 1796, and during the war of 18 1 2 was one of the volunteers who marched to Plattsburg to defend that city against the Brit- ish; however, his company did not reach the place until after the battle had been fought. Later he served as captain of the military com- pany in his native town. He married Emma Perry, who was born of English descent in Or- well, Rutland County, Vt. , and was a cousin of Commodore Oliver H. Perry. They became the parents of six children who attained maturity, three of whom are now living. In 1831 a party of men from Rutland County came west and the reports they sent back were so encouraging that John Barber decided to seek a home in Illinois. In the fall of 1S32, accom- panied by his family and others, he started on the long journey, traveling by packet from Whitehall to Buffalo, which took a week. From there the steamer "Henry Clay" took them in two days to Detroit, where they boarded the schooner "Aus- terlitz" for Chicago, arriving a week later. The schooner anchored three miles from land, owing to a sand bar that rendered further progress im- possible. Passengers and freight were taken ashore iu boats, which, being small, stuck to the sand bars, but were pushed out by the sailors. The passengers landed in the Chicago River, at the foot of Wabash avenue. At that time Fort Dearborn was enclosed by a few stockades. The only frame building in the place had been built by J. H. Kinzie, of lumber which he hauled from Walker's Grove (now Plainfield, this county). Mr. Barber was offered by a real estate agent a lot on Lake street, 85x200, for $50, but ridiculed the idea of "sinking $50 in a mud hole." Get- ting a team, which forded the South branch of the river a little south of the junction of the branches, he proceeded to Naperville, where some acquaintances had settled. He selected farm land at what was later known as Barber's Corners, this county, and in February, 1833, moved his family into a log house. The sur- roundings were primitive. For main- years oxen were used iu ploughing. At that time the whole country was an open stretch of prairie, with the exception of a grove here and there and generally skirting a water stream. The only building in Joliet was a log house below what is now the corner of Exchange and Bluff streets. Through exposure in the cold winter, when engaged in getting out rails for his fences, Mr. Barber con- tracted rheumatism, from which he suffered al- most constantly during his later years. His wife died May 1, 1874, and three years later he passed away. Much of the work of developing and improving this part of Illinois had been witnessed by Mr. Barber. About three years after he came here the canal was first begun by the state. It was operated under contract for two years, when, the funds being exhausted, the work stopped. In 1845 the state succeeded in making a loan of a large sum in England and thereupon resumed 32 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. work, with some changes from the original plaus. When the canal authorities were arrang- ing the route of the canal they asked the proprie- tor of West Joliet to give them a certain block of land for their headquarters, and promised in re- turn to give their influence to aid the then new town, but the proprietor refused. Upon that, they laid out what is now Lockport, which at first was a rival to Joliet, the authorities doing all in their power to foster their own town, which indeed for a time seemed to have the advantage; but when in 1852 the Rock Island Railroad en- tered Joliet, the town took on new life and in two years had left Lockport far in the rear. The ca- nal was completed and opened in 1847. Born in Benson, Vt., August 3, 1822, the sub- ject of this sketch was ten years of age when he accompanied his parents on the toilsome journey to the west. In those days schools were few and consequently his advantages were meager. In the spring of 1833 he began to break prairie land, using five yoke of oxen. From the time he was sixteen he taught school in the winters and farmed in the summer months. However, he found farm work (which was then all done by hand) too hard upon him, and the recurrence of chills and fever at each harvest season led him to determine to seek another occupation. When he came to Joliet in 1S45 he was the owner of an eighty-acre farm which his energy and industry had secured for him. For several years he was employed as deputy in the offices of the circuit and county clerk, then known as the county com- missioner's court. Meantime he studied law aud in 1847 he was admitted to the bar and be- gan to practice in this circuit, which included all the territory from Iroquois to Winnebago Coun- ties inclusive. Judge Henderson at that time presided over the circuit court, and was one of probably six or seven circuit judges in Illinois. Later, with the increase of population, the size of the circuits was lessened. He has continued in practice from that time to this and is now the old- est attorney of Joliet. In 1848 a circuit clerk was elected who was a farmer and unfamiliar with legal business. At his request Mr. Barber took up the duties of dep- uty, having practically the entire charge of the office for three years. In 1852 he was elected circuit clerk, filling the position for four years, during which time he originated and compiled a set of abstract books, giving the title to real es- tate in the county. Upon his retirement from the clerk's office he resumed practice and during the time of his clerkship had charge of the coun- ty records. More than ten years ago he became interested in a case relating to the distribution of property where one child remains at home during the long life of the parents and the others leave in earl}- life to make their way independently in the world. It had been the practice that no dis- tinction was made in the settlement of the prop- erty, all heirs receiving the same; but an instance of this kind came to practice, where a daughter remained with her parents, the other children leaving. When the father died at an advanced age the other children wanted an equal share of the property. All that saved the property to the daughter was the fact that the father stated, in the presence of neighbors, that he had given the homestead to this daughter. Mr. Barber brought a bill in equity, claiming the title to the home- stead in return for the daughter's services; but, although he proved all the details in the bill, the judge followed established precedents and dis- missed the bill. Mr. Barber then appealed to the supreme court, by whom the decision of the lower court was reversed, and the title given to the daughter. In this way a precedent was estab- lished that has since been followed. Mr. Barber laid out several subdivisions of Joliet, and in 1887-88 erected the Barber build- ing, which is still one of the finest office buildings in the city. It was the first structure that devi- ated from the ordinary old-fashioned style of architecture, with square buildings and plain walls, and it has since been a pattern for other private and public buildings. On the Citizens' ticket he was elected mayor of Joliet in 1876. For nine years he was a member of the school board, of which he served as clerk. He is con- nected with the State Bar Association. In Cen- tral Presbyterian Church he is a ruling elder, has served as a trustee and for many years was Sun- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 33 day-school superintendent. In 1849 ne al] d his wife began housekeeping in an old frame house, but later he erected a commodious stone residence that has since afforded the family a comfortable home. While he has been engrossed by profes- sional work and his duties of citizenship, he has found leisure for recreation and travel. In 1896, accompanied by his wife and daughter Emma, he made a tour of Europe, Egypt, the Holy Land and Asia Minor, spending considerable time in Turkey, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, France and Great Britain, and after a trip of eight months re- turned home on the "Paris." In Joliet, in 1849, Mr. Barber married Ellen Elizabeth Crowley, who died of cholera the next year. In 1854, in Rome, N.Y., he married Miss Frances Cornelia House, who was born in that city. They are the parents of four children now living. The eldest, Alice Stillman Barber, a graduate of Houghton Seminary, New York, was appointed a missionary of the Presbyterian board at Beirut, Syria, in 1885, and has since been suc- cessfully engaged in her chosen work in that place. Edward M., the older son, graduated from Hamilton College, in Clinton, N. Y., and is now in Utica, that state William C. , also a grad- uate of Hamilton College, has charge of the ab- stract of titles and other lines of business in Joliet. Emma F. , a graduate of Houghton Seminary, is the wife of Dr. Beckwith, of Joliet. IILLIAM C. BARBER, A. B. By reason of his ability as a financier, Mr. Barber has been brought into prominence among the business men of Joliet. He is one of the na- tive born citizens of Joliet, a son of Royal E. Barber, who for so many years has been identi- fied with the history of the city. Here he was born February 25, 1863, and in the public schools he.laid the foundation of his education. After graduating from the high school in 18S0, he ma- triculated in Hamilton College at Clinton, N. Y., and completed the course of study in that insti- tution, from which he graduated in 1884, with the degree of A. B. Returning to Joliet, Mr. Barber became inter- ested in the abstract business, in which he has since engaged. On the 1st of January, 1889, he succeeded to the business which had been estab- lished by his father in June, 1857, an d which antedates any similar enterprise by fourteen years, being the oldest office in the county. In the building erected by his father he has since had his office. At the same time he acts as agent for the Barber building. He superintended the construction and has charge of the electric light plant which furnishes light and power for this building, as well as some adjoining. Perhaps Mr. Barber is best known through his connection with the liquidation of various loan and building associations. He was appointed liquidator of the Borrowers and Investors Build- ing Association, the Second (formerly Peoria) Building and Loan Association, and the Wauke- gan Borrowers and Investors Building Associa- tion, all of Joliet, with assets aggregating $300,- 000. This is the first instance on record where such affairs have been closed up in this way, and it is proving more economical for the sharehold- ers than the method heretofore followed. The quarterly statements issued by the liquidator are models of accuracy, conciseness and clearness, and the manner in which he is conducting affairs is proving most satisfactory to those concerned. Since 1887 Mr. Barber has been a member of the board of directors of the Joliet public library. From that time until 1896 he held the office of clerk of the board, but resigned the clerical posi- tion in the latter year. In the work of Central Presbyterian Church he has taken an active in- terest, and has served as trustee of the church and treasurer of the Sunday-school. He is a charter member of the Stone City Union Club, in whose activities he has been a potent factor. While he has never sought prominence in politics nor positions of responsibility in the gift of the peo- ple, he has always had strong opinions concerning public questions, and has actively supported the men and measures of the Republican party. He 34 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was married in this city in 1889, his wife being Margaret A. Spangler, daughter of Ezra L. and Agnes M. (Love) Spangler. She was educated in Joliet and is a graduate of the high school. The two children born of their union are Ruth and Ralph. STEPHEN GLIDDEN was one of the best ?\ known men in Chaunahou Township. When \yj he came here in 1S4S he was a young man with all the eager determination and enthusiasm of youth. The privations of pioneer life did not discourage him nor its hardships daunt; he worked his way steadily forward, leading a busy, useful existence, and by industry and frugality accumulating a valuable property. At the same time he gained the esteem of all acquaintances. He saw many changes during the long period of his residence in the same locality. Almost all of the heads of families who were his neighbors fifty years ago (for in those daj-s people were called neighbors even though they lived many miles apart) have now passed to that land whence no traveler returns. His farm stands in the midst of a thriving and populous farming com- munity that sprang into existence during the years he made his home here, replacing surround- ings that had all the aspect of a wilderness just opening to civilization. On his farm of nine hundred acres is one of the imposing country dwellings of the township, a house built in 1S78 and conveniently arranged and tastefully fur- nished. Here he spent the afternoon of his life in the enjoyment of the comforts his earlier labors made possible, and here he died January 4, 1900. In Unity, Cheshire County, N. H., Mr. Glidden was born September 15, 1820, a son of Levi and Sarah (Glidden) Glidden. He and his sister, Margaret, the widow of Ransler Jenkins, of Ma- quoketa, Iowa, are the sole survivors of a family of eleven. His father, who was born and reared in Unity, removed from there to New York in 1821 and settled at Crown Point, Essex County, where he engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. His wife, who was a native of the same place as himself, had a brother, Thomas, who served in the war of 1S12 ; shortly after the battle of Plattsburg, as the troops were returning home, he and some comrades stopped at an orchard to get some apples, for they had been on scant rations for weeks and were almost starved. The owner of the orchard, incensed at the act, shot him and wounded him severely. Levi Glidden's father was a Revolutionary soldier. When fifteen years of age our subject went to Vermont to live with a brother-in-law, with the intention of remaining there until he attained his majority, but he soon became dissatisfied and made up his mind to settle in the west. It was, however, impossible for him to come to Illinois immediately. When he was nineteen he returned to Crown Point, where he continued until his father's death. September 3, 1848, he arrived in Joliet, bringing with him $600 that he had saved. His first work was with a brother-in-law, who had a contract to rebuild a mill at Treat's Island, in Chaunahou Township. While working here he purchased the mill on which he was working, and for five years he operated it. In 1849 he re- turned to Crown Point for his betrothed wife. There, on the 5th of July, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Barnett, who was born in 1826. a daughter of Asa W. and Hannah (Lamson) Barnett. Her father was born in Hoosick, N. Y., and in early manhood removed to Crown Point, where he became a farmer. After his marriage Mr. Glidden returned to Illinois, where he continued milling until the in- troduction of steam mills and the advent of the railroad made the business unprofitable. In 1853 he turned his attention to farming, having one hundred and eleven acres, which he had bought with the mill. He was prospered as a farmer and stock-raiser. He added to his pos- sessions until he had fifteen hundred acres, but afterward he disposed of six hundred acres. From 1894 until his death he lived retired, the management of his place being in the hands of his son-in-law, Frank P. Bieth. In politics he GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 35 was a Republican, interested in party matters, but not caring for official positions himself. A man of earnest character, resolute in the support of what he believed to be right, he won the good will of his associates, and, as an honored pioneer, deserves not a little credit for the effective work he did in the advancement of the township. His wife died September 12, 1887, and of their eleven children only four are now living, one of whom, Permelia S., has had charge of the home since her mother's death. Sarah J. is the widow of Henry Haviland, a farmer of Chaunahon Town- ship; Melissa is the wife of Frank P. Bieth; and Harvey O. lives in Kankakee, this state. there. However, they finally left for Chicago, which was deemed a safer refuge, and their effects were mostly taken or destroyed before they could with safety return to Will County. In September, 1831, Mr. Beggs married Eliz- abeth L. Heath, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and died in Will County, April 7, 1866. His second marriage, December 30, 186S, united him with Mrs. Sarah R. (Dibhle) Frost, a native of New York state. He had four children by his first marriage: Mary E., James W., George W. and Charles W. [~)EV. STEPHEN R. BEGGS was born in U*\ Rockingham County, Ya., in 1S01. His r \ father removed to Kentucky when the son was only four years of age, and two years later settled on the Ohio River in Clark County, Ind. His earliest recollections were therefore of fron- tier scenes. He was seven years old before he had a pair of shoes, and in after years he was wont to recall the delight experienced in the possession of his first shoes. In early manhood he entered the ministry of the Methodist Church, and afterward preached as an itinerant in Indi- ana, Illinois and Missouri. No salary was at- tached to his work. He was supported by the gratuitous contributions of his hearers, who, being poor in purse, could make but small con- tributions to his support. His entire receipts in cash one year amounted to only $23. In the summer of 1831 Mr. Beggs came to Plainfield, and was afterward connected with the history of Will County. In 1836 he was ap- pointed to the Joliet circuit, and commenced the work of building the first Methodist church in Joliet, which was, in fact, the first edifice built by any denomination in the city. Upon the breaking out of the Sac war his house was con- sidered the best adapted for a fort. It was ac- cordingly fortified and all the settlers gathered 3 AMES W. BEGGS, of Plainfield, was born at Troy Grove, near Ottawa, 111., March 5, 1835. When he was a boy he attended the district schools, but these being very poor, the knowledge that he acquired was largely gained through observation and experience. When he became of age he embarked in the hotel business at Naperville, where he remained for seven years. He then returned to his father's farm one-half mile south of Plainfield, where he assumed the management of the place, devoting it to the raising of stock and of farm products. He spent three years on the farm but, preferring the hotel business, he came to Plainfield, and purchased the Central Hotel property, enlarging the build- ing and conducting it in a manner that drew considerable trade. A man of genial and ac- commodating disposition, as a landlord he was very popular, and the traveling public made his place their headquarters. He also ran a stage line to Joliet, carrying mail prior to the building of the railroad. He continued to conduct the hotel until 1894, when he sold out the business and retired from active cares. His interests are large, and include town property which he rents, and a fine farm of one hundred and fifteen acres one mile south of Plainfield. In politics Mr. Beggs is a Democrat, and has borne his share in the work for the party here. Both to county and state conventions he has 36 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. served as a delegate. He has served as a mem- ber of the board of aldermen, and in the spring of 1899 was elected mayor, a position that he has filled with signal ability and tact. Under Presi- dent Cleveland he held the office of postmaster for two terms. His marriage united him with Etnerette, daughter of Hilton Clary, and formerly of Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y. (J5JELAH KNAPP, who is engaged in farming /\ in Homer Township, was born in Albany, Q) N. Y., in 1836, a son of Rev. Solomon and Maria (Lanfear) Knapp. His father, a native of New York, became a member of the Baptist Church in early life and afterward fitted himself for its ministry. He was ordained a preacher in the denomination and during the subsequent years of his life worked earnestly in his chosen field of labor. When he came west in 1840 he settled in Will County and purchased the land that forms our subject's present property. In addition to the superintendence of this farm, he gave considerable time to ministerial work and served as pastor of the Baptist Church of Hadley. His last days were passed in Joliet, where his death occurred in 1890, after a busy life that cov- ered eighty-seven years. In his family were seven children, namely: Lanfear; Warren, who lives in Nebraska; Solomon; Selah; Lizzie, who married John Cameron and lives in Omaha, Neb. ; Josie, deceased; and Florence, wife of H. T. Stevens. When the family came to Illinois Mr. Knapp was less than three years of age; hence practically his entire life has been passed on the farm where he now lives. He was given such advantages as neighboring schools afforded, and to these he added by self-culture, thus acquiring a good practical education. He is the owner of the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he engages in the dairy and stock business and in the raising of cereals. The Republican party has received his active support ever since he attained his majority, and he is a firm believer in its principles. For thirteen years he held of- fice as commissioner of highways, during which time he did much to promote the building and maintaining of good roads in his township. As a member of the county central committee of the Republican party and as a worker on its execu- tive committee he has done much to advance the party's interests here. The cause of education has a firm friend in him. For twenty-one years he was a member of the school board, and during part of the time he served as president, also as secretary of the board. The marriage of Mr. Knapp took place in i860 and united him with Miss Emeline Frazier, daughter of William Frazier, and a native of Homer Township. They have an only daughter, Hattie F. , who was educated in the Joliet high school and is now teaching in the Joliet schools. The family are connected with the Congregational Church and aid in its support. UrtlVtRSllY OF ILLINOIS ZW/s'yfyfoY/'Xt ^*Vv. CD /mc^^-^v^ Y OF IE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 4i HON. CHARLES EDWARD BOYER, HON. CHARLES EDWARD BOYER. In reflecting upon the advancement of the county of Will, men of thoughtful minds give due credit to the pioneers, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Boyer, of Lockport. Though many years have passed since the death of Mr. Boyer, his widow still survives, in the enjoyment of the competence which his energy accumulated, and surrounded by the evidences of an advancing civilization. When, as a child of seven years, she first saw the county where she has since re- sided, its settlers were few and widely scattered, its towns were mere hamlets and its farms wholly unimproved. Looking back over the long vista of years, she can narrate many an interesting story of those early times when hardships were many and the obstacles to success innumerable. In the prosperity of the present no one rejoices more than she. The finely improved farms of the county; the clanking of machinery; the hum- ming of the saw; the shrill whistle of the locomo- tive and the long trains of freight and passenger cars that pass in every direction; the well-built schools; neat houses; handsome churches and flue business blocks, all proclaim this region to be the abode of peace and prosperity, in the se- curing of which the early settlers were a potent factor, and which, indeed, would not have been possible without their self-sacrificing and constant labors. Mr. Boyer was born and reared in Reading, Berks Count}*, Pa., and, as a young man, clerked in a store in Philadelphia. Coming west in 1836, he was employed in the Chicago office of the company that had charge of the building of the Illinois and Michigan canal. For a time he had the supervision of their office work, but later took a contract on the canal, and in this way, in 1838, he was first induced to come to Will County. In the filling of his contracts he displayed so much efficiency and intelligence that his standing as a contractor was assured from that time forth, and he was thus enabled to gain a constantly in- creasing success. When the canal was being deepened he had a number of large contracts in connection with the same, and at the time of the building of the Chicago & Alton Railroad through the county he was one of its heaviest contractors. While his extensive business interests took much of his time, he did not allow them to prevent him from participating in public affairs. He was a stanch believer in Democratic principles and never lost an opportunity to promote the success of his party. His fellow citizens, recognizing his fitness for public office, offered him the high- est gifts within their power. In 1864 he repre- sented the district in the state legislature, and at the time of his death, which occurred September 21, 1868, he was his party's candidate for the state senate. Successful in business, he left his family a large property, consisting principally of city real estate and farm lands. At the time of his death he had so much work planned for the future that it required two years for his widow to complete all of the contracts, and she successfully managed the same until they were filled. The lady who became the wife of Mr. Boyer, at Lockport, April 14, 1840, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Runyon and was born in Preble County, Ohio, February 22, 1823. Her 42 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. father, Armstead Runyoii, was a native of Lex- ington, Ky., and at fourteen years of age accom- panied his parents to Ohio, where he lived on a farm for a number of years. In 1827 he brought his family to Illinois and settled near Danville. From there, in the fall of 1830, he came to what was then Cook (now Will) County, and settled on a farm one and one-half miles from the present site of the city of Lockport, being one of the very earliest settlers in this vicinity. During the Black Hawk war he was obliged to take his family for protection to old Fort Dearborn, where they remained for several weeks; he and several others then returned to Will County and built a blockhouse on Mr. Sissou's farm, in which the families of the neighborhood lived for some time. While the men cultivated the land, the women remained in the blockhouse. From the building a good view could be had of the surrounding country, and when any Indians came in sight, the women would notify their husbands by rais- ing a flag on a pole. During the building of the canal Mr. Runyon left his farm and opened a hotel in Lockport. In the fall of 1849 he went to California and purchased a large ranch on the Sacramento River, twenty miles from Sacramento, where he remained for twenty years extensively engaged in raising fruit. In 1869 he removed to Santa Rosa, Cal. , but still continued to manage his farm. He died in that town when seventy- six years of age. Politically he was a Democrat, and in religion a Uuiversalist. His father, Michael Runyon, a native of Kentucky, settled in Will County about 1834 and afterward made his home on Hickory Creek, where he died in 1S57. His wife was a cousin of Robert Black well, one of the early and well-known Chicago attorneys. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Boyer, William and Charles died in boyhood. The older daugh- ter, Emma B. , became the wife of David E Cor- neau, of Chicago, and they have one son, Perry B. Corneau. The younger daughter, Florence B., Mrs. Olaus Paulson, resides with Mrs. Boyer, and has four children: Elizabeth B. , Louise, Norman B. and Emma C. Paulson. The only sou who attained manhood was Julius A., who operated a quarry in this county and died in Lockport, at thirty-six years of age. He married Helen. Cook (daughter of Isaac Cook), now Mrs. Robert Aull, of St. Louis, Mo. They had three children: Julius A., Charles E. (deceased) and Douglas C. Boyer. Since the death of her hus- band Mrs. Boyer has superintended the property and, in spite of her seventy-six years, she is quite active and business-like. In the beautiful resi- dence built by Mr. Boyer in 1856 she has con- tinued to reside, hospitably entertaining her friends and beloved by all who know her. As one of the oldest living settlers of the vicinity of Lockport she is entitled to the esteem in which she is held. HS. G. BLAKELY, editor and proprietor of the Plainfield Enterprise, was born in , Morristown, Vt., May 9, 1868. He mar- ried Miss Linnwood Bartholomew, at Reading, Mich., September 25, 1887. In company with R. A. Marvin he established the Enterprise August 10, 1887, and in 1888 bought his part- ner's interest. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Masonic and Modern Woodmen fraternities. q)EORGE B. MOSS, a farmer and stockman _ of Plainfield Township, has spent his entire ^Jl life in the vicinity of his present home and has not only witnessed, but also contributed to, the advancement of local interests, especially to the development of the farming resources. He was born in this township on Christmas day of 1839. His father, William, a native of North- amptonshire, England, grew to manhood in that shire and learned the millwright's trade and the milling business. When about twenty-one years of age he came to the United States. After a short time in a mill in Buffalo, N. Y., he came west to Illinois, settling in Will County and se- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 43 curing work in the building of the old Walker mill near Plainfield. On the completion of the mill he was placed in charge of it. Later he re- moved to Plainfield and helped to build a mill there, taking charge of it upon its completion. Failing health finally obliged him to seek an oc- cupation affording outdoor exercise. In 1845 he bought eighty acres of prairie land, upon which he settled and to the improvement of which his subsequent years were devoted. As he pros- pered he added to his property until he owned two hundred and eighty acres, all well improved and cultivated. In politics he allied himself with the Republican party on its organization and afterward voted for its principles. For sev- eral years he held the office of school director. He was a very active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The doctrines of this denom- ination he upheld by his life, which was that of an honest, honorable man, and a good citizen, whose word was as good a? his bond. Personally he was of a quiet disposition, with domestic tastes. He died on his home farm when seventy- eight years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Baxter, was born in Nor- folk, England, and came to America in girlhood, settling in Rochester, N. Y., where she first met Mr. Moss. Like him, she was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Her death occurred on the homestead when she was fifty years old. Of her six children George B. was the eldest; William is a farmer in this township; Mary A. is the wife of Emory D. Platts, of Plainfield; Mrs. Martha O' Leary lives in this township; Mrs. Phi- lenda Thompson, a widow, lives in Colorado; and Oliver is engaged in railroading in Wyoming. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Plainfield. When he was twenty-one he started out for himself, renting a portion of his father's farm and afterward, when his father became too old to engage in manual labor, he- succeeded to the management of the homestead. On his father's death he purchased a part of the farm and has since bought the interests of the other heirs, being now the sole owner of the old homestead. Under his management the place is kept improved and its buildings in good repair. The Republican party receives his vote and he has been active in its rank. For a number of years he has served as school director and trustee. In 1862 he married Miss Harriet Platts, who was born in New York state and died in this town- ship in 1891. The children born of their union are named as follows: Sherman, a farmer in this township; Lillie J., deceased; Minnie, wife of George Tower; Nellie, Mrs. Meyers, of Joliet; George A. and Cora, who are on the old home- stead with their father. HOMAS F. DEMPSEY, who has made his home in Troy Township since 1848, and for years has been one of the township's successful farmers and stock-raisers, was in County Kildare, Ireland, August 19, a son of John and Ellen (Shaughnassey) Dempsey. During the latter part of 1848 the fam- ily sailed from Ireland, in the good ship "Hot- tinger," and after a voyage of five weeks and three days, during which time they encountered two severe storms and were wrecked, they arrived in New York. From there they proceeded up the Hudson River to Albany, then crossed the state on the Erie canal to Buffalo, going from that city via the lakes to Chicago. While on Lake Michi- gan a heavy storm arose, in which theirshipwas wrecked and then towed into port at Milwaukee. From Chicago they came to Joliet on one of the first canal boats that made the trip to this point. Settling in this county the father took up a tract of land in Troy Township, which he bought at the land sale at Lockport in the spring of 1849. No improvements had been made on the land, and there was not a house between here and Jo- liet Mound. The family moved into a log cabin, in which openings had been made for doors and windows; these apertures they closed with blan- kets. All night the wolves howled near the little cabin, their cries being the only sound that broke the stillness of the lonely region. Growing bold, they caught and killed a fine dog of which the 44 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. family were proud: but, fortunately, their en- croachments stopped on the outside of the house. Those early days were busy ones for the family, all of whom helped the father in his work of get- ting the land under cultivation and making needed improvements. He continued to reside on the same place until his death, in January, 1876, at the age of seventy eight years. The mother died August 19, 1864, aged fifty-four years. She was the mother of seven children, viz.: Malachi, Thomas, John, Joseph, Mrs. Ann Ivans, Mrs. Bridget Riley, and David, of Des- Moines, Iowa. Owing to the need of his assistance on the home farm, it was not possible for our subject to attend school regularly, and he studied mostly at night, with the help of his father and mother. When twenty-eight years of age he went to Chi- cago, with only $3 in cash, but with energy, de- termination and good health. He secured em- ployment in butchering. Two months later he married. Economical and industrious, he was prospered and at the end of four years and seven months he had $2,Soo in cash. He then re- turned to the home farm, as his father, who was growing old, needed his aid. The work was not new to him, as from the age of thirteen years he had been actively at work on the homestead, mostly buying and selling cattle, although he also cultivated the land. When he returned he took hold as before and assumed the management of the one hundred and thirty-five acres in the place. Afterward he purchased other land and now has about four hundred acres, which repre- sents his energy and ambitious efforts. He has al- ways been a man of great energy and perseverance. Perhaps no term so well expresses his character as the word ' 'hustler. ' ' He well deserves the prosper- ity he has gained . He is known as a thrifty, indus- trious and honest farmer, who manages his affairs in a systematic manner. In farm products his specialties are corn and oats, of which he annual- ly sells three and four thousand bushels, respec- tively. On his place, among other farm imple- ments, is a corn sheller with a capacity of over three thousand bushels daily, operated either by horse or steam power. He does the hauling to Troy and Channahon for the two creameries, hauling from one to two thousand pounds a day. Cattle, horses and hogs are to be found on his place, his specialty being the breeding of Norman horses and good roadsters. As his father, Mr. Dempsey supports Demo- cratic principles. For fourteen years he served as justice of the peace, for two years held the of- fice of supervisor, and was also school trustee for many years. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Minooka. In Octo- ber, 1869, he married Nora Kenney, whose father, Michael, was engaged in farming in Troy Township and later removed to Joliet. Mrs. Nora Dempsey died in 1884 and was interred in St. Patrick's cemetery in Joliet. The second marriage of Mr. Dempsey, in October, 1896, united him with Josephine Burns, of Chicago. By his first marriage he had ten children, of whom Lennie and Josie are deceased. Ervin and John reside in this county; Alice is the wife of John Cudahy, of Manhattan; Thomas, Jerome, Robert, Bernard and Edward assist their father at home and relieve him of much of the work of managing the farm. 30HN I. EVARTS, cashier and owner of the Plainfield Bank, was born in Yorkville, Kendall County, 111., February 18, 1866. His father, Jeremiah, a native of Georgia, Vt., born in 1836, received his education in the acad- emy of his home town. When twenty-one years of age he came west, which he believed offered greater opportunities for a young man than did his own state. He secured a position as teacher in Kendall County and his work was so satis- factory that he was soon given a more important place, becoming principal of the Piano school. At the outbreak of the war he resigned as prin- cipal and went to the front as lieutenant of a company of volunteers, serving for two years, when illness obliged him to resign his commis- sion. His service was one that reflected credit GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 45 upon his loyalty to the country, as well as his personal bravery. A year after his return he was elected clerk of Kendall County, and this office he held for twenty-four years, meantime making Yorkville his home. He was so promi- nent and influential that many desired him to be- come a candidate for congress and he therefore allowed his name to be presented before the Re- publican convention, where he came within four or five votes of receiving the nomination. In 188S he moved to Plaiufield and established the Plainfield Bank, which he conducted until his death, February 3, iJ His success was en- tirely the result of his own industry and wise judgment. While his residence in Plainfield covered only a few years, yet he became well known, and took a leading part in enterprises calculated to advance the welfare of the people. Through his honorable methods of transacting business he gained the confidence of the com- munity. In Yorkville, where for so long a time he made his home, he was a very influential citi- zen. For a quarter of a century he was con- nected with the Masonic blue lodge there and he also held membership with the Grand Army post there. His father, Tod Evarts, traced his ancestry to one of two brothers, surveyors, who assisted in surveying much of Vermont and in return were given by the government a large grant of land in that state. Hon. William M. Evarts, United States senator from New York, was a cousin of Jeremiah Evarts. The marriage of Jeremiah Evarts united him with Emma Custin, who was born in Unionville, Ohio, and now makes her home with her only child. In religion she is of the Congregational belief. The subject of this sketch received his education in the Yorkville schools and the Aurora high school, supplemented by a course in the Illinois University at Champaign, where he was a student for two years. He was eighteen when he received an appointment in the United States railway mail service, and during the seven years he retained the position he had a run from Chi- cago to Burlington, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, being on the fast mail train. He accompanied his father to Plainfield and en- tered the bank in 1S92. On the death of his fa- ther he and his mother were planning to sell the bank, when a petition was brought to him, signed by one hundred and fifty leading citizens of this section, asking him to continue the business. Feeling that, with so strong a support, he could not but succeed, he decided to continue, and the results have proved the decision was a wise one. He is a bright, capable young business man, and his business career, though yet but begun, is a credit to him. He is trusted and honored, and the confidence reposed in him has never been be- trayed. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen, the Sons of Veterans, and Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M., the chapter, commandery and council of the Masonic order at Joliet. HOMAS WHITE. Those who best knew Mr. White most fully appreciated his worth of character and his breadth of intelligence. His success in life indicates that he possessed business qualifications of a high order. Though he began without means, and had little to assist him in getting a start, he nevertheless became well-to-do, acquiring the ownership of valuable property both in this county and in Nebraska. At the time of his death he owned three hundred and twent} - acres here and six hundred and forty acres in Nebraska, and he also owned a good home in Joliet. Mr. White was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 23, 1830, a son of Thomas and Eliza- beth (Veasey) White, natives respectively of England and Scotland. His father, who crossed the ocean to Canada, settled in the United States about 1850 and spent his last days with a son in Ohio, but died in Lake County, 111., at sixty years of age. Of his ten children only one sur- vives. The subject of this article learned the miller's trade in England and came to the United States in 1852, settling near Cleveland, Ohio. About 1855 he proceeded to Dupage Count}-, 111., where he began to till rented land. In 1S63 4 6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he came to Will County and soon bought a farm in the town of Peotone, where he remained for four years. After residing in Naperville one year, he removed to a farm in Manhattan Town- ship in 1S69, buying two hundred and forty acres and at once beginning its improvement. A few years later he bought an eighty- acre tract adjoining. For seventeen years he made his home on that place, but in 1886 rented the farm and removed to Gage County, Neb., where he purchased a section of land and carried on farm- ing and stock-raising on an extensive scale. In 1889 he retired from active labors, returned to this county and built a residence in Joliet, where his last days were spent. In England, in July, 1851, Mr. White married Miss Kitty Reason, who survives him, making her home in Joliet. They became the parents of six children, but three are deceased. The older of the surviving sons, William, was born in Du- page County, 111., in 1859, and grew to manhood in this county, but since 1882 he has resided in Nebraska. He is now proprietor of a general mercantile store at Table Rock, Neb., and is a leading business man of his town. He married Jennie, daughter of George Andrews, of Joliet, and they have three children: Leroy, Earl and Mildred. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. White are Fannie, who resides with her mother, and John Thomas, an attorney of Joliet. 30HN E- BUSH came to this county in i860 and has been engaged as a grain dealer in Joliet since 1864. During the early days of his experience in the grain business, the farmers from a radius of twenty miles in this and sur- rounding counties brought him their grain, and, as he made his shipments by canal, he was able to pay two cents more than could those who shipped by railroad. His shipments, amounting to almost one-half million bushels per annum, were made in his own canal boats and in those hired from other parties. After a time the rail- road, in order to gain the trade, began cutting rates and finally gave a better price that the canals could give, so the latter ceased to be a medium of transportation, and all shipments were made by rail. In 187 1 Mr. Bush built an ele- vator on the Michigan Central road, corner of Washington street and Eastern avenue, at a cost of $25,000, and containing good improvements, including steam power. This building still stands. In 1880 he built the River block, on Exchange street, which was three stories in height and 60x95 feet in dimensions. Water power was furnished from the canal. It was in this block that the Bates Machine Company started in business, and it was also used by other manufacturing companies. On Desplaines near Jefferson street he had an elevator which he used until it and the business block were condemned and removed by the drainage board in 1897. The Bush family originated in Scotland and was later represented in the north of Ireland. Early identified with American history, several of its members took part in the Revolutionary war. Stephen Bush, a native of Connecticut, settled at Orwell, Vt. , where he engaged in farm- ing. During the war of 18 12 he went to the front and fought for American interests. His sou, Stephen N., who was born at Orwell, re- moved to Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., where he owned and cultivated three hundred acres of land and also carried on a meat market. In 1862 he came to Illinois and bought a farm in Will County across the Washington street bridge, over Hickory Creek, a part of which land is now in Brooklyn. In later years he sold seventeen acres of his property for a fair ground, and after- ward the remainder of the land was sold and sub- divided into city lots. He then bought one hun- dred and sixty acres west of the city. He died in Joliet in 1885, when eighty-five years of age. The wife of Stephen N. Bush bore the maiden name of Salome Moise and was born at Cornish Flats, N. H., being the daughter of a miller who died at Whitehall, N. Y. She died in 1858. Twice married, by her first husband she had two sons who settled in Will County, 111., in 1856, both of whom volunteered in the One Hundredth GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 47 Illinois Infantry during the Civil war and served until the close of the rebellion. One of them, W. W. Bartlette, who was captain of his com- pany, died in Salina, Kans., and the other, R. F. , who was first lieutenant of the same com- pany, is now living in Salina. To the marriage of Stephen N. and Salome Bush four sons and one daughter were born, two of whom are de- ceased. John E. is the oldest now living and the only one in Joliet. His brother, H. F. , who served in the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, is now engaged in the hardware business in Hono- lulu, .Sandwich Island. At Whitehall, N. Y., our subject was born November 5, 1835. He prepared for college in Whitehall Academy, and in 1856 entered Will- iams College at Williamstown, Mass., from which he graduated in i860, with the degree of A. B. During the same year he came to Illinois and se- cured a clerkship in a Joliet grocery. Two years later, on the organization of the First National Bank, he became a stockholder and director and entered the bank in a clerical capacity. In 1S64 he resigned his position in order to engage in the grain business, but he still retains his stock in the bank and has been one of its directors from the first. He owns property in Joliet and a farm in the county. In 1872 he laid out the Bush addition to Joliet, on Richards and Hickory streets, and in 1895 he made a subdivision of property on Jasper street. Bush Park originally belonged to him and is named in his honor. The first wife of Mr. Bush was Cornelia, daughter of George Woodruff, late president of the First National Bank. She was born in Joliet and died here in 1876, leaving two children. The son, George Woodruff Bush, who was educated in the University of Michigan, is a member of the hardware firm of Bush & Handwerk, in Joliet. The daughter, Jennie C, who was educated at Vassar, has spent most of her time abroad since leaving college. The present wife of Mr. Bush was Bella G. Kenyon, who was born at Thorn p- sonville, Conn., and accompanied her father, John Kenyon, to Illinois, settling on a farm at Tamarack, this county. For a time she was principal of the East avenue high school of Joliet. Three sons were born of this marriage, namely: John K., who is a member of the class of 1900, University of Illinois; Edward M., a member of the high school class of 1900; and Ralph H. At the time of the erection of the courthouse Mr. Bush served as assistant supervisor for two terms. He was also school inspector for two terms, and filled the position with the greatest efficiency. Atone time he was a member of the board of trustees of the old Chicago University. In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is connected with the Williams College Alumni As- sociation and the Delta Kappa Epsilon Society. For many years he has been chairman of the board of trustees in the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church and was an active member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the church. He also served for years as Sunday- school superintendent. In 1885 he was largely instrumental in starting a Sunday-school at Three Points mission in Joliet, and ever since then he has acted as its superintendent. He possesses qualities of a high order and is a gentleman of kind heart, sanguine temperament, whole-souled and liberal-minded, one who easily wins and re- tains the confidence of associates, and whose in- tegrity has won for him the respect of his ac- quaintances. |"}HILIP I. CROMWELL, M. D., of Wilming- LS ton, one of the leading physicians and sur- \3 geons of the county, was born at Lake George, Warren County, N. Y., July 12, 1848, a son of James and Sarah C. (Bradshaw) Crom- well. He was named after his grandfather, Philip I. Cromwell, who for years made his home at Carlisle, N. Y. , where he was proprietor of a hotel and a prominent man in public affairs. For years James Cromwell, M. D., carried on a general practice at Lake George, meantime gain- ing recognition as the most skillful physician in the town. In the latter town he died in 1874, when he was sixty-four years of age. Wherever he made his home it was his custom to identify himself with movements tending toward the ad- 48 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. vancement of local interests. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian and for years served his church as an elder and senior warden. His wife survived him for 3-ears, dying at Lake George at the age of eighty-one. Their six children were as follows: Edward, who enlisted in the Civil war and was killed at the second battle of Bull Run; John B., of Denver, Colo.; Philip I.; James J., who is the only representative of the farnily now at Lake George; Mary E., wife of Jerome M. Hubbell; and Ellen B., who married Thomas N. Conant and lives at Dekalb, 111. The education of our subject was received prin- cipally at Glens Falls, N. Y. From an early age he manifested an interest in medical pursuits and as a boy determined that he would some day be a physician. With this object in view, in 1867 he entered Albany Medical College at Albany, N. Y., from which he graduated in 1870. Dur- ing the following year he held a position as phy- sician to the Albany city dispensary. Afterward he joined his parents at Lake George. After about one year he located at Cleveland, N. Y., where he established himself in practice. It was his belief, however, that he could succeed better in the west, and he therefore decided to come to Illinois. In 1874 he opened an office at Dekalb, 111., where he remained for fourteen years, but the demands of his constantly increasing practice finally undermined his constitution and a com- plete change of climate was rendered necessary. In 1887 he went to Colorado, hoping that the genial air of the mountain regions would prove health-restoring. In this hope he was not dis- appointed. During the two years he remained in that state he engaged in practice at Sterling and also served as coroner of Logan County. On his return to Illinois in 1889 he settled at Wilming- ton, where he has since built up a very large practice. It has always been his aim to keep abreast with the developments made in the sci- ence of medicine, and to this end he reads. cur- rent medical literature and keeps in touch with various medical societies. He is a member of the Desplaines Yalley Medical Association and the Illinois State Medical Society. Always believing in protection of home indus- tries, Dr. Cromwell naturally found himself in accord with Republican principles. However, in 1896, when his party declared for a gold stand- ard, he, being in sympathy with the movement looking to the free coinage of silver, allied him- self with the silver forces. Both as mayor and as alderman he has been active in advancing the welfare of Wilmington and promoting its inter- ests. He is interested in secret society work and is connected with the Masons and Odd Fellows. His first wife, who was Catherine Hallagan, and whom he married in 1874, died in 1891, leaving four children, namely: Edward G. , a physician and surgeon at Henry, 111.; Harry D. : Clinton B., who is teaching school at Custer Park, this coun- ty; and George B., who is in the United States navy. The present wife of Dr. Cromwell bore the maiden name of Adeline Hudson and was united with him in marriage in 1898. W-Aift / r /? ^^frS^^f^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 67 ANDREW H. SHREFFLER. G] NDREW H. SHREFFLER. Few lives of LI Joliet citizens have borne a grander exem- I I plification of integrity and stability of char- acter than that of Mr. Shreffler. From the early history of Will County his name stood out prom- inently in each era of development and growth. He was intimately associated with the rise of the tide of commercial advancement from the cabin and forest to busy and populous cities and pros- perous farmers. In the financial world and in the hearts of his fellow-men alike he held a proud position. His was a career that knew no such word as failure. Energy and vitality, coupled with his innate conception and appreciation of all that is true and noble, made of the struggling youth a man fitted to fill a high place in the world; and such a place he held throughout his allotted years. When death came he was ready for the summons, and thus quietly passed into eternity's joys one of Joliet's most beloved pio- neers. The history of the Shreffler famil}' appears in the sketch of John D. Shreffler. Andrew Hafer Shreffler was born on a farm near Potter's Mills, in Center County, Pa., June 9, 1826. He came to Joliet with his father in May, 1846, and soon afterward settled in Plain field, where he began to carve out his dream of a successful career. June 7, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth, second daughter of Michael Dillman. This estimable lady died January 23, 1893; of their five children only one is living, Mrs. Mary E. S. Witwer. In the spring of 1849 Michael Dillman and his sons started in Plainfield the first manufacturing establishment in Will County. In the fall of 1851 Mr. Shreffler entered the employ of the firm and became interested with them in the manu- facture of stoves, plows, mowers and other imple- ments. In the spring of 1863 the business was transferred to Joliet. The firm name was Dili- man & Co., the "Company" being Mr. Shreffler. In 1867 the firm was incorporated under the laws of the state as the Joliet Manufacturing Co., with Mr. Shreffler as the first secretary. This office he filled so creditably and with such foresight of contingencies that in 1873 he was elected presi- dent, which position he held from that time until his death. In 1873 he bought out the interest of Andrew Dillman and in 1890 that of L. E. Dili- man, at which time he became the sole owner of the valuable manufacturing plant. Though reared in the Evangelical faith Mr. Shreffler was identified with the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church during almost the entire period of his residence in Joliet. In every sphere of activity he proved himself to be a man of sincere and earnest Christian character. His name was a synonym of integrity and honor. He was also a man of great energy, to whose enthu- siasm and determination the success of the manu- facturing plant was largely due. As one who contributed effectively to the progress of Joliet, his name is entitled to a lasting place in the annals of the city. He died December 28, 1896. ELEM SENSENIG WITWER. The Joliet Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Witwer is vice-president and manager, is one of the old-established and successful concerns 68 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of Joliet. Some time during the '40s it was started by Michael Dillman in Plainfield, where agricultural implements were manufactured on a very small scale. In March of the year 1S63 removal was made to the present site, comprising four acres on Cass street and Youngs avenue, in Joliet, where are now large buildings thoroughly equipped for the various processes of manufac- turing. In 1867 the company was incorporated. During the long history of the company its fac- tory has never been closed, except on the occa- sion of the annual inventor}-. Employment is furnished about one hundred skilled laborers. For years reapers and mowers, plows and corn shellers were manufactured, but for some time the manufactures have been restricted to the Eureka Ironsides corn sheller, the ShiefHer and the Rural corn shellers, the Original Joliet Cylin- der corn sheller and Joliet Dustless Cylinder corn sheller No. 2; also the celebrated line of Pitts and Cary patent horse power, the firm being now the only exclusive manufacturers of shellers and powers in the United States. In January, 1897, Mrs. Witwer was elected president and treasurer of the company, and Mr. Witwer vice-president and manager, and thtse official relations have continued since. The paid-up capital of the company reaches $70,000. The business is car- ried on through jobbers, principally the Kingman Company, of St. Louis and Des Moines; Avery Manufacturing Company, of Kansas City; Van Zaut Hardware and Implement Company, of Wichita and Hutchinson, Kans. ; Lininger & Metcalf, of Omaha; Harber Bros., of Blooming- ton, 111.; and the Shannahan-Wrightson Hard- ware Company, of Eastou, Md. The products of the plant are shipped to all parts of the country, and the reputation gained by the company is un- excelled for reliability of business transactions and perfection of machinery. Mr. Witwer was born in Ashland County, Ohio, February 26, 1862, and was one of twelve children, all but three of whom are still living. There are seven brothers and two sisters, viz.: John S., a dealer in agricultural implements in Dallas, Tex., and postmaster there under Presi- dent Harrison; T. W., who is cashier of the firm of Studebaker Bros., of Chicago; George M., pri- vate secretary to J. M. Studebaker; Clem S., of this sketch; Edward C, superintendent of the carriage department of Studebaker Bros.' factory at South Bend, Ind. ; J. F., who represents Stude- baker Bros, in Ohio, making Columbus his head- quarters; H. E., secretary and manager of the Studebaker and Lamb ranch at Kersey, Colo.; Mrs. Joseph Kopcsay, of South Bend, Ird.; and Mrs. J. H. Mohler, of Joliet. The Witwer family originated in Germany, where they were a sturdy race, inhabiting the two provinces on the banks of the upper Rhine. On account of religious and social persecutions they left their native land and settled in Pennsylvania. Members of this family were among the first set- tlers of Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pa., whither they went as early as 1730, one year af- ter the organization of the county. Among the papers of Rev. George Witwer was found a deed from William Penn to William Sensenig, bear- ing date 1734, in which appears the name of Michael Witwer, an ancestor of our subject. The father of our subject, Rev. George Wit- wer, was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, August 25, 1824, a son of Isaac Witwer. During the '50s he removed to Ashland County, Ohio, where he engaged in the general mercan- tile business, served as postmaster at Ashland, and also preached in the Dunkard Church. In 1863 he settled in LaPorte County, Ind., where he carried on farm pursuits and also engaged in ministerial work. In 1S67 he went to Missouri as agent for Studebaker Bros, (his brother-in- laws), and established an agricultural implement store at Hamilton, Mo. While living in that state he preached in his denomination. Return- ing to Indiana in 188 1 he was connected with the Studebaker factory in South Bend, and died in that city in October, 1886, aged sixty-six years. Until one month before his death he con- tinued to preach. His wife, who was Elizabeth Studebaker, was born in Lancaster, Pa., and makes her home in South Bend. Her father, John, a native of Pennsylvania, removed to Ash- land, Ohio, where he followed the wagon-maker's trade and would have been very successful had GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 69 he not lost several thousand dollars by endorsing a note for a friend. His two oldest sons, Henry and Clement, started in business with a capital of $68, and now give employment to more than two thousand men, the output of their factories being between seventy-five and eight}' thousand vehi- cles annually. Accompanying his parents in their various re- movals, the subject of this sketch received com- mon school advantages in the towns where he lived in boyhood. While clerking in a store in Hamilton he also herded cattle at odd times for Dwight & Booth. When fifteen years of age he was given $500 cash by his employers and was sent twenty miles on horseback to buy cattle, which he did, weighing them and paying for them and then driving them to the nearest rail- road at Kidder, Mo. From 1879 to 1881 he was employed as assistant to Studebaker Bros., at South Bend, Ind. While there he joined the South Bend Light Guards and continued the membership at the DePauw University, where he was a student in 1881-82. On leaving the Uni- versity he became inspector and buyer in the lumber department of Studebaker Bros., also gained some experience as traveling salesman. In 1883 he went to Dallas, Tex., where he man- aged the business of his brother, J. S. Two years later he traveled for Studebaker Bros. , in Indiana, continuing with the firm until he be- came interested in the Joliet Manufacturing Company. He is a member of the National Im- plement and Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. At one time he was active in the Business Men's Association and was offered its presidency, but declined. Frequently he has been selected to serve as a delegate to Republican conventions and as a member of committees; offices of trust have been offered him, among them that of mayor of Joliet, but he prefers to devote himself to his bus- iness affairs, having little taste for official life. He is connected with the Union Club of Joliet and the Hamilton Club of Chicago. The home of Mr. Witwer is an elegant resi- dence on Cass street. He was married in Joliet, October 5, 1887, to Miss Mary E. Shreffler, daughter of Andrew Hafer Shreffler, whose large financial interests were inherited at his death by his only surviving child. Mr. and Mrs. Witwer attend the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Witwer is a member of the board of trustees. They are liberal supporters of all church and benevolent institutions. Their home is the scene of many social functions, the pleasure of which is heightened by their courte- ous hospitality and refined surroundings. They are the parents of one son, Andrew Hafer Shref- fler Witwer, born February 21, 1894. Their daughter, Irene, was born July 17, 1890, and died September 30, 1891. NON. EDWIN PORTER, president of the E. Porter Brewing Company and the E. Porter & Son's Stone Company, both of Joliet, and sole proprietor of the Gold King mine in Cripple Creek, Colo., was born in Granger, Medina County, Ohio, April 19, 1828. He was one of the three children forming the family of Harvey and Harriet (Culbert) Porter, natives of New York. He comes of patriotic lineage, for his father was a soldier in the war of 181 2 and his grandfather Porter served through the entire seven years of the Revolutionary struggle. He was educated in common schools and Brooklyn Academy, and for a time was connected with a coal business in 1856. The year 1856 found him in Joliet, where he started in the malting and brewing business on the Desplaines River. At first his business was very small, but, being energetic and judicious, he increased it constantly though gradually, and it has now become the largest brewery in the city and one of the largest in the state. It has a capacity of one hundred and fifty barrels a day, ninety-five per cent of the output being beer. Mr. Porter is president of the company and has a most efficient co-laborer in Joseph Braun, Jr., secretary and treasurer, in whose judgment and experience he reposes the utmost confidence. In 1889 the brewery was re- 70 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. modeled and made first-class in every respect. The plant covers two blocks and is provided with all modern improvements. Water is fur- nished from two artesian wells and is declared by chemists to be especially adapted for the brew- ing of beer, the wells being in bed rock, where no surface water can reach them. On the incor- poration of the firm in 1893, the name was made E. Porter Brewing Company, and continues as such to the present. The work of brewing is in charge of Henry Leser, who has had experience with some of the largest breweries in the country and who has held his present position since 1886. It is not always that a man can successfully conduct two enterprises, different in nature and requiring the exercise of different talents. How- ever, Mr. Porter has not only been successful as the head of a large brewery, but he has also built up an important stone business. In 1883 he be- came interested in quarrying. Two years later E. Porter & Son's Stone Company was incor- porated, with him as its president They have since operated quarries in the east part of the city, adjoining the limits, from which shipments are made to many points. This business is under the management of Harry E. Porter. In 1895 Mr. Porter bought the Gold King mine on Gold Hill, in the Cripple Creek district, and has since been sole proprietor of the same, taking an active interest in its development. In Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Porter married Miss Almena A. Curtis, who was born in that city. They became the parents of three sons, namely: Charles and Joseph C, deceased; and Harry, who is manager of the stone business. The Democratic party usually receives Mr. Porter's support. In 1864 he was elected mayor of Joliet and was again elected in 1865 and 1871. Under the new city charter he was twice elected to the mayor's office for two years (in 1879 and 1881) and in 1883 was elected for a term of four years, his entire service in this position covering a longer period than that of any other mayor the city has had. He is a member of the Business Men's Association. Fraternally he is connected with Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he is a past officer. In personal characteristics he is conservative, unassuming and reserved; deliberate in forming his judgment, but not easily changed when once a course of action is decided upon; devoted to his business and finding his keenest enjoyment in the management of large financial enterprises; yet withal, to those who know him well, a genial companion and warm friend. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS C, u^C^CU^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 73 CHRISTOPHER C. ROBINSON. EHRISTOPHER C. ROBINSON, deceased, was during his active years one of Lockport's most successful citizens. He was recognized as a man of unusual ability as a financier. Quick to see an opportunity for a:i advantageous invest- ment, he was equally quick to avail himself of it. He had many and varied interests, all of which, with scarce^- an exception, proved a source of profit to him. Coming to Lockport at the time when everything was booming, he furnished the contractors on the canal with beef and also dealt in stock. At different times he bought property in Chicago and Lockport, the rise in the value of which greatly enhanced his wealth. With no desire for personal display, he was economical and even frugal in his life, but free from a spirit of parsimony. In Chelsea, Vt. , where he was born March 28, 1812, Mr. Robinson passed the years of his youth, meantime learning the machinist's trade. In 1836 he came to Lockport, after which he worked very little at his trade, finding other enterprises that were more profitable. He made the first drill that was used on the Illinois and Michigan canal. In 1857, in partnership with A. S. An- derson, he bought a farm just across the line in Dupage County, and for seven years made his home on that place, after which he returned to Lockport and continued to reside here until his death, February 22, 1872, at the age of about sixty years. While he did not care for office, he never failed to vote the Republican ticket at elec- tions and was always interested in the success of his party. Though not identified with any de- nomination, he was a believer in the Christian religion and aided in works of a charitable and religious nature. 4 The marriage of Mr. Robinson, April 22, 1857, united him with Miss Lydia A. Turner, who was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, and came to Lockport in girlhood, since which time she has made her home in or near this place. No children were born of her marriage to Mr. Robinson, but they adopted a daughter, Hettie C, who married Fred A. Bartlett, and resides in a house adjoin- ing the one occupied by Mrs. Robinson in Lock- port, and whose love and affection have bright- ened the home life of Mrs. Robinson. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson was ideal, and much of the success of his life was due to the wise counsels of his wife, who was a true helpmeet. His Christianity was shown by help- ing his fellow-men, regardless of their social posi- tion or creed. The inner life is the real life of any man, and those who knew Mr. Robinson best admired and honored him most. 3OHN P. PATTERSON, secretary, treasurer and manager of the Dupage Valley creamery in Wheatland Township, was born in Eng- land, March 12, 1855, a son of Thomas and Ag- nes (Palmer) Patterson. His father, a native of Scotland, moved to England when thirty years of age and followed the carpenter's trade at Man- chester. In 1858 he crossed the ocean to Amer- ica, coming direct to Will County and buying sixty acres in Wheatland Township, where his sou's home now is. Here he followed farming and carpentering. He built a number of bridges, as well as several farm houses, including the large 74 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. residence of Thomas Clow. Politically he favored Republican principles. For many years he held office as a school director. He was reared in the United Presbyterian faith and always held mem- bership with that church. By prudence, econo- my and good judgment he accumulated one hun- dred and twenty acres, bearing excellent improve- ments. He died October 24, 1878, when fifty-six years of age. Of his five children two died in infancy. Those living are John P., Agnes (Mrs. McPherson) and Elizabeth. Ever since he was three years of age our sub- ject has lived in Illinois. He was reared in this township and received his education in its schools. Under his father's supervision he gained a thorough knowledge of farm work. Unlike many young men, he had no desire to leave home and seek his fortune among strangers, but was content to remain in the place familiar to him from early childhood. On his father's death he took charge of the homestead, engaging in general farming and stock-raising. He was one of the original stockholders of the creamery and one of the commissioners who secured its charter. The company was organized in Ma}', 1894, and the creamery was started August 15 of the same year, with a capital stock of $9,750. The enter- prise has proved a most profitable one and has paid its projectors large dividends. A large, well-equipped building is utilized for a creamery. For the year there is an average daily receipt of eighteen thousand pounds of milk. The most of the butter is sent to the Fox River Butter Com- pany at Aurora. The quality of the dairy prod- uct is exceptionally fine and has given invariable satisfaction. This gratifying result is almost wholly due to Mr. Patterson's judicious manage- ment. Upon the formation of the company he was chosen secretary and treasurer and one year later was made manager, a position that he has since filled to the satisfaction of all the stock- holders. Politically Mr. Patterson is a Republican. He has served as a delegate to almost every county Republican convention since he was twenty-one years of age. For six years he held office as jus- tice of the peace and for a similar period served as highway commissioner. February 20, 1886, he married Emma, daughter of Jacob Matter, and a sister of Elton E. Matter, of Wheatland Town- ship. To their marriage seven children were born, namely: Ralph; Sterling: Bernice, deceased; Rodger, deceased; Gladys; James and Homer. ILLIAM GOUGAR, one of the old settlers of New Lenox Township, was born in Pickaway Count}-, Ohio, a son of William and Catherine (Abel) Gougar. His paternal grandfather was born in Germany and emigrated from there to Pennsylvania, settling in Berks County, where he developed a farm and remained until his death. His two brothers came with him; one settled in Virginia and the other in Kentucky. From Berks County William Gou- gar, Sr., and his wife removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1S18, the year of their son's birth. They bought a farm which the father began to develop, but after four years he sold out, removing to Vermilion County, Ind. In 1831 he brought his family to Will County, 111. (accom- panied by his father) , and purchased a tract of raw prairie on Hickory Creek. At once he began the task of improving the property, and from time to time he added to his holdings until, when he died, he was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. For years his home was in a log cabin destitute of the improvements and furnish- ings of our modern residences, but in later days he erected a more commodious house. For many years Nicholas Gougar was postmaster at the old Gougar homestead, which office has since been transferred to Joliet. On the Democratic ticket William Gougar, Sr. , was elected to various township offices, including that of commissioner, which he held for several years. He was also a member of the school board of his district. In the division of Will from Cook County he took an active part, as well as in other important movements of early days. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 75 He had been reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, and often those of similar belief met at his home for religious worship, there being no organized church of the denomination in the vicinity. He was spared to attain eighty years of age, and passed away in i86r. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, died at the Will County homestead in 1854, at the age of fifty-six years. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living, namely: John, the eldest, who lives in New Lenox Township and is now almost ninety years of age; Jacob, of Kan- kakee County; Daniel, whose home is in Joliet; William; Lewis and Joseph E. (twins), the for- mer of Denver, Colo., the latter of this county; and Eliza, wife of William Wilson. When it is remembered that the boyhood days of our subject, William Gougar, were passed in new and unsettled sections of the country, where schools had not yet been introduced, it can be readily understood that he had no advantages for obtaining an education. When he was fourteen yearsof age he accompanied numerous Will Coun- ty men into the Black Hawk war, spending several months on the field of warfare, enduring many hardships and privations. His brothers, Daniel and Nicholas, were members of the militia in the Black Hawk war. On his return home he assisted his father on the farm. In 1850 he made a trip with four mule teams to the gold fields of Califor- nia, where he remained for three years, meeting with fair success as a miner. In 1853 he came back to Will County. The following year he purchased a farm one mile west of New Lenox and there he resided until 1891, engaging in stock-raising and general farming. In 1891 he bought a home in New Lenox and retired from active labors, having met with an accident that disabled him for hard work. Though he began with nothing he now owns five hundred and thirty acres of good laud. No citizen is more interested in the progress of the township than is Mr. Gougar. He remem- bers the days when settlers were few, and even the most sanguine never hoped for a condition of prosperity such as the present decade has wit- nessed. When Indians were numerous and hos- tile, on one occasion they drove the family from home, and they remained in the Wabash country until the fall of 1832, when they came back to Will County. He was a charter member of the Grange and aided in its organization. In politics a Democrat, he served as supervisor for one term and as school director for several terms, and has aided in the erection of schoolhouses and other public buildings. By his marriage, in 1859, to Clarissa, daughter of Baldwin Hawkins, of Kan- kakee County, 111., he has three children: Will- iam Joel, who has successfully engaged in farm- ing, Helen and Frank. ROBERT MILNE, who was a pioneer of Lockport, was one of the first to bring thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle into this lo- cality, and was a man of great energy of charac- ter and kindness of heart. He was of Scotch birth, born February 14, 1805, and grew to man- hood in his native country, where he learned and followed the stone-mason's trade. When thirty years of age he crossed the ocean to Canada, where he remained for a few months. About 1836 he went to Chicago, where he had contracts for putting the locks on the Illinois and Michigan canal. On completing the work he returned to Canada, and formed a partnership with a con- tractor, the two opening up work on the Wellaud canal. Returning to Lockport he took the con- tract for putting in the locks near here, and in this way he was led to establish his home here. For several years he operated and managed a planing and saw mill, and upon selling out he purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, a part of which now lies in the city of Lockport. Turning his attention to the improvement of the property, he continued in agricultural pur- suits until his death. He was a very progressive man, and was a leader in introducing Shorthorn cattle into this county, going to Scotland for the purpose of purchasing a number of thorough- breds. 7 6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. December 31, 1846, Mr. Milne married Miss Isabel Maitland, who was born and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland. At the age of sixteen years, accompanied by her two sisters, she landed in America, proceeding at once to Chi- cago, where she made her home until the time of her marriage. To their marriage nine children were born; of these we note the fol- lowing: William, who was for twenty years a clerk and collector in the canal office, is now en- gaged in the manufacture of umbrellas and canes in New York City; Jennie is the widow of John M. Frowe, ofEvanston, 111.; Robert is extensive- ly engaged in the hay business at Baxter Springs, Kans. ; Isabel is the wife of John I. Rice, of Chi- cago; Agnes M. is the wife of Henry D. Baker, of Evanston; Margaret M. married Charles A. Ewen and they reside with her mother; Georgia- ua died at thirty years of age; James A. has charge of the homestead; and Frank M. is en- gaged in business in Chicago. For many years Mr. Milne was a deacon in the Congregational Church. His family also took an interest in the work of that church, and his wife is still one of its most faithful members. For eight years he served as a commissioner on the canal. While he never attained wealth, he accumulated a competency, in spite of many ob- stacles that beset him; and at the time of his death he left an improved farm for his widow and children. He passed from earth November 2, 1892, after a useful and successful life, and was followed to his grave by the respect of the many acquaintances he had made after coming to this county. C|OHN D. SHREFFLER. During the more I than fifty years that Mr. Shreffler has made Q) his home in this county he has gained a wide acquaintance and a high standing among its citizens. In former years his business inter- ests required his presence in other counties and states much of the time, yet he always kept in touch with affairs in his home neighborhood, and gave his influence in behalf of measures for the benefit of the people. Though now in the twi- light of his useful life, he is still remarkably active and retains his interest in matters relating to the welfare of the state and nation. He has witnessed with pride the gradual growth of the county, the introduction of railroads, telegraph and telephone lines, the founding of villages and the improvement of valuable farms from the broad-stretching prairie, and in all of this work of development he has borne no insignificant part. He has not sought positions of an official nature, preferring the part of a private citizen, whose duties he has at all times striven to fill; but, though not an office-seeker nor a politician, he consented, at the request of the voters of his section, to hold the office of assessor as well as a number of village offices. The Shreffler family has been identified with American history for at least four generations, having come from Germany in an early da}'. Henry Slireffler, who was a native of Pennsyl- vania, served in the Revolutionary war, and as a result of the exposure and sufferings of those memorable years, lost his eyesight. Among his four sons and one daughter was a son, Daniel, who was educated in subscription schools and under his father, learned the weaver's trade, be- sides which he engaged in farming. He was a zealous worker in the Evangelical Association and often officiated as a local preacher in that denomination. Politically' he was a Democrat. By his marriage to Catherine Daubermau he had six children, of whom one son and three daugh- ters are deceased, the survivors being John D. and Mrs. Rebecca Hahn, both of this county. In Center County, Pa., John D. Shreffler was born in 18 17. Reared on a farm, he early be- came familiar with that occupation. In the spring of 1846 he came to Illinois and took up his resi- dence in Will County, bringing with him his bride, who was Sarah A. Touner, of Pennsyl- vania. After a time he became connected with C. Aultman & Co., of Akron, Ohio, as their representative in Illinois, Wisconsin and the states west, for the sale of the Buckeye reaper and the Sweepstakes thresher. He was given GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 77 charge of the appointing and supervision of local agents and also made all collections for the firm in his district. Some years later the business was divided, and he was given charge of the reaper and mower department. He continued with the company for ten years, meantime travel- ing through every section of Illinois and also visiting other states. Through his energy and perseverance a large business was built up. Sup- plies were distributed from Chicago to the vari- ous points, as ordered. During the fall of each year he visited count}' fairs, exhibiting the im- plements for which he was agent. However, the business required him to be away from home so much of the time that he became dissatisfied and determined to retire from it. Settling up his accounts, he turned his attention to the manage- ment of his landed interests in Will County. His farm was located in the southern part of the village of Plainfield, and all but ninety-one acres of the quarter section was within the village limits; a portion of the place has since been platted in town lots and sold. Besides the buying and selling of land, he erected a number of business buildings and several residences, which he rents. He was also contractor in the building of one of the former Plainfield schoolhouses. He has in- vested largely in both improved and unimproved real estate, and has held the most of what he has bought. Since the time of John C. Fremont's presi- dential campaign, Mr. ShrefHer has been a Re- publican. Fraternally he is connected with Plain- field Lodge, A. F. & A. M. When a young man he united with the Methodist Church and he has since been an active worker in the denomination, being one of the leading supporters of the con- gregation at Plainfield. He has aided in the erection of two edifices in this place, the second of which is the finest ever built here, being a stone structure that was built at a cost of $18,000. As chairman of the building committee, the re- sponsibility of the work fell largely upon him, and he gave not only of his time, but also very liberally of his means. He has held the various of- fices in the church and is now serving as a steward and trustee. In former years he also held the office of Sunday-school superintendent. Not only religious, but all worth} 7 charitable movements, have received his encouragement and aid. No worthy object of charity ever ap- pealed to him in vain for help; yet, while he has been a constant giver, he has done it so quietly and unostentatiously that it may be truly said of him the right hand knew not what the left hand did. Having no children of his own, it has been one of his pleasures to help the children of others, and he is exceedingly popular among the little ones of his neighborhood. As one of the early residents of the county, and a man whose energies have been devoted to the development of its agricultural resources, his name well de- serves mention in this work. EWIS F. GOUGAR, a prominent farmer of It New Lenox Township, was born November l_J 15, 1852, upon the farm where he still lives. He is a son of John Gougar, who was born in Montour County, Pa., March 20, 1810, a son of William and Catherine (Abel) Gougar, reference to whom is made in the sketch of William Gougar on another page of this volume. The family were pioneers of Ohio, where, in 18 18, the grandfather in one day, beginning before sunrise and finishing about four o'clock in the afternoon, cut and shocked forty acres with a hand sickle. The great-great-grandmother was killed by In- dians in Pennsylvania and her two daughters were taken prisoners. Several years later one of the daughters returned home, but the other was never heard of again. At the time the family moved from Pennsyl- vania to Ohio John Gougar was eight years of age. September 10, 1830, he came to Illinois and settled in what is now New Lenox Township, Will County (then Cook County), where he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of govern- ment land at $1.25 an acre. Building a log cabin, he began the task of clearing and im- proving the land. In 1831 his parents joined 78 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. him here. Throughout his entire active life he continued to manage the same property. During the Black Hawk war he was a member of the home guard, which was subject to call at any time. He is still living on the old homestead, but for years has been retired from active labors. In spite of his advanced years he takes an intelli- gent interest in public affairs and retains his mental and physical faculties to a large degree. All of his active life was passed on the frontier. When he went to Ohio in 1818 that state was still undeveloped and comparatively unsettled, and for many years after he came to Illinois the sur- roundings were those of the frontier. In an early day, when he was cutting wheat with an old-fashioned hand sickle, by some accident he cut the little finger of his left hand, and the scar may still be seen. On the site of the farm was at one time an Indian cemetery, on which was to be seen a pole bearing a white flag. His son, Lewis F. , found many Indian relics on the farm, and to these he has added by purchase till now he has a fine collection. When the treaty was made by which the Indians were removed from this locality, before departing they came to the cemetery for the last time and observed in due form all of their ceremonies of mourning. In 1883, when a barn was built on the farm, several Indian relics were found. John Gougaris a Democrat in national political issues, but in his township affairs he votes for the best man, regardless of party. He is a pioneer of the old type and will long be remembeied by the descendants of the pioneers as a kind-hearted, honest man. To-day he is one of the few sur- viving members of the early pioneers who laid the foundation for the great state of Illinois. In 1849 John Gougar married Mary Ann Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania and died on the homestead January 29, 1896, at the age of eighty-three years. Her sister, Mrs. Polly Williams, who resided with her, died at the age of eighty-eight. Lewis F. Gougar, who was the only child of his parents, has been a lifelong resi- dent of this county, and was educated in the common schools here and in Englewood high school. When his father, owing to advancing years, retired from the active management of the home place, he succeeded to it, and has since made a number of important improvements. He is the owner of three hundred and forty acres, on which he engages in raising stock and farm pro- duce. Politically he is a Democrat in national issues and in local matters is independent. For several years he has served as school director and road master. In religion he is an Episcopalian. His marriage, May 14, 1891, united him with Miss Gertrude Richards, daughter of Daniel and Al- mira (Cooley) Richards, now of Jackson Town- ship, this county. They have two children, Davis R. and Mary Almira, the latter named after her two grandmothers. @ELAH PERKINS NORTH was born at ?\ Monroe Falls, Ohio, August 21, 1842. He \~/ was educated at Valparaiso College, at Val- paraiso, Ind., and in early life learned the mill- er's trade at that place, following the occupation there for six years. While working as a miller he enlisted in the Union army, in August, 1862, becoming a member of the marine artillery at Chicago, 111. It was the original plan to assign the artillery to the Mississippi River marine gun- boats, but a change was made and they were sent to Roanoke Island, thence to Newbern, N. C, and mustered out in 1863. After some months in Valparaiso, the following year Mr. North was drafted into service and entered the Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, a part of General Wilson's cavalry corps, and in this he served un- til the close of the war. While he was serving in the quartermaster's department at Macon, Ga., news of the close of the rebellion reached him. He was mustered out of the service and honora- bly discharged. Returning to Valparaiso Mr. North resumed work as a miller. In 1867 he moved to Madison, Wis. , wmere he became a retail grocer. During his residence there he married, at Lockport, 111., March 31, 1S6S, Miss Mary L. Hawley, daughter GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 79 of Warren Hawley, who settled in Loekport Township, this county, in 1835. While he was in the Normal school at Valparaiso he made the acquaintance of Miss Hawley, who was a student in that institution. After their marriage they settled in Madison. After the death of Mrs. North's mother they came to Loekport Township and settled on the old Hawley homestead, caring for Warren Hawley until his death, July 1, 1898, at the age of eighty-six years. Since his removal to Loekport Township Mr. North has been connected with its farm interests. Being an industrious and capable farmer, and ably assisted by his wife, he was prospered. In 1895 he was enabled to buy the old Hawley homestead of eighty-eight acres, which is one of the best in the township. Mrs. North was born on this place, and its associations, extending back to her earliest recollections, are dear to her. She is a well-educated lady and for a number of years before her marriage taught in Michigan and Illi- nois, proving an efficient educator. She is one of the highly esteemed ladies of the township. Fraternally Mr. North is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has taken a warm interest in the work of the Repub- lican party. The good roads in his district and township are largely due to his energy and per- severance, during the nine years that he filled the office of highway commissioner. In educa- tional matters he has been actively interested. For twenty- one years he was a member of the board of school directors, during which time he did much to advance the cause of education. The main responsibility of managing the school fell upon him while he was a director, and to his credit it may be said that he discharged every duty faithfully and well. Mr. and Mrs. North became the parents of six children. Those living are: John E., a physician and surgeon, married and living at Rock Rapids, Iowa; William W., attorney at Loekport, 111. ; Frank E. and Selah H., at home on the farm. Sarah L-, an only daughter, died at the age of sixteen years, January 13, 1889, and an infant son died when a few weeks old. Tracing the history of the North family from the time of its settlement in America, the follow- ing is the genealogical record: John North left England for America in 1635 at the age of twenty. In 165311c settled in Farm- iugton, Conn., and purchased a lot near the north end of Farmington street, on which he lived. He was a member of the church in that town. He died in 1690, leaving nine children, viz.: John, Samuel, Mary, James, Thomas, Sarah, Nathaniel, Lydia and Joseph. Thomas North was born in 1649. He settled in the town of Avon, Conn. He was a soldier in the Indian war, for his services in which he received a grant of land. He had ten children, viz.: John, Thomas, Hannah, Nathaniel, Mary, Joseph, Rebeckah, Lydia, Sarah and Ebenezer. He died in 1712. Thomas North, Jr., lived in Kensington, Conn. He was one of the founders of the church and was a man of wealth and influence. His eight chil- dren were Martha, Isaac, Thomas, James, Sarah, Samuel, Joseph and Hannah. Isaac North was born in 1703. He was a dea- con in the church at Kensington. He died in 17S8. His children, numbering eight, were named Isaac, Mary, Jedediah, Lydia, Samuel, Seth, Ruth and Lethe. Jedediah North was born in 1734, lived in Ber- lin and was a member of the church at that place. He married Sarah Wilcox and had eleven chil- dren, viz.: Asa, Levi, David, Simeon, Stephen, Sarah, Olive, Patience, Noah, Lydia and Hannah. He died in 1816. Simeon North was born July 13, 1765. He lived first in Berlin, then in Middletown, Conn. He was a manufacturer of arms for the United States Government. In 1786 he married Lucy Savage, who died in 181 1. He afterward mar- ried Lydia Huntington (a daughter of Rev. Enoch Huntington, of Middletown, Conn.), who died in 1840. He had nine children, viz.: Reuben, James, Alvin, Selah, Elizabeth, Lucetta, Simeon, Nancy and Lydia. He died August 25, 1852. Selah North was born at Berlin, Conn., in 1 79 1. He was killed by lightning in his own farm house at Monroe Falls, Ohio, August 13, 8o GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1850. He had thirteen children, viz. : Nancy, Julia, Egbert, George, John, Phillip, Charles, Sarah, Newell, Charlotte, Ellen, Bessie and Selah P. (the subject of this sketch), the four last mentioned by his second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Perkins, and who died March 2, 1872, aged seventy two years. YMAN W. FARNAM, who owns and oc- I C cupies a pleasant little homestead of ten l J acres near the village of Crete, was born in Franklin County, Mass., January 14, 1834. His father, William, a native of Massachusetts, born March 1, 1804, spent his entire life on a farm in that state, and died there July 7, 1869. Politi- cally he voted with the Democrats until the anti- slavery agitation arose, when he sided with the Republicans, and always after i860 voted the Republican ticket. He was a son of Heman and Mary (Field) Farnam, natives of Massachusetts. The former, born on Christmas day of 1761, was a fur trader and dealer, bringing his furs to Bos- ton for sale. He died November 8, 1847. His wife was born March 30, 1764, and died August 12, 1846. The mother of our subject was Orpha Hartwell, born in Massachusetts, November 26, 1805, and there deceased, April 17, 1835, at less than thirty years of age. In religion she was a Baptist. She was a daughter of Ward Hartwell, a New Englander. The subject of this sketch was the only child of his parents. He remained on the home farm until he was twenty, when he left home and se- cured work in a cutlery factory. After three years in the factory he came west in 1858, and secured work on a farm in Bureau County, 111. Nine months later he went to Kane County, and later worked on farms in Christian and Morgan Counties, this state. In i860 he came to Crete and rented a farm near the village. During the Civil war he was an enthusiastic Union supporter. September 26, 1S64, he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, with which he went to the front and in which he served, mostly on guard duty, in Maryland and Virginia. At the close of the war he returned to this county and for two years rented a farm in Richland Town- ship. From there he came back to Crete Town- ship and bought a part of his father-in-law's farm, where he has since made his home. August 20, 1 86 1, Mr. Farnam married Miss Sarah M. Haner, who was born near Syracuse, N. Y., May 10, 1835, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Mogg) Haner, natives of Schoharie County, N. Y. Her father, who was born April 20, 1S11, farmed in the east until September, 1851, when he brought his family to this county, settling on a farm near Crete. In 1S78 he moved to Missouri and there died August 2, 1S79. His wife was born October 31, 1815, and died Feb- ruary 19,1885. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Mrs. Farnam was sixteen years of age when the fam- ily settled in Crete Township. Prior to this she had received a fair education in New York. She is an estimable lady, and has many friends among the people of the township where from girlhood she has made her home. Of her three children one died in infancy; Lillian and Mary make their home with their parents and are popular and active in the work of the Congregational Church at Crete. For some years Miss Lillian has been a successful teacher in the Chicago schools, where her ability has won for her recognition among the teachers of that city. Mr. Farnam has never forgotten his days of active service in the army, and often calls those times to mind when in the companionship of the members of Chicago Heights Post No. 759, G. A. R., to which he belongs; or when he meets other veterans of that long and fierce struggle. fU?0?~i' 07-uy?r] a- WW*" « >^°' s GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 85 CHARLES CLAYBORN SMITH EHARLES CLAYBORN SMITH. The life of Mr. Smith was for years inseparably associated with the history of this county, where he made his home from June, 1835, until his death, January 27, 1892. Through his en- ergy of disposition and uprightness of character he won a competency and gained a high name among his associates. As a farmer, he was in- dustrious and intelligent; as a citizen, public- spirited; as a business man, keen and quick, and in his home relations devoted and affectionate. Coming to the county while it was still a part of Cook County and contained few people, he wit- nessed its remarkable growth and the develop- ment of its resources, and, through his keen fore- sight, accumulated a valuable property, which has increased steadily in its worth. He was thus able to leave his family in comfortable circum- stances, besides giving each of his children a good start in the world. Mr. Smith was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., May 2, iSrS, a son of Barton and Faithy (Moore) Smith, who were the children of Revolu- tionary soldiers and of English descent. Barton Smith was the youngest of a family of six sons and three daughters. All of his brothers were present with General Jackson at the battle of Horse Shoe Bend and he had started to join the troops, but was taken back home by friends after he had gone six hundred miles or more. From Tennessee he removed to Fountain County, Ind., after his marriage, and in 1835 brought his family to Illinois, buying a lot in Joliet. While he carried on a farm, he continued to make his home in Joliet until his death in 1862. He served as police magistrate and deputy county collector. His wife survived him thirteen years. They had four children, all now deceased. When the family came to this county Charles C. Smith was seventeen years of age. He then started out as a peddler, making regular trips through Cook, Iroquois, Vermilion and Will Counties, and trading his goods for butter, eggs, ginseng root, hides, tallow, cattle, etc. After nine years as a peddler he rented a farm, which he cultivated in the ensuing years. In 1850 he bought the place, which then consisted of one hundred and forty acres. Afterward he added to his property until he owned twenty-nine hundred and fifty acres of land, some within the boundary of Wilmington Township. For eight years he had a contract to furnish the state penitentiary with beef, and during one year of this time the value of the meat furnished was $35,000. About the time that he purchased his farm Mr. Smith established -a home of his own. He was married July 24, 1850, to Miss Coriuza Burr, daughter of Wareham Bissell and Nancy (Cummings) Burr. Her father, who was a direct descendant of Aaron Burr, was born October 25, 1795, and died September 6, 1861. He was reared near Jamestown, N. Y. , and for two years engaged in teaching school there. September 12, 1822, he married Miss Cummings and re- moved to Indiana, remaining near Shelbyville until 1833. His next removal brought him to Will County, where he settled eight miles up the river from Wilmington. He came in the spring just after the Sauk war and his family followed him in the fall. Buying government land, he 86 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. settled down to farming and also taught for some years in the district schools, having previously been a prominent educator in Indiana. Later he sold his place and removed to Wilmington, where he made his home for five years. From there he went to Jackson Grove and bought land, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church and a man who stood high in his community. His father, Bissell Burr, born December 14, 1771, was a son of Nathaniel Burr, whose father, John, (born in 1670) was a son of Samuel Burr. The latter, a native of England, was made a freeman in Hartford, Conn., in May, 165S. His father, Benjamin Burr, was the founder of this branch of the family in America. He was one of the original settlers of Hartford, Conn., in 1635. His name, in the land division of Hartford in 1639 as an original proprietor and settler, is the first evidence we have of his presence in America, but as the first settlers of Hartford were collected from Watertown, Newton and other places near Boston, it is supposed that he was in Massachu- setts some time before removing to Hartford. He may have been among the eight hundred who came to America with the Winthrop fleet in June, 1630. He died in Hartford March 30, 16S1. He had been made a freeman in 1658. The mother of Mrs. Smith was a daughter of William and Sarah (Hunt) Cummings, of North Carolina families. Her parents came from the south to Indiana and afterward settled in Mis- souri, where they died. * Ten children were born to the union of C. C. Smith and Miss Burr. Of these Edgar Francis died in infancy and Emma J., Mrs. Herman H. Uuland, is also deceased. Barton, the oldest of the family, is a member of the firm of Smith & Baker, corporation attorneys, of Toledo, Ohio; he is one of the prominent Masons of Ohio and has held the highest offices in his lodge, chapter and conimandery. William T. , the second son, is a coal mine operator in Keumare, N. D. Ella May is the wife of W. B. Douglas, of St. Paul, one of the most prominent public men in Minnesota, for two terms a member of the state legislature and now attorney-general of the state. Charles W., of Joliet, is engaged in the cattle business. Lucy M. is the wife of Frank A. Miller, an expert machinist of Osh- kosh, Wis. Cora A. is the wife of Dr. Henry F. Hicks, a prominent dentist of Joliet; Eva S. is the wife of Proman W. Smith, a farmer of Chan- nahon Township; and Floyd H. resides with his mother on the old homestead, the cultivation of which he superintends. Of the large family who once were sheltered by the old home, he alone re- mains. He was born here June 6, 1874, and acquired his education in the common schools and Joliet high school. After the estate was settled he began the supervision of six hundred and thirty acres that fell to his lot. He is now 7 one of the progressive farmers of Channahon Town- ship and is very popular with the young people of this section. Like his father he is a Demo- crat politically. Like him, too, he takes an interest in educational work and is a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Channahon Lodge No. 162, A. F. & A. M.: Kalon Camp No. 4282, Modern Woodmen of America; and Channahon Lodge No. 713, Court of Honor. ETON E. MATTER is one of the prosper- V) ous and popular farmers of Wheatland __ Township, and owns one hundred and four acres of highly cultivated land, bearing excellent improvements. While he oversees his farm witli a careful eye, his attention is not limited to farm- ing. He was one of the original stockholders of the Dupage Valley creamery, in which he served as a director for three years. Since the organi- zation of the Hoddam Threshing Company he has held office as its secretary and treasurer. In connection with general farming he carries on dairying, and, though as yet this work is con- ducted on a small scale, he has found it a profit- able adjunct of farming. In local politics he is an active Republican. In 1894 he was elected collector of the township and in 1S99 was chosen to act as commissioner, since which time he has been treasurer of the board. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 87 Iu the township where he now lives Mr. Mat- ter was born January 13, 1862. His father, Jacob, a native of Pennsylvania, learned the shoe- maker's trade in youth, and later, in connection with that occupation, he engaged in lumbering and rafting logs. In 1844 he came west to Illi- nois. For a time he cultivated a rented farm near Naperville. Later he took up eighty acres of government land on section 4, Wheatland Township, Will County, which he improved and on which he made his home until 1869. He then sold the place to his oldest son and went to Auro- ra, 111., where he conducted a grocery business. Soon, however, he returned to farming, purchas- ing the farm now owned by our subject. In the fall of 1886 he moved from this place to Naper- ville, and there his last years were spent. Dur- ing his early residence in this township he served as collector. He was a Republican, but not ac- tive in politics. The Evangelical Church num- bered him among its earnest members and he took a warm interest in its work. At one time he owned one hundred and sixty acres, but dis- posed of a part of this, so that at his death his possessions had been reduced to one hundred acres. His wife, who was Nancy Milliren, of Pennsylvania, is living in Naperville and is now eighty-two years of age. Of their eleven chil- dren one died in infancy; Abraham is a farmer in Dupage County, this state; Abbie is the wife of D. B. Givler, of Naperville; Mary is the wife of Rev. J. H. Yage, treasurer of Northwestern Col- lege, an Evangelical institution in Naperville; Isaac lives in Aurora; Ella married Prof. L. M. Umbach, of Northwestern College; Henry J. is engaged in railroading and makes Aurora his home; Sarah is the wife of G. S. Bartholomew, of Rockford, 111. ; Emma married John P. Patter- son; Newton E. is editor of the Wheaton Illinois- an, at Wheaton, 111. The subject of this sketch was six years of age when his parents moved to Aurora. His educa- tion was obtained principally in the schools of that city. He was fourteen when the family re- turned to this township. Since then he has made his home on his present farm. March 18, 1886, he married Miss Emma Stark, a native of Wheat- land Township, and daughter of Jacob Stark, now living retired in Naperville. Mr. and Mrs. Matter have one son, Robert Earl, who was born July 20, 1 89 1. Fraternally our subject is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America. While he is not connected with any denomina- tion, his sympathies are with the Evangelical Church, to which his wife belongs and in which faith he was reared. KJjKHEMIAH H. CUTTER. For a period of Y I sixty-three years the life of Mr. Cutter was I U) associated with the growth and progress of Joliet. Coming to this city in 1834 he found little to encourage a belief that in future years a large and thriving town would accupy the site which then boasted of only a few houses. Deer still roamed through the forests, unmolested as yet by the ambitious sportsman, and wild game furnished the few inhabitants with their supply of meat. Himself a young, energetic and robust man, he was well fitted for the pioneer's arduous work. Entering with energy upon the task of securing a homestead, he made an effort to take up a claim near Joliet, but the condition of the land grants rendered it impossible to do so. About 1835 he built the house that is now occu- pied by his widow, and two terms of schools were taught in one of its rooms, which he tendered for that purpose. He bought a tract of land in Joliet Township, which he cleared and improved, and afterward he engaged in its cultivation until ad- vancing years rendered manual labor no longer advisable. He also owned and used for garden- ing purposes a block of ground surrounding his city residence. In addition to his other work he was interested in contracting and building, and through his varied occupations he gained a com- petency that enabled him to spend the twilight of his useful life in quiet comfort. At the foot of Mount Monadnock, in the vil- lage of Jaffrey, N. H., there long stood a house that was large and elegant for its day and was 88 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. known as The Ark. Opposite that residence stood the birthplace of Nehemiah Hobart Cutter, who was born March 12, 1805. The ancestry of the family was traced back to Richard Cutter, who came from Newcastle-on-the-Tyne, England, and settled at Cambridge, Mass., in 1640, after- ward engaging in copper manufacturing and be- coming a large land owner. Joseph Cutter was the first of the family to settle at Jaffrey. Capt. Joseph Cutter, Jr., who was born in New Hamp- shire, followed farm pursuits in that state and built the property to which he gave the unique name of The Ark. He married Phcebe, daughter of Capt. James and Sarah (Lamson) Gage; she attained an advanced age, being almost ninety- two at the time of her death. One of her sons, Samuel T., who came west in an early day and settled in Chicago, is now living in Joliet. The eldest of the children was our subject. He was educated in the Jaffrey schools and Amherst Academy. For some time he taught school, during winters, in New Hampshire, Massachu- setts and New York, devoting the intervening summers to the carpenter's trade. On coming west he established his home in Joliet, with the early growth of which he was intimately identi- fied. He was a man of robust constitution and continued to work actively until he was more than eighty years of age. Besides his private in- terests, he took part in local affairs, and was elected one of the first aldermen of Joliet, serving for several terms. While serving as school in- spector he labored to advance the welfare of the public schools. He was very advanced in his opinions as to what instruction should be given in our free schools, and favored not only the ordi- nary branches, but also singing, drawing, manual training, etc. At the time of the building of the Rock Island Railroad he served as a member of the commission of appraisers and was much in- terested in the success of the road. With his mental and physical faculties preserved to a re- markable degree, he retained his health and vigor until two weeks before his death. He passed away March 17, 1S97, at tlle a g e of ninety-two years and five days. The first marriage of Mr. Cutter united him with Rebecca Bailey, a daughter of Submit and Phoebe (Rugg) Bailey; she was born in East Hampton, Mass., and died in Joliet February 15, 1884. Four years later Mr. Cutter married Miss Eliza H. Gage, who was born in Jaffrey, N. H., a daughter of Jonathan and Hannah (Worcester) Gage, also natives of that town. Her grand- father, James Gage, was born in Amherst, Mass., in 1736, and in 1779 settled near Jaffrey, where he improved a farm. He w-as a man of honor and ability and filled many offices of trust. For some time he was captain of the New Hampshire militia. In religion he was a Congregationalist. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Briant) Lamson. He was a sou of Thomas Gage, who was born in Bradford, Mass., and married Phoebe Fry. The founder of the family in America was John Gage, who settled near Boston in 1633. The youngest of ten children, Jonathan Gage spent many years of his life at the old Jaffrey homestead, which being at the terminus of along lane, was known as the End of the Road. On his retirement from business cares he moved to Fitz- william, where he died March iS, 1868. In religious faith he was a Universalist. He mar- ried a daughter of William and Hannah (Frost) Worcester, the former of whom, a native of Tewksbury, settled in Jaffrey in 1776. He was a sou of Moses Worcester, who was born in Tewksbury and spent his entire life there. Mrs. Hannah (Worcester) Gage was next to the oldest among seven children; she was born in Jaffrey and died in Fitzwilliam, when seventy years of age. The founder of the Worcester family in America, Rev. William Worcester, from whom Mrs. Cutter is the tenth generation in descent, came from England and held the pastorate of the Salisbury church between 1638 and 1640, later being similarly engaged in other Massachusetts towns until he died. The family of which Mrs. Cutter is a member consisted originally of ten children, namely: James, who died in Charles- town, Mass.; Jonathan, who died at four yearsof age; William, who died during a visit in New York state; Mrs. Nancy Worcester, of Pittsfield, Mass.; Abner, who died in Fitzwilliam; Joseph, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 89 who died in Hartford, Conu.; Mary, who makes her home with Mrs. Cutter; J. Alonzo, who died in Bozeman, Mont., in 1897; Sarah, who resides with Mrs. Cutter; and Eliza H., Mrs. Cutter. The last named received an excellent education in Melville Academy, after which she followed educational work for many years, principally in Jaffrey, Fitzwilliam (N. H.) and Pittsfield, Mass. For a long time she was an active worker with the Good Templars and she has also been deeply interested in, and identified with, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In political senti- ment she is a stanch Prohibitionist, believing the liquor traffic to be the greatest curse of our age and country. In religion she is a member of Central Presbyterian Church. HON. JOHN W. ARNOLD, one of the coun- ty's pioneers, was born in White Creek, Washington County, N. Y., February 14, 1842. His father, John H. Arnold, was born in Bennington, Vt., in 1808, and in young manhood went to New York state, where he was engaged as farmer, merchant and hotel-keeper. Under President Pierce he served as postmaster of Schaghticoke, an office near Troy, N. Y. In 1855 he came to Illinois and settled at Lockport, where he opened a general store. He continued in business until 1868, when he retired from active cares. During the Civil war he assisted in raising the One Hundredth Illinois Regiment. An influ- ential Democrat, he served as supervisor and jus- tice of the peace for several years, and was a leader among the people of his day. His life was prolonged to the age of eighty-nine years. He was a son of John Arnold, who was born in Rhode Island and served in the Revolutionary war. The family history dates in this country back to the early part of the seventeenth century, when the first of the name came from England. The mother of our subject was Lucretia (Vail) Arnold, a native of Vermont, of Irish extraction, her grandfather, Jonathan Vail, a Quaker, hav- ing come from Ireland in an early day. She lived to be about seventy-five years of age, and, with her husband, was for years a faithful mem- ber of the Congregational Church of Lockport. Of their seven children, George, the eldest, came to Lockport in 1854 and for twenty years engaged in the mercantile business. For some years he also served as sheriff of this county. At the time the family settled in Lockport our subject was a boy of thirteen years. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and served for a year in that regiment. Next he joined the Chicago Mercantile Battery, in which he served for three years. Among the battles in which he took part were those of Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Cedar, Oxford, Vicksburg, Haines' Bluff, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Black River Bridge, Champion Hills, the charge on Vicksburg and the siege of that city. At the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, La., April 8, 1864, he was taken prisoner, and sent to Camp Ford, Tex., where he remained for fourteen months. During that time he once escaped from prison, but was recaptured after thirty days and taken back. In May, 1865, he was released from prison, and the following month was mustered out at New Orleans and honorably discharged. The only injury that he received while in the army was a gunshot wound in the right cheek, the marks of which he will carry to the grave; this was at the charge upon Vicksburg. After returning home Mr. Arnold carried on a mercantile business for several years. December 22, 1869, he married Miss Abbie L. Mathewson, who was born in Chicago, June 14, 1845, a daughter of Artemus J. and Julia A. (Miner) Mathewson. Her father was born in Walworth, Wayne County, N. Y., July 25, 1816, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. After studying civil engineering for some years, in 1837 he went to Chicago and secured employment at his chosen occupation. He was one of the engineers on the Illinois and Michigan canal. Later he assisted in surveying the railroad from Omaha to Salt Lake. In 1844 he established his home in Lock- port. During later years he acted as county sur- veyor and was also connected with the canal 9° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. until its completion, being auditor of the board for some time. His marriage, in 1844, united him with Julia A. Miner, who was born in Bris- tol, Ontario Count)-, N. Y., July 6, 1823, a daughter of Enoch W. and Lorinda (Guild) Miner, whom she accompanied to Chicago in 1S37. Her father later was one of the contractors on the Illinois and Michigan canal and after the completion of his work on the canal he moved to Burlington, Wis., where his wife died. After her death he came toLockport to make his home and here died at seventy-six years of age. His father, Amos Miner, who was a member of a pioneer New England family, served in the Revo- lutionary war and was wounded in the shoulder, which disabled him for further service. Mrs. Ar- nold was one of three daughters, of whom the second, Isabella, died in infancy; and the third, Dora A., is the wife of William J. Gooding, of Chicago, a member of an old Lockport family. Of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, the twins, Julius and Julia, were born July 22, 1874; the daughter died July 13, 18S8, and the son, March 4, 1895. The only living child, John William, Jr., was born December 29, 1870, and is engaged in the real- estate and insurance business in Chicago. Mrs. Arnold has been con- nected with the Congregational Church since 1S68 and has been warmly interested in religious work. From 1S65 to 1895 Mr. Arnold carried on a mercantile business. During that time he held the office of supervisor for one term, resigning as postmaster (a position that he held from 1888 to 1890) in order to accept the office of supervisor. Shortly afterward he was elected to the state sen- ate, where, as in his other positions, he advocated measures for the benefit of the people. Among the measures he supported were the truck store bill and gross weight coal bill for the miners of Illinois. He was chairman of the military, waterways and drainage committees, which ma- terially aided the fruition of the Drainage canal. February 20, 1894, during the second administra- tion of President Cleveland, he was appointed United States marshal of the northern district of Illinois, and held that position at the time of the Debs strike in Chicago. After four years of serv- ice he retired from the office. At this writing he is engaged in the real-estate and loan business at No. 90 Washington street, Chicago, but still makes his home in Lockport. He is a charter member of the Grand Army post at this place, and has been its commander. (T OHN HIBNER. Jackson Township has won I an enviable reputation as a prosperous farm - \Zs ing community, and this reputation has been established through the energy of such farmers as Mr. Hibner. For years he has been prominently connected with the development of the township and with its advancement as a farming region. Coming here in August, 1848, he purchased an eighty-acre tract where he has since made his home. During his first winter in this locality he lived in a log shanty, about 10x12 feet, but in the spring he built a comfortable house. After he had paid for his land and for a cow he had but fifty cents left. However, deer and other game abounded, and thus the family were supplied with all the meat necessary, while the other necessaries were raised on the land. As the years passed by Mr. Hibner prospered. He kept adding to his farm until his place numbered some- thing more than one thousand acres, but he has given his children considerable property and has in that way reduced his holdings to over seven hundred acres. Although he had few advantages other than those he made for himself, he met with remarkable success, and is now one of the well- to-do fanners of the county, while at the same time he is one of the most highly respected as well. The sole survivor of the eight children of John and Jane (Caldwell) Hibner, the subject of this sketch was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Sep- tember 14, 1804. His father, who was born in Peekskill, N. Y., about 1768, grew to manhood there, then went to Ohio aud worked as a farm hand in the Miami bottoms. Next, settling in Guernsey County, he took up a claim of one hun- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 9i dred and sixty acres, and shortly after was mar- ried. At the breaking out of the war of 18 12 he enlisted in the service and took part in the famous thirteen-days' siege of Forts Meigs, Defiance and Wayne. When the troops marched away from the fort he was ill with camp fever and was left behind. Later, recovering somewhat, he started for home; for days he wandered through the for- ests and over the prairies without food; he asked for something to eat at an Indian camp, but was refused. However, at last he reached home in safety. In 18 14 our subject's father removed to Rich- land Count}*, where he remained until 1847, meantime acquiring about seven hundred acres of laud. During the last-named year he removed to St. Francis County, Mo. In the spring of 1848 he came to Illinois, and after spending the summer on a farm ten miles up the river from Wilmington, he bought three eighty-acre tracts in Jackson Township and settled on one of these, four miles southwest of Joliet. There he resided until his death, September 23, 1865, at which time he owned more than six hundred acres of land. In some respects he was eccentric. One of his peculiarities was his distrust of banks. He always kept his money in a safe at home. At one time he was robbed of $50,000 and was so seriously wounded by the robbers that he died from the effects of the shock and the wounds one month afterward. His father, who was a native of Germany, died in early manhood, and his mother, who was Sarah Jones, afterward married Abraham Williams, a brother of David Williams, one of the men who captured Major Andre. Two of her brothers, James and Ben Jones, enlisted in the Revolutionary war and went to the front. They were never afterward heard of, and it was supposed that they fell in battle. Her father, Philip Jones, was a wealthy man and owned one hundred and sixty acres in what is now the heart of New York City, besides numerous other pieces of property. When the war with England broke out a tory falsely reported that he was furnishing supplies to the English army; for this reason his farms were taken from him and never afterward restored. Our subject's mother was born in County Ty- rone, Ireland, of Scotch ancestry. She grew to womanhood in her native county and afterward accompanied her mother and three other children to America. Our subject was wholly without educational advantages when he was young. His entire attendance at school was limited to eighteen evenings spent at a night school. From his earliest recollections he was obliged to work hard for his support, and his youth was one round of toil, unlivened by the usual sports of boyhood. He remained at home until his marriage, which event united him, April 6, 1837, with Miss Nancy A. Kurtz, a daughter of Christopher and Nancy (Lowe) Kurtz, of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry, and residents of York Count} 7 , Pa., where she was born. After his marriage Mr. Hibner bought eighty acres in Richland County from his father. Upon it he settled and there remained until 1847, when he moved to St. Francis County, Mo. In the spring of 1848 he started north with his family and brother Francis, going as far as Winnebago Lake, where he bought land. Two months later his brother died. Our subject entered two quar- ter-sections of land about midway between Green Bay and Oshkosh. Later the county seat of Appletou was located on his farm and he sold his land, but was cheated out of his money. In August, 1848, he came to Will County and pur- chased an eighty-acre tract, which forms the nucleus of the large possessions he has since ac- quired. He has proved himself to be an excellent manager, and although his life has been spared far beyond the usual allotment of years, he still preserves his interest in affairs and shows the keen business traits that characterized him years ago. He is remarkably well preserved, and a stranger to whom his real age was unknown would easily mistake him for a man not more than seventy-five or eighty. In politics he is a Democrat. After a happy wedded life of sixty-two years Mr. Hibner suffered a deep bereavement in the death of his wife, who passed away October 13, 1899, aged eighty-two years, eleven months and thirteen days. She was a faithful member of the 92 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. .Methodist Episcopal Church and a lady of sin- cere Christian character. Fourteen children had been born of their union, and all but two are still living. Elizabeth is the wife of James Ralph, a farmer of this county; George W. and Francis A. are farmers, the former in Grundy County, the latter in Will County; Jane is the wife of E. Price, a machinist of Joliet; James C, David and Martin E. are farmers in Grundy County; Nancy A. is the widow of T. S. Shimmin and keeps house for her father; Sarah A. married Peter Christensen, a farmer of Will County; John W. and William A. are farmers in this county: and Lucinda A. is the wife of James A. Hemphill, a farmer of this countv. f"RANK W. SEARLES, M. D., a successful r3 practicing physician and surgeon of New | Lenox, was born in Homer Township, this county, March 14, 1852. His father, Franklin Searles, was born in New York, of German de- scent, went from the east to California at the time of the gold excitement in 1S49, and for one and one-half years he remained on the Pacific coast successfully engaged in mining. On his return east in 1851 he invested the money he had made by mining in the purchase of a farm in New Lenox Township, Will County, 111., where he devoted himself to farm pursuits and the man- agement of an apiary. He was a practical man in the raising and breeding of bees, and was so successful that often he shipped as much as one ton of honey in a single shipment. His death occurred on his homestead May 12, 1S87, when he was fifty-nine years of age. Two children, our subject and Agnes, deceased, were born of his marriage to Emily White, of Ohio, who is still living and makes her home with her sou. The history of her family is traced back to Pere- grine White, the first white child born in Massa- chusetts, and a member of good old Puritan stock. In the possession of the family is a hand loom that was brought over in the "Mayflower." During the war of 18 12, when Indians were dan- gerous and imperiled the lives of the white set- tlers, her grandmother was hidden for safety in a hollow tree, which was so large that she had her spinning wheel put in it and spun yarn while hiding. The education of Dr. Searles was obtained in the Englewood high school, Illinois State Uni- versity and the Chicago Medical College (now the Northwestern University Medical School). In 1877 he graduated with the degree of M. D. Returning to his native county, he opened an office in New Lenox, where he has since engaged in practice, with the exception of one year in Wisconsin. In his profession he has been quite successful, and is recognized as a skillful physi- cian, who is accurate in the diagnosis of disease and successful in its treatment. Politically he is a believer in Republican principles. In 1878 he was elected county coroner, and he has also served as a member of the school board for several years. While he is interested in local political mat- ters, he does not desire office, preferring to give his attention exclusiveh- to professional duties. He is a member of the Will County Medical As- sociation. Fraternallj' he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and Lockport Lodge No. 534, A. F. & A. M., in which he is past master. By his marriage in 1878, to Etta Morse, he has two children now living, Ella A. and Howard W. , and has lost two sons, William Lloyd, who died at the age of nine years, and Frank, who died at six months. Y OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Ahfyh**^*: GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 95 HORACE S. SMITH. HORACE S. SMITH. The name of Mr. Smith is indissolubly associated with the pioneer history of the Bessemer steel process in Joliet. Like many of our country's successful men, he had no special advantages in youth, but made his own way in the world from an early age; like them, too, it was not until comparatively late in life that he became identified with the business in which his greatest success was achieved. The high standii g which he reached in the steel in- dustry was due to a combination of business ability and mechanical ingenuity, together with the courage to mark out new paths and introduce radical changes where he deemed best. In fact, the innovations that he made were so striking as to attract the attention of the entire steel trade, both in this country and abroad, and men who were engaged in the business continually sought Joliet in order to study the latest improvements in the manipulation of Bessemer steel. The life which this narrative sketches began in Dunstable, N. H., December 28, 1826, and closed in Chicago, 111., October 17, 1899. After years of service in the operating and mechanical de- partments of railroads in the east and west, rising through various positions, Mr. Smith was offered the position of master mechanic of the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Bloomington, 111., a position, however, that he was destined not to fill, owing to his success in the management of the Joliet steel mills. In 1876 Alexander J. Forbes- Leith, then receiver of the Joliet Iron & Steel Company, offered him the management of the works. Although he was without experience in either rolling mills or steel works, he undertook the difficult task of placing a bankrupt plant upon a sound financial basis. The succeeding years 5 were filled with responsibilities and crowded with hard work. Determined to thoroughly under- stand the business, he gave every department the closest attention and as late as midnight he was often to be found studying the art of making Bessemer steel. In spite of the fact that he lacked money and his workmen lacked experience, he made a success of the business. In 1878 a reorganization was effected and the Joliet Steel Company established, which continued until the plant was merged into that of the Illinois Steel Company in 1889. While for a few years Mr. Smith was a student of the business and followed in the steps of others, yet after a time his originality began to assert itself. He then became a leader and others fol- lowed. Under his management his plant was the first to roll steel direct without reheating from the ingot, which practice is to-day common through- out the world. His company was also the first to roll rails without hook and tongs men, and was among the first to introduce the rolling of double length rails. In 1887 the plant produced more steel rails than any other mill in the world, over two hundred thousand tons being the out- put; and, in recognition of this unparalleled record, Mr. Smith was presented with a gold medal by his officers and staff". His greatest mechanical triumph was the development of in- tricate automatic machinery for rolling rails and billets, which greatly increased the capacity of a train of rolls and dispensed with much high- priced labor. The device that he constructed is, with slight modifications in form, now in use in the majority of the large rail mills. Through the efforts of Mr. Smith the com- pany became interested in the wire rod business. ■fl . - -'- 22' GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 97 sisted of eight children, namely: Joseph, a me- chanic, who died in 1859; Charles, who served for four years each as treasurer and judge of Will County, and died in Joliet June 5, 1899; Mary, who died in Lockport; John, who served in the Illinois regimental band during the Civil war and is now living in Lockport; Jane, who mar- ried G. A. Gooding, an attorney of Lockport, where she died; George, of Joliet; Horace and Ann. In Homer Township, Will County, the subject of this sketch was born September 20, 1837. In 1843 his father removed to Lockport, and he at- tended the public schools of that place until four- teen years of age, when he entered the printing office of the Lockport Telegram. Two years later he began to learn telegraphy and after a time was put iu charge of the Rock Island Telegraph office at Sheffield. His next employment was as clerk in a drug store owned by his father in Lockport, and after two years he bought out his father and carried on the business alone. In two years he entered the bank at Lockport as book keeper, and afterward was employed in the La Salle postoffice for a year, later was a (.inn] officer, with headquarters in Chicago. In he came to Joliet, where he was a clerk in thi provost marshal's office until the close of tin- v,.,,. three years he was telegraph operatoi and ticket agent for the Chicago & Rock Island Rail- road in Joliet, and at t time studied law. In 1868 he entered the office of the - lerl ol courl and records, where he remain'' puty, and at the same time completed his law studies und< 1 E. C. 1 to the bar. Under Pi Grant, in 1872, he received an appointment a : of internal revenue for the sixth district of Illi eluding Will, Xankakee, Grundy an and this position b ••., with bi quarters in Joliet. In 1876 ■< consolidation of office was ed to Aurora. Rel to th< courthouse during that yi aastet of chancel the eight folic ears. Ii 1 of tl.' sot iation from Dj:iI tin until 1893, he served as secretary; also for years was a director in the concern. He is now living in retirement from business cares. In national politics he adheres to Republican principles. Aside from serving on the county committee, he has not been active in politics in his home town. Fraternally he is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. The marriage of Mr. Weeks, in Joliet, united him with Miss Mary Munson, who was born in Tazewell County, 111. They became the parents of four children, their only daughter, Mrs. Fan- nie Morse, being a resident of Sonoma County, Cal. The oldest sou, Fred B., is manager of the Western Stone Company in Joliet. Curtis, who is an engineer with the same company, served as quartermaster-sergeant of Company G, First Florida Infantry, during the Spanish war. The youngest son, Horace M., is a clerk in the office of the Joliet Stove Works Company. ~~ KIRKPATRICK, M . D. While the dat( t} ol the immigration ol the Kirkpatrick fam- ily is unknown and its nationality un< 1 rtain, then 1 rea on to believe that the family was founded in Warren County, N. J., in the eigh teenth century l>v a Scotchman, This original emigrant ion, facob, settled in Northampton County, Pa., in early manhood and then engaged in farming and boating Hit son, who bore the 11. on' as himself, was boi 11 at Pi ei mansburg, Northampton I ounty, in [825, and in boyhood iva employed as dri er on a • anal , by slow di ,701 1- ing his way up to b( a boal ownei . Ijiii in;; a period oi many years he l ished coal foi 1 hi ( rlendon fron ' otnpany. 1 n 1 86 ; he retired from boating and turned his attention to farming in bi nati 1 1 ity. Prom 1876 to 1889 hi - ultivati d a farm ■•it I entn Valli y, but in the hiti' 1 jreai r< tired from a< tivi caret 1 has sini 1 • d on his fai m, in 1 hi quiet 1 njoj men! "I 1 om forts rendered po sibli by his earl) indu 1 1 •. WImii :i boy in Kirkpatricl bad no advan 9 8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tages except such as his own industry secured. He and two brothers began to work on the canal in childhood. They were fond of study and usually carried their books with them on the boat, so they were able to keep at the head of their classes during the three months annually they attended school. When he was seventeen our subject stopped canal work and turned his atten- tion to other occupations. His hope was to se- cure sufficient money to complete his education. When he was nineteen he attended the Bethlehem boarding school for five months, after which he was given a certificate to teach, and for ten years taught in district schools. He was given a per- manent state certificate after he had taught for four years. During his vacations he took a course in the United States Institute of Business and Finance, where he completed the regular course. About 1882 he entered the Hellertou Collegiate Institute, intending to prepare himself for a civil engineer's course in Lehigh University, but after reflecting upon the matter and consult- ing with his preceptor, he decided to devote his life to medicine. While gaining his initial knowl- edge of the science he also taught school. In the fall of 1884 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., from which he graduated in 1886, standing third in a class of one hundred and sixty- four. For this excellent record as a student he was awarded compliment- ary mention and a gold medal. After graduating he was one of forty-four members of the class who took an examination before the faculty of the Medico-Chirurgical Post- Graduate College in Philadelphia, and by them he was awarded the second place in the class. After having visited for a few months with his parents, Dr. Kirkpatrick went to the frontier. The Kaw reserve had been opened up a short time before and he settled at Bushong, Lyon County, Kaus., where he remained for eight years. However, the town did not prosper and he therefore moved to Americus, eight and one- half miles distant, where he practiced for three years. In October, 1897, he came to Illinois and settled in Peotone, where he has since become the leading physician of the village. Recently he completed a very handsome and commodious residence, and here he and his family have a delightful home. In 1875 he married Emma M. Bader, who was born in Hellertown, Pa., daugh- ter of David Bader, a prosperous farmer of that locality. Two children were born to the union of Dr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick. One is now living, Valeria, an accomplished young lady and a grad- uate of Chicago Musical College in June, 1900. HENRY EDWARD BUSS. The reputation which Mr. Buss has gained during his life- long residence in his present locality is that of an energetic farmer and stock-raiser. Al- though he stared out for himself with very lim- ited means, he has been prospered and is now in comfortable circumstances, his farm being among the best in Florence Township. Five miles south of his present home, and in the same town- ship, he was bom October 29, 1S69, a son of Ed- gar C. and Selina (Gurney) Buss. His grand- father, John Buss, was one of the earliest settlers at Jackson's Grove, where he spent his remaining years engaged in farming. The father of our subject was born in Ohio and accompanied his parents to Illinois in boyhood. The most of his life was spent in Will County, and for years he was a well-known stock-raiser and farmer of Florence Township, cultivating two hundred acres of valuable laud. In politics he was a Republican and during anti-slavery days was a stanch Abolitionist. At the opening of the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hun- dredth Illinois Infantry, and went to the front with his regiment, remaining in active service for three years. In the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded and never fully recovered from the effects of the wound. He died August 4, 1887, when forty-nine years of age. His wife was a sister of George F. Gurney, of Joliet. She is still living on the old Buss homestead. Of the six children comprising the family, Jessie is the wife of August Carlsen; Henry Edward was sec- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 99 ond iii order of birth ; Frances married Jesse Young ; Leslie G., Elmer C. and Florence reside with their mother. The boyhood years of our subject were passed in the locality where he now lives. The scenes that now surround him have been familiar to him from his earliest recollection. He began for him- self at an early age. He had nothing but a team and wagon, but with these, backed by his sturdy determination, he began a career that has since been prosperous. He superintends the old home- stead of one hundred and sixty acres, having two hundred and sixty acres altogether under his control, and besides farming, is engaged in buy- ing, feeding and selling cattle. He owns two threshing machines which he operates during the season. He does not concern himself about politics. However, he believes in the Republican platform and uniformly votes that ticket. The marriage of Mr. Buss to Miss Alice, daughter of Albert Coop, of Channahon, this county, occurred January 12, 1890. They have three living children: Lulu M., Edgar C. , Hattie, and lost one son, Albert, by death. EONARD GEORGE WILSON, manager of It the business interests of Selz, Schwab & Co., U hi Joliet, has been a resident of this city since 1868. He was born in London, England, August 7, 1847, son of Leonard and Ann Ellen (Weed) Wilson, lifelong residents of England. His father, who before retiring from business was the proprietor of a jewelry store in London, died in 1899, when eighty-one years of age. Mr. Wilson had four sisters, two of whom went to New Zealand. The older, Ellen Selina, who was the wife of Robert Greig, died in 1898. The younger, Annie Elizabeth, is the wife of William Handley. The other sisters, Matilda Caroline and Sophia Louisa, together with their brother, William Joseph, continue to reside at the old home in London. The paternal grandfather and one of his sons, both bearing the name of George Wilson, served in the British navy; the former, who held the rank of captain, fought at Trafalgar under Admiral Nelson; the latter was killed in the Crimean war. After completing his education the subject of this article took up office work until 1867, the year of his coming to America. He spent one year in Chicago and then came to Joliet, where he was employed by the Michigan Central Rail- road Company for seven years, and then worked in a quarry business with W. A. Steel for a year. January 1, 1876, he accepted a position with the firm in whose employ he has since continued. Starting in their office he worked his way up to the responsible position of manager of their fac- tory at the Illinois State Penitentiary. His long service with the same firm is abundant proof of his efficiency and faithfulness to their interests. He is one of those genial, courteous gentlemen, whom it is a pleasure to meet and the memory of whom is not soon forgotten, even by casual ac- quaintances. Since the organization of the Peo- ple's Loan and Homestead Association he has been among its stockholders. While he keeps in touch with the questions of the day he has not identified himself with any political party, but has maintained independence of thought. Fra- ternally he is a Past Regent of the Royal Arca- num and a member of the Ancient Order of Egyptians. October 19, 1876, Mr. Wilson married Ella B., daughter of Edwin B. and Elizabeth Cornelia (Olney) Mason. They became the parents of four children, namely: Ralph Mason (deceased); Edwin Leonard; Clara Ella (deceased); and Percy William. On her mother's side Mrs. Wil- son inherits the Puritan blood of those who land- ed on Plymouth Rock. Her grandfather, Hale S. Mason, a native of Massachusetts, descended from ancestors who settled in New England prior to the Revolutionary war. In childhood he was taken to New York. During the early '30s he, with his family, made the journey from the latter place to Illinois, and settled near Lockport, where he bought land. Indians were still to be seen roaming over the prairies and skulking in the forests of the state. Nor had wild animals yet re- IOO GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ceded before the advancing march of civilization. At once he became active among the pioneers of this county. Among the positions he held were those of collector for the Illinois and Michigan Canal and justice of the peace. In 1S50 he joined a part}' of Argonauts and crossed the plains to California. For some years he engaged in min- ing and trading in the far west, returning via the Isthmus of Panama. An enthusiastic Abolition- ist, as a member of the Underground Railroad he aided that cause materially and helped many ne- groes to escape from bondage, sending his sons to take numbers of them in wagons to Chicago. Two of his sous, George H. and John Q., served in the Civil war. The elder was color bearer and was killed during a skirmish near Cumberland Gap. The father of Mrs. Wilson was quite young when his parents came to Illinois. For some time he was connected with his father in business. Afterward he was located in different parts of the state; coming to Joliet he organized the People's Loan and Homestead Association, of which he was the secretary until his death in 1884. He and his parents were forced out of the Congregational Church before the war, owing to their anti-slavery opinions. In his business transactions Mr. Wilson is methodical and exact. He has ever shown him- self guardful of the best interests of his company and in his decisions has been wise and business- like. He is a man of decided and inflexible traits of character, but with these is blended a cordiality and geniality that render him de- servedly popular. 0RVILL C. DICKINSON. Some men de- vote their lives to the accumulation of wealth, others to the mysteries of science; some pursue Fame's ever-fleeting shadow and some live for the enjoyment of the passing moment. But comparatively few give their lives, inconstant self-sacrifice, to Christian serv- ice, seeking neither earthly fame nor financial returns, but content to labor and to walk in the footsteps of Him who said "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." It is in this spirit and in this service that the busy life of Mr. Dickinson has been spent, and now, in the after- noon of life's brief day, he can look back upon the past without remorse and forward to the future with the Christian's hope of eternal hap- piness. Elder Dickinson (for by this title our subject is best known) was born in St. Lawrence County , N. Y. , September 10, 1836, a son of Horatio N. and Miranda (Titus) Dickinson. He was one of ten children and the second of six now living. Concerning the others we note the following: Charles is a well-known resident of Otsego County, Mich., and a deacon in a Baptist Church; Julia M. is the widow of Richard S. Poole, of Battle Creek, Mich.; Adeline E. is the wife of Rev. Silas W. Brookins, a Baptist minister in Dade County, Mo.; Albert P., a veteran of the Civil war, is a deacon in the Baptist Church in his home town in Dade County, Mo.; and Sumner H. is Sunday-school superintendent and a prominent church worker at Goodland, Ind. It will thus be seen that the members of the family are active in religious work in their various places of residence. Nathan Dickinson, our subject's grandfather, was born in Hartford County, Conn., the son of a Revolutionary soldier. He removed to Potts- dam, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and about twelve years later settled in Pitcairn, the same count}-, where he engaged in farming. He re- mained at Pitcairn until his death. In religion he was a Methodist, while his wife was a Presby- terian. Their son, Horatio N., was born in Rut- land County, Vt., September 11, 18 10, and was a year old when his parents settled in St. Law- rence County, N. Y., where he grew to manhood and married. In 1S44 he removed to Ottawa County, Mich., and, after six years there, settled in Battle Creek, the same state. The year 1859 found him in Kankakee County, 111., where he settled one-half mile south of the county line and near Manteno. Purchasing a farm, he continued to make his home thereuntil his death. From GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. IOI early life he officiated as a deacon in the Baptist Church. He was a man of strictest integrity, one whose life exemplified the truth of his religious professions. His death occurred Jan- uary 20, 1 88 1. He had two brothers, Nathan and Justin, who served in the war of 1S12. The mother of our subject, who is still living, was born in Rhode Island September 27, 18 13, and now makes her home with her daughter, Julia, at Battle Creek, Mich. One of her sons, Anson, enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war and was shot before Atlanta July 22, 1864. Our subject was given good advantages when he was a boy, it being the wish of his parents that he might be well fitted for the responsibilities of life. He attended the high school at Battle Creek and his studies there, com- bined with his thoughtful reading in later years, gave him a broad education. His health was not strong enough to permit a college education, which his father wished to give him. November 6, 1857, Mr. Dickinson married Susan A. Beedle, a native of Ashtabula County, Ohio, and a daughter of Emory Beedle. Her father, who was a fanner, came to Illinois in 1865 and settled at Wilton Center, where he died in July, 1871. While he was not a member of the conference, he served as a local preacher in the Methodist Church and was a very earnest Christain worker. After his marriage our sub- ject settled in Manteno, Kankakee County, 111., and engaged in farming on land owned by his father. He was nineteen years old when he united with the Baptist Church. On his arrival in Kan- kakee County he found that the nearest congre- gation was at Wilton Center. Accordingly he put his membership in this church. As soon as his ability as a preacher became known he was pressed into service. In August, i860, he re- moved to Wilton Center and gave his time en- tirely to ministerial work. However, times were so hard that his income was not sufficient to maintain his family, so it became necessary for him to engage in other occupations. However, he never lost his interest in church work. Freely he gave his time, his efforts, his influence, that the cause might be strengthened in the com- munity. With the exception of four years in other places, for thirty-one years he gave his time largely to his labor of love in this community. He toiled that others might be blessed; he sowed that others might reap, and while he has never accumulated worldly possessions he has gained a name for Christian work that few ever attain. In 1895, upon the advice of physicians, he gave up mental labor and retired to his farm, where he and his wife are living quietly and happily, blessed by the esteem of hosts of warm friends. They have no children of their own, but reared and carefully educated two adopted daughters, Ruth Jenkins and Bardae Turner. The former is now the wife of Rev. C. R. Betts, pastor of the Englewood Baptist Church in Chicago. The other is the wife of H. N. Dickinson, a merchant, grain and coal dealer at New Lenox, this county. HON. WILLIAM H. STEEN. Scotland has contributed to Illinois many of the state's best citizens, and she has contributed none more worthy of respect than Mr. Steen, the post- master of Braidwood and one of the pioneers of the town. When he came here in 1S70 the place was much smaller than at present, although its bituminous coal interests were then, as now, of recognized importance. In 1872 he was one of the incorporators of the town, and he has since been a factor in its advancement, holding numer- ous important positions of a public nature, be- sides taking an active part in the buying and selling of real estate. The father of our subject, James Steen, was a native of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland. In the spring of 1865 he settled in Schuylkill County, Pa., and for a few years he engaged in mining at Pottsville. The year 1868 found him in the then new mining camp of Braidwood, 111. Here, as a practical coal miner, he worked for some time, and in this city he died in 1889, aged sixty-eight years. At the time he came to America our subject was fifteen years of age. He spent five years in 102 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Pennsylvania, engaged in mining. Beginning in the humble position of slate picker, he gradually worked his way Up through all the grades until he became a practical miner. For eighteen months he worked a mine in Stark County, Ohio. In 1870 he came to Braidwood, where he was em- ployed in all of the best mines at different times. Retiring from the work of a miner, in 1882 he bought out the insurance and real estate business of John James, and this he continued until he was appointed postmaster in 189S. The Republican parts- has always received his stanch allegiance ever since he was of age. From 1873 to 1877 he served as a member of the board of aldermen; in 1877-78 he was city clerk, and from 1885 to 1889 he was mayor of Braidwood. After retiring from the mayoralty he was elected city attorney. A few years later a higher honor was conferred upon him by his election, in 1895, as a member of the state legislature. At the expiration of his term he was re elected to the office. During his service in the house he was active in the interests of labor and served as chairman of the committee on mines and mining. Having himself risen from poverty to influence, he was well qualified to assist in legislation for the benefit of the work- ingmeu, and they had in him a stanch friend. During his second term he was chairman of the committee on labor and industrial affairs and pre- sented to the house what is now commonly known as the child labor bill. Many other re- forms were also championed by him and received the impetus of his encouragement. A number of fraternities have enlisted the co-operation of Mr. Steen. He has been an executive officer and royal chief of the order of Scottish Clans, embracing the United States and Canada, and has recently been elected for a third term of two years. He is a member of Banner Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he has been past grand and which he represented in the grand lodge for four years; he also served as district deputy. In St. Andrew's Lodge, K. of P., he is past chancellor, and its representative in the grand lodge of the state; for two years he was district deputy grand chancellor. He is con- nected with Braidwood Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he is past warden. For several years he served as district secretary of the Miners' Union, in which he has been very active. By his marriage, in 1869, to Mary Robertson, he had four children, viz.: Agnes H., now the wife of John Kilpatrick; Elizabeth; Isabella; and Mary A., who died, aged sixteen years. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 105 ISAAC W. RICHARDS. *VSAAC W. RICHARDS, a general farmer of Plainfield Township, and a resident of Illi- X nois since 1866, was born in Huron County, Ohio, October 14, 1844. His father, John M. Richards, who was a native of New York state, settled in Ohio at the age of twenty-three years and bought a partially improved farm in Huron County. Under his industrious supervision the land was converted into a valuable farm, bearing improvements that stamped its owner as a man of thrift and judgment. On that place the re- mainder of his days were busily passed. The qualities that characterized him and contributed to his success were inherited from a long line of Scotch ancestors, his father having been the first of the family to leave Scotland and seek a home in the new world. In politics Mr. Richards was a Republican, but had no desire to participate in public affairs and never sought offices of any kind. Prior to removing from New York he married Miss Hannah E. Jones, and they became the parents of eleven children. The fourth of the children was Isaac W. The latter's educa- tion was such as the common schools afforded. At the opening of the Civil war his older brother, Edgar, and Zetus entered the Union army and our subject took up the work of the oldest broth- er, Edgar, who was engaged in the meat business at Havana, Ohio. He was thus only seventeen when he started out for himself, and since then he has made his way independently in the world. From the opening of the war it was his desire to serve his country, but he felt that he was too young to render efficient service. However, in February of the closing year of the war, 1865, a good opportunity came to enlist and he at once offered his services. At Sandusky, Ohio, he was mustered into Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, with which he re- mained until the close of the war, his regiment being one of the last to leave the Shenandoah Valley. He was honorably discharged at Wash- ington, D. C, and mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio. Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Richards closed out his business affairs in Ohio and made arrangements to remove to Illinois. He settled south of Joliet, where he began farm- ing. After a few years he purchased eighty acres in New Lenox Township, where he very successfully conducted agricultural pursuits until 1882. He then sold the place and moved to Lockport, where with two others he started the first wire mill in the town. In 1885 he sold his interest in the business and bought eighty acres on section 25, Plainfield Township, where he has since made his home. He is an intelligent man, with a broad knowledge of current events, both in our own country and foreign lands. This in- formation he has gained by systematic reading of current literature. He has not allowed himself to be so engrossed by his daily labors as to ex- clude a knowledge of what is going on in the world. He is a great reader and is never hap- pier than when, the day's work done, he can de- vote himself to his papers in the comfort of his home. In his political views he favors the Re- publican party. He is a member of the Congre- gational Church and contributes to its mainte- nance. He is a member of Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M., and Bartleson Post, G. A. R., in Joliet. December 22, 1869, Mr. Richards married Miss Venia Burger, of Joliet. They became the par- io6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. euts of four children, the eldest of whom, Charles, died in infancy. The others are: AllieG., Roy C. and Otis W. Mrs. Richards was born June 5, 1849, in Co- lumbia County, X. V., and in order of birth was sixth among the eleven children, there being five sons and six daughters. She was ten years old when she came with her parents to Joliet, 111., and was a graduate of the school of that place, where she lived until her marriage. While at home she was always at her place and a worker in the First Baptist Church among the young people. After she married Mr. Richards she left her home church to go with her husband to the Congregational Church at Plainfield, of which she is still a member. She is a member of Pansy Chapter No. 239, O. E. S., of Plainfield. She has taken part in the County Institute, and gave an address before the State Institute, besides speaking at other places. Mrs. Richards is descended, through her fath- er, from a Holland family that earl} - settled in New York state. Her great-grandfather, An- thony Burger, owned large tracts of land and many slaves (for at that time New York was a slave state). He was very wealthy, but gave all of his fortune to assist in carrying on the Revolu- tionary war, and received in return from the gov- ernment a grant for a large tract of land in the Mohawk Yalley. Upon the close of the war, in which he had fought, he started on horseback for the Valley, carrying the government papers with him and intending to claim the land. When he was half way to his destination he wrote to his family, but after that they never heard from him. Time passed and he did not return. Men were sent in search of him and traced him to a certain tavern on his route, at which he remained all night, leaving early in the morning. There all trace of him was lost, nor could the papers ever be found. The opinion of some was that he had been killed by British spies, as he was heard to remark, when he gave his wealth to carry on the war: "If the British win, I will lose my head, and if the States win, I will lose my money." Jeremiah Burger, grandfather of Mrs. Rich- ards, when a boy of twelve or thirteen, drove an ox-cart with a yoke of oxen, for the purpose of conveying the sick and wounded to places where they could be cared for. He married Maria Howk, whose maternal ancestors, the Livingstons, owned large tracts of land in Livingston County, N. Y. Their son, Thomas L. Burger, father of Mrs. Richards, was born in Dutchess County, X. Y. When a young man he embarked in busi- ness with his cousin, P. S. Burger, in the manu- facture of fine carriages in Hudson, N. Y. After a time he married Julia A. Fiukle, whose father served in the war of 18 12 and whose ances- tors settled in this country during colonial days. As years passed Mr. Burger retired from manu- facturing and chose agriculture, which he said was the most independent occupation. He bought a large farm in Columbia County, N. Y. Some years later he sold the place and moved to Illinois, settling in Joliet, Will County. Here he bought a large tract of land and lived until his death. (JOHN O. PIEPENBRINK, a pioneer of 1849 I in Crete Township, was born in Hesse-Cas- (2/ sel, Germany, April 24, 1S26, and died Jan- uary 24, 1900, at Crete, 111. He was a son of H. H. and Lottie (Meier) Piepen brink, who died in Germany at the ages of fifty-five and forty-five respectively. He was one of four children, all of whom but himself remained in Germany. The family being wealthy, he was given the best ad- vantages his country afforded: however, with that exception the family fortune availed him naught, as the estate being entailed, it fell to the eldest son on the death of the father. Believing he could do better in America than in his native country, he resolved to come hither, and with his wife, Sophia (Wille) Piepenbrink, he sailed from Bremerhaven April 3. 1S49, arriving in New York City May 1. Thence they came by canal and lake to Chicago, and from there to Crete Township. This section was then sparsely settled. The surroundings were of a most primi- tive character. Of improvements there were al- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 107 most none. He established his home in a small log house, which was illy protected from the snow and the winds of winter. He borrowed money with which to pay for his land and was obliged to pay thirty-six per cent per annum for the use of the same. However, notwithstanding this and other discouragements, he steadily prospered, and finally acquired the title to more than seven hundred acres, a part of which is now owned by his sons. A large part of his success was due to the dairy industry. He kept more than one hun- dred cows on his place and made large shipments of butter and cheese to Chicago. For thirty years he has made his home on section 1 1 , where he had one of the comfortable homes of the town- ship. Politically he was a Republican. In re- ligion, like his ancestors, he adheres to the doc- trines promulgated by Martin Luther. Mrs. Piepenbrink was born January 2, 1826, a daughter of Conrad and Sophia (Oldrag) Wille, farmers near Hesse Cassel, active workers in the Lutheran Church of their neighborhood, and the parents of seven children. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Piepenbrink there are eight children, viz: J. Otto and Henry F. , prominent farmers of Crete Township; Conrad, William, John and Philip, also farmers in this locality; El- len, wife of Henry Sporleder; and Sophia, Mrs. John Diersen. EHARLES BLIM, M. D. It has been said by those who have consulted Dr. Blim, pro- fessionally, that he has few equals for skill in the diagnosis of disease and the application of appropriate remedial agencies. Since he came to Crete in 1888 and established his office here, he has built up a practice that is not limited to the village, but extends throughout this part of the county. The attaining of this result has meant months and years of steady devotion to the science of medicine. It his been his aim to keep abreast of all discoveries made in the profession, and this very fact has greatly promoted his stand- ing as a physician. Dr. Blim was born near Blue Island, 111., July 7, 1859. His father, Martin Blim, a native of Germany, came to America when less than twenty years of age, and for several years he worked by the day or month in Syracuse and Buffalo, N. Y. Early in the '40s he bought a farm near Blue Island, 111., and in the midst of the then frontier surroundings he established his home. He lived to see the remarkable develop- ment of northeastern Illinois. He owned a large tract of land, which, owing to its fertility as well as its proximity to Chicago, became very valu- able. Politically he was an active Republican, and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1889 he retired from farm work and removed to Englewood, where he died June 9, 1890, aged seventy-eight years. His wife, Elizabeth (Schat- zell) Blim, was born in Germany and accompa- nied her father, Jacob, to America in childhood, settling near Evanston, 111. She is still living, and is now seventy-one years of age. In religion she is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In her family were eight children, of whom Charles was the fourth. He was given a public school education, but, not feeling satisfied with it, determined to earn the means for a broader education. With a fixed resolve he worked early and late, and carefully hoarded his earnings. In 1879 he graduated from the Nor- mal School at Normal Park, after which he taught for five years, meantime being for a year principal of the Lemont school. While carrying on his school work he devoted every leisure mo- ment to the study of medicine. In the fall of 18S5 he entered Rush Medical College, from which he graduated in 1S8S, and then settled in Crete. July 24, 1889, Dr. Blim married Miss Franc E. Hewes, of Crete, who died September 27, 1897, leaving three sons, Warren C, Charles H. and Spencer P. Mrs. Blim was a daughter of Rev. Samuel Hewes, whose sketch appears on another page of this work. She was a lady of estimable character and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. For seven years Dr. Blim has been a member of the village board, and as such rendered valu- able services to the village.. On the same ticket io8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he was chosen to serve as a member of the school board, which office he filled for a number of years, until the demands of his practice caused him to resign, but after about three years he was again elected to that office. HERMAN SCHWEPPE is a member of the firm of J. H. Schweer & Co., of Crete, dealers in wagons, buggies and farm imple- ments, and agents for the Wood, Minneapolis and McCormick binders and mowers, the John Deere plows and corn planters, David Bradley's goods and the Gorham and Hoosier seeders. In addition to his connection with this thriving en- terprise he has held office as secretary of the Crete Farmers' Township Mutual Fire Insurance Company since January, 1899, and is also one of its directors. Since April, 1896, he has filled the office of town clerk with ability. Mr. Schweppe was born in Washington Town- ship, near the village of Beecher, this county, on the 4th of July, 1864. His father, Frederick, a native of Prussia, Germany, came to the United States when about thirty years of age, in 184S. For two years he was employed in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, after which he came to Illinois and settled at Eagle Lake, this count}-. Purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of partly broken land, he gave his attention to its further im- provement and cultivation. While he had very limited means on coming here, he was prospered to such an extent that he owned one hundred and seventy acres at the time of his death, when sixty-nine years of age, in 1S90. On becoming an American citizen he identified himself with the Republican party. In religion he was con- nected with the German Lutheran Church. In his native land he married Ann Wilkie, who sur- vives him and is how seventy-two years of age. Until his father's death our subject remained on the home farm. Afterward he came to Crete and purchased an interest in his present business. He is a representative of the energetic, capable young business men of the village. His atten- tion is very closely given to the management of the business and to his duties as an officer in the fire insurance company. Therefore he has not had the leisure for participation in public affairs, although it is his aim to keep posted concerning public matters of political or commercial impor- tance. wW ms?t\ of iluhois a7oxa ^6 i/cr cr7~&^/ ~) GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. DAVID FORSYTHE. HON. DAVID FORSYTHE, who is one of the largest laud owners and cattle-buyers in Florence Township, was born in Ballynure, County Antrim, Ireland, April 25, 1850, a son of Andrew and Jane (Ballentyne) Forsythe. He was one of eleven children, all but four of whom still survive, viz. : James, who is internal revenue collector at Monroe, La. ; Jane, widow of Samuel Fiuley, of Wilmington, 111.; Mary, widow of Frederick Alex, of Lake Forest, 111.; Andrew; Robert H. , a farmer of Onarga, 111.; Samuel, of Peoria; and David. The grandfather, John For- sythe, was a lifelong farmer of Ireland. Of him it is said that ' 'his religious orthodox was equaled only by the intense devotion he bore to the inter- ests and fortunes of his country." He had a brother, Andrew, Sr., a wheelwright in Count} - Antrim, and a man of broad education, at the same time intensely loyal to his country and his church (the Presbyterian). He believed that the people of a country have a natural right to its soil, its air, its water; to make its laws; to till its soil; and to receive such benefit as accrues there- from. For his intense devotion to the Irish cause, the animosity of the government pursued him and all belonging to him. On every pretext his property was injured, his peace was disturbed and his family harassed. His nephew and name- sake grew up with the same convictions and was even more frank in their expression. He was the tenant of a brutal landlord, who first subjected him to every species of hardship and then evicted him by chopping down the rafters of the house during his absence, which, falling into the fire- place, burned the house to the ground. In poverty and suffering he was compelled to seek another home for his family. It was in this way that he was led to come to America, the land of the free. Hither his eldest son, John, had preceded him some years. This son later became one of the most prominent Democrats in Illinois and was chairman of the state central committee. He was a co-laborer with Abraham Lincoln in the office of secretary of state in Springfield, and after Lincoln's election as president he tendered his former associate an appointment as United States consul to Belfast, but the offer was declined. Later he organized a company to serve in the Civil war, but on account of illness at home he resigned his commission and took his family to Florida. In the early history of Chicago he was one of the fore'most figures, particularly among the Irish residents of the city. His death oc- curred there in 1885. When fifty-one years of age Andrew Forsythe, in 1849, crossed the ocean, accompanied by his family. He came west via the great lakes, but while sailing up the St. Lawrence River, the en- gine of the boat exploded and one of his daugh- ters was killed. Her body was taken to Fond du Lac, Wis., and there buried. The sad accident disheartened the others. After reaching Chicago they proceeded to Sparta, 111., and at Christmas- time took a vessel at New Orleans for their na- tive country. In 1861 they again came to the United States, arriving in Will County in Sep- tember and settling on section 3, Florence Town- ship, which land was owned by Hon. John For- sythe, of Chicago. A few months later the fath- er went to Chicago, where he remained until May, 1863. He then returned to Florence Township, and here spent the remainder of his I 12 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. days, dying June 20, 1880. It has been said of him that he preserved to his death the scrupulous integrity which he had inherited with his Pres- byterian creed, and that practical Irish patriotism which was its twin legacy. When the last trib- ute of respect was paid to his memory, people of all denominations gathered to attend his funeral, and the capacity of the largest church in the place was taxed to its utmost to accommodate his friends. His wife was a daughter of John Ballen- tyue, a farmer and tanner; her grandfather was one of the conspicuous figures in the revolution- ary periods of his country, and at onetime, when his life was in the greatest danger, he was con- veyed out of the country in a barrel. The education of our subject was completed in an academy in Chicago. In 1866 he returned to the Will County farm, of which he took com- plete charge two years later. In 1S76 he mar- ried Bessie, daughter of James and Rebecca (Freeburn) Hamilton, natives of Londonderry, Ireland. The family crossed the ocean aud set- tled in Nithburg, Upper Canada, where she was born. In 1857 they located in Jackson Town- ship, this county. Some three years afterward they removed to Florence Township, where Mr. Hamilton died in 1886. His widow now makes her home with a daughter in Chicago. After his marriage Mr. Forsythe purchased the live stock and appurtenances of the home- stead, which he farmed as a renter. In 1877 he bought one-half of section 4, a part of which property his father had added to the homestead. On this place he has since resided. During the intervening years he has added to his original purchase until he now has nine hundred and sixty acres of land in one body, some of this be- ing as good land as can be found in the county. Since 1867 he has been a large cattle buyer and feeder, and has shipped to the Chicago mar- kets. It is almost exclusively through his live- stock interests that he has gained his success in life. In 1 87 1 Mr. Forsythe was elected highway commissioner and was chosen treasurer of the board. The year following the bank in Wil- mington failed and he was a loser to the extent of $1,100. After filling various minor offices, in 1880 he was elected supervisor of the town of Florence. His service was so acceptable to the people that he was twice re-elected to the office, the last time having no opposition. He refused to serve a fourth term. In 1872 he was nomi- nated for the legislature, but refused to accept the nomination, withdrawing in favor of William Mooney, who was elected. In 1890 he was again nominated for the legislature and was elected bj' a handsome majority. During his term as a member of the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth general assemblies he worked on the following committees: live-stock and dairying, of which he was chairman; corporations, canal-river improvements and commerce, mines and mining, agriculture, sanitary affairs, retrenchment aud miscellaneous subjects. He was oue of the fam- ous one hundred and one who elected Senator John M. Palmer to the United States senate. He was the champion of the anti-truck bill and was largely instrumental in securing its passage. He also championed a bill to lower the rate of inter- est from eight to six percent, but accepted a com- promise at seven per cent. Fraternally Mr. Forsythe is a member of Wil- mington Lodge No. 208, A. F. & A. M., and is a Scottish Rite Mason. He and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian Church. They have an only son, John, who is now attending the high school at Wilmington. I RED J. SCHOTT, who has spent his entire fy life in Joliet and is engaged in business in I this city, is the son of a pioneer, Jacob Schott. The latter, who was a native of Ham- burg, Germany, learned the trade of a painter and decorator in his native country and from there, a young man, came to America, securing employment with a firm in New York City. The firm, Jevne & Almini, secured the contract for decorating the penitentiary at Joliet and sent Mr. Schott to take charge of this work in 1854. The GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. "3 contract for the decorating of the state peniten- tiary secured the firm other large contracts that were important and profitable. In 1855 Mr. Schott started a paint shop at No. 415 Jefferson street, where, in 1872, he erected a substantial business building, and in this he continued in business until the time of his death, September 27, 1SS4, at the age of fifty-nine. He was made a Master Mason in Mount Joliet Lodge. Before leaving Germany he took part in the revolution of 1848 and it was largely on account of his connection with it that he decided to leave his native land. He married Rosa Helm, who was born near Munich, Bavaria, Germany, a daughter of Anton and Hannah Helm, by whom she was brought to America in infancy. Her father settled on the present site of Watertown, Wis., about 1835, where he improved a farm from the wilderness. Later he sold the place and removed to Baraboo, the same state, where he engaged in farm pur- suits. He died in 1883 and his wife in 1896. Mrs. Schott is still living and makes her home in Joliet. Of her children, Fred is the oldest; the daughters are Mamie, Mrs. August Schoenshadt, who died in Joliet; and Susie, who married John Raible and now resides in Birmingham, Ala. In Joliet, where he was born June 6, 1865, the subject of this sketch received his education in the city schools. Leaving the high school at the end of the third year, he turned his attention to business and learned painting and decorating under his father. On the death of the latter he took charge of the business, of which he has been sole proprietor since 1896, continuing the business in the building so long occupied by his father. He is one of the leading Masons of Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M.; also belongs to Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., Joliet Council, and Commandery No. 4, K.T.,of this city, also Medinah Temple, N. M. S., of Chicago. The Modern Woodmen of America is another fraternal organization that receives his support. Socially he is connected with the Union Club. He is not a member of any denomina- tion, but contributes to the Central Presbyterian Church, with which his wife is identified. The marriage of Mr. Schott took place in his home town, November 24, 1896, and united him with Miss May Louise Smith, who was born in New York state and educated in Evanston, 111., and by whom he has a son, Fred J., Jr. The fa- ther of Mrs. Schott, James Monroe Smith, re- moved from New York to Evanston and after- ward engaged in business in Chicago. "DWARD FUCHS is one of the well-to-do *t) retired farmers now living in Joliet. He __ was born in Prussia, Germany, August 31, 1845, a son of Christian and Christiana (Engle- hart) Fuchs, also natives of Prussia. His father, who was born in 1809, grew to manhood in his native land and there engaged in farming. In the spring of 1852 he came to America, landing in New York after a stormy voyage of nine weeks. From New York he came directly west to Chicago, and a day later proceeded to what is now Tinley Park, Cook County, where he bought eighty acres in Orland Township for $5 an acre, paying half in cash and giving a mort- gage for the remainder. Three years later he sold the place for $10 an acre and bought another farm of forty acres in the same township, where he remained for nine years. His next removal brought him to Frankfort Township, this county, where he purchased an eighty-acre tract, and to this he added another eighty adjoining, across the line in Cook County. Here the remaining years of his life were spent. After coming to this country he identified himself with the Re- publican party. He was reared in the Evangeli- cal Lutheran faith and always affiliated with that church. Personally he was an upright, capable and sagacious man, and was highly esteemed. He died on his homestead September 16, 1874. His wife, who was born in 1817, is still living. Of their children, Julius occupies the home farm; and Emma is the wife of Fernon Smith, a farmer of Orland Township, Cook County. At the time the family immigrated to this coun- try our subject was a child of six years. He GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. grew to manhood in Cook and Will Counties and early acquired a thorough knowledge of agricul- ture. May 27, 1872, he married Miss Bertha Dall, a native of Zinn Kotten, Sohlingen, Prus- sia, born May 12, 1842, a daughter of Jonathan and Amelia (Hartkopt) Dall. Her father was born November25, 1S12, and her mother May 23, 181 8, both in the same place as herself. After having followed the cutler's trade in German} 1 for some years, her father, in 1848, brought the family to America, landing in New Orleans after a voyage of seven weeks. He came direct to Ill- inois and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Kendall County for $Soo, which he sold three years later for $1,000. He then worked at black- smithing in Ottawa for a year, after which he went back to Kendall County and bought an im- proved farm of forty acres. Four years later he came to Frankfort Township, this county, and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where he remained for eight years. His next purchase was one hundred and ninety-six acres in New Lenox Township, and on that place he died June 30, 1885. For some years he served as path master and road commissioner in Frank- fort Township. In religion he was a Lutheran. His wife died December 30, 1SS9. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are living, namely: Bertha, Mrs. Fuchs; Ida, wife of Wilhelm Stoll, of Joliet; and Emma, who mar- ried George Busche and lives on the old home- stead in New Lenox Township. After his marriage Mr. Fuchs settled on the eighty acres of the homestead that was situated across the line in Cook County. This he had purchased prior to his marriage. After less than a year he sold the farm and bought eighty seven acres in Homer Township, where he remained for three years. His next purchase was one hun- dred and twenty-five acres near the village of Spencer, in New Lenox Township. A short time afterward he added forty acres to the farm. He remained there for five years and then bought a residence, with ten acres, in the outskirts of the village of Frankfort, and retired from farm life. From that time he engaged in buying, selling and trading real estate, and his success in this was even more marked than it had been in farming. In all of his transactions he showed shrewd, keen judgment. He owns the old homestead compris- ing one hundred and fifty-six acres of well-im- proved land. In 1891 he moved to Joliet, where he owns and occupies a fine residence on Ex- change street. He also has two other residence properties in this city, the Union block on Cass street, a business block of five stores, and various lots in Joliet and Chicago. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. He has always favored public improvements. As a citi- zen he is esteemed and respected. He and his wife became the parents of six children, viz.: Julia, at home; George E., who is connected with the Beach dry-goods house; Mathilda, who was born March 20, 1877, and died September 16 of the same year; Annie K., who was born May 25, 1879, and died on the same day; Amelia E., who was born November 25, 1884, and died May 22, 1888; and Clara E., born April 19, 18S7. LIBF IV OF 1 E UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS t/9^^2 o^V-c^e^Ky GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 117 THOMAS HERSCHBACH. HO MAS HERSCHBACH, who is a dealer in hardware, tinware, pumps, windmills, etc., at Frankfort Station, was born in Joliet in 1844. His father, Henry Hersehbach, a na- tive of Prussia, came to the United States in 1841, and after a short sojourn in Chicago settled in Joliet. During the construction of the canal he was employed on it. In 1868 he removed to Minnesota and settled at St. Cloud, where he fol- lowed the carpenter's trade and the furniture business. For some years he was connected with his son, Henry, in business in that town. He died there when eighty-two years of age. Per- sonally he was a man of quiet disposition, re- served and retiring, yet at the same time he possessed energy, good judgment and determina- tion of character. During the early days of Joliet he was a resident of the famous "bloody" second ward and he also did considerable building in this city, being a contractor and builder. He mar- ried Susan Assenmacher, of Prussia, who died in St. Cloud at the age of eighty-two. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living, namely: Henry, of St. Cloud; Mary, widow of Mathias Dresding; Elizabeth, Mrs. Limprich; Thomas; and Barbara, wife of John Schirer. When twelve years of age our subject left school. The education he subsequently received was the result of his exercise of the powers of observation and experience. From contact with the world he acquired a broad knowledge of men and things. For five and one-half years he worked in the New York dry-goods store, mean- time working his way up from a humble position to a remunerative one. Afterward he learned 6 the tinner's trade with W. F. Barrett, father of J. O. Barrett, and served his full time, three years. In 1868 he came to Frankfort Station, which was then a small hamlet, whose streets during the spring months were almost impassa- ble on account of mud. Here he opened a tin- shop. At first he had but a small stock. In time he added to it and now carries a full line of hardware, tinware, stoves, etc. A few years ago he bought a building which he remodeled and enlarged, and which gives him a floor space of 100x26 feet, besides his large storerooms. He also owns a farm in Hamilton County, Iowa, which he rents. His success is worthy of com- mendation, for he started out with only $100 and has attained, through his unaided efforts, his present high position in business circles. By his marriage, in 1870, to Alvina Mane, Mr. Hersehbach has four children, viz.: Charles, now in Chicago; Otto, at home; Emma and Mabel. In politics our subject has always been a Republican, believing firmly in the principles of his part)'. He is interested in a number of fraternal organiza- tions, his preference being for Masonry. He is past master of Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. ; Joliet Com- mandery No. 4, K. T. ; and Oriental Consis- tory of Chicago, taking his thirty-second degree in 1877. (lAMES RUMSEY BOWEN was born near Ithaca, N. Y., June 2, 1842, the youngest Q) of a family of two sons and two daughters, all deceased except himself. His father, George, u8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was a native of Enfield, Tompkins County, N.V., and by trade a carpenter and builder; and his mother, Pernulla, was born in Enfield, Tomp- kins County, where her father, James Rumsey, engaged in farm pursuits. Mr. Bow-en died when a young man, but his wife lived to be sev- enty-two years of age. Their son, our subject, was employed on farms from an early age, and saved his earnings until he was able to buy ninety acres of land. August ii, 1862, Mr. Bowen enlisted in Com- pany G, One Hundred and Ninth New York Infantry, and from Binghamton, the point of muster in, was sent south to Bladensburg, Md. , six miles from Washington, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, where his company engaged in guard duty and captured more than three thou- sand deserters. He won distinction by person- ally capturing McCarthy, clerk to the paymas- ter, who had stolen $40,000 from the paymaster and absconded with the money. Later he was detailed with six men to guard Beltsville, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, where he remained during the winter. During his last day at that point, he and his comrades captured three bounty jumpers, who tried to bribe them in order to secure freedom, but all offers were refused by their captors. When Burnside reorganized the army at Annapolis, Md., to make the last cam- paign against Petersburg, Mr. Bowen joined him and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Gaines' Farm, and the battles before Petersburg. En- listing as a private, he was commissioned cor- poral and sergeant, and in 1S64 was made second lieutenant of Company G. After the battle of Mine Explosion, in front of Petersburg, he com- manded the company. In the engagement that followed, so many of his men were killed or cap- tured that only eight of the company responded to roll call the next morning. After the grand review in Washington he was honorably dis- charged in Binghamton, X. V. Returning to Ithaca, Mr. Bowen engaged in the grocery business. Two years later he went to Enfield, where he was proprietor of the Falls hotel, a summer resort, for four years, Two years were then spent in Ithaca, after which, in 1879, he came to Joliet, where he carried on a hotel business for three years. In 18S2 he be- came superintendent for Jefferson Hodgkius, of Chicago, but the following year started in the gravel business for himself. After a short time at Rowell's pit, he had charge of the Woodruff pit for ten years, but in 1S97 removed to the Mound, where the best gravel in the country is secured. He owns one No. 3 crusher, of one hundred yards per day capacity, and one No. 6 crusher, with a capacity of four hundred yards per day. Since 1897 he has had contracts to furnish gravel to the Rock Is'and Railroad, be- sides which he makes shipments to Chicago and neighboring towns. He has had the contract to furnish macadam for many streets, both in Joliet and elsewhere, and his work of this kind is as fine as any in Joliet. To facilitate shipments, a double switch is connected with the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad, and power is furnished by an engine of one hundred and ten horse-power. During his residence in his native town, Mr. Bowen married Miss Augusta Kellogg, daughter of Joseph Kellogg, a tobacco manufacturer of Ithaca, N. Y. EAPT. ELLSWORTH G. BOWEN, the only son of James R. and Augusta (Kellogg) Bowen, is a member of the firm of James R. Bowen & Son, well known contractors of Joliet. He was born in Ithaca, N. Y., October 12, 1S68, and received his education in the pub- lic schools of that city and Chicago. When four- teen years of age he secured employment with a wholesale paper house in Chicago, beginning in the lowest position and working his way up- ward gradually, until he was made cashier and bookkeeper. Afterward, for five years, he held a responsible position with the wholesale millin- ery firm of D. B. Fisk & Co. He resigned to ac- cept a more profitable position as clerk with the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Two years after coming with the company he was made GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 119 chief clerk of the bridge and building depart- ment, and continued in that capacity until 1895, when he resigned. After a trip through the south he returned and embarked in business with his father, furnishing material for street building. They handle the Mound gravel, which is pro- nounced by experts to be the finest gravel in the United States. While his father has charge of the work at the Mound, he superintends all of the street work, managing it in an able manner and proving that he is a man of fine business judg- ment. Fraternally Captain Bowen is connected with Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M.; Joliet Council; and Joliet Commaud- ery No. 4, K. T., in all (except the Council) of which he has been an officer; also a member of the Knights of the Globe and the Eastern Star. In politics he is a Republican, active in the party and uncompromising in his adherence to its principles. The military history of Captain Bowen dates from May 6, 1885, when he enlisted as a private in Battery C, Illinois National Guard, which served actively during the stone quarry strike and riots between Joliet and Chicago. The bat- tery was mustered out by special order July 13, 18S5. In the following year, on the 14th of April, he enlisted in Chicago as a private in Troop D, First Illinois Cavalry. March 14, 1887, he was transferred to Company L, Sec- ond Infantry, I. N. G. He was made a corporal June 10, 1888, and a sergeant August 6 of the same year. May 15, 1889, he was appointed first sergeant; September 15, 1S90, he was elected second lieutenant; April 13, 1891, first lieutenant; and July 6, 1891, captain. He was re-elected captain July 6, 1894. On his re- moval to Joliet he received from Col. Fred Ben- nett an appointment as captain and adjutant of the Third Infantry, I. N. G., and was commis- sioned as such by the governor. At the opening of the war with Spain he was commissioned ad- jutant (with the rank of captain) of the Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was mustered in at Springfield, 111., May8, 1898. He accompanied his regiment to Chickamauga Park and from there to Newport News, thence on the cruiser "St. Louis" to Porto Rico. He was the first mem- ber of the Third to land in Porto Rico. While on board the transport "St. Louis" he was ordered by the colonel to go ashore with several convalescent soldiers and report with them to General Miles, who directed him to conduct them to their re- spective regiments. This accomplished, he re- turned to his own regiment, which landed thirty miles from Ponce under cover- of the fire of the opposing ships. During the campaign that followed he was an active participant, serving honorably and effi- ciently until the regiment was summoned home by the cessation of hostilities. On the organiza- tion of the first regiments for service in the Phil- ippines he received from President McKinley, without solicitation on his part, an appointment as first lieutenant, and was assigned to the Thir- tieth Infantry, U. S. V.; but having joined his father in a business that demanded his entire personal attention, he was obliged, reluctantly, to decline the commission. By natural gifts and practical experience he is fitted for military duties, and his service at the front was such as to reflect credit upon his patriotic spirit and zeal, giving him a high place in the ranks of the offi- cers and soldiers, to whose energy the speedy ter- mination of the war was due. 3ACOB ADLER. After having for years con- ducted a large and successful meat business in Joliet, Mr. Adler in 1897 turned the busi- ness over to his sous, Jacob C, Jr., and Law- rence, and his son-in law, Daniel Lenuon, who continue it under the title of J. C. Adler & Co. Since that time he has, with his youngest son, Michael, been extensively engaged in rais- ing and selling cattle, having a valuable farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Troy Township, three miles from Joliet, and a forty-acre tract at Enterprise, where he has his slaughter house. In addition to the management of these interests GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he has been interested in the packing business at intervals since 1861, and he has also dealt ex- tensively in real-estate in Joliet and farm prop- erty, including a farm in Missouri which he now owns. Among the prominent business men of the city he was one of the few who safely weathered the financial storm of 1S73. He has been helpful in promoting local enterprises by assisting in making up the required bonus, and was particularly interested in the starting of the tinplate and rolling mills. While he is a Roman Catholic he has contributed to every church, no matter what its creed, that has been erected in Joliet. He assisted in organizing both St. Patrick's and St. John's churches, and is actively connected with the latter. In the building up of St. Francis Academy he took a prominent part, and has since served as a member of the board of directors. During war times he supported Abra- ham Lincoln and the policy of the administration, after which he joined the Democratic party and is now a believer in the issuing of greenback cur- rency and in the free coinage of silver. For four years he served as alderman from the sixth ward, during which time he was a participant in many measures for the benefit of the city and the en- largement of its business interests. Mr. Adler was born at Bachen, Canton Trier, kreis Mertzig, Prussia, March 17, 1S37, a son of Michael and Margaret (Sebastian) Adler. In the fall of 1837 the family left Havre on a sailing vessel and after a voyage of almost four months landed in New York, thence went via Albany and the Erie canal to Buffalo, thence up the lakes and to Chicago, where they secured an ox-team, driving on to Indiana and buying a farm there. However, in July, 1838, they came tothiscounty and settled at Sagg's bridge. In the spring of 1S39 the father bought a farm on what is now the site of New Lenox. Four years later he settled two miles south of Joliet, where he improved a valuable farm. After a bus>- and active life as a farmer, in 1868 he retired to Joliet and made his home on South Chicago street until he died, aged eighty-six years and six months. His wife died at the same place December 15, 1888, aged eighty-three years. Of their eleven children seven attained mature years, namely: Jacob; Mrs. Margaret Rappal, of Chicago; Angeline, now Sister Liguori of the Order of St. Francis; Peter Paul, who died in 1S96; Veronica and Mary, of Joliet; and Jasper, who died at twenty- nine years of age. Among the pupils in the first log school house built in New Lenox Township was the subject of this sketch. Afterward he attended school in Joliet Township. In 1858 he began to cultivate some of his father's property. He had already acquired considerable experience in agriculture. In fact, when he was only seven he had driven the oxen that were attached to a breaking plow and seven years later he began to push the plow — no easy task, as all know who have en- gaged in breaking prairie soil. When the Pike's Peak gold excitement started in 1S59 he started west with a part}- of five. Arriving at Leaven- worth, Kans., they outfitted with three yoke of oxen and three wagons. He and his partner, Clemence Erhard, went in a wagon via the Smoky Hill route direct to Denver. At one time, while crossing the plains, they counted five hun- dred buffaloes in one herd, and they saw as many as fifty autelopes in a drove, while at night the wolves howled on every side. The trip from Leavenworth to Denver took from April 15 to June 3. Proceeding to Gregory's Diggings, in the Clear Creek district, Mr. Adler en route had many hazardous experiences, and afterward engaged in mining there and at Russell's Gulch. In the fall he returned to Denver, thence by mule team to St. Joe, Mo., where he traded his team and wagon for a farm in Missouri; the latter, how- ever, he soon sold, never occupying it. Return- ing to Joliet he started soon for the Michigan pineries, but at Centreville, Ind., he bought horses and cattle and came back home. In the spring of 1S61 heopeneda meat market in Joliet, having Joseph Richmond as a partner for three years. He then bought Mr. Richmond's interest and his brother-in-law, Frederick Rappal, be- came his partner; the latter in turn was bought out by Jasper Adler. They bought cattle in Iowa. Kansas and Missouri, and shipped to the east. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 121 Two years later he opened a meat market on Chicago street and his brother, Peter, became his partner, to whom he later sold the shop. In 1877 he bought the National Hotel block and started a market at that location, also fitted up the National hotel and four store buildings in the block. He continued in the meat business until 1S97, when he transferred the business to mem- bers of his family. His residence is at No. 113 South Eastern avenue. January 11, 1866, in Joliet, Mr. Adler married Miss Emily T. Erhard, who was born at the family home on Bluff street November n, 1842. She was one of seven children, the eldest of whom, George Clemence, now of Joliet, was the first male child born of German parents in Will County. Joseph is a farmer in Manhattan Town- ship. Lawrence is a Roman Catholic priest, and Louisa makes her home with him. The father, George Erhard, was born in Wertsburg, Bavaria, May 7, 1807, ason of John Erhard. He came to America in 1833 and worked in Detroit, Mich., but soon walked from there to Chicago, and in April, 1836, came to Joliet, where he built and for manj- years operated a brewery on North Bluff street, the stone work of which is still standing. Afterward he settled on a farm that was then one mile from Joliet, but now adjoins the constantly-growing city. The last two years of his life were spent in Somonauk, 111., where he died June 2S, 1890, at the age of eighty-three years, two months and eleven days. His wife, Louisa (Periolat) Erhard, was born in Alsace and came to the United States in 1834; she died on the home farm July 27, 1887, aged seventy-three years. The seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Adler who reached maturity are named as fol- lows: Margaret Louise, wife of Daniel P. Lennon and mother of two children, Jacob J. and Daniel; Jacob C, Jr., who was educated in Niagara University and Bryant &Stratton's Business Col- lege, and is now connected with the firm of J. C. Adler & Co. ; Lawrence, who attended Niagara University, and is also a successor to his father in the meat business; Emily V., who was educated in Niagara Convent; Michael, who was a student in Notre Dame University and is now engaged in the cattle business; Patricia and Catherine, who have been given good educational advantages in St. Francis' Academy. Of the above, Jacob C. married Elizabeth Young, daughter of Henry Young, proprietor of the Young building. They have one son, George Henry. Michael married Angelia Murphy, a native of Joliet and a daughter of David Murphy, whose father, David Murphy, was a pioneer of Will County. Daniel P. Lennon is a son of John Lennon, a well-known early settler of Will Coun- ty and a pioneer in the marble business in Joliet. HOHN F. WALL, a successful business man I of Joliet, is the proprietor of a large agri- Q) cultural implement store on Joliet and Van Buren streets. He occupies all of a three-story building, 44x80 feet in dimensions, where he keeps in stock a full line of steam threshing ma- chines, Deere and Janesville plows, Bain wagons, Columbia, Wisconsin and Henney and other carriages, seeds of all kinds, and, in fact, every- thing to be found in a model store of this kind. He lives at No. 505 Wilcox street, in a residence built by himself several years ago. He is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is an active member of St. Patrick's Church of this city. A resident of Joliet since the spring of 1881, Mr. Wall was born at New Diggings, Wis., in 1852, a son of Robert and Katherine (Crowley) Wall, natives of Canada. His father, who was reared in New York, came to Joliet at an early age and followed the blacksmith's trade in this city during the building of the canal. Next he engaged in lead mining in Wisconsin, where he died in 1855. His wife survived him for many years, dying at Highland, Wis., September 22, 1896. They were the parents of five sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and three daughters are living. One son, James, who was a sergeant in the Tenth Wisconsin Infantry dur- ing the Civil war, later became a member of the 122 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Forty-fourth Wisconsin, and for a time was held a prisoner in Libby. He died in Wisconsin ten years after his return from the war. Another son, Richard, now living in Kansas City, was also a member of the Forty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry. Two sons, Peter and John F., make their home in Joliet. The education of our subject was obtained in public and select schools and in Avoca Academy, where he was a student for two years. After- ward he taught school in Highland, Wis., and later six months in South Dakota. In 1S81, coming to Joliet, he became an employe of G. C. Erhard. in the implement business, re- maining with his successors, Watkins & Son. in the same business until 18S7, when he bought out his employers and continued the business on Desplaines street. In 1892 he removed to his present location, corner of Van Buren and Joliet streets. After coming to Joliet he married Miss Bessie O'Connor, daughter of James O'Connor, an early settler of this count}-. They are the parents of six children, William, Jessie, Gene- vieve, John, Raymond and Helen. (ILLIAM DAVIDSON, secretary and treas- urer of the Joliet Pioneer Stone Company, is identified with one of the leading enter- prises of its kind in the county. In 1867 he and W. A. Strong bought the Swalm quarry, which was the first opened in this section for commercial use and was also the first to make shipments by canal. Later they bought the Wilson quarry, in which Mr. Davidson afterward bought his part- ner's interest and to which he has since added until it includes nearly one hundred acres. At the time of purchase it had only one derrick and that a crude one; now its machinery is valued at $60,000 and includes man}' derricks and a fine crane with a capacity of twelve tons. A yard was also established at Twenty-seventh street in Chicago, where he had a twenty-ton crane, but the elevation of the railroad tracks rendered the continuance of the yard impracticable. In 1885 planers were put in and saws ten years later, and there are four steam derricks with a capacity of fifteen tons each. In 1872 he furnished $99,000 worth of stone flagging for Chicago streets, mean- time furnishing employment to three hundred and twenty-five men. He also furnished all of the stone used in the plant of the steel company at South Chicago, where he placed an average of twelve to fourteen thousand per month. In 1S69 he sold a fourth interest in the quarry to his brother. In 1SS2 he incorporated the Joliet Pioneer Stone Company, of which he has been manager from the first and in which he owns the controlling interest. The capacity of the plant is very large and by means of switches, giving easy connection with railroads, shipments are made to all parts of the United States, from New Vork to the mountains. The remarkable suc- cess of the business is almost wholly due to the ability of the owner, although he has been fortu- nate in having associated with him men of quick insight and great energy. Nature endowed him with superior talents. He was only eleven years of age when he completed the higher arithmetic and his knowledge of mathematics has always proved of assistance to him, while his logical rea- soning, clear discernment and indomitable pluck have aided in securing his success. The Davidsons are a very old English family that originated in Denmark. Robert Davidson, a farmer of Cumberlandshire, England, married Esther Howe, member of a wealthy and ancient family of Threcot. When advanced in years he died in Liverpool; she was accidentally killed by the running away of a horse in 1835. Of their seven children who attained mature years four came to America, three being brought to this country by the fourth, William. The eldest, John, who was with William in business, died in Joliet in July, 1S95, a * seventy-two years of age; Joseph, a partner in the business, died in this city in March, 1S95; and a sister died in April of the same year, aged eighty. The fourth in the family, William, was born in Tallantire, Cumber- land, England, October 2S, 1827. When seven years of age he secured work herding cattle for GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 123 three pence a day. His school advantages were very limited, his education being acquired by self-culture. After working on farms for some years he began railroading at Newcastle-on-the- Tyne, and for four years was employed in track- laying. Next he went to Liverpool, where he worked on the police force for three months. From the time he was eight years old it had been his ambition to come to America and at last the opportunity was offered. A Connecticut firm sent a man to England to secure one hundred and fifty quarry men, and under an engagement with him William and Joseph Davidson crossed the Atlantic ocean on a sailing vessel, which landed in New York April 24, 1S50, after a voyage of twenty-four days. Three days later he was at work in the Middlesex (Conn.) quarry, where he remained for ninety-nine days, paying for his passage, but receiving no money from the firm. Finding himself unable to secure his wages, he went to Philadelphia, thence to Baltimore, and from there to Little York, Pa., where he worked in a quarry for six weeks. When the quarry was closed he walked one hundred and fifty miles and back again to within one mile of his first loca- tion in Pennsylvania, and there he secured work on the Erie canal. Six weeks later he walked to Dalton, Ohio. During those long walks he endured every privation and hardship. More than once he lacked needed food and comforts. The last day he walked thirty-two miles without breakfast or dinner, then worked for a few hours, earning seventy-five cents, after which he walked three miles to a boarding house. For nine months he was employed in track-laying on the Pitts- burg & Fort Wayne Railroad. After he worked six weeks it was found that he alone, of all the men, could put in the switches and side tracks satisfactorily, and he was therefore placed in charge of this work, receiving $3 per day, after which he was never without money. Leaving the road at Massillon, he went to Michigan City, Ind., and contracted to take tile from there to Lafayette. In 1852 he went to Chi- cago and from there, after an illness of ten days, proceeded to Kankakee, where he began to work setting; out stone for the railroad. He remained there for three years and from the first acted as foreman and opened the quarries. For two months he quarried in the bottom of the Kanka- kee River, but, the weather being cold, he turned his attention to the opening of a quarry in the bank. Through a flattering inducement held out by Robert Cunningham, of Joliet, in 1S55, he came to Joliet to work in his quarry. In July, 1856, he first became connected with the Wilson quarry, of which he was superintendent for eleven years, his work proving very profitable for the owners, as he brought the quarry from a run- down and unprofitable condition to a substantial financial basis. He continued to work for his original employers until he purchased thequar^- in 1867. From the formation of the Republican party Mr. Davidson has voted that ticket. He has allowed himself little recreation or relaxation from business duties, but in the fall of 1872, with his family, returned to England, where he re- newed the associations of youth and enjoyed a pleasant vacation. His first wife, Jane Sterling, was born in Canada, of Scotch descent, and died in Joliet; afterward he married Mrs. Ann (Hudson) Finney, a widow with six children. Two children were born of their union, one of whom is living, Mrs. Esther J. Pierce, of Engle- wood. After the death of Mrs. Ann Davidson our subject married Mrs. Melissa (Van Anchan) Dewey, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in Joliet. The present wife of Mr. Davidson, whom he married in Englewood, was Mrs. Amelia Higbom, of Chicago, an estimable lady, who shares with him the respect of acquaintances and the regard of friends. (lOHN CHARLES DOESCHER, who for I years was one of Endor's most prominent Q) men, is now making his home in Crete. He was born in Brunswick, Lake County, Ind., April 5, 1848. His father, Herman Doescher, a native of the kingdom of Hanover, there grew to man- hood and married Johanna Margreta Steffens. - L AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. manufac- turer successfu". dness of that kind at America in ind became one of It had been his ex- pects' to this country, to es- B 3 and he bought real estate there, but fa change " :ed in Indiana, where he became the owner of about three hundred acres. When ad- v red from farm pursuits and came to Will County, where he made his home J. C. Doescher, at Endor, dying chty-three years of age. When a young man he had served in the Hanover army, in accordance with the laws of his country. : was a Republican and in early days held a number of public offices. His wife died in Indiana, leaving six children, namely: Gesine, the widow of Henry Anderman: Herman X., a farmer in Crete Township: Johanna, the widow of -t Batterman; Frederica. widow of Charles .'.so residents of Crete j: Christine, wife of Henry Meyer, of Brunswick, Ind., and John Charles, of this sketch. til fourteen years of age our subject remain- ed on the Indiana homestead. His first work was in a harness shop. Later he was employed in a grocery store in Chicago. In October, 1864, when only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in Company G. Twelfth Indiana Cavalry. With his regiment he went to Alabama and other southern states. He took part in the battles of Murfreesboro, Nashville and Mobile, and was mustered out at iburg in November, 1S65. Returning to Indiana, Mr. Doescher took charge of the home farm, which he conducted for eight years. In 1S74 he came to Endor, Will County, and bought a store that his brother-in law, Charles Horn, had established there. Later he added windmills, pumps and steamfitting to his business and in 1SS2 he started a sawmill, which he still owns and operates. In October, 1S99, he sold his grocery and dry goods store and came to Crete, where he expects to make his home in the future. He has built a neat resi- dence in the village and expects to continue his windmill and pump business. In the local affairs of the Republican party Mr. Doescher has been active. For a long time he held office as township treasurer. For almost a quarter of a century he served as postmaster of Endor. While living in Indiana he married Miss Henrietta Weber, who was born in Sheboy- gan, Wis. To their marriage four children were born, namely: Otto H. H., February 7. 1S71: Matilda L., June 11, 1S72; Ida A., who was born September 12, 1S73, and who died April 17, 189S, and Henry H.. April 6, 1876. The three first named were born at Brunswick, Ind., and the voungest at Endor, 111. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 127 CHARLES CLAYES. EHARLES CLAYES, deceased, still lives in the hearts and memories of his friends and neighbors in Frankfort Township. As one of the men who by personal sacrifice and perse- vering industry reclaimed a farm from the raw prairie land, and who, at the same time, assisted in the development of local industries, he will be long remembered by those among whom he made his home. He was a representative of the best class of pioneers. Coming here in his youth, when the county was unsettled, he bore his part in the development of the laud and assisted in all worthy enterprises. For many years he was active in agricultural circles, but ill health forced him to relinquish all active pursuits, and for fif- teen years before his death he was an invalid, suffering constantly and greatly from rheuma- tism; in the midst of his sufferings, however, he was always very patient, and no one ever heard a complaint from his lips. When death finally brought him release from pain, he entered the great unknown eternity " as one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant slumber." The Clayes family originated in Wales, but was represented in New Hampshire in a very early day. Our subject's father, Peter, was a native of New Hampshire, but about 18 15 removed to Monroe County, N. Y., and twenty years later came to Illinois, taking up a claim near Lockport. After spending four years on that place, in 1839 he came to Frankfort Township, which had not yet been surveyed. Here he bought school and government land and settled down to farm life. In earlier years he had followed the cabinet- maker's trade, but after coming west devoted his attention to farming. His last days were spent with his son Charles. He died in May, 1S49, when seventy- five years of age. He married Louise Metcalf, a native of Massachusetts. She died in December, 1849. They had ten chil- dren, the eldest of whom, Caroline, was born on the 4th of July, 1799, and the youngest, Charles, was born on the 4th of July, 1819. When almost fifteen years of age our subject came with the family to this county, and he was about twenty when they settled in Frankfort Township. Afterward he took charge of the homestead and cared for his parents as long as the) r lived. As the years passed by he met with increasing success and often added to his possessions by the purchase of additional farm land, becoming in time the owner of more than three hundred acres, on which he engaged in stock-raising and general farming. His spec- ialty was the raising of cattle and sheep. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and seventy-two acres. In 1890 he rented his farm and took up his residence in Frankfort Station, where he died June 16, 1894, at the age of sev- enty-five years. He was always deeply inter- ested in local affairs and voted the Republican ticket. He was the first town clerk of Frank- fort, and for some years served on the school board. Fraternal organizations did not appeal to him, as he was a man of domestic tastes and preferred to spend his leisure hours with his family rather than in a lodge. While he did not belong to any church, he attended and supported the Methodist Episcopal Church. March 26, 1846, Mr. Clayes married Eliza A., daughter of Luther Williams, who had settled in Yankee Settlement in Homer Township in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Clayes became the parents of six 128 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. children, namely: Amelia L., who married W. H. Mettler, and lives in Bureau Count}-, 111.; Emma S., wife of J. S. Claus, of Englewood; Mary J., who married L. M. Mettler, also of Englewood; Charles W., a hardware merchant in Minneapolis, Minn.; Mattie H., who died July 5, 1894; and Adeline E., wife of Dr. R. H. Henry, of Peotone, 111. (ILLIAM H. WHITE, proprietor of the Columbia laundry at No. 106 Jefferson street, Joliet, was born at Braidwood, this county, January 22, 1874, a son of George VV. and Rebecca (Harris) White. Of ten children comprising the family he and a brother are the only ones in Joliet. His father, a native of Scot- land, followed farming in his native land, but while still a young man he came to America, more than forty years ago. Settling in this county he embarked in agricultural pursuits here. For a short time he also experimented with farm work in Kansas, but, not meeting with success, returned to Illinois, purchasing land in Iroquois County, near Kankakee, that was owned by the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He now makes his home in Braidwood and is living re- tired from business cares. He is connected with the Odd Fellows and in politics votes with the Republicans. The education of our subject was begun in public schools and completed in Putnam's Busi- ness College in Joliet. His first experience in merchandising was with J. R. Hobbs, with whom he remained for one and one-half years. Later he spent fourteen months with Royston & Clark, a grocery firm in Joliet, and afterward engaged in business with Charles Pinneo. About one year afterward he began to work for the Columbia laundry, which was at that time operated as a hand laundry. Since he purchased the business he has made it the leading laundry in the city. During the six years that he has had charge of the business his success has been marked; this, too, notwithstanding the fact that, when he be- gan, he was the youngest business man in Joliet, being less than twenty-one years of age. He displays push, energy aud sagacity in his work, and is making of it a notable success. He is a member of the Illinois State and the National Lauudrymen's Association. In politics Mr. White is independent. His fraternal relations are varied and important. He is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M.; Paul Revere Lodge No. 371, K. of P.; Sons of America; Knights of the Globe ( in which he is a charter member) ; Knights of Kor- rahasseu, a social order of the Knights of Pythias in Chicago; and Knights of the White Cross, of which he is a charter member. On Christmas day of 1S95 he was united in marriage with Amy, daughter of Charles Pinneo, of Joliet. They have had two children, one now living, Ardis Marian. 0ELIVAN D. ODELL, Ph. D., S. T. B., pastor of the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church of Joliet, and chaplain of the Third Regiment of Infantry, I. N. G., with the rank of captain, is a descendant of a colonial family of New York, whose first representatives in that state settled in the Hudson River valley, on the present site of Peekskill. In all the great wars of our country members of the family have partici- pated, proving themselves loyal to our govern- ment and also exhibiting great personal bravery in the midst of hard-fought battles. Dr. Odell's father, William, who was born in Peekskill, en- listed in the war of 1812 when a mere boy, and the grandfather, who was a Revolutionary war veteran, also marched to the front in the second war with England. By the marriage of William Odell to Lucinda Brown, of Peekskill, fifteen children were born (thirteen still living), and during the Civil war four of the sons and four sons-in-laws served in the One Hundred and Fourteenth and the One Hundred and Fifty- seventh New York Regiments. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 129 Born in Erieville, Madison County, N. Y., May 10, 1853, Dr. Odell was a boy of eight years when the Civil war began. Too young to enlist in the service, he was, however, old enough to take a most enthusiastic interest in the struggle, and, being the best shot of any member of the family, it was a source of great disappointment to him that he could not show his skill on the battle- field. He was given good educational advan- tages, and of these he availed himself to the ut- most, pursuing the classical course of study with the diligence and ardor of one who loves his work. In 1879 he received the degree of A. B. upon graduating from Colgate University at Hamilton, N. Y., and four years later the de- gree of A. M. was conferred upon him by his alma mater. Entering the ministry of the Bap- tist Church, he was ordained at Springfield Cen- ter, N. Y., in 1879, and immediately began to preach to the congregation at that place, where he continued for some years. In the midst of the varied duties of a pastor he continued to be a student. In 1882, with a desire to gain a broader knowledge of theology, he matriculated in the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he took the regular course of study, graduating May 5, 1886, with the degree of B. D. Since then he has been the recipient of two of the higher de- grees; the degree of Ph. D. was conferred upon him by Syracuse University June 8, 1890, and that of Bachelor of Sacred Theology by Chicago University in June, 1899. On the completion of his theological studies in Chicago, Dr. Odell accepted the pastorate of the Aurora (111.) Baptist Church, where he remained for four years, meantime having charge of the erection of a house of worship for that congrega- tion. In 1890 he became pastor of the First Baptist Church of Peoria, where he superintended the erection of an edifice costing $70,000. His next pastorate, commenced in 1894, was that of the Betheden Baptist Church of Omaha. His pastorates in these various places were so re- markably successful that he gained a widespread reputation in his denomination, and was espe- cially noted for his success in raising the neces- sary money for removing mortgages from church properties that were heavily incumbered. While he was in Omaha, the First Baptist Church of Lansing, Mich., was about to be sold for a mort- gage of $40,000. The members sent an urgent appeal to him, entreating him to come to their rescue and save the building from foreclosure. He did so, and within two years paid off $20,000 of the debt, thus saving the edifice to the congre- gation. In 1897 he came to Joliet, accepting a call as pastor of the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church, which at that time had a membership of two hundred and forty-two, but which, under his earnest and able leadership, has increased to more than five hundred members. He has been honored by election as moderator of the Aurora Baptist Association, in which responsible office he has displayed signal ability, wisdom and tact. Since coming to Joliet Dr. Odell has been a conspicuous figure in matters affecting the hap- piness and welfare of the people. Aggressive in his opposition to evil, he has not weakly repined when the religious or moral growth of the com- munity has been threatened, but has been firm and steadfast in his stand against wickedness and corruption. It was a matter of open comment that the law concerning the night and Sunday closing of saloons was wilfully violated. With a determination to secure an enforcement of the law, he set himself to work, and the agitation re- sulting from his efforts caused widespread inter- est. The press throughout the country, in com- menting concerning his efforts, espoused his cause and applauded his zeal. In the end he was rewarded with success and the enforcement of the law was secured. During the Spanish-American war Dr. Odell served at the front as chaplain, with the rank of captain, having received the appointment through Col. John Lambert, through whose generosity he was enabled to relieve much suffering among the sick soldiers in Porto Rico. August 1, 1898, he received from Governor Tanner a commission as chaplain of the Third Regiment of Infantry Illi- nois Volunteers, and accompanied the army to the south and from there to Porto Rico. By his devotion to the men he won their regard and re- spect. Going from bed to bed in the hospital, 130 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lie cheered, advised and comforted, while among the soldiers on active duty he was constantly present to encourage and inspire with new en- thusiasm. He was mustered out with his regi- ment in January, 1899. On the 24th of July of the same year he was commissioned by Governor Tanner as chaplain of the Third Infantry, I. N. G., in which capacity he continues at this writing. He maintains a deep interest in militia matters, and holds a high place among the mem- bers of the guard. Politically Dr. Odell has always been a stanch Republican, yet he has never shown a partisan spirit, but has conceded to others the same liberty of thought and opinion in political mat- ters that he desires for himself. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree; his blue lodge membership is in Matteson Lodge in Joliet. Shortly after the completion of his course in Col- gate University he was married, in Springfield Center, N. Y., to Miss Matie Ely, who was born at Richfield Springs, that state, and is a member of a colonial New York family. The only child of Dr. and Mrs. Odell is Lester E., who is a member of the class of 1903, Dennison University at Granville, Ohio. lILLIAM DOUGLAS, who has been suc- cessfully identified with the stone quarry interests of Joliet, came to this city in 1 88 1 as agent for the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August 19, 1849. His railroad experience began in Detroit, where he made his headquarters for a few years. In 1873 he became an agent with the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and two years later was assigned to Dwight, 111., where he remained for six years. The 1st of January, 1881, found Mr. Douglas in Joliet, as agent of the Chicago & Alton Rail- road in this city, a position that he filled until 1885. He was then promoted to be trainmaster. In 1886 he severed his connection with the rail- road and became secretary and manager of the Joliet & Chicago Stone Company, with which he continued until 1895, when the business was sold out to the Joliet Limestone Company. With the latter concern he continued as secretary and manager for a short time, and he is still one of the stockholders. In 1897 he became manager of the Globe Stone Company, which employed two hundred men at times. He is also interested in farming. In politics he votes with the Re- publican party. [V (7% t /t*Ay GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 133 PATRICK C. HALEY. QATRICK C. HALEY, attorney-at-law, of L/' Joliet, was born atSaranac, Clinton County, [3 N. Y., March 17, 1849. When he was two years of age his parents, Thomas and Hannah Haley, came to Illinois and settled in Joliet, where his education was primarily conducted. After graduating from the high school of this city he took a course of study in the law depart- ment of the Michigan State University, from which he graduated in the class of 187 1. Dur- ing the same year he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of his profession in Joliet. In April of 1S71 he formed a law part- nership with J. R. Flanders, but this connection continued only until December of that year. While he had no means at the time of starting in practice, his ability and intelligence made him a conspicuous figure at the bar from the first. In July, 1874, he entered into partnership with J. L. O'Dounell, and the firm of Haley & O'Dou- nell is to-day one of the most prominent and suc- cessful in northern Illinois. In corporation law, of which he has made a specialty, Mr. Haley is considered an authority, his long study and thorough knowledge of every phase and technicality of that department of the law giving him a reputation as a practitioner second to none. For years he has been retained as attorney for a number of corporations, includ- ing the Michigan Central, Wabash, Santa Fe and Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad companies. He has filled the position of corporation attorney for the sanitary district of Chicago for Will County in matters which involved millions of dollars. That his services have been appreciated by the trustees of the board is evidenced by the fact that, in addition to his salary, he was voted $6,000 as a Christmas gift in 1898. In Mr. Haley the Democratic party has found a steadfast supporter. His advice has been freely sought by party leaders. Having the welfare of the party at heart, he has given to it much of his time and contributed to the promotion of its interests. For a number of years, as a member of the Democratic state central committee, he was active in the politics of the state. In 1S74 his party elected him city attorney, an office that he held for one year, filling it in such a manner as to win the commendation, not only of Demo- crats, but also the warmest praise of Republicans as well. For fourteen years he has been a mem- ber of the Joliet city council. In April, 1891, he was elected mayor of the city, and this position he filled for two years, giving the city an ener- getic and progressive administration. Ten days before the congressional election of 1882 he was nominated by his party for congress. Others had declined to make the race against the Re- publican candidate, Hon. William Cullen, of Ottawa, for all believed that there was not the smallest chance of victory. However, for the sake of the party, he consented to enter the race. During the few days before election he made ten speeches. His reputation as a man was such that, although the Republicans usually had a majority of about seven thousand votes, he not only received the Democratic votes, but many of the Republican also. At the close of the elec- tion he was declared the successful candidate, but afterward the decision was reversed and it was 134 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. decided that he lost by seventy-seven votes. This was such a remarkable showing that Re- publicans, both of the district and state, were alarmed concerning the tenure of their party in this district. To many Mr. Haley is known only through his connection with law and public affairs. How- ever, those who know him best find him to be a man of genial social qualities, companionable, affable and large-hearted. He is domestic in his tastes and spends his leisure hours in the com- panionship of his wife and children. He was singularly fortunate in his marriage, as his wife has been a true helpmate and devoted compan- ion. Prior to their marriage December i, 1875, she was Miss Mary A. D'Arcy. Her father, John D'Arcy, settled in Joliet in 1851, and be- came a successful cattle-buyer and real-estate owner here. Mr. and Mrs. Haley have nine children, viz.: Margaret Caton, a graduate of St. Mary's con- vent; Robert Emmet, who is a law student in Michigan State University; Raymond Aubrey, a student in St. Bede's College, at Peru, 111.; Marion Columbia, Edna Madeline, Genevieve, Paul Columbus, Mary Angela and John Patrick. The family occupy a residence on South Center street that was erected by Mr. Haley, and is the most costly residence in the city. It is a fine three-story and basement building, with six rooms on each floor, and furnished in a manner reflecting the refined tastes and high culture of the inmates. In addition to this property, Mr. Haley is the owner of several houses and a business block in the city. |£) ATHANIEL J. BROWN. A record of the I / life of Nathaniel J. Brown is, to a large de- \lD gree, a record of the development of the middle western states. Few of his colaborers of pioneer days are now living. He stands, a link between the living, prosperous present and the distant, frontier past, and in his declining years may view, with just pride, the civilization and advancement of Illinois, toward which he was so important a contributor. Like the majority of pioneers, he started out a poor boy, without special advantages. Possessing a rugged frame and extraordinary business ability, his early youth foreshadowed his successful career. The high position he attained and the influence he wielded were the result of his sagacity, foresight and his talent for marking out a new course in the business world. His ability to grasp alike great enterprises and minute details aided him from -the first, while his perseverance and force of character also proved potent factors in his progress. While circumstances have entirely changed from the conditions of seventy and eighty years ago, and a young man could not now make the start that he made in his youth, yet there is much in his career to be emulated; and the sequel of his success shows how, with in- dustry, determination and an active mind, a man may attain wealth and prominence in any com- munity. The life which this narrative sketches began in Windsor, Vt., January 27, 1812. The family was a large one, comprising twelve children, but Governor Brown (for by his honorary title our subject is best known) alone survives. His fa- ther, Daniel B. Brown, a Vermonter by birth and ancestry, removed to Oswego, N. Y. , thence to Niagara County, the same state, and finally settled in Ann Arbor, Mich., in a very early day. At the time of his last removal Nathaniel J. was a boy of fourteen years. He had received a common-school education and after settling on the frontier turned his attention to business pur- suits, for which he showed decided talent. As an agent he became connected with a stage line projected by his older brother, Anson, from De- troit to the mouth of the St. Joseph River. This position afforded him an opportunity to gain in- formation regarding the possible location of new towns. One less quick-witted might not have perceived this opportunity, but Mr. Brown was far too keen and sagacious to permit an advan- tage to pass by unheeded. It was in this way that he was led to make investments in Kent, Ionia and Clinton Counties, all of which invest- ments brought him large returns. In Kent Coun- ty he bought a large tract of timber land, and, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. i35 although the lumber business had not yet been developed, he saw in this land a chance to make gratifying profits, so he built a mill on the prop- erty and engaged in sawing lumber. In the spring of 1835, as soon as the Grand River was clear of ice, he and an assistant took six schooner loads of lumber from Grandville to Grand Haven — a perilous undertaking, and one that was never made before or afterward. Arriving at Grand Haven, he loaded the lumber on the "White Pigeon," which he had chartered. With the cargo he proceeded to Chicago, where he arrived April 4. He sold the lumber there for $28 per thousand feet. In one year he sold enough lum- ber to pay for all of his land, together with the mill and the expenses connected with its opera- tion. It was during this first visit to Chicago that Governor Brown made the acquaintance of Au- gustus Garrett, now best known as the founder of Garrett Biblical Institute of Evanston, 111. Mr. Garrett, who was engaged in selling dry- goods and town lots, proposed to Mr. Brown that they form a partnership, and an arrange- ment was made that did not interfere with Mr. Brown's speculations in Michigan. The firm platted a town site at the geographical center of Ionia County, Mich., and Mr. Brown went to the new town of Ionia, where he remained for a time, and, when he sold all of his holdings in the place, he realized a small fortune therefrom. The money was invested in Chicago property. He and his partner purchased from John Bates, the first post- master of Chicago, a lot on Dearborn street op- posite the present site of the Trernout House. On this lot was a large building, and in it they started what soon became the most famous auc- tion house in the west. Their store was filled with goods of all kinds, sent from the east to be sold at auction or traded for town lots. In time the firm owned three large establishments, and consignments of merchandise were received by them every day. Their sales of real-estate, however, were more important than those of dry goods. Not only did they sell Chicago property, but also land in other parts of Illinois and in Wisconsin and Michigan. At one time they owned nine thousand acres in and around Chi- cago, and their holdings would now represent an almost fabulous sum. After the decay of the real-estate boom in 1837 their partnership dis- solved. When the first territorial legislature of Wiscon- sin met at Belmont in 1836, they decided upon the site of the capitol. No one knew what town would be selected as the capital, but speculators were alive to the importance of the occasion and all wished to invest in property in the town se- lected. In order that he might have first choice in selecting land, Mr. Brown sent Jerry Ford to Belmont to watch legislative proceedings, while he himself remained in Milwaukee. Mr. Ford took with him three of the fastest horses he could find, stationing them on the road between Mil- waukee and Belmont. When the act locating the capital was passed, Ford conveyed the news to him on horseback, reaching Milwaukee eight- een hours in advance of any other official or mes- senger. This gave Mr. Brown abundant oppor- tunity to make a selection of such lands as he desired in the neighborhood of Madison, and he located for himself and friends fifty-six tracts of eighty acres each, for which he paid $1.25 an acre. In addition he sent a special messenger to Buffalo and purchased from a man there more than fourteen hundred acres of land, on a part of which the State University of Wisconsin is now located. Another profitable investment was the purchase of a quarter section of land at the mouth of the Milwaukee River, which he bought for $4,000 and sold for $27,000. When work on the Illinois and Michigan canal commenced, Mr. Brown, at the solicitation of the president of the board of canal commis- sioners, accepted a contract to complete two sec- tions of the canal, running through what is now the village of Lemont. The sections embraced one mile of a deep cut through solid rock, where the famous limestone quarries have since been developed. The work was rapidly and success- fully carried forward by Mr. Brown. However, through the removal of the government deposits from the United States Bank, that institution and allied interests were brought into serious finan- 136 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cial difficulty. A panic was precipitated. The state of Illinois was one of the greatest sufferers and was unable to meet its obligations. Conse- quently Mr. Brown suffered an enormous loss. In compliance with an act of legislature, passed some years later, his claim against the state was placed on file with others at Springfield, for the purpose of adjustment, but that adjustment has never been effected. However, what seemed to be a total loss for Mr. Brown was by his shrewd- ness made the basis of a future profit; for during his work as a contractor he had noticed the splendid quality of the deposits of limestone and recognized that it would become very valuable in future days. He therefore acquired a large body of stone land, erected a residence atLemont, and turned his attention to the development of the stone quarries that are now among the most famous in the country. Some very substantial and prominent buildings of the west were built of stone from his quarries, among them the old court house in Chicago, the Illinois state capitol at Springfield and the Iowa state house at Des Moines. For some years the quarries have been leased, the owner being paid a liberal royalty on all stone taken out. During early life Mr. Brown was a Democrat, but at the time of the Civil war became a sup- porter of the Union and President Lincoln's ad- ministration, since which time he has affiliated with the Republicans. When he had in his em- ploy hundreds of men he often found it difficult to secure those who were sober and reliable. Those employed on the canal in early days were, as a class, turbulent and riotous. Drinking and carousals frequently led to serious altercations between the men. Believing that the men should be taught the wisdom of temperance, Mr. Brown called to his assistance a number of Roman Catholic priests and had them organize a Father Mathew Temperance Society, the first of the kind in northern Illinois. About three hundred Irish- men took the pledge and put on the badge of the order, in consideration of which Mr. Brown paid them $1 a month in addition to their regular wages. For more than two years either Father DuPoutavos, a French priest, or Father Plunkett, an Irish priest, made his home with Mr. Brown, and worked with him for the bettering of the workmen's condition. The result was that, dur- ing the five years of his canal work, not a saloon was to be found on the section of which he had control, nor could any intoxicating liquors be obtained there. Drunken orgies were no longer known. The men were said to be the most orderly of any on the line of the canal. Nor was a man injured at his work during all of this time. In looking back over the past, Mr. Brown can justly reflect with pleasure upon his connection with the growth of northeastern Illinois. From the frontier days to the present time he has been interested in every worthy movement in his lo- cality. His life stretches almost through the en- tire century at whose close we now stand. He has seen railroads introduced, and now long trains of cars sweep through lands over which the lonely frontiersmen once roamed; the clanking of machinery, the curling wreaths of smoke from innumerable factories, the busy streets, magnif- icent stores and offices, form a striking contrast to the Chicago of his youth. He remembers the beginning of the Illinois and Michigan canal and the throwing of the first shovelful of earth in in- augurating that enterprise; and he has lived to see the opening of the new canal, with its re- markable reversal of the laws of gravity and of nature — an enterprise justly deserving of being classed among the wonders of the world. For sixt}'-five years intimately associated with the history of Illinois, he has made an enviable record as a business man and a citizen, and may well be congratulated on the fruition of his early hopes and efforts. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 139 EDGAR E. HOWARD. " DGAR E. HOWARD, who has resided in 'p Joliet since 1876, has been engaged in the __ insurance business in this city since 1883. The agency of which he is the head was estab- lished in 1856 by W. C. Wood and is the oldest and largest in Will County. After Mr. Howard be- came connected with Mr. Wood the title became Wood & Howard and continued as such until the death of the senior member in 1S90, since which time Mr. Howard has been alone. He repre- sents the following large American and foreign companies: -Etna, Philadelphia Underwriters, Svea, Franklin, Hamburg-Bremen, Home, North British & Mercantile, Manchester, Hart- ford, Imperial, Lancashire, Liverpool & London & Globe, North America, Niagara, National, Pennsylvania, New York Underwriters, Palatine, Queen, Royal, Springfield, Western Assurance, Connecticut and Union Assurance Society. The headquarters of the agency are in the Barber building, Joliet. In April, 1899, Mr. Howard and E. O. Wood, of Dekalb, were selected by the American Steel & Wire Company to control all of their insurance, amounting to $15,000,000, extending from New York to San Francisco, and at that time they opened an office in the Home building, Chicago. The original name of the Howard family was Hayward, but by act of legislature the spelling was changed to the present form. During the war of 1812 Zuriel Howard, a farmer in Massa- chusetts, served as a major of artillery. His son, Samuel J., was born in Milford, Mass., where he engaged in the mercantile business and, later, in the manufacture of boots and shoes, continuing there until he died, in 1863. He was a strong 7 Abolitionist and a faithful member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. He married Sarah Ward, who died at Milford in 1884. Of their two sons and three daughters all are dead but Edgar E. , who was born in Milford September 15, 1S45. When thirteen years of age his father's health failed and he was obliged to begin work, aiding in the factory until his father died, when the busi- ness was closed out. In August, 1864, Mr. Howard volunteered in the Boston Fusileers that were later consolidated with the Fourth Massachusetts Heavy Artillery and assisted in the defence of Washington, D. C, until the close of the war. At the time of the assassination of Lincoln the company was put on duty to guard, day and night, and continued at their post until Booth was shot. In July, 1865, they were discharged in Massachusetts. On his return home Mr. Howard secured work in a straw hat factory. In 1867 he went to Sing Sing, N. Y., as an instructor in the shoe department of the state penitentiary, and con- tinued there until 1875. Afterward he was in charge of the blocking department of a straw hat factory in Brooklyn, N. Y. In July, 1876, he came to Joliet, as an instructor for Selz, Schwab & Co., shoe manufacturers in the state peniten- tiary, and continued in that position until he re- signed to engage in the insurance business. While in New York he married Sarah J. Bow T en, who was born in Leicester, Mass., and accom- panied her father, H. F. Bowen, to Sing Sing, N. Y., where she married. During his residence in Sing Sing Mr. How- ard was made a Mason. For many years he was secretary of Mattesou Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in 140 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Joliet; also of the Joliet Chapter, R. A. M., and recorder of Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. He also belongs to the Oriental Consistory and Me- dinah Temple, N. M. S., of Chicago. In politics he is a Republican. He is interested in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic and a worker in the local post. At the time of the building of the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church he was treasurer of the building committee. He also served as chairman of the finance committee, church treasurer and member of the board of trustees. r~REDERICK WILLIAM WERNER, M. D. M The twenty years of Dr. Werner's life that I have been devoted to professional work in Joliet have been sufficient to place him among the most reliable and skillful physicians of his home city. It was his intention in youth to study architecture, but Dr. Heise, of Joliet, persuaded him to change his plans and become a medical student. So radical a change as this might in many instances prove unfortunate, but the after- years have shown that the old doctor was correct in his judgment. He gave the young man the benefit of his advice and experience, assisting him in his studies for eighteen months, until he was ready to enter the University of Michigan in 1878. After taking a course of lectures there, in 1879 he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- lege, of New York, from which he graduated the following year with the degree of M. D. Mean- time he took the special courses in the University of Michigan and held a position as assistant demonstrator of anatomy. After graduating he engaged in practice with his former preceptor, Dr. Heise, with whom he continued much of the time until the latter's death, since which he has been alone. While his medical education was thorough, it is not his method to remain stagnant in his profession ; he is ambitious to keep in touch with every advancement made in the medical science and so has remained a constant student, striving by observation, experience, the read- ing of medical journals and courses in the Chicago Post-Graduate College under Dr. Byron Robinson, also special stud}- in bacteriology un- der Professor Klebs, of Chicago, to keep in touch with every phase of professional work. He has made a specialty of gynecology and abdominal surgery, in which lines he has gained an enviable reputation for skill. He has his office at the old homestead where he was born, its central location rendering it well suited for a physician's office. William Werner, the doctor's father, was a son of Charles Frederick Werner, and was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main in 1S31, a member of a very old family of that city. After learning the trade of a stone mason and cutter he came to the United States and settled in Joliet about 1850. At the time of the building of the Rock Island Railroad between Joliet and Chicago he was em- ployed at bridge building, and later he engaged in contracting on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. With his brothers, Charles and Adam, he opened stone quarries on the west side, within the city limits, and these he assisted in carrying on, at the same time taking contracts for the building of stone structures. For years before his death he made his home at No. 603 Jefferson street. A Democrat in politics, he was several times elected an alderman ou this ticket and also served as supervisor for six years. For many years he was a member of the fire department, of which he was chief for several terms. During the early days of his residence in Joliet he was an officer in the state militia, known at the Matteson Guards. He was one of the mainstays of the Lutheran Church and always remained connected with its membership and assisted in its support. He was connected with the Joliet Sharpshooters' Society. His death occurred at his home in May, 1SS7. The wife of William Werner was Barbara Goebel, who was born near Coblentz, Germany, in 1833, and has made her home in Joliet since 1S46. Her father, John Goebel, who was a mer- chant in Germany, came to America and in 1S46 settled in what is now Joliet. He continued to reside here, following farm pursuits until he died. Of the children of William and Barbara Goebel four sons are living, viz. : Dr. Frederick GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 141 William; Frederick Charles, who is fire marshal for the American Steel and Wire Company in Joliet; George W., a graduate of the New York College of Veterinary Surgeons, and now a resi- dent of Kansas City, Mo.; and Edward H., who is a graduate of the New York Dental College, and practices dental surgery in Joliet. In the family home at Joliet Dr. Werner was born February 8, 1858. He was educated in public and high schools. At fourteen years of age he began to work at the trade of a stone mason and cutter, and remained with his father for four years, being for a time his foreman on jobs. He left the trade in order to study medi- cine, and has since engaged in practice in Joliet. Besides his practice he is interested in other en- terprises, and for some time has been secretary - of the Joliet Sheet Rolling Mill Company. In this city he married Miss Louise F. Staehle, daughter of Charles W. and Marie Agnes (Bertch) Staehle, old settlers here. For two years Dr. Werner was city and town physician and for ten years county physician. He was appointed county coroner to fill a vacancy- in the office, and at the expiration of the term he was elected to the office, his name appearing on both the Republican and Democratic tickets in the election of 1880. He was a Republican and his first nomination had been by the members of that party, but he was renominated by the Democrats and again elected to the office. During the Gar- field-Arthur administration he was appointed a member of the first board of United States ex- aminers for pensions chosen by President Garfield, and held the office until the first term of President Cleveland, when political reasons caused his resignation. He is a member of the American Society of Microscopists, the Chicago Medical Society, Will County Medical Society (of which he has been president) , Mississippi Valley, Illi- nois State and American Medical Associations. Socially he is connected with the Germania Club. For some time he was a private in a company known as the Joliet Citizens' Corps, which, at the beginning of the great railroad strikes, was organized into Company B, Fourth Regiment, I. N. G.; he was commissioned second sergeant and was called with his company to assist in quelling the Braidwood strike. He is engaged as examining physician for the principal old line insurance companies of Joliet, and is examining physician for Mound City Lodge No. 112, M. W. A., in which he was the first charter member. He is connected with the Supreme Court of Honor and Paul Revere Lodge, K. of P. In Masonry he has risen to a high rank. Three times he has been chosen master of Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M. He is a member of Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M.; Joliet Council of Royal and Select Masters No 82; Joliet Commandery No. 4, in which he is senior warden; Medinah Temple, N. M. S., with which he has affiliated since 1892; and a member of the Oriental Consistory of Chicago. 5JEORGE EIB, one of the earliest settlers of _ Jackson Township, represents the fourth ^Ji generation of the Eib family in America. The first of the name in this country came from Germany and settled in Lancaster County, Pa., from which he went to the front as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His son, Jacob, was reared in his native county of Lancaster, but in middle life removed from Pennsylvania to the western part of Virginia, where his remaining years were spent. Peter, son of Jacob, and father of our subject, was born in Little York, Pa., March 12, 1779, and accompanied his father to Harrison County, W. Va., afterward carrying on a butcher business in Clarksburg. Later he migrated to Ohio, where he spent one year in Columbus and another year on a farm near the city. Going from there to Fountain County, Ind., for six years he carried on a meat business and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1832 he came to Illinois and located a claim, selecting a tract of land that forms a part of our subject's farm. After making his selection of land he went to his former home for his family and was detained there for some time, but finally returned 142 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to Will County. May 10, 1833, was the date of his second arrival on his claim. At once he be- gan to clear the land and place it under cultiva- tion, and his remaining years were busily devoted to agricultural pursuits on the same homestead. For years he was foremost in the development and upbuilding of his township. He was a loyal patriot and served with courage and fidelity in the war of 18 12. His death occurred August 4, 1858, when he was in his eightieth year. By his marriage to Madeline Gilbert nine children were born, five of whom are living, namely: George, who was born in Harrison County, W. Va., March 17, 1816; Mathias, of Oakland, Cal.; Augustus and Amos, both living in this county; and Lemuel, of St. Joe, Mo. At the time the family settled in Illinois our subject was seventeen years of age. He aided his father in the clearing of the land and prepar- ing it for the raising of crops. When he was twenty-one he began to work as a farm hand, but after a year engaged in farming independently. The land on which his father had settled was canal land, and, it failing to come into the market for sale as he expected, he purchased another place known as the Jenkins farm, and George and Levi (the latter now deceased) took the farm on which the father had first settled. Two years later, the land coming into market, they pur- chased it, and some time afterward divided the property, and our subject acquired another eighty acres. In later years, as he prospered, he added to his land until he now owns two hundred and sixty-eight and one-half acres, forming his homestead farm. He is a progressive man, ener- getic, industrious, and deserves his present pros- perity. The laud which he owns has increased in value almost an hundred- fold since he pur- chased it, and is now one of the valuable estates in the county. He has devoted himself to its cultivation and has never been active in local affairs or politics. May 2, 1844, Mr. Eib married Miss Mary A. Zumwalt, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Ogle) Zumwalt. Her father, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1800, engaged in farming for some years in his native county, but in 1830 removed to Hancock County, Iud., and four years later settled in Illinois, taking up a claim in the vicinity of Mr. Eib's home. In 1849 he went overland to California and began mining near Sacramento. After the mining excitement had subsided he went to Colusa County, Cal., settling at the Willows, where he lived for ten years. Next he moved to Anderson, Shasta Count}', and there made his home until he died, in 1893. His wife, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1804, died in 18S2. Her father, Enoch Ogle, came to America from Wales and settled in Maryland, where he married Anna Cressop; from there he removed to Adams Count} - , Ohio, which continued to be his home until his death. Jacob Zumwalt, the father of Joseph, was a na- tive of Little York, Pa., his parents having settled there from Germany. Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Eib. Of these seven are living, namely: Peter B., of Colusa County, Cal.; Louisa, wife of William Ash, of Colusa County; Alameda, Mrs. George Hibner, of Grundy County, 111.; Catherine A, who is the widow of Julius Johnston, of Joliet; Mary O., wife of Samuel Owens, of Cambridge, Neb.; George J. W., who manages the home farm; and Jacob L-, who resides at Waukegan, 111., and is an engineer on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. (3 FINLEY DUNCAN, D. D. S. In his cho- ?\ sen profession Dr. Duncan has a high stand- C*y ing in Joliet. His constant study of the science of dentistry (for he has ever been a stu- dent), his extensive practice giving him a thor- ough practical information, and his acknowl- edged skill in the treatment of cases of an unusu- ally intricate nature have given him a just prom- inence among the people of his home city. Since he opened his office in Joliet in 1888 he has es- tablished an important and constantly increasing practice, having retained his former patrons at Wilmington as well as gained many new ones. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 143 Every improvement in the science of dental sur- gery (and there have been many of recent years) receives his thoughtful consideration, and, if ap- proved upon study, is adopted in his practice. He is therefore thoroughly up-to-date in his work. He has been a contributor to the litera- ture of his profession, although the demands of his practice are such that he has little time to devote to the preparation of articles. Since 1881 he has been a member of the Illinois State Den- tal Society, before which he has been a clinician and has also read papers that attracted consider- able attention. At one time he held office as vice-president of the association. The first member of this branch of the Duncan family in America was James Duncan, who came from Scotland and settled in Perry County, Pa. His son, Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed the miller's trade in early life. In 1854 he moved to Indiana, settling first in a county adjoining Henry Count}-, to which he subsequently removed. He rented a grist and saw-mill which was operated by water power, and after some years bought the property. In politics he was a stanch Republican. A promi- nent Methodist, he was an officer in both church and Sunday-school. In the Odd Fellows' order he took the highest degrees. At the time of his death, in 1895, he was eighty-five years of age. He was twice married, and by his first wife had four daughters, one of whom, Hannah J. Dun- can, survives; while by his second wife, Mar- garet Duffy, of Ohio, he had five children, four of whom attained mature years, viz.: Davidson D., who is engaged in the milling business at the old homestead; John Wesley, who died in infancy; Beverly W., a business man of Markle, Ind.; Joseph Trimble, a farmer and stock-raiser of Henry County, Ind.; and S. Finley, of this sketch. In Knightstown, Ind., near where Dr. Dun- can was born December 2, 1856, he received his education and passed the years of youth. He was eighteen when he took up the study of den- tistry. After spending two years in practical work in an office he entered the dental depart- ment of the University of Michigan, class of 1877. He began practice at Lew^isville, Ind., but in February, 1879, came to Will County and set- tled in Wilmington, building up a good practice in the ensuing years. For the purpose of taking a special course of study, in 1887 he went to Chi- cago, where he studied in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, from which he took the degree of D. D. S. In September, 1888; he came to Joliet, where he erected a residence in 1898, and owns other real estate. From boyhood he has been identified with the Presbyterian Church. He was an elder of the congregation at Wilming- ton, and for several years served as Sunday- school superintendent. October 18, 188 1, he married Louise, daughter of Bryan Fisher, of Wilmington. They have two children, Mar- garet Louise and Hubert Fisher. ^ EORGE J. ARBEITER. As a rising attor- aney Mr. Arbeiter is well known to the people of Joliet, where he has engaged in practice since August, 1895. On the 1st of Janu- ary, 1900, he associated himself with C. E. Antram and G. Donald McKenzie, two promi- nent lawyers, and the firm has established com- modious and well-equipped offices at Nos. 203, 205 and 207 Barber building. To the success of the newly-established firm he will undoubtedly be a large contributor . He is an attorney cf more than ordinary ability. It is not only that he is a logical and eloquent speaker, whose ready com- mand of language and keen reasoning faculties give him, a power over a jury, but he is also a man of strong convictions, earnest and tireless in his advocacy of what he deems right and just. The success that has hitherto rewarded his efforts is without doubt but an index of what the future years may hold for him. The Arbeiters are a very ancient German family. Heiurich Arbeiter, our subject's grand- father, served in the Napoleonic wars of 1812-15. He was a son of Heinrich, who owned a farm that was the birthplace of his father and grandfather, 144 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the family having lived on the same spot for many generations. Carl, son of Heinrich, Jr., \v;is born on the old homestead at Kappitski, near Grottkau, in Upper Silesia, July 25, 1827. He was one of five brothers, two of whom served in the German army during the greater part of their lives, both attaining the rank of captain. An- other brother' for many years has been at the head of the postal department in Grottkau. The fourth brother, William, is proprietor of a tannery in Santa Clara, Cal. Carl Arbeiter married Katherina Sillar, who was born at Beyreuth, Oberfranken, Bavaria, in 1828. In Bavaria the family name was spelled Siillar. When she was a child she was orphaned by the death of her father, John, who in early life had been proprietor of a government hostelry, on a government highway, designed for the accom- modation of the government officials. Later, when this was abandoned, he settled on his farm and there remained until his death. He had four sons, the youngest of whom, Heinrich, still lives on the old home place, but one of his sons, John, came to the United States and now makes his home at Oswego, 111. Another of the four sons is engaged in farming and stock raising at Medicine Lodge, Kans. The two others, George and John, served in the army, in which George attained the rank of captain and the other, John, was killed in the service during the Franco-Prussian war. In 1856 Miss Sillar accompanied friends to the United States, settling in Joliet, where, in 1S60, she became the wife of Carl Arbeiter. She died in April, 1896. Of her eight children four are living, namely: Joseph, a farmer at Corwith, Iowa; Charles W., who lives on the old home- stead at Plainfield; George J.; and Mary, wife of K. C. Larsen, a liveryman at Crown Point, Ind. When he was a boy Carl Arbeiter served for four years as a brick and stone apprentice, after which he worked as a journeyman. In 1854 he crossed the ocean to Quebec, Canada. After spending some months in or near that city, em- ployed at various occupations, he secured work at shipping on Lake Michigan, during which time he was shipwrecked and lost all of his personal belongings except the clothes he wore. In 1855 he came to Joliet and for five years worked as a farm hand in this county. After his marriage he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Plainfield Township and settled down to agricultural work. By subsequent purchase he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres. In 1895 he re- moved to the village of Plainfield, and there he died January 24, 1898. He was an ardent sup- porter of the Democratic party, but never an office seeker, and refused all offices. In religion he was a Roman Catholic and his wife a member of the Lutheran Church. Personally he was a man of sterling character, honest and upright, and universally respected for his many worthy traits. After completing the studies of the common schools George J. Arbeiter, the subject of this sketch, entered the Plainfield high school, where he took the regular course. For two years he taught in Plainfield Township, being in the vil- lage one year aud in the country for a similar period. Following this he entered the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., where he completed the course in bookkeeping and fitted himself for college. In 1888 he went to Chicago, where for a year he was employed in the wholesale hardware establishment of Gilbert & Bennett, his intention being to go on the road later; but his desire for a collegiate course caused a change in his plans. He resigned his position and entered the University of Illinois at Cham- paign. In 1893 he graduated from that institu- tion, taking the degree of Bachelor of Letters. In the fall of the same year he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in June, 1895, with a high standing. During the same month he was ad- mitted to the bar of Michigan and that of Illi- nois. Returning home, he soon afterward opened an office in the Barber building, Joliet, and has since built up a remunerative clientage. February 1, 1898, Mr. Arbeiter married Miss E. Kittie McBride, daughter of Henry McBride, a prominent coal operator of Elgin, 111. Frater- nally Mr. Arbeiter is identified with Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M., in which he served as senior deacon. While living in Plain- field he was keeper of records and seals in Du- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. i45 page Lodge No. 473, K. of P. He is connected with Stevenson Camp No. 2892, Modern Wood- men of America, in Joliet He is secretary of the Joliet Council No. 59, N. A. U. He aided in starting a fraternal insurance society, Order of the White Cross, which was organized in Joliet December 18, 1899, and in which he is su- preme vice-commander. The Central Presby- terian Church, of which he is a member, receives his generous aid in its various enterprises. The Democratic party has a firm friend in Mr. Arbeiter. However, like his father, he has never cared for office, though qualified to fill public positions ably. In 1894 ne was tendered nomi- nation for county superintendent of schools, but refused to accept, preferring to devote his entire attention to the study of his profession. In 1898 he was urged to become a candidate for town clerk, but refused. Notwithstanding his refusal of office, he is an active worker for his party, and as a campaign orator has few superiors in the county, his broad knowledge of public affairs and his ability as a speaker combining to qualify him admirably for work of this nature. EONRAD C. BETTENHAUSEN, a retired farmer residing in Frankfort Station, was born in Koenigswald, Kurhessen, Germany, June 14, 1834, a son of George and Martha (Sangmeister) Bettenhausen. He was one of five children, all of whom came to the United States, but only two are living, his sister being Martha, Mrs. Martin Stipple, of Charles City, Iowa. His mother died in Germany when he was an infant, and he was reared under the care of others. When he was nineteen he came to the United States and at once proceeded to Illinois, settling in Will County. For the next three years (1853-56) he worked one year on Horace Messinger's farm and two years on George Til- fer's farm. Next he went into Cook County and settled on a farm in the town of Orland, where he remained for a quarter of a century. Mean- time, by the exercise of energy and good judg- ment, he acquired a competence, which repre- sented his persevering efforts through all these years of labor. In the fall of 1882 he left a sou in charge of the Cook County farm and returned to Will County, settling in Greengarden Town- ship, where he owns two farms. Nine years were spent in that township. In 1S92 he retired from the active duties of farm work and pur- chased a home in Frankfort Station, where it is his intention to spend his remaining years. His life has been so successful that he is now the owner of five hundred acres of land in Will and Cook Counties, and, besides this, he has assisted his children to get started in life and has also contributed to the promotion of enterprises calcu- lated to benefit the people. The Republican party represents the political views of Mr. Bettenhausen, and he has always been stanch in his adherence to its principles. While he has never sought political leadership, yet he has to some extent been one of the party leaders in his township, and has wielded a large influence both here and in his former home in Cook County. Among the offices he held in the latter county were those of township assessor, collector and supervisor. During the Civil war he was a member of the home guard. He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which for some years he was a trustee, and also served as Sunday-school superintendent. September 9, 1857, Mr. Bettenhausen married Miss Elizabeth Horn, a native of the town in Ger- many in which he was born. She, also, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In ever}' way she has been a worth}' helpmate to her enterprising husband, and deserves credit for her good influence in the home and in the neighbor- hood. They became the parents often children, of whom the following are living: John M., who resides on a farm in Greengarden Township; Christ C, who cultivates the old homestead in Cook County; Mary, wife of Henry Deist; Mar- tha E., who married Frank Folkers, and Emma, who married Frank Kohlhagen, both of Frank- fort Station. Mr. Bettenhausen and his wife sustained a heavy loss in the death of their sou 146 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. William, a bright and promising youth of nine- teen years. Had he lived he would have inher- ited the homestead in Greengarden Township, and would have been the staff of his parents in their declining years; but his early death put an end to all of their fond hopes for his future. (I AMES W. PATTERSON is engaged in the I furniture, undertaking and livery business (*/ at Braidwood. Since he came to this town in 1869 he has been identified with its mining and business interests. Until his father's death he was the junior member of the firm of A. & J. W. Patterson, since which time he has been the senior member, having his youngest brother as a partner, under the same firm name as before. As a business man he enjoys the reputation of being clear-headed. He is deliberate in his judgment as Scotchmen usually are, and is universally es- teemed for his integrity. One of his marked characteristics is the faculty of making the best of everything. Being a man of even tempera- ment, the annoyances of business do not depress him, nor do its successes too greatly elate him. In a business capacity he has showed a manli- ness of character that has won him the confidence of the people of his home town. Mr. Patterson was born at Fifeshire, Scotland, December 15, 1850. His father, Alexander, came to the United States in 1852, and settled at Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa., but soon afterward, leaving the family there, he went to California via the Isthmus of Panama. He spent two years in the gold fields and met with gratify- ing success. Returning to Pennsylvania, he brought his family to Illinois and engaged in farming near Hinckley. In 1859 he moved to Morris, Grundy County, where for seven years he was interested in manufacturing brick. The fall of 1869 found him in Braidwood, then a new mining camp. Here he became interested in the flour and feed business. He was the first to es- tablish a furniture and undertaking establishment in the town, and continued afterward as the head of the firm of A. & J. W. Patterson, until he died, in 1S91, at the age of sixty-six. He mar- ried Jane McKiuley, who died in 1889, at the age of sixty-six years. They were the parents of five children, viz.: James W.; Margaret, wife of Robert Mickeljohn, of Colorado; Christine, de- ceased; Jane and Alexander. When only twelve years of age our subject began to work in mines. At first his wages were exceedingly small, but as he became more famil- iar with the work he was paid a larger sum. For seven years he was employed in eastern mines. At nineteen years of age he came to Braidwood, where he has since risen to a prominent position among the business men of the town. For two years he held the office of city treasurer, for one year served as town clerk, and for three years was a member of the board of supervisors. He is connected with the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica; Talmud Lodge No. 24, K.of P., in which he is past chancellor; Braidwood Lodge No. 704, A. F. & A. M., in which he is past master and representative to the grand lodge; Wilmington Chapter No. 142, R. A. M.; and Blaney Com- mandery No. 5, K. T. In 1879 he married Mary Stewart, by whom he has six children, namely: Janet, deceased; Alexander J., Chris- tina, John S. , Mary and Mildred M. UNIVeRSlfY Of i>-"*OIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 149 john Mcdonald. 30HN McDONALD. There are probably few in the county (and certainly none within the immediate vicinity of Frankfort Station) who are more familiar with the grain busi- ness than the subject of this sketch. He came to Frankfort Station when the place was just started and has since been intimately associated with its business interests, contributing to its growth and aiding in its development. He owns an elevator on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad at this point and makes shipments that aggregate thousands of bushels. Besides his grain interests he owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Greengar- den Township and has real estate in Frankfort Station. In the incorporation of the village Mr. McDon- ald took an active part. He was elected its first president and filled the office for two years, aid- ing in placing the municipality upon a sound fi- nancial basis. During his term of several years as supervisor of the township he assisted in work connected with the building of the court house, and as chairman of the finance committee, successfully engineered a loan of $22,000 to be used in the building of the house. He has at- tended many of the state, congressional and county conventions of the Republican party, for he is a stanch Republican and an active worker for his party. In educational affairs, as in public matters, his interest has continued over the long period of his residence here, and for more than twenty years he has efficiently filled the office of school director. As the name indicates, the McDonald family is of Scotch origin. During the days of the Scotch rebellion John McDonald, who was actively con- nected therewith, was forced to flee from his na- tive land. In common with many other Scotch- men, he sought refuge in Ireland. His son, John, was born in County Tipperary, and engaged in farming there until his death. By his marriage to Ellen Gleason he had five children: James, Patrick, Mary, Elizabeth and John, of whom our subject alone survives. He was born in County Tipperary December 1 1, 1823. His educational advantages were of a superior character. He not only became familiar with common-school studies, but also acquired a fair knowledge of Latin and Greek. Mathematics was his hobby, and he was without a rival in this study in the entire school. When eighteen years of age our subject came to America. In the summer of 1841 he sailed from Liverpool and after five weeks landed in New York. During the next few years he trav- eled through various parts of the country. In 1850 he began to work for the Michigan Central Railroad Company at New Buffalo, Mich., which was then the terminus of the road. In 1852 he removed to Chicago, the road having been ex- tended to that point. He remained there for two years, being employed in checking freight. In 1854 he came to Joliet, where he was employed as checkman until the starting of Frankfort Sta- tion. He came to this place in 1857 and held the position of agent until 1875, when he re- signed. For eighteen years he was also agent for the American Express Company. Meantime he became interested in the grain business. In 1859 he began to buy grain for J. L. Heard & Co., of Michigan, and from that time until 1876 he was engaged in the commission business. For a number of years afterward he carried on the grain business, using the railroad company's ele- vators. Later he built the second elevator in GKXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Frankfort, which was 35x50 on the ground, and had a capacity of twenty-five thousand bushels. In 1SS5 he bought out the other elevator in Frankfort, and from that time operated both. May 24, 1SS9, the first was burned to the ground, but immediately afterward he built another ele- vator on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern road. This has a capacity of forty thousand bushels, is run by steam power and supplied with the clipper and cyclone dust consumers. In 1S90 he bought an elevator on the Michigan Central road, but it burned down three years later. Besides his grain interests, at one time he carried on the largest lumber business in Frankfort, also dealt in coal and built up a large business in selling tile. His interests are varied audimportant, and although widely divergent in character, he never- theless manages all with gratifying success. His thorough understanding of the grain business, coming from long experience backed by sound judgment, makes him a leader in his line of work and insures for him a continuance of his past success. In 1S62 Mr. McDonald was made a Mason. The following year he became identified with the Knights Templar and in 1870 he took the thirty- second degree. His interest in Masonry con- tinues undiminished to the present. Two years after he came to Frankfort Station he married Miss Elizabeth Doty, a native of this county. Of their four children, the youngest died when eight months old. The others are: Herbert John, Ed- ward Everett and Charles Howard, the last two deceased. Herbert J. is connected with S. E. Gross, the large real-estate dealer of Chicago. Edward E. was educated in the Northwestern University at Evanston, 111., as was also his brother, Charles H., who was educated for the ministry, and was an evangelist well known throughout the Methodist Episcopal denomina- tion. (TjAMUEL ROSE, a leading citizen of Crete, 7\ was born in Ireland, October 1, 1S45, a sou \~J of John and Mary (Ormsby) Rose, natives of tht_- same county as himself. His father came to America in 1850 and settled in Washington Township, this county, where he bought a sol- dier's warrant for one hundred and sixty acres, paying $130 for the same. The country was new and sparsely settled. Few roads had been opened or improvements made. The following years he gave to the cultivation of his land, but ere he had brought it to the fine condition he hoped for, death ended his labors, June 7, 1858, when he was thirty-eight years of age. Had his life been spared he would undoubtedly have attained suc- cess. After coming to this country he affiliated with the Republican party. For two terms he served as highway commissioner. In religion he was an Episcopalian. His wife, who accom- panied him to the United States, died in Septem- ter, 1877, when sixty-seven years of age. They were the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Samuel, our subject; Lottie M., who married E. P. Lyon and at her death left three children; and John A., the youngest of the family, who graduated from the Chicago law school in 1S82 and is now attorney for the Union Traction Company of Chicago. When the family came to America our subject was only five years of age. Hence he has prac- tically known no other home than Will County. He grew up amid pioneer surroundings. The place was wholly unimproved when the family settled on it. The lumber for a house his father was obliged to haul, with ox-teams, from Chi- cago, and the shingles he split by hand. When the father died Samuel was thirteen. He re- mained at home with his mother and was of the greatest assistance in the conduct of the farm. In March, 1874, he left home and went to Beecher, where he carried on a general store. In August, 1880, he returned to the old homestead, having bought the interests of the other heirs. In No- vember, 1893, he sold the farm and came to Crete, where he established a loan and collection busi- ness. Having read law at home he has also had considerable practice and has proved an excellent counselor. He also buys and sells real estate. January 11, 1877, Mr. Rose married Abbie, daughter of Joseph White, of Crisman, Ind. She died July 14, 1896, leaving a daughter, Blanche. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 151 The second marriage of our subject took place September 8, 1897, and united him with Mrs. Annette J. (Dewey) Hewes, the widow of Ben- jamin Hewes and a second cousin of Admiral Dewey. In religion she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By her first hus- band she had three children. As a Republican, Mr. Rose has been active in local affairs. For eight years he was justice of the peace in Washington Township and for twen- ty-five years served as school trustee. He is a charter member of Crete Lodge No. 763, A. F. & A. M.; before this he was a charter member of Grant Park Lodge No. 640. After became to Crete he was one of the charter members of the Eastern Star and has since held his connection with the same, and was its first worthy patron, holding the office for two years. (TAMES L. O'DONNELL. The family of I which Mr. O'Donnell is a representative (2/ has been identified with the history of Illi- nois for more than one-half century. It was established in Dayton Township, LaSalle County, 111., by his grandfather, James O'Donnell, a farmer, who spent his later years in that part of Illinois. The father, William, who settled in the same county in 1S46, improved a tract of raw land in Dayton Township, making of it a valuable farm. Besides agricultural pursuits he was extensively engaged in the breeding of draft horses and roadsters and also owned a number of fine cattle. From time to time he added to his property until his possessions included several farms. He took an active interest in local affairs and held a number of township offices, in which, as in his private business matters, he displayed the possession of good judgment and wise dis- crimination. His death occurred in 1889, when he was almost seventy years of age. In early manhood he had married Johanna Keating, who removed from Quebec, Canada, to LaSalle County, 111., in 1S46, and is still living at the old homestead. Like her husband she has always been a devoted member of the Catholic Church. Of eleven children that attained mature years all but two are still living, seven of whom are in LaSalle County, and one engaged in the real- estate business in Omaha. On the home farm in LaSalle County James L. O'Donnell was born August 10, 1849, being the eldest of the entire family. After completing public school studies he entered the University of Niagara, N. Y. , where he spent the college year of 1S68-69. After teaching school for a year he returned to the university for another year and then taught school one winter. He took up the study of law with Glover, Cook & Campbell, of Ottawa, in 1872, and later read with Mayo & Widmer, of the same city. He was admitted to practice in the supreme court at Springfield, 111., in January, 1874, and in April of the same year opened an office at Braidwood, this county. July 29, 1874, he formed a partnership with P. C. Haley, in Joliet, and the firm of Haley & O'Donnell has since built up a large and im- portant practice in the various courts, and is now the oldest firm of attorneys in the city. Since the organization of the sanitary district in 1893 they have been its attorneys, and for years they have acted as attorneys for the Santa Fe, Wabash, Michigan Central and Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroads. Aside from his other interests Mr. O'Donnell is a member of the board of directors of the Joliet public library. For years he acted as attorney for the Mutual Building and Loan Association, of which he has been a stockholder from the first and is now a director. While he has never cared to identify himself closely with politics he is nevertheless well posted concerning the issues of the day. He devotes himself unreservedly to professional work. Socially he is a member of the Union Club. He was appointed assignee of the Stone City Bank, of Joliet, upon its failure in December, 1892, and for four years was con- nected with the litigation growing out of the failure. The home of Mr. O'Donnell, at No. 103 Lin- coln street, is presided over by his wife, whom he I.S2 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. married in Joliet in 1877 and who bore the maiden name of Costelle E. Edgerly. She was born in Penobscot County, Me., and in 1876 came to Joliet with her parents, Lorain G. and Sarah Edgerly. Her father, who was for a time a farmer in Putnam Count}-, this state, served in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war; he is now living retired in Joliet. The family of Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell consists of three children, Edith N., Louise and Francis, of whom the first- named was a graduate of the Joliet high school, class of 1897, and is now a student in the Chicago Art Institute. V A RS. CORNELIA M. SHERWOOD is the V widow of Stephen Alanson Sherwood, of (fj Utica, N. Y., and the daughter of Dan- iel C. Mason, a pioneer of Joliet Township. Pos- sessing a strong character, and a desire to do good, she assisted many charitable movements, and has been a factor in many enterprises for the benefit of the people. It was in no small degree due to her influence that the Silver Cross hospital was established, and she served as a member of its first board of directors, aiding in placing on a solid basis an institution that has since been one of the most successful charities of Joliet. The project of building the hospital was first brought forward by the King's Daughters and Sons, and she was president of the society at the time, therefore materially assisted in all of its plans. Stephen Alanson Sherwood was born in Utica, N. Y. , in 1848, and was next to the youngest of five children, one of whom, Edwin, served in the Civil war. His father, Stephen, a native of Connecticut and descendant of one of the old families near Hartford, removed to Utica in an earl}' day and engaged in business there. He died in New York City in 1892. His three sons continued the business after his death under the firm name of Sherwood & Hemmens, and his son, Stephen A., was thus engaged until he died April 23, 1876. Politically he affiliated with the Republicans. He served as lieutenant of the Utica Citizens' Corps, and exempt fireman of New York. In 1871, in Joliet, 111., he married Miss Cornelia M. Mason, whom he had known in Utica, and who returned with him to re- side there. She received a good education in Houghton Seminary, at Clinton, N. Y. Both by natural gifts and education she was fitted for the responsibilities of life and for a prominent position among men and women of culture and worth. Two years after her husband's death she returned to Joliet and has since made her home on the Mason estate, in the suburbs of the city. Her two sons are interested in Joliet enterprises, the older, Arthur Mason, being in charge of the office of the Joliet Rattan and Reed Company, while .the younger, Louis Alanson, is a member of the firm of Sherwood & Harper, proprietors of a pho- tographic studio on Jefferson street. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 155 JOSEPH BRAUN, Jr. 30SEPH BRAUN, Jr., secretary, treasurer and manager of the E. Porter Brewing Com- pany, is a well-known citizen of Joliet and takes an active part in enterprises calculated to advance the city's welfare. In 188S he was elected assistant supervisor of Joliet Township and served in the office, by re-election, for four years. Under Mayor P. C. Haley he held office as city oil inspector for two years. In 1895 he was chosen to represent the third ward in the city council and in 1897 and 1899 was re-elected alder- man, which office he has filled creditably to him- self. In the council he serves as chairman of the committees on claims and street lighting, and as a member of the finance and printing committees. Largely through his energy and activity the movement was started looking toward the pur- chase of the two parks, Bush and East Side, by the city. The Democratic party represents his political views and receives his vote, in both na- tional and local elections. He has been a mem- ber of the city and county central committees and in 1892 served as secretary of the Jefferson Club. He is a member of St. John's German Catholic Church. Since the organization of St. Aloysius Society No. 21, Western Catholic Union, in 1888, he has served as its president, and it is largely due to his wise leadership that the society now has a membership of three hundred and eighty- two. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. During his leisure hours he finds recreation and enjoy- ment in athletics and various sports. He is president of the Joliet Sharpshooters' Association and has won a record as a fine shot. At Indian- apolis, in 1889, and at Davenport, Iowa, in 1S90, he was king of the national tournaments of the shooting society, this honor being conferred upon him in recognition of his record, which was the highest made. The society was organized by his father and others in 1866 and he has been identi- fied with it since 1S83. In his possession, as prized souvenirs, are twenty-six gold medals, which have been given him for successful compe- titions in shooting contests. Joseph Braun, Sr., a native of Bavaria, and a brewmaster by trade, settled in Dupage County, 111., in 1852, establishing his home in Naperville. In 1865 he came to Joliet, where he organized the brewing firm of Joseph Braun & Co. , now the F. Sebring Brewing Company. He engaged in the brewing business until he died, in 1869, at forty-two years of age. His wife, who was a Miss Grath, of German descent, died in Joliet in 1882. Their only child who attained mature years was Joseph Jr., who was born in Naper- ville, 111., in i860, and has made his home in Joliet since the age of five years. His education was obtained in St. John's parochial school. In 1876 he began to clerk in a clothing store on Jef- ferson street, where he was paid $3 a week. He was so energetic and capable that in time he be- came head clerk. In 1884 he bought out Charles Brooks and started the firm of Braun & Raub at No. 209 Jefferson street, where he engaged in business until 1893. In selling out to his part- ner in 1893 he assisted in organizing the E. Porter Brewing Company, of which he has since been secretary, treasurer and general man- ager. Under his supervision the plant has been enlarged, an addition built, modern improve- ments introduced, and the quality of the products brought to a high standard of excellence. The location of the brewery covers two and one-half I.S6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. blocks on South Bluff. There is also a large depot at Lemout, with an ice house and re- frigerator. The residence of Mr. Braun stands at No. 51 1 North Hickory street. He was married in Joliet to Theresa, sister of A. J. Stoos, a leading mer- chant of this city. They have six children: Ida, who is a graduate of St. Francis' Convent at Joliet, 111.; Julius, who is a student in St. Francis' College, Ouincy, 111.; Alma, Henrietta, Marguerite and Robert. N()N. JERRY KENISTON. There is prob- ably no citizen of Wilton Township who is better known or who occupies a higher po- sition in the confidence of associates than does Mr. Keniston. During the Civil war he showed his patriotism by his honorable service in the Union army and since then he has proven him- self equally active in civic affairs, giving his in- fluence to aid measures for the benefit of his com- munity and taking his part as a public-spirited citizen in progressive movements. During the three terms, beginning in 1S70, that he served as supervisor of Wilton Township, he participated personally in man} - important measures for the benefit of the township; gaining, as a public offi- cial, a name so creditable and a position so high that in 1S78 he was chosen to represent his dis- trict in the state legislature. In that body, as in positions of lesser importance, he maintained a reputation for integrity, energy and ability, and his service was not only satisfactory to his own party (the Republican), but to his political op- ponents as well. He has frequently represented his party as a delegate to conventions, and has been a member of important committees. Heredity having much to do with a mans suc- cess in life, it will be of interest to review Mr. KL-niston's ancestral history. His grandfather, Isaac Keniston, a native of New Hampshire, im- mediately after his marriage to Deborah Gray, removed with his bride to what is now Sheffield, Caledonia County. Yt., making the trip on horse- back through the forests. He settled in a tim- bered region and cleared a farm from the prime- val wilds. During the Revolutionary war he did his part to defend American interests and gain in- dependence for our country. His brother, David, who was born in the province of Maine, Novem- ber 17, 1736, also served in the Revolution and was a member of the famous Boston tea part} in 1773. In 1S45 ne came to Chicago, where he died February 24, 1852, at the great age of one hundred and fifteen years, three months and seventeen days. He was buried with military honors. June 14, 1S94, a Grecian cross was erected in Lincoln Park on the site of his burial place by a number of Chicago pioneers and there has frequently been plans formed for the erection of a monument to his memory by various societies. He was the last surviving member of the Boston tea party. Joseph G. Keniston, our subject's father, was born in Sheffield, Yt., October 17, 1798. After his marriage to Sally Glidden, a native of Shef- field, he engaged in fanning, in connection with which he also owned and operated a sawmill. In 1854 he removed to Illinois and settled on the site of our subject's farm, buying one-half section of land. Here he remained for ten years. He then removed to Aurora, 111., in order to give his children the advantages of good schools. In that city he died in June, 1S67. During the ex- istence of the Whig party he voted for its candi- dates, and after it disintegrated he became a Re- publican. In religion he was of the Baptist faith. In his family there were eleven children, only three of whom are living, viz.: Emeline, widow of William Urie, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; Hiram B., of Lents, Ore.; and Jerry. At the old homestead in Sheffield, Yt., the sub- ject of this article was born March 2, 1829. His education was largely self- acquired, although he had the advantage of study in common schools and a term in St. Johnsbury Academy. After teaching school for one term, in 185 1 he went to Massachusetts, and for three years was employed in the vicinity of Boston. He joined his parents in Illinois shortly after their removal west and GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. i57 spent some months in this county, after which he was employed by a dairy company in St. Louis for a year. In the fall of 1858 he went to York state and was married, in Pike, Wyoming Coun- ty, November 30, to Miss Martha A. Tiffany, who died January 24, 1862. In i860 he returned to this county and settled on an eighty-acre tract, which now forms a part of his farm of two hun- dred and forty acres. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Keniston enlisted in Company H, One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, and went to the front. Soon after his enlistment he was made second lieutenant of his company and at the close of the war held a captain's com- mission. He took part in even- battle in which his regiment was engaged until the engagement at Chickamauga, where he was captured and taken to Libby prison. He was held a prisoner for seven months and was then removed farther south. March 2, 1S65, he was released at Wil- mington, N. C, and proceeded to Benton Bar- racks, St. Louis, where he reported for duty. He was honorably discharged May 15. Returning home he resumed farm work. He is a member of H. B. Godard Post No. 736, G. A. R., of Manhattan, and since 1897 has served as com- mander of the post. He is also a member of the lodge of Patrons of Husbandry in Manhattan. February 21, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. Keniston to Miss Martha Lynde, who was born in Williamstown, Vt., a daughter of John and Dolly (Smith) Lynde. She is a descendant, it is supposed, of Benjamin Lynde, mentioned by Brancroft in history, who came with a number of prominent men from England and settled in Massachusetts about 1630. The name of Lynde is inseparably associated with the business and public affairs of Williamstown. Hon. John Lynde, father of Mrs. Keniston, was born in Williamstown in 18 10 and at the age of sixteen began to teach, which occupation he followed in the winter, working on the farm during summer months. In 1832 he married Dolly Smith, who died in 1881. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz. : Ellen, Mrs. W. Bass, of Ottawa, Kans. ; John, Jr., of Williamstown; Martha; Rebecca, Mrs. Nathaniel Simons, of Princeton, 111. ; George W. ; James K. ; Laura, Mrs. H. L. Cheney, of Williamstown; Emma, wife of Dr. William B. Mayo, of North- field; and Dr. Cornelius V., of Northfield, Minn. Mr. Lynde was a farmer until 1S65, after which he engaged in trade until 1S87 and then resumed farming. He was often called upon to settle es- tates and was a general counselor in business and legal matters. For more than two generations he was one of the directors of the Northfield, and later of the Barre Bank. First a Whig, then a Republican, he was active in each party in turn. For forty-four consecutive years he served as jus- tice of the peace. In 1876 he was elected state senator, and for two terms he was assistant judge of the county court. His name will long be re- membered in Williamstown as that of a public- spirited and benevolent citizen. His father, Cornelius Lynde, left Harvard College at the op- ening of the Revolutionary war and enlisted in the Continental army, in which he rose to the rank of major. In 1786 he moved from Williams- town, Mass. , to the town of the same name in Vermont, and was one of the original proprietors of the new settlement. He assisted in the allot- ment of land to his associates, was justice of the peace, the first town clerk, and from 1791 to 1795 served as representative to the legislature, later was a member of the state council and for two years associate judge. In the first year of the century, at a meeting in his house, a Univer- salis! society was organized, believed to be the earliest in the state. His wife was the eldest daughter of Col. Jacob Davis, the pioneer of Montpelier. Several of his sons became influen- tial business men. The head of the Lynde family, since the death of Mrs. Keniston's father, who died in 1S96, is John Lynde, Jr., who was born in 1835, came to Will County in 1856, and there listened to one of the joint debates between Lincoln and Douglass during the memorable campaign of 1858. Dur- ing the war he served as commissary sergeant, regimental quartermaster with the rank of lieu- tenant, and on staff duty. From 1870 to 1877 he was a clerk in the postoffice department in Washington, since which time he has resided in 1 53 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Williamstown, his early home- One of his broth- ers, Charles, also served for three years in the Union army; he died in 1874. Another brother, George W., born in 1848, owns a fine farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres at Williams- town, and has many other important interests. He is vice-president of the Barre National Bank; in 18S8 served in the house of representatives and is at present state senator. He is a half- owner of the grist, saw and polishing mill at Mill Village, which is the most important indus- try in that town. James K. Lynde, another brother of Mrs. Keniston, was born in 1S42, and is a wealthy business man of Williamstown, own- ing a large store there. He is also a member of the Williamstown Granite Company, a stock- holder in the Construction Company, and a part owner of the Monument House. Just prior to the breaking out of the Civil war Miss Lynde was a student in Barre Academy. The faculty received a request to send a compe- tent teacher to Alabama and asked her to accept the position. In February, i860, she w T ent south and began the work of an instructor. On the breaking out of hostilities she was importuned to remain, but feeling it was not safe for her there she decided to come north. June 3, 1861, she started for Illinois and joined a sister in Will County. Soon afterward she was engaged to teach in the Wilmington schools. Later she taught the Wilton Center school. In 1864 she went to Racine, Wis., where she taught for one year, then returned to Vermont and was married to Mr. Keniston at the old homestead. Of their union ten children were born, seven now living. The two oldest, Henry C. and John L. , are en- gaged in business in Chicago as dealers in paints, oils and wall paper, the former being in the sub- urb of Englewood, while the latter is at No. 194 Twenty-second street. Laura A. from childhood showed a decided musical talent and was given excellent advantages, graduating from the musi- cal conservatory at Pottsdam, N. Y. She is now a teacher of vocal music and physical culture in Olean, N. Y., public schools. The other mem- bers of the family are Herbert, of Chicago; Carroll, on the home farm; Raymond, in Okla- homa; and Daisy, a student in the local schools. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 161 HENRY J. HOLM, HENRY J. HOLM, who is manager of the creamery at Goodings Grove, Homer Town- ship, came to this count}- in 1881 and began the cultivation of the one hundred and fort}- acres comprising his present homestead. By good management and energy he brought the place under excellent cultivation. As necessity de- manded, he erected farm buildings. In 1896 his barn burned down and he built the one he now uses, a substantial building with basement 32x60 feet in dimensions; also a corn crib 24x32. His barn is so large that it will accommodate eighty tons of hay at one time. The stock are given stalls in the basement. He engages in the raising of cattle and in the dairy business, milk- ing eleven cows. Largely through his efforts a creamery was started. He was the first to sub- scribe for stock and furnish money for the enter- prise, and he now has quite a sum invested in the business. Besides being manager of the cream- ery he is secretary and treasurer of the company. All products are shipped to Chicago, where Elgin prices are paid. It is due to his management and good judgment that the business has been made so profitable, returning to its stockholders divi- dends that are larger than was first anticipated. The quality of the butter is so excellent that it always commands a high price. For instance, in September, 1899, they turned out eight thou- sand eight hundred and sixty-eight pounds of butter, which sold at an average price of twenty- two and one-half cents per pound, this making the cash receipt from seven thousand seven hun- dred and twenty-nine pounds sold outside of the community $1,749, an estimate that gives an idea of the dimensions of the business and ex- plains the reason for the high rating of the stock. 8 Mr. Holm was born in Kensington, 111., Feb- ruary 9, 1857. His father, John, a native of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Prussia, came to Amer- ica at eighteen years of age, spending six weeks on the water. He proceeded at once to this county, where he was employed on farms. Later he sawed wood for the Illinois Central Railroad, making about $1,600. With this money he bought land in Worth, Cook County. The place was raw prairie and required considerable effort to get under cultivation. Being industrious he prospered. The property that he first purchased is now worth many hundred times what he paid for it. By adding to his holdings he became the owner of three hundred and sixty-five acres, comprising a valuable farm, on which he still re- sides. He has served as commissioner and is a Republican in politics. In religion he believes in Lutheran doctrines. While living in Kensington he married Carolina Hock, also from Prussia. They have five children, viz. : Henry J. ; Mrs. Mary Handorf, of Marley, this county; Dora, wife of Dan Laufer, of Homer Township; Fred, who superintends his father's farm; and Carrie, wife of Paul Hampel, of Washington Heights. The life of our subject has been passed in Cook and Will Counties.. He remained at home until his marriage, April n, 1881, which united him with Louise, daughter of Henry Sahs, of Oak Lawn. She died in 1896, leaving five children, Henry, Louise, Alice, Cora and Carrie. Since 1 89 1 Mr. Holm has been a member of the board of school directors. His political views are in accord with the platform of the Republican party. He is a director of the Homer Mutual Fire In- surance Company, an organization which has proved of great benefit to the farmers of this 162 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. township. Reared in the Lutheran faith, he has always favored its doctrines and supported its enterprises. Gfl LFRED T. CORBIN, a leading business J_J man of Plainfield, is the proprietor of an / I establishment in which he carries a com- plete assortment of dry-goods, groceries, hats and caps, etc. In addition to this business he has other interests of varying degrees of importance and value. He owns a half interest in a hard- ware store in Phoenix, Ariz., of which his son- in-law is the manager. He also has shares in the Bankers' Mining & Milling Company, which owns a mine on Bull Mountain, at Cripple Creek, Colo., and also has mining interests at Leadville, that state. The father of our subject, Elihu Corbin, was born in Rutland, Vt., and in boyhood accom- panied his parents to Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. For a time he carried on a boot and shoe business in Cleveland, after which, with a partner, he operated a tannery. The excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California reached him and he determined to seek in the far west a fortune. In 1850 he went to the Pacific coast overland and remained a year, when, his brother-in-law being taken sick, he started east with him via Panama, but the sick man died before home was reached. Resuming the shoe business, Mr. Corbin manufactured shoes of his own leather and built up a good trade in Cleveland. However, desiring to seek another location, he sold out in 1852 and came to Plainfield, 111., November 5, where he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres, a portion of which is now in the city limits. He platted the land in town lots and sold it as opportunity afforded. On the remainder he engaged in gen- eral farm pursuits, and added to it from time to time. Finally retiring, he established his home in the town. On the Republican ticket he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for more than a quarter of a century. During the Civil war he held office as deputy United States marshal. In religion he was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His life was devoted to various pursuits, and in each he seemed to meet with success. As a farmer he was thorough and painstaking, as a business man energetic and up-to-date. From i860 to 1862 he carried on a mercantile business in Plain- field, but, preferring agricultural pursuits, he sold out. When hediedini895 he was eight}- - two years of age. The mother of our subject was Elisa A. Fish, a native of Groton, Conn., and now a resident of Plainfield, 111. In spite of her eighty-three years she is quite active. Of her nine children four are deceased. Hannah is the widow of Capt. D. Sullivan, who was a captain in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry during the Civil war; Emma M. is the widow of E. Holbrook, of Batavia, 111.; and Mary E. resides with her mother. The youngest of the family is Louis D., who clerks for his brother. Another son, Ed- ward \\\, was a merchant in Colorado and died there, but is buried in Plainfield. Mrs. Eliza A. (Fish) Corbin is a granddaughter of Ebenezer Fish, a soldier in the Revolutionary war and for six months a prisoner-of-war. His son, Eben- ezer, served during the second war with England. He walked the entire distance from Connecticut to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1S11, and settled in that place, where he became a prominent citizen, and one of the founders of Methodism, giving the site for two churches. He died in 18S0, aged ninety- three years. His wife was Johanna Stanton, of Stonington, Conn. In Cleveland, Ohio, our subject was born Jan- uary 6, 1843. He was nine years of age when the family settled in this county. Two years later he secured work as a clerk in Plainfield. He continued steadily in business, with the ex- ception of the time spent in a commercial college in Chicago. In 1870, with two partners, Mr. Corbin engaged in the mercantile business in Plainfield. His partners were G. N. and W. H. Chittenden; the former sold his interest to his partners in 1887. Three years later our subject bought his partner's interest and has since man- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. l6 3 aged the store. During the mining excitement in Montana he spent three years in that territory (1864-67), and besides mining took up a ranch. Fraternally he is a member of Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is stanchly, though not actively, a Republican, and has held various township and city offices, to which he was elected on the party ticket. His marriage united him with Miss Laura A. Pratt, daughter of the late S. S. Pratt, who was a mer- chant in Plainfield. They are the parents of one daughter, Grace, who married Charles H. David- son, a hardware merchant in Phoenix, Ariz. They have one son, Harold Corbin Davidson. V/lAJ. EDWIN S. MUNROE. The largest Y real-estate firm in Joliet is that of Mun- (f) roe Brothers, composed of ex-Senator George H. and Maj. Edwin S. Munroe, who since 1896 have conducted a mortgage, loans, in- surance, real-estate and general trust company's business, with offices in the Munroe hotel block. Since 1S98 they have laid out the Munroe & Kelly subdivision, west of Henderson avenue, and the Munroe & Melchior and the Munroe & Norton additions, while prior to this the senior member of the firm platted many subdivisions while doing business under the firm name of G. Munroe & Sou, including the Ridgewood ad- ditions to Joliet. It is doubtful if any individual or organization has accomplished more than they in the development of property interests and the advancing of teal-estate values; hence their work possesses permanent merit. In Florence" Township, this county, the sub- ject of this sketch was born September 29, 1857, a son of George, and a brother of George H. Munroe, to whose biographies the reader is re- ferred for the family history. His education was obtained in public schools primarily and was completed in Northwestern University, which he attended from 1874 to 1876, having applied to this purpose his earnings while assisting his fath- er in the grocery business in Joliet. While at- tending the university he was very closely con- nected with the work of building the gymnasium and presenting it to the college; and as secretary and treasurer he was one of the leading members of the board of directors having the work in charge. Upon leaving the university Mr. Munroe be- came salesman and bookkeeper for his father's grocery, and later traveled for the house. In January, 1SS1, he became traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery house of John Roper & Co. Four years later he severed his connection with them in order to accept a position as commercial traveler with Reid, Murdoch & Co., the largest wholesale grocery house in Chicago, and he con- tinued with them for eleven years, until 1896. Meantime he had been extensively interested in Joliet real estate. Purchasingthecorner of Chicago and Clinton streets, where the Joliet National Bank stands, he built the Ed S. Munroe block in 1882, and from that time to this his real-estate interests have constantly enlarged and broadened. He occupies the homestead on East Cass street, built in 1887 by his father. There, with his wife and three children, George M., Edwine M. and Stanley M., he has a pleasant home in which his leisure hours are passed. He married Marie, daughter of Gallus Muller, who came to Joliet just before the Chicago fire and was chief clerk for the Illinois penitentiary for over twenty years. In 1876 Mr. Munroe entered the Illinois Na- tional Guard, becoming a private in Company B, Tenth Battalion. At the formation of the Twelfth Battalion, two years later, he was made quartermaster, with the rank of lieutenant, and continued in that capacity for eight years, the battalion meantime becoming the Fourth Regi- ment. In 1886 Governor Fifer commissioned him major of the regiment, and he continued as such until the reorganization of the guard and the merging of the Fourth into the Third Regi- ment. He was called into active service at the time of the Braidwood strike of 1877, the LaSalle trouble of 1878, the Joliet and Lemout strikes of 1885, and the Braidwood labor troubles of 1889. i6 4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. He is a member of the Veteran Roll of the Illinois National Guard. Politically a Republican and interested in the success of his party, he is never- theless in no sense of the word a politician, his time being fully occupied with the cares of his constantly increasing business. Socially he is a member of the Union Club of Joliet. In religion he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is secretary of the board of trustees, and is a delegate representing Rock River Conference in the General Conference to be held in Chicago in 1900, which is the supreme organization of the entire Methodist Episcopal Church throughout the world. HENRY H. LICHTENWALTER. Since his settlement in this county Mr. Lichten- walter has been known not only as a sub- stantial farmer, but also as a progressive citizen and an earnest Christian. Although he started for himself with very little means (having only $68 at the time he came to Illinois), he has be- come one of the large land owners of Jackson Township, and his name is synonymous with successful agriculture. He is the owner of six farms, aggregating eleven hundred acres. This large property represents the results of honest in- dustry and frugality, traits that have always been very noticeable in his character. Besides his farming and stock interests he acts as local agent for the Greengarden Mutual Insurance Company. During the eighteenth century the Lichten- walter family was founded in America by a German, who settled in Adams County, Pa., and remained there from that time until his death. The descendants of one of his sons may now be found in Lehigh County, Pa. Another of his sons, Abraham, was a native of Adams County, but spent his last years on a farm in Stark County, Ohio, and was buried at Canton, that state. His son, Solomon, was about twenty-one when the family removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio. He took up a tract of wild land, which he cleared and improved, and there he spent his re- maining years. He was one of the leading farmers of Stark County. For many years he was an elder in the Lutheran Church and the old house of worship he helped to build is still stand- ing, in good repair. The honor of being a dele- gate to the Ohio conference was conferred upon him. At the time of his death he was eighty- eight years of age. His wife was Catherine Hane, a native of Pennsylvania, who at four years of age had been taken to Ohio by her father, Charles Hane; afterward she resided in Stark County until her death, at fifty-two years. Of her twelve children seven are now living, namely: Samuel, a farmer of Stark County; Sarah, wife of Martin Metz, of El wood, 111.; John, also of Elwood; William, whose home is in Manhattan; Henry H.; Christian, a farmer and stock-raiser in Thayer County, Neb.; and Amanda, who married William Young and lives in Stark County. The education acquired by our subject was suf- ficient to enable him to teach school, and in this occupation he continued for two years. For five years he followed the carpenter's trade. August 31, 1856, he bade farewell to his relatives and started for the west, full of hope for the future, and with all the determination that youth and health and an earnest spirit can give. He arrived in Joliet on the 1st of September. After two months in the city he went to the country, where he followed his trade for two years. In 1858 he rented a farm six miles south of Joliet, and there he tilled the soil for eleven years. In 1869 he purchased a farm in Florence Township and at once commenced the improvement of the prop- erty, on which he made his home for the next twenty-three years, meantime following the gen- eral lines of farming and stock-raising. He owned four hundred acres in partnership with his brother-in-law, Hiram E. Guiss. With him he also, for sixteen years, operated a threshing ma- chine, having contracts for work of this kind in Florence, Jackson, Manhattan and Wilton Town- ships. Their machine was one of the first threshers brought to the county. In 1886 he bought a farm in Jackson Township and five GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 165 years later he moved to it. He remained there until March, 1900, when he removed with his wife and daughter to Manhattan, his son remaining on the farm. Politically a Republican, Mr. Lichtenwalter was on that ticket elected supervisor of Florence Township, road commissioner, justice of the peace, collector, school trustee, etc. In 1858 he married Leah, daughter of John Guiss. They have six children living, viz.: Orlando, Frank, Albert (of Florence Township), Frances (wife of R. F. Weibel), John and Addie. The family are active workers in Grace Evangelical Church. Mr. Lichtenwalter was converted at the age of sixteen years and has since lived an exemplary Christian life. Since 1890 he has been a mem- ber of the Illinois conference and in 189S he was a delegate to the general conference of the United Evangelical Church at Johnstown, Pa. In 1894 he donated land for a church building and he also contributed largely to the erection of the same, since which time he has been a liberal con- tributor to its maintenance. He has filled the office of Sunday-school superintendent constantly and for some years has been a trustee of the church. REV. MOTHER ALEXANDER MUNCH, who is at the head of the community of Fran- ciscan Sisters, located at Joliet, has for years been a potent factor in the advancement of its work and growth. St. Francis' convent, which the Sisters have in charge, was founded in 1865, its first location being on the corner of North Broadway and Division street, Joliet, but in 1882 it was removed to the present location, in the most elevated part of the city, away from the din of the busy streets. The cornerstone of the large main- building was laid in 1881, but the building was not completed until 1882. From the time of its establishment in 1865 this convent has been the mother-house of this community. About 1874 St. Francis' Academy was started, and it is now one of the best schools of its kind in the county. The building is provided with dormitories, class rooms, music rooms, studio, a recreation hall, an extensive library and scientific apparatus and specimens for illustrating the various branches of science. The course of study comprises three departments, each consisting of four grades, and each grade requires one year's time. Special attention is given to the department of music, which aims at thoroughness and adapts the most improved methods to the cultivation of correct taste and an appreciation of classical music. Students are drilled in harmony, the technique and theory of music. Attention is also given to oil painting and water colors. The large studio affords the students excellent facilities for the study of drawing and painting; a special feature has been made of china painting, and a kiln for firing is in charge of one of the Sisters. As a stimulus to effort, gold medals are awarded each year to those attaining the highest standard of excellence. The work of the academy has been thoroughly sys- tematized, so that the best results may be obtained from the pupils, and their progress in study is judiciously promoted. Upon the establishment of the convent in 1865, Rev. Mother Alfreda Moes, a French lady, was placed at its head. She was followed successively by Rev. Mother Alberta Stockhof, Mother Mary Frances Shanahan, Mother Mary Celestine Son- tag, Mother Lucy Raub (a native of Joliet), Mother Mary Angela Rosenberger and Mother Alexander Munch. Mothers Sontag, Raub and Rosenberger each held the position for six years. In August, 1899, Rev. Mother Alexander Munch was placed at the head of the convent. She was born in Joliet, a daughter of Xavier Munch, and received her education in Catholic schools, grad- uating in 1870, since which time she has been connected with the work of the Franciscan Sisters. Under the supervision of the Franciscan Sisters of this community are thirty mission houses in various parts of this state, Ohio, Wisconsin, Mis- souri and Pennsylvania, where they have charge of the instruction of eight thousand children, in- cluding St. John's, St. Joseph's and Holy Cross parochial schools in Joliet. In 1898 they estab- lished the Guardian Angels' Home for Children 1 66 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and erected a building on Buell avenue with accommodations for sixty. Already fifty-five orphans have been placed under their care in this institution. In the rearing of the children given to their charge they show a painstaking thoroughness and the most earnest desire to im- plant in their hearts pure and lofty purposes and to cultivate good morals. (IL.LIAM M. CLOW owns an improved stock and dairy farm on section 14, Wheat- land Township. Born on a farm, he se- lected agriculture as his life occupation; the suc- cess he has met proves he made no mistake. Under his father he acquired some knowledge of many details connected with cultivating the soil and raising stock. At the time of his marriage he started for himself, bought one hundred and fifteen acres of unimproved land, which he has since added to by the purchase of one hundred and twenty acres. He assisted in incorporating the creamery, which proved to be profitable. He has held the offices of township clerk, road com- missioner and school director, and in politics is a Democrat. The grandfather of our subject, Robert Clow, a native of Dumfrieshire. Scotland, brought his family to America in 1837. He and his family (six sons and two daughters) rented the old Shaker farm on Sodus Bay, N. Y., which they worked six years. In 1843 they came west via the Erie canal and the lakes to Chicago. Set- tling in Will County, he and his sons pre-empted and purchased some fourteen hundred and eighty acres. He resided on the place until his death in 1877, aged eighty-five years. His wife died in Scotland. They had six sons and four daughters. At the time the family came to America, Rob- ert Clow, Jr., father of our subject, was eighteen years old. He accompanied his father to this county in 1844 and was identified with its farm and public interests all his life. In 1849, at tne age of thirty-one, he married Miss Rosanna McMickeu, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1843. Their home was the southeast quarter of section 15. He was a Republican in politics. He served one term in the Illinois legislature, two terms as circuit clerk of the county, and also as justice of the peace, township clerk and super- visor. He died September 15, 1888, and his wife in 1895, at the home of her son, John B. They had eight children, five of whom are living, namely: William M.; Ellen J., wife of Charles H. Farquhar, of Chicago; Adam S., who farms his grandfather's homestead; John B., who has succeeded to the ownership of his father's place; and Rose, wife of H. H. Hyland, of Lamar, Mo. The eldest child of his parents, our subject was born December 18, 1850. His education was obtained in local schools and four terms at Aurora. In 1S74 he married Eliza Y. Cherry, of Kendall County, an estimable woman and con- sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. The} - have five children, namely: Ida G., de- ceased; Robert C, Annie L., Charles H. and Lena. The. family stand high among the people of the township, and are respected in the best social circles, their intelligence and refinement bringing them many friends. 0ANIEL C. MASON resided on his farm adjoining Joliet from the fall of 1S69 until his death in 1S96. During these years he engaged in farming and built up a homestead that won admiring notice from passers-by. His original tract comprised seventy-one acres in the home place, to which he added until he was the owner of two hundred and fifty acres, improved with all needful buildings, and bearing every evi- dence of the owner's judicious oversight. He was born January 12, 181 1, the seventh among eleven children that attained mature years, whose parents, Arnold and Mercy (Coman) Mason, re- moved after marriage from Berkshire County, Mass., to New Hartford, near Utica, N. Y. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 167 There he remained until twenty-one years of age. Upon leaving home he went to New Jersey and worked under his father, who had a contract for building a portion of the Delaware and Raritan canal. After a year there he joined the firm of Mason & Downing in a contract for excavating through Bergen Hill for the old Jersey Central Railroad, and also helped to dig the Morris canal from there to Jersey City. The next contract was for building two sections of the Croton water works, in New York City. Later he engaged in farming near his old home until 1869, when he came to Illinois. April 16, 1844, Mr. Mason married Miss Cor- nelia H. Kellogg, the second in a family of two sons and two daughters, whose parents were Truman and Meliuda (Marsh) Kellogg, natives of Oneida County, N. Y. Mrs. Mason was born June 8, 1S24, and was reared on her father's farm. She became the mother of two children, Truman A. Mason, of Joliet, and Mrs. Sherwood, who occupies the family homestead. Through- out the entire period of his residence in this coun- ty Mr. Mason proved himself to be a progressive citizen, an enterprising farmer, warm friend and accommodating neighbor, and his death was mourned by the many to whom his sterling qual- ities had endeared him. "RUMAN A. MASON. The value in any community of a citizen is not marked mere- ly by the success that has attended his ef- forts in business, but also by his character in pri- vate life, his progressive spirit as a citizen, and the interest he maintains in measures affecting the public welfare. Judged by these standards, • Mr. Mason may be classed among the most val- ued citizens of Joliet. While various enterprises have felt the impetus of his aid, he is most wide- ly known as president of the Joliet National Bank, which he organized March 2, 1891, and of which he has since been the head. This institution has enjoyed a remarkable growth. Within eight years after its organization its deposits had reached $750,000, and it ranks among the first in the state in the extent of its transactions and in reliability. The co-laborers of the president have remained unchanged from the first, and are as fol- lows: R. T. Kelly, cashier; H. O. Williams, tel- ler; and Charles G. Pierce, bookkeeper; nor has the board of directors been altered in any appre- ciable degree. Tracing the histor)' of the Mason family, we find that the grandfather of our subject, Arnold Mason, was born in Cheshire, Mass., September 10, 1777, and died March 9, 1862. His marriage, December 29, 1796, united him with Mercy Co- man, who was born October 20, 1776, and died November 9, 1850. Her father, Daniel Coman, a native of Swansea, R. I., was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and married Hannah Angell, whose birth occurred in Barrington, R. I., Decem- ber 14, 1750. This entire Rhode Island colony came from Suffolk, England, and settled in Swan- sea and Rehoboth. Hannah Angell was a daugh- ter of Nedabiah Angell, who was born April 29, 1712, and died April 19, 1786; her mother, Mary Winsor, was born September 2, 17 18, and died June 9, 1758. Nedabiah's father, Daniel Angell, was born May 2, 1680, and died June 16, 1750; he married Hannah Winsor. He was a son of John Angell, born in Rhode Island in 1643, and died July 27, 1720; he married Ruth Field, a daughter of William Field. The first member of the Angell family in America was John's father, Thomas Angell, who was born in Suffolk County, England, in 1618, and died in September, 1694. He came to Amer- ica with Roger Williams in the ship "Lion," Capt. A. Pearce, in 1631. His wife, Alice, died in Rhode Island in Januar3', 1695. Mary Win- sor, wife of Nedabiah Angell, was also his cousin, he being a son of Hannah, daughter of Samuel and Mercy (Williams) Winsor, the latter a daugh- ter of the illustrious Roger Williams by his mar- riage to Mary Wanton. After his marriage Arnold Mason removed to New Hartford, N. Y., where he was a large farmer and also for many years proprietor of Mason's inn, the old "half-way" house on the 1 68 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Albany turnpike. He was one of the contrac- tors for the Harlem high bridge in New York City and for a majority of the high rocky cuts out of Jersey City and Bergen, N. J.; also had contracts on the Erie canal, being one of the largest con- tractors of his day. During the war of 1812 he served as a captain and took part in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. When he settled in New Hartford he had only $100, but by his own ener- gy and the aid of his wife he became very suc- cessful. In religion he was an ardent Baptist. Levi, father of Arnold Mason, was born in Swansea, R. I., October 15, 1752, and was acci- dentally killed August 20, 1S44. His wife. Amy Gilsou, who was born June 30, 1751, died six days after her husband, her death being the re- sult of grief over his loss. He and six of his brothers were in the thickest of the fight at Ben- nington during the Revolutionary war. For some years he lived in Cheshire, Mass., but his last days were spent with his son, Arnold, in New Hartford, N. Y. His father, Nathan, was born May 10, 1705, and died in 1758; August 26, 1731, he married Lillis Hale, daughter of John and Hannah (Tillinghast) Hale. It was Nathan Mason who established the family in Cheshire, Mass., removing there from Swansea. He was a son of Isaac Mason, born July 15, 1667, and died January 25, 1742, who was a deacon in the Sec- ond Baptist Church in Swansea from its organi- zation in 1693 until his death. Isaac was a son of Sampson Mason, who emigrated from Suffolk, England, and settled in Dorsetshire, Mass., in 1649, thence in 1657 removed to Rehoboth, R. I. From all the best authorities the statement is made that he was a dragoon in Cromwell's arm\-. He married Mary Butterworth, a sister of Deacon John Butterworth, at whose home in Swansea the Baptist congregation of the town was organized in 1663. The record of the son of Arnold and father of Truman A. Mason appears on another page of this volume. Daniel C. Mason had two children: Mrs. Cornelia Sherwood and Truman A. Mason. The latter was bom in New Hartford, N. Y., March 14, 1846, and was reared in Utica, attend- ing public schools and Whitestown Academy. At nineteen years of age he rented his father's farm and for a year carried on a stock business. In the spring of 1866 he came to Illinois, thence went to Missouri, and returning to Chicago, be- came assistant pilot on the Chicago & Alton Rail- road. After eight months he accepted a position with a wholesale house in Utica, where he re- mained for six months as an employe. He then became a member of the firm of Rawley Bros. & Co., which continued in business for some years. In the fall of 1869 he sold out and settled in Jo- liet, where, in the spring of 1870, he engaged in the lumber business with H. W. and F. B. Plant, as Mason & Plant, this firm continuing to oper- ate a planing mill and lumber yard until 1880, when the partnership was dissolved. In 1SS0 he opened a wholesale and retail lumber yard on the Michigan Central Railroad, shipping lumber from the Michigan pine woods in large quantities; he was the first lumberman in Joliet who shipped exclusively b\- rail, which he found to be more rapid and satisfactory than by canal. His health becoming impaired by the pressure of business, he deemed it advisable to sell out, which he did in 1887, and afterward recuperated until his strength was regained. As a Republican Mr. Mason is interested in politics. He served for one term each as alder- man from the third ward and assistant supervisor. He is a member of the township board of educa- tion and one of the city school inspectors, being chairman of the committee on buildings, which work takes much of his time. He is vice presi- dent of the State Bankers' Association and one of its leading members. Socially he is connected with the Union Club. In Masonry he is a mem- ber of Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M. : Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M.: and Joliet Coru- mandery No. 4, K. T. His marriage, which took place in Joliet, united him with Anna E., daughter of W. P. Caton, who settled in Chicago' during the '30s. They are the parents of three children: Cornelia Louise, who graduated from Houghton Seminary in Clinton, N. Y., and is now the wife of John H. Garnsey, of Joliet; William C, of Mankato, Minn., who is a civil engineer with the Northwestern Railroad; and Elizabeth C. OF UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS / 9^^UcU c ^o GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 171 CAPT. EDWARD McALLISTER. gAPT. EDWARD McALLISTER. As the name indicates, the McAllister family is of Scotch origin. The first to seek a home in America were three brothers, one of whom settled in New York, another in Philadelphia, and the third in Pelham, Mass. The latter, Hon. Hamil- ton McAllister, moved to Salem, N. Y., in 1760, when all of Washington County was a wilderness and the surrounding country was sparsely settled. The nearest mill was at Albany, forty-five miles distant, and thither his wife, Sarah, rode on horseback with a sack of wheat, returning home with the flour. He was the first representative ever elected from Washington County to the state legislature. In those days the members were obliged to pay their own expenses, and it was his custom to take with him to Albany enough but- ter to pay his board. He was one of the first sheriffs of Washington County. In political views he was a Whig. The youngest son of Hamilton McAllister was William, who was born in Salem in a house that had been built on the home place in 1785. While engaged in lumbering he accidentally split his foot with an axe, inflicting an injury so serious that he was unable to serve in the war of 1812. However, two of his brothers represented the family in the army. He assisted in clearing the home place, which was covered with pine; the stumps of these he pulled and with them built a fence that remains to this day. Buying the interest of the other heirs in the homestead, he spent his remaining years thereon, meantime taking great pains to place the land under culti- vation. In politics he voted with the Democrats. He was a strict supporter of Scotch Presby- terian doctrines and for many years served as trustee of his church. When General Burgoyue passed through on his way to Bennington he used the church building as a barracks and afterward burned it; on two other occasions the church was burned to the ground, but each time the McAl- listers assisted liberally in rebuilding. One of the brothers of William McAllister was John, who in young manhood started for the west. Going down the Ohio River in a flatboat, he proceeded up the Mississippi and the Illinois and in 18 19 settled in Jersey County. The marriage of William McAllister united him with Hannah Shoudler, whose father, Andrew, was a descendant of an old Holland family of New York, while her mother was of English lineage. Five children were born to their mar- riage who attained mature years, namely: Archi- bald, deceased, who was for years a successful farmer of this county, but whose last days were spent in Chicago; William K., who was a judge on the supreme bench of Illinois from 1870 to 1873, later was judge of the circuit court of Cook County, and at the time of his death held office as judge of the appellate court; Mrs. Catherine Walker, who resides in Salem, N. Y.; Edward; and Jesse, who engaged in the wool and com- mission business in Chicago, but was killed in a collision on the Panhandle Railroad. In the house built by his grandfather in 1785, the subject of this article was born December 24, 1828. His education was largely acquired in Washington Academy at Salem, an institution his grandfather had helped to build and support. His favorite recreation in boyhood was hunting, and he became an expert shot. When twenty- 172 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. four years of age he came to Illinois and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Plainfield Town- ship, Will County, where he now resides. It was raw prairie land, without any buildings or fences. Borrowing the money to make the first payment, he began to improve the place. He has put in eleven miles of tiling, so that every foot of ground is tillable. At one time he was heavily engaged in raising hogs, but owing to the cholera scourge he dropped the business. One of his specialties has been dairying. For about ten years twenty-five hundred pounds of butter were made on his place each year, for which he was paid twenty-five cents a pound. Prior to 1899 he not only managed the place, but did much of the active work himself, but recent- ly, owing to heart trouble, he has confined his attention to superintending the work of others. Since the organization of the part}- he has been a Republican, and for years has been the head of the party delegation in his township, but has held no office except that of supervisor in 1885. June 4, i860, Captain McAllister married Fan- nie Beebe, by whom he had two sons and three daughters. The oldest son died when six years of age. Carrie is the wife of Edward R. Mc- Clelland, of Plainfield Township; Ada married Dr. Evans, of Spring Valley ; Jessie was a teacher in this county and is the wife of Fred Foss, youngest son of L. T. Foss, an old settler of Plainfield Township; and Clyde assists his father in the management of the farm. At the opening of the Civil war Captain Mc- Allister was among the first to offer his services to the Union. In 1856 he had assisted in organ- izing the militia here which was known as the Plainfield Artillery, and he was the first man in this part of the country to enlist in the Civil war. April 19, 1S61, his name was enrolled for service. He was elected captain of artillery and commanded the best battery of artillery in the Army of the Tennessee. His company enlisted for three months. At the end of that time he or- ganized a company for three years' service. He proceeded first to Cairo. In September he was sent to Fort Holt, Ky., which at that time was the lowest Union fort on the river. In February, 1S62, he joined the Army of the Tennessee. His was the first battery to enter Fort Henry, and Captain McAllister was put in command of the fort. From there he was ordered to Fort Don- elson, where his was the first shot fired by the Arm}" of the Tennessee Saturday morning, Feb- ruary 15, 1862. Finding that the enemy were preparing to break through the lines he opened on them with one of his guns without orders, thus waking all the troops around him, and this, the first gun fired in the battle, was the noti- fication to the entire army of the opening of that memorable engagement. His own guns being disabled, he was ordered to select what he wanted from the forty-eight captured from the enemy. As his ammunition did not fit them he objected to their use, and finally secured an order to go to General Sherman at Paducah and get a new out- fit of brass guns. At the battle of Shiloh he had this new and superior outfit. Having erected his battery at the edge of a clearing across which he fought and silenced Stanford's Mississippi bat- tery, he afterward noticed a column of infantry, the Fourth Tennessee, in columns of fours, ap- proaching along a road. He sent three cannon to the rear and placed the fourth in the road, then opened on the enemy with canister, killing thirty-one and wounding one hundred and sixty men according to the Confederate reports of the war. The execution of this one gun, served by nine good men, was probably the most severe on record in the War of the Rebellion. Captain M:Allister helped to train the gun and only beat a hasty retreat when the enemy was within thirty paces. The nine brave men escaped by the enemy firing at the support of the battery, con- sisting of the Fourteenth Illinois, Twenty-fifth Indiana and Thirteenth Iowa Infantries, which lost one hundred men by the one volley fired by the enemy. Captain McAllister was for years ignorant of the real facts of the fight, until re- vealed to him by old comrades and Confederate soldiers. His gallant service in that engagement was the means of defeating a crack battery that had never before met with defeat. On the last day of the battle, Byrne's battery and two guns of the Washington artillery of New Orleans (the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 173 crack battery of the Confederacy) , were or- dered to dislodge a battery on an eminence that had stopped the advance of the entire army. Captain McAllister and James A. Borland, of Joliet, were riding at the front, preparing to fire at the battery, when a shot killed their horses and General Sherman's horse, which was tied to a sapling. They secured good locations behind a rise in the ground, and carefully biding their time, were able soon to silence and dislodge the battery. Soon after the battle, owing to sickness, the cap- tain resigned his commission and returned home. In 1S94, during a meeting of an association formed to make a national park out of the Shiloh battle ground, Captain McAllister met on a boat one of the members of the Fourth Tennessee In- fantry, Thomas M.Page, of St. Louis, who told him that his one gun killed and wounded one hundred and ninety-one men in seven minutes, and he gave the captain great credit for the defense he had made. He stated that he was willing to erect a $2,000 monument on the battle ground. Later the government planned to build one at a cost of $750. The government has also appropriated $225,000 for the purpose of making a national park of the battlefield, and Captain McAllister was asked to select four pieces to mark such spots as he desired. He has made four trips to Shiloh to attend meetings of Federals and Confederates. He is a member of the Loyal Legion, and Bartle- son Post, G. A. R., of Joliet, also the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. Fraternally he is connected with Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M. (31 J- PERKINS, M. D., the oldest resident LA physician of Plainfield, is a native of New / 1 York, born in Mount Upton, Chenango County, March 20, 1834. His father, Luke, who was also of New York birth, followed the miller's trade during the greater part of his life. When advanced in years he retired from business and came west, his last days being spent in the home of his son in Plainfield. He voted for General Jackson when the latter was elected to the presi- dency, and always adhered to the Democratic party. In religion he was a Methodist. He married Sarah Preston and became the father of a large family. When only fifteen years of age our subject be- gan the study of medicine. In the spring of 1865 he graduated irom the Eclectic Medical In- stitute in Cincinnati, Ohio, and came at once to Plainfield, where he opened an office. Having practiced previously in Vermont, he had consid- erable helpful experience, and from the first he met with success, building up a valuable prac- tice. Both in his practice and from a financial standpoint he has been prospered. Of those who represented the fraternity at the time of his arrival in Plainfield he alone survives. Not- withstanding his long professional career, he still retains his keenness of judgment, quick insight into the causes of diseases and skill in their treatment. About a quarter of a century ago he was made a Mason, and since then he has been active in the fraternity, being now a member of Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M. In i860 Dr. Perkins married Eliza, daughter of Rufus W. Bangs, of North Bennington, Vt. The only daughter born of their union was Julia E., who died in childhood. Their son, Harry A. Perkins, is engaged in business in Plainfield. Dr. Perkins has been an important factor in the upbuilding of Plainfield. To his energy and public spirit the attractive appearance of the town is in no small measure due. For many years he has been a member of the school board, and during that time he spent a year in securing the erection of a substantial building which was built, jointly, by two districts. At first the heavy tax necessitated by the work caused dissat- isfaction and criticism, but the good results being apparent to all, he is given the credit due him for the praiseworthy enterprise. The two large brick store and office buildings on the north side of Lockport street were erected by him. For his own convenience in 1897 ne built a gas plant, and this was so appreciated that he afterward en- larged it in order to furnish light to the entire block. The Republican party receives his sup- 174 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. port and its candidates his vote. For many years he served as a member of the town board, being president of the same during a large part of the time. In this capacity he maintained a deep in- terest in the improvement of the town and the widening of its interests. His term on the board expired in 1895, when, deeming his long period of public service entitled him to a rest from such duties, he refused a continuance in office, retiring with an honorable record for diligent discharge of duties and for the zeal displayed in behalf of local interests. HENRY STELLWAGEN. In spite of the lapse of years since his death, Mr. Stell- wagen is well remembered by the people of Frankfort Township, among whom he had always made his home. He was a young man possessing many worthy traits of character, and his sudden death, at the very outset of his career, was deplored by all of his acquaintances. Reared on a farm and familiar with agriculture from his earliest recollections, he had drifted easily into the occupation of a farmer, for which he seemed to have a natural aptitude. Thorough-going and progressive, had his life been spared he would undoubtedly have attained a place among the wealthiest farmers of the township, and prob- ably, too, would have been prominent in local affairs. As it was, he left his family in com- fortable circumstances, his property including a farm in Frankfort Township and another in Greengarden Township. On a farm owned by his father, Philip, who was a pioneer of this county, Henry Stellwagen was born November 15, 1S50. His boyhood years were passed in the schoolroom and on the farm. Posses'sing an industrious disposition, he earlj' took a place among the rising young farm- ers of the township. As a tiller of the soil he was energetic and thrifty. In the rotation of crops he showed excellent judgment. It was his aim to secure from each acre of ground the larg- est possible results. He had good ideas in re- gard to fanning. Agricultural machinery was introduced whenever possible or expedient. While the management of his farm kept him very bus}-, he nevertheless found leisure for other interests. He was very fond of music, and for some time was a member of a band. In politics he was not especially interested, although he discharged his duty as a citizen and cast his ballot for Democratic men and measures calcu- lated to advance the public good. In 1S71 Mr. Stellwagen married Miss Mary Bechstein. Five children were born of their union. The oldest daughter, Christina, is the wife of Reinhold Eichenberg, a commission mer- chant in Chicago. Annie, at home, is a teacher; Philip died at the age of two years and six months; Mar)- is assistant postmistress, and Henry, who attended the Athenaeum College, clerks in a wholesale jewelry store in Chicago. August 15, 1S82, Mr. Stellwagen was struck by lightning and instantly killed. He was then thirty-two years of age, a strong and active young man, with every prospect of a successful future. Since his death his widow has superin- tended the management of the farm property and the education of her children. She pos- sesses decided business talent, and has superin- tended her affairs in an intelligent manner; at the same time she has held a high position in social circles and has won many warm friends among the people of the village. OF I ^ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 177 DANIEL HAYDEN. 0ANIEL HAYDEN, a large farmer and ex- tensive cattle dealer of Florence Township, was born in Kennebec County, Me., August 13, 1839, a son °f J onn a »d Hannah (Kinsella) Hayden. He was one of seven children, five of whom are living, namely: Mar}', who is married, and resides on a farm in Maine; Daniel, of this sketch; Thomas and John, farmers of Florence Township; and Hannah, also of this county. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Hayden, a native of Ireland, was one of the active partici- pants in the rebellion of 1798. When advanced in years, in 1845, he came to America, and a few months later died at the home of his son John. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Donahue, and died in Ireland in early woman- hood. John Hayden was born in Ireland in 1S15, and when twenty years of age sought a home in the new world. He purchased land in Lincoln County, Me., and for some years cultivated that place. In 1851 he came west to Illinois and set- tled in Joliet, where he bought teams, hired men, and engaged in teaming to the quarries and rail- roads. After five years in that business he re- sumed farming, buying fifty-three acres on section 12, Florence Township. He was prosperous to such an extent that he became the owner of one thousand and two hundred acres, and was rated among the wealthy men of the township. Polit- ically he was a Democrat, and in religion a Ro- man Catholic. His death occurred on his farm, April 5, 1889. His wife, who was born in Ireland and died in this county, February 28, 1890, was a daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Burns) Kin- sella. Her father died in Ireland, after which her mother, with a sister, came to America about 1850, and afterward made her home with a sou until she died. The Kinsella family at one time was very wealthy, and owned valuable landed interests, but, on account of not affiliating with the Established Church, in the seventeenth cen- tury their property was confiscated. When the family came to Illinois our subject was twelve years of age. He grew to manhood in this county, and attended the country and city schools. January 26, 1862, he went to Wheeling, W. Va., where he secured employment on a gov- ernment commissary boat. In this work he con- tinued until the 4th of July, 1864. His first trip was the conveying of a load of bran from St. Louis to Wheeling, and on the return trip the boat was pressed into the government service. On his return to this county he resumed work on the home farm. At the death of his father the homestead of four hundred acres and two hundred and forty acres one mile east fell to his mother, sister and himself, and when the mother died her portion fell to him and his sister. He is one of the leading cattle-feeders in the township, and has been especially successful in this line of work. In religion he is connected with the Roman Catholic Church at Twelve-Mile Grove. Politic- ally he votes with the Democrats. He has never married, but with his sister continues to live at the old homestead to which he came in his youth, and in the improvement of which he has been interested ever since. 178 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. VyiVRON P. HOLMES. During the long y period of his residence in Spencer, extend- (•) ing from the spring of 1866 to the present time, Mr. Holmes has been proprietor of a gen- eral store in this village and has gained a wide circle of acquaintances among the people in the northern part of this county. He has erected a store building and residence and in other ways has added to the development of the village. Various local offices have been filled by him, among them those of road commissioner (three years), collector (four years) and assessor (one year). For years he has been a member of the school board, serving much of the time as its treasurer. He has been active in the Republican party ever since he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, and keeps posted concerning the prob- lems that are of national importance. In an early day three brothers by the name of Holmes came from England to Connecticut and from there removed to New York state many years before the Revolutionary war. In the lat- ter conflict Orsamus Holmes, our subject's grand- father, bore an active part as a member of the army of the frontier, serving with Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga and being twice taken prisoner. After the war he settled upon a farm in Chau- tauqua County. He was proprietor of a hotel on the stage line from Buffalo to Dunkirk, which was also a changing post for the stages and mails. His son, Asher, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and in 1835 came to what is now Will (then Cook) County, 111., where he took up a claim on the southeast quarter of section 22, New Lenox Township, and secured the land at the first laud sale in Chicago, in 1836. In the spring of 1837 he bought one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he began general farm pursuits. On this place he died in 1853, at the age of fifty-six. A man of mental activity, he took an interest in early political affairs as a Jeffersonian Democrat and served as judge of elections. At the time he settled in this count)- Joliet contained only nine houses. He lived to see the transformation wrought in the ensuing years, but died before the city reached a high state of prosperity. Chicago being the only market for grain, he was ac- customed to make frequent trips to that city. During the war of 18 12 he took part in the serv- ice as a member of a regiment from Dunkirk that took seventeen prisoners; at the time he was only seventeen years of age. The lady whom Asher Holmes married was Eliza Ann Elmore, who was born in New York and died at the old homestead in Will County when seventy-five years of age. Of their union six children were born, namely:. James, deceased; Myron P.; Eliza A., deceased; Orsamus, of New Lenox; Lydia, wife of Henry Glacier; and Julius, of Chicago. The subject of this sketch was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y. , June 8, 1830. He was about four years of age when his parents came to Illinois, and he grew to manhood in the county where he has since resided. His educa- tion was received principally in Albion (Mich.) College. In 1850 he joined a party of Argonauts en route to California, and, reaching the Pacific coast, spent five years engaged in mining, with fair success. On his return to Illinois he spent two years with his mother, then again went to California, where he operated mines and carried on a lumber business. In 1864 he returned to this count)' and two years later opened the store of which he has since been the proprietor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mokena, in which he has been a trustee for years. By his marriage, in 1864, to Lydia Fager, who was born in Ohio and came to Illinois at an early age, he has four children, namely: Ada, wife of E. E. Swing; Mary, who married L. F. Wilson; Myron H., who is in Michigan; and Edith, at home. IJJORMAN S. HAMLIN. Although begin- I / ning his life in this county with very little I fo money, Mr. Hamlin has long been known as one of the substantial and prosperous farmers and citizens of his locality. His life has been characterized by industry and frugality, and in- dividualized by sagacious management and strict integrity. Farming has been his life work and GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 179 in it he has met with signal success; however, years ago he retired from active cares incident to the tilling of the soil and gathering in of the crops, but he still superintends his various in- terests, being of too energetic a nature to content himself in idleness. In Feuner Township, Madison Count)', N. Y., Mr. Hamlin was born May 27, 1824. His father, Solomon, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., removed to Madison Count} - , the same state, with his parents, where he grew to manhood and where he died at the age of forty -four. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a stanch Abolitionist in principle. His father, Louis Hamblin (for in that way the name was spelled originally), was born in Connecticut and settled on a farm in New York in early manhood; he was eighty-seven at the time of his death. The family is of English extraction and was repre- sented in New England at an early period. The mother of our subject was Lucinda (Stan- nardj Hamlin, a native of Bennington, Vt. , but a resident of Madison County, N. Y., from child- hood until some years after her marriage. Her last days were spent in this county in the home of her son, Norman S. , where her death occurred at eighty 3'ears of age. As her husband, she held membership in the Baptist Church. Of her four sons and one daughter only two sons are living, Norman S., and Reuben S., of Canada. The subject of this sketch was educated in coun- try schools. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was a youth of sixteen, he was taken into the home of an uncle, with whom he remained for five years. Later he secured work by the month. In the spring of 185 1 he came to this county and bought one hundred and eighty- four acres of raw prairie land in Lockport Town- ship, for which he paid $5.50 per acre. Putting up a small house he established his home there. By diligent effort he made the necessary improve- ments and placed the soil under cultivation. In those early days the country was destitute of improvements. While for a number of years settlers had been coming to the county, they had settled here in numbers too small to effect any radical transformation in the appearance of the prairie, on which one might still ride long dis- tances without fences to impede his progress. The land was not yet under first-class cultivation, towns were small, and the work of progress seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Hamlin bore his share in the development and upbuilding of the county, and as a result of his labors he became known as one of the best farmers in the county. For twenty years it was his custom to buy raw land, improve it and then sell at an advance, and at the same time he bought and sold stock. In the spring of 1870 he sold his farm land and bought a home in Plainfield, where he has since resided. The marriage of Mr. Hamlin, in 1849, united him with Miss Parnel Keeler, who was born in Madison County, N. Y., December 21, 1822, and died in this county January 30, 1897. The only child born of their marriage is also deceased. In the matter of good roads Mr. Hamlin has always been interested. Years ago, when the question was agitated, he advocated the buying of gravel pits and the putting of gravel on the roads, a plan that proved successful. For twenty years he served as road commissioner and his work while filling the office was of permanent value, its benefits being reaped at the present time. In politics he is independent, voting for the best men of either party. He is connected with Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M. 'HOMAS BURKE. The duration of Mr. Burke's residence in Joliet covered a period from his earliest recollection to the time of his death. He was a man whose friends were many and whose influence was great, not alone among people of his own religious and political views, but among all citizens who held in respect a man of undoubted integrity and honor. Twice he was elected alderman from the fifth ward and he was recognized, during the period of his serv- ice, as one of the prominent and progressive i So GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. members of the board. While in national poli- tics he voted with the Democrats, he was inclined to be independent in local matters, voting for the man rather than the party. The father of our subject, Richard Burke, came from County Tyrone, Ireland, to America and settled in Lowell, Mass., from which city he moved to Joliet, 111., in 1839, becoming a foreman in Governor Mattesou's woolen factory. He was one of the founders of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and when he died, October 9, 1858, the last rites over his body were said in that church, and his body was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Ryan, died in Joliet in 1854. Their son, Thomas, was born in Lowell, Mass., May 11, 1838, and grew to manhood at the family homestead, No. 150 Comstock street, Joliet, where his widow now lives. He grad- uated from the old Broadway- school and afterward became interested in the transfer business, which he carried on for many years. He then bought a livery business at No. 11 1 South Bluff street, where he built a stone barn, 54x100 feet, that is still the finest building of the kind in the city. From that time he was actively interested in the management of his business, which grew steadily and brought him large returns. While still in the full possession of his faculties, he died, Sep- tember 12, 1898. His funeral, held at St. Pat- rick's, was one of the largest ever held in Joliet, and his body was laid to rest in the parochial cemetery. The church from which his body was carried to its final resting place was also the scene of his marriage more than forty years before. July 11, 1856, he was united with Miss Mary Hennessey, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, a daughter of John and Bridget (Collier) Hennes- sey, natives of the same county. Her father, who was a well-to-do farmer, came to America to join his children and died at Camp Grove, Peoria County, 111., at seventy years of age; his wife, who was a daughter of Edward Collier, also died in Peoria County. They were the parents often children, all of whom came to America and six are living. Mrs. Burke was a small child when in 1852 she crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel that consumed forty-two days in the voyage to New York, from which city she went to Albany, and thence came west. In religious faith she is a- Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Patrick's Church. Of her marriage eleven children were born, namely: Mrs. Agnes Jacobs, of Joliet, John, who is foreman for the Wylie Coal Com- pany; Mrs. Nellie Sullivan; Bernard E., whose sketch is presented in this work; Mrs. Katherine Wallace: Thomas; William, who is employed by A. Dinet; Annie, who is clerk in a dry-goods store in this city; Sadie, principal of the Pleasant street school; Hattie, at home; and Alice, who is with her brother, B. E., in the grocery. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ^VU^^/ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 183 JAMES H. FERRISS. 3 AMES H. FERRISS, Joliet, president of the News Company, was born in Oswego Township, Kendall County, 111., November iS, 1849, a son of William H. and Eliza (Brown) Ferriss, natives respectively of Clinton County, N. V., and Erie County, Pa. His ancestors on the father's side were Welsh Quakers. Zebulon Ferriss, the head of the family, settled in Providence, R. I., in 1630. The boyhood of James H. Ferriss was passed in the village of Bristol Station, Kendall County, where he early became familiar with the business of a cattle drover. From 1869 to 1872 he lived upon a farm in Kansas. With one of his present partners, Frank H. Hall, he leased the Yorkville (111.) News during the campaign of 1876 and through the columns of the paper supported Peter Cooper for the presidency. Two years before this he had gained a knowledge of reportorial work through his connection with the Joliet Daily Sun, Hayward & Radcliff, proprietors. In January, 1877, Mr. Ferriss, Mr. Hall and others established the Phoenix, an independent weekly paper, at Joliet and other business centers of Will County. In October of the same year, with R. W. Nelson, now of New York, and H. E. Baldwin, one of his present partners, Mr. Ferriss purchased the Morning News, the name of which was afterward changed to the Joliet Daily News. From that time to the present he has continued with the paper, excepting two years (1881-82), when he edited the Morning News, in Portland, Me. He was married at Falls Village, Conn., June 30, 1880, to Miss Olive E. Hunt, a former resident of Bristol Station. HORACE E. BALDWIN, Joliet, secretary and treasurer of the News Company, was born in Lacon, Marshall County, 111., Sep- tember 25, 1853. His parents, John G. and Adeline S. Baldwin, moved to La Salle County in 1854 and remained there until 1870. He was educated in the public schools of Ottawa, but moved from that city two years before his high school course was completed. Five years were spent in Kansas. During the first half of that time he engaged in farming in Woodson County, and during the last half he made his home in LaCygne, Linn Count}-, where he learned the printer's trade under the firm of Kenea & Gore, proprietors of the Journal ' . In 1875 the grasshopper siege caused Mr. Baldwin to return to Illinois. He finished his apprenticeship in a job office in the old Times building in Chicago, and in the following year went to Kansas City, where he attended the high school. February 4, 1877, Frank H. Hall, present business manager of the News and one of the partners in the News Company, induced him to come to Joliet to work in the Phoenix of- fice. In July of the same year he was given a position on the Morning Neivs, and September 30 became associated with R. W. Nelson, now of New York, and James H. Ferriss, one of his present partners, in publishing that paper, which in 1880 was changed to an evening publication. He has been connected with the paper from the day it started, April 9, 1877, to the present time, excepting about nine months spent in a grain office, in 1884. Mr. Baldwin was married January 12, 1884, to Miss Lillian M. Truby, of Bird's Bridge, III., lS 4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a daughter of the late Marshall Truby. Five children were born of their union: Adda M., Marshall T. , H. Robert, Henry D. and Phil. ("RANK H. HALL, business manager of the r^ News and member of the News Company | of Joliet, was born in Dupage County, 111., November 14, 1857. His parents were among the pioneers, having settled in Dupage and Ken- dall Counties, 111., early in the '30s. He ob- tained his education primarily in the "little red schoolhouse," after which he studied in Jen- nings' Seminar}' at Aurora. Leaving school when fifteen years of age he began to learn the printer's trade. Four years later, with one of his present partners, J. H. Ferriss, he published the YorkvilleA'hv'rin Yorkville, 111. In 1877 he came to Joliet. Until 18S2 he engaged in news- paper work here, after which for ten years he was manager for the American Press Associa- tion in Cincinnati and Chicago, and also held re- sponsible positions with the Chicago Newspaper Union, American Type Founders' Company and Thorne Type Setting Machine Company. Few men have a larger personal acquaintance with the newspaper business throughout the United States than he, as he has traveled extensively through most of the states. In 1897 he returned to Joliet, where he has an attractive and comforta- ble residence on Sherman street. While he belongs to a few fraternal organizations and press associa- tions, he has never been especially interested in lodge work nor is he much of a club man. He was married in 1880 to Belle G. Moulton, of Joliet, and they have a son, Harry H., nineteen years old, and a daughter, Elsie Katherine, twelve years of age. pGJlLLIAM J. BRUCE, proprietor of the \ A / James Bruce quarries at Joliet and a mem- V Y ber of the Bruce Stone Company at Romeo, is a native of this count}', born at Lockport, De- cember 6, 1857. His father, James, who was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, October 11, 1823, came to America shortly before attaining his majority, crossing the ocean in the sailing vessel "St. Lawrence," in 1844. After a voyage of seven weeks, via Montreal and the lakes, he ar- rived in Chicago, from which point he proceeded to Lockport. The trip had been an expensive one, taking all of his money, so that when he reached this county he had only one British shilling left. He was fortunate in at once secur- ing work. Hiram Norton employed him as a millwright in the construction of the Norton mills. Later he acted as purchasing agent for George Barnett and made regular trips to Chicago, re- turning with supplies. He also acted as superin- tendent for Mr. Barnett. In time he became himself a contractor and employer of men. He built the Illinois Central bridge at Lasalle and continued contracting and building until his wife died, in the fall of 1865. He then took up quar- rying, changing his occupation in order that he might be at home to care for his children. In company with others, he bought the old prison quarries, but gradually he bought the interest of his partners until he finally became the sole owner. The remainder of his life was devoted to the quarry business, and for many years he was the largest shipper of stone from the county. His success in the business induced others to enter it, and thus he proved a great help in developing one of the most important industries of this locality. A Republican in politics, he was, how- ever, not active in public affairs and never cared to hold offices. While he was not connected with any denomination he attended and con- tributed to the maintenance of the Congregational Church. His home was a substantial residence, built by himself, on the road between Joliet and Lockport. Few residents of the county have been more respected than he, and none have stood higher among their associates and friends. His worth was recognized by all. His character was above reproach. After a very active life he passed from earth December 13, 1898, at the age of seventy-five years, two months and two days. He had been twice married. His first wife was Jane, daughter of George Stephen, who GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 185 came to this county at the same time with James Bruce. Five children were born of this union, viz.: Georgiana, deceased; Belle, wife of George P. Stephen, of Lake County, 111.; William J.; Margaret, wife of J. A. Jamieson, of Marseilles; and Jennie, deceased. By his second wife, Jane Stephen, who was a cousin of his first wife, Mr. Bruce had four sons, namely: Ebenezer S. , de- ceased; James, who is engaged in the grain busi- ness at Marseilles; Harry W., deceased; and Robert. The paternal grandfather of our subject came to America when in middle life and settled in Will County, where he followed the millwright's trade. He had four sons, James, Samuel, Alex- ander and George. He was a man of great activity and energy. His death was sudden, re- sulting from cholera. He worked until dark one evening and was buried before daylight the next morning. While he had very few educational advantages our subject, William J. Bruce, has become a well- informed man, having availed himself of every opportunity to increase his fund of knowledge. When sixteen years of age he began to work in quarries and this business he has since followed. His knowledge of the occupation has therefore been acquired by practical experience. For some years he was in partnership with his father, until the latter's death. The only serious accident with which he has met was caused by the ex- plosion of a keg of powder, which blew him through the side of the house; in the midst of the danger he did not lose his presence of mind, but saved his life by throwing himself in the water at the bottom of the quarry, thus putting out the fire. While he escaped unhurt, his hearing was injured by the accident. As a business man he is quick and active. From his quarry at Romeo he has taken as much as twenty thousand tons a month, the most of which has been shipped to Joliet and South Chicago. In national politics Mr. Bruce is a Republican, but in local matters is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. He is connected with the blue lodge of Masonry at Lock port. Decem- ber 23, 1885, he married Jennie, daughter of William Cameron, of Lockport; she was born in Canada, but has spent her life principally in this county. Her father and her husband's father were born within four miles of each other in Scot- land. Of the seven children born to her marriage three are deceased, and the four living are Cam- eron, Harry, James and Jane. The family oc- cupy a comfortable residence, built in 1896 by Mr. Bruce, and standing on the road between Joliet and Lockport, next to the old Bruce home- stead, where he was born. PQlLLIAM RUHE, treasurer of the Crete \ A / Farmers' Township Mutual Fire Insurance VV Company, was born in Rumbeck, at Schaumburg, Germany, November 30, 1839. His father, Frederick, a native of the same town as himself, engaged in contracting and build- ing there. When he was forty-five years of age he decided to come to America, and pur- chased tickets for himself and wife and their five children, but before the day of starting arrived he was taken sick; after an illness of two weeks he passed away. Immediately after his burial the family proceeded on their journey, shipping from Baden and lauding in New York after a voyage of forty-two days. Thence they journeyed to Chicago, but a month later left that city and came to Will County, settling six miles south of Crete. This was in 1855, and William was then a boy of almost six- teen. For a year he worked on a farm, after which he followed the carpenter's trade. Being the eldest of the children, the responsibility of caring for the family fell upon him after his father's death This trust he nobly dis- charged, caring for the others until they were old enough to become self-supporting. In 1861 he bought a farm in Washington Township, this county, but three years later he sold the place and, after spending two months in Chicago, set- tled in Crete, where he has since resided. He has engaged in contracting and building contin- 1 86 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. uously, with the exception of five years when he was manager of the Crete Manufacturing Com- pany, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Mathias, made her home in this county until her death at seventy-two years of age. Of her chil- dren, the second-born died at thirteen years; Louis is living in Crete; Dora married Herman Grote, and lives in Minnesota; and Mary is the wife of Henry Homeyer, of Iroquois County, 111. July 6, 1865, our subject married Sophia Rol- ler, who was born near the same town as him- self. She came to America when eighteen years old and has made her home in Crete since her marriage, having first come to this village in i860. Seven children comprise their family, viz.: Sophia, wife of John Lucke, of Crete; William, a carpenter and builder; Emma, wife of August Hartmann; Amelia, at home; Bertha, who married Albert Frye, of Watseka, 111.; Henry, a clerk; and Augusta, at home. The family are connected with the Lutheran Church. In political views Mr. Ruhe is independent. In 1879 he served as township collector. For eight years he was village trustee, and for four years served as president of the village. The Crete Farmers' Township Mutual Insurance Company, of which he is treasurer, was organ- ized in 1 86 1, and reorganized twenty years later. It has since grown to be one of the most impor- tant enterprises of the locality, a result that is largely due to the energy of its officers. At this writing Christ Scheiwe is president and Her- man Schweppe secretary. There are over twelve hundred policies, representing nearly two mil- lion dollars, in force in six townships. Of all the mutual companies in the entire state, this company has the finest record. Its success has indeed been remarkable. June 7, 1884, Mr. Ruhe was appointed agent for the company, his territory being Will, Monee, Washington and Crete Townships. In 1897 Crete and Monee Townships were given to his son-in-law, John Lucke, and Will and Washington to H. F. Wilke. In January, 1898, he was elected a director of the company and its treasurer, which positions he has since filled, giving a bond of $56,000 in his official capacity. His attention is closely given to the details of the company's business. As treasurer, he is accurate in the keeping of accounts, and his books are models of neatness and accuracy. EHARLES A. LARSON. At the time that Mr. Larson settled in Joliet, in the spring of 1 88 1, there were only five men of his own nationality in the city, the large number of Swedes now represented in the population hav- ing settled here since that year. His early ex- perience in his new home proved far less fortu- nate than his imagination had anticipated. He worked for a few weeks in the Davidson stone quarries, and later was with the Joliet Stone Company, until January 18, 1882, when a prema- ture explosion of dynamite injured him so seri- ously that for a time his life was despaired of, and it was not until five months later that he was able to leave his room. Being unable to engage again in quarrying, it was necessary for him to seek another occupation, and, in order to fit him- self for business, he studied book-keeping for a few months, at the same time acquiring a better knowledge of the English language. In the summer of 1882 he entered the store of Brooks & Strong, with whom, and with their successors, Strong, Bush & Handwerk, he has since contin- ued, being now their head clerk. He is also a director in the People's Loan and Homestead As- sociation. In the spring of 1S99 he received the Republican nomination for township collector and was elected by a majority of two hundred and seventy-four, taking the oath of office in April for a term of one year. Near Boros, Elfsborslaeu, Westrejutland, Swe- den, Mr. Larson was born July 14, 1S62, a son of Lars and Anna (Anderson) Johnson. His father was a member of an old family that owned the estate " Skattegarden," which property was later divided, he receiving the part known as " Aatolsgaardeu." In 1SS3 he came to Joliet, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 187 where he is now living, retired from active labors. His wife, who is also living, was a daughter of Andreas Anderson, a farmer and owner of "Stureryd." Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the following survive: Jolian A., who is engaged in the insurance business in Joliet; Charles A.; Johannes, in Colorado; Alfred, of Peoria, 111. ; and Mrs. Minnie Sophia Eifler, of Englewood, 111. The first of the family to settle in America was the subject of this sketch, who, in July, 1880, left Gottenburg for Hull and Liverpool, and thence crossed the ocean on the steamer " Etru- ria," landing in New York after a voyage of twelve days. On the 2d of August he arrived in Chicago, where a farmer hired him to work on a farm near Peotone, and he continued there for seven months, then came to Joliet. He is one of the best known Swedes in the city, and among those of his own race wields a large influence. A stanch Republican in politics, he has served as a member of the congressional committee for eight years, and has also worked on the county committee. He is a member of the Swedish Re- publican Club. He holds the office of vice-presi- dent for Will County of the Swedish-American Republican State League, and is also secretary of the Swedish-American Republican Club of Joliet. Since 1891 he has been collector for the Fraternal Alliance. He is identified with the North Star Association of Joliet and the North Star Mutual Life Insurance Company of Illinois. When he first came to Joliet there were so few Swedes that it was of course deemed unnecessary and impracticable to hold special religious serv- ices of their own. However, he prevailed upon three others to join with him in paying a preacher to come from Rock Island once a month. From that small beginning sprang the Swedish Luth- eran Church of which he is treasurer and a mem- ber of the board of trustees. In the building of a house of worship he took a warm interest, as he has in all measures for the benefit of the church. October 3, 1888, in Joliet, Mr. Larson married Miss Wilhelmina Sophia Jonson, who was born in Oskarshamn, Smoland, Sweden, a daughter of Olaf and Maria Sophia Jonson. Her father, a native of the laen of Kalmar, was left an orphan at five years of age, and when still quite young was obliged to be self-supporting. He became a marine engineer and followed his trade in differ- ent parts of Europe, but is now living retired, in Oskarshamn. By his first marriage he had two children, one of whom is living, Mrs. Nils Erik- son, of Joliet. His second marriage united him with a daughter of Johan Johnson, an inn keeper, and by her he had one child, Mrs. Larson, who has made her home in Joliet since 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have two sons, Harry Emelius Levi and Ernst Oliver Milton. gERNARD E. BURKE. In the list of en- terprising business men of Joliet, mention belongs to Mr. Burke, who since 1895 has been engaged in the grocery business at No. 314 West Marion street. During that year he bought his present site and opened a small grocery, after- ward building up a good trade among the people of the locality, whose confidence he won by his honesty and reliability in business transactions. In 1898 he erected a three-story brick building, 27x60 feet in dimensions, two floors of which are occupied by his stock of groceries, produce and meats. At No. i5oComstock street, Joliet, in the ward where he now resides, Mr. Burke was born June 30, 1863, a son of Thomas and Mary (Hennessey) Burke, pioneers of this city. He was educated in the local schools. When seventeen years of age he embarked in the transfer business for him- self, and continued until 1895, having his head- quarters at Burke's barn, and running two teams. In 1895 he sold the business in order to turn his attention to the grocery trade. He is an energetic and capable business man, and shows excellent judgment in his enterprises. All movements for the benefit of the city receive iS8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his co-operation, and, as far as possible, his assist- ance. He is a leader in the local ranks of the Democratic part}-, and has served as a member of the township and city central committee. As the Democratic nominee in 1896 he was elected alder- man from the Fifth ward by the largest majority ever given any candidate in this ward, and two years later he was re-elected to the office. At this writing he is chairman of the committee on schools and license and as a member of the ordi- nance and west side streets committees. Frater- nally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married in Joliet to Mary, daughter of Joseph Kavanaugh, and a native of Troy Township, this county. They are the par- ents of two daughters, Mary B. and Helen L. APT. WILLIAM DOUGALL, M. D. While Dr. Dougall has been successfully engaged E \J in the practice of medicine in Joliet since 1872 he is perhaps best known to the outside world as the president of the Illinois Pure Alumi- num Company, of Lemont, a comparatively recent but very flourishing organization. The company owns a plant in Lemont that is rapidly becoming celebrated and is the largest of its kind in the world. Started in 1892, two years later it came into the charge of its present president, under whose wise oversight the output has been greatly increased. The products include everything in aluminum, from a hairpin to cooking utensils as large as three hundred gallon kettles. Shipments are made to different parts of the United States and to other countries. Dr. Dougall is a graduate of Chicago Medical School (now the Northwestern University medi- cal department), from which he received the de- gree of M. D., March 4, 1868. Afterward he practiced at Lemont, Cook County, for four years, and acted as chief surgeon of the Illinois and Michigan canal when it was deepened. Since 1872 he has made his home in Joliet, where, un- der President Harrison, he held the position of pension surgeon. At one time he was president and later secretary of the Will County Medical Society, and he is also connected with the Illinois State and American Medical Associations. In 1879 he was appointed postmaster of Joliet by President Hayesand filled the position during the administrations of Garfield and Arthur, retiring in 1883. In 1875 he was elected chairman of the count} - Republican central committee and con- tinued in that capacity until 1879. In Paisley, Scotland, March 1, 1S42, William Dougall was born to John and Margaret (Hous- toun) Dougall. The family descended from the McDougalls, who were represented in the battle of Baunockburn; they were not friendly to the historical Robert Bruce, because one of their family, Red Comyn, had been assassinated by him. John Dougall was born December 10, 1799, and became a cotton spinner near Paisley. In 1858 he brought his family to America and settled near New Haven, Ind., where he died De- cember 28, 1S74. His wife was born in Hous- toun, Renfrewshire, January 1, 1S01, and de- scended from Sir Patrick Houstoun, a Huguenot, who settled in Scotland about 1585 and became owner of Houstoun castle. Her father, John Houstoun, was a farmer there. Of her twelve children five are living, viz.: Mrs. John Hadden, Allan H., William, Mrs. M. F. Williamson and Mrs. J. F. Beuiet. One of her daughters, Isabelle F., Mrs. Williamson, spent thirty years in the mission field of China, and died there in August, 1886. June 14, 1861, the subject of this sketch was one of the first who enlisted in a three years' regiment, the Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, and was appointed corporal. He took part in the battles of Rich Mountain, Elk Water, Green- brier (Va.)i Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Perry - ville, Stone River (where he was wounded by a canister shot), Tallahoma and Chattanooga. October 1, 1863, he was commissioned a captain in the Thirteenth United States Colored Infantry, in which capacity he continued until the close of the war. At the charge of Overton, where the colored troops fought nobly, he lost seventeen out of the forty-three men in his company and GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 189 also had thirteen wounded. In that charge he was the only man who put his foot on the rebel works, and when the line was formed again he was once more at the front and captured a num- ber of prisoners. His being the color company suffered more than the others. At the close of the war he refused a commission in the regular army and resigned as an officer. Returning to his home he took up the study of medicine, which he has since followed. October 1, 1872, he mar- ried Miss Cassie Walker, of Lemont, by whom he has two children, Mary C. and William Hous- toun. At Maysville, Ind., August 18, 1865, Dr. Dougall was made a Mason. Afterward he was senior warden of Mt. Joliet Lodge No. 42, of Joliet. He has also been an officer in Joliet Chapter, R. A. M., and Joliet Council No. 82. In 1872 he was made sir knight in Joliet Com- mandery No. 4, K. T. ; in 1880-81 served as eminent commander, and in 1882 was prelate. He has been post commander of Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R., and an active member of the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion. Among the business enterprises with which he has been identified is the Lake street elevated railroad in Chicago. Local movements receive his co-operation, and he is justly numbered among the leading professional and business men of his home city. PJ)ILS PETER LINDSTRUM has followed the P / merchant tailor's trade since he was nine I ID years of age, gaining his rudimentary knowl- edge of the business under the instruction of his father, Swen Peter Johanson, a merchant tailor, who died in Smaland, Sweden, at seventy-five years of age. The latter had three sons (all in America) and one daughter by his first marriage, and by his second wife, Christine Miiller, had only one child, Nils Peter, who was born in Bjelbo, Christdaliasaken, Smaland, Sweden, Sep- tember 23, 1850. The family being poor it was impossible for him to attend school regularly; in fact, his entire attendance at the common school was limited to eleven weeks. However, being ambitious to learn, he often devoted his evenings to study and in that way gained a practical fund of information that has proved very helpful to him. As soon as he was old enough to be of assistance he was taken into his father's shop, where he served an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade. April 21, 1869, Mr. Lindstrum sailed from the old country for America, and after a voyage of fourteen days he landed in Quebec, May 21. Thence he proceeded to Chicago and from there went to Galesburg, 111., where he worked at his trade for more than two years. On his return to Chicago he secured employment in a tailor's shop. In July, 1883, he came to Joliet, where, in October, 1SS6, he opened a merchant tailor shop at No. 913 South Joliet street. During the forty years that he has worked at his trade he has accpiired a thorough knowledge of all of its details and is a reliable, efficient and skilled work- man, whose reputation for honest}- and skill has secured him the patronage of first-class custom- ers. Being economical he has saved a fair pro- portion of his earnings, and is therefore in com- fortable circumstances. The Swedisli Republican Club and the Swedish Lutheran Church number Mr. Lindstrum among their members. He is loyal in his devotion to the government and true to his adopted country. One of his half-brothers, S. J. Lindstrum, now of Monmouth, 111., came to the United States in 1861 and enlisted in an Illinois regiment, where he served until his term expired. The first wife of Mr. Lindstrum was Mathilda Nelson, who was born in Sweden and died in Chicago. His second marriage took place in Chicago October 20, 1881, and united him with Miss Matilda Peterson, who was born at "Foug- huld,'-' Jankopinglaen, Smaland, Sweden. Her father, Peter, who in youth served in the Swedish army, afterward cultivated the farm, ' 'Foughuld," until he came to America. Her mother, Sarah, daughter of Andres Anderson, a farmer, came to the United States and died in Chicago. All of her eight children also came to this country , and all but i go GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. one are still living, six of them being in Chicago. Mrs. Lindstrutn was third in order of birth and was reared in her native land, whence she accom- panied the family to America in 1879, and two years later she was married in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrum have many friends among the people of their nationality in Joliet, where they are known and honored for their integrity of character and kindness of heart. They are the parents of two daughters, Matilda C. and Anna W. Lindstrum. EEORGE C. RAYNOR, M. D. With an ex- perience as a physician extending over the latter half of the nineteenth century, coupled with a broad study of the medical science and remedial agencies, Dr. Raynor readily occupies a position among the leading physicians of Joliet, where he has engaged in practice since March, 1870. It has been his privilege to live in the greatest age of improvement and progress in the world's history. He has seen and kept in touch with the developments in the various fields of science, and particularly those made in his own profession, which has emerged from the realm of charlatanism into its present standing as the most humanitarian of all occupations. Interested in every phase of the healing art, he has been a thoughtful reader of medical literature and a student of the profession through all these years. His standing among the members of the pro- fession here was shown by his repeated election as president of the Will County Medical Society, which organization has enjoyed the benefit of his co-operation. In addition to his private practice he was for twelve years surgeon to the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company in this city. Dr. Raynor was born in Fairfield, Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1826, a son of David and Melinda (Mather) Raynor. His grandfather, Stephen Raynor, a native of Long Island, settled upon a farm in Herkimer Count}-, and upon that homestead David Raynor was born and reared. The latter, with the exception of the time spent in the war of 1812, devoted his entire active life to farm pursuits, remaining in his native county until he died at seventy-two years. A man of strict religious life, he was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was born near Utica, Oneida County, N. Y., a mem- ber of an old Connecticut family that claimed Puritan descent. Of their ten children all but one attained mature 3'ears and four are living. The doctor, who was fifth in order of birth, was reared on the homestead and attended district schools and the Fairfield Academy. In 1S49 he entered the University of the City of New York, from which he graduated in 1852, with the degree of M. D. Opening an office in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, N. Y., he built up a large practice and remained there until he removed to Illinois. For nine years he served as coroner of Montgomery County, N. Y. For two years Dr. Raynor was master of Mat- teson Lodge A. F. & A. M., in Joliet. He is also connected with Joliet Commander} - No. 4, K. T. For many years he has been a member of the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as treasurer of the board. He is an Abraham Lincoln Republican, but, after hav- ing voted with the party for years, when in 1896 a gold plank was put in the platform, he felt he could not longer remain with it, for his sym- pathies have been with the free silver movement, and hence he supports the men and measures pledged to promote the latter cause. In Mas- sachusetts he married Miss Helen Cole, who was born in Berkshire County, that state, and died in Joliet in 1889. The only child of their union is Lansing James Raynor, a business man of Joliet. uhive ' ,alN01s born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1818, a son of Daniel Elwood and a nephew of Isaac L. Elwood, at one time secretary of the Western Union Telegraph Company. He represented the fourth generation in America, the family having been founded in this country by a native of Essex County, England, who settled on the Hudson River. When eight years of age he was left an orphan, and seven years later he secured a posi- tion as clerk in Lockport, N. Y. In 1837 he came to Lockport, 111., securing employment as an engineer on the Illinois and Michigan canal, at which he worked in the summers, while he taught during the winters. On his election as county clerk, in 1843, he came to Joliet, and while filling that position he studied law and was admitted to the bar. At the expiration of his term as clerk he formed a partnership with his wife's brother, Judge Parks, under the firm name of Parks & Elwood, and afterwards he managed the real-estate business of the firm, while his partner had charge of law matters. At the or- ganization of the Chicago & Rock Island Rail- road Company he was made the company's sec- retary, and also served as a director until the road was completed into Iowa. Governor Joel A. Matteson was the originator of the road, which was opened to Joliet in 1852. Afterward Gover- nor Matteson and Mr. Elwood built a part of the Chicago & Mississippi Railroad from Joliet to Alton, and this road, under its subsequent name of Chicago & Alton, has since become one of the most successful in the state. In 1856 Governor Matteson and Mr. Elwood built the Joliet & Northern Indiana Railroad, which connects Joliet with the Michigan Central Railroad at Lake Station, Ind., and in 1859 the latter road pur- chased the branch. Until 1859 the Chicago & Alton ran to Chicago 011 the Rock Island tracks, but in that year its roadbed was extended, and the road was known as the Joliet & Chicago Railroad. In 1848 Mr. Elwood was secretary of the state senate. Although he was a strong Democrat, he was in 186 1 re-appointed by Governor Yates, a Re- publican, as one of the penitentiary commission- ers chosen to locate the state penitentiary. He retained the position until his death, which oc- curred February 24, 1861. For years he was a member of the vestry of Christ's Episcopal Church. While he was identified with the Odd Fellows his most active work, fraternally, was with the Masons. He was grand high priest of the grand chapter of Illinois, and at the time of his death deputy grand commander of the grand commandery of Illinois, an officer in the grand lodge and a thirty-third degree Mason. Mr. Elwood took an active interest in all edu- cational work, and for many years was a member of the board of school inspectors of Joliet. For two terms he held the office of mayor, and for three terms served as an alderman. He was, beyond all question, one of the most active, pro- gressive and public-spirited citizens of Joliet of his day. *He filled positions of public and pri- vate trust with exacting fidelity. His handiwork may be found in and around Joliet to this day. He erected the first business house on Jefferson street, it being located where the present post- office building stands. In that same frame structure were for a time the offices of the Chica- go, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, and there the building of that road was planned. Although but forty-two years of age at the time of his death, Mr. Elwood left behind him a memory that will endure through future years. The affectionate remembrance in which his name is held by all the older members of the Masonic fraternities is one of the rare evidences of deep and lasting love. The marriage of Mr. Elwood united him with Miss Juliet L. Parks, of Lockport, N. Y. She GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 229 survived him almost forty years, passing away May 6, 1900, in Chicago, and was buried in Joliet. Her father, Joel M. Parks, was postmas- ter and a merchant of Lockport, N. Y. , and in 1837 settled in Lockport, 111., where he also en- gaged in the mercantile business and served as postmaster. Later he removed to Joliet, where he died. His wife was a sister of William Good- ing, chief engineer of the Illinois and Michigan canal. The esteem in which Mrs. Juliet L. Elwood was held in Joliet was shown by the following, which is a portion of an article published in a local paper at the time of her death: "One of our noblest women passed away Sat- urday night when the soul of Mrs. Juliet L. Elwood winged its flight to its eternal home. Everybody in Will County and Joliet knew and loved her, and all alike mourn her death. "Mrs. Elwood was born in Bristol, Ontario County, N. Y., September 16, 1819. She was married to Nelson D. Elwood in Lockport, N.Y. , February 13, 1837, and shortly after moved to Lockport, Will County, 111. Some time after the death of Mr. Elwood she moved to Chicago, where she died on the 6th, at 2979 Prairie avenue. "She was one of the grandest of wives and mothers. All loved her for her high character, loving ways and pure womanly traits. "The funeral occurred from Christ Episcopal Church this afternoon at three o'clock to Oak- wood. The tears and flowers and heartfelt sighs of the mourning relatives and friends and the mute grief shown by the old-time friends and neighbors told more eloquently than the grandest sermon could of the deep and lasting love for the deceased, whose memory will ever be cherished and revered." HON. JAMES G. ELWOOD, postmaster of Joliet and one of the city's most influential citizens, was brought to this place by his par- ents in 1843, when four years of age. He was born in Lockport, this county, and received his education in public and private schools primarily, after which he attended the Collegiate and Com- mercial Military School in New Haven, Conn., remaining there until thecompletionofthecour.se in 1857. While there he served as first sergeant for three months and later held the rank of cap- tain. The choice of a university course at Yale or study abroad was given him, and he chose the latter, going to Geneva, Switzerland, where he was under a tutor for a year. Next he matricu- lated in Frederick William University at Berlin, where he completed the first year's studies. While there his only living brother passed away and left him the sole survivor of six sons. For this reason his parents deemed it best for him to return to them, and the following year he spent in his father's office. After completing the course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College he re- turned to the office of Parks & Elwood, aud con- tinued there until his mother gave her consent for his enlistment in the volunteer army in July, 1862. Organizing Company B, of the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, he was commissioned its cap- tain by Governor Yates, and went at once to the front. After the battle of Perryville he accom- panied General Rosecrans and took part in the five days' fight at Murfreesboro. During that battle he was honored by being made acting assistant adjutant-general of the First Brigade, First Divi- sion, Twenty-first Corps, being appointed on the field by Gen. George T. Buell. His brigade, which was in Wood's division, received an order to move by the left flank in the battle of Chicka- mauga. It obeyed the order with fourteen hun- dred and fifty men and lost six hundred and for- ty-eight men in its heroic effort to hold its posi- tion. While in Chattanooga, Mrs. Elwood wrote so strong an appeal for her son's return home that General Rosecrans decided her request should be granted. The young officer therefore resigned in November, 1863, and returned home. In 1866 Mr. Elwood became a broker on the Chicago board of trade. Soon afterward he en- tered the milling business at Matteson, 111., but in 1870 returned to Joliet, where he has since carried on a real-estate business. With ex- Mayor 230 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Paige, in 1SS0, he built the Telephone Exchange, the first telephone in Joliet, and this the two con- ducted for three years, and then sold out to the Chicago Telephone Company, Mr. Elwood re- maining as manager for four more years. His next business enterprise was as treasurer, general manager and a director of the water works com- pany, with which he continued for four years, until the plant was purchased by the city. From 1S8S to 1896 he was manager of the Joliet Gas Company, with which he was connected from 1 86 1 and of which he was secretary for twenty years. With Judge Parks, in 1S77, ne erected the First National Bank building. He is a direc- tor in the Will County National Bank and has an interest in many other local enterprises of impor- tance. In 1862 he was made a director of Oak- wood cemetery, of which he has been superinten- dent since 1871. When Mr. Elwood entered the army he was a Douglas Democrat, but soon after the war he be- came a Republican and has been stanch in his al- legiance to this part)- ever since. From 1872 to 1S74 he was alderman from his ward. In 1S77 he was elected mayor, being the first to hold the office under the present charter. As chairman of the board of county supervisors for two years he proved an efficient worker for the benefit of the paople, not only devoting his salary to the bene- fit of the public work, but making personal con- tributions besides. From 1892 to 1S94 he was superintendent of the poor, this being the time of the panic, when work was scarce and many worth}- people were in direst straits. During that time he had charge of feeding. and helping forty-four hundred and fifty persons, and much of his time was given to this work. July 11, 1S98, he was appointed postmaster of Joliet, and has since served with efficiency in the office. In Chicago, in 1868, Mr. Elwood married Miss Margaret Pearce, who was born in Seneca Coun- ty, N. Y. Her father, William L. Pearce, came to Chicago in 1852 and opened the Matteson house, corner of Randolph and Dearborn streets. He died in Chicago. His brother is now propri- etor of the Sherman house in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Klwood are the parents of four children. Ward Pearce Elwood, the oldest, was educated in Faribault, Minn., and Chicago Manual Training school, and is now engaged in the plumbing business in Joliet. William Nelson Elwood is treasurer and secretary of the Nashville Chair and Carriage Company, of Nashville, Tenn. ; this company both father and son helped to organize and it has the most complete and modern plant of its kind in the United States. The older daugh- ter, Louise Mayuette, was educated in Lasell Sem- inary at Auburudale, Mass., and the younger, Elsie Parks, graduated with honors from the Joliet high and training schools. The family spend the winters in Joliet and during the summer occupy their country home, "Elwood Terrace," on the St. Clair River, in Michigan. Fraternally Mr. Elwood is connected with Mat- teson Lodge," A. F. & A. M. ; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M., in which he is past high priest; Joliet Council; Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. , in which he has been commander five terms; and in 1884 he was grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. For twelve years he was the representative of the grand comman- dery of New York in the commandery of this state. He is a member of the Illinois Comman- dery of Loyal Legion and Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R., of Joliet. For man)- years he w T as a vestryman and warden in Christ's Episcopal Church and took an active part in the man- agement of the finances of the church, also aided actively in the erection of the church building-. REY. SAMUEL HEWES. Far and near this gentleman is known for his successful and self-sacrificing labors in the cause of Christ. Early entering the ministry, his entire active life was devoted to the winning of souls for Christ and the uplifting of humanity. Under his labors, both in regular pastorates and in evangelistic meetings, thousands have been converted, and these sixty years have been very fruitful of re- sults. Even now, though with him life's brief GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. day has reached its serene twilight, he still labors as his strength permits, preaching occasionall}' and in other ways promoting the welfare of the church. The record of the Hewes family is presented in the sketch of our subject's brother, Daniel S., also of Crete. Samuel was born in Shaftsbury, Vt., August iS, 1814, and was the eldest son of twelve children. When he was quite young the family removed to Chittenden County, Vt. He was a mere boy when he. began to work, giving his wages to his father to assist in the support of the family. When the family started west in 1835 he had just been converted, and, feeling a call to the ministry, he desired a better education than he could secure in Illinois. Hence he re- solved to remain in Vermont. Working during vacations he obtained the means to pursue academic studies in Bennington. Later he stud- ied and also was a teacher for two years in West Poultney Seminary. While teaching in Chitten- den County in 1839 he received a license to preach and filled the pulpit on the night the license was given him. For two years he taught week days and preached on Sundays. During that time he held a very successful revival. After his marriage he joiued the conference. In 1857 he moved to Troy, N. Y., which at that time was noted for its wickedness. During the two years he remained in that city he had more than three hundred converts. Before this he made two hun- dred conversions in the suburbs and preached at three different places each Sunday. In spite of the fact that he was offered the lead- ing church in Troy if he would remain there, Mr. Hewes determined to come to Illinois, where he had purchased one hundred acres of govern- ment land in 1846 and where his relatives resided. In 1859 he settled in Will County. Immediately joining the western conference, he was appointed pastor of the Crete congregation. Besides preach- ing here, on alternate Sundays he preached at Mouee, seven miles from Crete, and Thornton, ten miles distant, where he held Sunday afternoon ser- vices and also had three appointments during the week. For two years he continued in that man- ner, after which he was stationed at Arlington Heights, Palatine and other places for two years, at Wheatou for a year and at Frankfort Station for two years, at the same time supplying other pul- pits. Failing health then obliged him to tempo- rarily give up his ministerial work. He bought the old homestead from his mother, and this, with his own land, made him owner of three hun- dred and sixty acres in Crete Township. Six years of outdoor exercise and farm work restored his health and he resumed his ministerial work. His next appointments were as follows: McHen- ry, 111., two years; Crystal Lake Crossing one year; Downer's Grove, two years; Courtlaud, two years; Kaneville, three years; and Erie, one year. On reaching the age of seventy years he retired from regular pastoral work, although he was offered by the Erie congregation a large sal- ary if he would remain. On retiring he estab- lished his home in Crete Village, where he has since resided. It would be impossible to estimate the good accomplished by such a life as that of Mr. Hewes, for kind deeds and Christian service cannot be tabulated in statistics. But, though unchronicled on earth, He who said, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me," will not pass them by unrewarded. Now as he looks back over his eighty-six years he can do so without regret or remorse, and can look forward to the future with the Christian's bright hope of eternal happiness. At Grand Island, Vt., December 24, 1840, Mr. Hewes married Miss Phoebe Phelps, who was born in Vermont and is still living, at eighty-two years. She has been an active worker in the church and a faithful, efficient helpmate to her husband, whose devoted wife she has been for sixty years. Of their nine children two daugh- ters alone survive. The eldest of these is a noted evangelist, having inherited her father's gift of preaching. She has been in evangelistic work for twenty years, mainly in Illinois, Iowa, Wis- consin and Indiana, and also spent four years in Ireland, where she gained more converts to the church than any evangelist had secured for years. Besides this, she is an excellent writer on re- ligious subjects. She is the wife of Rev. Joseph 232 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Caldwell, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Frankfort, this county. The second daughter, Mary H., deceased, married Rev. Sam- uel Earngey, who has held pastorates at Dixon, Plainfield, Elgin, Morris, Aurora and other places, and is now one of the well-known Meth- odist Episcopal ministers of Chicago. The third daughter, Helen H. , is the wife of G. W. Willard, M. D., of Chicago; and the youngest daughter, Franc, now deceased, married Charles Blim, M. D., of Crete. Gl LBERT T. RANDALL, supervisor of Ckan- | I nahou Township and a well-known merchant | 1 of Channahon, was born in Cuyahoga Coun- ty, Ohio, June 7, 1837, a son of John T. and Beulah S. (Russell) Randall. He was one of a family of six, four now living, those besides him- self being Gersham A., who is with the Brewster Manufacturing Company in Beatrice, Neb. ; Lau- ra A., who is the wife of Albert Wilburn, a busi- ness man of Blackford, Kans.; and Mary, who married Charles A. Warren, an attorney of Chi- cago. His father, who was a native of Orleans County, Vt., born August 2, 1815, accompanied his parents to Orleans County, N. Y., when he was ten years of age, and there he grew to man- hood. His school advantages were very limited, but later, through broad reading, he became a well-informed man. In early manhood he went to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where he worked on his uncle's farm. There he met and married Miss Russell. After the birth of two children he and his wife removed to Orleans County, N. Y., and there resided until 1849. During the latter year John T. Randall brought his family to Illinois. After a few months in Joliet he settled in Troy Township, on the Du Page River, where he purchased two hundred and five acres of canal land. Some years were spent on that place. However, in 1855, on ac- count of the poor school facilities in that locality, he disposed of his farm and removed to the village of Cliannahon. Four years later he settled on a farm two miles east of town and there he re- mained until his death, November 30, 1882. In early life he was an ardent Democrat, but later became independent in politics. During the years 1863, 1864 and 1865 he represented Chan- nahon Township on the board of supervisors, and in 1853 and 1854 ne represented Troy Township on the board. He also served as assessor of Channahon Township a number of times and held the office of highway commissioner. He was one of the county's most highly esteemed men. The grandfather of our subject, Nehemiah Randall, was born at Northampton, Mass., in 17S4. When a young man he moved to Vermont and there married. In 1825 he removed to Or- leans County, N. Y., and there made his home for twenty years, going in 1845 to Lorain Coun- ty, Ohio, where he died one year later. He was a type of the industrious pioneer farmers, to whom the present generation owes so large a debt of gratitude. His father, Gersham Randall, was a native of Scituate, Mass., and served in the Rev- olutionary War; one of his brothers was killed at Braddock's defeat during the French and Indian war in 1755. The first of the Randall family in America came from England about 1640 and set- tled in the town of Scituate. The wife of Nehemiah Randall bore the maiden name of Sally St. Clair; her father, James St. Clair, a native of Vermont, served in the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Joseph and Miriam (Morgan) Russell, natives of Massachusetts. Two of the Morgan family served in the Revolutionary war, one being in the navy, the other in the army. Joseph Russell was a teamster in the war of 18 12 and his father rendered patriotic service to the colonial cause during the first struggle with England. The Russells descended from English forefathers, who emigrated to America between 1640 and 1660. When a young man of twenty years our sub- ject went to Wisconsin, where he remained for a time with an uncle on a farm, returning to Will County in the latter part of 1858. In March, 1859, he joined a party of Argonauts seeking GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 233 gold in the Pike's Peak region, and, arriving in Colorado, devoted some time to searching for gold. While he was there the Civil war broke out. September 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, First Colorado Infantry, which was made a cavalry regiment in November, 1862. He re- mained with it until his honorable discharge, December 14, 1865. Enlisting as a private he was soon made a corporal and later a sergeant. The important engagements in which he partici- pated were those at Apache Canon, Pigeon ranch, Peralto, Cedar Canon and Sand Creek. After being mustered out from the service Mr. Randall returned to Illinois and resumed farm work. During the summers of 1866 and 1867 he went to St. Joe, Mo. , and worked in a packing house. From 1859 to 186 1 he engaged in farm work in Will County, after which he spent three years as salesman in a store in Wilmington. On his return to Channahon he took charge of the old homestead, which he farmed until 1882. He then became a partner in a mercantile establish- ment in Channahon, but sold out the next year and returned to the homestead, where he re- mained until 1890. During that year he removed to the village, and here for three years he was connected with a mercantile store. In 1893 he established his present business, which he has successfully and efficiently conducted. During Mr. Randall's service in the army he was a member of a party sent across the plains as escort to a band of chiefs in February, 1863, for the purpose of making a treaty between the In- dians and the government. His company and Company D comprised the escort. He remained in camp at St. Joe, Mo., while the Indians went on to Washington, D. C. It was while at St. Joe that he was married, April 30, 1863, to Miss Anna Tollard, daughter of James and Rachael (Emery) Tollard, natives of England. She was born in Newark, N. J., shortly after her parents arrived in America. Later they removed to Co- lumbiana County, Wis., and from that state to St. Joe, Mo., where they died. Three children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Randall, namely: Maud B., wife of Fred Weese, of Minoo- ka, Grundy County, 111. ; John T. , who is with the Chicago Telephone Company; and Laura A., wife of Charles B. Chase, a machinist and brick manufacturer in Channahon. In 1870 Mr. Randall was collector for Channa- hon Township. Since 1876 he has served as justice of the peace. In 1884 he was elected assessor and continued in the office for eight years. In April, 1899, he was chosen a member of the board of supervisors, which position he now ably fills. In politics he is of the Republican faith. He is connected with Channahon Lodge 262, A. F. & A. M.; Kalon Camp No. 4282, Modern Woodmen of America; and Burden Post No. 494, G. A. R. 'HOMAS TAIT, who was long identified with the farm interests of Jackson Town- ship, though now passed from earth, yet lives in the hearts and memories of his friends and neighbors. His character as a man is well known, but a brief recital of the incidents of his life may still more firmly establish the record of his honorable and useful career. He was born on the Shetland Islands, September 23, 1830, a sou of Michael and Margaret (Leisk) Tait, of whose five children only two are living. The older son, John, is a farmer in Lane County, Ore., and the younger, Magnus, is living retired in Santa Clara County, Cal. During the time of the religious persecutions in Scotland, the Leisk and Tait families fled from that country and took refuge in the Shetland Is- lands, where Michael Tait was born October 21, 1805, and Margaret Leisk January 16, 1803. Four of their children were born on the same is- lands. May 14, 1838, they started across the ocean to America, arriving at New York on the 28th of June, and on the 19th of July they reached Chicago. Ten years were spent in that then insignificant village. March 28, 1848, they arrived at Joliet. They settled on one hundred and twenty acres of land in Joliet Township, '34 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. three miles south of town. Mr. Tait was very fond of flowers and had so many plants on his place that it became known as Flower Hill. Sep- tember 2S, 1848, he took out a patent for the land. September 27, 185 1, he made his final payment for the property, the purchase price for the one hundred and twenty acres being $477. By trade he was a stone mason, but his prefer- ence was for farm pursuits. On first settling in Chicago he spent a short time with a brother there, and later became connected w T ith a Mr. Barnett in stone contracting. For some years af- terward he engaged in the building of the locks on the canal at Wellington, Canada, and the locks on this canal. After completing that w T ork he settled down on the farm where he remained until his death, October 6, 1S7S. His wife spent the last eighteen mouths of her life with our sub- ject and died in his home March 28, 1882. She and her husband were members of the First Baptist Church of Joliet and were active Christian workers. When a boy our subject had no extended op- portunities for acquiring an education, but he lost no chance to gain the knowledge he felt would be necessary to him in life. Farming duties early and late engrossed much of his time; hours of work were long and the labor often wearying, but books or newspapers that came in his way were eagerly read in order to gain the varied information and news from the outside world. Being a young man of frugal habits, he soon was in a position to buy a farm. He pur- chased eighty-five acres in Jackson Township from a Miss Cook, who later became the wife of Elder Solomon Knapp. Here he devoted himself to his chosen occupation, beginning in his new home the life that brought him happiness, honor and success. The laud upou which he settled was almost unbroken prairie, but his energetic management soon yielded him good crops; and the improvements upon it were a monument to his skillful labor. Upon this place he made his home until his life work ended, May 3, 1896. During the last twenty years of his life he suffered from the effects of a sunstroke. On account of his poor health he and his wife spent much time in travel, and in 1895 extended their travels as far as Alaska, visiting Sitka, Juneau and other points of interest. For years he was a member of the school board of his district, and his efforts proved helpful in promoting the condition of the school. At fourteen years of age he connected himself with the First Baptist Church of Joliet, with which he was afterward identified, and his wife has been a member of the same church for thirty years or more. In politics he was a Re- publican. He served as supervisor and collector of Jackson Township one term. October 12, 185S, Mr. Tait married Miss Cath- erine Shutts, a native of Columbia County, N.Y., born September 19, 1S40, and a daughter of John and Catherine (Cole) Shutts. She was one of a family of six sons and three daughters, of whom the following besides herself now survive: Henry, an attorney of Oregon City, Mo.: Samuel, of Jo- liet; John, who lives in Chicago; Cassius, a grocer in St. Joe, Mo.; Peter, an attorney in Joliet; and Frank, a farmer in Rooks County, Kans. Mr. Shutts came to Joliet September 13, 1S55. He purchased one hundred acres of land on the pres- ent site of the Swedish orphans' home, and there he resided up to a few months before his death. His last days were spent in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Tait, where he died September 6, 1899. His wife had passed away December 21, 1878. Both were earnest members of the Central Presbyterian Church. For a number of years he served as supervisor of Joliet Township. He was a man of considerable local prominence and was recognized as one of Will County's represent- ative citizens. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tait six sons and three daughters were born, all but one of whom are still living. John and Magnus are en- gaged in the fruit business and in cattle ranching at Phoenix, Ariz. : Margaret is the wife of Oscar Lara way, a farmer of Joliet Township; Thomas is engaged in farming on Puget Sound, in Wash- ington; Fred is a partner of Magnus in cattle- raising: Cassius is on the home farm in Jackson Township; Sarah and Robert reside with their mother. Since November, 189S, the family home has been at No. 706 Richards street, Joliet. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 237 JOHN THEILER. (JOHN THEILER, who was engaged inbusi- I ness in Joliet since 1857, was born in Canton G) Luzerne, Hassle Amt Entlebueh, Switzer- land, December 8, 1829, a son of John and Bar- bara ( Wicke) Theiler, also natives of that can- ton. In 1847 his father brought the family to the United States and settled in Chicago, where he died seven years later, at fifty-four years of age. His wife also died in that city. They were the parents of six sons and four daughters, nine of whom came to America and four are now living. Two of the sons, John and Joseph, make their home in Joliet, and another son, Anthony, is a farmer near Troy, this state. An uncle ( Anthony) is still living in Switzerland, and is now eighty- five years of age. The grandfather, John Theiler, was a farmer in Canton Luzerne, where preceding generations also lived. So far as known, all members of the family have been Roman Catholics. While still a mere boy, our subject began to make his own way in the world. His first occu- pation was as a farm hand. In 1847 he accom- panied his parents on the sailing vessel "Boston," from Havre to New York, landing after a voyage of thirty-five days. From New York he pro- ceeded up the Hudson to Albany, thence by canal to Buffalo, and from there by boat to Chi- cago. Going out on the prairie, he helped to put up hay. Later he worked in a packing- house, then in a lime-kiln. The fall of 1850 found him in Joliet, and during the winter he worked in George Woodruff's distillery at Three Points. In the spring he went back to Chicago, then returned to Joliet in the fall. In 1853 he settled permanently in this county, buying a farm on North Broadway, which later be- came Saengerbund park. For three years he made his home on that place, meantime improv- ing and cultivating its fifty acres. He then sold, and opened the store which he has since con- ducted. Until 1S62 his location was on North Hickory street, but he then bought a store at No. no South Bluff street, and later built on adjoining ground, so that now he has a frontage of seventy-five feet and a depth of eighty feet, with four floors. This large business has been built up through his energy, perseverance and determination. In 1892 Mr. Theiler assisted in incorporating the E. Porter Brewing Company, of which he has since been a stockholder and director. He has a number of valuable real-estate interests, among these being fifteen acres of his old farm on North Broadway, now known as Theiler park. He also owns twenty-two acres adjoining City park, and easy of access via the West park street cars and the Rock Island Railroad. This property he expects to plat and sell in lots. Until 1896 he adhered to the regular Democratic organization, but its adoption of a silver plank caused him to join the ranks of the gold-standard Democrats. For two terms he served as alderman from the old Twenty-third (now the Third) ward. For many years he has been treasurer of the Saenger- bund. At onetime he served as president of the Sharpshooters' Association, and he has taken a number of prizes for his skill as a marksman. 238 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. His membership is in St. John's Roman Catholic Church, but he also attends and supports St. Patrick's. The marriage of Mr. Theiler, in Joliet, united him with Miss Lizzie Fender, who was born on the Rhine in Alsace, and in 1846 came to Joliet in company with her father, Michael Fender, who was a gardener here. Mr. and Mrs. Theiler had five children who attained mature years. Of these, John, who was a prominent business man of Joliet, died in Februarj', 1899, and Joseph is now a merchant of this city. The daughters are Mrs. Mary Scheit, Mrs. Louisa Wenner, and Lizzie, also of this city. (TAMES G. HEGGIE, a well-known business I man of Joliet, where he has resided since Q) 1S75, was born in Scone, Perthshire, Scot- land, October 18, 1853. His birthplace was the estate of Scone, now owned by the Earl of Mans- field, and renowned in history as the place where all the kings of Scotland were crowned. His father was born in the county of Fife, and en- tered the employ of the Earl of Mansfield when a young man. He was engaged in contracting, taking charge of the improvements on the place. As leases on the estate were always made for a term of nineteen years, at their renewal consider- able work was necessary. In religion he was connected with the Free Presbyterian Church. At the time of his death he was eight}-- one years of age. The wife of John Heggie was Margaret Smith, a devout woman, of great energy and firmness of character, who died at eighty-four years of age. She was a daughter of Sergeant Henry Smith, of the English army, and was born on the Island of Sicily (her father having been on military duty there at the time of her birth). Her brothers were also military men. One, John Smith, took part in the Crimean war, and another, Henry, died while on duty in India. The children of John and Margaret Heggie were named, as fol- lows: Jessie, who is the wife of James Simpson, of Chicago; John, our subject's business partner; Mary, deceased; Isabelle, Mrs. Dixon, of Scot- land; and James G. The last-named was edu- cated in schools connected with the free church in Scotland, supplemented by attendance at an academy. For four years he worked in a lawyer's office. At the expiration of that time he entered the office of the surveyor of taxes, where he re- mained for a year, and until he came to America. In 1873 Mr. Heggie crossed the ocean, going to Dekalb County, 111., where he worked on a farm. From there he came to Joliet, and, having a taste for mechanics, he secured employment with the Joliet Steel Company. After two years in the boiler shop he was made foreman of that department. He remained with the company for seventeen years, during which time he retained the fullest confidence of his employers. Forming a partnership with his brother in 1892 Mr. Heggie opened a business of his own, having the largest boiler-manufacturing plant in the city. In 1899 they erected a still larger plant, located on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad; this is one of the largest and best ap- pointed plants of its kind in the entire state. The success with which it has been conducted re- flects the greatest credit upon its owners and speaks volumes for their ability and perseverance. The brothers have done a large amount of work for the contractors on the drainage canal, as well as the officers of the sanitary district, and their relations with all have been the most agreeable. In national affairs Mr. Heggie is a Republican. He has never sought political preferment nor been active in politics. For three terms he served as alderman from the first ward, to which he was twice elected on the Republican and once on the Democratic ticket. Fraternally he is con- nected with Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; in this he has held all the offices except that of master. He is interested in some gold property near Deadwood and is vice-president of the Her- cules Gold Mining Company. His residence at No. 906 Irving street was erected in 1SS1. and is modern in all of its appointments. The residence adjoining was built by him at the same time. He GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 239 owns several houses, most of which he built. For six years he was director of the People's Homestead & Loan Association. December 31, 1878, in Chicago, Mr. Heggie married Kate, daughter of William Fraser, a na- tive of Inverness-shire, Scotland; she was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but came to the States at an early age. Mr. and Mrs. Heggie are the parents of eight children, namely: John Fraser, who is in his father's shop; Thomas Melbrun. who has a taste for mechanical engineering and is directing his studies toward that occupation; James Moir, who is in the shop; William Ross, Robert Bruce, Fred, Jeannette Marguerite and Gordon Alexander. (JOSEPH LABO is engaged in the florist's I business in Joliet. In the spring of 1898 he Q) bought two acres of land at Ray nor and Mason avenues and built a greenhouse. Since then he has built up a large business in cut flowers, nursery and decorative plants. His greenhouses contain twelve thousand square feet of glass and are stocked with the choicest vari- eties of plants. In addition to his regular work as a florist he has had considerable demand for his services as a landscape gardener, and has dis- played taste and talent in this line of business. Desiring to equip his greenhouses with the latest improvements, he has bought a gasoline engine, and uses steam and hot water for heating purposes. Born in Cologne, Germany, May 21, 1S68, our subject is a son of Theodore and Sophia (Mauch) Labo, natives of the same city, where the pater- nal grandfather was a stone mason and the maternal grandfather, Dominicus Mauch, an ex- pert mechanic and manufacturer of scientific instruments. The father, who was a talented pianist, organist and violinist, played the grand organ in the Colonge Cathedral for years and also taught private pupils. He died in his native city when seventy-one years of age. His wife is still living in that place. They had only two children, of whom the daughter still remains in Cologne. The son, our subject, spent six years in the Cologne Gymnasium, where he studied German, English, French and Latin. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the trade of florist and landscape gardener in his native town, and after two years he began travel as a journey- man, working in various German towns. In 1887 he entered the Seventh Artillery of Cologne Battery No. 8, in which he served for one year. His knowledge of foreign languages led to his promotion from the ranks to an official position. After retiring from the army he went to England and worked at his trade there, later was similar- ly engaged in France and Ghent, Belgium. Coming to America in 1892, Mr. Labo was employed in a large nursery at Rochester, N. Y. In the spring of 1893 he went to Chicago, and for eighteen months worked in Lincoln Park under Superintendent Pettigrew, who recommend- ed him to Warden Allen at Joliet. In this way he was appointed to the position of florist at the state penitentiary. He continued there until February 1, 1899, when he resigned in order to devote his entire attention to private business affairs. While at the penitentiary he laid out the front lawn and made the lily pond, transforming the grounds from their unattractive condition to a beautiful spot. He is a member of the Society of American Florists and takes a warm interest in everything pertaining to his occupation. In religion he is identified with St. John's Roman Catholic Church. He is a member of the Joliet Saengerbuud. By his marriage in New York City to Miss Margaret Fisher, a native of Cologne, he has one son, Theodore. f - RANK L. BO WEN, president of the Star Ty Publishing Company of Joliet, and editor of I ' Joliet Sunday Star, is one of the well-known newspaper men of his city. In connection with George L. Erhard, in November, 1897, he estab- lished the Joliet Sunday Star, the only Sunday paper published in the city. From the first the 240 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. enterprise was popular and met with success. The paper takes a strong stand for the enforce- ment of law and order and for the election of men who will enforce the laws. In fact, the first shot that was fired in the campaign against the lawless element in the city was fired by the Star, and, while the paper has always been strictly non- partisan, its independent and brave stand for the right have caused both parties to seek to nomi- nate only men with clean records. The circula- tion is large and is not limited to the city. In size the Star is a seven-column, eight-page paper, containing forcible editorials as well as local and general news of interest. The publication is managed by a company, of which Mr. Bowen is president, and treasurer and manager. He also acts as agent for the Burnell Commercial Agency of Marskalltown, Iowa, and publishes their daily report for Will County. Mr. Bowen was born in Greenwich, Huron County, Ohio, January 16, 1870. When he was a child his parents moved to Michigan. He was educated in the high school and college at Hills- dale, Mich., and the Grand Rapids high school, from which he graduated in 1891. In the fall of the latter year he entered the department of law, University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1893 with the degree ofLL-B. During his university course he was a member of the Jeffer- souiau Society, and at the same time he took special studies in the department of literature, science and arts. In 1893 he was admitted to the bar in Michigan. He continued special study at the university, taking the post-graduate course in law, and the next year was given the degree ofLL.M. Going to Chicago in 1894 he spent a year in the office of Col. Robert Rae, a prominent practitioner at the federal bar in that citj-. From the time he was seventeen he had been interested in literary work, and in this way he had paid his expenses while in college. In 1S95 Mr. Bowen accepted a position with the Joliet Morning Post. After three months he was made city editor of the paper, and continued in that capacity until the paper was discontinued in 1896. From that time until the spring of 1897 he was connected with the Daily Republican on the reportorial staff. He was then elected justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket, re- ceiving a good majority although the township was Republican. He took the oath of office in May, 1897, for a term of four years, and has since served with efficiency and satisfaction to all. Until the national "convention of 1896 he was a Republican, but, being a believer in the free coin- age of silver, he could not follow his party in its gold standard platform, hence he joined the Democratic ranks. He has been a delegate to the city and county conventions of his party and in 1898 he was a delegate to the state convention at Springfield, where he was assigned to com- mittee work. He was also secretary of the con- gressional committee. He is identified with the University of Michigan Alumni Association, the Modern Woodmen of America and the North American Union. In religious faith he is a be- liever in Christian Science. His marriage, which took place in Chicago in 1895, united him with Miss Grace Bursmith, of that city, by whom he has one sou, Frank L., Jr. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 243 JOHN THEILER, Jr. (JOHN THEILER, Jr. In every life there is I some trait of character that individualizes Q) its possessor. In Mr. Theiler this was found in his passionate devotion to music. With a natural talent for the art, added to and increased by study under the best teachers, he became him- self a musician of rare ability and was said to be the finest pianist in Illinois. Music was his soul, and in its study he passed the happiest hours of his life. For years he was organist at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, after which for a time he held a similar position at St. John's. When only seventeen he was able to direct a saenger- bund satisfactorily, and for twenty-five years he held the position of director of the Joliet Saenger- bund, but, on account of failing eyesight, re- signed the year before he died, although he still continued to be a prominent member. By the members of the organization he was loved as a friend, and his services, given without expecta- tion of financial returns, were deeply appreciated. He was director of the saengerfests held in Joliet iu 1884 and 1893, which were the most success- ful affairs of the kind ever held in the city, and were participated in by members of singing so- cieties from every part of the state. In each of these organizations he served as state director. He also took a prominent part in saengerfests held in other states. A son of John Theiler, Sr. , our subject was born in this city August 3, 1858. He was edu- cated in Teutopolis (111.) College and St. Vin- cent's in Pennsylvania. When sixteen years of age he began to learn the business in which his father engaged, and about 18S4 he was made a partner, the firm name being John Theiler & Son. In 1892 his father retired and the name was changed to Theiler Brothers. In 1897 John sold to his brother and started for himself, on the corner of Jefferson and Chicago streets, where he built up a large trade. He was a prominent official in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and for many years was chief ranger in the order of Foresters. From 1879 until his death he was connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. At different times he served as secretary and treasurer of the Sharp- shooters Association, in which he won many medals for fine marksmanship. A man of public spirit, he aided local enterprises. Politically he was a gold Democrat. When twenty-one years of age he was elected assistant supervisor, which office he held for four years. In religion he was identified with St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and after his death, which occurred February 28, 1899, of la grippe, his body was laid to rest in the cemetery of this church. May 9, 1892, in Joliet, Mr. Theiler married Miss Theresa Flick, who was born in this city, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Seiter) Flick, natives respectively of Alsace, Germany, and Lancaster, Pa. Her father was two years old when his mother died and eight at the time of the death of his father, Xavier Flick, M. D. Three years later he came alone to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade. For a period of four years he worked at his trade in the navy yards at Brooklyn, N. Y. Then going to Sid- ney, Ohio, he started a wagon shop of his own. His next location was Freyburg, Allen (now Auglaize) County, where he carried on a shop 244 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. until his removal to Joliet, in 1857. I' 1 this city he started a boarding house. After a time he bought property, built on it, and continued here until his death, in March, 1872, at fifty-four years. The marriage of Mr. Flick, in Freyburg, Ohio, in 1840, united him with Elizabeth Seiter, who was born at Millerstown, Lancaster County, Pa., September 30, 1821. Her father, Jarvis Seiter, a native of Baden, German}-, was a weaver of woolens and linens in Millerstown, whence in 1831 he removed to Freyburg, Ohio, and settled on land that he converted into a valuable farm. He died there when fifty-two years of age. His wife, Mary (Wise) Seiter, was born in Baden, Germany, and came with her father to this coun- try, settling in Lancaster County, Pa. Mrs. Elizabeth Flick was one of seven children, of whom three daughters survive, she being the oldest and the only one in Joliet. From ten years of age she was reared in Ohio. While she lacked educational advantages she became a good business woman, and successfully conducted a boarding house in Joliet until 1S9S. She is still interested in property in Freyburg, Ohio, where she and her husband bought land and platted an addition. She was the mother of five children: Joseph, deceased; Mrs. Mary Adler; Helen, wife of Louis Bellay; Mrs. Lizzie Lux, and Mrs. Theresa Theiler. Joseph G. Flick was the only son. He was educated in Freyburg, Ohio. He came to Joliet with his parents and resided here until his death. He married Cath- arine Shey, now of Chicago. They were the parents of two children now living: Theresa, and Pius P. Flick, who is a businessman of Chicago, and manager of the Granada Hotel in that city. A notable fact in the history of the Flick family is that for seven generations only one son reached maturity, the last one being Pius P. Flick. Mrs. Theresa Theiler was born at the family home, No. 116 South Bluff street, received her education in St. Francis' Academy, and from early life was an active member of St. John's Church, with which she is now connected. Her only son, John F., died at the age of one year. Upon the death of her husband she disposed of the business in which he had engaged. She is a lady of generous disposition, charitable and kind-hearted, and willing to assist philanthropic enterprises and worthy people in need of aid. HENRY A. RATHJE, who is one of Peo- tone's most influential men, was born in Monee Township, this count}-, March 28, 1853, a son of Frederick and Lotta (Narges) Rathje, natives of Rodewald, Hanover, Germany. Of eight children born to their union only three are now living, Henry A., Louis (president of the Chicago City Bank), of Chicago, and Sophia, Mrs. George A. Weimaun, of Frankfort, 111. The father, who was born in 1824, grew to man- hood on a farm and in 1843 came to America, settling twenty-five miles west of Chicago in Dupage County, where he worked as a farm hand for about six years. Next he came to Peo- tone Township and purchased two hundred acres of laud three miles north of Monee, where he em- barked in farm pursuits. Fifteen years later he moved to Peotone and opened a mercantile store, which was conducted under the title of Schroeder & Rathje for eleven years. For six years he was connected with the firm of Rogers Brothers & Harkin. On retiring from business he managed a forty-acre farm which he owned adjoining the town. He spent his last years in quiet retirement in Peotone. During his active business career he and Benjamin M. Lewis bought extensive farm- ing lands, which they improved and later sold. At the time of his death, April 14, 1S91, he owned three hundred and eighty acres. From the establishment of the Lutheran Church in Peo- tone he served as one of its trustees, and he was also an active worker in the Sunday-school. Po- litically he was a Democrat. Several times he was elected town trustee and school director, and while at Monee he also served as road commis- sioner. His father, Frederick, a farmer, came to America in 1845 and settled on a farm in Dupage County, where he died in 1884. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 245 The mother of our subject was a faithful mem- ber of the Lutheran Church and will long be re- membered for her excellent qualities of head and heart. She died in 1864. Some time afterward Frederick Rathje was again married, his second wife being Miss Margaretha Fink, who survives him. By their union were born two children, now living, Lydia and Clara. Lydia is the wife of Charles E. Jurz and resides in Frank- fort, 111. When our subject was fifteen years of age his father moved to Peotone and here he acquired a thorough knowledge of the mercantile business. In 1874 he married Miss Wilhelmina Luhmann, a native of Hanover. After his marriage he en- gaged in the milling business, acquiring the grist mill at Peotone, an old wind mill, which he oper- ated for twelve years. However, the substitution of modern methods in other mills rendered the mill unprofitable to its owner and it was aban- doned; but it still stands, a picturesque reminder of other days. For fifteen years Mr. Rathje has also engaged in farming. In 1S95, with a part- ner, he built an elevator at Frankfort Station, but two years later sold his interest in the busi- ness. He now owns about four hundred acres in and surrounding the village and the supervision of this property takes much of his time. He is a stockholder and director in the Peotone Electric Light Company. For twelve years or more he has served as school director and for two terms has been town trustee. In any enterprise for the benefit of the town he has always been interested, and his aid could be relied upon. He is particu- larly interested in the work of the Lutheran Church, to which he belongs and in which he has been treasurer and a trustee for several years. The Sunday-school has enlisted his sympathies and he has aided actively in its man- agement. Though not active in politics, he holds firm opinions and supports the Republican party. By the first marriage of Mr. Rathje five chil- dren were born, four of whom are living: Ed- ward, Anna, Walter and Herman. After the death of his first wife he was again married, April 6, 18S5, his wife being Miss Catherine Koehnecke, who was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to America in 1884, settling- in Peo- tone. This union has resulted in the birth of four children, Emma, Otto, Huldah and Paul. Mrs. Rathje is an estimable lady and a member of the same church as that to which her husband belongs. |ARD P. ELWOOD. After some years of practical experience as an employe of others, Mr. Elwood embarked in the plumbing, heating, steam and gas-fitting business in Joliet, where he has his shop at No. 638 Jef- ferson street. Since he began in business, No- vember 15, 1897, he has been given a number of important contracts, among them being the resi- dence of R. B. Clark, the Ahlvin & Johnson building, Anderson Brothers' block, five resi- dences for Edward S. White, and S. L. Mottin- ger's residence in Plainfield. In addition to his jobs in Joliet he has had considerable work in other towns, principally in Plainfield, Lockport and Morris, and wherever he has gone the qual- ity of his work has been most satisfactory. Born in Chicago in 1869, Mr. Elwood is a son of Capt. James G. Elwood, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He was reared in Joliet and received his education in the city schools. When sixteen years of age he became a lineman for the Joliet telephone exchange, con- tinuing in that capacity for eighteen months. Afterward he was employed on outside work in connection with the Joliet waterworks, of which his father was then engineer. For two years he was in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company. In 1889 he accepted the position as superintend- ent of the Joliet gas works, and this position he held until January, 1S96, the plant being mean- time reconstructed for the manufacture of water- gas. On resigning as superintendent he became engineer and pipe-fitter for the Fox Pressed- Steel Company, with whom he remained until he commenced business for himself. In the various positions that he held he was recognized as an 246 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. intelligent and efficient employe, whose original- ity of ideas and quickness of comprehension made his services valuable. These same qualities have been of assistance to "him in his present business, and have aided him in establishing a reputation in his chosen occupation. For three years Mr. Elwood was a member of the Fourth Illinois National Guard. He is con- nected with the Columbia Knights and the Uni- form Rank, K. of P. Without any desire for political prominence, he nevertheless believes it to be the duty of every citizen to keep posted con- cerning public affairs and maintain an interest in questions affecting the welfare of the people. In his political views he favors the Republican party. He was married in Joliet to Sylvia, daughter of George Merrill, an early settler of this city. They have one child, a son, James Merrill. (STEPHEN FRANCIS HOGAN. There are 7\ few plants in Joliet more interesting to the C*y visitor than the Scott-street mill, owned by the American Steel and Wire Company. This is not only the largest manufacturing plant of the kind in the world, but is one of the most success- ful as well, and its products, barb-wire nails and woven-wire fence, are shipped to all parts of the world. The success of the work is in a large measure due to Mr. Hogan, who is in charge of the mill, and who exercises a keen and judicious supervision over the entire plant. He is a man who thoroughly understands the wire business in its every detail. Under his supervision the work progresses rapidly; yet due care is also taken with every product, in order that the high stand- ard established may be maintained. The hun- dreds of billets in the furnace in the morning are in wire nails, packed in kegs, and ready for ship- ment by evening. In Richmond, Yorkshire, England, Mr. Hogan was born December 6, 1858, a son of John and Catherine (McCourt) Hogan, natives respectively of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. His father, who was the son of a farmer, went to England in young manhood and engaged in the furniture business at Richmond. In 1873 became to America, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, and carrying on business as a furniture dealer for some years. He and his wife died on the same day in November, 1894, and their bodies were the first two buried in the new Catholic cemetery at Cleveland. Their four sons and two daughters are still living, three of the sons being mill men in Ohio. Our subject, who was next to the old- est of the children, was fourteen years of age at the time the family crossed the ocean to the United States. Previous to this he had attended a parochial school in Richmond. In April, 1873, he arrived in Cleveland, and immediately afterward entered the employ of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company as a wire-drawer, continuing with the company until 1878. He then went to Pittsburg, Pa., and was wire-drawer with the Oliver & Rob- erts Wire Company until the time of its removal to Illinois, in November, 1888. His first position was as a wire-drawer with Lambert & Bishop, of Joliet, with whom he remained as such for two years, and then became night superintendent of the mill. Two years later he resigned and re- turned to Pittsburg, where he was day foreman of the mill owned by Oliver & Roberts for two years. He then again came to Joliet, where he was with Lambert & Bishop, then acted as super- intendent of the mill of the Consolidated Steel & Wire Company until the formation of the Amer- ican Steel and Wire Company, with whom he continued in the same capacity. The Scott-street mill has been under his charge since 1S94, and he has superintended its management in a man- ner entirely satisfactory to the owners. He gives little attention to politics, but is a stanch gold Democrat. He was married in Pittsburg in 1S82 to Miss Hattie Graham, who was born in that city, and by whom he has a son, Leo. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS £?&JUMtJ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 249 DANIEL E. HEWES. 0ANIEL E. HEWES, a pioneer of Crete, has long been one of its best- known men and now has varied interests, as commercial collector, notary public, counselor, conveyancer; also in the adjustment of unsettled claims and the drawing up of contracts, leases, wills and deposi- tions. He is the originator and a prominent grower of the Acme seedling, the earliest potato in existence. In 1S83 he planted the seed from a potato seed ball. From year to year he replanted , until a large early potato was developed. In 1887 he raised fifteen bushels, a part of which he sold and the others he planted. The following year he had seventy-five and one-half bushels, and in 1889 one hundred and twenty bushels. Some of these he sold to seed houses for $2 a bushel and he has received as much as $6 per bushel for some. They are commonly called Squire Dan's early potatoes throughout this locality, and are not only a fine potato, but much earlier than any other variety. Squire Heweswas born at Milton, Chittenden County, Vt., March 22, 1830. His father, Luman Hewes, also a Vermonter by birth, left the southern part of the state in 1835 and jour- neyed via team to Troy, N. Y., thence on the New York and Erie canal to Buffalo, from there on the lakes to Michigan, and then across the country with teams to what is now known as Blue Island, 111., where he arrived in November. The family spent the winter in an uncompleted log cabin they found on the land. In 1836 he took up a claim in the same locality, built a log cabin, and spent a short time there, but in the spring of 1S37 came to Will County and took up a claim two and one-half miles south of Crete. At that time there were only a few houses in the entire township of Crete. He put up a log house and improved his land, making of it a valuable farm. Politically he was a believer in Democratic prin- ciples. He was reared in the Baptist faith, but later became a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. His death occurred on his home- stead in the fall of 1862, when he was seventy- two years of age. The grandfather of our subject, William Hewes, was a native of Massachusetts and settled in Vermont when a young man. He was a teacher of vocal music, but earned his liveli- hood principally as a farmer. About 1847 he came west and afterward made his home with his son, Luman Hewes, until he died in 1855, when niuety-four years of age. He was tenderly cared for by his grandson, Daniel E. Hewes, who felt for him all the veneration due to the grandparent and the soldier hero of Revolutionary fame. When a mere boy he enlisted in the colonial army as a private and served at the front until the Revolutionary war ended. His father had a brother, Joseph Hewes, who was one of the sign- ers of the declaration of independence. The mother of our subject was Lucy (Elwell) Hewes, a native of New England. She survived her husband, dying when eighty-one years of age. Of her twelve children, Sallie, wife of John W. Cole, died when twenty-four years of age; Samuel is represented elsewhere in this work; John E. died in June, 1 898 ; William died in 1 865 ; 12 250 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Joseph is deceased, and Luman died in 1863; Austin E. died when young and Benjamin F. in 1S91; Daniel E. was next in order of birth; Nel- son W. died October iS, 1894; Celesta L- mar- ried George Dewey, a distant relative of Admiral Dewey, and she is now living at Grant Park, 111. ; Emily S. is the widow of J. F. Campbell, and lives in Grant Park. From an early age our subject has lived in this county. He attended country schools and for two terms the Joliet schools, after which he taught a four-months' term in Tro}^ Township. He then came to Crete and worked on a farm near the village during the summer. His next employment was as clerk in a store. The follow- ing year he bought an ox-team and broke prairie land for one season, also operated a threshing machine for one season. In 1S53, with his brother Benjamin F. as a partner, he bought a store. This they carried on until 1879, meantime buying stock and grain and also manufacturing brick. On account of the Chicago fire he had a heavy loss. In 1867 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held until 1S93, and after- ward continued in the collecting business, the making of abstracts, etc. At one time he and his brother were among the leading business men of this part of the county, doing a business that amounted to between $50,000 and $100,000 per year; but reverses overtook them and they lost everything they had. October 9, 1862, Squire Hewes married Fidelia L-, daughter of Willard Wood, the founder of Crete village. She was born in a house occupy- ing the present site of Wood's hotel, the date of her birth being January 1 1 , 1838. Here she was reared and educated and has always made her home. Of her three daughters, theeldest, Minnie E., is the widow of George F. Baker, who was a graduate of Knox College and Lombard Univer- sity, and a successful raiser of farm products and Hereford cattle. Mr. Baker died April io, 1891, leaving two children, George Willard and Alice Jeanette. Since her husband's death Mrs. Baker has had entire charge of the farm he left her. The second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hewes is Alice D., wife of William C. Northrop, a farmer and stockman of Newtown, Conn. The young- est daughter, Eva L., is at home with her parents. In politics Squire Hewes is a Democrat. When a young man he was chosen township clerk. In 1874 he was nominated for the legislature, but, on account of his temperance views, was defeated. Four years later he was nominated for the state senate and carried his township and the eastern part of the count}' by a large majority, which was remarkable, as this district was Republican. Doubless he would have been elected if he had consented to buy votes or associate with those who did, but he has always been strictly temper- ate as well as unwaveringly honest. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Crete, but a short time afterward, owing to illness, he was obliged to resign the office. pGJlLLARD WOOD, founder of Crete, was \Al k° rn ' n Randolph, Yt., August 28, 1808, V V a son of Thomas and Ruby (Newland) Wood, and a grandson of Thomas Wood, Sr. , a native of Vermont and of English descent. His father served through the war of 18 12 and at its close, while at the barracks in Colchester, Vt., he contracted a fever from which he died. He was then forty-three years of age. Some time after his death his widow became the wife of John Moxley, and they settled at Morristown, Vt., where Mr. Moxley followed the tailor's trade until his death at sixty-seven years. After- ward Mrs. Moxley came to Illinois and made her home with her son Charles in Will County until her death, when more than seventy years of age. At Morristown, Vt. , May 4, 1835, 'Squire Wood (for by this title our subject was always best known) married Dyantha S. Boardman, who was in girlhood a pupil in a school taught by Mr. Wood. In the summer of 1S36 they came to Will County, where he secured the southeast eighty acres on section 8 and the southwest eighty on section 9, Crete Township, now in- cluded in the limits of the village of Crete. He encouraged people to settle here by free dona- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 251 tions to private parties and to church organiza- tions. He assisted in building the first school- house in the towuship and in 1838 taught the first school here. From 1838 until some time in the '50s he served as justice of the peace. On the incorporation of the town in 1884 he was mads a police justice, in which capacity he served for some years. While in Vermont he read law, and after coming to this county he gave consid- erable attention to practice, being consulted by many of the people in his township in all matters of a legal character. Through the influence of "Long" John Wentworth he was appointed post- master at Crete, an office that he held for some time. In 1848 he built the Crete hotel, which was the first frame building of its kind in the town and the first public house in this part of the county. Within it was a hall in which, at the opening of the house, were entertained Henry B. Clark and Colonel Fake, of Chicago; Dr. Allen and Robert Duncan, of Joliet; and many other well-known pioneers. The original hotel was replaced by a more modern structure, and with the exception of a few years the hotel was con- ducted by 'Squire Wood until his death. When he first came here he experienced all the hard- ships that fall to the lot of pioneers. As he was without means he borrowed money with which to buy land, and was obliged to pay thirty-three and one-third per cent, interest per annum for three years. In spite of hardships and difficul- ties, however, he steadily prospered and in time became well-to-do. The 'Squire's first wife died in 1865, leaving seven children who attained maturity. Oneofthe sons, William Irwyn, succeeded his father as pro- prietor of the Wood hotel in Crete. The 'Squire's second wife, whom he married in 1869, was Mrs. Eliza (Selleck) Northrup, a native of Connecticut. She died in Crete when about seventy-five years of age. The 'Squire was spared to a good old age, and in his declining years was surrounded by the comforts his early toil had made possible. He passed away November 27, 1899, al) d was followed to his last resting place by a large con- course of friends who had long known and hon- ored him. The children of Mr. Wood were born of his first marriage. Of these, Sabina D. is the wife of Robert B. Miller, a farmer of Crete Township; Fidelia L. married Daniel E. Hewes; Lydia M. is the wife of Hon. Charles A. Hill, of Joliet; Marian married A. H. Smith, a farmer of Crete Township; Willard S. married Molly Moore, and is a fruit grower in California; William Irwyn is the present proprietor of the Wood hotel; and Marcus M., now deceased, was connected with a manufacturing company in Chicago. U)ILS L. DAHLBERG, who has made his j7 home in Joliet since 1882, is a member of 1/^ an old family of Skane, Sweden. His father, Lars Pearson, and his grandfather, Per Larson, were natives of that part of the old coun- try, and both engaged in farming there, the former dying when sixty-three years of age. By the marriage of Lars Pearson to Nella Olson, who still lives in Sweden, four children were born, of whom one sister remains at the old home, and two sons and the other sister crossed the ocean to America. One of the sons was accidentally killed in 1890 in the blast furnace of the Illinois Steel Company when No. 2 collapsed. The old- est of the family, Nils L., was born in Broby, Christianstad, Skane, December 7, 1856, and received his education in local schools. When a boy he entered a flour mill and learned the mill- er's trade. After a time he was made foreman of the mill in his native town. In 1876 our subject enlisted in the Swedish army under the name of Nils Dahlberg, by which he has since been known. He was assigned to the Royal Vendes artillery company in 1877, and two years later was made a corporal, which rank he held until he was mustered out in 1882. His term of service was entirely in his native land, and during that time he was a student in the military school for four years. He was recognized as a faithful soldier, who was always to be found at his postofduty. After resigning he came to the United States and settled in Joliet. However, in a very short time he went to Republic, in the Lake Su- 252 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. perior iron mining region of Michigan, where he remained until 1885. He then returned to Joliet aud secured employment in the blast furnace of the Illinois Steel Company, continuing there about eight years. In 1S93 Mayor Stossen ap- pointed him patrolman, which position he has held ever since. He is a Republican in political views, and takes an intelligent interest in local matters, supporting measures for the benefit of the people and the advancement of the city. Frater- nally he is connected with the North Star and the Modern Woodmen of America. While in Republic, Mich., in 1884, Mr. Dahl- berg married Miss Cecelia Benson, who was born in the same province as himself, and came to Joliet in 18S1. She is a sister of Nils Benson, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlberg have one child living, Amy L. They are faithful members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, to the maintenance of which he has been a regular contributor. In 1898 he rebuilt the residence at No. 910 Clay street, corner of Youngs avenue, and here his family have a comfortable home. cJl'STAY Y. JOHNSON. The remark is _ sometimes made that one of the most notice ^ able features of life in Joliet is the number of Swedish-American citizens who are success- fully engaged in business in this city. They form an element of the citizenship that is recog- nized as valuable, their integrity, intelligence aud energy bringing to them the esteem of asso- ciates. In this class belongs Mr. Johnson, who, since June 1, 1895, has been engaged in the meat, produce and green grocery' business at No. 419 Collius street, meantime building up a large trade in his section of the town. Mr. Johnson was born in the province of Jonkbping, Sweden, November 1 1, 1872, a son of John Peter and Eva (Pearson) Jonason, who were born in the same vicinity. His father, a large stock-raiser, owned an estate ("Soiegarn"), where much of his life was passed. In 1889 he was accidentally drowned while out on a pleasure excursion. He was then sixty-four years of age. His wife, who was a daughter of Jonas Pearson, is now living in Joliet. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Sarah Eliza, wife of John Anderson; Emma Christine, Mrs. Charles Anderson; Anna Louise; Hilda Marie; Joseph August, a contracting mason: GustavY.; Isaac M . , who is engaged in business with Joseph ; Claus J., who is with his brother Gustav; and Ida L. All of the children reside in Joliet. When fourteen years of age our subject accom- panied his brother, Joseph A., to America, set- tling in Joliet, where he secured a clerkship with Anderson Brothers. Desiring to acquire an Eng- lish education, he attended night school for three winters. In 1S91 he resigned his position with Anderson Brothers and entered the employ of L. D. Garlick. June 20, 1892, he became a member of the firm of Johnson, Peterson & Co., engaging in business at No. 909 Collins street. After a year the title of the firm was changed to Johnson & Peterson, aud as such continues to the present. The store is fitted up with the latest improvements, including steam-power for the manufacture of sausage, etc. County conventions of the Republican party, the county central committee, and the Swedish Republican Club, in which Mr. Johnson has been actively interested, attest his warm adherence to the doctrines of this party. He is a member of the North Star Association. Always active in religious work, he is identified with the Swedish Lutheran Church, in which he has been a trus- tee. He was married in this city to Miss Hattie Yahu, who was born here, of German descent. They are the parents of one sou, Russell V. EHARLES SUNDSTROM. In the responsi- ble position which he holds as assistant chief engineer of the Illinois state peniten- tiary, Mr. Sundstrom has been proved to be reliable aud efficient, and is recognized as a man thoroughly qualified for his work. With con- siderable mechanical ability, combined with practical ideas, he unites common sense and wise GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 253 judgment. He is particularly well versed in the line of plumbing and heating, of which he has the supervison in the penitentiary. In a family of twelve children (eight now living) Mr. Sundstrom was third in order of birth, and is the only one in America. He was born in Norrland, Sweden, December 15, 1S63, a son of Peter and Clara (Ruth) Sund- strom, the former a blacksmith still living in Norrland, where the latter died some years ago. In his native province our subject learned the trade of a mason and brick-layer. The year 1883 found him in the United States, where his first location was Sioux Falls, S. Dak. In that town he became familiar with the plumbing and heating business, after which he traveled through different parts of the country, having charge of the setting up of heaters of various kinds. In 1 S93 he settled in Kewanee, 111., after which he traveled for the Kewanee Boiler Company, also represented the American Boiler Company of Chicago, traveling in various states. Later he represented the Davenport Steam Heating Com- pany in Iowa for some years. In 1898 he ac- cepted his present position, which brought him to Joliet. During his residence in Sioux Falls Mr. Sund- strom married Miss Emma Freiburg, who was born in Skaraborg, West Gothland, Sweden, and died in Kewanee, 111., leaving a daughter, Alvina Theresa. His second marriage took place in Joliet, and united with him Mrs. Emily Olesou, who was born in Henry Count}', 111. , and by whom he has a daughter, Grace. Politically Mr. Sundstrom is a stanch believer in Republi- can principles and always votes that ticket, also takes a deep interest in the Swedish Republican Club, of which he is a member. (TOHN KLINT, who is engaged in the mer- I chant tailoring business at No. 604 Collins (2/ street, Joliet, was born in Klinta, Upsala Preslijeld, Westeras, Sweden, May 5, 1851, be- ing a son of Erik and Brigitta (Bjorsel) Klint, natives of the same province. His father, who was born in 1821, grew to manhood on a farm owned by the grandfather, Erik Anderson, and, in accordance with the usual national custom, entered the Swedish army in early manhood. However, his service was not limited to the usual two years, but continued from the time he was nineteen until he was fifty, when he received an honorable discharge. On account of the fact that his life as a soldier was spent in Klinta, he took the family name of Klint. He continued to make his home in Westmanland until his death, which occurred in 1895. His wife, who was a daughter of Andres Bjorsel, a soldier in the Swedish arm}-, died in the same laen in 1898. Both were supporters of the Lutheran religion. They were the parents of eight children, all but one of whom are living, John being the next to the oldest, and the only member of the family in the United States. He grew to manhood in Klinta, wherein early boyhood he studied in the public school. When he was eleven years of age he was bound to the tailor's trade, and in the en- suing years gained a thorough knowledge of the occupation in all of its details. After his appren- ticeship ended he worked as a journeyman in Upsala. After a time he started in business for himself in Heby, continuing in the same place until his departure for America, where he be- lieved greater success was possible than his na- tive country offered. In 1882 Mr. Klint went to Liverpool, England, and from there came across the ocean in the steamer "City of Paris." Landing in New York, he proceeded to Chicago, where he worked at his trade for two years. In December, 1S84, he arrived in Joliet, which has since been his home. For three years he worked at his trade in the employ of others, when, having gained a knowledge of the city and a familiarity with American institutions, he determined to engage in business for himself. Accordingly, in 1887, he bought the property at No. 604 Collins street, and embarked in business independently. Hav- ing already made a number of friends, as well as a reputation as an expert cutter, from the first he had a fair trade, and this he has since increased. He is known as a first-class tailor, whose atten- 254 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tion to business and efforts to do satisfactory work, combined with his thorough knowledge of the trade, have brought him a profitable patronage. Though not active in politics he is a stanch Re- publican. He is a charter member of the Swedish Free Mission Church, which he has assisted in building, and in which he has served efficiently as president of the board of trustees. At this writing he is superintendent of four Sunday- schools of the Swedish Free Mission Church in this city. While still living in Sweden he mar- ried Miss Maria Tilmau, who was born in Uplaen. They have four sons, John, in Chicago; Peter and Henry, and Joseph, in Joliet. QjlCTOR AHLVIN. Since coming to Joliet \ / in 1SS4 Mr. Ahlvin has been identified with V the building interests of this city, and he is recognized as one of the leading Swedish- American residents of the place. He was born near Boras, in Elfsborg, Sweden, March 27, 1864, and was second in a family consisting of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living but one daughter. Of. the sons, John is connected with Victor in business, and Amandus also assists them in their contracts, while Franz remains on the old homestead. The father, Efraem Ahlvin, was born on the family place, "Aplakulla," on which his father had also lived. He still makes his home there, and is about sixty years of age. He married Christine, daughter of John Johnson, a farmer, and, like himself, a member of the Lutheran Church. In attendance upon common schools and in work upon the home farm our subject passed his boyhood years. In February, 1884, he crossed the ocean, being the first of the family to come to America. At once he proceeded to Joliet, where for almost two years he was employed in a quarry. In the fall of 1885 he began to work at the carpenter's trade with C. Hacker, and worked at the trade until the fall of 1887, when he bought a lot and built a house. This he sold, using the money in the purchase of another lot and the building of another house. In this way he became interested in the building business. Since then he has built many residences and business blocks, among them the Anderson & Flint block, and he also had the contract for the erection of the Swedish Baptist Church in this city. He erected the Ahlvin & Johnson block, a brick structure, 45x100, on the corner of Jackson and Collins streets, in which he still owns one-half interest. Besides his contracts in Joliet he has had many in this and other counties. He also built the residence that he occupies, at No. 1005 Irving street. In political belief Mr. Ahlvin is a true-blue Republican, and an active worker in the Swedish Republican Club. For two years, under Mayor Lagger, he served as city oil inspector of Joliet. He is connected with the Joliet Building Associa- tion, and is interested in all matters pertaining to his business. Reared in the Swedish Lutheran faith, he has always adhered to that church and is now a member of the board of trustees of the congregation of Joliet. He was married in this city to Miss Hilda Johnson, who was born in Smaland, in the southeastern part of Sweden. They are the parents of four children: Martin, Ebba, Robert and Reno. (JOHN E. BACKSTROM, superintendent of I the quarries of E. Porter & Son's Stone (*/ Company, and a resident of Joliet since 1881, was born in Dalarne, Kopparberg, Sweden, No- vember 22, 1848, a son of E. and Christina C. (Nelson) Backstrom, natives respectively of Bysoken and Husby. His father, who was the son of a blacksmith, learned that trade in his youth and for some time was employed with a large company engaged in the manufacture of iron, holding a position of responsibility as fore- man of a department. Both he and his wife passed away in their native land. Their four daughters and one son are still living, John E. being the youngest and the only one in America. He resided in Dalarne until he was fourteen, and afterward clerked in a store at Helsingland, re- maining there for nine years. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 255 Taking passage at Gothenburg in 187 1 Mr. Backstrorn journeyed via Hull and Liverpool to New York City-, thence proceeded to Chicago, and from there went to Bishop Hill, in Henry County, 111. For a short time he clerked in a dry-goods store in Galva, after which he was em- ployed on a farm during one season. Next he became bookkeeper and clerk in a store at Kewanee, Henry County, where he remained for nine years. In 1881 he came to Joliet, where he was clerk in the grocery of George Munroe & Son, and later was with Riley Brothers, returning finally to the Munroe store, where he was given charge of the shipping department in the whole- sale house. When the business was sold he ac- cepted a position as bill clerk with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, remaining in the position for two and one-half years. Later he was with the Joliet & Chicago Stone Company for five and one-half years, resigning to accept the position of bookkeeper in the brewery owned by E. Porter, by whom, in 1899, he was trans- ferred to the position of superintendent of the quarries. In religion Mr. Backstrorn adheres to the re- ligious belief of Luther, in which he was reared. Politically he is a Republican. While in Ke- wanee, 111., he married Christine Larson, who was born in Norway and came to America in 1872. They are the parents of seven children, now living: Walter, Gertrude, Norman, Carl, Ernest, Ro} r and Ina. (JOHN E. CHALSTROM. A goodly number I of the Swedish-American citizens of Joliet G/ have successfully engaged in contracting and building, and in this number is Mr. Chal- strom, who has followed his chosen occupation for some years in this city and has become known as a reliable, honest and efficient workman. Among the people of his. own nationality he is well known, being a leader in movements for their benefit. Since the organization of the First Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church he has served as president of its board of trustees. When a house of worship was built he had charge of the work as chairman of the building committee, and when that building was destroyed by fire he rebuilt on the same site. For many years he was a class-leader and at this writing he is re- cording secretary of the church. In the Swedish Republican Club he has been an energetic worker, being a stanch believer in Republican principles. He was the first agent in Joliet for the Minnesota Scandinavian Relief Association of Red Wing and still represents that company. In the North Star Benefit Association, of which he is a member, he holds office as a deputy. In the laen of Kalmar, Sweden, Mr. Chalstrom was born March 21, 1864, a sou of Charles and Johanna Gustava (Nelson) Johnson, natives of the province of Smaland. His father, a son of Jonas Johnson, became the owner of a farm at Bronthult, and there spent his entire active life. When he was sixty years of age he was killed one day by a drunken man while returning home from a fair. His wife, who was a daughter of Nels Peter Sweuseu, a farmer, died at forty years of age. They were the parents of twelve chil- dren, ten of whom are living, of these, two (John and Charles) being in America. John, who was reared on the home farm, came to the United States in 1884 and spent two months in a car- penter shop in Chicago, after which he located in Lockport. For five years he was employed on Harmon Frazier's farm in Homer Township, and meantime he acquired a good knowledge of the English language. Upon coming to Joliet in 1889, Mr. Chalstrom began to deal in real estate in this city. He also bought lots in Chicago, but these he soon sold and invested in Joliet property. In 1890 he be- gan to build on his lots and has erected six resi- dences for sale, the larger number of which have been sold. After working for a time upon his own buildings he began to take contracts for others, and has since been kept busy in carrying out his contracts. He built the residence that he occupies at No. 1410 Jackson street. In all of his contracts it has been his aim to live up to both the letter and the spirit of the agreement, and his work has been universally recognized as 256 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. permanent in value. He is a man of honor, whose life is above reproach and in whom every confidence is placed. Since coming to Joliet he has established domestic ties, his wife being Ida M. Nelson, a native of Sweden. They have three children living, Florence Amelia, Alice D. and Myrtle Cornelia, and lost their only son, Walter A., when he was fifteen months old. GJ1 NDREW OLIN is one of the well-known /l Swedish-American citizens of Joliet. As / 1 vice-president of the Swedish-American Re- publican Club he is prominently connected with one of the most popular political organizations in the city. He is also a member of the State League of Republican Clubs, and in 189S and 1899 served as delegate to the conventions of the league. He holds the office of vice-president of the Independent Order of Svethiod and is identi- fied actively with the Knights of the Globe. The birthplace of Mr. Olin was the ancient city of Lund, Sweden, a town that is especially noted for its university, founded in 1479, and containing a library of one hundred thousand volumes and valuable MSS. His father, Christian Olin, a native of the same town, was the son of a farmer and became a carpenter and builder, later taking contracts for buildings. He died at sixty-four years. His wife, Bessie (or Bengta) Oleson, whose father served in the Swedish army for thirty years, is still living in Lund, and is now (1899) seventy-six years of age. Of her eight children three sons and three daughters are liv- ing, the only ones in America being Charles and Andrew, both of Joliet. Andrew was born Feb- ruary 17, 1863, and received his education in the schools of Lund. When sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to the steel turner's trade in a machine shop, where he continued for four years. July 26, 1885, was the date of Mr. Olin's ar- rival in Joliet. He soon secured work with the Joliet (now the Illinois) Steel Company, being given a low position in the finishing department. By degrees he worked his way to a position of importance, being made help driller, then driller and afterward rail inspector. In 1891 he was promoted to be foreman of the finishing depart- ment, a responsible position, and one that he has since filled with intelligence and fidelity. In Manhattan, 111., September 24, 1887, he married Miss Bessie Hanson, who was born in Malmohus, Sweden, and at thirteen years of age, in 188 1, accompanied her mother to America, settling in Jackson Township, this county, where she grew to womanhood. She was the only child born to the union of Peter Hanson and Carrie Pearson, natives of Malmoslaen. Her father, who was a builder, died in his native laen when fifty years of age. Afterward her mother was married to Peter Swanson, of Jackson Township, and by that marriage two children were born, one now living. Mr. and Mrs. Olin are the parents of five children: Walter Leonard, Esther Henrietta, Ethel Linea, Clarence Henning and Harlow Howard. The family are connected with the Swedish Lutheran Church in Joliet. ~ RNEST JOHNSON, late of Company G, '#) Twenty-third United States Infantry, ren- m ^ dered good service in the Spanish-American war. Stirred by patriotism and a desire to serve his adopted country he enlisted, May 12, 1898, in Company G, Twelfth United States Infantry, and was mustered into the service at Joliet. How- ever, he was soon transferred to the Twenty -third and sent to Fort McPherson. Two weeks later his regiment was ordered to Camp Merritt, San Francisco. June 27 of the same year they em- barked for the Philippines on the transport "Indiana," which cast anchor in the harbor of Manila July 31. On the evening of that day the Spanish tried to capture the American lines and the regiment was given its initiation into active warfare. They took part in the siege of Manila and its final capture August 13, after which they were assigned to guard duty at Fort Santiago. They participated in the battle of Caloocan Feb- ruary 10 and the riot of Manila, February 22-23, when Aguinaldo attempted to burn the city. A party of Americans, among them Mr. Johnson, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 257 burned the Philippian stronghold, Tondo, Feb- ruary 23. In this raid one of his comrades, Ed- ward Reever, of Joliet, was killed. At the battle of Marqiena two of the regiment's men were killed. A number of skirmishes followed that engagement. May 17, 1899, the regiment was ordered to Jollo to do garrison duty, relieving the Spanish garrison until June 30. The raising of the American flag after the Spanish was hauled down was one of the noblest spectacles of the war; the Spanish warship " Leon XIII " saluted both flags. Mr. Johnson was mustered out June 30 at Jollo and honorably discharged by reason of general order No. 40. He returned to the United States via Manila and Japan with the California troops on the "Sherman," coming from San Francisco to Joliet, where he arrived September 17. Since his return from the war he has been engaged in business at No. 606 Cass street, where, as a member of the firm of Johnson & Larson, he has acted as agent for Norton's flour, and has sold hard and soft coal of all kinds, also feed, hay and straw. Mr. Johnson was born in Ostrejutland, Sweden, December 28, 1875, a son of John and Anna (Sagerberg) Nelson, natives respectively of Ostrejutland and Westrejutland. He was one of the youngest of eleven children, of whom eight are living, all in Joliet. Augusta, Mrs. Carlson, was the first member of the family to come to America, crossing the ocean in 1883; John and Charles, the oldest sons, are employed in the wire mill; Mathilda, Mrs. Peterson, was the second member of the family to leave Sweden for America; Anna, who came later, is the wife of Oscar Larson, our subject's partner, who came to this city in 1S87. The others are Ernest, Mrs. Amanda Johnson and Dinah Christina. In 1890 the parents planned to come to this country, but the father died before they had started, and afterward the mother came with some of the children. Since September, 1890, our subject has made Joliet his home. He attended school here in 1890-91. Afterward he learned the baker's trade, being under John Ryan, Edward Cary and John Hedman successively. He is well known among the Swedish- American residents of Joliet, and is regarded among his countrymen as arising young man. In religious faith he is of the Lutheran belief and politically votes with the Re- publicans. He is a member of the Order of Svethiod. His record both in the army and in business life is that of a faithful, energetic and intelligent man, who may be relied upon in every circumstance to act honorably and honestly in his relations with his fellow-men. EHARLES OLSON, proprietor of the Sunrise Dairy, established a milk route in Joliet in 1 89 1 and soon built up a good business in his line. After five years he started the Sunrise Dairy, renting a farm of one hundred and twenty acres near the city, where he keeps twenty-five milch cows of a fine grade and has his land divided into pastures of convenient size and fields for the raising of grain. In 1899 he sold the milk route and has since devoted himself to the wholesale milk business. He is a man of excel- lent judgment and has been quite successful in his chosen occupation. The next to the youngest among six children, three of whom are in the United States, Mr. Olson was born in Orebro, Sweden, March 16, 1873, a son of Olas Gustav and Johanna Ander- son, the former a large farmer now living retired; the mother died there in 1898. Both early united with the Lutheran Church and afterward lived faithful to its teachings. When fifteen years of age, March 19, 1888, Mr. Olson came to the United States, at once settling in this county, where for a year he was employed on a dairy farm near Mokena. In this way he obtained his primary knowledge of the business in which he has since successfully engaged. Later he spent two years as an employe on a dairy farm in New Lenox Township, after which he embarked in the business for himself. He is an enterprising young man, full of energy and enthusiasm, and withal a tireless worker and a man of sound judgment. In addition to his dairy interests, for one year he was interested in a grocery and meat 2 5 8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. business on the corner of Jackson street and Park avenue, but sold out in order to give his atten- tion wholly to dairying. In common with many of his countrymen in Joliet, Mr. Olson holds membership in the Swedish Republican Club. He is connected with the North Star Association, the Fraternal Alliance and the Independent Order of Svethiod. He con- tributes to the maintenance of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife belongs. He was married in this city to Emma, daughter of Philip Drion, a native of France and an early settler of Joliet, wheie she was born. One son blesses their union, Clarence Philip Sylvester. KEV. GUSTAV HOLMBERG. The reli- gious life of Joliet has been fostered by the efforts of Mr. Holmberg, who is not only the oldest Swedish minister in the city, but one of the most successful as well. In 1891 he was called to the pastorate of the Swedish Baptist Church, whose membership was at that timeless than seventy and whose work was therefore limited in scope and results. In this field of labor he has since given his earnest, faithful ef- forts to promote the spiritual welfare of his parishioners and bring into active Christian service those hitherto indifferent. The suc- cess of his work in shown in the increased mem- bership, which is now almost three times as large as then. Through his efforts an interest was aroused in the erection of a house of worship, and in 1898 the building on Jackson and Herki- mer streets (the largest Swedish church in the city) was erected. In addition to the regular church work, a mission Sunday-school and mis- sionary service are conducted on South Richards street. The only child of Peter and Maria (Pollock) Holmberg, the subject of this article was born in Philipstad, Wermland, Sweden, July 23, 1856. His father, who was a contractor and builder, also a merchant, died in that country at sixty- two years. Our subject was reared at the home- stead, and when fourteen years of age began to work in the iron mines near Philipstad, continu- ing there for some time and later serving the al- lotted drill time in the Swedish army. In the spring of 1881 he arrived in Chicago, where he worked in a foundry, but soon went to Menominee County, Mich., and worked in the iron mines. From the age of nineteen he was a student of the classics and theology, and when he was twenty- one he preached his first sermon. After coming to this county he continued to preach, although at first he did not devote his entire time to the work. In 1882 he was ordained a minister in the Swedish Baptist Church, and the following year organized a church in Manistique, Mich., where he remained as pastor until 1886. The next year was spent in a Swedish Baptist College, in Nebraska, after which he continued his theo- logical studies in Morgan Park and at the same time was pastor of the Second Swedish Baptist Church of Chicago. Later he was engaged in missionary work in and near Chicago, continu- ing to be occupied in that manner until he came to Joliet to take charge of a church that had been organized ten years before. In addition to his ministerial work he has served efficiently as presi- dent and secretary of the Swedish Baptist Minis- terial Association of Illinois. In political views he is a Republican. The marriage of Mr. Holmberg, which took place in Sweden, united him with Miss Maria Christine Nystrom, whose father, Olaf, came to America in 1S81 and afterward died at the home of his daughter in Joliet. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Holmberg are David and Ellen. (7) WAN ANDERSON, who is one of Joliet's 2\ reliable and experienced stone mason con- Q) tractors, was born in Alingsaes, Elfsborg, Sweden, July 27, 1859. His paternal grand- father, Nels Swenson , who was a native of Bre- veskagen, bought the homestead "Kjartare," and there successfully followed farm pursuits. In his family were five daughters and three sons, the youngest being a successful cabinet-maker in Gottenburg. On the estate. ' ' Kjartare ' ' Andres GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 259 Nelson, our subject's father, passed the years of youth, and from there after retiring from life'sbusy cares he came to America in May, 1887, joining his children in Joliet, where he has since resided. He married Johanna, daughter of Peter Johnson, who was a skilled cabinet-maker and resided at Holsberg; he died in Sweden in 1874, when seventy-one years of age. Of his seven children all but one are still living, the eldest son being Swente, or Swan, as he is commonly called. August, the second son, is employed as a shipping clerk in Minneapolis, Minn.; and Gus- tav R. is a cabinet-maker in Little Falls, Minn. Of the daughters, Anna S. is the wife of P. John- son, of Joliet, and Ada M. married O. Anderson, also of this city. Alma, who received a good education and was granted a teacher's certificate in Will County, afterward was employed in the county treasurer's office in Minneapolis. She graduated from the Minneapolis Training School for Nurses and is now in charge of a hospital at Seattle, Wash. The first of the family to seek a home in the United States was the subject of this sketch. After having served for three years as an ap- prentice to the stone-mason's trade, in March, 1S80, he went from Gottenburgto Liverpool and from there crossed to New York, which he reached after a voyage of twenty days. Two days later he arrived in Chicago and on the 5th of April landed in Joliet. On the 6th he secured employment and began to work in the quarry of the Joliet Stone Company. After one month he began to work on a farm in Wilton Township, where he remained for ten months. Returning to Joliet in March, 1881, he was employed as a mason until 18S5, since which time he has taken contracts in brick and stone. Among his con- tracts were those for the old street car buildings on Second avenue and the present street car buildings on St. Louis street, the Burke livery stable on South Bluff street, etc. He is a mem- ber of the Joliet Builders' Association. In April, 1892, he was elected assistant super- visor on the Democratic ticket and served for two years, meantime being a member of several com- mittees. At the expiration of his term he refused the renomination. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Since coming to Joliet he married Miss Hannah Nelson, who was born in Houf, near Engelholm, Skane, Sweden, where her parents still make their home. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have seven children, Anna C, Ida C, Julia M., Gustav Henry, Elmer Swente, Hilda F. and Ellen E. EHARLES JACOB JOHNSON. The large trade which Mr. Johnson has built up in his chosen business proves him to be possessed of excellent judgment and determination of char- acter. When he came to the United States he had limited means and was unfamiliar with the customs and usages of our country; but, begin- ning with a determination to succeed, he soon gained the confidence of his associates and the esteem of the general public. June 10, 1S82, found him in Joliet, where he has since made his home. Of recent years he has been engaged in the grocery business, occupying a store on the corner of Jackson and Collins streets, where, in the spring of 1898, he built a two-story and base- ment stone structure, known as the Johnson and Ahlvin block. Mr. Johnson was born in the province of Westerbotten, Sweden, April 22, 1861, a son of John and Mary Johnson, the former of whom inherited and occupied the ancestral farm, "Server." He is still living in his native land and is now (1899) more than seventy-five years of age. His wife died many years ago, when our subject was five years of age. Of seven children comprising the family four remain in Sweden, Ned is a farmer in Minnesota, Erik and Charles Jacob are in Joliet. The last-named was reared on the home farm, where he continued to reside until his emigration. His brother, Erik, who crossed the ocean in 1880, settled in Burlington, Iowa, but in a very short time came to Joliet; two years later, in 1882, Ned and Charles Jacob joined him in thiscountry, crossing on a steamer from Hull and Liverpool to New York, thence to Joliet, where our subject worked in a quarry for 26o GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. James Bruce. Three years later he entered the employ of the Illinois Steel Company, and for five years was in their converting department. His next enterprise was embarking in the grocery business on the corner of Jackson street and Park avenue, as a member of the firm of Peterson & Johnson. Two years later he bought his part- ner's interest, continuing the business in the same location until he erected his business block in 1898. In the building of the Swedish Lutheran Church Mr. Johnson took an active part and he has served as a trustee for a number of years. The Republican party has had his allegiance ever since he became an American citizen, and he has been a delegate to conventions at different times. He holds membership in the Swedish Republican Club. Since coming to Joliet he married Miss Jennie Anderson, who was born in Skane, Swe- den. They and their children, Carl Elmer, Ethel Ingeborg and Clarence Siegfried, have a neat and pleasant home at No. 1005 Ohio street. r^ETER G. RULIEN, M. D., who has been Lf engaged in practice in Joliet since 1890, was t^ born in Vermland, Sweden, November 4, i860, a son of P. M. and Stina (Damelson) Rulien, natives of the same place. His father who was the son of a Swedish soldier, was reared upon a farm and followed that occupation in his native land for some years. In 1868 he brought his family to America and settled near New Richmond, St. Croix County, Wis., where he has since engaged in fanning. Of his eight children all but one are living, the doctor being third in order of birth; one of the sons, Frank, is a physi- cian atWinthrop, Minn. At the time the family settled in Wisconsin the subject of this sketch was a boy of eight years. His primary education was obtained in district schools. Later he took a special course of three years in the Northern Indiana Normal School, where he studied English and classics. Having selected medicine for his life occupation, he entered the Chicago Medical College, which was the medical department of the Northwestern University, and from this institution he graduated in the spring of 1890, with the degree of M. D. Coming at once to Joliet, he has since engaged in the practice of his profession. He has his office at No. 1014 Cass street. Under Mayor E. C. Akins he received the appointment of health commissioner, which he also held under Mayor Lagger, but resigned in 1897. For four years he was physician for the town of Joliet, but resigned upon being made health commissioner. He is connected with the American Medical Associa- tion and the Will County Medical Society, and has served the latter as president, a responsible office that he filled with ability. He is connected with Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and also with the Union Club. In religion he is of the Lutheran faith, while his wife is an Episcopalian. In Chicago Dr. Rulien married Miss May B. Stevens, by whom he has four children living, Minerva, Jessie, Elmer and Norman. The sec- ond son, Gordon, died in Joliet at the age of one year. Mrs. Rulien was born in Topeka, Kaus., the only child of E. B. and H. V. (Norton) Stevens, natives respectively of Lake County, 111., and New York City. He father, who was a sol- dier in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war, spent some years in Topeka, Kans., where he en- gaged in the real-estate business and also served as a deputy count}' official. In 1872 he returned to Chicago, where he died. His wife, who was a daughter of Richard Norton, of New York, died in Joliet. REV. JOHN VIBELIUS, A. B., pastor of the Bethlehem Swedish Lutheran Church of Joliet, is one of the earnest and efficient ministers of his denomination. While he has not been long connected with his present charge (having accepted the call in December, 1897), he has already made many valuable improve- ments in the church, and has greatly promoted the welfare of the congregation. This church was organized in 1882, and now numbers three GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 261 hundred and seventy-five members, being the largest Swedish congregation in the city. Under his supervision the church on Benton street has been remodeled, and a lot was bought and a par- sonage built on the corner of Benton street and Cassidaj T avenue. In connection with the church are various societies, including three ladies' sew- ing societies, and a young people's organization. During the two summer months, when the pub- lic schools are not in session, a parochial school is conducted, at which there is an average attend- ance of one hundred and fifty-five children. Besides his other duties he is secretary of the board of trustees of the Swedish orphan home and industrial school at Joliet, conducted under the auspices of the Illinois conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana synod, and in- corporated March 14, 189 1. This school has fifty pupils, and the three-story building is equipped with modern improvements. The work that is accomplished is of a most beneficial na- ture, the children being fitted for responsible positions in life. In the town of Hedemora, Sweden, Mr. Vibel- ius was born February 1, 1856, the oldest child of Andrew and Christine (Garell) Vibelius. His father, who was a farmer on the family home- stead, was a son of John Vibelius, also a farmer; while the mother was a daughter of Lars Garell, who was born in 1796, and for years was super- intendent of steel works in his native land. All of the family were of good old Lutheran stock. Our subject is one of three children, of whom himself and a sister are in the United States, while his brother remains in Swedeu. He was reared on the home farm, and after his confirm- ation, at fourteen years of age, he entered Falun College, where he remained until his graduation in 1880, with the degree of A. B. Next he en- tered the University of Upsala, in Upsala, forty-five miles northwest of Stockholm. This institution, which was founded in 1473, had seventeen hundred students at the time he was there, and it has since maintained its high place among old world universities. With its library of one hundred and fifty thousand volumes, it numerous ancient manuscripts, its botanic garden, observatory and museums, it offers exceptional advantages to its students, and the year's stud}- in philosophy and theology which Mr. Vibelius had there proved of the greatest intellectual aid to him. After a year as tutor in a private family, in 1882, Mr. Vibelius came to the United States and entered Augustana Theological Seminary, at Rock Island, 111., from which he graduated in 1884. He was ordained a few days after exam- ination, June 24, 1884, in Andover, Henry County, 111., and was appointed pastor of Bethany Swedish Lutheran Church in South Chicago, 111., where he remained in charge until 1887. During the latter year he resigned to accept a position as editor of the Vort Land and Folk (Our Country and People), a weekly paper pub- lished in Chicago. At the same time he had charge of Bethlehem Swedish Lutheran Church in Englewood. In 1888 he accepted a call to the Swedish Lutheran Church of South Bend, and in that pastorate he continued until the latter part of 1897, when he resigned in order to come to Joliet. Several times he has been chosen sec- retary of the Chicago district of the Illinois con- ference, in which capacity his work has been commented upon with praise. He is also the editor of Budbararen (The Messenger), a Swedish monthly, which he has made a success. In na- tional politics he favors Republican principles. In South Chicago, in 1885, Mr. Vibelius mar- ried Miss Hulda Nordlund, whose father was a sea captain and a member of a prominent old family in the city of Gefle, on the Baltic, in Swe- den. The three children born of their union are Emanuel, Lillie and Sigfreid. KEV. JAMES J. McGOVERN, D. D., pas- tor of St. Dennis Roman Catholic Church at Lockport, was born March 25, 1839, in Chi- cago in a log house standing near where the court house now stands. His father, a native of Ire- land, was a large contractor on the canal and had the contract for the Chicago water works. He was at the head of a large immigration company organized for the purpose of bringing Irish peo- 262 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pie to this country and giving them a good start. For about thirty-five years he was the principal confidante and helper of the bishops in Chicago, and he always held a very prominent place among Roman Catholics there. He died in that city when eighty-two years of age, having made his home there from 1836 until his death. His wife was also a native of Ireland and died in 1899, when eighty-four years old. They were the parents of eight daughters and four sons, who, under their teaching, were reared for positions of usefulness and honor and were early devoted to the service of the church. The subject of this sketch was one of the first pupils in the public schools of Chicago. In Sep- tember, 1844, he entered the old Mortimer school, opposite McVicker's theatre on Madison street, and occupying the first school building put up in the city. In 1849 a Catholic school was estab- lished in the city, which he attended. For two years he was also a student at St. Mary's of the Lake. In August, 1853, he was sent to the Propaganda College, Rome, to spend ten years in preparation for holy orders. He was ordained June 14, 1862, and afterward remained in Rome a short time as priest and acting private secretary to Cardinal Barnabo, Prefect of the Propaganda. On returning to the United States in 1863 he was made vice-president of St. Mary's of the Lake and rector of the collegiate seminary, which position he held for five years. He then bought and im- proved church property in the parishes of Fulton, Rockland, Bloouiington and Lake Forest, 111. In 1880 he cametoLockport, where he completed the large church building, established the schools and built the parsonage. This parish was founded in 1849 by Father Dennis Ryan, who served it until his death, October 21, 1853. In 1877 the present large church building was started, which was completed by Father McGovern, its total cost being about $40,000. It has a membership of about one hundred and twenty-five families. In addition to his pastoral work, Father Mc- Govern has also done considerable literary work. For several years he was co-editor of a Roman Catholic paper, the Catholic Home, and for a year was its editor-in-chief. In 1S65 he published The Monthly, a Catholic periodical, the first in the west. He published, as the author, the "Life of Bishop John McMullen," of Davenport, Iowa, and a work entitled "The Souvenir of Archbish- ' op P. A. Feehau's Silver Jubilee," in which he gave the only church history of the Catholic Church in Chicago and the state of Illinois. Up to the time of its publication he was a co-author of the "Royal Scroll," an illustrated history of the Bible, with a biblical catechism, and a most extensive history of the Catholic Church in the state of Illinois published in the new world A. D. 1900. In recognition of his successful course of his theological studies, the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him before he returned to this countrv. 3 AMES K. McNEILL, president of the Steel Works Club, the largest labor organization in Joliet, is also a prominent member of the board of aldermen. He was elected an alder- man in the spring of 1899, on the Republican ticket, receiving a majority of nine votes overthe two other candidates. Since he began the duties of his office he has been appointed chairman of the police committee and a member of the com- mittees on water, claims, east side streets and license. His work as a councilman is proving satisfactory, not only to the members of his own party, to whom his election was due, but to the general public as well. AtBallymeua, near Belfast, in County Antrim, Ireland, Mr. McNeill was born August 25, 1851, a son of Hugh and Sarah (Kennedy) McNeill. His grandfather, George McNeill, a Scotchman, settled in Ireland, where he died at eighty-two years; and the maternal grandfather, James Ken- nedy, though of Irish birth, was also of Scotch descent. After an honorable discharge from the British army, in which he had served for some years (mostly as anon-commissioned officer with the Royal Artillery in Woolwich, England), Hugh McNeill accompanied a surveying corps to the province of Ulster, which he assisted in survey- ing. He then became a freight agent for the railroad at Ballymena. In 1S60 he came to GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 263 America, whither a brother, John, had preceded him. He settled in Jackson Township, this county, but soon removed to Kendall County, and while there, in 1863, his family joined him. In 1868 he returned to Jackson Township, where his wife died the following year. He then re- moved to Round Grove Township, Livingston County, where he resided from the spring of 1870 until 1881. From there he went to Val- paraiso, Neb. , where he bought and improved a farm, and died July 16, 1893, aged sixty -six years. In politics he voted with the Republicans, and in religion was of the Presbyterian belief. Of his six children four are living, James being the oldest and the only one now in Will County. On the 25th day of August, 1863, our subject landed in New York City after a voyage of seven weeks and two days from Liverpool on the sail- ing vessel " Benjamin Adams. " With the other members of the family he came west to join his father in Illinois. He accompanied his father in his various removals. While at Grand Prairie he began to farm independently, remaining there until 1884, when he was appointed keeper at the Illinois state penitentiary. The latter position he held until December 1, 1893, when a change of administration caused him to resign. Next he became foreman for the Illinois Steel Com- pany, and in 1897 was Dv them appointed gen- eral yardmaster of the entire steel plant, which position he has since filled. He is now president of the Steel Works Club, which has a member- ship of twelve hundred. For seven years he was secretary of the Royal Arcanum Council in Joliet, and is still a member. He is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and has been the repre- sentative of the local lodge in the grand lodge. The home of Mr. McNeill stands at No. 1003 Irving street. His first wife was Mary M. Kim- ble, who was born in Kendall County, 111., and died in Joliet February 19, 1894. Her father, Henry, son of James Kimble, was born in Bed- ford, England, in 1800, and from fourteen to twenty-one years of age served at the mason's trade. In 1823 he went to the island of Ascen- sion, off the coast of Africa, where he superin- tended the building of forts. Returning to Eng- land in 1830, he soon went to Prince Ed- ward's Island, where he spent fifteen years. He then removed to Kendall County, 111. In 1849 he joined the gold-seekers in the westward journey and engaged in mining in California. After a time he returned to Illinois and took a contract for building a part oftheOquawka Rail- road to Peoria. He then returned to his Kendall County farm. His last days were spent in South Dakota, where he died at ninety-one years. By his first marriage Mr. McNeill had four children, viz.: Harry James, who is with the Illinois Steel Company; Sadie Laura, a teacher in the Kendall County schools; Hattie May and Mary Priscilla. In Joliet June 5, 1896, Mr. McNeill married Mrs. Grace (Webb) Thomas, who was born in Cook County, 111., and by whom he has two daughters, Grace Vivian and Muriel Una. Mrs. McNeill's father, George Webb, was born in England and came with his parents to New York, thence removed west, settling in Cook County and engaging in the mercantile business at Mattison. Later he moved to Springfield, this state, where he died, and where his widow is still living. 30SEPH A. JOHNSON is one of the large number of business men who came to Joliet from Sweden, and have since become an in- tegral part of the citizenship, joining in move- ments for the benefit of the city and aiding in the development of local commercial interests. He was born in Rauqvella, Jonkoping, Sweden, December 6, 1867, a sou of John Peter and Eva Johnson, who spent their entire lives in the same province, where the father engaged in farming. Further mention of the family appears elsewhere, in the sketch of Gustav V. Johnson. Reared on the home farm, the educational ad- vantages received by our subject were such as the local schools afforded. As he studied in school the geography of the world, he formed a resolu- tion to seek a home in the land across the seas, believing that the new world presented greater opportunities for a young man than the old. In 1886 he came to the United States with his 264 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. brother, Gustav V., and settled in Joliet, where he followed any occupation whereby he could earn a livelihood. After three years, however, he began to turn his attention to the bricklayer's trade, which he learned in the works of the Illi- nois Steel Company. He followed this occupa- tion until 1896 in the employ of others, but during that year he embarked in the stone and brickmason's business for himself, and has since taken contracts for work of this kind. Since taking out his naturalization papers Mr. Johnson has voted the Republican ticket. He is a member of the North Star Association and the Swedish Lutheran Church. A man of energy and industry, he is working his way to a position of influence among the people of his own race in Joliet, and has also won the confidence of people of other nationalities by his upright course in life and the energy which he has shown in his business. He was married, in this city, in 1897, to Miss Amanda Abrahamson, who was born in Sweden, and by whom he has a daughter, Sylvia Benhat Margaret. The family residence is at No. 309 Landau avenue. HENRY W. MORGAN, proprietor of a pat- tern shop at No. 108 South Desplaines street, Joliet, is one of the expert mechanics and pattern-makers in the city, where he has made his home since 187 1. He was born in Tal- garth, Breconshire, Wales, June 11, 1844, a son of William and Mary Morgan, natives of the same shire. His father, who was a son of Henry Morgan, a farmer, engaged in contracting and building in his native country, where he died in 1 88 1. In his family there were four children, viz.: Mrs. Jane Price, who died in Wales; Henry W. ; William, who is proprietor of a normal school at Hereford, Wales; and Magdelene, Mrs. W. D. Richards, who died in Joliet. In the public schools of Bryn Mawr, Wales, the subject of this sketch obtained his education. When sixteen he was bound out to learn the pat- tern-maker's trade and served an apprenticeship of seven years, during which time he studied in a drawing school, also spent six months in a foundry and six in a machine shop. This is the parent trade of all in a mechanical line, and one who becomes an expert in it has acquired knowl- edge that proves of inestimable value to him. The seven years which Mr. Morgan spent as an . apprentice were faithfully devoted to his work, and as a result he became very proficient as a mechanic. At the expiration of his time he worked at his trade in Cardiff and Newport. The year 1869 found Mr. Morgan in the United States, a young man, with little money, but pos- sessing an abundance of energy and determina- tion. At first he was employed as pattern- maker in the shops of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad in Scranton, Pa. From there, in 187 1, he came to Joliet and entered the employ of the Illinois Steel Company as pattern- maker. Five years later he was promoted to be foreman, and as such he continued for twenty years, resigning in 1896 in order to embark in business for himself. During the twenty- five years of his connection with the company he won and retained the confidence of the officers and the respect of subordinates, and was recognized as an expert at his trade. Since entering busi- ness on his own account he has made patterns for various mills of Joliet and other cities and has also turned out work that has been shipped to Belgium and France. In the Welsh Presbyterian Church of Joliet Mr. Morgan is a trustee and prominent worker. Politically he gives his influence and ballot toward Republican principles. He is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., in which he is past senior warden. He was one of the first to build in his section of the city, and owns a neat home 011 Ohio street. Prior to leaving Wales he was married, in Bryn Mawr, to Miss Jane Davies, daughter of William Davies, who came to America, settling in Pottsville, Pa., thence coming to Joliet; he was the second em- ploye with the then Joliet Iron and Transportation Company, with which he remained until his death, in 1S79. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan who attained maturity are named as fol- lows: Annie, who is married and lives in Joliet; John, a machinist employed in Chicago; Clara, Edith, Walter, Otis and Harry. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS /f y, pfu-7-t^^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 267 CAPT. ROBERT J. MORRISON. EAPT. ROBERT J. MORRISON. For his heroism displayed during the Civil war, Captain Morrison received the highest praise ofhiscolonel, George \V. Kirk, and the commen- dation of all patriotic citizens who appreciate self- sacrifice in behalf of our country. At the close of the war, in September, 1865, he came to this county, bringing with him a wagon and also two horses that had been with him in the army. For a time he rented a farm on the edge of Kendall County, after which he bought a place in Plain- field Township and later bought and sold other property. Coming to Joliet in 1879, he em- barked in the lumber business and also from 1880 to 1883 was call man in the fire department, then from 1883 to 1888 was driver of steamer No. 1, be- ing transferred in 1S88 to East Side No. 3. In 1 89 1 he resigned and began to devote his attention entirely to the real-estate business, in which he had previously become interested. In 1S94 he was appointed deputy city and township assessor. The following year he was elected city and town- ship assessor on the Republican ticket, by a ma- jority of three hundred and sixty over his town opponents. In 1896, 1897, 1898 and 1899 he was re-elected, the last time without opposition, and he now gives his whole time to the duties of the office, superintending the work of his corps of as- sistants. William Morrison, a Scotchman, removed to Manchester, England, and years later settled on a farm near Belfast, Ireland, where he died. His grandson, Robert Morrison, was born in Man- chester, England, but grew to manhood in Ire- 13 laud, where he learned the painter's trade. In 1832 he married Elizabeth Bell, who was born in Belfast, Ireland, her father, David, having re- moved from his native place, near Glasgow, Scot- land, to Belfast, Ireland, in order to establish a shoe factory there. The year after his marriage Mr. Morrison brought his wife to America and settled in New York City, where he worked at his trade. In 1842 he went to Toronto, Canada, where he remained until 1845, and then settled in Baltimore, Md., afterward went to Philadel- phia, thence to New York City, and in 1847 re- turned to Toronto, from there going back to Bal- timore. October 26, 1856, he removed his fami- ly to Carter County, Tenn., where he cultivated a farm and also worked as a contracting painter. A man of strong Union sympathies, he had on his farm an underground railroad for escaping Federal prisoners, and one of his sons, William, was a pilot for the refugees. He himself was several times taken prisoner by Confederates, but, being a great favorite throughout that entire re- gion on account of his fine business qualities, his genial manners and his work as a Methodist Episcopal local preacher, his life was spared. Not so fortunate was his brother-in-law, James Bell, who, falling into the hands of the rebels, was shot twenty-six times, his brains being beaten out. Two of his sons, William and David, slept outdoors every night during the four years of the war. When the war ended the family moved to Carroll County, Mo., where the father died at sixty-two years of age. His death was caused by an attack of pneumonia brought on by 26S GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. fording a stream to keep an appointment for preaching. After his death his wife went to Canada, where she died. They had four sons and four daughters, and all but one of the daugh- ters still survive. William lives in Johnson City, Tenn.; John, who was a prisoner for eighteen months during the Civil war, served in the Thir- teenth Tennessee Cavalry as orderly sergeant of Company B, and is now living in Kendall Coun- ty, 111. ; David lives in Nebraska, making his home at Wood River; Mrs. Anna Hill lives at Norborne, Mo.; Mrs. Sarah McKey is at Pinkerton, Canada; and Mrs. Elizabeth Walker is in Kansas City, Mo. Mrs Mary McDevitt died at Linton, Canada, April 25, 1898. The second of the sons, Robert J. , was born in New York City May 1, 1840. His education was received principally in Canada. With his older brother he learned the painter's trade, and afterward was with an uncle, Dr. David Bell, for two years, then returned to assist his brother. April 15, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Second Tennessee Infantry, and was mustered in as a private at Camp Dick Robinson, Ky. After the battles of Wild Cat, Mills Springs and Cumber- land Gap, he returned through the rebel lines to Tennessee, in order to recruit for the Union army. Securing eighty-nine men, he started back to the Union army in the fall of 1861. During the fol- lowing winter he camped in the mountains of Tennessee, hiding from the Confederates, who were in search of him and his recruits. Their food was brought to them by his sister, who would put a note in a biscuit telling where the next in- stallment of provisions would be hid. Some- times it would be impossible to get food to the men, who would then be reduced to the necessity of eating crow or such game as could be found. In 1862 they started to go through the rebel lines, traveling at night, wading rivers, and enduring hardships of every kind. When within one mile of the Kentucky line they were attacked by Con- federates and eleven escaped out of eighty-nine. Afterward these eleven were in hiding for four days and nights without anything to eat. Grow- ing desperate with hunger, several of the men swam across Powell's River, then crossed the Cumberland mountains, where their hunger was partially appeased by some huckleberries they fortunately found. About six o'clock one even- ing they came within sight of a man chopping wood and drew lots as to which of the men should speak to him. The lot fell on our subject, who went forward, scarcely knowing what fate might befall him. However, the mountaineer was a Union man and called to him, "Come on." The meal they had of mush and milk and honey seemed to them the best they had ever eaten. They had been for four days and nights without food and water, and were almost starved. A little later they found five of their comrades, which made their company number eleven, and two others got through three weeks later, but the other seventy-six were killed or lost. Returning to his old regiment, our subject fought at Deep Creek Gap. From Kentucky he went to Ohio and took part in several battles with Gen. John H. Morgan; later marched into West Virginia. After the battle of Murfreesboro he assisted in the taking of Rogersville, where after- ward all of his regiment but seventy-five men were captured. He was one of the number that escaped. At the end of three years he was mus- tered out and came to Illinois, spending a short time at Canton, Fulton County, and then return- ing to Tennessee, where he helped to mount Gilham's brigade of cavalry, the Eighth, Ninth and Thirteenth Tennessee. Next he went to Kuoxville and organized Company C, Third North Carolina Mounted Infantry, of which he was commissioned first lieutenant in September, 1864, and which engaged in scouting. He led his men three hundred miles into North Carolina, where he captured three hundred and twenty-five prisoners. In February, 1865, he organized Company I, of the same regiment, and was com- missioned its captain, serving under General George Stoneman, being detached to command twenty-five scouts. He took part in many des- perate cavalry dashes, where death seemed immi- nent at any moment, but he seemed to bear a charmed life; and in all his service was only wounded once, and that was a mere flesh wound. He was constansly on the move. At one time GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 269 he was in the saddle for eighteen days and nights, never making a stop longer than three hours. More than once his friends were in doubt as to his fate, and once his family were told that he was dead. Nor did they know the report was false until he appeared before them in person, when a scene of rejoicing followed that could be imagined, but not described. During an engage- ment at Morristown, Tenn., he captured one of his old schoolmates, who is now an attorney in that state. After the war closed he was mustered out at Knoxville, Tenn., August 8, 1865, and re- turned to his old home, but a month later came to Illinois, and has since made Will County his home. In politics Captain Morrison has always affili- ated with the Republicans. For many years he has been chaplain of Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R., also of Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and is a member of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows. With his wife, he belongs to the Eastern Star and the Ottawa Street Method- ist Episcopal Church. His marriage took place in Elizabethtown, Carter County, Tenn., January 22, 1862, and united him with Miss Hester Sni- der, daughter of William Snider, a native of Sul- livan County, that state, and a farmer and black- smith. Several times during the war he was taken a prisoner. In February, 1865, he moved to Troy Township, Will County, 111., where he died at seventy-eight years. His father, William, Sr., who was born near Philadelphia, Pa., served in the war of 18 12 and afterward became the owner of large tracts of land in Tennessee. The mother of Mrs. Morrison was Mary, daughter of William Jones, an early settler of Tennessee and a soldier in the war of 18 12. She died in 1874. Of her eleven children eight attained mature years. A half-brother of Mrs. Morrison, Joseph Snider, was with our subject and made his way through the lines to Cumberland Gap; her own brother was taken a prisoner at one time during the war. Captain and Mrs. Morrison became the parents of five children, namely: Lizzie, who has charge of the millinery department of the Joliet Dry Goods Company; Mary, who died in 1888; Minnie H., deceased; William R., a graduate of the University of Illinois, and now superinten- dent at Wichita, Kans., of the city street rail- road; and John H., who graduated from the medi- cal department of the Northwestern University in 1898, and is now engaged in practice at Plain- field, this county. He married Catherine E. Downey and they have one daughter, Martha Hester. Gl NDREW MURDIE, a well-known farmer of I_l Wilton Township, was born in Melrose, / I Roxburyshire, Scotland, in November, 1838, a son of Andrew and Helen (Culbertson) Murdie. He was one of three children, his brother and sis- ter being William, of Alloa, Scotland, and Jean- nette, Mrs. Adam Fleming, of Galashiels, Scot- land. His father died when in middle age, and afterward the mother was married to William Wright, a tailor, by whom she had three children, Robert, James and Isabella. She is still living in Scotland, and is now more than eighty years of age. When a very small child our subject began to work, in order to assist in supporting himself. At ten years of age he secured work in herding cows and doing chores, for which he was paid one pound for six months. As he grew older and stronger his wages were increased, until he was earning twelve poundsayear. June 5, 1857, he and a cousin embarked on a sailing vessel at Liverpool, and after a rough voyage of forty-two days they landed in New York City, July 18. Thence they went up the Hudson to Albany. It was their intention to join an uncle at Chatham, Canada, but the New York farmers, being great- ly in need of help, they were induced to stop with a farmer thirteen miles from Albany. With him they remained for six weeks, and then resumed their journey. Reaching Chatham, our subject worked for a Mr. Smith on a farm for one year. Next he worked for two months at railroad con- structing on the Great Western Railroad. On his return to Chatham he resumed work with Mr. Smith. In the spring of 1861 he came to Illinois 270 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and secured work with Henry Aiken at Lock- port, his special work being the running of a ditching machine. The next year he bought a corn-sheller, and, in company with a partner who owned horses, he began shelling corn for the farmers. His was the first corn-sheller operated in this section, and he had the shelling of all the corn between Spencer and Peotone. In 1865 Mr. Murdie married Elizabeth Scott, who was born in Yorkshire, England, a daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Gluver) Scott. Her father dying when she was a child, she was taken into the home of Robert Holmes, whose family she accompanied to America in 1856, settling with them in Lockport. After his marriage Mr. Murdie settled just east of his present home, he and Mr. Holmes having bought one hundred and twelve acres of land in partnership here. With the exception of ten years spent in Greengarden Township, where he owned eighty acres of land, he has since made his home in Wilton Township, and is counted among the most energetic and capable farmers of this township. From his original farm he moved to the farm of Mr. Holmes, and by subsequent purchase increased it to one hundred and thirty-seven acres. He is the oldest surviving settler at this end of Twelve- Mile Grove. Among the people of this locality he bears the reputation of an efficient farmer and an honorable man, one whose aim has been to live uprightly and carry out in his actions the princi- ples of the golden rule. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Murdie comprises six living children, namely: Robert S., a farmer of Wilton Township; A. Janet, at home; Emma J., wife of Brooks Broadrick, of Forsman, Ind. ; Alfred C; James G. and Walter G. , at home. For twenty-five years or more. Mr. Murdie has been a member of the district school board. Among his other offices were those of town clerk, which he held for several years; assessor of Wil- ton Township, which he held for a year; and su- pervisor for two years. At this writing he is president of the Horse Protective Association, an organization that has proved very helpful to the farmers here. He is also a director of the Man- hattan Co-operative Creamery Company. While he is not connected with any denomination, he attends the Baptist Church and is a contributor to its support. Fraternally he is a member of Wilton Lodge No. 640, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and for many years was its treasurer. In political views he is a stanch Republican. REV. POLYCARP RHODE is superior of the Franciscan Fathers and pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church of Joliet, which positions he has held since January 12, 1899. The church of which he is the head was organized in 1852 and has a membership of about six hundred families, being next to the oldest and next to the largest church of the denomina- tion in the city. From the time of its organiza- tion until 1876 the church was under the super- vision of secular priests, but in the latter year it was taken in charge by the Franciscan Fathers, who have since been responsible for its success. To the congregation belong: a very large stone church, on the corner of North Hickory and Di- vision streets; a commodious stone structure used as a monastery; St. John's school, which stands opposite the church and has an attendance of al- most five hundred; and a large society hall, used for meetings of church and school organizations. In the church are the various organizations for the progress of the work and the uplifting of the members, including sodalities for young ladies, for boys and for men, also a ladies' society, St. John's and St. Aloysius' Society for men, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. To assist the pastor in his many duties and great responsibil- ities there are three priests, Fathers Dominic, Angelus and Cyriac. St. Joseph's hospital on Broadway, now in charge of the Franciscan Sis- ters, and St. Francis' Academy, which is also superintended by the sisters and has a large en- rollment of girls, are also pastorated by the Franciscan Fathers. In the province of Saxony, Prussia, where he GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 271 was born, Father Rhode passed the first four- teen years of his life on a farm. He then en- tered the Seminary of Heiligenstadt, where he completed the regular studies, with the exception of the courses in philosophy and theology. Com- ing to America to join the Franciscan Fathers, in 1 88 1 he became professor of languages in the college at Teutopolis, 111., where he remained for two years, meantime studying English. In 1883 he entered the Franciscan Order at Teutop- olis and after the novitiate period had been passed engaged in the study of philosophy at Quincy, later studied theology in St. Louis. He was or- dained in the latter city in 1890 by Archbishop Kenrick. His first pastorate was of St. Mary's Church, at Green Creek, Effingham County, 111. , where he remained for eighteen months, re- signing to accept a position as professor of lan- guages in Teutopolis College. Eighteen months were spent in college work, and he then became guardian and pastor of St. Francis' Church at Teutopolis. He remained there until he was transferred to Joliet in the early part of 1899. He is very devoted to his church and his order and would deem no personal sacrifice too great if by it they might be benefited and their pros- perity enhanced. r~ERDINAND MUNCH, who is engaged in r3 the coal business at No. 502 Jefferson street, I f Joliet, is one of the leading Masons of the city. He was made a Mason in Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., in 1882, and has since been identified with the same lodge, of which he has been elected worshipful master each year since 1891, and is the present incum- bent of the office. For the same period he has represented the lodge in the grand lodge of the state. Through his influence and under his lead- ership the lodge has been maintained in a pros- perous condition, with a large and active mem- bership. Mr. Munch was born in Joliet Township, this county, April 3, 185 1, a son of Xavier and Mary Ann (Pflager) Munch, natives of Alsace, then a part of France. The paternal grandfather, who brought his family to America, went to California in 1849 with a son, Sebastian, and a son-in-law, making the trip across the plains with an ox- team. On the journey overland Sebastian was lost. He started back east by ship, but cholera broke out on the vessel and his relatives never heard of him afterward. Without doubt he per- ished of the plague. Xavier Munch, who came to this county about 1840, worked on the Illinois and Michigan canal in early life. During the Mexican war he enlisted from Illinois, went to the front and served until peace was declared, when he returned to his farm. He has since made agriculture his occupation, and owns a well-improved farm of one hundred and twenty- two acres, adjoining Joliet, which is the old homestead of his father. Since 1890 he has made his home in Joliet. His wife, who was a daughter of Martin Pflager, an early settler of Joliet, died in this county many years ago. Both were Catholics from childhood. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are still living. The next to the oldest of the family was Fer- dinand. He was educated in a district school, the Joliet night school and Professor Russell's school. September 27, 1872, he came to Joliet, and for two years was employed by J. Q. A. King in the coal business. When Mr. King failed, Mr. Munch and two other employes bought the business, forming the firm of Frey & Co., and continuing the Jefferson street business for a year. Mr. Munch then sold his interest, in 1875 pur- chased from E. L. Shaffner the building and yards at No. 502 Jefferson street, where he keeps all kinds of hard and soft coal. The yards are connected by a siding with the Chicago & Alton Railroad. To this business he is devoting his attention with energy and success. He is a member of the Retail Coal Dealers' Association of Illinois and Wisconsin, and takes a warm in- terest in everything pertaining to the coal busi- ness. Politically he is a Republican. The marriage of Mr. Munch, in Joliet, united him with Miss Jennie Hurley, who was born in 272 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. England. Her father, William Hurley, settled in Minooka, Grundy County, 111., where he was employed by the Chicago & Rock Island Rail- road Company. Later he removed to Ottawa, but is now residing in Moliue, this state, and is still connected with the Rock Island road. Mr. and Mrs. Munch are the parents of three sons: Louis Irving, who died in August, 1896, at the age of eighteen years; Fred Elmer, a high school graduate in 1899; and Archie Hiram, a member of the high school class of 1902. EHARLES G. TENGDIN, chief engineer at the Illinois state penitentiary, is a man of remarkable inventive and mechanical ability, and hence is admirably qualified for his position, which he has filled since 1897. At the close of his first year in the institution his work was re- viewed and inspected by a state expert, who rendered a most favorable report and pronounced every improvement he had made to be a move in the right direction. As chief engineer he super- intends the work of eighty-five men, and has en- tire charge of the mechanical and architectural department of the whole plant, which includes a combined engine power corresponding to six hundred horse-power. He invented and is now applying for a patent on a steam trap that economizes the condensation from steam-heating plants; and other valuable improvements are the result of his inventive genius. In Linkoping, Ostergotland, Sweden, Mr. Tengdin was born October 14, 1862, the young- est of nine children, of whom he alone survives. His father, Andrew, a shoemaker and an expert in the manufacture of shoe lasts, died in Oster- gotland at sixty years of age; afterward the mother, Mary, joined our subject in Joliet, where she died in 1897, aged seventy-five years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. When our subject was three years of age his father died, and when he was twelve he began to support himself by working in a store. A year later he started to learn the harness-maker's trade, but three months at the work convinced him it would never be congenial, so he returned to the store. When fifteen he was apprenticed to the machin- ist's trade, which he followed for five years, being paid an amount equal to fourteen cents for twelve hours' work. On the completion of his time his wages were advanced to four times the original sum, and he continued in the same shop until he left for America, being paid at the last seventy- two cents a day. During the spring of 1882 Mr. Tengdin landed in New York, whence he came to Joliet. At first work was scarce. In 1883 he hired to James Bruce as a blacksmith and tool-sharpener in the quarries. Afterward for two years he worked in the employ of I. D. Stevens as foreman, and through his employer's recommendation he was then given work as a machinist with the Illinois Steel Company, remaining from 1886 to 1888, Next, for a year, he engaged in the manufacture of electrical sign cloth on Jefferson street, in the River block. On leaving the factory he entered the wire mill of Lambert & Bishop as a machin- ist. There mouths later he accepted a position as tool-maker for the bicycle works in Joliet, where he remained for six months. For the two following years he had charge of the machine shop of the Joliet Reed & Rattan works, and when that plant was sold he patented a wood- working tool for the manufacture of head and base blocks for doors; but after manufacturing the invention for a few months hard times came on and he was forced to seek other work. After a short time with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad as machinist and repairer of engines he returned to the steel mill, and later was a machin- ist with Lambert & Bishop. In 1897 ^ e received appointment to the position which he has since so efficiently filled. At No. 1012 Ohio street, Joliet, Mr. Tengdin built the residence he now occupies. He married Miss Anna Sophia Johnson, who was born in Orebro, Narke, Sweden; and by their marriage the following-named children were born: Viola, Carl, Oscar, Florence, Hjalmer and Myrtle. Mr. Tengdin is a director in the People's Loan and GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 273 Homestead Association. He is also a member of the Fraternal Alliance and Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. In the Swedish Lutheran Church he has served on the board of trustees, and was a member of the building com- mittee of the Swedish Orphans' Home. In poli- tics a Republican, he is connected with the Swedish-American League of Republican Clubs and is a charter member of the Swedish Repub- lican Club. Gl LBERT OCHSNER, chief engineer of the LA Fred Sehring Brewing Company and agent I I for the Joliet Pure Ice Company, was born in Knonau, Bezirk, Affoltern, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, August 5, 1861, a son of Jacob and Elizabetha (Hauenstein) Ochsner. The family of which he is a member took part in the early Swiss wars and dates back to the nobility of that country. His father, a son of Jacob Ochsner, Sr., was born in Riiti, Canton Zurich, in 1829, and grew to manhood upon a farm. Throughout his active life he was engaged in the silk busi- ness, but is now living retired from the cares and anxieties of trade, upon a large estate in his native canton. His wife died when thirty-seven years of age, leaving two daughters and four sons, all of whom remain in Switzerland except Henry and Albert, both of Joliet. In December, 1879, Albert Ochsner set sail from Havre for New York, and on reaching this country proceeded to St. Louis, where he arrived in January, 1880. In that city he was employed in a cheese commission house. Later he was with a fire brick company at Cheltenham. Going to Chicago in 1882 he was employed as burner with the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company for two years. Accepting a position next with the Michael Brand Brewing Company he was first fireman, then assistant engineer and finally night engineer. Afterward he was assistant engineer for Bartholomew & Lights, then was foreman in the manufacture of ice machinery for James Salem, and while in that position put in ice plants at Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Oshkosh, Wis., and the Union stockyards at Chicago. Later he held a position as night engineer with a brewing companj 7 in Chicago. Since 1891 Mr. Ochsner has been chief en- gineer for the Fred Sehring Brewing Company of Joliet. In this capacity he has proved him- self equal to every responsibility and has won the confidence of the members of the company. He has aided in putting in improvements, including one Bates engine, by means of which the brew- ing capacity has been increased. A bottling de- partment has also been established and an addi- tion built. The combined plant now has six engines (with almost five hundred horse-power), two ice engines and fourteen pumps. In addi- tion to his work as engineer he has built up a business in coal and wood, representing the Joliet Pure Ice Company. In 1898 he built Ochsner's hall, on the corner of Nicholson and Douglass streets, a building of three stories, 40x65, with a private hall and club room. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the White Cross Fraternity and the Engineers' Association, and in politics is a Re- publican. Through his efforts the Alpine Swiss Society was organized and he is now its president and leading member. In Chicago Mr. Ochsner married Miss Emilie Jordan, who was born in that city. They be- came the parents of seven children, of whom the oldest daughter, Emma, when ten years of age, was accidentally killed by coming in contact with a guy wire from a live wire. The other children are, William, Albert, Clara, Lizzie, George and infant son. GlLEXANDRE DARAS, one of the enter- Ll prising business men of Joliet, was born in / 1 France June 9, 1863, a son of Joseph and Eugenia Daras, and one of three children. His father, who was born near Paris in 1834, was an expert worker in a plate glass factory in the town 274 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of St. Jobin, and continued there until his death, in 1S71, at thirty-six years of age. The lady whom he married was born in Paris in 1840, and in girlhood learned the dressmaker's trade. Dur- ing the French revolution she had a position as forelady in a large factory for the manufacturing of clothing for charity, the factory being sup- ported by a brother of the Czar of Russia (the Czarovitch Dermadorf), and in it were manufac- tured hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of clothing, the dispensing of which was in charge of Mrs. Daras. Her husband was an active spirit in the revolution of 1871, and served as an officer until he was killed in action. She sur- vived him only three years. At the time of her death her son, Alexandre, w T as onlj- eleven years of age. He was bound out by friends to learn the jeweler's trade. After an apprenticeship of four years he became proficient at the trade. For his skill he was awarded a bronze medal in an annual exposition, in which graduated ap- prentices were allowed to compete with a sample of their work. Later he secured a position as valet to Comte de Brigot, with whom he traveled all over Europe; but after eighteen months he re- signed the position and went to London, where he was employed as valet to a nobleman. On his return to Paris he secured a responsible po- sition in the government theatre. While there he formed the acquaintance of many persons prominent throughout the nation and the world, including Prince de Medoff, Baron Hausman, the Prince of Orange, Alexandre Dumas, pere, and Horteuse, the second wife of Napoleon III, from whom he received a personal letter, enclosing a picture of herself. After resigning his position in the theatre Mr. Daras went to Mouaca, thence to Italy, returning to Bordeaux, France, next going to London, and afterward returning to Paris. He then de- termined to come to America, a plan which he at once put into execution. On his arrival in New York his trunk was stolen from him, and he thus lost, not only his belongings, but his Parisian references. In spite of this misfortune he was successful in securing a position with Mr. Fren- denthal, a wealthy gentleman, who owned a summer Jiome at King's Bridge, N. Y. There he remained for a year. He was then united in marriage with Lena Christian, who was born in Switzerland in 1862, and came to America in 1881. She was a daughter of John Christian, who was a large landed proprietor and held a po- sition as foreman in a dyeing establishment in Berne. In the spring of 1883 Mr. Daras came to Chicago and thence to Joliet, where he learned the painter's trade with Frank Hebert, and re- mained with the same employer for fourteen years. He then opened a paint and wall-paper store at No. 122 Jefferson street, where he has since built up a large business. He and his wife are the parents of three children: Henry A., at home; Louise, deceased; and Joseph A., at home. OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ^y . . & .Qjd^L^yy NT- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 277 JOSEPH C. SCROGGS. (JOSEPH C. SCROGGS, who is recognized as I a well-posted fire insurance man, is now in- Q) spector for the Illinois Valley Inspection Bureau, with headquarters in Joliet. He re- ceived his appointment from the Western Insur- ance Union July 1, 1S90, and still remains in charge. Mr. Scroggs, who is of Scotch- Irish ancestry, was born and educated in western Pennsylvania and removed to Rock Island, 111., in 185 1. He has been a resident of Illinois continuously since that date — in Rock Island, Macomb, Galesburg, Quincy, Chicago and Joliet. He has been con- nected with fire insurance interests continuously except for two years (1861-62), when he was in the army. He was for some ten years engaged in the local fire insurance business at Galesburg and Quincy; was for some time special agent in Illinois for the ^Etna Insurance Company; was afterward special agent for the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company of California, and also for the Germania Fire Insurance Company of New York, in their western departments. Mr. Scroggs lost his wife in 1872 and has re- mained single since that date. He has a son and a daughter. His son, C. L. Scroggs, of Chicago, is connected with the Whitebreast Fuel Com- pany, and is also secretary of the Coal Operators' Association of Illinois. Hisdaughter, Nellie M. Wilson, with her husband, resides in Mt. Ver- non, 111. (DQlLLIAM CONNOR. In the subject of \ A/ ^is article Braidwood has one of its most V V prosperous and successful men. The fact that he commenced life with little money speaks well for his subsequent course of perseverance, industry and good management. It is always a pleasure to record the success of a man who, beginning with but small means, has received a substantial position as the owner of a good busi- ness, from which he derives an assured income. Mr. Connor is an excellent manager, as all who know him can testify. In addition to being the owner of a large meat market in Braidwood, he has accumulated more than one thousand acres of land in Will and Kankakee Counties and in Iowa. Mr. Connor was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, April 11, 1838, a son of Thomas and Bridget (Waldron) Connor, natives of the same county as himself. Of the family of seven chil- dren, two are living, Thomas and William, both of this county. The father, who was born about 1785, was twice married and by his first wife had one child, now deceased. Afterward he married Miss Waldron, who was born in 1805. Some three years after his death his widow, in 1845, became the wife of Patrick Carroll, a farmer. In 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Carroll brought their family to America, settling in Grafton County, N. H. A short time later they removed to Norwich, Vt., but soon came west to Illinois, arriving in Joliet October 1, 1848. Mr. Carroll had a sister, four brothers and their father who accompanied him to the United States and to Joliet. They re- mained in the city only one month, and then went to Wilmington Township, settling eleven and one- half miles south of Wilmington and buy- ing government land. Besides improving their land, they engaged to work on the dam across the Kankakee River. In May, 1849, they removed to Kankakee, and there Mr. Carroll died in 1851. The mother removed with the family in 1853 to 278 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Reed Township and bought a tract of land on sec- tion 4, where she remained until her death in 1885. In their various removals our subject accom- panied his mother and stepfather. He received a common school education and grew up familiar with farm work. In 1869 he married Miss Mary Callahan, who was born in Joliet, her parents, Bernhard and Ann Callahan, having come here from Ireland in early days. Her father engaged in farming in Joliet Township for some years, but finally removed to Kankakee Township. After his marriage our subject remained for three years on the home farm, after which he removed to Braidwood and gave his attention to the meat business established by himself and brother the year previous. He has since made his home in Braidwood, with the exception of eighteen months spent on a farm at Reddick, Kankakee County, in the early '80s. On his return to Braidwood he again engaged in the meat busi- ness, which he continues to the present. He has been very successful in his ventures, and is rated among the most prosperous men of the city. He has been closely associated with the upbuilding of Braidwood and has been a factor in its progress. In political belief Mr. Connor is a Democrat. In 1870, 187 1 and 1874 he held the office of super- visor of Reed Township. He has always been in- terested in educational matters and taught school for four winters prior to his marriage. Later, for many years, he served as school director in his district, also as trustee and treasurer. In relig- ious belief he is a Roman Catholic. He and his wife are the parents of four children, and the three sons, Thomas, William and Bernard, assist their father in the meat business. The daughter, Mary, is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy in Joliet. HON. JOHN O'CONNELL, of Joliet, mem- ber of the Illinois state legislature in 188 1- 82, is owner of a coal and wood yard, with office at No. 418 Washington street, and has served as president of the Joliet Coal Exchange. A leading Democrat, he has been a member of the city central committee and is now connected with the county committee. For three years he was a member of the Joliet board of education. Fraternally he is past master workman of Stone City Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W. ; ex-president and ex-financial secretary of Division No. 2, A. O. H., and for several years served as state secretary of the order in Illinois. Under Mayor Haley he was appointed city weigher, which office he still holds, having been re-appointed by Mayor Mount. A descendant of Daniel O'Connell, the great statesman, our subject represents the seventh generation that was born in the same vicinity, in County Cork, Ireland. His father, Michael, a son of William O'Connell, a magistrate, was a farmer in that county and for a long'time served as supervisor of his town. He died when eighty- seven years of age. He married Ellen McCarthy, daughter of Charles McCarthy, who was owner of a farm and a country inn in County Cork, and whose son is now landlord of the old hotel. Mrs. O'Connell died in Ireland when her children were small. Of the family, comprising three sons and one daughter, the sons still survive, one, William, being a resident of the old home place. John, who was born January 24, 1836, was reared on the homestead and attended schools conducted under the old system, where the itinerant school- master boarded around among the people of the neighborhood. Later he attended St. Coleman's College, where he studied under the celebrated Dr. Croke, now bishop of Limerick. Soon after his graduation, in 1859, he came to America, taking passage at Queenstown on the sailer "City of Washington," Captain Hall, and landing in New York after a voyage of three weeks. On the very next trip the steamer was wrecked and lost. After a short stay in New York Mr. O'Connell drifted to Pennsylvania, Ohio and the south. During the war he took out his first papers of naturalization and afterward entered the Union army at Staten Island, but the war ended before he had been sent to the front. The year 1866 found him in Chicago, employed in a north side GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 279 rolling mill. In 1868 he went to St. Louis and in 1 87 1 came to Joliet, where he became one of the first employes of the Illinois Steel Company in the old rail mill, continuing there until the mill was shut down in 1873. As times were then very hard and the country suffering from a financial depression, he found it almost impos- sible to get work, although for nine months, in different states, he endeavored to secure employ- ment. Finally he was taken into the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, where he remained until the mills resumed work. In 1881 he was elected to the thirty-third general assembly on the Democratic, labor and greenback tickets, receiving the largest vote of any candi- date ever recorded in Will County. In the lower house he served on five committees, and as a member of the charitable and penal institutions committee assisted in securing an appropriation of about $170,000 for the state penitentiary. He was also helpful in securing mining legislation. At the expiration of his term he was not a candi- date for re-election, but bought out a coal busi- ness, to which he has since given his attention. He and his wife, who was Mary Jennings, a na- tive of England, are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church and regular attendants at its services and contributors to its support. 0IMON HAUSSER, deceased, was born in /\ Rheinpfalz, Wachenheim, Germany, April \~J 13, 1819, a son of George and Eva (Nied- hammer) Hausser, the latter of whom died in Joliet at sixty-eight years, and the former, a con- tracting stonemason and builder, died in Rhein- pfalz. He was next to the oldest of a family of eight sons and two daughters, seven of whom emigrated to the United States. After having learned the trade of a mason in his native place, he came to America in 1847 and spent two years at Port Jervis, N. Y., also a short time in Lyons, that state, and Batavia and Aurora, 111. August 19, 1849, he arrived in Joliet, where he secured employment at his trade. In a short time he went to New Orleans, but soon returned to Joliet and began contracting. In the years that fol- lowed he was given many important contracts, all of which he filled in a satisfactory and pains- taking manner. He built the county jail, the roundhouse for the Chicago & Alton Railroad, St. Joseph's hospital, St. Francis' convent, Jef- ferson street bridge (which was a fine job for its day), St. John's Church and parochial residence, and various business blocks and residences in the city. With his brother, Jacob, he opened a quarry on North Broadway, and this they oper- ated until it was worked out. During the last years of his life he was, to some extent, retired, although he continued to superintend jobs and take contracts, and in these he exhibited the same energy and ability noticeable in his younger days. On the Democratic ticket Mr. Hausser was several times elected alderman from the third ward during the earlier period of his residence in Joliet. A man of sincere Christian belief, he was a devoted Roman Catholic, and, to the close of his life, maintained the deepest interest in re- ligious work. He aided in organizing St. John's Catholic Church, of which he was a trustee for many years and to which his family still belong. In the faith of this church he passed into eter- nity, September 22, 1897. The marriage of Mr. Hausser took place in Chicago November 22, 1853, a "d united him with Miss Frances Horn, a daughter August and Bal- bina (Bundschu) Horn, natives of Neukirchen, Bavaria, where she was born. She was one of a family of four girls and two boys, of whom all but one boy attained maturity, Mary, Balbina and Gertrude being still in Germany, while Charles is in New York. Mrs. Hausser was born October 23, 1832, and in 1851 cameto the United States, spending one year in Lebanon, Pa., and in 1852 settling in Joliet. She resides at No. 702 North Broadway, in the comfortable resi- dence built by Mr. Hausser in 1872. Their family consists of ten children, namely: Mary, widow of Henry Hagen, of Joliet; Mrs. Theresa Steiuer; George, who is engaged in the restaurant 2SO GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. business; Auna, who resides with her mother; Charles, who graduated from St. Joseph's College iu Teutopolis, 111., and from St. Meinrad's (Ind.) College, and is now pastor of St. Mary's of the Woods, Princeville, 111. ; Joseph, who graduated from St. Joseph's College in Teutopolis and from St. Francis' College in Milwaukee, and was after- ward pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Chicago until his death in 1895; Carrie and Olive, at home; Simon, a graduate of St. Francis' C*ollege, and now a traveling salesman, with headquarters in Milwaukee; and Henry, who graduated from St. Francis' College in 1898 and is now assistant pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Joliet. Gl UGUST ERIKSSON. There is probably no LA citizen of Joliet who has done more to pro- / I mote the prosperity of his countrymen in this city than has Mr. Eriksson. The city, too, has felt the impetus of his energy and individu- ality. As a contractor, he has built some of the largest business blocks here. His success has been iu many respects remarkable and proves him to be a man of superior ability and wise judg- ment. With the exception of $2,000 inherited, he has accumulated, unaided, all his possessions. Nor has he been successful alone in a financial sense, but in the larger meaning of the word, he has been successful in winning the confidence of his fellow-men and in gaining a reputation for honor and probit}-. The family of which Mr. Eriksson is a member was for man}- generatious identified with the his- tory of that part of Sweden lying near Gotten- burg. His father, Erik Brugelson (born in 1823) and his grandfather, Brugel Peterson, owned suc- cessively the family estate, "Hokhult," a fine farm of almost five hundred acres, five Swedish miles from Gottenburg. In addition to superin- tending that place, the father also followed the stone mason and carpenter's trade, and did con- siderable building in the neighborhood of his home. He also possessed considerable legal in- formation and was versed in the intricacies of com- mon law. For a time he filled a position similar to what in this country is township supervisor. In religion he was of the Lutheran belief. He died at forty-two years of age, when his son, August, was ten years of age. His wife, who was born in 1822, bore the maiden name of Maria Christine and grew to womanhood on the family estate, ' 'Sjogared, ' ' a fine old property. She died in Sweden at sixty-four years of age. Of her five children all but one attained maturity, but August alone survives, Anna C, Johan F. and Anton having died in Sweden. On the old homestead where he was born Jan- uary 7, 1854, the subject of this sketch passed the first twenty-one years of life. Being the oldest son, he was early made responsible for the management of the farm. After having served for a short time in the arm}', in 1876 he came to the United States. For two and one-half years he remained in Des Moines, Iowa, where he worked with the stone cutters in the building of the state capitol. October 7, 1878, he entered Augustana College in Rock Island, 111., where he remaiued until May 22, 1879. He then re- turned to Sweden, where he was employed for almost two years, again coming to America April 3, 1881, and settling in Joliet, 111. Here he bought a hammer and trowel and began to work at the mason's trade, his first employment being in the construction of the high school building. He then built a foundation for a paper mill. July 5, of the same year, he began working as a mason for what was then the Joliet Steel Com- pany, but after one day was obliged to quit, as the union men refused to allow him to work, he being a non-union man. For this reason he was forced into contracting. He took a contract for the foundation of John Hallock's residence on Third avenue and Sherman street. In the spring of 1882 he built the Munroe block for George H. Munroe and the foundation for the wire mill owned by the then firm of Lambert & Bishop (now the American Steel and Wire Company). In 1883 he built the Catholic school at Lemont, and had other smaller contracts. The next year he built the Barrett block, and in 1S85 had the contract GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 281 for the Woodland school, a fine building. In 1887 he erected the Masonic Temple. Later he had the contracts for the library and office of the Illinois Steel Company, the Fox steel plant of the same company, the German Lutheran Church at Lemont, the Universalist block on Clinton and Chicago streets, and the Presbyterian chapel on Jackson street. In 1S93 he built the Silver Cross hospital, and in 1894 erected the Grover street school, Bush block (corner of Van Buren and Joliet streets) and completed the third ward school and the Stephen carriage repository on Cass street. Meantime Mr. Eriksson also became interested in quarrying. In the fall of 1S81 he started a quarry at the foot of Grover street, which he op- erated for a year. In the fall of 1883 he bought four acres of ground at the foot of Bowen avenue and opened a quarry which he operated until it worked out ten years later. Next he rented from M. Lehman a quarry, and for the privilege of taking out the stone paid $4,300 per acre, or ten cents a square foot. In 1897 he bought sixteen acres which he proceeded to open and operate, putting in a sixteen-hundred foot siding from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, and is now planning to put in additional derricks, saws, etc. The stone shipped from his quarry is the finest in the state for cutting and sawing purposes, and lies in a block thirty feet deep, at the foot of Lo- gan avenue. In 1S98 he built his residence and moved to this place, where he has other buildings suited to his needs. In the fall of 1898 he bought what is known as the Grinton and Voss quarries on South Chicago street, comprising thirteen acres of quarry, with siding and derricks, and this he also operates. The lady who became the wife of Mr. Eriksson, December 6, 1881, was Anna Christine Anderson, who was born in Sweden and died there May 24, 1898, leaving six children, Frank Arthur, David Alfred, Carl Antonus, Esther Sedalia, Laef Emil and Grant Herman. Mr. Eriksson was a charter member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, in the building up of which he has materially assisted. He was one of the organizers of the Swedish Republican Club, of which he served as vice-president for some time. He has frequently made trips, for business and pleasure, to the old country, his second trip being in the winter of 18S2-83. In 1885 he re- turned with his family to spend Christmas in the old home, and in 1896-97 he again crossed the ocean to the fatherland. After his return from this trip, his wife being in poor health went to Sweden in the hope that the change might be beneficial, but she grew constantly worse and died there in 1898. 'HOMAS H. PATTERSON has made his home in this county since March of 1865. For a few years he cultivated one hundred and sixty acres which he had purchased in Joliet Township near the city of the same name; but in 187 1 he closed out his farm interests and em- barked in the lime business. He is now the owner of kilns on South and North Bluff streets, which have a capacity of six hundred bushels a day. The manufactured product is of a fine quality and commands therefore a good price. The stone from which it is made is of a quality especially suited for the manufacture of lime. In addition to his large local trade he has built up an important shipping trade to adjoining cities. Besides the sale of lime, he does a good business in fire brick, coal and wood. Mr. Patterson's father, James, was of Scotch parentage, descending from an old family of Scot- land. He engaged in farming in Ireland, and died at eighty-two years. By his marriage to Jane Howard, who was born in Ireland, of Eng- lish descent, he had five sons, three of whom set- tled in Joliet. Of these James G. is now engaged in the wholesale fruit and vegetable business in this city; and David died here. Thomas H., who was the oldest of the three, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, July 5, 1829. When seventeen years of age he entered the Agricultural College in Tyrone, where he took a thorough course of study. In the spring of 1851 he left college and 2S2 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. came to America, crossing the Atlantic from Liv- erpool to New York on the sailer "North At- lantic," and spent four weeks on the voyage. His first location was Haverstraw, N. Y., where he superintended a large farm until he resigned his position in order to settle in Illinois. During his residence in Ireland Mr. Patterson married Miss Margaret Harris, who was born in that country, of Scotch descent. Eight children w T ere born of their union, namely: Matilda A.; James \V.; Andrew Sherman, who manages the lime business; Thomas Howard, who was in Alaska in 1898, and now has charge of the North Bluff kiln; Harris Adair, who graduated from Rush Medical College in 1S97 with the degree of M. D., later visited the gold fields of Alaska, and is now engaged in the practice of medicine in Joliet, having his office in the Cutting build- ing; Nellie K., Mrs. Hanson, of Tonica, 111.; and Elizabeth C, principal of the Ridgewood school. While living in Rockland County, N. Y., Mr. Patterson was made a Mason in Stony Point Lodge No. 313, and still has his membership there. Forty-five years ago he became a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and ever since then has been identified with the work of that denomination assisting in its progress and aid- ing its various movements. For many years he has been a ruling elder and trustee of Central Presbyterian Church, among whose members he is well known and highly esteemed. (JOSEPH P. HORTON, foreman of the ma- I chine shop of the Illinois Steel Company, (2/ is a successful skilled machinist who fills his responsible position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the company. He was born in Troy, N. Y., December 23, 1858, a son of John and Jane (Reid) Horton. His father, who was the sou of John Horton, Sr., a machinist, learned the machinist's trade in his native city of Man- chester, England. At twenty-six years of age he came to America and settled in Troy, N. Y., where he was employed first as foreman, then as master mechanic in the arsenal. For a time he was in Burden's machine shop in South Troy. After a short time as master mechanic in iron works at Harrisburg, Pa., he returned to Troy, and then removed to Wheatland, Pa., from there to Youngstown, Ohio, next to Ashtabula, the same state, and finally back to Youngstown. In each of these places he was employed as master mechanic. He died in Youngstown in 1876. His wife, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is now living in Cleveland, Ohio, was a daughter of William Reid, a cabinet-maker, who came to this country and settled in Trenton, N.J. As far back as the Reid genealogy can be traced the members of the family were strict Presbyte- rians, identified with the Scotch Church. In a family of six children, all but one of whom are still living, the subject of this article was the fourth in order of birth. He was reared in the different cities where his father resided. The year after his father died he accompanied his mother to Cleveland. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade, which he completed in the mills of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company. On the expiration of his time he secured employment at his trade. In 188 1 he went to Chicago, where for eighteen months he was employed as a machinist in the old Union plant. Next he spent a year with the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Manitoba Railroad Com- pany. Returning east, he was for eighteen months with the Westinghouse firm in Pittsburg. Next he resumed work with the Cleveland Roll- ing Mill Company, and later was with the Buck- eye Bridge Company in Cleveland, and for six years held a position in the Cleveland City forge. In 1S92 he came to Joliet as foreman of the machine shop of the Illinois Steel Company, a position that he has held ever since with the ex- ception of a year as assistant master mechanic of" the works. Under him, in his department, are eighty-five skilled machinists, whose work he superintends, with painstaking care, seeing that each does his duty wisely and satisfactorily. It has been impossible for Mr. Horton to give GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 283 much attention to public affairs or to politics, but he is a believer in Republican principles, and rejoices in any success which his party gains. He was married in Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Emma Breyley, who was born in that city, and by whom he has two children, Daisy and John. The family reside at No. in Cagwin avenue. 30HN G. LONGSHORE, a pioneer of '49 in Wilton Township, was born in Bucks County, Pa., June 9, 1820, a son of Thomas and Jane (Gaina) Longshore, of whose four chil- dren he alone survives. His paternal grand- father was twice married, and had eleven children by each wife. The youngest of these twenty-two children, Thomas, was born in Pennsylvania, June 21, 1794. In youth he learned the wagonmaker's trade. After his marriage he followed his trade and also cultivated a small farm. In 1837 he removed to Reynoldsburg, Franklin County, Ohio, where he followed his trade and tilled some twenty-five acres of land. With the exception of eight years spent with our subject in Illinois he continued to reside in Ohio until his death, which occurred February 10, 1874, when he was in his eighty- first year. His wife was born February 18, 1793, probably in Ireland, but her parents emigrated to this country when she was so small that she knew no other home than Bucks County, Pa. , and her childhood years were passed on her father's farm there. When seventeen years of age our subject was apprenticed to the trades of cabinet-maker and carpenter in Newhope, Bucks County, Pa. After his four years' apprenticeship he followed his parents to Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and there opened a carpenter and undertaking shop. In 1849 he came to Illinois and entered a quarter-section of land in Wilton Township, where he now re- sides. Returning to Ohio, he spent the winter in Reynoldsburg. In 1850 he removed his family to their new home, making the trip via wagon. In Chicago he saw the first railroad train he had ever seen. Shortly after reaching Will County they decided to visit some relatives of Mrs. Long- shore in Piatt County. On journeying thither they found their relatives desired a residence built, and also wished some one to superintend their farm; so they remained for three years, re- turning to Will County in June, 1852. Here he has since resided, with the exception of three years spent in Clinton, De Witt County, in order to give his children the benefit of the schools there. While in Clinton he worked at cabinet-making. As a farmer he has been very successful , and now owns a farm of two hundred and forty acres, bearing all the modern improvements. At the same time he has also done considerable building, and many of the houses in his vicinity were erected by him. In politics Mr. Longshore is a Republican. Several times he has been elected commissioner of highways. During his service in that position he superintended the building of the great arch- bridge at Wilton Center. For many years he was a member of the school board. He is con- nected with Wilton Lodge No. 640, I. O. O. F., and has filled all the offices of the lodge, which for two terms he represented in the grand lodge. His connection with the Odd Fellows dates from July 12, 1847, when he was initiated into Colum- bus Lodge No. 9, at Columbus, Ohio. March 31, 1842, Mr. Longshore married Miss Ann Van Camp, who died five months afterward. In 1844 he married Miss Sidney Pugh, a native of Lancaster County, Ohio, and a daughter of Michael Pugh, a shoemaker. Nine children were born of this marriage, but only three are living, viz.: Jane, wife of Henry Houghton, a gardener in Will Township; Charles, a farmer at Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Edwin, who went to the Pacific coast some years ago and makes his home in Washington. Mrs. Sidney Longshore died on Christmas day of i860, and our subject was again married, January 20, 1862, his wife being Mathil- da Hurting, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel Hurting. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, but went to Ohio in early manhood and settled in Stark County, where he followed the tailor's trade. By his present wife 284 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Longshore had six children, four of whom are living, namely: Samuel, a blacksmith in Joliet; George, who married Flora Smith; Ida, wife of Luke McFarland, a farmer of Jackson Township, this county; and Julius. The two sons, George and Julius, cultivate the home place, their father being almost wholly retired from farm cares. Samuel, George and Julius be- long to Wilton Lodge No. 640, I. O. O. F., into which Julius was initiated on the twenty-first an- niversary of his birth, being at the time the youngest member of the order in the state. George and Julius are also connected with Rebeka Lodge No. 106, I. O. O. F., in Wilton Center, in which George has held the various chairs. (JOHN HARTING has been a resident of I Joliet since May 17, 1876, and is now pro- (*/ prietor of a planing mill on the corner of Cass and Joliet streets. He was born in Rock- ville Township, Kankakee County, 111., Decem- ber 26, 1855, a son and the only child of John and Matilda (Harting) Harting, natives of Pennsyl- vania. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Hart- ing, who was born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, removed west to Illinois, where he was a pioneer farmer of Kankakee County. John Harting was also a farmer of Kankakee County, where he died in early manhood; his wife now lives in Wilton Center, this county. Until nineteen years of age our subject lived on a farm, meantime attending district schools. Coming to Joliet in 1876 he secured employment in the planing mill of George E. Rockey & Son, where he was first a teamster and afterward ran the engine for sixteen years. In 1892 he bought the business from his employers, and has since conducted it successfully. The mill, a two-story building, covers almost the entire property, con- sisting of one hundred and fifty feet on Cass street and sixty feet on Joliet street. An engine of twenty-five horse-power operates the plant. The mill is the oldest of its kind in the count}-, having been built in 1855 in block 5, lot 10, of the old town of Joliet. Connected with the mill is a pattern shop, superintended by a foreman who has the reputation of being the best pattern maker in the entire state. The products include everything in wood, such as sash, doors and blinds, and mouldings of all kinds. Reared in the faith of the German Evangelical Association, Mr. Harting has always been in sympathy with the work of that denomination. In politics he votes with the Republicans. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the West Side Bowling Alley Club. His family oc- cupy a residence which he built, on the corner of Granite and Clement streets. He was married in Joliet to Miss Martha Harting, who was born in Naperville, 111., daughter of Joseph Harting, a pioneer of Chicago and Naperville. Four chil- dren were born of their union, namely: Meedie and Eddie (twins); Archie; and Maudie, who died at the age of two years and fourteen days. LIB u divers; (J^(U^^744£J&t^?Z-- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 287 JOSEPH REICHMANN. 30SEPH REICHMANN, a retired business man of Joliet, was born in Donaueshingen, Baden, Germany, February 13, 1836, a son of Joseph and Mary (Gasler) Reichmann. He was one of nine children, three besides himself now living, Agatha, Mary and Xavier, all of Germany. His father, who was born and reared on a farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout all his active life and became well-to- do. He died at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died when about forty years of age, in 1840. Their son, our subject, received a fair education and served an apprenticeship to the butcher's trade. When eighteen he came to America, sailing on the " Isabella " from Havre to New York, where he arrived in the spring of 1854, a ft er a voyage of twenty-one days. The ship on which he sailed was the fastest of its day and was the first sailing vessel to cross the ocean in seventeen days. From New York Mr. Reichmann went to Buf- falo, where he found work at his trade. Through the persuasion of friends he was induced to go to Canada, to secure railroad construction work, but after one day's work he quit. Two weeks later he went to Cleveland, Ohio. In the fall of the same year he went to Erie, Pa., where he worked for a year. In the fall of 1855 he came to Chicago, where he was at once given work at his trade. The spring of 1857 found him in Joliet, where he worked in another man's em- ploy for six months, and then embarked in busi- ness for himself, opening a shop on Jefferson street near Scott, with Henry Biedermann as partner. In i860 he sold out to his partner and 14 went to Memphis, Tenn., where he worked at his trade for some months. Late in the fall of i860 he went to Pocahontas, Ark., where he spent the winter, returning to Memphis in the spring and opening a meat market outside the city lim- its, which was customary at that time. How- ever, the outbreak of the war obliged him to discontinue business three months later. He was pressed into the Confederate home guard service, but after the taking of Memphis and the evacua- tion of the Confederate army, he secured work with a meat contractor who furnished meat to the army at Vicksburg. He followed the army as far as Grenada, Miss., from which point he was sent back to Memphis for more cattle ; but not desiring to return to the field, he came north and returned to Joliet. Meeting Jacob Adler, the latter persuaded Mr. Reichmann to go in business with him. They opened a store on Joliet street between Jefferson and Washington. In 1866, two years later, he built on the corner of Chicago and Jefferson streets, and engaged in business alone. He was successful and continued the business until 1893, when he retired from active business and leased his store. At one time he bought and sold con- siderable real estate. In 1874 he built a sub- stantial and handsome residence on South Rich- ards street, and here he and his wife have a pleasant home. He has done much for the up- building of the city and is an excellent citizen. Politically he is a Republican, and in religion a Roman Catholic. He is a member of the Joliet Sharpshooters and the Joliet Saengerbund. In 1869 Mr. Reichmann married Miss Anna 28S GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Koch, who was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1843, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Dresler) Koch, her father being a wealthy brewer and distiller in Cologne. She came to America in 186S with a sister, and after visiting some friends in New York City proceeded to Joliet, where she has since made her home. Her sister, Lena, became the wife of Hubert Odenthal, who is on the staff of a daily paper in Los Angeles, Cal. Five children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reichmann, of whom three are living. Anthony, the oldest, is with C. F. Pinneo, in Joliet. Mollie is the wife of William Brown, also of Joliet. Albert, a student in the Chicago College of Pharmacy, has for four years been employed in the drug business with A. W. Flexer, of Joliet. Mr. Reichmann has been a successful man in the business world ot Joliet, and is recognized as an honorable, upright citizen, whose life has been an example to a younger generation. (TAMES R. ASHLEY. The life of Mr. Ash- ley is inseparably associated with the history Q) of the wire business in Joliet, and an accu- rate history of the one could not be written with- out considerable mention of the other. He was the originator of the wire business in Joliet, a city that is now famous throughout the country for its large wire factories. Being a man of me- chanical genius, and having the ability to put in- to form the inventive ideas of his mind, he was fitted to be a leader and pioneer in the business with which he was identified, and while later workers have made main- improvements, the principles which he embodied in his work are still utilized. The Ashley family descends from three broth- ers who came from England and settled in Ver- mont about seven generations past. From one of these, Robert, descended Daniel, a soldier in the war of 18 12. The latter's son, Rev. Riley B. Ashley, was converted at the age of twenty and soon entered the ministry of the Baptist Church, preaching at various points in New York. In 1S37, la company with his family, his brother Cyrus and the latter's family, and the families of Messrs. Lane and Hubbard, he traveled by team through Canada to Detroit, thence through southern Michigan, into Indiana and to Joliet, spending thirty days on the road, having left Martinsburg, N. Y., May 10, and reaching Joliet on the evening of June 9. With him he had two teams and brought bedding and cooking utensils. He spent the night in the Waving Banner hotel, which was then the leading boarding house in the town; it still stands on North Chicago street, but is now known as the Bissell house. On the 10th of June he proceeded with his family to Plainfield and bought a place owned by the Bap- tist minister, whom he succeeded as pastor of the church. For those days he was well-to-do, as he had two teams and $1,500 in money. He bought a farm and later bought and sold other farms, but gave his time principally to religious work, being appointed home missionary in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Tennessee, and establishing con- gregations in various localities. Th'e first Bap- tist Church in Joliet was organized through his influence. He was a man of fine character, ge- nial, kind-hearted and generous, and made warm friends in every locality that he visited. It is said that he was one of the best judges of horses in the state, and he early taught his son to be an expert horseman. He died in Plain- field in August, 1SS0, when nearly eighty-one years of age. The first marriage of Rev. Riley B. Ashley united him with Sally Searles, who was born in Lewis County, N. Y., and died when her son, James R., was two years old. The other child born of their marriage died in infancy. After- ward, Mr. Ashley married again and became the father of three children, viz.: Cyrus, and Mrs. Olive M. Smith, both deceased; and Marian E., wife of George Oliver, cashier of Sweet, Demp- ster & Co., of Chicago, wholesale dealers in hats and caps. The subject of this sketch was born in Martinsburg, Lewis County, N. Y. , February 3, 1825, and was twelve years of age when he first GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 289 saw Joliet. He attended public and private schools and Warrenville Seminary. When he was sixteen he earned $5 and board per month for his work in breaking prairie, and in this way after a time he saved $150. With this, and $150 loaned him by his father, he started a small gro- cery, and was so successful that he soon enlarged the business and took his brother, Cyrus N., into partnership, carrying on a large trade as a gener- al merchant successfully until 1870, a period of twenty years. During this time he was also in- terested in buying and selling farms. Coming to Joliet in 1874, Mr. Ashley became connected with A. B. Sharpe & Co. In January, 1S76, he sold his interest in that company, and he and his brother, Cyrus N., formed a partner- ship with H. B. Scutt and William Watkins, for the purpose of manufacturing barbed wire. The company secured a patent on what was known as Scutt wire, which they sold at sixteen cents a pound. Mr. Ashley was the manager of the company and owned almost all of the stock. The venture proved successful, and Mr. Scutt, who was $1,500 in debt at the time the company was organized, became worth $150,000. In 1876 the Joliet Wire Fence Company was organized, in which a number of the members of the Illinois Steel Company were interested and of which Mr. Ashley was general manager, having charge of the making of machinery for the manufacture of fence. The plant at Adams' dam was destroyed by fire August 2, 1876, and a suitable location could not be found elsewhere. At this time they made a contract with an official from the state penitentiary and carried on the business there for five years, until the 1st of January, 1882. Pre- vious to this, through the purchase of the interest of the otheis by Mr. Scutt, D. Robertson and Mr. Ashley, the firm of H. B. Scutt & Co. was formed and they continued together until Sep- tember, 1SS1, when Mr. Ashley disposed of his interest to his partners. Meantime, as early as 1876, the Washburu-Moen Company began a suit against them for infringement, and the case was fought for two years, when a compromise was effected, and a royalty of one and three-eighths cents per pound was paid the company. With his brother and Messrs. Scutt and Rob- ertson, our subject bought out the Joliet Wire Fence Company and completed a reorganization, but after a time his brother retired and with Mr. Watkins formed the second Watkins & Ashley Wire Company, which later sold out to Lambert & Bishop. H. B. Scutt & Co. continued busi- ness in the penitentiary, and in time, through the improvement of machinery, they had a surplus of men, but were obliged to pay for them even though they did not need their services; for this reason Mr. Ashley originated a plan for teaching the prisoners to draw wire, and organized a com- pany to manufacture drawn wire. There was no mill west of Cleveland, excepting a small plant in St. Louis. Organizing the Joliet Wire Company he began to manufacture drawn wire, although he was cautioned by many business men against the enterprise and told it would be a failure. In spite of such predictions he made a complete suc- cess of it. He originated the lead annealing proc- ess for galvanizing. When his five years' con- tract at the penitentiary had expired, in 1882 he bought the machinery of the Joliet Wire Company and sold it to the Ashley Wire Company. In 1882 he took a contract for one hundred and twenty-five men at the penitentiary for eight years and organized the Ashley Wire Company, with a capital of $200,000. This company man- ufactured barb wire, fence staples, wire nails and market wire. After the contract of eight years had expired, being unable to make satisfactory arrangements under the new law, he located on Railroad street, bought the old tile works and in 1890 built the Ashley mill, which he started the following year and operated until 1893. At the time of the panic of 1893 he was ill with nervous prostration, and it was necessary for him, if he wished to live, to give up all active business at least temporarily. In this crisis, the mill having no strong hand at its helm, under pressure of the financial depression, went into the receiver's hands. Undoubtedly had Mr. Ashley's health been as good as in former years he could have safely steered the business over the treacherous shoals and preserved it intact. As it was, how- ever, he was obliged to spend some time in travel 290 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. before his health was even partially restored, and he has never since been as vigorous as when in his prime. During his residence in Plainfield Mr. Ashley married Miss Julia F. Tyler, who was born in Bridgewater, Mass., educated in Troy, N. Y., and about 1S42 came to Plainfield. Four children were born of their marriage, but only one, Ella, attained mature years. She is a talented young lady, graduated from the Joliet high school and later studied music and German at Vassar College. She became the wife of George W. Bush, a hard- ware merchant and a director in the First Na- tional Bank, whose president, George Woodruff, is his grandfather. Always a Republican in national politics, the large business interests of Mr. Ashley never pre- vented him from keeping informed concerning public affairs. For fifteen years he was township clerk in Plainfield, and at the same time he served for eight years as justice of the peace and notary public. His store was headquarters for promi- nent men of the township, who met there for the purpose of discussing important matters, drawing up papers, etc. From 1S62 to 1S70 he was reve- nue inspector for the government, and had charge of collecting the duty on liquors in this district. He still holds membership in the Plainfield Bap- tist Church, with which he has been identified for many years, and in which, in former days, he served as treasurer and as chairman of the build- ing committee. HON. DWIGHT HAVEN, an early settler of New Lenox Township, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 182 1, being a sou of Samuel Haven, a native of Chesterfield, X. H., born July 14, 1799. The latter, when a young man, settled in Chautauqua County, N.Y., and from there in 1834 removed to Illinois, set- tling in what is now New Lenox Township, and buying land at the first land sale in 1836. Though a tanner by trade, his life in Illinois was spent as a farmer. He was a believer in the freedom of the slaves, and his place was a station on the underground railroad by which slaves were as- sisted in their flight to the borders. The Con- gregational Church had in him one of its most earnest members. He died March 12, 1866, aged sixty-seven years. His father, Elias Haven, was the son of a Revolutionary hero who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill. The family was founded in America by two brothers, who came from England, one going south, the other settling in New England. The mother of our subject was born Ma}- 29, 1802, and was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. She died in this county August 11, i860, aged fifty-eight years. Of her eight children one son, D wight, and two daughters survive. One daughter, Amanda C, is the widow of James Goodspeed; the other, Helen, is the wife of W. P. Kimball, of San Francisco. From the age of thirteen years our subject has made Will County his home. When his educa- tion was completed he took up farm pursuits, which he followed until 1884, and still owns his farm. On the death of his brother, Dr. Haven, of Chicago, he took charge of his estate, having an office in the Reaper block in Chicago. In 18S4 he built a residence in New Lenox village, where he now lives in ease and comfort. Con- tinuously since 1854 he has held the office of justice of the peace. From 1S65 to 1869 he held office as county superintendent of schools. In 1886 he was elected to the general assembly on the Republican ticket. For several years he served as supervisor and has also held the other local offices. November 3, 1847, Mr. Haven married Helen L. Savage, who died July 2S, 1859, leaving four daughters: Lizzie J., widow of A. A. Francis; Mary E., wife of Charles Francis; Helen L., who married Thomas D. Ferguson, of Normal Park, Chicago; and Emma J., wife of Gilbert Van Duser, ofFredouia, Kans. The second mar- riage of Mr. Haven took place December 26, 1861, and united him with Elizabeth, daughter of James Craig, who was an early settler of Chi- cago. This marriage resulted in the birth of four children who attained mature years, and GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 291 one son, Edward, who died November 8, 1S80, at the age of eleven years and four months. The surviving sons and daughters are Dwight C, member of the law firm of Hill, Haven & Hill, of Joliet; Samuel R., of Englewood, 111.; Edith A., wife of Rev. A. B. Whitcomb, of Jackson- ville, Fla. ; and Bertha A., at home. (lOHN LARSON, proprietor of the West I Side dairy, on section 8, Joliet Township, C/ "'as born in Sweden, November 18, 1861, and was reared on a farm occupied by his father, Lars, meantime receiving a public school educa- tion. Believing that America offered greater op- portunities for a young man than his own coun- try, he decided to seek a home in the new world. Accordingly, in 1883, he crossed the ocean, landing in New York and thence coming to Joliet. For five years he was in the employ of a dairy farmer in New Lenox Township, and in this way gained a thorough knowledge of the dairy business, to which he has since given his attention. His first independent venture was the purchase of a dairy business in Joliet. A year later he rented forty acres west of the city and embarked in the business on a larger scale. In 1892 he leased the Reed estate of two hundred and eighty acres, besides which he had adjoining pasture-land and a farm of his own in Troy Township, keeping upon the latter his young stock and the cows that were not used in his dairy work. Upon the expiration of his five years' lease he renewed it for a similar period, and here he has since remained, gradually in- creasing the business and, in return, receiving greater returns. Having a large tract of laud, Mr. Larson not only conducts a dairy farm , but also gives some attention to general farming, and has two hun- dred acres under the plow. However, he makes no effort to sell his farm products, but keeps them for winter feed for his stock. Four teams are used steadily on the farm, and from two to four men are employed in the cultivation of the place. In the raising of oats and corn he has been particularly successful, and has one hun- dren and ten acres in the latter. On his place are a number of horses, these being raised to sell; also Poland-China hogs and about one hun- dred head of cattle. The milk he sells at whole- sale, supplying dealers in the city, and he there- fore is not under the necessity of overseeing the detail work of delivery. Fraternally Mr. Larson is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Turn Verein. Since becoming a citizen of the United States he has given allegiance to the Republican party. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, and has always been in hearty sympathy with the work of the church. He was united in marriage June 13, 1891, with Miss Beta Sand- berg, of Chicago. HON. JOHN CORLETT. During the long period of his residence in this county Mr. Corlett has been identified with the agri- cultural interests of Wesley Township; and, while he has made Joliet his home since 1895, he still maintains a general supervision of his farm of six hundred and seventy acres in the town- ship named, not only overseeing the cultivation of the land, but also feeding each year about one hundred head of cattle and two hundred head of hogs. In addition to this property he is the owner of a section of land in Hamilton Count}', Kans. While he has given close attention to his private business affairs, he has never neglected his duty as a citizen, but has kept posted con- cerning the problems that confront our nation and has intelligently studied the issues of the age. He is a firm believer in Republican prin- ciples and always supports the party platform by his ballot. Frequently he has been chosen to serve in official positions of trust, and in these he has invariably proved himself efficient and faith- ful. During the twelve years he served as high- way commissioner he greatly improved the roads 292 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the township and was instrumental in securing the building of the dry run. For two terms he held the office of supervisor and for some years served as a school director. His party, in 1890, nominated him to represent the district in the state legislature and he received a good majority at election. During his term of service occurred the memorable John M. Palmer battle, when for three months he voted every day. As a member of the committees on schools and live stock he was able to render able service to the state. His influence was always cast in favor of measures for the benefit of the people and the advancement of those interests that would contribute to the greatest good of the greatest number. In spite of the fact that the house was Democratic and he therefore belonged to the minority side, his in- fluence was nevertheless felt for good among the legislators, and his service was most satisfactory to his constituents. The Corlett family has been identified with the history of the Isle of Man as far back as records can be traced. Hugh and Jane (Kane) Corlett, lived upon a farm on that, their native island. Their son, John, became a farmer in the same place, but first spent some years in the British army, serving under Wellington in the battle of Waterloo and other noted engagements. He re- mained in the service from the age of fourteen until twenty-three, when, having lost an arm in the Holland campaign, he was honorably dis- charged and given a life pension of sixpence a day. He served in the command of Colonel Isaac, with whom he was a great favorite and who, at his death, bequeathed his property to the surviving members of the regiment. Mr. Cor- lett was one of the three surviving comrades who inherited the bequest. He lived to be eighty- three years of age, and died in 1870. His wife, Ann (McGregor) Corlett, was born near Gallo- way, Scotland, and accompanied her mother to the Isle of Man at twelve years of age. There she spent the remainder of her life, dying when ninety-six years of age. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while her hus- band was identified with the Church of England. They were the parents of six sons and two daugh- ters, viz.: Isaac, who was named for Colonel Isaac and is now living in Leavenworth, Kans.; William, a farmer of Leavenworth, Kans. ; John; Christopher, a farmer in Bates County, Mo. ; Philip, who is also living on "a farm in Bates County; Edward, who died at the home place when twenty-one years of age; Becky, deceased; and Ann, who resides in Wilmington, 111. On the Isle of Man occurred the birth of John, son of John, Sr. , August 4, 1832. When he was nine years of age he began to herd cattle, receiv- ing twenty-four cents per week. Afterward his wages were increased. May 20, 1855, he left Liverpool on the sailing vessel "Manhattan," which after twenty-three days lauded in New York City. He proceeded by railroad to Cleve- land, Ohio, thence to Chicago and from there to Kankakee and Rockville, 111., having a brother, William, in the latter place. For some years he had charge of seven sections of land owned by a widow. After his marriage, in 1859, he moved to this county and settled on the farm that he still owns. During the forty years that have since elapsed he has been prospered in his undertakings and has accumulated a valuable property, at the same time gaining the respect of his acquaintances. He has sometimes been called upon to settle es- tates and his work has always been satisfactory. He has come to be known as a whole-souled, large-hearted man, one whose character is irre- proachable and whose reputation is the highest. While living on the farm he was for years Sun- day-school superintendent and a steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church there, and since coming to the city he has been a member of the official board in the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church. January 4, 1859, Mr. Corlett married Mrs. Betsey (Franklin) McGilivrey, who was born in Wayne County, N. Y., and died in this county, July 1, 1892, at sixty-three years of age. Her father, Samuel Franklin, who was a native of Vermont, settled in 1830 in what is now Will County and in 1849 started across the plains to California, but died en route and was buried at Fort Kearney. At her death Mrs. Betsey Cor- lett left four children, viz.: William, a farmer in GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 293 this county; Maxy, who married E. L. McKim- rney and died August 24, 1899; Minnie, wife of R. E. Babcock, of Wheaton, 111.; and Ella, who married George Lancaster, of this county. After the death of his first wife Mr. Corlett married Mrs. Emma Harbaugh, who was born in West Salem, Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1863 settled in Will County, accompanying her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Neiswender. Her father, a native of Germany, was a child when he crossed the ocean with his parents, and he sub- sequently became a farmer, continuing in that occupation until he died at sixty-five years. He was a Republican and a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. Her mother, who was born in New York, went to Ohio in girlhood and married there. She survived her husband, dying when seventy-six years of age. HON. SAMUEL J. DREW. Wboever labors for the development of his country, striving to bring out its latent resources; who is de- voted to the general welfare of the people; who seeks to promote the cause of justice and to ad- vance our civilization, becomes a public bene- factor, and is worthy of mention on the pages of history. Such is the character and such the record of Mr. Drew, member of the forty-first general assembly of Illinois, and an honored citi- zen of Joliet. In the fall of 1898 he was elected to represent Will County in the lower house of the Illinois legislature, the nomination having been tendered him, unsolicited, by the Republi- cans, who regarded him as a representative of the working men of the county. His majority in Joliet was almost two thousand and in the county nearly three thousand. Since entering upon his duties he has served as chairman of the commit- tee on labor and industrial affairs, and as a mem- ber of the committees on elections, mines and mining, judicial department and practice, judi- ciary, and canal, river improvement and com- merce. Doubtless his most important work in the house has been in connection with the in- dustrial interests of the state and his most im- portant bill was one forbidding the importation of workmen under false pretenses, an act pro- hibiting the use of deceptive representation, false advertisements and unlawful force in the procuring of employes to work in any department of labor in the state, and fixing penalties for any violation of this law. To this bill he gave his at- tention during the entire session, endeavoring to win friends to the policy therein contained and fighting the underhanded policy of its enemies. During the last week of the session he was so engrossed with the bill that he did not get more than seven hours' sleep in the entire time. Among his other bills was one revising the mining laws of the state, which resulted in Illinois having the best mining laws of any commonwealth in the United States, one to protect men in case of ac- cident, and another to enforce the placing of labels on cigars and other articles of manufacture. He was deeply interested in creating free employ- ment bureaus, which was brought before his committee for action and so changed and modified that it will be a lasting benefit to the cause of labor. Constantly, throughout the session, he labored for the welfare of the working people, and it was said of him that he kept every prom- ise he had made to the laboring classes. The revision of the arbitration law was another im- portant step toward uniting labor and capital and its good results will be an inheritage to future generations who will hold in loving remembrance the men who so faithfully labored for their wel- fare. The praise bestowed upon him for his active, honorable and successful service in the legislature was richly deserved. While he never antagonized capital, yet his preference has always been given to the side of labor, for he realizes that of the two, the working people most need help and counsel. Believing that prison labor is injurious to working people, as it brings the two into an unjust competition, he introduced a bill to abandon the competition of prison with free labor; and, while the bill was held in abeyence by agreement during that session, yet it accom- 294 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. plished much good, for, asa result, a resolution was passed asking the governor to appoint a commis- sion to investigate the matter and recommend to the next legislature a bill to do away with prison labor. A measure to repeal the butterine bill was introduced into the legislature, but through his own vigilance and that of his colleague, Hon. John Kohlstedt, and a few other members, and also that of Charles Y. Knight, secretary of the Illinois Dairy Union, the bill was defeated, to the entire satisfaction of the farmers of the state and the people in general. On retiring from the legislature he resumed the practice of law in Joliet, and is attorney for the board of highway commissioners. Born in Tipton, Staffordshire, England, April 22, 1863, our subject is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Allen) Drew, natives of the same shire. His grandfather, Joseph Drew, was a member of a very old family of the shire and was a miner by occupation, while the other grandfather, Edward Allen, was foreman of the Tipton iron works. For years Joseph Drew, Jr. , was a coal operator in Staffordshire, and while thus engaged his mine was flooded with water and he was ruined finan- cial^. For this reason he sought a home in America, crossing the ocean in 1881 and settling at Braid wood, 111., where his family joined him the next year. For two years he was mining in- spector for this county. He is still interested in coal mining at Braidwood. His wife died there in 1897. They were the parents of five children, one of whom, Mrs. Mary Edwards, resides in Tipton, England. The others are Samuel J., Joseph, Mrs. Louisa Cox and Jennie, all but our subject living in Braidwood. When a boy our subject attended the national school at Tipton. At thirteen years of age he began to assist his father in the mine. In 1882 he began to work in a mine at Braidwood, his first work being the pushing of cars to the foot of the shaft. After three months he began to dig coal. In the spring of 18S4 he and his father and brother were given a room and worked together. With the exception of six months in the Alle- gheny region of Pennsylvania he continued at Braidwood for some years. Meantime, he began to study the primary branches in the evenings, hoping to finally fit himself for the profession of law. Not feeling satisfied with the knowledge gained at night, he began to take books into the mine with him, and during lulls in the work he studied by the light of a miner's lamp. In 1886 he entered a school of shorthand and telegraphy at Janesville, Wis. Six months later his father was injured and he returned home to care for the family by taking his father's place in the shaft until his father was able to resume work. He then entered the Northern Indiana Normal College, graduating in August, 1887. Coming to Joliet he became a court reporter and stenographer, but soon entered the office of Haley & O'Donnell, attorneys, and under the preceptorship of Mr. Haley studied for the bar. In 1S92 he was ad- mitted to the bar. Meantime, he had accepted a position as stenographer for the Illinois Steel Company, and had applied himself to the posi- tion with such diligence, gaining so compre- hensive a knowledge of the company's business, that he was given the position of chief clerk. He continued with the company until the spring of 1896, when he resigned in order to engage in professional work. About the same time he was elected township clerk, which office he held, by two re-elections, until the spring of 1899, when he refused further nomination. While filling this position he engaged in general law practice, es- tablishing an office in the Barber building. .Since his retirement from the legislature he has resumed his practice, much of which is with working men. Fraternally is connected with the Order of Foresters of America, Royal Arcanum and the Paul Revere Lodge, K. of P., also Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He was married in Braidwood to Miss Lizzie C. Parsons, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Parsons, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have one child, Alberta L. Drew. I GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 297 JUDGE CHARLES H. WEEKS. (JUDGE CHARLES H. WEEKS. For sixty- I six years a resident of this count}', closely Qy identified with the development of its re- sources and intimately connected with its public affairs, the life of Judge Weeks was an eminently useful one and his reputation that of an honora- ble and public-spirited citizen. He was a boy at the time his father, Nathaniel Weeks, migrated from the east, making the long journey to Illinois with team and wagon, and settling in Homer Township, this county. On every hand the sur- roundings were indicative of the frontier. Will County was at that time a part of Cook, and both were sparsely settled and unimproved. He therefore became familiar with the experiences and hardships of pioneer existence and assisted in bringing the count}- to its. present high stand- ing among the counties of the state. The ancestry of the family appears in the sketch of Horace Weeks, of Joliet, a brother of the judge. The latter was born in New Hamp- shire June 7, 1821, and accompanied his father to the west in 1833, settling with him in Homer Township, where he helped to break a tract of prairie land and also learned the trade of a har- ness-maker in Joliet. After a time he turned his attention to the study of law, in which he had the advantage of the preceptorship of prominent pioneer lawyers of St. Charles and Lockport. For years he was one of the prominent public men of the county and a leader in the Whig party. On the organization of the Republican party he be- came identified with it and afterward supported its principles. For two terms he served as coun- ty treasurer, for one term as deputy county treas- urer, and later held the office of county judge for one term. He was known for his sturdy cham- pionship of every measure calculated to benefit the county, and was always progressive, fearless and honest. To such as he the early advance- ment of the community was due. A genuine pioneer, aiding in the development of his locality, and a citizen of strict integrity, ever lending a helping hand in matters affecting the common weal, he was held in high respect and was num- bered among the county's leading men. Upon his retirement from office he established his home upon his farm in New Lenox Township and there resided for seven years. He then withdrew from active labors and afterward lived retired in Joliet, where he died June 5, 1899, at the age of seventy- eight years. The marriage of Judge Weeks was solemnized in New Lenox Township, May 6, 1846, and united him with Miss Jane C. McDonald, who was born in Syracuse, N. Y. Her father, Asa McDonald, was a native of Connecticut and of Scotch descent. He settled in Onondaga County, N. Y. , and engaged in the manufacture of salt for some time, but later became interested in farming. In 1836 he brought his family to this county, the trip being made almost entirely in wagons and consuming six weeks. At first he settled in Joliet, but soon removed to a farm in Manhattan Township, at Five Mile Grove, where he carried on a dairy farm. Two years later he purchased a farm in New Lenox Township, three and one-half miles east of Joliet, and there made his home until he died, at fifty-six years. He married Olive Rudd, who was born in Rutland, Vt., of an old established New England family; she died on the home farm in New Lenox Town- 298 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ship. Judge and Mrs. Weeks celebrated their golden wedding May 6, 1896, when a large num- ber of relatives and friends assembled to enjoy the occasion and tender them the congratulations of the day. The}- were the parents of an only child, Eva, Mrs. George H. Munroe. (pAMUEL B. FRASER, who resides on section ?\ 28, Wheatland Township, has made his \~J home in this county since 1847. During all these years he has been a witness of the wonder- ful transformation that has taken place. He has seen cabins replaced by commodious residences of frame and stone, villages and cities spring into populous life, and raw prairies transformed into fertile farms. In all possible ways he has aided in the development of its agricultural interests, instituting a system of tilling the soil, draining the laud and harvesting the crops that proves him to be a man of excellent ideas. He has made farming his life work, and by his enterprise and industry has become one of the substantial men of the township. Always public spirited, he has aided in the establishment of schools and churches, the building of roads, and the carrying forward of other worthy movements. An hon- ored pioneer, he is highly respected and esteemed. When a young man Robert Fraser, our sub- ject's father, came to America from Ireland. He enlisted in the war of 18 12 and at its close began to farm in Sullivan County, N. Y. , clearing a tract of heavily timbered land. In 1S47 he brought his family to Illinois via Buffalo and the lakes to Chicago, thence by wagon to this county. At that early period all travel between Chicago and Joliet was conducted by wagons, as rail- roads had not yet been built, and the canal was not opened until the spring of 1848. His wife was taken sick while on the lake and died in Chicago. In religion he was connected with the Associate Reformed (now the United Presby- terian) Church. Politically he favored the Dem- ocratic party. He married Elizabeth Brown, of Sullivan County, daughter of William Brown, a hotel keeper, and also an engineer of local promi- nence. Eleven children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, five of whom are living, viz.: Thomas, whose home is in Manitoba; Mrs. Elizabeth Smiley, of Plainfield; Samuel B., Har- vey R. , of Denver, Colo., and Louisa. Born in Sullivan County, N. Y., in September, 1832, our subject was seventeen years of age when he came west with his parents. Three years later he started out for himself, renting a farm in Plainfield Township. Later he moved to Lockport Township. Saving his earnings each year he was enabled to buy eighty acres in Iowa, but later had an opportunity to get a farm in Lockport Township, so remained in Will County, cultivating one hundred acres. In 1865 he bought eight}' acres forming the nucleus of his present property. As he prospered he added to his land until he now has two hundred and forty acres, devoted to the raising of cereals and stock. He has a number of Durham cattle on his place, usually milking from fifteen to eighteen cows. He assisted in the organization of the creamery company, of which he was the first president and in which he is still a stockholder. Having the welfare of the Prohibition party at heart he sup- ports its principles in the national elections, and in township and county affairs supports the man rather than any special party. In 1878 he was elected road commissioner, and continued in the position until the spring of 1899, when he re- signed. He is a stockholder in the Normantowu elevator, which is owned by the farmers of his locality. In religion he is connected with the United Presbyterian Church and has for main- years served as an elder in the same. In 1891 he erected the handsome residence now occupied by his family; all of the other improvements, other than a part of the old residence (now occupied by his son), were made by him. In 1859 Mr. Fraser married Ann A., daughter of James Brown, a farmer in Sullivan County, N. V., who settled in Will County in 1853. Six sons were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, two of whom are living, Herbert A., who teaches in Joliet, and Ernest J., who conducts GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 299 the home farm. The heaviest sorrow of their married lives was the loss of four of their sons, Frank having died at nine years, Gillian at seven years old, and Harry at the age of four months; while another son, Thornton, a young man of intelligence and ability, and at the time a teacher in Golconda, 111., was drowned in 1S86, while trying to rescue one of his lady pupils. HON. ISAAC C. NORTON. A lifelong resi- dent of this county, Mr. Norton is one of the experienced steel-mill men of Joliet, having been actively identified with this business since the days when the Bessemer process was in its infancy. He has been prominent in public affairs and has wielded an influence in the Re- publican party, of whose principles he is a stanch advocate. As a member of committees and delegate to conventions he has borne his part in party matters, and at onetime he represented the first ward on the board of aldermen. In 18S8 he * was elected to serve as a state elector and was one of the twenty-two electors who cast their votes for Benjamin Harrison for president. Almond Norton, a native of New York and a merchant of Lewis County, was an intimate friend of DeWitt Clinton and other men promi- nent in public affairs. When his son, whom he named in honor of his statesman- friend, was a youth of sixteen years, he brought the family to Illinois, settling in Lockport in 1842 and en- gaging in the mercantile business there, where he died at seventy-two years. His son, who was born in Lewis County, N. Y., in 1826, became a merchant and grain-dealer and operated one of the first stone quarries in Lockport. He was superintendent of the Singer & Talcott Stone Company at Lemont until this company sold out to the Western Stone Company, and he remained with the latter as superintendent. He died in Lemont in 1892 and was buried in Lockport. In early life he was a Douglas Democrat, but voted for Abraham Lincoln's re-election and ever after affiliated with the Republicans. He held the office of school director in Lockport and was also mayor of Lemont for ten or more years. The marriage of DeWitt Clinton Norton united him with Maria L. Singer, who was born in Con- neaut, Ohio, and is now living in Englewood, 111. Her mother was a Miss Collins, daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Norton had four sons and two daughters, namely: Isaac Cook, the subject of this article; Fred D., who is engaged in the stone business in Bedford, Ind. ; Clinton S., who is also in the stone business in Indiana; Mrs. Elizabeth Knight, of Kankakee, 111.; Mrs. Mamie Clealand, of Englewood; and Horace S., who is with the Illinois Steel Com- pany in Joliet. The subject of this notice was born in Lock- port, 111., December 15, 1850, and was educated in his home town and Chicago. His first em- ployment was as a clerk in Lemont. In 1870 he bought out a mercantile business in Lemont and with a partner, under the title of Kipp & Norton, carried on a profitable business. In 1872 the firm was consolidated with Teedeiis & Co., and as such the business was continued until 1874. He then spent six months in Garnett, Kans. , after which he became bookkeeper for R. Mathews in Joliet. In 1878 he accepted a position as time- keeper with the Joliet (now the Illinois) Steel Company. Two years later he was made superintendent of the making of rails in B mill. In 1882 he became night superin- tendent in A mill, and continued as such for seven years, when he was made super- intendent of the Billet and Bar mill. In 1897 he was also made superintendent of the rod mill, in which capacity he has since continued, having the oversight of between eight hundred and one thousand men. He has wit- nessed the growth of this plant from insignificant proportions to its present size, and has himself been an important factor in its development. The company has had no employe more faithful to its interests than he, and his good judgment and intelligence have materially aided the ad- vancement of its interests. The residence of Mr. Norton is at No. 302 300 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. North Eastern avenue. He was married, in Lemont, to Miss Alvira S. Niccolls, who was born in Cadiz, Ohio, and received her education in Bloomington, 111. Her father, Eben S. Nic- colls, an early settler of Bloomington, went from there to Kansas, where he engaged in railroad contracting and in the real-estate business; he now makes his home in Joliet. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton. The eldest, Charles C, died at twelve years of age. The second, DeWitt Clinton, a graduate of the Joliet high school, served in Company A, Third Illi- nois Infantry, during the Spanish- American war, and is now connected with the quartermaster's department of the gulf, located at Atlanta, Ga. The youngest child, Maria Louisa, is a graduate of the Joliet high school. Mrs. Norton is a member of the Baptist Church and a contributor to its work. I - RANK A. JOHNSON. The family repre- Yy sented by this gentleman is one of the oldest | in Westrejutland, Sweden. As far back as the genealogy can be traced its members have been identified with the history of that region and have contributed to its development. His father, Johannes Anderson, has spent his entire life as a merchant in Boras and is still living there, active in spite of his seventy years. He married Cath- erine Anderson, whose father, Andrew, was a farmer, and who died many years ago, leaving three sons: Edwin, who remains in Sweden; Frank A.; and Adolph, a machinist, who has made his home in Joliet since 1882. In the village of Boras, Frank A. Johnson was born March 19, 1857, and there he received a public-school education and gained his early knowledge of business by clerking in his father's store. After his marriage, in 1883, he left home and settled upon a farm, where he and his wife began housekeeping. The money which he saved enabled him to purchase a home of his own, but in 1886 he sold out and came to America, arriving in Joliet on the 23d of May. Soon he secured employment in the wire mill, where he remained as a fence maker, in the wire fence department for twelve years. Finally he resigned and em- barked in a business of his own, becoming a mem- ber of thefirm of Johnson & Larson, in February 1899. The firm established headquarters at No. 606 Cass Street, and built up a good trade in coal, flour and feed. He sold his interest in this business in October, 1899, and then bought a half interest in an undertaking establishment at No. 503 Cass Street. The name of the firm is Wunderlich & Johnson. Stanchly Republican in his views, Mr. John- son is a member of the Swedish- American League of Republican Clubs and has also been active in the Swedish Republican Club, serving on various prominent committees. In the Swedish Lutheran Church he is a member of the board of trustees. He carries insurance in the Fraternal Aid of Milwaukee, and is a member ofthe Knights of the Globe. The residence which he built at No. 318 Harris avenue makes a neat and pleasant home for himself and his wife, who was Emma Johnson, a native of Sweden. The}* had but one child, Erik Arthur, and were bereaved by his death when but three years and seven months old. U N»VERS?TY T OF E ILLINOIS ■^>>-u ^-^f z^t^zLJ^e GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 303 HON. AMOS SAVAGE. HON. AMOS SAVAGE. Both through his honorable service in the army during the Civil war and through his efficient work as a public official, Mr. Savage is entitled to a high place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. His army career covered a period of more than three years, beginning Augusts, 1861, when he en- listed in Company G, Thirty-ninth Illinois In- fantry. His first commission was that of second lieutenant, which was succeeded, July 20, 1862, by his promotion to first lieutenant. He assisted in repelling the raid of "Stonewall" Jackson up- on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, where one hundred men of his regiment defeated a night at- tack of the Third Arkansas and the Thirty-sev- enth Virginia regiments, who attempted to de- stroy a railroad bridge on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Shortly afterward, in the battle of Winchester, March 23, 1862, he helped to drive the Confederates from the field and secure some of their guns and a number of prisoners. With his command he was sent to join the Army of the Potomac and aid in the seven days' fight. From April to December, 1863, he took part in the siege of Charlestown, during which time he led his company over the parapet of Fort Wagner. In 1864 he participated in the campaign against Richmond, with the Army of the James, and on the nth of July of that year he was given a cap- tain's commission, in which office he remained until the close of his service. On account of dis- ability he was honorably discharged, October 31, 1864. At that time his regiment had been re- duced, from the casualties of battle and from dis- ease, from seven hundred and fifty to one hundred and fifty men in the short space of two months, which fact alone attests to the valor of the men and their active participation in the war. As in war, so also in peace Captain Savage has proved himself a public-spirited citizen. His in- terest in civic affairs has continued thoughout his entire active life. In politics a believer in the Republican party, he was on that ticket elected supervisor of Homer Township when he was twenty-four years of age, being the youngest man ever elected a member of the Will County board. He served for a few months, resigning when he enlisted in the army. In 1867 he was again chosen to be supervisor and accepted the office, filling it five years, being chairman during two years of the time. He resigned his position on the board in 1S72, in order to accept a seat in the state legislature. In that body he was known for his championship of measures for the benefit of the people. He was a member of the commit- tee that drafted the present railroad law of Illi- nois. In other ways he rendered acceptable serv- ice to the people and ably represented his con- stituents, retiring with the good will of all. From 1876 to 1S84 he was a member of the state board of equalization. In November, 1864, he was ap- pointed township school treasurer, which office he filled continuously for thirty-one and one-half years. His first connection with a presidential campaign was in i860, when he took the stump for Abraham Lincoln, and he has been active in every campaign since that time. For sixty-one years Captain Savage made his home on the farm in Homer Township where he was born June 18, 1836. He is one of the oldest native-born citizens of this county and has wit- nessed its growth and the development of its re- 304 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sources. When a young man he taught school for six successive winters, but with that excep- tion and the public offices he filled, his attention has been given to stock-raising and farming. For fifteen years he made a specialty of feeding and shipping hogs and cattle, in which work he met with success. Having accumulated a competency he determined to retire from active labors, and in 1897 removed to the village of Marley, where he now makes his home. Besides his residence here he owns three hundred and seventy acres of farm land in Homer Township, the rental of which brings him a good income. He has been a prom- inent member of the Old Settlers' Association of this county and served as its president many times. He is active in the E. A. Gooding Post Xo. 401, G. A. R., in which he has served as chaplain. He was appointed president of the Will County Farmers' Institute to succeed the late honored A. A. Frances, but declined the of- fice. He is president of the New Lenox County Fire Insurance Company. The Savage family originated in England, but seven generations ago it was founded in Connec- ticut. The first of the family concerning whom there is a record was John Savage, of Middle- town, Conn., who was married at Hartford to Elizabeth Dubin, February 10, 1652. The old Connecticut homestead is still in the family. The captain's great-grandfather, Amos Savage, was born and died near Middletowu, Conn. He served in the French war and the Revolution, and in the latter was commissioned an ensign, a posi- tion similar to that of lieutenant. His son, Amos, was born in Middletown, in 1765, and soon after the Revolution migrated to New York, where he became the owner of a large farm and also en- gaged in tanning. For his day he was a well-to- do man. In politics he was an old-line Whig. He died in 1839. Levi Savage, the captain's father, was born in Washington County, N. Y., January 2S, 1799. At Granville, January 27, 1822, he married Milenda Streator, who was born February 20, 1799. Soon after his marriage he settled in Clinton County. X. Y., but three years later re- turned to Washington County. In June, 1833, he brought his family to this county, settling near Joliet, but in the spring of 1834 took upland on section 28, Homer Township. There he im- proved a valuable farm. For years he was a deacon in the Congregational Church. He was an Abolitionist and a Republican. He died Feb- ruary 14, 18S5, at the age of eighty-six. His wife passed away October 13, 1893, aged ninety- four. They had eight children, but only three are now living, viz.: Emily, wife of William H. Lanfear, of Homer Township; Edward, of Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; and Amos, our subject. During a furlough while in the army Captain Savage married Mary L. , daughter of Asahel and Catherine (Geddes) Slate, and a native of Georgetown, S. C, but at the time of her mar- riage a resident of Lemont, Cook County, 111. Five children comprise the family of Captain and Mrs. Savage. The eldest, Helen E., is the wife of Frank A. Rowley, of Homer Township. Frank M. resides in Homer Township. John H. is an attorney of Chicago. Wilfard holds an office as meat inspector for the government at Omaha, Neb. Mary A., the youngest of the family, is the wife of Dr. Walter Paddock, of Orland, 111. The mother of the children deserves much credit for the rearing of an intelligent fam- ily. She has labored self-sacrificingly to have her children a credit to the community and an honor to the family name. The property which Captain Savage owns and the advantages which he has given his family in- dicate the energetic nature of the man, assisted by his wife, and to their determination and in- dustry they are due. In his labors as a fanner and stock-dealer he displayed good judgment and an ability to work to the best advantage. Reared in this county during its pioneer days, when the schools were few and their instruction limited, he nevertheless acquired a broad fund of practical information, and by self-culture and ap- plication has become a well-informed man, con- stantly adding to his early stock of knowledge acquired in the primitive schools. No one ap- preciates more than he the value of a good edu- cation, hence he gave his children every advan- tage in his power and also helped to promote the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 305 interests of the schools of the township. While he is now retired from active labors, he still su- perintends the management of his property, and this affords an outlet for his energy and an op- portunity for the continued exercise of the judg- ment that brought his success in the past. EHARLES A. NOBLE, county recorder, is one of the popular men of Joliet. He rep- resents an old eastern family, whose mem- bers have always displayed the greatest loyalty to our government. His father, R. S. , was a son of Hugh Noble, who removed in early life from eastern New York to Dorset, Bennington Coun- ty, Vt. , where the former was born and reared, and whence he removed to Illinois about 1840, settling in St. Charles. In a short time he came to Wilmington, this county, and here engaged in the marble business until his death, in 1862. He married Ellen N. Richards, who was born in Claremont, N. H., and died in this county in 1878. They were the parents of eight children, all but three of whom are still living. The oldest son, W. S., enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, and served un- til he was captured at Chickamauga, after which he was imprisoned for eighteen months at Dan- ville, Andersonville, Florence and Libby. He is now an engineer in Joliet. The second sou, Henry, enlisted in Company I, One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, and was captured at the same time with his brother, enduring eighteen months of prison life. He was finally released on a sick parole, but did not long survive, dyiug in the Union hospital at Wilmington, N. C, early in 1865. The third son, James R., served in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry until the close of the war; he is now living in Leavenworth, Kans. The fourth son, Edward H., is a locomotive en- gineer, in Leadville, Colo., and the only daugh- ter, Mrs. Mary Slouson, lives in Denver, Colo. The youngest of the family was Charles A., who was born at Wilmington, in this county. When he had finished his schooling he came to Joliet and secured a position as bookkeeper and conveyancer in the real-estate office of L. E. In- galls. He soon established a reputation for skill and accuracy with a pen, and ability as an office man which made him available for a better place. This advancement came in 1884 by his selection to fill the position of chief deputy in the office of circuit clerk and recorder of the county. This appointment was for four years and was renewed in 1888 for another term of four years. He was a courteous and capable official and acquired a large acquaintance and popularity throughout the county, so that at the expiration of his depu- tyship, in 1892, he was looked to as the proper man to organize the newly created office of re- corder of deeds. The Republicans nominated him and he was elected by a nice majority in the close election of that year, running ahead of the state and national ticket. He was re-elected in 1896 by a majority of over two thousand. His term will expire December 3, 1900. With over twenty years' experience in a real- estate office, as clerk of the court and as recorder, he has gained a fund of practical knowledge about real-estate matters which not only makes him a very useful official, but a safe and conservative adviser, whose counsel is often sought. He buys and sells considerable real estate and is the pro- prietor of one of the principal subdivisions ad- joining Joliet. In St. Paul, Minn., in 1887, Mr. Noble mar- ried Miss Lillian Reid, who was born in Wauke- gan, 111., and died in Joliet in 188S. His second marriage took place in Crete, this county, in June, 1899, his wife being Miss Florence Smith, daugh- ter of A. H. Smith. Prominent in Masonry, Mr. Noble is past master of Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. ; past high priest of Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. ; past Thrice Illustrious master of Joliet Council; member of Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T., and Medinah Temple, N. M. S. He was the first secretary of the Union Club and later was its president for several years. During the building of the Silver Cross hospital he was president of the board of trustees, and afterward continued in that capacity for some years, assisting in placing upon a firm 306 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. basis an institution that has been an active agent in philanthropic work in Joliet. In 1891 he or- ganized the Noble Masonic Relief Society, of which he has been president from the first and which, through a system of his own, is organized so as to furnish relief promptly and systematically to the worthy poor. The Joliet Relief Associa- tion has the benefit of his assistance as one of its directors. He is also active in the Joliet Business Men's Association, and is serving upon its di- rectorate. ■gEORGE B. COOK. A resident of this _ county for many years before his death, ^Ji Mr. Cook became well known among the people of this part of the state, and his manly qualities made him popular with all classes. In- dustrious, persevering and energetic, he was eminently worthy of large financial success; but unfortunate enterprises deprived him of much of his capital, and this, combined with his gen- erosity, which was a dominant trait in his char- acter, prevented him from becoming the possessor of a fortune. However, he won that which is of more value than money — the respect of his associates, the regard of his acquaintances and the affection of his friends, and it is doubtless true that few men have been more deeply mourned at death than was he. A sou of Lewis and Mary (Hartwick') Cook, the subject of this article was born in Watertown, N. Y., in August, 1840, and was one of a family of five sons and two daughters, of whom only two sons survive. When he was a boy his father brought the family to Illinois, settling in Cook County, where he died. The wife and mother died in Lockport in 1891. On coming to this county in early manhood, our subject for some years was employed in the office of the canal com- missioner at Lockport, after which he was lock- keeper and then a clerk in a dry-goods store in Lockport. From there he went to Channahon as lock-keeper. Two years later he accepted a position as superintendent in the widening of the feeder near Wilmington, a work that required several years in its completion. Next he became a member of the firm of Cook & Fowler, mer- chants at Shermanville, this county, but after a few years returned to Chicago and clerked there for some time. In 1885 he returned to this county, accepting a position as clerk for Mr. Dyer in Joliet, later clerking for Neighbor & Nicholas, and afterward engaging in the dry- goods business on Washington street, thence moving to Jefferson street. On selling out he took a clerkship with the Joliet Dry-Goods Com- pany and continued in charge of their dry-goods department until his death. Politically Mr. Cook believed in the wisdom of Republican principles and gave his vote to that party. Though not a member of any denomi- nation he was a man of firm religious belief and lived the life of a Christian. For some time he held membership in Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M.,in which he was past master. He also was a member of Joliet Chapter, R. A. M., and Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. On the 6th day of June, 1897, while out riding upon his wheel, he suddenly fell from the bicycle and in a moment was dead, the victim of heart disease. His sudden death was a shock to his friends and a source of deepest sorrow to his family. March 25, i860, in Davenport, Iowa, Mr. Cook married Miss Eliza Killeen, who was born near Dublin, Ireland, the youngest of a family of five sons and four daughters, of whom one son and three daughters are now living, the son, John, being a prominent citizen of New Liberty, Iowa. When a child she was brought to America by her mother and later received her education in a convent in Louisville, Ky. Her father, Theo- dore Killeen, a native of Ireland, engaged in the mercantile business there until his death. Her mother, Ann, was born in England, being the daughter of Frederick Potts, an officer in the English army. After the death of her husband she brought the family to the United States and settled in Providence, R. I. Her death occurred in Davenport, Iowa, in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Cook became the parents of two sons, James and George, both of whom make their home in Joliet, but are traveling much of the time as advance agents for Ringling Brothers' circus. GF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS KEOKUK B BOOTH GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 309 KEOKUK B. BOOTH. REOKUK B. BOOTH. As an enterprising business man, Mr. Booth was well known to the people of Joliet. The record of his life affords an illustration of the fact that he who is quick to see opportunities and equally quick to grasp them 11133' attain success, in spite of early disadvantages and many obstacles that confront him. His was a life of diligence. When only fourteen years of age he left home, and from that time he made his own way in the world, suc- ceeding so well that, although he was only in the prime of life when he died, he had accumulated a competency and built up a substantial business. Meantime he had also made many friends, and it is said that his funeral was one of the largest ever held in Joliet, this fact affording in itself an in- dication of his popularity as a man. Mr. Booth was born in Libertyville, Ohio, May 11, 1857, a son of T. C. Booth, a descendant of English ancestors who first settled in New Jersey and thence removed to Ohio. When he was fourteen he and his brother, Harry O., came west, and he secured a clerkship in a Chicago clothing store. He was a self-made and a self- educated man in every sense. His evenings were spent in the school room, where he laid the foundation for a store of knowledge that aided him in his business and made his society valuable to his numerous'friends. After his marriage, in 1884, he removed to Lake Geneva, Wis., and entered the hardware business as a member of the firm of T. C. Smith & Co. After the death of Mr. Smith Mr. Booth came to Joliet, in 1887, and founded the business in which he afterward engaged, and which he enlarged from time to time. He had a three-story laundry operated by 15 steam and furnished with modern appliances, it being the largest and best" laundry in the city. He was active in the National Laundrymen's Association, and assisted in organizing the Illi- nois State Laundrymen's Association, of which he was elected the second president. In politics he was a Republican, and in religion a Univer- salis!. He was a charter member and stock- holder in the Union Club. Fraternally he be- longed to Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M., Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T., and Medinah Tem- ple, N. M. S., of Chicago. The marriage of Mr. Booth took place in Chicago, September 10, 1S84, and united him with Miss Susan F. Smith, who was born in Ottawa, 111., a daughter of Nohr R. and Anna (Brush) Smith, natives of Homer, N. Y., and Amityville, Long Island, N. Y. Her grand- father, Nohr R. Smith, Sr., was born in Bridge- port, Conn., and became a large miller in Homer, N. Y. He was one of the organizers of Cort- land Academy, and served as a member of the original board of twelve trustees, continuing on the board until his death, at seventy-four years. His father was a captain in the coasting trade and was a native of Connecticut, of English an- cestry. Nohr R. Smith, Jr., graduated from the academy which had been founded largely through his father's efforts. When a young man he settled in Ottawa, 111., where he built up a large and profitable grain business. His death occurred in Secor, 111., in 1877. Politi- cally he voted with the Democrats. His wife, who was a member of an old Long Island family, died in Ottawa. They were the parents of three 3 l ° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. children, but Mrs. Booth is the sole survivor. She was educated in Cortland Academy and Mon- ticello Seminar)- at Godfrey, 111., and is now an educated and accomplished woman, possessing not only social charms, but also business ability, and is successfully managing the business estab- lished by her husband. Like him, she is a be- liever in the doctrines of the Universalist Church. As he was active in Masonry, she, too, has been prominent in the allied organization, the Eastern Star, and is past matron in Chapter No. 187 in Joliet. Mr. Booth died June 24, 1899, and three days later his remains were buried, with Masonic honors, in Oakwood cemetery. He is remem- bered as a reliable, industrious business man, who abundantly deserved the prosperity that his efforts had gained. |"~ RANK E. MARSH, a resident of Joliet, is f^ engaged in the grain and coal business at I Plainfield as a member of the firm of Marsh & Wood. He was born in Joliet June 27, 1849, a son ofH. N. Marsh, elsewhere represented in this work. His education was obtained in local public schools and Chicago Academy. His first business was in connection with railroading. After two months of work as a substitute he was given the position of ticket agent and operator in the Joliet office of the Rock Island Railroad, his father at the time being freight agent for the same road. The position was one of responsibil- ity, but, although he was quite young, he proved himself fully equal to the demands made upon him. He remained with the company for six years, leaving in 1S74 in order to embark in the grain business with Mr. Carpenter as a partner. In 1879 another partner was taken into the firm, the title of which then became Carpenter, Marsh & Speer. By the retirement of Mr. Carpenter in 1 88 1 the name was changed to Marsh & Speer, and as such continued until 1886. Forming a partnership with Milton R. Wood in 1886, the subject of this sketch engaged in the grain business in Plainfield, where he built the elevator and has since had charge of the same, his partner living in Chicago. In 1888 the firm built an elevator at Normantown, three miles northwest of Plainfield, and this they operated until the summer of 1899, when they sold it. They have built an elevator at Wolfs Crossing, six miles northwest of Plainfield, which they operate. In national politics Mr. Marsh is a Republican, but is inclined to be independent in local matters. For four terms of two years each he was alder- man from the fourth ward of Joliet, and for three 3^ears he held the office of school inspector. In 1873 he married Miss Kate Richmond, of Joliet, who died in 1879. Of the three children born to this union, one, Kate, died in infancy. The older son, H. Richmond Marsh, M. D., a graduate of the New York Homeopathic College, has since 1896 been employed as a government teacher and medical missionary at Point Barrow, Alaska. The second sou, Loren W., represents the Lux- fer Prism Company in Boston, Mass. In 1882 Mr. Marsh married Miss Ida Pierce, of Green- field, Mass., and one son survives her, Ralph L. The present wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Jessie Gaskell and was born in Seward Township, Kendall County. As a business man Mr. Marsh is careful and active, full of life and energy, and by good man- agement and perseverance he has placed himself in the front ranks of the successful business men of the county. (]OHN D. KOBLISKA, deceased, formerly I of Homer Township, was born in Lockport, (2/ this county, June 8, 1856, and was a son of Francis and Mary E. Kobliska, natives of Bohe- mia. His parents came to America in 1853 and settled in Homer Township, where his father commenced to farm on a small scale, but in time he was prospered, and when he died, in 1879, he left considerable property to his children. His wife survived him twenty years, dying in 1899. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3ii On the home farm our subject grew to manhood, receiving his education in district schools. In 1870 he bought the eighty-acre farm where his family still lives, and here he engaged in truck gardening, finding a market for his produce in Joliet and along the canal. He was an honest, hard-working, persevering man, who toiled tire- lessly in order to surround his family with the comforts of life. Had his life been prolonged he would undoubtedly have enjoyed an increasing success, as he had established his business on a substantial basis and had built up an excellent trade; but, while still in the prime of his useful- ness, he passed from earth. With the thought- fulness of one who is devoted to his family he had carried a life insurance, and this, together with his farm, left his family comfortably pro- vided for. He had erected a number of build- ings on the place; in 1890 fire entailed a heavy loss, but he rebuilt the same year. In his polit- ical relations he was a Democrat. However, he was not active in politics and never aspired to office, finding sufficient to occupy his time in the management of his farm and the discharge of his duties toward his family and his friends. His death occurred September 3, 1896, when he was forty years of age. Mr. Kobliska is survived by his wife, whom he married December 3, 1881, and who was Mary E. Mende, daughter of Anton Mende, of Chica- go. Their five children are: Charles A., Ella, George W., Paul F. and Ruth Marie, all of whom are students in the Lockport school. The eldest son, who is a bright and intelligent youth of sixteen years, carries on the home place with the assistance of his mother. . LIEL S. BRUNSON, a well-known farmer 'S of Dupage Township, is one of the oldest _ native-born citizens of the county, his birth having occurred in Lockport Township April 22, 1835. His father, Cyrus, a native of Roxbury, Conn., born in 1789, was reared in York state, and there married Susanna Maxwell, February 14, 1815. She died September 2, 1825, and afterward he married Harriet E. Scudder, the date of their union being February 17, 1828. In 1833 he started with his family for the west, traveling by canal to Buffalo, thence by team to Ohio, where he spent the winter. In 1834 he completed the journey to Illinois via wagon, arriving in Will County in April. All the surroundings were those of the frontier. There were but three houses between the land where he settled and Chicago, and in the entire county there was only one frame house. He took up two hundred and forty acres of government land and eighty acres of canal land. Almost his sole neighbor was his brother-in-law, who had settled here in 1833, ar >d through whose solicitations he had been induced to come. On his land he raised wheat, averaging forty bushels to the acre, and this he hauled to Chicago. He built the stone house on the road to Joliet which was long known as the old Brun- son place. As time passed by and he prospered he added other land to his place, and gave to each of his sons one hundred and sixty acres. Though interested in political affairs he took no part in them, preferring to devote himself to the improvement of his place. While in the east he held a number of local offices, and after coming west he was often urged to accept the nomination for township and county offices, but always re- fused. During the war of 181 2 he was a captain in the volunteer service, and afterward was con- nected with the state militia. After Buffalo was burned by the British his company was ordered there, and stationed at Twelve-Mile Creek. In politics he upheld Whig principles. His only brother, Harvey, who removed from New York to Ohio, enlisted in the war of 1812, and died from the effects of hardships and exposure of army service. His father, Thomas, was one of six brothers who served in the Revolutionary war, from which it will be seen that the family is in- tensely patriotic. The first of the name in Amer- ica crossed the ocean shortly after the arrival of the "Mayflower" in New England, and several succeeding generations remained in the east. By his first wife Cyrus Brunson had five chil- 312 GENEALOGICAL, AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. dren, viz.: Montreville, born July 16, 1817; PhcebeL., April i, 1819; Cyrus M., April 12, 1821; David H., December 25, 1822; and Susan E., August 16, 1S25. By his second wife four children were born, namely: Eliel S. ; Marshall N., who was born April 18, 1838, aud died in infancy; Clarissa, born November 23, 1840; and Harriet A., who was born July 25, 1845, and died i'n childhood. The father of this family was killed by lightning in 1857, an d n ' s widow died in November, 1892, when eighty-two years of age. When a boy the subject of this sketch had no educational advantages whatever, as schools were few, aud even had they been numerous, the work on the home farm would have prevented him from attending. After his father's death he took up the management of the homestead, remaining there until 1863, when he bought a quarter sec- tion in Dupage Township. This land had orig- inally been taken up by his uncle, who sold it to John Frink, and the latter used it as a stopping- place for stages. Our subject bought it from Mr. Frink. About forty acres had been broken, a log-house and a small barn had been built, but no other attempt at improvement had been made. He built a new house and made other valuable improvements, but on the morning of August 26, 1893, a fi re occurred that destroyed six buildings on his farm, every tool that he had aud $1,000 worth of grain. By dint of hard work he was able to save the residence from destruction. This house was built in 1876, aud he still occupies it. The farm is a fine place, and its neat appearance bespeaks the thrift of the owner. He bought fifty acres adjoining his original purchase, and cultivated the whole until 1893, when he retired. Iu stock-raising his specialty was Shropshire sheep. In 1884 he became a member of the Masonic lodge at Lemont. Politically a Repub- lican, he has taken an active interest in public affairs,' and has served as justice of the peace for twelve years, as township school treasurer for eight years, and township trustee for many years. In 1859 Mr. Bruuson married Elizabeth Alden, member of one of the oldest families of America, being of the eighth generation in direct descent from John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, of Puritan fame. The Alden family is now, asiu early days, noted for the unassuming demeanor of its mem- bers, their honesty and integrity. As a rule, they have followed the profession of teaching, although Mrs. Bruuson's father, Simeon Alden, learned a trade when a young man, and after settling in this county engaged in farming. He was born in Stafford, Conn., and in early man- hood removed to New York state, where his daughter was born. In 1S46 he settled in Chi- cago, and in 1853 established his home iu Dupage County. At the time that he came west Chicago was a small hamlet, containing only one school, although two more were built during the year of his arrival. The Sherman house was the largest building iu the city, and it was raised in 1846 and made five stories in height. No attempt had been made to pave the streets, and teams often stuck in the mud in what is now the heart of the city. Though Mrs. Bruuson was but a child at the time, all these things made an indelible im- presssion on her mind, and often now she takes pleasure in contrasting the great city of to-day with the muddy, dingy hamlet of fifty- years ago. ("JULIUS W. FOLK, M. D m who is living re- I tired in Joliet, is a member of a German G/ family. His father, Henry, was born in the kingdom of Brunswick, Germany, June 12, 1806, and, being the only son of wealthy parents, was given the best advantages which ample means rendered possible. He graduated in medicine from the University of Heidelberg. In 1S33 he came to America and settled iu York, Pa., but afterward removed to Abbottstown, Adams County, Pa., and later went to Holmesburg, the same state. In the spring of 1849 he settled in Illinois, remaining for a short time in Blue Is- land. The year 1851 found him iu Mokena, this county, and in 1854 ne settled in Greengarden Township, where he bought a farm of three huu- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3i3 dred and sixty acres and superintended its culti- vation while also practicing medicine. He was the first physician to settle in Peotone, where he continued to make his home until he died, Jan- uary 31, 1888. He was a man well versed in the classics and general history, as well as in the science of medicine, and his broad knowledge upon every subject of importance gave value to his opinion. In politics he was a Republican. Twice married, the first wife of Dr. Henry Folk was Christine Kinsman, who died April 19, 1S43, when the subject of this sketch was less than one year old. Afterward the doctor mar- ried Louisa Kinsman, a half-sister of his first wife, and who now makes her home with a daughter in Houston, Tex. The sisters, Chris- tine and Louisa, were born in Germany. When they were children the family decided to come to America. However, on their arrival at the sea- port they found the ship had sailed which they intended to take; and, as another would not leave for a long time for the United States, they deter- mined to take a sailing vessel about to leave for Jamaica, hoping later to get to this country. While they were on the vessel ship fever broke out and the father fell a victim to the disease, dying at sea. Soon after landing the mother died and later two of the oldest sons passed away, leaving the other children alone and helpless in a foreign country. An aunt living in York, Pa., was corresponded with and sent for them to join her, which they did, reaching York in 1837, three years after they had started on the ill-fated voyage. The family had possessed large means, but the illness of the parents and sons, with ex- orbitant bills for physicians and nurses and high hotel rates, together with the fact that grasping strangers had imposed upon the little children, rendered them poor. Dr. Folk was the second child and only son among seven children who attained maturity. He was born in Holmesburg, Pa., July 5, 1842, and came west when a child with his father. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into the service as a corporal at Springfield. Soon he was assigned to hospital duty under Dr. A. W. Heise, of Joliet, with whom he re- mained for some time. Later he went to the south and took part in the battles of Laverne, Stone River and Chickamauga. In February, 1864, he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. The year after his return home he began the study of medicine under Dr. Heise. In 1866 he entered Chicago Medical College, from which he graduated in 1869, and afterward he practiced with his former preceptor for two years in Joliet. Turning his attention from medicine to rail- roading, Dr. Folk became a contractor with J. A. Henry in 1871. He built a switch on the Chi- cago & Alton from Joliet to the gravel pit, and then was connected with the Dwight & Wash- ington branch of the Chicago & Alton road. His next contract was for the building of a road from Roodhouse to the Mississippi River. Next he went into Texas as a contractor on the Houston & Great Northern, built by Shepherd & Henry, and spent three years in that state, where he had charge of the construction of the road. Later he was employed on the Houston, Arkansas & Northern Railroad and on the government works at Mussel Shoals, Ala. His last contract was on the Mississippi levee in Missouri. In 1895 he retired from the railroad and contracting busi- ness, since which time he has given his attention to the supervision of his farm of one hundred and twenty acres three miles southwest of Joliet and to the oversight of his other interests. He is a stock- holder in the Will County Bank, and at one time served on its board of directors. In the blue lodge at Manteno, 111., Dr. Folk was made a Mason, and he is now a member of Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. He has always supported the platform of the Republican part}', although he has not been active in politics. His marriage took place in Joliet and united him with Miss Helen J. Henry, who was born in Berlin, Hartford County, Conn., a daughter of Jacob A. and Nancy E. (Briggs) Henry. When she was about three years old she was brought to Illinois by her parents and has since made her home in Will Count)-. She is a member of the Univer- salist Church, in the work of which she has 3'4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. maintained an interest and to which she has been a generous contributor. Dr. and Mrs. Folk have two children: J. Albert, who is a member of the class of 1902, Culver (Ind.) Military Academy; and Ethel Louise. 'HOMAS SWINBANK, deceased, who was for some years connected with the rolling mills of Joliet, was born at Swinbank, Ken- dall, England, February 8, 1849, a son of Joseph Swinbank, a farmer and freeholder in that locali- ty, and later a part owner of a rolling mill at Elsecor, where he died. Through his mother he descended from the noble families of Bath and Birketts. He married Ann Megean, whose mother was a member of the noble house of Bath. Both Joseph Swinbank and his wife have long been dead. Of their six children, two sisters re- main in England. Joseph, who was an engineer, died in Cleveland, Ohio; John is with the Oliver steel works in Pittsburg; and William died in Seattle, Wash., while on a trip west with the Sir Knights. When seventeen years of age our subject en- tered the rolling mill at Elsecor, England, where his brothers, John and William, also learned the trade. In 1870 he came to America, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, and securing employment as a heater in the Cleveland mills. In 1883 he went to Pittsburg, Pa. , as a heater in mills. Two years later he traveled in the west, north and south. In 1889 he came to Joliet, where he was employed by the Illinois Steel Company as a heater in their mills, and also became interested in real estate and farm property in the county. His brother, William, who had put down a mill near Pittsburg and later was a boss roller in Cleveland, removed to Joliet and engaged as a boss roller here until the time of his death. On retiring from the mill Mr. Swinbank set- tled on one of his farms near Braceville, Grundy County, but the location was not suited to his health, and he went to Atlantic City. Finally he returned to Pittsburg, Pa., where he died April 27, 1898, and was buried in the Allegheny cemetery in that city. He had served as treas- urer of the Amalgamated Association of Steel and Iron Workers, and was chairman of the com- mittee that, at the time of the Cleveland strike, met with the employers for arbitration. His brother, John, was vice-president for the district at the time of the great Pittsburg strike. In politics he was a Republican, in religion an Episcopalian, and fraternally belonged to Matte- son Lodge, A. F. & A. M. , and Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. In Pittsburg, February 2, 1886, Mr. Swinbank married Miss Margaret Robeson, who was born in Washington Count}-, Pa., a daughter of James L. and Jane (Lower) Robeson, natives re- spectively of Philadelphia and of Indiana Coun- ty, Pa. Her grandfather, Dr. James Robeson, graduated in medicine in London and while in his native land married Margaret Johnson, daughter of a shipbuilder on the Clyde. With his wife he came to the United States. Three days after they landed in Philadelphia, their son, James L-, was born. The latter became a con- tracting decorator and artist, and engaged in business in Pittsburg until his death. During the Civil war two of his brothers served in the Union army and he raised a company of which he was elected captain, but at Washington he was discharged on account of ill health. His wife was a daughter of a lieutenant in the war of 1812 and a granddaughter of one of Washington's aides in the Revolutionary and French and In- dian wars. The Lower family was of Holland- Dutch descent. Three brothers of Mrs. Robeson took part in the Civil war. She is still living and makes her home in Dunkirk, Ind. Of her family of four daughters and two sons, two daughters and one son are living. Franklin is connected with the National Biscuit Company in Pittsburg, Pa. William J., an artist, died in Pittsburg; Martha is the widow of James Faulkner, of Dunkirk, Ind. Belle and Agnes are deceased. Mrs. Swinbank graduated from Burt's Normal School and the Pittsburg Academy. After the death of her husband she returned to Joliet. In Jackson Institute, Chicago, she learned dress- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3i5 making and tailoring, and in April, 1899, started in business at No. 413 Cass street, Joliet. Hav- ing excellent taste, she has been successful in her work and is building up a valuable business. She owns eighty acres in Grundy County and proper- ty in the Dakotas. In religion she is a Uuiversal- ist. Both she and her husband were charter members of the Union Club of Joliet, with which they were connected until their removal to Grun- dy County. She has two children, Edith Marga- ret and Eugene Franklin. (lOHN A. GRANT, who has spent his entire I life in this county, was in June, 1898, ap- (~) pointed deputy internal revenue collector for the twelfth division of the first district of Illi- nois, embracing Lee, Dekalb, Kendall, Dupage and that part of La Salle, Grundy and Will Counties lying north of the Illinois River. For some years he has been an active factor in the politics of his county, and a local Republican leader. While residing in Jackson Township he served as collector, and also held the office of police magistrate of Elwood for one term. In 1886 and again in 1890 he served as secretary of the county central committee, and in other po- sitions he has assisted in promoting the welfare of his party. Mr. Grant was born in Jackson Township, this county, July 21, 1850, a son of John and Adeline (Frazer) Grant, and a grandson of John Grant, Sr., a farmer of Scotland, and Thomas Frazer, a lifelong resident of West Vir- ginia. His father, who was born at Banfshire, Scotland, in 18 16, a member of an old Scotch Presbyterian family, crossed the ocean in 1834, being the first of his family to seek a home in America, although about 1850 three of his brothers joined him in Will County. After traveling in search of a location for a few months he came to Illinois, where he was employed as a sub-contractor on the Illinois and Michigan canal. In 1838 he bought property at Reed's Grove, which was the first farm opened in Jack- son Township, its original owner having been Charles Reed. There he began farming and stock-raising. In later years he became the owner of several farms, and at the time of his death was in very comfortable circumstances. In politics he was a Whig and an Abolitionist, and among the offices which he held was that of jus- tice of the peace. In religion he was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died of the cholera in 1854, at the age of thirty-eight years and six months. Twice married, John Grant had by his first wife a son, William C, who is engaged in the implement business at Elwood. His second wife, Adeline, was born in Greenbrier Count}', W. Va. , and after the death of her father, in 1834, accompanied her mother and the other children to Illinois, settling at Forked Creek, Wesley Township, this county, where her mother died in 1880. Four children were born to Mr. Grant's second marriage, namely: Mary A., who died of cholera in 1854, aged nine years; Mrs. Margaret R. Bush, of Elwood; John A.; and James M., of Joliet. The boyhood days of our subject were passed on the home farm, and his education was secured in district schools. He remained with his mother until he was twenty-one years of age, when he settled one mile south of Elwood and improved a farm of ninety acres, making this place his home from 1871 to 1883. His next business was as propri- etor of a meat market in Elwood. In 1891 he entered the employ of the Lambert & Bishop Wire Fence Company, becoming foreman in the plain wire department, where he remained for six years. In January, 1897, he accepted a po- sition as keeper in the state penitentiary, where he remained for eighteen months. He resigned that position to accept the appointment of deputy internal revenue collector, which he has since filled with efficiency. Fraternally Mr. Grant is connected with the Royal Arcanum and the Court of Honor. In religious faith he is a Methodist. He was mar- ried in Wilmington, this county, to Miss C. A. Fishburn, who was born in that place, daughter 316 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of John Fishburn, a pioneer farmer there. Four children have blessed the home life of Mr. and Mrs. Grant, namely: Cynthia, who died at the age of two and one-half years; Charles, who is a baggageman on the Chicago & Alton Railroad; Lena E. and Edna, who reside at home. $J EORGE MASSEY, president of the Massey — Stone Company, has been prominently iden- >_J tified of recent years with the development of the quarry interests in this county. His con- nection with the quarry of which he is now the proprietor began in 1892, when the Kirkpatrick, Howk & Massey Stone Company was organized, with himself as president and owner of one-half interest. The company opened a quarry on Mill road, near Richards street, at once beginning to operate the same. After three years Mr. Massey purchased the interest of his partners, since which time he has been alone. He is the owner of eighteen acres of quarry, which is connected by a switch with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, and is provided with a complete equipment of derricks, steam drills, etc. The products of the quarry are shipped to various parts of the coun- try, and, the quality being very desirable, bring a fair return to the owner. A son of William and Ellen (Cleary) Massey, the subject of this sketch was born on the home farm in County Limerick, Ireland, and descended from one of the oldest families of Ballylander. Of seven children, he and three other sons survive, John being in Chicago, William at Lake Geneva, Wis., and Charles in South Chicago. When a boy he studied in the national schools of Ireland. In 1861, accompanied by his mother, he crossed the ocean from Liverpool to New York, the jour- ney on a sailing vessel, the "North America," taking forty days. He at once joined his three brothers and two sisters at Lake Geneva, Wis., and for two years worked on a farm near that place. Next he went to Racine, Wis., and for a year was employed in J. I. Case's machine shop. Going from there to Chicago he worked in the Northwestern Railroad shops. In 1S71 he en- gaged in general contracting in the same city, but two years later established his home in Joliet, where he has since resided. He carried on con- tracting and a real-estate business in this city until 1892, since which time he has been identi- fied with the stone industry. He has bought and sold considerable property, and built the house which he now occupies on Collins street. Here he owns six fine buildings that pay a good rental and are among the best investments on the street. He also owns five acres of quarryland two miles west of his old quarry, which is also a good investment and will prove a heritage to his descendants. In his political views Mr. Massey is independ- ent, never having mingled in public affairs to any extent, but preferring to devote himself ex- clusively to his business interests. He was reared in the Roman Catholic faith and is now a member of St. Mary's Church. In this city he married Miss Lizzie Kelley, who was born in County Limerick, Ireland, a daughter of Will- iam Kelley, at one time a resident of Joliet, but who died in Chicago at eighty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Massey are the parents of five chil- dren: Nella T. and Catherine Y. , who are grad- uates of St. Mary's Academy; William E., who is taking a business course; Lizzie G. and George, Jr. Mr. Masse}' deserves much credit for his suc- cess in life. Starting almost without a dollar, but being endowed with a great amount of energy and perseverance, he was determined to succeed. His life is a study to the historian of this country and an example to the younger generation. His reputation for honest dealing is proverbial and his jolly greetings and hearty ways will long be remembered by the citizens of Joliet. UNIVERSITY 0^ |!_"*OIS (nnt GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3i9 HORACE HUMPHREY. HORACE HUMPHREY, senior member of the firm of Humphrey & Sons, is proprietor of the oldest manufacturing establishment in Joliet and enjoys the distinction of being one of the pioneer foundry men in Illinois. In 1861 he began the foundry business on a small scale, building a foundry on land that he first rented but later purchased. Gradually the business grew to Targe proportions, a machine shop was erected with a capacity of forty tons, and other improvements were made from time to time. At this writing the business place has a frontage of three hundred and twenty feet on Ottawa street. Machinery and castings of all kinds are manufactured and the quality of the products is such as to insure a steady demand for them. Mr. Humphrey represents the fourth genera- tion in descent from a native of Holland, who, on account of persecution, went to Germany; he married a lady in Holland who was related to the Van Zandts, Bogardners and Anneka Jans family. The grandfather, John Humphrey, St., a black- smith by trade, devoted himself mainly to farm- ing in Canada. Owing to his connection with political affairs in that country his farm was con- fiscated and he was forced to leave. He removed to Johnstown, N. Y., and later to Baldwinsville, the same state, where he died. His son, John, Jr., was born six miles from Montreal, and be- came a moulder and foundryman in Baldwins- ville, N. Y., but removed to the west in later years and settled near Adrian, Mich. , where he died. He married Phidelia Darrow, who was born, of English parentage, in what is now Oneida County, N. Y., and died in Michigan. Of their six children only three are living, our subject and two sisters. The oldest of the family, Horace, was born at Baldwinsville, N. Y., April 6, 1828. From early boyhood he was familiar with work in a foundry, and when very young was accustomed to make and sell castings for people in his neighborhood. He was made a partner in the business and re- mained there for some years. In 1850 his father went to California, via the Isthmus of Panama, where he waited three months for transportation. During his father's absence he conducted the business. On the former's return, in 1851, he went to Cleveland, working there until the spring of 1852, when he returned to New York. Two years later, having been offered a position in Joliet, he came to this city and entered the foundry of Jones & Cogwin as foreman. He continued with the firm until they sold out two years later, after which he was employed at carriage-making. In 1861 he embarked in the foundry business for himself and during the almost forty years that have since elapsed he has been connected with the manufacturing interests of Joliet. He has given his time very closely to business matters, with no desire to enter politics and no wish to hold public office, his participation in public affairs being confined to the casting of a Republican vote. While in Baldwinsville, N. Y., he married Miss Lucinda Howe, daughter of Cyrel Howe, a farmer of that town. They be- came the parents of six children, four of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Ida Payne, of Joliet; Cora, widow of W. J. Evans, deceased; H. Fred and Harry B. , who are connected with their father in business. 320 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (JOSEPH LADD HURD, deceased, formerly I one of the successful grain dealers of Joliet, Q) was born in Acton, Mass., May 18, 1821, of English descent, and a son of Isaac and Mary Ann (Heald) Hurd. His father, a native of Massachusetts, born July 27, 1756, was a son of Benjamin and Grace (Estabrook) Hurd, and a grandson of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Barlow) Hurd. The preceding generation was represented by Jacob Hurd, who came from England in an early day and founded the family at Charlestown, Mass. The genealogy of the Healds is traced back to John Heald, a native of Bunwick-on- Tweed, and a member of a family noted for the physical stature and mental attributes of its male members. He settled in Massachusetts in 1641, and his descendant, our subject's mother, was born in that state, February 7, 1786. The education of our subject was obtained in the east. About 1858 he came to Joliet and at once became interested in the grain business, op- erating the Michigan Central elevator and own- ing other elevators on the same road. For some years he owned the village of Bloon, a small grain town, that is now a part of Chicago Heights. In his business he had abundant opportunities for the exercise of the sterling qualities of manhood and the exhibition of those habits which are wor- thy of emulation. By his integrity he won the confidence of his associates and was classed among the best citizens of his home town. In politics he was in sympathy with the Republican party and took great interest in supporting all political matters that tended to the improvement of the city or county. Fraternally he was a Chapter Mason, and in religion a Unitarian. Ere yet old age had come to him, his busy life ended and he passed from earth, June 12, 1876. The lady whom Mr. Hurd married in Joliet, January 1, 187 1, and who is still living in this city, bore the maiden name of Jannett A. Tullock, and is a daughter of Alexander and Ruth Eliza (Winters) Tullock. Her father, who was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1812, and was the younger son in a family consisting of two sons and two daughters. As his father, James Tul- lock, was a farmer of some means, he was given good educational advantages in his native land. After coming to the United States he traveled some, especially in New York and Michigan. Having learned the stone mason's trade, he gave his attention to it in different towns. On Christ- mas day of 1845, in Lucas County, Ohio, he married Miss Winters, who was born in Delaware County, N. Y., and who now owns the home where Mrs. Hurd resides in Joliet. Immediately after his marriage he came to Joliet, where he en- gaged in contracting. He helped to build the Jackson street dam that was used for almost fifty- five years, and he built the Hyde dam mill, also many residences, a few of which still stand. He witnessed and contributed to the early growth of Joliet and was one of its enterprising pioneers. Both he and his wife early identified themselves with the Presbyterian Church, and he was a con- tributor to church work as long as he lived. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons. From the time of his arrival in this city, in Jan- uary, 1846, until his death, in 1857, ne aided in local movements and gave his support to all plans for the benefit of the town. For his family resi- dence he built a house on the corner of Scott and Jefferson streets, which was then in the suburbs of the city. Of the three children comprising his family, Mrs. Hurd was the eldest. The other daughter, Avelena D., married Llewellyn Baker and resides in Oakland, Cal.; the son, George A. Tullock, is engaged in the hardware business in Joliet. Mrs. Tullock is the only survivor of ten children forming the family of James and Electa (Eggleston) Winters. Her father, who served in the war of 1812, removed from New York to Lucas County, Ohio, where he cleared a farm and remained until his death. His wife, who was a daughter of Samuel Eggleston, was born in New York, of English descent, and died in Michigan. Mrs. and Mrs. Hurd were the parents of two sons, viz.: Charles H., who graduated from the Joliet high school, and now owns a rice planta- tion in Louisiana; and William Ladd, a photog- rapher in Joliet. Having spent her life in Joliet, Mrs. Hurd is well acquainted in the city and has GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 321 many warm friends among the best people here. She is connected with the Universalist Society. Various charitable enterprises have received her assistance and her philanthropic spirit leads her into active participation in movements of a benev- olent nature. ©GIlLLIAM H. SHIFFER, one of the lead- \ A / ing farmers of Manhattan Township, was V V born in Clarion County, Pa., in 1845, and descends from German ancestors, who settled in Pennsylvania in an early day. His father, Will- iam, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 181 1, learned the miller's trade in his native county, and this occupation he followed there, at the same time owning and cultivating a farm. In 1S57 he came to Illinois and settled on a farm near Plainfield, this county, but after a few years bought a farm near Lockport. In 1866 he dis- posed of his Illinois property and moved to Polk County, Iowa, but five years later he went to Rooks County, Kans. , and entered a claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land. Clearing the ground, he put up farm buildings, placed the land under cultivation, built fences, erected a house, and in time made the farm a valuable place. He continued to reside there until his death at eight}' years. During the existence of the Know-Nothing party he advocated its prin- ciples, and afterward became a Republican. The marriage of William Shiffer united him with Elizabeth Near, who was born in Germany and was brought to the United States at eight years of age, growing to womanhood in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of twelve children, namely: John, of Joliet; Lewis, who lives near Plainfield, in Kendall County; Mary, the widow of Francis Delong, of Joliet; Sarah, wife of Syl- vester Hannes, of Des Moines, Iowa; Solomon, whose home is in Joliet; Robert, of Des Moines, Iowa; William H.; Rebecca, the widow of William Haines, of Rooks County, Kans.; Pris- cilla, wife of Nelson Bellward; Simon, of Polk County, Iowa; Charles, residing in Colorado; and Lavinia, who is the wife of John Rollins, of South Dakota. The mother of these children died in Will County when eighty-one years of age. Four of the sons were soldiers in the Civil war, and took part in its leading battles. John was a member of the One Hundred and Forty- second Pennsylvania Regiment. Lewis, Solo- mon and Robert belonged to the Forty-sixth Illi- nois Volunteers. At the time the family settled in this county our subject was a boy of twelve years. He was educated in common schools and Plainfield Col- lege. In 1869 he came to Manhattan Township and purchased eighty acres on section 24. Four years later he sold that place, after which he spent three years in Manteno. In 1881 he set- tled on the old Young homestead on section 22, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres, and carries on a general farm and stock business. The most of the improvements on the farm have been made under his supervision. He is inter- ested in the Manhattan Center Threshing Com- pany, and for four years acted as manager of the machine. A Republican in politics, he has served his party as delegate to the county con- vention. For four years he held the office of justice of the peace, for one year served as town- ship treasurer, for three years was commissioner of highways of the town of Manhattan, and for seventeen successive years was school director, during a part of the time serving as clerk of the board. In the United Evangelical Church at Manhattan he is steward, trustee, secretary and treasurer, and has also been assistant superin- tendent and a teacher of the Sunday-school. All movements for the benefit of the church have re- ceived his encouragement and assistance, as have also those enterprises calculated to advance the general welfare of the people. March 17, 1873, Mr. Shiffer married Elizabeth, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gardner) Karr. She was one of twelve children, six of whom are living, namely: Philip, a farmer in Nebraska; George, a farmer in Indiana; Martin and John, also residents of Indiana; Elizabeth and Kate, the latter being the wife of Mahlan Stroop. One of her brothers, Henry Karr, served 322 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. under General Grant in the Civil war, and died while in the army. In 1S47 William Karr came from Germany and settled in Summit County, Ohio. In i860 he established his home on a farm in Jackson Township, Will County, where he resided for six years. Later he made his home in Greengarden Township for three years. In 1870 he bought the farm where Mr. Shiffer now lives, and here he died at eighty years of age, and his wife when eighty- six. Mr. and Mrs. Shiffer have only one child living, Nettie, wife of Henr}' Eberhart, who is engaged in the lumber business in Manhattan. r~RANK STOWE VANDER BOGART, one r^ of the most popular officials of the county, I has made Joliet his home since November, 1889, and for some time served as deputy clerk under Henry R. Pohl. In 1892 the Republican convention nominated him by acclamation to the office of clerk of the circuit court, and he was elected by a majority of little less than four hun- dred. Four years later he was again nominated by acclamation and was elected by a majority of two thousand three hundred and eight, which was much the highest majority given any candi- date of his ticket. His first term began in December, 1892, and the second will expire in December, 1900. The famity represented by our subject was founded in America by Dr. Hermine Myndert Vauder Bogart, who came from Holland as ship surgeon of the sailer " Eeudracht," in 1632, and settled in Manhattan Island. From him de- scended William Henry Vauder Bogart, Sr. , who was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., and about 1842 brought his family to Illinois, settling in Florence Township, Will County, where he was a pioneer farmer. He died at his homstead four miles south of Wilmington. His son, William Henry, Jr., was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., and was eight years of age when the family came west. A farmer and stock dealer, he also gave some attention to the meat business, having a market in Wilmington for many years. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Twentieth Illi- nois Infantry and served until he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he was honorably discharged. His brothers, Walter and James, enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, in which the latter served as a sharpshooter until the close of the war; Walter was killed during the early part of the war while acting as a picket upon Morris Is- land. He, like his brothers, served with fidelity to the Union and proved his loyalty to his coun- try in the hour of need. He is now connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and fraternally is a Mason. At sixty-five years of age he is now living retired from business. His wife was Laura J. Stowe, daughter of Cyrus Stowe, who removed from Vermont to New York, thence to the vicinity of Niles, Mich., Irom there to St. Joe, the same state, and finally set- tled in Wilmington Township, this county, in an early day. In a family of six sons and three daughters, all still living, our subject was next to the oldest. He was born in Wilmington, this county, March 15, 1868, and was educated in the public high school of his home town. In 1886 he went to Chicago, where he was employed as bookkeeper for John G. Miller & Co., wholesale clothiers. Later he went back to Wilmington and from there came to Joliet. In addition to his duties as cir- cuit clerk he is treasurer and a stockholder and director of the Hercules Gold Mining Company, which owns three hundred and eighty-five acres of land two and one-half miles from Deadwood. With his father-in-law, Wilbur L. Keeney, he bought the Naperville electric light plant soon after it had been established, and this they built up, he acting as president of the company and his father-in-law as secretary, treasurer and manager. In politics he has always been an ardent Repub- lican, and takes an intense interest in the success of his party. Until the Joliet camp of Sons of Veterans disbanded he was one of its active members. The marriage of Mr. Vauder Bogart took place GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 323 in Naperville, 111., and united him with Miss Nellie M. Keeney, who was born in East Glas- tonbury, Conn., and in 1874 came to Wilming- ton, 111., with her parents, who in 1892 removed to Naperville, and now reside in Joliet. To their union one child has been born, a daughter, Ruth Helen. (ILLIAM SIMPSON, deputy assessor of Joliet, has for some years been an active participant in the public life of the city. He is a firm believer in Republican principles and a stanch supporter of the men and measures put forward by the party. With the enthusiasm that is one of his attributes he has entered heartily into the field of politics. During his period of service as a member of the county committee he was for a time its assistant secretary. Formerly he held the chairmanship of the city central com- mittee of the party, and is still one of its mem- bers, besides being identified with the work of the township committee. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Illinois State League of Republican Clubs. The Simpson family is of English ancestry. Mr. Simpson's father, Butler, was born in Lon- don, England, and in early life came to the United States with his father, settling on a farm in Joliet Township, this county. In 1862 he came to Joliet. During a portion of the Civil war he was employed by the government in the repairing of wagons. On returning to Joliet he secured em- ployment in Davidson's quarry. In 1865 he bought property on South Chicago street, where he carried on the business of wagon-making. Later he was interested in a grocery with his sons. He married Mary Jane Coates, who was born in Scarborough, England. They still re- side in Joliet, as do also their five living sons, viz.: William, Frederick, Walter, George and Harry. In this city our subject was born June 28, 1863, and here his education was obtained in the public schools and Prof. Russell's Business College. For five years he served as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade under Dan Winters, after which he followed this occupation for six years, during the last two of which he engaged in contracting and building. In 1889 he bought an interest in a grocery at No. 303 South Chicago street, but after nine months sold to his partner, Mr. Mur- phy, and then established the grocery house of Simpson Brothers in his father's store building, continuing there for three years, when he sold out. When Robert J. Morrison was elected town- ship assessor in 1894 Mr. Simpson received the appointment of deputy, which he has held ever since, with the exception of the year spent as keeper at the Illinois state penitentiary under Major McClaughrey. The latter position he resigned after thirteen months on account of ill health. In 1896 he was deputy collector under T. N. Williamson and two years later held the same position with William Winckler. In 1898 he received the appointment of city sealer, which he held for one year until a change was made in the mayor's office. He is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. Possessing a genial, companionable disposition he has won many friends amoug the people of the city, and is popular both in public affairs and social circles. The marriage of Mr. Simpson took place in Joliet October 20, 1885, and united him with Miss Josephine D. Wheeler, who was born in Frankfort Township. The only child of their union, Lawrence F., died September 20, 1897, at the age of nine years and nine months. Mrs. Simpson is a daughter of Beuajah and Elizabeth (Sanders) Wheeler, natives respectively of New York and Vermont. She was one of eight chil- dren, all but one of whom are living; of the sur- vivors she is the oldest and the only one in Joliet. Her paternal grandfather, D. N. Wheeler, re- moved from New York during the latter part of the '30s and settled in Frankfort Township, this county, remaining there until 1897. He then went to Virginia, Neb., where he has since lived retired from active labors. Benajah Wheeler re- moved to Missouri in 1871 and is now engaged in farming in Grundy County, that state. His wife 324 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was a daughter of Frank and Sarah Sanders, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, but settled in this count}- prior to the '40s, and has since made his home in Greengarden Township, Will Count}-, where he owns a section of land. 3OHN F. SKEEL, clerk of the board of school inspectors and clerk of the board of education of Joliet Township, is a descendant of a Welsh family, whose first representatives in this country were two brothers that settled in Connecticut. His grandfather, Nathan Skeel, a native of Connecticut, removed to Salt Point, near Syracuse, N. Y., and engaged in the manu- facture of pumps. During the war of 18 12 he served in the defense of Sackett's Harbor. At an early date he brought his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1830 settled in Hennepin, 111., where he manufactured pumps. At the time of the Black Hawk war his son, Linus B., enlisted in the army, where he showed himself to be a man of courage and hardihood. The active life of Linus Skeel was passed in farm pursuits near Hennepin, and he was successful in his under- takings. On retiring from active labors and busi- ness cares he removed to Gibson City, Ford County, 111., and there his death occurred in 1897, when he was eighty-six years of age. During the Cu-il war his farm was a station on the underground railroad and more than one run- away slave was helped by him on his way to free- dom. He was a devout and leading member of the Congregational Church and one of the prin- cipal workers in the congregation in his locality. Twice married, Linus B. Skeel had five chil- dren by his first wife, and two of these are living. One, Oliver, was a soldier under Sherman during the Civil war. The second wife was Flora Mor- rison, who was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, near the mouth of the Clyde, and who is now seventy-four years of age. She was a daughter of Donald Morrison, a seafaring man, who served in the British navy during the naval war between England and Russia in 1799 and lost an arm in an actiou; afterward he was retired on a pension. Our subject was one of the seven children born to Linus B. and Flora Skeel, and, of these, four are now living, he being the youngest son. He was born near Hennepin, Putnam County, 111., December 24, i860, and was educated in Gran- ville high school and Wheaton College, graduat- ing from the latter in 1883 with the degree of A. B. Afterward he engaged in the newspaper business at Highmore, S. Dak., being editor of the Dakota Capital 'for one year. Later he taught in the city schools at Tama, Iowa, for one year. While there he married, in 1885, Miss Flora Birdsell, daughter of William H. Birdsell, then of South Dakota, but now of Lockport, 111. In 1885 Mr. Skeel returned to Granville as principal of the high school in which he had studied some years before. The next year the county board of supervisors appointed him to fill a vacancy in the office of superintendent of schools of Putnam County. After the expiration of the term he came to Joliet in 1887, where for a year he was cashier and bookkeeper for the Locey coal mines. For eighteen months he held a simi- lar position with the Barrett Hardware Company. For a year he was bookkeeper with the Illinois Steel Company, after which he was bookkeeper and cashier with Bishop & Lambert for two years, continuing with them until January, 1893. After the consolidation he was employed in the Chicago office during the World's Fair. In the fall of 1893 he went west, intending to settle in Idaho or Washington, but, after an attack of mountain fever, he decided that Illinois was preferable for a place of residence. He was still quite ill when he came back to this state. On regaining his health, in 1894 he became principal of the Broad- way school, Joliet, continuing there until he was appointed clerk of the board of school inspectors in July, 1896. In the spring of 1899 the estab- lishment of the township high school was voted almost unanimously by the people and the school board appointed him their clerk. These two positions take his entire time, and their duties he discharges in a manner satisfactory to all con- cerned. He is identified with the First Presby- terian Church, in which he is a ruling elder. He and his wife reside in a house that he built at No. 120 Dewev avenue. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 325 pC)ILLIAM MORGAN, who is one of the 1 A / l ar S e farmers and stock-raisers of Jack- y Y son Township, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , June 24, 1844, a son of Moses and Eliza A. (Storrs) Morgan. He was one of five children, of whom, besides himself, two sur- vive, viz.: Sidney and Emily, wife of Cornelius McClure, of Manhattan Township, this county. His father, who was born in Vermont August 15, 18 15, settled in New York state when a young man and engaged in farming in St. Lawrence County, but in 1849 he came west to Illinois, settling in Kendall County twelve miles west of Joliet. His means were small; in fact, he had but $68 at the time of his arrival in Kendall County. Not having sufficient means to buy a farm he operated rented land for four years. Next he settled in Joliet Township, this county, three and one-half miles southeast of Joliet, where he remained for a year. In March, 1855, he came to the place where his son, our subject, still resides. Here he purchased one hundred and twenty-eight acres of land and devoted his energies to stock-raising and farming. More than usual success rewarded his exertions. Con- stantly he added to his possessions, investing the products of one farm in the purchase of another. He was so successful that at the time of his death he owned thirteen farms. Personally he was a man of fine qualities, possessing the hospitality of the typical pioneer and showing in every act that his code of honor was the highest. His per- sonal friends were many, and he won the regard of every associate. Politically he was an ardent Republican, but always refused to accept nom- ination for any office. While he was not identi- fied with any denomination he attended and sup- ported the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the homestead where he had so successfully labored for more than thirty years he died, August 20, 1878. His name well deserves perpetuation in the list of pioneers of the county; for while he was not one of the earliest settlers, there were com- paratively few here at the time of his arrival, and he experienced all the hardships of life in a new country. It is but justice to him to say that his success was not due to outside help, nor was it the result of what we call " luck." It came to him through the exercise of determination, good judgment, perseverance and energy. He never entered the alluring field of speculation, but worked only in his chosen occupation of agricul- ture, and the result proved that he made no mis- take in his life-work. His wife, who was a daughter of William and Catherine (Thew) Storrs, was born in Clinton County, N. Y., July 13, 181 7, and died in Will County, 111., Decem- ber 5, 1885. Since he was eleven years of age our subject has made his home in Jackson Township. Grow- ing up on a farm he acquired a thorough knowl- edge of agriculture and, as the occupation suited his tastes, he has always continued farm pursuits. He and his brother Sidney, whose farming and stock interests are in conjunction, pay taxes on fifteen hundred acres of land, and are among the most prosperous men in their section of the county. In political views he is a stanch Repub- lican but not a partisan. He is not connected with any denomination, but contributes to the support of the Methodist Church, toward the doc- trines of which he inclines. In 1877 Mr. Morgan married Maria E. Ellenwood, who was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. In 1870 she came to this county with her parents, Alfred and Lydia (Morgan) Ellenwood, and settled in Florence Township, where her father died eleven years afterward. Her mother now makes her home with her son George. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan consists of seven children, namely: Eliza A., Oscar, Lydia, Lloyd L., Ernest A., Amber L-, and infant daughter. (31 CKER RULAND. Homer Township is J I greatly indebted for its present wealth I I and high standing to the intelligent and capable farmers who have been instrumental in developing its agricultural resources. As a mem- ber of the farming community, who has con- tributed to its material advancement and who has been especially active in the promotion of its 326 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. live-stock interests, mention belongs to Mr. Ruland, who owns the family homestead of one hundred and fourteen acres. Here he was born in 1856, and here his life thus far has been spent. He is one of the largest raisers of thoroughbred sheep and cattle in the county and owns some valuable registered stock, having made several importations from England of Shropshire sheep. Besides his other interests, at this writing he holds the office of deputy sheriff. For six years he was highway commissioner of Homer Town- ship, to which office he was elected on the Repub- lican ticket. For sixteen years he served as a member of the school board of his district. He is a director of the Homer Mutual Fire Insurance Company and secretary and treasurer of the Will Count}* Highway Commissioners' Association. Our subject's grandfather, Acker Ruland, was born in Rhode Island, and in an early day migrated to Ohio, where he conducted a large paper mill near Cincinnati for several years. From there he moved to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and purchased six hundred acres of land, which he operated success full}-. He remained there until his death, when sixty-five years of age. He had a brother, John, who served in the con- tinental army during the Revolutionary war. His ancestors were French and were early settlers of Rhode Island. He married Charlotte Bolster, a native of Rhode Island, and they had seven chil- dren, but all are dead excepting Manley. In 1848 three of their sons, Charles, Manley and Acker, came from Indiana to Will County, 111., and took up adjoining farms in Homer Township, where they energetically began work as agricul- turists. Soon after their arrival Charles met his death by accident. Manley continued to make his home in this locality until 1870, when he removed to Butler Count}', Kans., and there he has since resided. Acker, our subject's father and the third of the brothers who came together to Will County, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio. In time he became a prosperous farmer of the township. He was also a physician of the old school and had a large practice in this neighbor- hood. At the time of his death, when forty-two years of age, he was well to-do. He married Maria, daughter of Henry Glassford, and a native of Pennsylvania, her father having come to that state from Ireland when seven years of age. By her marriage to Mr. Ruland five children were born, namely: Sarah, who is the wife of James Meek, of Chicago; Eliza, who married G. H. Page; Helen, who married G. H. Paddock; Maria, wife of Dr. S. R. Cowger; and Acker, the subject of this sketch. Having passed his life in this township, our subject is well acquainted with the people here; and, as he is a man of the utmost integrity and the highest principles of honor, he is respected by all to whom he is known. In fraternal rela- tions he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has a high reputation as a man of intelligence, and the township is fortunate to number among its citizens a man of his char- acter and ability. In 1S78 he was united in mar- riage to Miss Susan Harris, who was born in Lockport, this county, a daughter of Benjamin Harris. They have four daughters, Mabel, Ethel and Edna (twins), and Mildred. lib: OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 7^0 i/t^l^jZ^- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 329 GEORGE F. GURNEY. ^JEORGE F. GURNEY. It is solely through his determination and perseverance of char- 1 acter that Mr. Gurney has become known as one of the wealthy land owners of this county. When he came here, in the spring of 1845, he was a boy of thirteen, the oldest of a family of three sons and three daughters, whose father had been defrauded of his money, and who were therefore early obliged to begin the battle of life for themselves. He found Joliet a small hamlet, whose few inhabitants eked out a precarious sub- sistence, but with the sturdy resolution char- acteristic of pioneers remained hopeful and with the far-seeing eye of faith worked for the benefit of future generations. Owing to his father's ill fortune he was early obliged to become self-sup- porting and to contribute to the maintenance of the family. During 1847 and 1848 he worked at canal construction. When the canal was com- pleted, on the 4th of July, 1848, he towed the first canal boat out of Joliet, going to Chicago for Henry Fish and returning with a load of lumber for Otis Hardy. During the summer of the same year he went to Grundy County and, with seven yoke of oxen, worked at breaking prairie soil, but in the fall returned to this county. Buying teams of his own, in the spring of the next year he began to break prairie and followed that occupa- tion for a few years, after which he herded cattle for Smith, Hatton & Rogers. Turning his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, he became the owner of one of the finest farms in the county, the value of which was due entirely to his care- ful cultivation and judicious oversight. He is still the owner of large tracts of farm land, but 16 since 1894 has been living retired in Joliet, where he built and occupies a residence at No. 505 Union street. Mr. Gurney was born in Gloucestershire, Eng- land, July 2, 1832, a son of William and Ruth (Hooper) Gurney. His father, who was the son of a ship chandler and vessel owner, brought his family to the United States in 1844, and after a short sojourn in Cook County, 111., in the spring of 1845 canie to Joliet. A few years later he died in Kankakeetown, this county. His wife died in Channahon. Of their children Edward E. and Henry H. died in Wilmington; Louise is married and lives in Kankakee County; Matilda, Mrs. Hyde, is in Canon City, Colo.; and Selina, Mrs. Buss, makes her home in Florence Township. The family crossed the ocean from Bristol to New York on a sailing vessel, spending seven weeks on the voyage, and from New York proceeded up the Hudson, thence via the Erie canal to Buffalo, and from that city by the lakes to Chicago. In 1859 the subject of this sketch bought two hundred acres in Wilton Township, thirteen miles southeast of Joliet, purchasing from the Illinois Central road. Two years later he settled on the land and began its improvement. He remained there until 1867, when he removed to a farm of four hundred and eighty-six acres, of which two hundred and twenty-six and two-thirds acres are in Manhattan Township and the remainder in Jackson Township. This continued to be his home until 1 894. He gave his attention to its cultivation. Every improvement of a first-class farm was to be found on his place, and through his supervision and wise management the estate was made profit- 33° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. able. He is still the owner of nine hundred acres, the larger part of which is under cultivation. He recently sold one hundred and forty-six acres, prior to which he owned ten hundred and forty- six acres, including, besides his place before named, three hundred and twenty acres on sec- tions 34 and 27, one hundred and sixty acres one-half mile west, and eighty acres adjoining the last-named place. Besides this he owns one- half section of land in Wright Count}', Iowa. During the years of his active farm life he made a specialty of the stock business, and bought and raised high-grade and full-blooded Durham cattle, imported Norman and also standard-bred horses, having as many as sixty head of horses on his place at one time. His son drives what is said to be the finest pair of English shire horses in Manhattan Township, and these were raised by our subject. In Wilmington, this county, Mr. Gurney mar- ried Miss Eliza Brydon, who was born in Liver- pool, England, a daughter of George and Eliza (Ballentine) Brydon, all natives of Scotland. Her paternal grandfather, James Brydon, was a farmer, as was also her maternal grandfather, George Ballentine, and both lived in Roxbury- shire. Mrs. Gurney was one of two children, the other being James, who was a soldier in the Forty-second Illinois Infantry and was wounded in battle; he is now living in Chatsworth, 111. Concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Gur- ney we note the following: Frances Ruth, who was educated in Will County, married Franklin P. Losh, a native of Center County, Pa., and of German descent; they moved to Iowa in 1893 and settled in Wright County, where they and their children, Clarence A., Edgar J., Elsie E. and Harry G., now live. The second daughter of Mr. Gurney was Emma, now deceased. The third, Elsie Augusta, married Charles F. Pohl- man, a native of Will County, 111., and son of William and Amelia Pohlman, natives of Ger- many and old settlers of this county ; they have had three children, Arno George (deceased), Alma Ray and Florence. The oldest son of Mr. Gur- ney is Elmer George, who married Mary F. Nor- ton, daughter of William and Eliza (Good- enough) Norton, natives respectively of New York and Indiana, but for years residents of Will County, where their daughter was born. The second son, Arno James, married Alice Voorhees, daughter of Ralph -and Adeline (Young) Voorhees, natives of Ohio; they have one daughter, Maude Esther. The sixth child of our subject is Eliza M., who married Albert Lichten waiter, a native of Will County, and a son of Henry H. and Leah (Geiss) Lich ten- waiter, natives respectively of Ohio and Penn- sylvania; they have two children, Gladys Eva and Clayton Gurney Lichtenwalter. The young- est daughter of our subject, Nellie Josephine, married Oscar Rhodes Myers, a native of Wheat- land, this county, and a son of Jacob and Elmira (Rhodes) Myers, natives respectively of Penn- sylvania and Cleveland, Ohio. Our subject's youngest child, Otto Henry, married Clara E. Geiss, daughter of Hiram and Malinda (Whit- son) Geiss, natives of Pennsylvania. The young- est son and his wife live on the Gurney home- stead. The family are connected with the Pres- byterian Church. During the earl}- years of his residence in this county Mr. Gurney was quite active in educa- tional and public affairs. Formerly a Democrat, at the time of Fremont's campaign he transferred his allegiance to the Republican part}-, which he assisted in organizing in his count}-. Frequently he was elected to serve as delegate to conventions and as member of important political committees, and in other ways, his service to his party was helpful to its interests. For six years he was a school director in Jackson Township and his in- fluence was apparent in the building up of the schools of his township. IMOTHY GORMAN, who is a well-known general merchant of Channahon, has made his home in this county since 1858. He was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1829, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Kelly) Gorman. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 33i lifelong residents of County Mayo, where his fa- ther followed the occupation of a brick and stone- mason. When a boy our subject had few ad- vantages. His life was one of constant toil from an early age. At fifteen years he was bound out to the tailor's trade, the plan being for him to serve five years, but at the expiration of two and one-half years, owing to a panic in the money market and a consequent depression in business, he was released from his engagement. Having a brother who was a tailor in Birmingham, Eng- land, he went to that city, but found that there, as in Ireland, times were hard and work scarce. He spent three years in England, working at various occupations in different parts of the coun- try. In May, 1849, Mr. Gorman took passage on the sailing vessel "James H. Shepherd" for America and landed in New York on the 12th of June, after a voyage of five weeks. In New York he finished his apprenticeship to the tailor's trade and for nine years remained in that city and in Yonkers and Williamsburg, working at the occupation. The year 1858 found him in Will County, 111., where he worked for three years at tailoring in Joliet. Next he removed to Channahon, where for a time he worked at his trade. In 187 1 he established the mercantile business which he has since conducted. Being a man of good business ability he has met with considerable success and is one of the substantial men of the village. The marriage of Mr. Gorman, in 1854, united him with Miss Mary Lennon, who was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, and a daughter of John and Judith (Corwin) Lennon. After the death of her father in Ireland, her mother brought the family to America. To the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Gorman twelve children were born, of whom ten are living, viz.: Peter, a blacksmith in Denver, Colo., who is married and has three daughters; Martin T., of Chicago, who is married and has two children, Timothy and Mary Edna; Francis, a merchant of Wolcott, Colo., whose family consists of five children, Harry, Anna, Francis L. , Marguerite C. and Helen W. ; Patrick H., a steam-fitter living in Chicago; John, also a steam-fitter in that city; Anthony, who is connected with his brother, Francis, in merchandising; Margaret, a teacher in the public schools of Will County; Timothy J., who is in Pullman, 111. ; Jeremiah, who is with his older brothers in Wolcott, Colo. ; and Mathew, who is with the American Insurance Company of Newark, N. J., Rockford, 111., being the head- cpuarters for the western department. In politics Mr. Gorman is a stanch Democrat. Under the two administrations of President Cleve- land he served as postmaster of Channahon and for ten years, altogether, he filled the office of town clerk. During the existence of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Minooka he held membership in it, but upon its disbandment did not transfer his membership to Joliet, the distance being too great for him to attend the meetings regularly. He is a well-known citizen of Channahon. As village trustee, which office he now fills, he favors plans for the benefit of the town and the promotion of its interests. E HESTER S. ALLEN. On the western bluff of the Desplaines valley, in Lockport Township, is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Allen. Their brick residence, erected by Mr. Allen in 1879, not only affords them a comfort- able dwelling place, but also gives a fine view of the valley stretching beyond. On the farm will be noticed a large number of sheep, the Oxford Downs leading numerically. There are also several full blooded English horses, among them a colt two years and five months old, weighing sixteen hundred and thirty pounds. For several years after 1870 Mr. Allen was a heavy dealer, wholesale and retail, in ice, cutting the product from an artificial pond on his place, and continu- ing in the business until that part of the farm was condemned by the drainage board. The father of Mr. Allen, Martin, a native and lifelong resident of Vermont, served in many local offices, and in politics was first a Whig 332 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and later a Free-Soiler. His occupation was that of a farmer. He and his brother, Reuben, were the principal members of the Goshen Methodist Episcopal Church, in Addison County, and helped to build its house of worship. However, owing to his views on the slavery question, in 1846 he identified himself with the Wesleyan Methodists and built for them a church that is still standing and in constant use. His son, Wilson, aided in re-shingling the building in 1895. By his marriage to Hannah Smith he had five children, namely: Eliza, deceased; Wilson, a farmer at Ripon, Wis.; Andre M., de- ceased; Chester S. ; and Luther, of Kansas. The grandfather, Noah Allen, settled in Goshen in an early day, removing there from another part of the same state. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Goshen, Vt., February 20, 1830. He re- mained on the home farm until he was twenty- four. For some years he was in very poor health, the result of an attack of measles when he was eighteen. As soon as he recovered suffi- ciently to start out for himself he began farm- ing, and this occupation he has followed ever since. In 1864 he came to Illinois and settled on the place he still owns. Since then he has bought and sold considerable land. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but now votes with the Prohibitionists. For the past thirtj-- four years he has been an officer in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lockport, and until 1897 was also connected with the Sunday-school work. A remarkable evidence of the over-ruling Prov- idence that saves a life when God has further need of it in the world, is shown in Mr. Allen's career. His life was preserved in a moment of greatest peril. May 11, 1882, he drove two teams to Joliet, for the purpose of securing drain tile. When he arrived there he found the tile he had previously selected was gone, so he started through the tile factory, looking at the kilns on each side. The place where the elevator worked was six or eight inches lower than the path where he was walking. This fact he did not notice, and when he stepped into it he was thrown for- ward into the elevator pit. At that instant the elevator (weighing twelve hundred pounds) dropped with two men in it. They jumped from the elevator just before it struck. The foreman saw the falling elevator and a man under it. He gathered his men, lifted the elevator and pulled Mr. Allen out. When the latter came to his senses he saw ten or twelve men looking at him, as if a dead man had come to life. Not a bone or a blood-vessel was broken. After a little time the men loaded up his tile for him and he returned home. He did not get out again for two weeks, and was lame and bruised for three months, but the fact that he escaped uninjured is certainly re- markable. The reason for the falling of the ele- vator was the breaking of a bolt connected with the main shaft, so that the elevator could not be controlled. Had Mr. Allen fallen a second later he would have been completely crushed. The maiden name of our subject's wife was Prudence S. Baker. Her father, Anthony, son of Anthony, Sr., of English extraction, was born in Rhode Island, October 9, 1788. He married Prudence Gaines, who was born in Massachu- setts, August 15, 1786. Both had moved to Sud- bury, Vt. , and they were married there in 1809. From that place the}' moved to a farm in Goshen, Addison County, Vt. , where they lived for many years. He was prominent in local affairs and held numerous offices until failing eye-sight com- pelled him to withdraw from such work. He was active in the Democratic party, and later was an Abolitionist. Both he and his wife were connected with the Christian Church. Of their ten children two died in infancy. Eight attained mature years, married and had families. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Almon G., No- vember 27, 1810; Anthony S., July 9, 1813; Polly M., April 25, 1815; Oliver H. P., Decem- ber 11, 1816; Olive S., April 23, 1818; Loren H., March 26, 1821 (a soldier in the Civil war); Harry H., December 3, 1826; and Prudence S., April 13, 1829. In 1850 the parents sold their farm and moved to Forestdale, Vt., where they spent their remaining years. The father died July 25, 1873, and the mother November 29, 1874. Mrs. Prudence]* Allen was born in the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 333 town of Goshen, Addison County, Vt., received a good education, and began to teach school at the age of fifteen years. She was married to Andrew M. Allen in her home town April 23, 1850, but her husband died of consumption, July 14, 1851, at the age of twenty-three years, nine months and nineteen days. Afterward for two years she taught school, making her home with her parents when not engaged in teaching Her second marriage took place October 24, 1854, and united her to Chester S. Allen, a brother of her first husband. They lived in Goshen for nine years after their marriage and then moved to Illinois, settling 011 their present homestead, March 10, 1864. They are the parents of two children. Their son, Delbert C, who was born in Goshen, Vt. , May 19, 1858, in now a farmer at Tecumseh, Neb. Their daughter, Etta P., who was born in Lockport, September 13, 1868, is the wife of Allen T. Dille, and resides in Mitchell, Iowa. The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been full of useful lessons of devotion to the cause of the church and humanity. They can look back on the past years and be satisfied with the view. As the shadows lengthen in life's evening, and the rough places become smoothed, the thought may dwell with them that a new generation will re- vere their memory, and their names will live in the historical records of Will County. IJjATHANIEL PAGE. The record of a use- I / ful life is worthy of being perpetuated in the I IS annals of biography. In writing this me- morial of a good man, long since passed to his eternal reward, we are doing an act of simple jus- tice to one whose active life was inseparably asso- ciated with the pioneer history of our county, and one whose influence for good was felt in his home neighborhood even after he had passed from it. As an earl}' settler he participated in the work of clearing and cultivating a portion of the county's fine farming region. In an early day Nathaniel Page, Sr., migrated from Massachusetts to Vermont and settled in Windsor County, where he died at an advanced age. Nathaniel, Jr., was born in the latter county in 1788 and remained on a farm near his birthplace for many years, but in 1838 he removed to Will County, 111. His first location was in Lockport, where he followed the carpenter's trade for a year. In 1839 he moved to New Lenox Township, settled upon a farm and began the clearing of land. Upon the farm which he im- proved the remainder of his life was passed, and there he died, February 4, 1866, at the age of seventy-eight years. During his residence in Vermont Mr. Page married Nancy Gifford, a native of that state, born in the same year as himself; she died in 1865, at the age of nearly seventy-seven years. Their oldest son, Harvey, who was born in Ver- mont, came to this county in 1858 and engaged in farming here for twelve years. About 1870 he moved to Indiana, where he cultivated farm land. He died in that state in 1886, at the age of seventy-two years, leaving a widow and two children, Archie, and Catherine, who is the wid- ow of Benjamin Thomas. The second son, Seneca, who was born in Windsor County, Vt., came to Will County, 111., in 1837, being the first of the family to remove west. Much of his after life was passed in New Lenox Township, where he cultivated a farm and was also active in local affairs. He died in 1876, at the age of sixty years, leaving a widow and three children who now reside in Joliet. The third son, Austin, was born in Vermont in 1819 and migrated to Illinois in 1839; here he spent the remaining years of his life, following the carpenter's trade and general farming until his death in 1890, at seventy-one years of age. Two daughters, Mary and Nancy, died in girlhood, and a son, Charles, born in 1826, came to Will County, 111., in 1839, and died here in 1856, at twenty-eight years of age. The only surviving member of the family is Miss Orauda Page, who has made her home in this county since 1839; she took care of her par- ents during their declining years, and has since continued to reside on her place of thirty acres in 334 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. New Lenox. During her young womanhood she taught two terms of school, and she has continued to the present to be deeply interested in educa- tional and literary work. As one of the pioneers of the comity she has shown great interest in its development and is justly proud of its high standing among the galaxy of the counties of the state. ^JEORGE B - DAVIS, one of the earliest set- — tiers of Channahon Township, was born in Ji Montgomery County, N. Y., May 7, 1821, a son of Joseph and Martha (Burlingame) Davis, of whose nine children he and his brother, Van Dyke, of Kankakee County, 111., are the sole survivors. His father, a native of Long Island, born in 1787, removed with his parents to Albany County, N. Y. , and after his marriage settled on a farm in Montgomery County. In 1824 he re- moved to Rensselaer County, and from there, in 1836, turned his face westward to Illinois. In the fall of that year he came to Channahon Township, Will County, and in the spring of the next year his family joined him here. A short time later he purchased a tract of land. How- ever, before he had moved to his new home he was taken ill and died September 30, 1838. His parents, Ezekiel and Lois (Tripp) Davis, were probably natives of Long Island, but there are no records concerning their birth. They moved to Albany County, N. Y., and lived upon a farm there until they passed away, in advanced years. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Roger and Elizabeth (Sweet) Burlingame, the latter a native of Rhode Island. The former was a sea captain in early life, but after his mar- riage he settled down to farming in Albany County, N. Y., where he died of yellow fever a few years later. At the time our subject came to this county he was sixteen years of age. After his father's death in 1838, he and his brothers carried on the farm. January 12, 1843, he married Miss Olive Comstock, a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., and the daughter of Alexander McGregor and Esther (Saltmarsh) Comstock. To their mar- riage eight children were born, four of whom are now living, namely: G. Henry, who for ten years has been storekeeper in the street car de- partment at Pullman, 111.; Sadie, at home; Oliver, a practicing physician and surgeon of Joliet; and Wilbur B., a farmer of Channahon Township. Two years after his marriage Mr. Davis pur- chased eighty acres of his present farm and set- tled thereon. He has been a progressive and energetic farmer. From time to time he added to his farm until it numbered two hundred and forty acres, but in recent years he has sold his son ninety-five acres, which leaves in his farm one hundred and forty-five acres. For years he was school director and also trustee of the school fund. He is an ardent Republican in politics. Not caring for elective offices, he has always re- fused to allow his name to be used as a candidate for any but minor offices. For forty years he has served as a trustee of the Methodist Church. He is one of the best known and most highly es- teemed men of Channahon Township, where his hospitality, genial disposition, upright life and generous nature have won him hosts of friends during the more than sixty years of his residence here. Mrs. Davis traces her lineage to the von Kom- stohk (or Comstock) family, of Frankfort-on- the-Main in Germany. Tradition states that the family was founded in America by three brothers from Wales or England, where the family had gone from Germany owing to their connection with some political strife that rendered further residence in their native land perilous. The lin- eage is traced back to a noble ancestry prior to 1547. William, who founded this branch of the family in America, settled in Wethersfield, and thence went to New London, Conn. His son, Samuel, had a son, Samuel, who was the father of Hezediah Comstock. The latter's son, Gid- eon, moved from Rhode Island to Connecticut. Adam, son of Gideon, was born in Rhode Island. He was a man of stalwart physique,, six feet in height, well proportioned and dignified, in de- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 335 porttnent grave and gentlemanly, well calculated to command the respect of all who approached him. Before the Revolution he was one of the king's justices of the peace and a major in his army. On the breaking out of the war, how- ever, he entered the American army, with the determination to use all his energies in the de- fense of his country. In the language of his biographer, " He was a soldier by nature, pow- erful in body, of undaunted courage, an enthusi- astic patriot, and a good disciplinarian. He had the confidence of Washington, who raised him to the rank of colonel in the continental line. At the brilliant victory of Red Bank he was the officer of the day; alternately with General Smith of Maryland, he commanded at the successful defense of Mud Fort (now Fort Mifflin). He also shared the various sufferings of his brave companioiis-in-armsat Valley Forge. After this, from a domestic affliction, he resigned his com- mission, which General Washington reluctantly accepted, giving him an honorable discharge from the army." Soon after the close of the war Colonel Corn- stock was elected to the legislature of his native state. In 1785 he moved to Schenectady, N. Y. One year later he purchased and moved to a farm in Greenfield (now Corinth) Township, Sara- toga County, where he made his home up to the time of his death. While a citizen of New York he was for many years a member of the New York assembly and senate, in which bodies he exercised a controlling influence by reason of his recognized ability. For many years he was a judge of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Saratoga, to which office he was peculiarly adapted. He was not bred to the pro- fession of law, but his strong mind and investi- gating habits, his sound judgment and compe- tent knowledge of science, were abundantly mani- fest in his judicial opinions. He died April 10, 1819. Rev. Alexander McGregor Comstock, M. D., was born in Greenfield Township, Saratoga County, N. Y., September 9, 1788, and was one of the seventeen children of Adam and Margaret (McGregor) Comstock. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister, a graduate in medicine, and a farmer. During the war of 18 12 he served as a surgeon. He was a man of unusual intellec- tual powers and industrious habits. His life seemed to be squared by the proverb, " Whatso- ever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might." In each of his three vocations he met with success. In 1835 he made his first trip to Illinois. The next year he brought his family to Joliet, where he practiced medicine and acted as a local minister. In 1837 he settled on a farm in Troy Township, but in 1841 returned to Joliet, where he died July 9, 1854. In politics he was a Whig. He married Esther Saltmarsh, who was born of Holland descent, in Columbia County, N. Y. , and died in Joliet in 1874. They had six children, five of whom came to Joliet, and four attained maturity: Mrs. Olive Davis; Adam; Mary, who lives in Joliet; and Grover, who died in this city. The only surviving son, Adam Comstock, is a well-known civil engineer and surveyor of Joliet. A. M. Comstock, M. D., had a brother, Rev. O. C. Comstock, M. D., who was a man of remarkable gifts and attain- ments. Besides being a minister in the Baptist Church and a practicing physician, he was a member of the New York legislature, a judge, a member of congress and the chaplain of that body for some years. ©GJlLLIAM F. HUTCHINSON, of Joliet, I A/ came to tn ' s c ^y * a the fall of 1886 as V V deputy county clerk under H. H. Stossen, continuing in that capacity for two terms. In the fall of 1894, on the Republican ticket, he was elected to the office by a majority of twenty-two hundred and eighty-five. Four years later he was re-elected by a majority of over three thou- sand, which was the largest vote ever polled for a county clerk in Will County. As clerk he has been systematic in his work, energetic, and at- tentive to every detail, and has won the con- fidence of the voters of the county. He is also serving as clerk of the board of supervisors, and, 336 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. under the new law, is a member of the board of review. During his residence in Monee he was for fourteen years treasurer of Monee Township, and, on the incorporation of the village of Monee, served for one term as clerk of the village board. The Hutchinson family originated in England, but has been represented in America since Puri- tan times, and one of its most distinguished members w T as Governor Hutchinson, a colonial governor of Massachusetts. Rev. William Hutch- inson, our subject's father, was a son of Ebenezer Hutchinson and was born in New Hampshire, where his active life was spent in the Congrega- tional ministry. He died at Plainfield, that state, in 1842, when he was forty-eight years of age. His wife, who had died in the fall of 1835, bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Abbott and was born in New Hampshire of an old family of New England. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter, of whom the latter, Martha, died at sixteen years. Joseph, who re- sides in Waterbury, Vt., served in a Vermont cavalry during the Civil war, and was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison until exchanged. Merrill, who was a protege of one of the early governors of Ohio, enlisted from that state in the Civil war and served as a lieutenant; he died in Burlington, Vt. William F. was born at Dalton, Coos County, N. H., April 1, 1833. From an early age he was self-supporting, earning the money necessary for his education in the St. Johnsbury (Vt.) Academy, where he completed the regular course of study. He then taught for a year in Columbus, Ohio. In 1855 he came to Illinois, where he first taught in Greengarden, Will County, and then at Monee, being principal of the latter school for seven years. For two years he was connected with Fairbanks & Co., as com- mercial traveler, aad then entered the store as a bookkeeper, where he remained until 1879. Afterward he was principal of the school until 1886, the time of his removal to Joliet. Frater- nally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M. During the Civil war he was chairman of the local division of the Union League. Reared in the Whig faith, he became a free soiler and, in 1856, affiliated with the Republican party upon its organization in Illinois. He is chairman of the board of deacons of the Central Presbyterian Church. While in Monee he was for fourteen years superintendent of the Union Sunday-school. In Batavia, Ohio, Mr. Hutchinson married Miss Virginia Bryan, who was born in that city and died in Joliet in 1897. They were the parents of six children, namely: Bryan, who is a deputy county clerk; Gertrude, who died in this county; Merrill, of Chicago; Maud, who acts as one of the deputy county clerks; Edwin, who died at twenty years of age; and Bertram, who is a coal and feed merchant in Joliet. The sec- ond marriage of Mr. Hutchinson took place in Kankakee on the last day of 1898 and united him with Miss Mary L. Easterbrooks, who was born in Rhode Island, of an old New England family, and was for some years successfully engaged in educational work in this county. wwosffv of «awo« cc ! ~h^^. I 6^LLJ— GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 339 ALFRED VAN FLEET. 61 LFRED VAN FLEET, president of the Van LA Fleet Manufacturing Company of Joliet, J ) was born near Fairview, Fulton Count}', 111., January 14, 1843. He is a descendant of a family that emigrated from Holland in an early day and settled in New York and New Jersey. His grandfather, Henry Van Fleet, was born in the latter state, near Flemington, in 1763, and followed agricultural pursuits in his native lo- cality. David Van Fleet, who was born on the family homestead in 1813, came west about 1834 and settled in Fulton County, 111., of which he was among the earliest settlers. Later he re- moved to the vicinity of Aurora, where he was a pioneer farmer. For many years he served as township supervisor. Besides his farm he also had a blacksmith's shop. His last years were spent near Sandwich, 111., where he died. The wife of David Van Fleet was Maria, daughter of Capt. Henry Dolliver, and a sister of Rev. James Dolliver, whose son, Hon. Prentice Dolliver, is a congressman from Iowa. She was born in New Jersey and died in Kansas. Her father, who always followed the sea, during the war of 18 1 2 tendered the cotton on his vessels to General Jackson at the time of the battle of New Orleans. Later, while on his way to New York, he was captured by the British and held a prisoner in Dartmore prison, England, until the close of the war, his papers meantime having been taken from him so that he could not prove his property. The family of David and Maria Van Fleet con- sisted of five children, of whom three sons and one daughter survive, namely: W. H., a ma- chinist, connected with the Van Fleet Manu- facturing Company; V. D., who is also a ma- chinist in Joliet; Alfred; and Mrs. Cornelia Gruder, of Kansas. Reared upon a farm in Dekalb County, the subject of this sketch received public-school ad- vantages. In July, 1 86 1, he enlisted in Com- pany K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and was mus- tered in at St. Charles, 111., and assigned to the army of the Potomac. He took part in all the engagements of his regiment during the penin- sular campaign, including Antietam, Fredericks- burg, Wilderness, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania and the siege of Petersburg. During the battle of Frederick City he was struck by a shell and slightly wounded, and at the same time his horse was killed. For bravery in the service he was commissioned sergeant. After the grand review, in which he took part, he was ordered to Mexico, but when on the frontier the trouble subsided, and his regiment was mustered out in St. Louis August 22, 1865. On returning home he bought a farm in Dekalb County and continued to cul- tivate the place until 1868. He then removed to Ames, Story Count}', Iowa, and bought one hundred and sixty acres, which he farmed for six years. Afterward he worked at the car- penter's trade in Kelley, the same county, and also carried on a wagon and blacksmith's shop, and operated a threshing machine. During the winter of 1876-77 Mr. Van Fleet became interested in the barb wire business. A man in Ames made barb wire by twisting the wire and putting on the barbs by hand. Con- cluding it could be done by machine, our subject began to work, and succeeded in devising a ma- 34° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. chine that answered the purpose, and by which eight to ten spools could be made a day. This was the first machine ever made by which the wire could be manufactured. He patented the invention, but did not develop it. In 1S7S he came to Joliet to engage in the manufacture of barb wire, and for several years had charge of the Lock Stitch Company. Later he was super- intendent under Paul Smith and also was super- intendent of the Joliet Manufacturing Company. While in the latter position he formed the firm of Van Fleet & Shreffler. He improved a machine, which he patented about 1880', and then sold the patent to Washburn & Moen. In 1S85 he re- signed as superintendent of the Joliet Manu- facturing Company and started a machine shop on Desplaines street. When the drainage canal came through in 1898, he bought his present lo- cation, 50x130 feet, and put in a forty horse- power eugiue. At this place, No. 513-515 Second avenue, he has since engaged in the manufacture of wire machinery and wire goods of all kinds. The products of the factory are shipped to all parts of the woild. The plant is owned by him and his son, Elon J., jointly, he being president and his son secretary and treasurer of the com- pany. In political views Mr. Van Fleet is a Republi- can, and in religion is connected with Central Presbyterian Church. The local post of the Grand Army has his name enrolled among its members. While living in Aurora he married Miss Emma Bullock, who was born in New York state and died in Joliet in 1885. Of the five children born to their union, three are living, a son, Elon J., and two daughters, Grace, and Mrs. Mary Hunt, of South Dakota. EHRISTOPHER J. SMITH, township com- missioner of highways, and a resident of Joliet since 1867, was born in Fallsburg, Sullivan County, N. Y., September 23, 1847, a sou of James and Mary (Flood) Smith, natives of Ireland. His parents, after the birth of one son, emigrated to the United States and settled in New York state, where the mother died in Ellensville. Of their eleven children, all but two attained ma- ture years. The oldest son, John, now living in Warren, Pa., enlisted in the Union army as a member of a New York regiment of cavalry and served until its close. Three sons, Christopher J., Philip and Michael, are residents of Joliet, and William is at home. The earl}' years of our subject's life were passed in Fallsburg, where he was educated in the public schools. He was engaged as a team- ster connected with a tannery. After his mar- riage he came to the west, arriving in Joliet in 1867, and securing employment with the Joliet Gas Company. Later he was employed in the building of the first rolling-mill in this city, and after its completion he secured work in the mill, continuing there for twelve years. On the erec- tion of the steel mill he became a hooker in it, and so helped to roll the first iron and first steel rails. He assisted in organizing the Roll Hands' Union, which became connected with the Amal- gamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, and he continued an active member of the same until he quit the business. The next enterprise with which Mr. Smith was connected was the bottling business, which he conducted on Collins street for six years, mean- time building up a good trade. He then turned the business over to his son, who has since car- ried it on. During the last term of Mayor Kelly he received the appointment of superintendent of streets, which position he held for two years. He then turned his attention to general contracting, and built a number of sewers on Stone, Ruby, Jackson and Marion streets, having the contract for four and one-half miles of water-mains; also for man) r streets, grading, etc. The Democratic party has always received the allegiance of Mr. Smith, who is a thorough be- liever in the principles which it represents. On the party ticket, in the spring of 1S98, he was elected township highway commissioner for a term of three years, and is now president of the board. The position consumes his time and at- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 34i tention, to the exclusion of outside interests. He is filling the office in a manner highly satisfactory to all concerned, and is proving a reliable, trust- worthy public official. Twice he was elected alderman from the First ward, filling the office for four years, and he also served as assistant su- pervisor for one term. For many years he has been treasurer of the Ancieut Order of Hiber- nians, and he is also receiver in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is connected with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, in the building of which he took an active part, and he also aided generously in the erection of the academy. Mr. Smith was one of the first to build on Col- lins street, and still resides at No. 801, where he has a neat and comfortable home. He was mar ried in Ellensville, N. Y. , to Miss Bridget Moran, who came from Ireland to America with her father, Conner Moran, and settled at Neversink, N. Y. Four children were born of their mar- riage, namely: John C, who has charge of the bottling business established by his father; Thomas V., who is connected with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad; Ellen M.,a graduate of St. Mary's Academy and Normal School; and now a teacher in the Chicago public schools; and George P., a plumber employed with the Federal Steel Company. (] OSEPH PEART. Those who are reared in I mining districts almost invariably follow the Q) occupation of the people around them. Mr. Peart has been no exception to this rule. A min- er's son, and born in the mining regions of Coun- ty Durham, England, April 15, 1830, he was employed in boyhood as a digger in the coal mines of his native place. September 25, 1854, he landed in Boston, and from there proceeded to Zanesville, Ohio, where he was employed in mines for eighteen months. The year 1856 found him in Illinois. For two years he worked in the lead- ing mines of La Salle County. He then went to Felix Township, Grundy County, and secured work in the mines there. When he came to Will County, in 1868, he decided to enter a different occupation, and so purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Wilmington Township and em- barked in farming and stock-raising. However, after eight years of farm life he sold his place and came to Braid wood, which was then a new and small mining camp. From that time until 1887 he was connected with the mines of the Chi- cago & Wilmington Coal Company, a part of the time acting as foreman of the gang. After fifty years, that were almost wholly devoted to mining pursuits, he retired from active labors in 1887. He had entered the mines of England, a child of seven years, in a very humble position. He left the mines of Braidwood, a man of fifty-seven years, after having worked his way to a respon- sible and remunerative position. He had early in life showed a determination to make his way in the world; and, although his education was limited and his advantages few, he acquired val- uable information in the school of experience and became a well-informed man. During these long years of labor he gained a competency, and in 1883 he built a two-story residence on Round house avenue, where he is now enjoying a rest from his former cares. Those who are acquainted with Mr. Peart thoroughly understand his political views. He is known to be a decided Republican, stanch in his allegiance to party. For four years he was an alderman, and for three terms, of two years each, held office as mayor of Braidwood. Dur- ing his service as mayor many improvements were introduced, and he was one of the first to champion the cinder sidewalks. For six years he served as a school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen; Braidwood Lodge No. 704, A. F. & A. M. ; Wilmington Chapter, R. A. M., and Joliet Commandery, K. T. In 1859 Mr. Peart married Ellen Baxter, who was born in this county. They have one daugh- ter, Mary Ada, now the wife of Henry A. Fos- ter, of Pontiac, 111. Mrs. Peart is a member of the Eastern Star, and takes an active part in its work. Her father, William Baxter, a native of 342 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Scotland, immigrated to America about 1830 and settled at Mount Savage, Allegany County, Md. He was a practical miner and civil engineer, and surveyed many an acre of coal land in Allegany County. In 1848 he came west, settling in Will County, and afterward engaging in surveying on the Illinois and Michigan canal. He made an estimate of the cost of building the entire canal, and it later developed that his estimate was very close to the actual cost. On completing his sur- veying he settled on a farm in Florence Township, and in 1852 he died on that place. His wife, like himself, a native of Scotland, bore the maiden name of Ellen Somerville. She died in Florence Township in 1866, at sixty-three years of age. The} f were the parents of six children, five of whom are living, namely: William, Mrs. Peart, Andrew, John C, and Mary, wife of Dr. Cook, of Hastings, Neb. (TAMES DUCKER. For many years one of I the county's most influential citizens, Mr. (2/ Ducker was a pioneer dry-goods merchant and long held a prominent place among the busi- ness men of northeastern Illinois. When he started in business on the corner of Clinton and Chicago streets, in 1874, his was the first dry- goods house on Chicago street; he continued to occupy Ducker's block, erected by himself, until his death, and meantime built up a very large trade in dry-goods, clothing and carpets. While he was in some respects conservative, yet in busi- ness matters he was progressive, and he al- ways led in matters bearing favorably upon the welfare of the people or the development of local interests. With Hon. George H. Munroe he took an active part in the building of the Joliet theatre, and for a time was president of the com- pany that erected the building. He also bought the old Exchange hotel site, adjoining Barrett's hardware store, on Chicago street, where he had a frontage of sixty-six feet. So high was the opinion in which others held him as a merchant that after the Chicago fire he was offered a part- nership in the firm of Marshall Field & Co. , with the position of foreign buyer, but he had left England on account of its unhealthful climate and felt it inadvisable to return to that country, so declined the tempting offer. During early days his opinion in regard to goods and purchases was often sought by western merchants, notably Marshall Field & Co. The life which this narrative sketches began in Epworth, England, October 27, 1823, and closed in Joliet December 16, 1885. The Ducker family in a remote period migrated from Holland to England, where subsequent generations became prominent. James and Maria Ducker lived upon a farm at Epworth and were members of the So- ciety of Friends. Their son, James, Jr., who forms the subject of this article, was apprenticed to the dry-goods business in Hull at fifteen years of age and served for five years, after which he worked for wages. In 1852 became to America, hoping that the change would benefit his health. After a short time in Chicago he settled upon a farm in Frankfort Township, this county. One year on a farm convinced him that agriculture was not his forte in life. His crops were de- stroyed by hail and he gained nothing except ex- perience. In 1853 he started one of the first stores in Mokena and during the twenty-one years of his residence there he became a prosper- ous merchant and large grain dealer. After he had been in America for a time two of his brothers crossed the ocean to seek homes here. One of them, George, is now engaged in ranching near Red Cloud, Neb., and the other, William B., died in Nebraska. In 1874 Mr. Ducker removed from Mokena to Joliet and began business in the block he had erected the preceding year. It had been his intentien to rent the building and settle in Chicago, but, owing to the block being remote from the business center, it was impossible to se- cure a tenant, and he therefore decided to engage in business himself. His success was steady and encouraging, and continued without a break until his death. He was never active in politics, al- though he kept posted concerning national issues and voted with the Republicans. In religious GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 343 belief he was a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife is a member of the Universalist Church. In Chicago, in 1854, Mr. Ducker married Jen- nette Allison, who was born in Glasgow, Scot- land, a daughter of John and Jane (Mason) Alli- son, natives of Paisley, Scotland. She was third among six children, five of whom are living, all but herself living in Sterling, Whiteside Count y, 111. She was reared in Scotland and was twenty years of age when, in 1853, she came to Illinois. Her father, and grandfathers, James Allison and George Mason, were all manufacturers of shawls in Paisley, and the last-named was a prominent Presbyterian elder. She built the residence which she occupies, at No. 507 Union street. In her family there are five children living: James W., a merchant in Mokena; Maria J., wife of Dr. Lewis Beck, a physician in Red Cloud, Neb.; George A., who is represented on another page; John J., a merchant of Joliet; and Jessie M., wife of John S. Luthy, of Chicago, a trusted man in Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co. 's wholesale house. EAPT. GEORGE O. CLINTON. The life which this narrative sketches began in Wau- kesha, Wis., August 21, 1839, in the home of Edmund and Amanda (Conkey) Clinton. There were seven sous in this family, namely: Albert T. , who is agent for the United States Ex- press Company in LaCrosse, Wis. ;" Henry P., who served as quartermaster in the "Iron" Brigade, the Seventh Wisconsin Infantry, dur- ing the Civil war, and died while in the service; Edson C, deceased, who was a well-known lum- berman at Brodhead, Wis.; Charles W., who was lieutenant of the First Wisconsin Cavalry in the Civil war, and died in a hospital at Nashville; George O.; Edmund D., Jr., deceased; and De- Witt C, a commercial salesman, representing the Ryan Mercantile Company of St. Paul. Edmund D. Clinton, Sr., a native of Vermont, accompanied his parents to St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , in childhood, and there learned the black- smith's trade. In 1831 he removed to Ohio and in 1836 to Milwaukee, Wis., thence to Wauke- sha a year later. In 1856 he located the town site of Brodhead, where he afterward made his home. During his residence in Waukesha he was one of the contractors who built the Mil- waukee & Mississippi Railroad, the first railroad built in Wisconsin. After its construction he was made a director of the company, and continued to be closely associated with the construction of the entire system up to the time of the absorption of the road by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul corporation, when he retired from the directorate. His last years were spent in retirement from busi- ness, although he had a number of important in- terests and continued to be a busy man to the last. He and his wife were earnest Christians. They founded the first Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee, subsequently organized the first Con- gregational Church in Waukesha, and, on removing to Brodhead, they were two of the twenty-nine charter members of the First Con- gregational Church of that place. For years he officiated as a deacon in the church. His father, Henry, a native of Connecticut, was a descendant of Puritan stock, as was also his mother, who was a Miss Darrow; the latter lived to be ninety-seven years of age. Prior to eighteen years of age our subject at- tended the academy and Carroll College in Wau- kesha. He then became brakeman with the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad, and a year later was made conductor. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in Com- pany E, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, his name being enrolled in the ranks August 15, 1861, and he was mustered in September 14. He remained on duty at Janesville, Wis., until December, where he was commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of the Third Battalion, First Wisconsin Cavalry; he was made regimental adjutant March 24, 1862, and captain of Company B September 26, 1862. The regiment was organized at Ripon and Kenosha, Wis., and mustered into service March 10, 1862, reporting at Benton Barracks, Mo., March 17, and remaining there until April 28, when they were attached to Vandervere's 344 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. corps, department of Missouri, and operated in southeastern Missouri from April to October of that year. From May, 1S63, to October, 1864, they were in the army of the Cumberland. Or- dered to Cape Girardeau, Mo., April 28, 1862, they assisted in scout and patrol duty in that dis- trict until the expedition to Bloomfield in Octo- ber. May 14-15 they took part in the action at Chalk's Bluff, then accompanied an expedition to Madison, Ark.; July 9-22 were in action at Scat- terville, Ark.; July 10, at Arkansas Bluff; July 11, at Madison; July 22, at West Prairie, Mo.; July 23, with the compaign against Porter's and Poiutdexter's guerillas; July 25, September io, at Bloomfield as headquarters; July 29, at Jones- boro, Ark.; August 2-3, Jackson and Seatterville; August 3, in camp at Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Oc- tober 4, Bloomfield; thence to Greenville and Patterson, Mo.: on duty at West Plains, Pilot Knob and Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; in April, 1863, at White Water River; April 24, Cape Girardeau; April 5-27, Castor River; April 29, Bloomfield; April 30, ordered to join army of the Cumberland at Nashville, Tenn.: May 1, in action at Triune; June 19, in the Tullahoma -campaign; at Rover June 23; Middletown, June 24; Guy's Gap, June 27; occupation of Tullahoma, July 1; at Huntsville and Fayetteville until August 15; and at Larkinsville, Ala., until August 31 ; in the Chattanooga campaign from September to November; at Graysville, September 10; Craw- fish, September iS; took part in the following en- gagements: Chickamauga, September 19-20; Rossville Gap, September 21 ; pursuit of Wheeler, October 10; Anderson's Cross Roads, October 2; Maysville, Ala., October 13; after which he was at camp in Winchester until November 20, and then was detached on recruiting service at Madi- son, Wis., from December, 1863, to February, 1864. Returning south, he was at Cleveland, Tenn., April 2-13; took part in the Atlanta cam- paign; was at Red Clay, Ga., May 3: Tunnel Hill, May 7; Buzzard's Roost Gap, May 8; Var- nell's Station, May 9; and was captured near Dalton, Ga., May 9, and made a prisoner of war, being confined at Atlanta and Macon, Ga., and Charleston, S. C. He was one of three hun- dred officers, the first Union men to be placed under fire of their own guns. He was exchanged at Rough and Ready, Ga., September 26, 1864, and was mustered out October 28 of the same year, and honorably discharged from the service. Although the highest title our subject won in war was that of captain, he is always addressed as "colonel," although, disliking to " sail under false colors," he has disclaimed all right to that title; but, one day shortly after his return from the front, he was met by a newspaper man, who addressed him as " colonel," and on being told he was not entitled to that rank, the man replied that he would at once commission him colonel. From that day to this he has been known by his hon- orary title. On his return home he was for two years en- gaged in buying stock and grain. In 1S66 he built a portion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road in Iowa. In 1867 he went to Kansas and contracted to build fourteen miles of the Union Pacific Railroad near Fort Hays. While there eight of his men were killed and fourteen head of stock were captured by the Indians. His next work was lumbering in Wisconsin, after which, with his father-in-law and others, he built the Madison & Portage Railroad, now a part of the St. Paul system. On the completion of the road he took a position in the operating depart- ment of the same, and for three years made his headquarters in Milwaukee. He then went to Chicago and had charge of the terminal of the Wabash system, also was local freight agent for the road for one year. Later, for ten months, he was superintendent of the St. Louis bridge and union depot. For fifteen months he was super- intendent of the Rio Grande division of the Texas Pacific Railroad. During this time he had charge of building the roundhouse and eighteen sub- stantial buildings (eating houses and stations). In 1884 he returned to Chicago as superintend- ent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road. He was in charge of the Chicago & Mil- waukee division, the Chicago & Council Bluffs division and the Chicago & Evanston division. After five years he resigned to accept the general superiutendency of the construction of the Elgin, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 345 Joliet & Eastern Railroad, with which he re- mained for five years. Since then he has been interested in a railroad contract in the Indian Territory, and the Mineral Point & Northern Railroad in southwest Wisconsin. By other rail- road officials he is quoted as one of the most efficient transportation men in the United States. There is not a detail of the business with which he is unfamiliar. The many important positions he has held have been filled with a sagacity, en- ergy and intelligence that gave him a high place with company officials. November 6, i860, Captain Clinton married Miss Charlotte Campbell, who was born in Albany, N. Y., a daughter of James and Lorinda (Hill) Campbell. Her father was for some years a farmer, but later engaged in railroad building with his son-in-law. A native of Pennsylvania, born February 19, 18 14, he moved to Albany in 1S37, and in later years came west to Wisconsin. He died in Madison, that state, in 1883. His wife was born February 2, 18 18, and died February 4, 1900. He was a descendant of Robert Camp- bell, who came to the United States in 17 19 and died in Connecticut six years later. Captain and Mrs. Clinton are the parents of three children: Charles Arba, who is the Chicago representative of the Blanke Coffee Company of St. Louis; Edith L. , wifeof John Tuttle, a jeweler in Chicago; and James Campbell, who is cashier in the Morgan & Wright Tire Company, of Chicago. Captain Clinton is a member of Bicknell Lodge No. 94, A. F. & A. M., at Brodhead; Wisconsin Com- maudery No. 1, at Milwaukee; and is also con- nected with the Loyal Legion of Milwaukee, and George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R. 5) EORGE W. FLAGG, a well-known farmer _ and stockman residing in Plainfield, is a >_J member of one of the earliest pioneer fami- lies in this village and was himself born here Jul}' 2 5> 1 %37- His father, Reuben, a native of Ver- mont, grew to manhood on a farm and learned the stone mason's trade in his youth. In that state he married Betsey Kendall, a woman of un- usual business capacity and one well fitted to cope with the hardships of pioneer existence. After the birth of two children they sought a home in the then far west. When they arrived in Plain- field, in 1830, they found three white families here. The surroundings were those of primeval nature. Little effort had been made to reclaim the land from its original wildness. Mr. Flagg took up a claim one mile south of Plainfield and settled on that place. At the land sale in 1S36 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres one mile east of Plainfield; this property he improved and placed under cultivation, making of it a valuable farm. During the winter of 1831 he hauled the first hog ever taken to Chicago; it was during the progress of the first Methodist convention held in that city and the pork was presented to an old preacher, Mr. Biggs, who lived there at the time. In 1833 ne hauled from Plainfield to Chicago the lumber that was used in the construction of the first frame house in the latter city. During the Black Hawk war he en- listed under General Scott and served until the Indians were conquered. During the progress of the war his family remained for a time in the log fort at Plainfield, but subsequently went to Fort Dearborn, which afforded greater protection to the whites. When the war ended they returned to their cabin home. They were gratified to find, on their return, that, although there was an In- dian village near by, the red men had shown a friendly spirit and had not stolen anything from them. During the existence of the Whig party Mr. Flagg upheld its principles. Upon its disin- tegration he identified himself with the Repub- lican part}'. He held various local offices, and the county records show that he was the first jus- tice of the peace in Plainfield, holding the office several years. He was fairly successful in life, and at his death, in 1S71, left a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. More than half of his life of sixty-nine years was spent in this county, and it was his privilege to witness the remarkable growth of the county and the development of its resources. His wife, who, like himself, was a 346 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Universalist in religious belief, died in Plainfield in 1876. Of their children the two born in Ver- mont, Kendall and Sarah, died in this county. Samautha, who was born in September, 1830, was the first white child born in what was then Cook Count}', including all the land between Lake Michigan and Ottawa; she died when fort}- years of age. Prudence married David Holden and both are now deceased. Benjamin Franklin and Henry C. are deceased. William H. resides in Plainfield, N. Y.; Loraine, Mrs. James Radney, died in Iowa. Mary is deceased, and Lucy is the wife of Henry Howe, of Portland, Ore. The sixth member of the family was George W., the subject of this sketch. He was reared amid the pioneer influences of this locality. At the breaking out of the Civil war he was deter- mined to enlist in the Union army, and Septem- ber, 1 86 1, found his name enrolled as first lieu- tenant of Company K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, in which he served until the spring of 1862. The hardships of army life and its attending exposures brought on hemorrhage of the lungs and he was obliged to resign his commission, after having done some good service as guard in the vicinity of Alexandria. Realizing that the state of his health necessitated a change of climate, he went to Greeley, Colo., where he secured employment with Governor Eaton in herding cattle on the range between Denver and Cheyenne. For more than four years he remained in the west. The outdoor exercise in the pure, invigorating air of Colorado restored him to health. On his return home he engaged in farming on a place he had purchased near Plainfield. From time to time he added to his place until he is now the owner of six hundred acres, comprising one of the finest farms in the county. Since 1872 he has made his home in the village, carrying on the farm with the aid of his son. Much of his attention is given to the buying and feeding of cattle, in which work he has been quite successful. November 17,1861, Mr. Flagg married Miss M. A. Colgrove, daughter of Lester Colgrove, a farmer of this township. They have two sons, the older, George K., being a farmer, and the younger, Jerome F., a grocer in Plainfield. Both in principle and in politics Mr. Flagg is a stanch Prohibitionist and gives his influence toward the progress of that party. He is connected with the Grand Army Post in his home town. Mr. Flagg owes his prosperity to industry and frugality, and the lessons of his life are worth emulating by the younger generation. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS /hd^LyAp^ ftfsJv*"^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 347 MARK W. HUNT. V/lARK W. HUNT, one of the earliest set- Y tiers of Frankfort Township, was born in (f$ Somersetshire, England, March 7, 1830. When eighteen years old he immigrated to Amer- ica, sailing on the good ship "Isaac Wright" and arriving in New York after a voyage of six weeks. He had but $5 in his possession, but he was young and strong and had no fear for the future. Pro- ceeding via the lakes to Chicago, he came from there by team to this county, landing on Hickory Creek July 3, 1848. He at once secured employ- ment on a farm, being first in this township and afterward in New Lenox. When the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California reached him he determined to seek his fortune in the far west. In 1852 he returned to New York, where he boarded a vessel bound for California. Reaching the Pacific coast he remained there for almost three years, being engaged in mining and teaming in the Sacramento Valley. The year 1855 found him back in Will County, he having re- turned via Panama, and soon afterward, with the earnings of his western trip, he bought a tract of timber land on section 12, New Lenox Township. Here he began the life of a farmer. In 1857 he bought a farm in Frankfort Town- ship and took up his residence on this property. The original size was eighty acres. Subsequently he bought one hundred acres in New Lenox Township on the town line, and for almost thirty years he resided on this place, following general fanning and stock-raising. He made a specialty of raising Norman horses and Poland-China hogs. With both of these he was more than ordinarily successful. Frequently he placed his stock on exhibition at fairs and received premiums on the same. From all over the county men came to him to buy stock for breeding purposes. As a stock-raiser no one in the township was more suc- cessful than he. His reputation was that of a progressive stockman, whose experience in the business made his opinion very valuable. In 1878 he bought an eighty-acre farm in Joliet Township. In 1889 he moved from his farm into Frankfort Station, where he owns a ten- acre tract of land. His landed possessions aggregate three hundred and twenty-five acres, all of which bears good improvements and represents the fruits of a lifetime of toil. The success he has attained is the more remarkable when it is remembered that he landed in this country with only $5, a stranger in a strange laud, and without friends or relatives to assist him in getting a start. While he is not a partisan and does not care to identify himself with public affairs, Mr. Hunt is well posted concerning politics and affiliates with the Republican party. He is interested in edu- cational affairs and for a number of years served on the school board. In religion his sympathies are toward the doctrines of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, with which his wife is connected and toward which he contributes. In 1856 he was united in marriage with Martha B., daughter of Rev. Francis Owen, an early settler of Frankfort Township and for many years a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. This marriage was blessed with five children, named as follows: Addie, a well-known teacher in Will County schools; Neva, who is teaching school in Mis- souri; Lottie, wife of Peter Folkers; Wilber A., who is in Joliet; and Francis J., a farmer in South Dakota. Rev. Francis Owen was born in Kentucky Sep- tember 19, 1797, a son of James Owen, of Welsh 34S GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. parentage. He was one of a large family of chil- dren, all of whom were born and reared in Ken- tucky. He was a good farmer and came to Will County, 111., in 1S34, settling in what is now Frankfort Township, where he owned a farm of over one hundred acres of good land. His wife was Kezia Wright, a daughter of Rev. William Wright, a native of Virginia and a local Method- ist Episcopal preacher. He had fifteen children who reached maturity. In 1S05 he moved his family to Kentucky. The progenitor of this family, William Wright, was born in London, England. Rev. Francis Owen was a preacher of considerable local fame and his exemplary life was a blessing to Frankfort Township, where he is held in loving remembrance. He died when over seventy years of age. His wife died Decem- ber 16, 1846, aged fifty- two years. They had nine children, and of these seven reached matur- ity. 30SEPH FERRIS PERRY was for some years connected with the educational interests of this county, first as a teacher and after- ward as county superintendent of schools, in both of which capacities he gave efficient service and general satisfaction. Having been fitted by a thorough education for the responsible work of training the young, he devoted himself to his duties with zeal, introducing methods of instruc- tion that proved advantageous to the schools and keeping constantly in touch with ever}- advance made in pedagogy. The schools of the county are still reaping the benefit of his faithful and in- telligent labors. In the early days of our country's history the Perry family lived in Connecticut, and were known through their connection with the coasting trade. In the French and Indian and the Revolutionary wars they were well represented. Joseph Perry, our subject's grandfather, was a seafaring man, and rose to be shipmaster of a vessel engaged in the West India trade. During his last voyage his ship was wrecked and he received injuries from which he died. His son, Dr. Joseph Perry, was a native of Connecticut and a graduate of the old New York Medical College. He was a col- onel of a Fairfield County militia regiment, and one of the progressive men in the company. In 1854 he came to Illinois and settled in Crete, this county, where he engaged in practice until his death in 1887. Fraternally he was a Master Mason. He married Caroline, daughter of Hon. Robert Wilson, both natives of Fairfield, Conn. Her father, who was a farmer, was elected selectman in earl}- life and served until he was too old to continue in the office longer. For several years he was also a member of the Connecticut legisla- ture. He was the son of Robert Wilson, a Revo- lutionary soldier. Mrs. Caroline Perry is still living and makes her home with her only daugh- ter, Mrs. Mary Browne, in Englewood, 111. Her other children are as follows: Joseph F. ; David B. , of Ouincy, 111., who served in the One Hundred and Forty-first Illinois Infantry during the Civil war; Robert W. , who died in Montana; George E. , who graduated from the Annapolis naval academy and is now professor of military tactics and math- ematics at College Hill, Ohio; and Henry H., who lives near Minneapolis, Minn. The subject of this article was born in Fairfield, Conn., June 21, 1S46. He was eight years of age when the family settled in Crete, and his educa- tion was For some years carried on in the public schools of that village. He prepared for college at Bridgeport, Conn., and in 1866 matriculated in Yale College, from which he graduated in 1870 with the degree of A. B., the higher degree of A. M. being conferred upon him at a subsequent date. In 1S70-71 he engaged in teaching at Fair- field, Conn. A year later he accepted a position in the schools of Madison, 111., and from 1872 to 1874 was engaged in school work at Dolton. In 1874 he received an appointment as superinten- dent of the east side school in Joliet, and this position he held for three and one-half years, resigning in 1877 to accept the office of county superintendent of schools, to which he was elected on the Democratic ticket in a county that had be- fore given a Republican majority of more than a thousand. He continued in the office until De- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 349 cember, 1882, when he retired to private life, and the following month he accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Joliet Manufacturing Com- pany, in whose employ he has since remained, having been secretary of the company since 1893. In former years he served for several years as township trustee of schools for Joliet Township. He is connected with local lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows. The marriage of Mr. Perry, in Joliet, united him with Miss Elizabeth Bond, who was born in Wilmington, this county. She is a daughter of Samuel Bond, who was a native of England and served in the British arm}- when a young man, coming to Canada with his regiment and serving during the Rebellion there. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have four children, Joseph B., Howard S., Ralph G. and Margaret C. 3 AMES HALEY. One of the well-known livery establishments of Joliet is situated at Nos. 526-528 South Chicago street, and is owned and conducted by Mr. Haley. He has been engaged in business at his present location since March, 1S99, when he bought the lot and erected a large brick barn, using for the purpose money he had saved while in the real-estate busi- ness. Besides the horses he owns he gives especial attention to the care of the horses that he boards. His vehicles are modern and substan- tial, including rubber-tire buggies and a rubber- tire hack. Besides his livery business he owns five acres of land two miles southeast of Joliet. Our subject's father, John Haley, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, was married there in June, 1852, to Miss Ann O'Mara, of the same county. The day after their marriage they started for America. They sailed in the "John Bell," which consumed five weeks and three days in the voyage to Quebec. After spending three months in the latter city they came to Joliet. For a time Mr. Haley worked as brakeman on the railroad. Afterward he had charge of a work train. While filling that position he was acci- dentally run over by a train, receiving injuries that resulted in his death May 14 1874. His widow still resides in Joliet. They were the parents of eight children, but only two are living, James and Frank, the latter a dairyman in this city. The former was born in Joliet June 3, 1862, and received his education principally in paro- chial schools. When he was eleven years of age he began to support himself. His first work was carrying water for a gang of workmen on the Rock Island Railroad. Such other work as he could secure he was glad to accept. Of evenings he attended school, thus gaining a fair education. From fifteen until nineteen years of age he was employed as a section hand on the Rock Island road. For a similar period he was brakeman on a gravel train, after which, for sixteen years, he was foreman of a switch engine in Joliet. On retiring from the railroad business he engaged in the livery business, which he has since con- ducted. In 18S7 Mr. Haley married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of John and Ann (Furlong) O'Brien. Her parents were natives of Ireland and emigrated to America, settling in LaSalle, 111., where she was born; they are now deceased. By his mar- riage Mr. Haley has two children, Elizabeth and James F. The family are connected with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and Mr. Haley is a regular contributor to its work. He has never been active politically, although he is a pro- nounced Democrat and always supports with his ballot the principles of his party. 0ANIEL ROBERTSON, a pioneer of this county, residing at No. 206 North Broad- way, Joliet, was born six miles from Cazeno- via, Madison County, N. Y., May 11, 1821. He was one of four children who attained mature years, and of whom he and his brother, Robert, of San Bernardino, Cal., are the survivors. His father, Robert, was a son of John Robertson, a 35° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. farmer near Aberdeen, Scotland, who brought the family to America in 1802 and settled six miles from Cazenovia, N. Y., where he cleared a farm from the timber land. Upon his death the estate passed into the hands of his son Robert, • who was born in Scotland in 1787, served in the war of 1812, and died on the homestead at sixty- seven years of age. A man of energy he added to his possessions and became the owner of two hundred and fifty well-improved acres, which was a large farm for that section and day. He mar- ried Margaret, daughter of Daniel Robertson, a farmer near Aberdeen, Scotland, who brought the family to Madison County, N. Y., in 1803. Though bearing the same name the two Robert- son families were not related. Mrs. Robertson died in Madison County when forty-seven years of age. The boyhood years of our subject were passed on the home farm. In 1S53 he made his first trip to Illinois and bought land in the town of Plainfield, this county. The next year he re- turned, settling here permanently, and buying two hundred acres of land, on which he began to raise grain. He bought the first reaper in Plain- field that would throw the grain off in bundles, and it was one of the first of the kind in the eounty. Disposing of his farm in 1869 he settled in Plainfield and started in the grocer}- and hard- ware business, continuing there for several 3-ears. In 1878, leaving his two sons in business in that place, he settled in Joliet, and, in partnership with J. R. Ashley and H. B. Scutt, began to manufacture barb wire, the firm title being H. B. Scutt & Co. For five years the firm manu- factured barb and plain wire in the state peni- tentiary, and he was its superintendent part of the time. On the dissolution of the firm Mr. Robertson became a stockholder in the Ashley Wire Company. Since then he has superin- tended his private interests. In politics Mr. Robertson is independent. He was made a Mason in Plainfield Lodge, A. F. & A. M. His marriage took place in New York state and united him with Miss Helen Morrison, who was born there of Scotch descent. They became the parents of two sons, the older of whom, Albert L., died in 1897; the younger, Eugene R., is engaged in the beet raising busi- ness at Chino, Cal. The older son married Sallie A. McCloskey, a native of Plainfield, and they had one daughter, Helen Marie, who, with her mother, resides with Daniel Robertson. HORATIO COLLINS. The name of Mr. Collins is closely linked with that of Homer Township. Here he was born in 1840 and here his life has been passed. Parti y by his in- fluence and efforts the township has attained a place among the leading agricultural regions of the count}-. He has been active in extending its agricultural interests. The residence that he now occupies is situated within a quarter of a mile of the site of the log cabin where he was born. On the old family homestead he conducts general farm pursuits and stock-raising, and the two hundred and five acres of improved land pay an annual tribute to his careful oversight. The place has been subdivided into fields of convenient size for the raising of grain and the pasturage of stock, and buildings have been erected as needed. The Collins family has been represented in this county since 1S33, when our subject's father, Frederick (who was born in Tioga County, N. Y. , in 18 1 2), came west with his brother, Ad- dison Collins, Sr., and bought a large tract in what is now Homer Township, entering the land at the first land sale in Chicago in 1835. A por- tion of the eight hundred acres then entered by himself and brother is still in the possession of the family. He cleared his land and placed it un- der cultivation, afterward residing on it until his death, in 1897, at eighty-five years of age. Dur- ing the war he was a stanch supporter of the Union. In religion he was connected with the Congregational Church. He married Nancy White, who was born near Syracuse, N. Y., and is now living at Austin, 111., at eighty-five years of age. She is also a member of the Congrega- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 35i tional Church. They were the parents of three children, now living, Horatio, Mrs. Henry Hatch and Henry Bird. The paternal grand- father of our subject was Samuel Collins, a native of Connecticut, who about 1800 moved from Guilford, that state, to Tioga County, N. Y., and settled in a wilderness where the Indians and wild animals still roamed. The life of the subject of this article has been comparatively uneventful. Having always lived on the same farm, content to till the soil, with no desire to travel over the country or seek another home, his life has moved along quietly and hap- pily, its calm content unmarredby misfortune and vicissitude. Among the people in whose neigh- borhood his life has been passed he is highly esteemed as an upright man. In former years he worked with the Republican party, but his in- terest in the cause of prohibition led him to ally himself with the party pledged to the support of these principles. Both by example and precept he has given his influence toward the advance- ment of temperance principles. He is a Congre- gationalist, and, with his family, worships with the congregation at Homer. In 1874 he married Annie, daughter of Alexander Johnson, a native of Scotland. Mrs. Collins was born near Mont- real, Canada. She came to Will County with her parents in 1856 and was educated in the Will County schools. They have an only daughter, Clara. GlLFRED S. CALKINS, superintendent of Lj streets, and a well-known civil engineer of / I Joliet, is a member of an old eastern family, and a son of Almeron E. and Abigail J. (Stone) Calkins. His paternal grandfather, Chauncey W. Calkins, a native of New York state, became a pioneer on Gull Prairie, in Barry County, Mich., and was for a time engaged as an Indian trader and government agent. Later he removed to Al- legan, Mich., and carried on a dry-goods busi- ness in that city, where he is still living, though now retired from business cares. Born on Gull Prairie and reared in Allegan, Almeron E. Calkins has been a lifelong resident of Michigan. At the opening of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army, and was chosen captain of Company K, Eighth Michigan Cavalry, in which he served until 1865. For two terms he held the office of clerk of Allegan County, and he has held all of the city offices, having been the incumbent of some local office during almost his entire active life. A leading Democrat, he has been a mem- ber of the state Democratic central committee. He is also active in the Grand Army of the Re- public. He has been engaged in the milling business much of the time and has operated the Valley mills. His marriage united him with Abigail J. Stone, daughter of George W. Stone, whose sister was the mother of President Arthur. Mr. Stone was born in Vermont and in an early day settled in Allegan County, Mich., where he carried on a hardware business. The older of the two sons (of whom the younger, Dwight, is a practicing physician of Allegan), the subject of this sketch was born in Allegan, Mich., March 10, 1868. In 1884 he graduated from the high school of his native town, after which he spent a year in graduate work in the same school. In 1887 he matricu- lated in the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in civil engineering in 1891 with the degree of B. S. Returning to Allegan, he worked as a civil engineer there until February, 1892, when he came to Joliet, accepting a position with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, and continuing in construction work with that com- pany until August, 1893. At the latter date he ac- cepted the position of assistant engineer of Joliet, under O. R. Rauchfuss, continuing under the lat- ter's successor, George W. Brown, until 1899. In May of the latter year he was appointed super- intendent of streets by Mayor Mount, which office he has filled with efficiency. He also acted as as- sistant city engineer until September, 1899, when a new appointment was made. As superintendent he has been able, though with only a small force of men, to keep the streets of the city in excellent condition, and has received much praise for his efficient work. He takes an interest in fraternal 35 2 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. organizations and belongs to the Modern Wood- men of America, Knights of Khorissan and Knights of Pythias. In religion he is identified with the Episcopal Church. Since coming to Joliet he married Jessie G., daughter of Fred M. Howk, a justice of the peace and alderman from the seventh ward. They are the parents of one son, Robert Grant Calkins. EWIS J. HAMMOND, of Joliet, was born |C in Clear Creek, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., \ J December 22, 1826, a son of James and Ruby (King) Hammond. He was one of six sons and daughters, the others being John, of McGregor, Iowa; Ruby A., who married Alonzo Grover, and occupies the old homestead in New York; Caroline, Mrs. Freeman Towne, deceased; William, deceased, who was a soldier in the Civil war; and King J. The last-named, who was a highly educated man, came to Joliet early in the '40s and taught school here for some years. Afterward he was in charge of the Lock- port school, then taught in Wilmington, and later was the first teacher in the Plainfield Academy. For several years he was county superintendent of schools. His next enterprise was general merchandising at Plainfield, where he did a large business. Coming from that place to Joliet he was prominent in mercantile circles here for sometime. He died May 5, 1895. Twice mar- ried, his first wife was Rosamond W. Randall, a half-sister of Judge Randall, who was a lawyer of prominence in the early days of Joliet. She was a niece of Chancellor Walworth, who was an at- torney of national reputation, and whose law- books are regarded as an authority throughout the entire country. His second wife was Julia Briggs. Two children survive him by his first wife, Mrs. Rose Pilcherand Mrs. Carrie Rulifson, and four children by his second wife, Mrs. Lida B. Shaw, wife of Dr. John Bliss Shaw; Willard K., of Joliet; Mrs. Alice Flinn, of St. Paul; and Dr. Charles L. Hammond. Mrs. Julia (Briggs) Hammond was a native of Ohio. She became a teacher in early life, and was a Christian woman of rare excellence of character, honored and be- loved by all who knew her. The Hammond family was founded in America by three brothers who came from England to America in an early day and settled in Rhode Island. The daughter of one of the brothers was afterward married to William Penn. Our subject's grandfather, Joseph Hammond, was born at Cramson, Providence County, R. I., March 9, 1767. He was married January 20, 1793, to Anna Talbot, a Scotch lady. Early in the '20s he moved to York state. The last four- teen years of his life were spent in the home of his son James, and there he died when eighty years of age. He was a man of temperate hab- its, never using tobacco or stimulants in any form. His Testament was his constant compan- ion, and his life was moulded in accordance with its teachings. In his family there were six chil- dren, James, John, Nancy, Daniel, Joseph and Eliza, all deceased except Eliza, Mrs. Amos Sage. James Hammond was born in Foster, Provi- dence County, R. I., January 14, 1794. When he was fifteen his parents removed to Norwich, Chenango County, N. Y. He received a good education and became an expert mathematician. For forty years he taught in public schools. While living in Norwich he married Miss King, who was born in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass., September 29, 1797. Early, in the '20s he moved to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he acquired one hundred and sixty acres one- half mile from Clear Creek. Afterward he followed farming in addition to teaching, but, owing to his being crippled in one knee, he was unable per- sonally to cultivate his place, but relied upon hired help. As justice of the peace his counsel for years was sought by the people of his locality. He was long a trustee in the Baptist Church. His death occurred October 24, 1862. The education of Lewis J. Hammond was obtained in common schools and at Fredonia and Randolph academies. When he was twenty-one he began to teach, an occupation that he followed for GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 353 four years in Cattaraugus County, at Fredouia, Leon Center and Randolph. In the spring of 1852 he came to Joliet, and during the summer clerked in his brother's store. November 28 of the same year he married Louisa C. Ashley, who was born in Martinsburg, Lewis County, N. Y. Her father, Cyrus Ashley, was a deacon in the Baptist Church for sixty years, and was known as the "peacemaker." She was for seventeen years a teacher, and is a lady of talent, Christian influ- ence, and practical and energetic disposition. After his marriage Mr. Hammond taught in the Oswego schools, then took the principalship of Plainfield academy, his wife being his assist- ant. In the fall of 1855 he went to Iowa, and, with Deacon Ashley, bought an extensive tract of land near Cedar Falls. The financial panic of 1857 pressed him closely for funds, and, to hold his land, he returned to teaching. For five years he and his wife taught in the Cedar Falls schools, and, meantime, he also superintended his farm. In 1861 he sold his land and turned his attention to the buying and shipping of live-stock to Chi- cago and New York, in which he continued suc- cessfully for twenty years. During the last ten years of this time he was a heavy dealer in and shipper of dressed pork, shipping to Boston and New York. In 1865 he removed to Joliet, and continued buying through Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, being one of the most extensive shippers in the west. Finally, in 1881, he retired from the business, since which time he has given his attention to the manage- ment of his property holdings. Having accumu- lated a competency, he is able to travel as incli- nation directs. He has made frequent visits to Florida, has also visited Mexico and southern Cali- fornia, as well as other points of climatic attrac- tions or historical interest. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Hammond is Ashley King Hammond, who has been remarka- bly successful in his chosen work. He is adver- tising manager of the St. Louis Republic, a very responsible position, and one that he fills most creditably. By his marriage to Miss Jessie R. Robinson he has two sons, Ashley K. and Lewis J. The only daughter of Mr. Hammond is Flor- ence May, wife of Albert Grinton, confidential clerk of Samuel Cupples' Woodenware Company, in St. Louis, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Mr. Hammond attends the Baptist church and his wife is a member of the same. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, connected with the blue lodge of the order. Although very active in the support of the Republican party, he has always refused any nomination for office, preferring to devote himself wholly to his private interests. 3OHN J. DEMPSEY, who is engaged in the grocery business at No. 321 Collins street, Joliet, was born near Minooka, Grundy County, 111., June 24, 1861, a son of Michael and Julia (Donovan) Dempsey. His father, who was one of the pioneers of Grundy County, carried on a farm near Minooka and was active in local affairs. Among the offices he held were those of pathmaster and commissioner. His death oc- curred in 1889, six years after the demise of his wife. They were the parents of five sons and five daughters. When our subject was five years of age the family removed to Clifton, Iroquois County, and he grew to manhood on a farm there, receiving his education in country schools and the Chebanse high school. After leaving school - he assisted his father on the home farm. When he was twenty-four he went to Chicago, where he clerked in a mercantile house for a year. During the next five years he was engaged in railroading on the Illinois Central road. Re- signing that position, he became an engineer on the South Side street railroad of Chicago, where he remained for a year. Coming to Joliet, in October, 1889, Mr. Demp- sey started in business for himself, and has since continued at his present site on Collins street. Although he was an entire stranger to the peo- ple, it was not long before his reliable methods of doing business won their confidence and he was thus enabled to build up a good trade. The 354 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Democratic party has in him a very active and stanch adherent. For seven years he has been a delegate to the party conventions, and at this writing he is a precinct committeeman. More than once his name has been mentioned as a can- didate for the city council; and it is certain, should he be chosen for the office, every duty per- taining thereto would be honestly and efficiently discharged. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Mary's Church. In 1 89 1 Mr. Dempsey built a two-story frame residence at No. 105 Henry avenue, Ridgewood. Here he and his family have a comfortable home. He was married, October 1, 1887, to Miss Susie Conroy, who was born at Channahon, this county, her father, Patrick Conroy, being a farmer and merchant there. Mr. and Mrs. Demp- sey have three children, Raymond, Marguerite and Florentine. ROBERT PILCHER. In the course of his active business career Mr. Pilcher has estab- lished a reputation for reliability and for honorable dealings with all. Since 1892 he has occupied Pilcher's block, a three-story and base- ment building, 50x100, at Nos. 203-205 Wash- ington street, where he has elevator service, elec- tricity and other conveniences. He has built up a large wholesale business in express and wrap- ping paper, wood and willow ware, twines, etc., and sells mainly in Illinois, where four traveling salesmen are constantly on the road. It is to such men as he that Joliet owes its high standing as a commercial center, and he deservedly ranks among the progressive men of the city. The Pilcher family has been identified with County Kent, England, as far back as the records can be traced. Bayly Pilcher, a native and farmer of that county, was the first to seek a home in another land. In 1852 he brought his family to the United States and settled in Wheat- land Township, this county, two and one-half miles from Plainfield. The voyage was made on a sailing vessel, and occupied five weeks to New York, whence the family proceeded via the Hud- son, the canal and lakes to Illinois, joining a relative who had come to Illinois the preceding )-ear. In 1854 Mr. Pilcher died on his home place, leaving five children, of whom four are now living. One of the sons, Frederick R., a resident of Plainfield, was a soldier in the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry during the Civil war. Near Folkstone, County Kent, England, Rob- ert Pilcher was born June 7, 1849, the fourth child of Bayly and Keziah (Austin) Pilcher. He was reared on the home farm until eight years of age, when he accompanied his mother to Plain- field, and attended the common schools and Northwestern College in that place. In 186S he came to Joliet and secured a clerkship with K. J. Hammond, remaining in the same position for three years. In 1871 he went to Sumner County, Kans. , and with his brother Bayly took as a pre- emption three hundred and twenty acres, his half of which he improved, remaining there for three years. On his return to Joliet in 1874 he re- sumed work as a salesman, but soon went to Marseilles, where he was interested in a paper- mill for a year. Returning to Joliet, he was with Young & Riebling for two years, having charge of their mill, after which he accepted a position as superintendent of the mill at Marseilles. Three years later, in 1882, he came back to Joliet, and accepted a position as superintendent of F. Riebling's mill. When Mr. Riebling failed, in 1886, Mr. Pilcher leased the mill and engaged in the manufacture of wrapping and express paper. In 1893 he sold the mill and removed to his pres- ent quarters, in order to secure larger accommo- dations for his steadily-growing business. In politics Mr. Pilcher is a Republican, and socially he is conuected with the Union Club. He was married iu Ottawa, 111., to Miss N. M. Anson, who was born in New York state, and by whom he has one son, Ray, now an assistant to his father in the office. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 355 GEORGE LIVERMORE VANCE. G) HORGE LIVERMORE VANCE. As early I— as 1700 the Vance family was established \Ji in Connecticut from the north of Ireland. John Vance removed from Connecticut to Cale- donia County, Vt., of which he was a pioneer farmer. His son, David, was born in Connecti- cut in 1778, and for many years served as a cap- tain of Vermont militia, also for fourteen success- ive years represented his district in the state legislature. He died in Caledonia County at seventy-five j - ears of age. Next in line of de- scent was Aaron, a native of Groton, Caledonia County, Vt., born in 18 12, and by occupation a farmer. It was he who founded the family in the west. In 1S66 he settled at Money Creek, Houston County, Minn., where for years he cul- tivated a farm, but is now living retired in Houston. His marriage united him with Lu- cinda Tucker (a second cousin to Whitelaw Reid), who was born in Newbury, Vt., and is now eighty-one years of age. She was a daugh- ter of Jonas Tucker, who was a farmer, justice of the peace and prominent business man of his community, and who married Miss Ann John- ston, a daughter of Gen. Joseph Johnston, of Revolutionary fame. The Johnstons originated in England. In the family of Aaron and Lucinda Vance there are two daughters and six sons. David E., an attorney of Winona, Minn., served in the Ninth Vermont Infantry during the Civil war, was captured at Harper's Ferry, and afterward paroled; William A. is a farmer at Houston, Minn.; Albert N. carries on a store at Decorah, Iowa; Mrs. Nancy J. Dyer lives in Houston, Minn. ; Nicholas W. is a partner of Albert N. at Decorah; Abbie J., Mrs. Vance, lives at Money Creek, Minn.; and Aaron E. is in Joliet. The oldest of the family forms the subject of this sketch. He was born at Groton, Vt., March 13, 1S40. When twelve years of age he began to work for wages, after which he worked in summers and attended school during the winter months. From eighteen to twenty-two years of age he taught school, after which he studied in Newbury Academy. Going to Rutland, Vt. , in 1862, Mr. Vance engaged in the boot and shoe business for two years. In the spring of 1864 he went to Wash- ington, D. C. , where he was given a clerkship in the war department. He was in that city at the time Early made his raid. In 1867 he was made corresponding clerk in the law department of internal revenue. While filling this position he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law in Columbia College law school, from which he graduated and was admitted to the bar. In 1870 he resigned from the department and came west, with a view to practicing law. However, his plans were changed and he engaged in business with an uncle at Money Creek, Minn. Two years later he came to Joliet and opened a furni- ture store, as a member of the firm of Woods & Vance. The panic coming on before he had been fairly started in business and before his credit had been established, he lost all. Undis- mayed by this catastrophe, he took up the work with renewed energy and afterward met with 03 c GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. constant success. Selling out the business after years of successful effort, in 1895 he started on a tour of the continent, and visited points of inter- est in Europe, Asia and Africa, going up the Nile and all through the Holy Laud. The vaca- tion of four mouths, with all of its novel incidents and its freedom from business cares, he recalls as the happiest time of his life, and its memory is cherished iu his heart. On his return to Joliet he was obliged to take the business back and has since conducted it, occupying the Vance block, a three-story and basement building, 60x66, which he built in 18S9. For uiany years he was vice-president and a director of the Will County National Bank and is still one of its stock- holders. Politically Mr. Vance is a free-silver Republi- can. In 1S96 he was the Democratic and Popu- list candidate for congress, and, while failing of election, he ran ahead of his ticket. For a long time he was a school inspector and for three years served as vice-president of the board. Frater- nally he is connected with the Knights Templar and Medinah Temple, N. M. S., of Chicago. Since 1S65 he has been identified with the Bap- tist Church as clerk, deacon and trustee, and for years he held the position of Sunday-school superintendent. He is a member of the Baptist Social Union of Chicago and the Board of Mana- gers of the Baptist Young People's Union of America. Formerly president of the Will Count3 T Sunday-school Association, he now holds the office of vice-president. His activity in Sunday- school work is great. He is an ardent believer in the good accomplished by these organizations and has not only given them his financial sup- port, but liberally of his time as well. At this writing he teaches each Sunday in the Sunday- schools at his church, the mission and the state penitentiary, and he is said to be one of the most successful teachers in the city. The first wife of Mr. Vance, who was Eliza- beth K. Fowler, of Washington, D. C, died in Joliet iu 1873, leaving two children: George A., who is teller in the Will County National Bank; and Grace F., a graduate of the Winona (Minn.) Normal School. July 19, 1S77, in Joliet, Mr. Vance married Jennie, daughter of William Lewis, and a native of England. They are the parents of a daughter, Beulah, who graduated from the Joliet high school in 1899, and who read the valedictory on the occasion of the commence- ment exercises. RENNETH L. PURDY, a prominent busi- ness man and coal operator of Joliet, was born iu Ontario, Canada, January 4. 1852, a son of Lewis W. and Catherine (Wright) Purdy. Of a family of twelve children he is fourth among the seven survivors. Of the oth- ers we note the following: Sophronia L- is the wife of W. Griffith, a merchant at Sydenham, Ontario; Orvis W. is a business man of Syden- ham; Almeda J. married Horatio Da}-, a wealthy mill owner and landed proprietor; Mary A. is the wife of Alfred Hunter, who is a farmer in Ontario and the president of the Agricultural So- ciety of Portland Township; Eulisa M. is the widow of Harland W. Towusend, who was president of the Standsted University, province of Quebec; and Victor M. is a Presbyterian min- ister in British Columbia. Born in New York state in 1816, Lewis W. Purdy was still a boy when he accompanied his parents to Ontario and settled in Kingston. His occupation was that of a farmer. Early in life he associated himself with the Methodists, and afterward give of his time and money freely to the work of that denomination, which he prac- tically established in Ontario. With others, he formed a union of all Methodist churches iu Can- ada. For years he was trustee of Albert Col- lege, a Methodist institution at Belleville, Onta- rio. As a local preacher his services were constantly in demand. In local politics he was also active. For thirty-five years he served as a justice of the peace, besides which he held other positions of trust. His death occurred Septem- ber 24, 1891. His father, Hosea Purdy, who was of Scotch liueage, was a native of England and immigrated to New York, thence went to GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 357 Ontario, where he spent his last years on a farm. He, too, was an ardent worker in the Methodist Church. He died when in his eighty-eighth year. Our subject's mother was born in Sydney Township, near Belleville, Ontario, in 1824, and died September 10, 1898, exactly eight years after the death of her husband; and it is a note- worthy fact that both were the same age, to a day, at the time they died. Her parents were natives of Scotland, and settled in Canada in early married life. Two of their sons became Methodist ministers, and the others were also lead- ers in that denomination. In the common schools and the business col- lege at Belleville our subject obtained his educa- tion. In early manhood he conducted the home farm, after which, with a brother, he embarked in the lumber business, and in the mining of mica and phosphate of lime. Withdrawing from the partnership, in March, 1890, he came to Joliet, where he engaged in contracting and building. In 1895 he established his present coal business, which has grown to satisfactory and profitable proportions. Politically he is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and Joliet Lodge No. 112, Knights of the Globe. The marriage of Mr. Purdy, in 1S76, united him with Miss Mary E. McRory, a native of Sydenham, Canada, and a daughter of John McRory, a member of parliament from the dis- trict of Addington for many years, member of the council for three years, reeve of his township for eleven years, and warden of his county for a j-ear. Six children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Purdy. Four of these are now living. The eldest, Lillian Gertrude, is the wife of Ernest Sallenbach, an expert plumber with Strong, Bush & Handwerk, of Joliet. Wilson Winfred, Ernest Elmer and Ina May are being given excellent educational advantages in Joliet schools. The family are connected with the Methodist Church. Mr. Purdy has been a choir leader in most of the Protestant churches of Joliet, and has trained the largest choirs of this city, being an efficient chorister. He is a gifted vocalist, possessing a voice with a remarkable range that enables him to sing any part from the lowest to the highest. He is also a finished pianist, and has a thorough knowledge of almost every musical instrument. IILLIAM LOUIS PETTY, a resident of Joliet since 1878, was nominated in the spring of 1899 to fill a vacancy as justice of the peace of Joliet Township and at the elec- tion in May he was given a good majorit3\ being elected to serve until the spring of 1901. He es- tablished his office in the Masonic building at No. 225 Jefferson street, and has since given his time to his official duties, which he discharges in a manner satisfactory to all and creditable to him- self. He has always voted the Republican ticket and his election came from the party that he has so faithfully supported. Generations ago the Pettit family came from France to America, settling in North Carolina, where the name was changed to Petty. Will- iam Petty, Sr., a planter of the latter state, fol- lowed his two sons to the north and took up a claim in Wabash Count}', Ind. The neighbor- hood where they settled was given the name of Petty ville. William Petty, Jr., a native of North Carolina, took up a timber tract from the govern- ment in Wabash County and at once began to clear the laud. He built a log house that is still standing. After a time he removed to Delaware County, the same state, where he cleared a farm six miles from Muncie, and in time his place be- came very valuable through the improvements he made upon it. His death occurred in 1868, when he was fifty-six years of age. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and Odd Fel- lows. His wife was Sidney Rees, who spent her entire life in Delaware County ; her father, Mar- tin Rees, a native of Ohio, settled in Delaware County at so early a period that the Muncie Indians had not yet retreated to haunts further west. The family of William and Sidney Petty con- 353 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sisted of seven children, of whom five are living, namely: Emma, Mrs. David Jones, of Muncie; Louis; John A., of Muncie; Zeuo, who is pastor of the Church of God in Muncie; and Charles, a member of the Eighteenth United States In- fantry now in Manila. At the home place near Muncie our subject was born September 17, i860, and there he remained until eighteen years of age. In 1878, coming to Joliet, he secured a clerkship in a grocery house, where he continued for eight years. He was then appointed by Mayor McClaughrey receiving and discharging officer in the Illinois state penitentiary, where he remained for eight consecutive years. On re- signing he started in the grocery business for himself at No. 120 North Chicago street, but after a year sold out in order to accept an ap- pointment as bridewell keeper of Joliet. He con- tinued in the latter position until his election as justice of the peace. Iu Joliet occurred the marriage of Mr. Petty to Miss Lena Reichert, who was born in this city. Her father, John Reichert, came from Germany to this city in an earl}' day and for years engaged in business on Washington street, but is now too feeble to continue the activities of earlier years. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Petty are: El wood, William L., Elsie Ethel, Lena and Jacob. Fraternally Mr. Petty is connected with Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M., and Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., also the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the Universalist Church. (TAMES W. MILLER, who holds an impor- I tant position with the Pressed Steel Car G/ Company in Joliet, was born in Mercer County, Pa., April 19, 1852, a son of James and Elizabeth A. (Miller) Miller. He was one of six children, of whom five survive, those beside himself being John E., who is employed as en- gineer with the Pressed Steel Car Company; Frank A., a machinist in Oshkosh, Wis.; Mag- gie A., wife of C. W. Smith, of Joliet; and Lil- lie J., who married A. S. Patterson, also of Joliet. The sons are well known by reason of their mechanical skill, a talent which they inher- ited from their father. The latter was born in Glasgow, Scotland, iu 1S22, and through his own efforts acquired a practical education. From an early age he was thoroughly familiar with the machinist's trade. He arrived in America in 1845, with fifty cents in his possession. Going to an iron manufacturing town in Mercer County, Pa., he secured employment at his trade. In 1857 ne removed from that place and settled in Morris, 111., where he opened a machine shop. Scarcely three years later, however, he lost every- thing by fire. He then enlisted in the Union army and was made captain of the fusileers, a compan} - of skilled mechanics for bridge build- ing. After six mouths he was mustered out of the service. Shortly afterward he enlisted in the navy, and was made chief engineer of the " General Bragg," also held a similar position on other Union warships. He was present at the blockade of Vicksburg and many engagements with southern forces. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and returned to Mor- ris. Again opening a machine shop, he resumed the pursuits of private life. Two years later he was appointed chief engineer of the Illinois state penitentiary, which important position he held continuously for twenty-two years, retiring from active work in 1890. For years he was active in the Republican party and the Grand Army of the Republic. Iu religion he was a Presbyterian. His death occurred in 1895. His wife, who was born in the same city and year as himself, is still living, and is active and strong for one of her age. When nineteen years of age our subject ap- prenticed himself to the machinist's trade. In 1S73 he was appointed assistant chief engineer of the Illinois state penitentiary, and served iu that capacity for eight years. Following this he was for three years employed as engineer for the Ash- ley Wire Company. In 1SS5 he removed with his family to Texas, and for four months was employed as traction engineer for C. Aultman & GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 359 Co. Later he took a trip through the west, spending some months in California. On his re- turn to Texas he took the management of an ice factory for parties in Colorado City. In 1887 he came back to Joliet. Two years later he en- tered the employ of the Pressed Steel Car Com- pany as engineer. His ability was soon acknowl- edged, and he was gradually given charge of the works. In 1893 he was made superintendent of the night department, which position he still holds. It is said by those who know him best, that there is no finer machinist in Joliet. All of his work is systematically planned and methodi- cally conducted. Through his skill as a ma- chinist he is admirably qualified to superintend the plant efficiently and satisfactorily. Though not active in politics, Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican. Fraternally he is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. In 1876 he was united in marriage with Miss Frances S. Williams, who was born in Minne- sota, and received her education principally in Minneapolis. Her father, Thomas Williams, a native of England, for many years carried on a meat market in Joliet, and was one of the pros- perous business men of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of five children, namely: Addis E., a graduate of the Joliet high school; Alice M., who is studying art in Kansas City; Francis J., a graduate of the Joliet high school; Lillian M. and Alger. EHARLES E. CARTER. In the years that have elapsed since Mr. Carter first came to Joliet there has been a marked development of the city's commercial and manufacturing inter- ests, and he has witnessed the growth of local enterprises with the keenest penetration as to future prosperity. When he arrived here, dur- ing the Civil war, he had himself but recently left the army and had endured the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life. As he was brave and loyal in service, so he has since been public- spirited as a citizen. In the various occupations he has followed it has been said of him that he invariably proved himself to be honest and relia- ble. In 1892 he started a greenhouse at No. 601 Collins street and afterward built two others, in order to accommodate his growing business in the propagation of plants and the sale of flowers. The Carters are an old Maine family. Charles E. was born in Hallowell, that state, and was the oldest of three sous, two of whom attained man- hood. His brother, Eugene B., enlisted in the First Maine Cavalry during the Civil war and died while at the front. The father, B. J., who was a carpenter and builder in Hallowell, mar- ried Louisa F. , daughter of Timothy Stevens, who moved from New Hampshire to Maine and settled on a farm. She was born in Maine and died in Joliet in July, 1898, when eighty- four years of age. In the village where he was born, June 4, 1842, Charles E. Carter grew to man- hood, meantime studying in the public schools and an academy. When he was a small child his father died, and in 1853 his mother was again married, her second husband dying in 1858. In September, 1861, Mr. Carter enlisted in Company C, First Maine Cavalry, which was mustered in at Augusta, Me., and wintered in that state, joining the army of the Potomac in March, 1862. Not long afterward he was taken ill and sent to the hospital, where he re- mained until, on account of physical disability, he was discharged October 20, 1862. After a short visit in Maine he settled in this count)' in March, 1S63, and for a few months worked on a farm, after which he took a course in the Chicago Commercial College. On his return he became a member of the firm of Campbell & Carter, but after a year sold out and engaged in the hardware business. In 1866 he started across the plains with an ox-team from Iowa to Virginia City, Mont. , following the Powder River route through the Big Horn country. The next year that route had to be abandoned on account of Indian hostil- ities, and at the time he crossed via that route the Indians stampeded stock-trains ahead and behind of him. He encountered many dangers in the trans-Mississippi region, but passed safely 3 6 ° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. through them all. He remained only a short time in the west, his mother's ill-health causing him to return to Illinois. The trip back was made from Fort Benton by flat-boat to Sioux City, Iowa, where he took the train for Joliet. During the first two years after his return to this city Mr. Carter carried on a roofing business. Next he engaged in farming near Mexico, Mo. Again coming back to Joliet, he began gardening on a small farm adjoining the city, remaining there for eight years. In December, 1S80, he accepted a position as time-keeper for the Illinois Steel Company, with whom he remained, with the exception of one year, until January, 189S, being chief time-keeper twelve years, and keeping the time of more than two thousand men. He finally resigned, in order to devote his attention to the florist's business, which he had started six years before. On the Republican ticket he was elected alderman from the first ward, which office he filled for two years. In religion he is a Uni- versalist. For two years he was secretary of the board of directors of the Steel Works Club, of which he was one of the first members. He is connected with Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R. While living in Missouri he married Miss Annette Evarts, who was born in New York. Of their children, Ada and Wilber died at the age of four and ten years; Alice, Mrs. Harris, resides in Joliet; May L. and Harry are at home, the former assisting in the greenhouse. 30HN R. HERATH, a prominent business man of Joliet and assistant supervisor of the county, was born in Bayreuth, Bavaria, Ger- many, August 24, 1858, a son of Frederick and Magdalena (Kueffner) Herath, natives of the same place. His father, who was a merchant, and for eight years burgomaster, died in his native town when fifty years of age. Both he and his wife were members of old and influential families of their province. They were the par- ents of seven children, all but one of whom are living, five being in America and one in Ger- many. Of the three sons in the United States, Albert and John reside in Joliet, and Henry is engaged in the agricultural implement business in Goodland, Ind. At an early age our subject acquired a thorough knowledge of the grocery business by clerking in his father's store. Crossing the ocean in 1874, he came to Will County, 111., and worked on a farm owned by his uncle, Conrad Herath, who had settled here about 1855. During the two years that he worked for D. C. Searles, of Troy Township, he was given $28 per annum and his board, and had the privilege of attending school during winters. Later he worked at the carpen- ter's trade, and for one year was night watchman at the state penitentiary, at the same time taking a commercial course in Joliet Business College. For three years he was employed as converter in the mills of the Illinois Steel Company. His next position was that of clerk in a grocery. In 18S6 he became a member of the firm of Holmstrom & Herath, on Washington street, but after ten months the partnership was dissolved, and he resumed work with his former employer. Four months later he opened a grocery at his present location, No. 109 Jefferson street, and in a short time took a cousin into partnership, the title be- coming Herath & Herath. When the site formerly occupied by his old employer, Mr. Eck- land, was vacated, he rented the store, and con- tinued there for eighteen months, then sold to his cousin and started a store across the street. Five years later this corner being again vacated he returned here, remodeling the building, which consists of three stories, 22x80 feet in dimensions. In addition to a retail business he also does some jobbing and deals in provisions. To deliver his orders he runs two wagons. Being reliable in his dealings and reasonable in prices, he has built up a large and valuable trade among the people of the city. At No. 709 Exchange street Mr. Herath owns and occupies an attractive residence, which is one of Joliet's many comfortable homes. He was married in Joliet to Miss Regina Sartori, daugh- ter of Rudolph Sartori, who was a nephew of a French count, and a native of Alsace, but an early settler of Joliet. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 361 In politics Mr. Herath is a stanch Republican. With no solicitation on his part he was nomi- nated for assistant supervisor and elected in the spring of 1896. Two years later he was re- elected, receiving one hundred and fifty more votes than any other candidate for the office. While a member of the board of supervisors he was chairman of the bridge committee at the time of the building of two good bridges in the county. In his work as an officer he has shown himself a friend of the workiugman. He has also been very accurate and careful in all official work, aim- ing to carry on the county business with as great care as his own. While he is not connected with any denomination, he is liberal in his gifts to re- ligious movements and is a friend of all churches. He is a member of thejoliet Grocerymen's Asso- ciation, and is serving upon its executive com- mittee. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. HUBERT A. STEVENS, city engineer of Joliet, was born in Cedar County, Iowa, March 10, 1864. In 1866 his parents moved to Chicago, and he has spent most of his life in that city. He attended the Chicago schools, graduating from high school in that city in the class of 1880. He entered the University of Illinois and graduated from the college of civil engineering in 1884. Soon after his graduation at Champaign he received an appointment as an assistant engineer on the government force em- ployed in the Mississippi river improvement work, and he remained on this work for about a year and a-half, becoming familiar with the different phases of river and harbor work. He was sta- tioned first at Memphis, Tenn. , and afterward at Portage, Wis. After the completion of the government sur- veys at these points Mr. Stevens had charge for the contractors of the construction of the Wis- consin Central railroad bridge across the Chicago river, and was afterwards in charge of the in- spection of material for that road in South Chi- cago. He was offered and accepted the position of engineer of the North Chicago Street Rail- road Company during the time that the change was being made from horse to cable as a motive power. He had full charge of the construction work in putting in the cable lines on the entire North side system. This work took about two years, and at the end of that time he was ap- pointed assistant city engineer of Chicago, and placed in charge of all the municipal improvements on the North side in the city of Chicago. He held this position nearly seven years, serving un- der Mayors Carter Harrison, Sr., Roche, Cregier, Washburne and Hopkins. In 1896 Mr. Stevens went into business for himself, handling the engineering department in connection with the firm of Mariner & Hoskins, chemists and engineers. Poor health at this time compelled him to abandon his work tempo- rarily, and many months were spent traveling through this country, Mexico and Canada. In 1899 he was appointed city engineer of the city of Joliet, and held that position during the time when the drainage canal was being constructed through this section. In that position he became thoroughly familiar with many of the most diffi- cult engineering problems connected with that great work. In the different positions that he has held he has had a splendid opportunity to become conversant with a wide range of engineering work of different kinds, and he has been quick to take advantage of this experience. He is a member of the western society of engineers, and the Illinois society of engineers and surveyors, and is also connected with various local clubs. June 18, 1890, he married Miss Hattie B., daughter of Hon. M. B. Thompson, of Urbana, 111. They have two sons, Vernon and Richard. Charles W. Stevens, father of Mr. Stevens, was a native of Exeter, N. H., and married Miss Lucy L. Allen, of Boston, Mass. Shortly there- after he moved to Iowa, and gained his start in life by farming. Although unfamiliar with prac- tical agriculture, the condition of the times were such that he met with remarkable success. A fortunate venture in raising a large acreage of onions, when throughout the country there hap- 362 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pened to be a great scarcity of that vegetable, gave him the needed capital to enable him to en- gage in mercantile pursuits. In 1866 he settled in Chicago, where he opened a wholesale photo- graphic supply house, soon building up a trade which extended all over the central and western states. Burned out by the fire of 187 1 and losing everything, yet with a credit untarnished he was able in ten days' time to open his doors again with a larger and better stock of goods than Chi- cago had ever seen, months before any of his competitors got on their feet. For twenty years he remained in business, and on his retirement he continued to make Chicago his home, until his death in 1890. A man of great energy and more than ordinary ability, he built up a busi- ness reputation of the highest order, and met a financial success his talents richly merited. In politics he was a Republican. He was a member of many fraternal societies, being a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pyth- ias. His wife, a true woman and loving help- mate, did not long survive him. They left two children, one a daughter, Shirley, being now the wife of F. A. Gritzner, of Chicago. Martin B. Thompson, father of Mrs. Stevens, made during his lifetime an enviable record as a soldier, lawyer and statesman. As a soldier, when the Civil war broke out, he enlisted as a private and remained at the front until the close of the conflict, working his way from the ranks to a captaincy. As a lawyer he served as public prosecutor for the Sixteenth judicial district for four years, which was followed by a term as state's attorney for Champaign County. During the eight years he served as prosecutor he ac- quired a knowledge of criminal law, that together with his great natural talent, made him a formid- able antagonist on either side of a criminal case. As a statesman he represented the Thirtieth dis- trict in the senate, being an active and influential Republican, and a stanch supporter of Logan, Oglesby and other early Republican leaders in Illinois. As a state senator he rendered the same faithful efficient service characteristic of him in every position. His daughter, Mrs. Stevens, was a girl of greatest assistance to him in his po- litical life, and displayed judgment and tact in the many responsibilities of the work. For sev- eral terms she held office as postmistress of the state senate. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 363 WILLIAM H. BRYANT. (ILLIAM H. BRYANT, who is a well- known contractor and builder of Joliet, has carried on a successful business in his chosen occupation, first as a partner with W. H. Palmer, but since June, tSg7, alone. Among his contracts may be mentioned those for the Evangel- ical Church at Jackson, 111. ; the Ridgewood Bap- tist and Central Presbyterian Churches of Joliet; Congregational Church of Oswego, 111. , and the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Lenox, 111.; also the Keltie and Vincent blocks, the mounting- shop of the Joliet stove works, the Joliet Trans- fer storage warehouse, and the residences of H. M. Snapp, C. E. B. Cutler, J. C. Merrill, F. H. Merrill and the Rachel flats. Besides taking contracts, he has furnished plans for many of his buildings. In all of his work he is assisted by his wife, who is quite successful in drafting, and thus helps him materially in his plans. He is president of the Joliet Builders' Association, which he was largely instrumental in organizing. Near Sherbrooke, Compton County, Canada, Mr. Bryant was born November 15, 1863, a son of G. G. and Elizabeth (Burns) Bryant, natives respectively of Argenteuil aud Terre Bonne Coun-- ties, Canada. His paternal grandfather, John Bryant, who was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch and English descent, emigrated to Canada at twenty years of age, and engaged in farming and the lumber business. A man of more than ordinary ability, G. G. Bryant stood high among the people of Sherbrooke, of which place he was mayor for two terms, councilor several terms, and a member of the school board. When young he learned the carpenter and 18 millwright's trade. Afterward, in addition to superintending his farm, he engaged in the manufacture of lumber and in the building busi- ness, first near and afterward in Sherbrooke. He had only two children, and one of these, a daugh- ter, died at thirteen years. The son, who was the older of the two, was ten at the time the family settled in Sherbrooke, and from that time he assisted his father in building. In 1876 he went to the lumber woods of Maine, where he worked for a year, and then worked in a lumber, planing, sash and door-mill at Stewartstown, N.H., until 1878. After spending six months on a farm near Canaan, Vt., he went to New York, and until 1881 remained in St. Lawrence, Frank- lin and Clinton Counties, being employed mostly in milling, but spending one season at the car- penter's trade. In October, 1887, he came west to Illinois, settling in Joliet, where he entered the mill of the Illinois Steel Company. Through the influence of a friend, Mr. Spencer, who was foreman, he secured a position in the converting department, where he remained for fifteen months. While there he made the acquaintance of Mr. Garvin, who, upon being appointed warden of the state penitentiary, selected Mr. Bryant as a keeper there. For two years he held the position and then resigned, turning his attention to car- pentering. In the fall of 1891 he began contract- ing and building, in which he has since been suc- cessfully engaged. In 189511c was chosen assist- ant supervisor of Joliet, and two years later was re-elected, serving for two terms, during which time he was chairman of the school and miscel- laneous committees. Several times he has served 364 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. as a member of the Republican county committee, and also on the city and township committees. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and Joliet lodge of Odd Fel- lows, of which he is past master, and which he rep- resented in the grand lodge of Illinois for four terms. When he came to Joliet he identified him- self with the Central Presbyterian Church. Later he assisted in organizing a circle of the King's Sons, and was largely instrumental in building up the King's Sons' chapel in Joliet, in which he has since been an active worker, and is now su- perintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Bryant was married in Joliet, October 21, 1890, to Miss Sarah J. Hunter, who is of Scotch- Irish parentage. She was educated in England and crossed the ocean to the United States at the' age of sixteen years, coming direct to Joliet. She is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and is also actively engaged in the service of the King's Sous' chapel, where her influence for good is felt bv all. EHARLES H. CONKLING, secretary of the Mutual Loau and Building Association, at No. 222 Jefferson street, Joliet, is a member of a family that has been long and prominently connected with American history. His great- grandfather came to this country accompanied by a brother, whose grandson, Roscoe Conkling, gained national fame as a legislator and states- man. Henry M., father of Charles H., was born in Ohio, but while still a young man he moved to Indiana, and became interested in milling and in the hardware business. On the Whig ticket he was a candidate for count}- treasurer and ran ahead of his ticket, but was defeated by a small majority. As a Mason he was active and at- tained a high rank. In religion he was a Pres- byterian. After he settled in Indiana he re- turned to Ohio and there married Harriet X. Martin, who was one of the two direct heirs of the old Trinity Church property in the heart of New York City. This matter was iu the hands of Roscoe Conkling at the time of his death, with fair prospects of success, but since then nothing has been done. After some years in Indiana Henry M. Conk- ling removed to Chicago and became a member of the firm of Conkling Bros. & Co. At the time of the fire the firm suffered a heavy loss. In 1873 he moved to Morris, where he conducted a distillery for three years. From 1876 to 1879 he was proprietor of the Robertson house in Joliet. He then went to California and spent three years in San Francisco, hoping that the change might restore him to health. His hope was realized and he returned to Illinois hale and hearty, but shortly after died of pneumonia iu Chicago, the date of his death being December 1, 1881. His remains were interred in the Joliet cemetery, and by his side rests his wife, who passed away in January, 1894. They were the parents of six children, three now living: Ella F., Mrs. Pin- ney, of Chicago; Charles H., and Mrs. Grace X. Spritzman, of Holland, Mich. While his parents were living in Cambridge City, Wayne County, Ind. , November 1, 1853, the subject of this article was born. He was a student in school from six to seventeen years of age. After removing to Chicago he assisted his ' father in business until the time of the great fire, and then he became shipping clerk for Field & Leiter. He accompanied the family to Morris and assisted his father as bookkeeper there, later coming with him to Joliet. In 18S0 he entered the Will County National Bank as teller, re- maining there for three years, when he went to Chicago to take charge of an office for some friends who had started a commission business in the stockyards. When Colonel Shurts assumed the control of what is now known as the Duncan hotel he appointed Mr. Conkling its manager, a position that he filled until he was solicited by the directors of the Mutual Loan and Building Association to assume its secretaryship. At that time (1886) the company was eighteen months old and its loans amounted to about $19,000. At the time of the panic they had loans to the amount of $1,000,000, and, in spite of the heavy drain upon them, were able to go through that GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 365 trying period safely. Their loans now amount to about $800,000. Since accepting the position of secretary Mr. Conkling has given his time to the office, and it is largely due to his conserva- tive yet shrewd management that the company's affairs have been so prosperous. He is also a member of the executive committee of the state league. For some years he engaged in the fire insurance business, and he is now interested as a stockholder in the Union steam laundry. He has built two residences, the first one of which he sold, and he now owns and occupies a modern and beautiful house at No. 119 South Center street. While Mr. Conkling cannot be called a parti- san nor a politician, yet he is active in politics and a warm advocate of the Democratic party; inheriting from his ancestors qualities that fit him for public service he nevertheless has no desire to become an official, and aside from the position of township collector has never been a candidate for office. He held the position of col- lector for two terms and rendered satisfaction to all concerned while filling the place. Often he has been a delegate to conventions. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and a num- ber of fraternal insurance associations. At Mor- ris in 1874 he married Jennie A. Hynds, daugh- ter of Judge Patrick Hynds, a well-known jurist and attorney of Morris. Mr. and Mrs. Conkling have two daughters, Mary E. and Pink, both graduates of Notre Dame, and accomplished musicians. ^JEORGE PALMER, superintendent of the l_ merchant mill of the Illinois Steel Cora- V«/| pany, entered the company's mill at Mil- waukee, Wis., November 1, 1891, as foreman of the roll turning shop. He continued in that capacity for about four years, when he was pro- moted to be superintendent of the merchant mill in that city. In" 1897 he was transferred to a similar position in the Joliet works, where he has since had supervision of one hundred and fifty hands, the most of these being skilled laborers. He is familiar with every detail of his department and shows the greatest efficiency in the manage- ment of the same. Thomas Palmer, our subject's father, was born in England, but grew to manhood in Scotland, where he learned the iron and steel business. Coining to the United States, he settled in New Jersey, where he was employed in iron works. From there he went to Worcester, Mass., next to Ballardvale, the same state, and then to Cleve- land, Ohio, in each of which places he was em- ployed as superintendent of iron works. In Cleveland he built and superintended the North Ohio Company's mill and later was connected with the Cleveland Rolling Company's mill. He is now living retired in that city. He married Margaret Reid, who was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America with her father, William Reid, a carpenter and builder. She is a Presbyterian in religion and a lady of many esti- mable qualities of character. In the family of Thomas Palmer and wife there were seven chil- dren, all but one of whom are still living. Will- iam is superintendent of the steel works of the Cleveland rolling mills, now owned by the American Steel and Wire Company; and Thomas is with the same company at Beaver Falls, Pa., where he is employed as a roll turner. The subject of this sketch was born in Troy, N. Y. , November 2, 1853. He was eleven years of age when the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and his education was obtained there and in Ballardvale, Mass. In 1870 he was appren- ticed to the roll turner's trade, at which he served for three years, and afterward worked at the trade in the Cleveland rolling mills for some years. From there he went to Beaver Falls, Pa., as foreman of a mill, which position he held for four years, and later he was superintendent of the mill for two years. November 1, 1891, he ac- cepted a position as foreman of the roll turning shop of the Illinois Steel Company in Milwaukee, Wis. Four years later he was promoted to be superintendent of the merchant mill at that place, and in 1897, as before stated, came to Joliet in a similar capacity. He is a reliable and 3 66 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. efficient workman, and has won and retained the confidence of the members of the company, with which he has been since 1891. Politically Mr. Palmer is a Republican. He was raised a Mason in Lake Lodge No. 189, A. F. & A. M., of Milwaukee, and later became connected with Wisconsin Chapter No. 7, R. A. M. Before leaving Cleveland he was married there to Alice, daughter of Joseph Brainard, who was a member of an old Connecticut family. Mrs. Palmer was born and educated in Cleveland and by her marriage has five children, namely: Mar- garet, who is an accomplished musician; George D wight, a student in the Joliet high school; William, Sarah and Catherine, at home. |ILLIAM E. SPEARS, who has been one of the well-known contractors and builders in Joliet, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, March 7, 1831. When seven years of age he was taken by an uncle to Belfast, Ireland, and there spent the next ten years. In July, 1849, he landed in New York City, after a voyage of nine weeks and three days on the "John Carr, " and for five years he was employed in that city, meantime learning the trade of carpentering and boxmaking. In the spring of 1854 he came to Joliet, and for ten years followed his trade in this city. In 1864 he became a member of the con- tracting firm of Switzer, Spears & Blaser, which continued in business for eighteen years, mean • time operating on an extensive scale both in the city and surrounding country, and having the contracts for the building of many bridges and important structures. Since the partnership was dissolved Mr. Spears has continued in the same business independently. He had the contract for Hyde's large elevator in this city, as well as other elevators, and put up three bridges in Troy Town- ship across the Dupage River, also the Red mill and the segments for Hickory Creek bridge on Chicago street. July 12, 1859, Mr. Spears married Miss Mary Furlong, who was born in County Wexford, Ire- land. They became the parents of eight children. Mary Agnes, the eldest, married David Curtis, a merchant of Joliet; Hugh E. is deceased; Sam- uel C, a contractor in Springfield, had the con- tract for the Tin Plate and Spring mills in Joliet; William James is a carpenter in Chicago; John Wallace, a talented musician, is now taking a two years' course of study in Berlin; Charles R. is janitor of the Joliet schools; George Richard is a contractor in this city; and Robert B., the young- est of the family, is a partner of his brother George. Mrs. Spears, who was born in 1836, was thirteen at the time of crossing the ocean to Amer- ica, and sixteen when she came to Joliet. When younger in years Mr. Spears took a part in local politics and was a leading Republican, serving as a delegate to county conventions, and aiding the work of the party. For one term he served as an alderman, and he also was judge of elections. Fraternally he is a member of Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., with which he has been connected since 1861 ; and he is also a mem- ber of Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M. In religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Gl NTHONY M. SCHEIDT, a business man of LI Joliet, was elected alderman from the third / I ward in 1898 on the independent ticket, de- feating the Democratic nominee by a majority of one hundred and fifty-five, which was the first instance of a Democratic defeat in this ward. During the first year of his service on the board he was chairman of the street committee. At this writing he is chairman of the committee on cul- verts, bridges and sewers, and chairman of the committee on health; also a member of the com- mittees on public improvements and west side streets. While his election was on an indepen- dent ticket, he has always been a stanch Dem- ocrat and has wielded an influence among the members of his party. He has frequently been a member of the city central committee, and is now connected with the county committee. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 367 The father of our subject, Michael, son of An- thony Scheidt, was born in Alsace, now a part of Germany, and was a member of an old Alsatian family. In early manhood he came to America, and during the '40s settled in Joliet, where he engaged in the hotel business, joining his brother, Anthony, who had preceded him and was in charge of the Chicago house on North Bluff street. For twenty years Michael Scheidt con- ducted that hotel, but finally retired from busi- ness cares. He died in this city in January, 1S84, when almost fifty years of age. For two terms he served as alderman from what is now the third (then the second) ward, which his son now rep- resents. He married Theresa Hosinger, who was born in Alsace, and in infancy was brought to Joliet by her parents. Her father, Joseph, brought the family via wagon from Chicago to Naperv.ille, and a year later came to Joliet, where he opened quarries and engaged in stone cutting, contracting and building. He had a number of sub-contracts on the Michigan and Illinois canal. When ad- vanced in years he retired from business, but he continued to reside in Joliet until he died. His daughter, Mrs. Scheidt, is living at the old home- stead in this city. She had seven children, viz.: A. M.; Joseph, who died in Joliet; John, who lives in Freeport, 111.; Otto, a jeweler in Joliet; George, of San Francisco, Cal. ; Albert, who is with his oldest brother; Julia, who died in girl- hood; and Emilia, who is with her mother. In Joliet, where he was born May 6, 1864, our subject received his education in private schools. He learned the pattern-maker's trade in the Joliet stove foundry, where he was employed for three years. In 1882 he became a clerk in a clothing and boot and shoe store, where he gained a thor- ough idea of the business in all of its details. After ten years he embarked in business for him- self, opening a clothing and gents' furnishing store and for some time being a member of the firm of Scheidt & Harmon. In 1897 ne P ur ~ chased his partner's interest, since which time he has been alone. His store is at No. 313 Jefferson street, and is stocked with a complete line of clothing and gents' furnishing goods. He is a member of the Shooting Society, and is financial secretary of the Order of Foresters. In religion he is connected with St. John's Roman Catholic Church. His marriage in Lemont, 111., united him with Miss Sarah Gerharz, who was born in that town. They have one child, a son, Cyril Francis Scheidt. E LINTON E. B. CUTLER. In the capacity of supervisor it has been the aim and effort of Mr. Cutler to advance the progress of Joliet and promote the interests of his fellow-citi- zens. At the time of his appointment to this office he was the youngest man ever appointed or elected to a similar position in the state, and the fact that the appointment came from the town board, with a majority of Republican members, while he was known to be one of the most active Democrats in the county, is in itself a tribute to his ability and recognized worth. The long illness of his predecessor, Henry Spangler, whose assistant he had been, threw upon him the entire responsibility of the office for some time before he was selected to occupy the position; and it was the ability displayed by him in the conduct of affairs that led the board, upon the death of Mr. Spangler, to appoint him the latter's suc- cessor, in January, 1897. In the spring of 1898 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the office and was elected for two years, receiving a majority of three hundred and two votes. For some years he has been one of the most active Democrats in his city, audit was largely through his efforts that the younger element of Democ- racy was organized and received proper recogni- tion in the party. He was a prominent candi- date for membership on the state central com- mittee, but withdrew in favor of John B. Mount, the present mayor of Joliet. Frequently he has served as a delegate to state conventions of his party. He was reared in the Republican faith, but on attaining manhood and making a study of the issues of the age, he gave his influence to the party that declared for free trade and free silver. His interest in politics is keen; yet, as 3 68 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. an office holder, lie has avoided a spirit of nar- row partisanship, but has endeavored to do his duty honorably and impartially. He believes in justice, consistency and the following of the law. As a member of the board he has always striven to act with fairness toward all. One of his most important acts was the introducing- of a resolution providing that all work on county buildings or under county control should be done by union citizen labor; while the resolution was lost, its spirit showed that he aimed to promote the inter- ests of the laboring men of his county. Besides acting as supervisor he is also overseer of the poor. The Cutler family descends from four brothers who crossed in the "Mayflower." Three of these were married, and one a bachelor. The descendants of the three are numerous in New England and New York. Lyman Cutler, a na- tive of Providence, R. I., and the son of a Revo- lutionary soldier, himself served in the war of 1812. He removed to Vermont, thence to Che- nango County, N. Y., and later to Sandusk3 r , Ohio, finally removing to Chicago. He married Miss Hamilton, daughter of a Revolutionary sol- dier, of Scotch descent. Their son, Azro C, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., and at thirteen years of age ran away from home, work- ing his way via the lakes to Chicago. After- ward he followed the lakes for many years. During the Civil war he raised a company and also enlisted for personal service, but was re- jected. Later he engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles in Michigan, after which he manufactured brick in Chicago and then engaged in mining in Colorado. In 1869 he bought a farm in Homer Township, this county, and re- mained there until 1S94, when, on account of ill health, he rented the place and came to Joliet. For eight years he was a member of the Chicago police force. During the early days he crossed the plains a number of times to Colorado, and was in the Plum Creek massacre in that state. While in the west he was sergeant-of-arms in the Colorado legislature. He married Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Chicago of Swiss par- entage, and was reared in Homer Township, this county. They were the parents of two children, of whom the younger is Ida L., a teacher in the Joliet public schools.. The subject of this sketch was born in Homer Township July 3, 1871. He completed the studies of the Joliet grammar schools and then spent two years in the high school. In 1891 he began to teach in his home district, and for two years fol- lowed teaching. In the fall of 1893 he began to study law with Donahoe & McNaughton. De- cember 12, 1894, he entered the law department of the Northern Indiana Normal School at Val- paraiso, from which he graduated June 5, 1895, with the degree of LL. B. Ma} - 22 of the same year he passed a rigid examination creditably at Ottawa and was admitted to the bar of Illinois. In 1896 he was the Democratic nominee for township clerk, his opponent being one of the strongest men in the town, notwithstanding which fact he reduced the usual Republican ma- jority of five hundred to two hundred and sixty- one. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. June 16, 1897, Mr. Cutler married Miss Maude Emmet, who was born in Wilmington, this county, and is a daughter of George Emmet, a pioneer of this place. HERBERT W. SPENCER, assistant superin- tendent of the converting department of the Illinois Steel Company, was born in Bureau County, 111., November 15, 1S60, a son of Simeon and Sophia (Stone) Spencer, natives of Windham County, Vt. His father, who learned the mill- wright's trade in youth, came to Illinois in 1857 and settled near Mendota, where he engaged in carpentering and building. When the first call came for volunteers in the service of the Union at the opening of the Civil war he responded and enlisted to fight in defense of the stars and stripes, serving in Company K, Twelfth Illinois Infantry, until the expiration of the period of enlistment. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3 6 9 In 1864 he settled on section 30, Troy Township, Will Count}-, where he cleared a fine farm from the raw prairie. He* resided on that place until 1SS2, when he removed to Huron, S. Dak., and embarked in farm pursuits near that town. Re- turning to Illinois in 1887 he settled in Joliet, where he lived retired until his death, five years later, at the age of seventy-three years. Frater- nally he was a Mason. His wife, who is still living in Joliet, was a daughter of Elijah Stone, a farmer in Vermont, but who died in Massachu- setts; he married Anna Gilbert, who was a mem- ber of a Connecticut family. The family of Sim- eon Spencer comprised two daughters and two sons, namely: Mrs. Alma Blodgett, of Joliet; Orsamus L-; Carrie, wife of I. M. Lish, of Liv- ingston County, 111. ; and Herbert W. The older son became an employe of the Illinois Steel Com- pany in 1872, and after a time was promoted to be night superintendent of the converting depart- ment, which position he was holding at the time of his death in 1892. He was active in local affairs and represented the first ward on the board of aldermen. In Masonry he attained the Knight Templar degree. On the home farm in Troy Township the sub- ject of this sketch passed the years of his boy- hood. For a time he attended the college at Morris, 111. When the family removed to South Dakota in 1882 he accompanied them and en- gaged in the real-estate and building business at Huron. For three years he was supervisor of Lake Byron Township. In 1887 he came to Joliet and entered the converting department of the Joliet (later the Illinois) Steel Company, where for five years his work was that of lining ladles. In 1893 he was made foreman of the de- partment and in 1896 was promoted to be night superintendent, which position he has since filled. In Newton, Kans., November 19, 1879, Mr. Spencer married Miss Sarah T. Hall, who was born in Morris, 111., a daughter of Samuel T. and Abigail (Merrill) Hall. Her grandfather, Dr. Archibald Hall, a graduate of medicine, practiced successfully for years in Connecticut, where he died. Her father removed from Connecticut to Illinois in 1844, being one of the earliest settlers of Morris, where he carried on a grocery business. His wife was born in New York state and died there while visiting relatives. They were the parents of two daughters: Hattie, who is the wife of T. M. Jeffries, of Janesville, Wis.; and Sarah T. , Mrs. Spencer. The latter graduated from Mount Carroll Seminar}- and afterward, until her removal to Kansas, engaged in educational work in Grundy and Kendall Counties. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have four children, namely, Hattie S., Frances O., G. Cyril and Arline S. As a member of the township and county cen- tral committees of the Republican party, Mr. Spencer has been active in local politics. From 1889 to 1893 he served as assistant supervisor, meantime being chairman of the committee on the assessment of city lots and a member of other committees. At the time of the rebuilding of the jail and the building of the administration hall he served as secretary of the committee having the work in charge. He was made a Mason in Mi- nooka, 111., in 1880, and is now connected with Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Interested in everything tending to promote the interests of workingmen, he has been active in labor organi- zations. He was at one time a member of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, and served for several terms as presi- dent of Mutual Lodge No. 12. For three years he held office as deputy vice-president of the fourth district, embracing Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri. He was president of the Trades and Labor Council of Joliet for one term, and a member of the council for several terms. [7 ELTON DRAUDEN. Those of our Ger- r^ man-American citizens who have found I homes in Will County have had no reason to regret their change of location. With scarcely an exception they have worked out for them- selves here a degree of success that would have been impossible in the old country. Among those who have become prosperous farmers is 37° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Drauden, who is a well-known citizen of Plainfield Township. He was born in Prussia June 27, 1837, a son of Nicholas and Margaret Drauden. He was only seven years of age when his father died, and thus from an early period he was obliged to be self-supporting. While he was still a mere lad he determined, as soon as pos- sible, to seek a home and fortune in the new world, of which he had heard so much. He was eighteen when he left his native land and set sail for a foreign shore. From Antwerp he sailed to Liverpool, and thence, after a delay of one week, started for New York, where he landed after a voyage of twenty-eight days. From the city of New York he proceeded a little to the northwest, settling on a farm in the state of that name, where he remained for five years. He then sought Illinois, settling in Will County, of which he has since been an energetic farmer. Having little money, he was at first unable to purchase a farm here, but after operating for a few years as a renter and meantime carefully hoarding his earn- ings, he purchased one hundred acres, forming a part of his present homestead. From the first he met with success. He gave his attention largely to the raising of cereals, although he also success- fully engaged in raising hogs and carried on dairying, both of which he continues, though on a smaller scale than of former years. The stock he raises are mostly for his own use. A glance at his place shows him to be a thrifty farmer. It is his aim to keep his buildings and fences in good condition and his land under first-class cul- tivation. All of the buildings on the farm were put up by him. In 1892 he erected the residence now occupied by the family and in 1897 built a substantial and commodious barn, with ample facilities for the storage of grain and shelter of stock. Though he is now well-to-do and might retire from active labors should he so desire, he is of so active a nature that he is happiest when busiest, hence he continues the personal manage- ment of his property. When a boy in Germany Mr. Drauden had im- planted in his heart by his parents the religion of the Roman Catholic Church, and, in all the changes and vicissitudes of the after-years he has remained true to its doctrines, being now con- nected with St. John's Church in Joliet. Politic- ally he votes with the Democrats. He has met with the success which he so richly deserves and to which his industry has entitled him. To his original purchase of one hundred acres he added sixty acres and later bought another one hundred- acre tract, these several purchases being of valu- able farm laud. During his residence in New York Mr. Drauden was married, in Syracuse, August 24, 1861, to Miss Paulina Aller, a native of Germany. The} - became the parents of seven children, two of whom are deceased. Those now living are: Lizzie, wife of John Baltz, of Troy Township; Lillie, wife of Michael Eich, of Joliet; Maggie, at home; Katie, wife of Nicholas Eich, of Joliet; and Walter, who is with his parents. During the last years of her life Mrs. Drauden's mother found a home with Mr. and Mrs. Drauden, and here she died in the fall of 1876. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS £&&*»' ^ m£* f^ *^I 1 - 'Jm & m> • . fj :' Aifl *.^v*jr" GKNEAI/DGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 37' MRS. FRANCES M. VANDERHOOF. V A RS. FRANCES M. VANDERHOOF, who V came to Joliet in October, 1852, and was (f) one of the pioneer business women of this city, is a native of County Cork, Ireland. Her father, John Ryan, who was born in County Limerick, a son of John and Ann (McGrath) Ryan, engaged in the mercantile business in Ire- land, remaining in that country until he died at forty-two years. He married Dorothea Roche, whose father, Dr. Thomas Roche, was a physi- cian in Ireland, and her mother belonged to the old English family of Haines. Mrs. Dorothea Ryan died at middle age. Of her twelve chil- dren all but three attained years of maturity. The first members of the family to settle in America were Mrs. Vanderhoof and Mrs. Kava- nagh, of Chicago, and later three other sisters and a brother crossed the ocean. It was during 1852 that Mrs. Vanderhoof, accompanying her sister, Mrs. Mary Ann Kava- nagh, left her old home in Ireland to come to the United States. She had expected to sail on the steamer "City of Glasgow," but, arriving at the port, found it had started. She therefore took a sailing vessel, "George Washington," Captain Cummings, and after a voyage of twenty-one days landed in New York. Thence she pro- ceeded to Chicago, and in the same year came to Joliet. In December, 1861, she became the wife of Robert Hill, who was born in Ireland and came in early manhood to Joliet, where he died in April, 1865. He had a brother, John W. Hill, who still lives in Joliet. Of this marriage two children were born, but the son, Richard R., died at two years of age. The daughter, Helena Frances, is the wife of Edward B. Strong, of this city, and they have one daughter, Marion Matilda Strong. The second marriage of our subject, in July, 1875, united her with Levi Vanderhoof, who was born in Franklin, Summit County, Ohio, and grew to manhood on a farm there. Some time during the '50s he came to this county and im- proved a farm lying just east of Joliet, where for some time he carried on agricultural pursuits. Later he started in the grocery business with J. Fred Wilcox. He died July 21, 1886, when sixty-two years of age. In politics he voted with the Democrats, and for two terms held the office of assessor. For one winter Mrs. Mary A. Kavanagh, a sister of Mrs. Vanderhoof, clerked for ex- Governor Matteson in Joliet. Subsequently the sister's started in the millinery business on Jeffer- son street, where the postoffice now stands. They continued together until the death of Mr. Kava- nagh, in 1870, after which they went to Chicago. In 1S72 Mrs. Vanderhoof returned to Joliet and resumed business at the old location. She car- ried on a large and profitable trade until 1884, when she sold the business, and later she also disposed of the building. In 1885 she erected the residence which she has since occupied, and this she owns, in addition to other valuable prop- erty. She possesses considerable business ability, and by its exercise she has accumulated her pres- ent possessions. In religious belief she favors Methodist doctrines and usually attends the serv- ices of that church. (ILLIAM H. HULSHIZER, lessee and manager of the Joliet theatre, was born in Finesville, N. J., December 25, 1854, ason of Richard L. and Margaret (Fraley) Hulshizer, 372 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. also natives of New Jersey and members of old families of that state who came there from Ger- many. His father, who is still living, resides near Phillipsburg and is engaged in the coal business. Of his eleven children five are living, three, William H., John and Mrs. J. A. Henry, being residents of Joliet. Our subject, who is sixth among the children, was educated in the schools of his native town. In 1879 he went to Omaha aad there became interested in the flour business. After a time he entered the employ of H. J. Lee & Co. (now the Lee, Glass & And- reesen Hardware Company). Beginning in a humble position he soon worked his way to a place of responsibility and for some years acted as buyer for the company. He resigned in order to form a connection with a large and important business concern, the Omaha Hardware Com- pany, which he assisted in organizing and of which he became secretary and buyer. The company entered business with a capital stock of $500,000, but after little more than two years the stock and building were destroyed by fire, entailing a heavy loss. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Hulshizer caine to Joliet, where he has since made his home. At first, however, he was not connected with the business interests of this city, but carried on a brokerage and commission business in Chicago, finally retiring from the same in order to devote his time wholly to the management of the Joliet theatre. This theatre was opened in 1891 and contains all the modern improvements, including a fine stage with good scenery and other equip- ments. The building has a capacity of fourteen hundred. The experience which he has gained during the seasons he has managed the theatre qualifies him for a still greater success iu the future. While in Omaha he married Helen H., daughter of Captain McConnell, a veteran of the Civil war. She was born in Chicago but was reared in Washington, D. C, where her father held a position in the pension department. One child blesses their marriage, Edna. In politics Mr. Hulshizer is a Republican. He was the first secretary of the lodge B. P. O. E. , and is a member of the grand lodge of the United States. The Knights of Pythias number him among their members, as do the Modern Wood- men of America, Union Club, Canadian and Illi- nois Orders of Foresters, and he is treasurer of the latter organization. HENRY HENSCHEN. It is through energy and determination that Mr. Henschen has met with success iu business. He is a well- known hardware merchant of Joliet, where he was born September 30, 1862, and where his life has thus far been spent. His father, August, was born in Saxony and followed the stone- cutter's trade both in his native land and in Joliet, where he settled during the '50s. He is still living in this city and makes his home on North Ottawa street, but for some years has been retired from active labors. He married Margaret Wilkins, who was born in Germany and at an early age came to Manhattan Township, this county, with her father, Peter Wilkins, a farmer. Of nine children born to the marriage four are living, Henry being the eldest of these. He was educated in the Joliet schools. At eighteen years he was apprenticed to the trades of tinsmith and plumber. His first work was of the most hum- ble nature, for he was put to blacking stoves and taking care of the stock. Later he worked at the bench. When his apprenticeship was com- pleted he worked at his trade for Mr. Barrett and John Kammerman, rising by force of ability and faithfulness until he held a remunerative position of responsibility. On starting in business for himself Mr. Hen- schen opened a store at No. 113 North Bluff street and continued in that location for three years. In the spring of 1899 he completed the building which he had been erecting at No. 109 North Bluff street. This is a three-story and basement brick structure 25x80 feet, all of which he occupies, using the basement for plumbing, the first floor for stoves and tinware and the re- mainder for the storage of heavy hardware. He GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 373 has built up a fine trade in the plumbing busi- ness and has been given the contracts for the plumbing in some of the best residences in the city and in a number of public buildings, includ- ing the Orphans' Home. Besides his business he was for fifteen years connected with the city fire department, but his business duties en- grossed his attention to such an extent that he resigned. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and in religion has always been in sympathy with Lutheran doctrines. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor. The marriage of Mr. Henschen took place in Joliet and united him with Miss Louisa Homes, whose parents were pioneers of Mokena, this county, where she was born. Three sons have been born of their union, Lawrence Henry, Arthur L- A. and Elmer Henschen. EAPT. FRED W. PEARSON, who won distinction through his honorable service in the Spanish-American war, enlisted in 1881 in the Fourth Regiment of Illinois Na- tional Guard, and was assigned to Company B. Step by step he won his way from the ranks through the various commissioned offices. After having served creditable as second, then as first, lieutenant for some time, in 1894 he was com- missioned captain of Company B, and three years later he was re-elected to the office. At times of strikes his company was called to the front, where the men served faithfully and well. Immediately upon the opening of the war with Spain he of- fered his services to our country, and his thor- ough knowledge of military tactics rendered his services especially valuable. Governor Tanner commissioned him captain of Company B, Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was the first company mustered into that regiment. May 16, 1898, he was ordered with his regiment to Chickamauga, Ga., and on the 22d of July pro- ceeded to Newport News, embarking there for the West Indies on the 27th of the same month. He was the first of the volunteers to laud in Porto Rico, having gone ashore in one of the native skiffs on the 2d of August; his prompt- ness in landing enabled him to readily form his company, which was the first in line. He led the men through the campaign on the island, taking part in the advance on Guayama and San Juan. However, on the 13th of August, the gov- ernment ordered all hostilities to cease, as Spain had made overtures for peace. Company B then went into camp near Guayama, remaining there until ordered home. They were the last of the volunteers to leave the island, sailing for the United States November 2, and landing in New York a few days later, whence they proceeded to Chicago and Joliet, and were mustered out in the latter city and honorably discharged from the service January 24, 1899. During the entire period of service only one man of the company was lost, and he died of typhoid fever before leaving Porto Rico. After the return from the front Company B was re-organized and assigned to the Third Regiment, I. N. G., with Captain Pearson as its commanding officer, but during the same year it disbanded. The Pearson family was established in New England and originated in Scotland. James Pearson, a farmer of Vermont, served as a justice of the peace and town clerk of Rutland. His son, James R., a native of Rutland, removed to Illinois and settled in Joliet, where he conducted a planing mill on South Bluff street for C. E. Ward & Co. After having carried on that busi- ness for a long time he was appointed keeper at the Illinois state penitentiary, a position that he held for ten years. He is now living, retired from business cares, and still makes his home' in Joliet. By his marriage to Sarah J. Churchill, a native of Vermont, he had three sons and two daughters, of whom the survivors are Fred W. and Charles R. Captain Pearson was born in Joliet May 20, 1866, and has always resided in this city. When thirteen years of age he entered what is now the Republican printing office, where he worked for three years. He then completed his high-school 374 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. studies, graduating in 1884. Afterward he be- came a compositor on the Joliet News, continu- ing as such until 1S89, when he was made fore- man in the composing room, and later he was given charge of the operating of a type-setting machine. In politics he believes thoroughly in Republican principles. He is a member of the Knights of the Globe and Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., also belongs to the Veteran Association, I. N. G. He was married, in Joliet, to Miss Jennie Johnson, daughter of the late R. S. Johnson, who came to this city from Herkimer County, N. Y. Captain and Mrs. Pearson, with their sous, Charles H. and Fred R., reside on Allen street. 0AVID H. LENTZ, general manager of the McKenna steel plant in Joliet, and consult- ing engineer of the Sellard Manufacturing Company of Chicago, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., December 13, 1847, a S011 °f John and Caroline (Will) Lentz. His father, who was a native of Alsace, France, was brought to America in 1824 by his father, John Lentz, Sr. , and grew to man- hood in Pittsburg, Pa. He became a pioneer in the manufacture of glass and for many years car- ried on business at Wheeling, W. Va. While visiting in the west in 1880 he was killed at Ot- tawa, 111., in an accident on the Rock Island Rail- road. The subject of this sketch was fifth among eight children. He had few educational advan- tages, this being caused by his father's failure in business through the endorsement of notes for others. When he was thirteen his mother died and soon afterward he started out for himself. He learned the trade of a machinist in Pittsburg and afterward acquired a knowledge of roll turn- ing. He also took up the study of drawing, of which he made such a success that he has de- signed and drawn plans for a number of plants. Through his energy and industry he was pro- moted to be foreman in charge of the rolling; mill machinery, a position that he held for eleven years. In 1878 he went to Indianapolis, Ind., where he took charge of the roll turning for the Indianapolis Rolling Mill Company. After two years with the company he was appointed de- signer and constructor of the new steel rail mill erected by the firm. All of the drawings for this mill were made by him. ■In 1882 Mr. Lentz went to Troy, N. Y., and took charge of the Albany iron works department of the Albany & Rensselaer Iron Company, where he had charge of more than twelve hun- dred men. His successful management of his department proved that he was fitted for large re- sponsibilities. In 1890 he went to Roanoke, Va., and there designed and constructed a mill for the manufacture of bar iron, which proved a remark- ably successful enterprise. Coming to Chicago in April, 1895, he took charge of the Sellard Manufacturing Company's plant as superinten- dent, in connection with the position as consult- ing engineer of the Rail Renewing Company. In the latter business experiments are being made on the process, and he has been connected with it continuously from its inception. In April 1897, he was made general manager and came to Joliet for the purpose of erecting a plant in this city. Mr. McKenna is the inventor of the proc- ess and with Mr. Lentz, the inventor of the ma- chinery. Mr. Lentz has secured seven patents on the machinery in operation here. The plant covers seven acres and has a capacity of about four hundred tons per day. By this process old rails that have served their term of usefulness are renovated; the rails are put through a process that restores them to their proper shape and toughens them, so that, while only five per cent is lost in weight, their former period of useful- ness, ten or twelve years, is fully renewed. Nor is this a process that can be carried on but once. It can be repeated with the same rails again and again, and has the advantage of being insignifi- cant in cost, in comparison with new rails. The plant has been in constant use since 1894, but is still in the best of condition. In it have been treated thirty-seven thousand tons for the Santa Fe and twenty-three thousand for the Chicago, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 375 Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. In 1898 the company erected another plant in Kansas City, a duplicate of the plant in Joliet. Both are under the supervision of Mr. Lentz, who is also a stock- holder in the company. During the Civil war Mr. Lentz, together with his father and three brothers, served in the Union army. He enlisted in Company F, First Battal- ion, Pennsylvania Cavalry, with which he served in Pennsylvania and Virginia until the close of the war. He took part in the raid after Morgan, and during the battle of Gettysburg was a dis- patch bearer. He is a member of Post No. 48, G. A. R., at Roanoke, Va. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order. In re- ligion he is a Presbyterian. In Fayette County, Pa., in 1865, he married Miss Mary C. McCor- mick, who died in Troy, N. Y., in 1S87. Four years later he was married, in Roanoke, Va., to Miss Ella Race, of Bingharnton, N. Y. Of his first marriage four children were born: Ada, de- ceased; Noble Edwin, who was superintendent of the Sellard Manufacturing Company at the time of his death, February 8, 1S99; Julia May, de- ceased; and Homer Allen, who is foreman in the finishing department of the Joliet works. The only child of the second marriage is Emily C. Gl NDREW E. CONANT, whose homestead J_l "The Pines," is one of Plainfield Town- / I ship's most desirable properties, has been a resident of Will County since the spring of 1854. He was born in Alfred, York County, Me., De- cember 9, 18 1 5, being a son of Andrew and Sarah (Emerson) Conant. His paternal grand- father, Nathaniel Conant, was one of the first settlers of York County, and also one of the first mill owners there, a leading man in its public affairs and a large land owner. He had five sons, of whom Andrew, a native of Maine and a farmer in York County, served as a member of the Maine legislature, then sitting at Portland, and ably represented his shire town of Alfred. His wife was a daughter of Squire Joseph Emer- son, one of the pioneers of Alfred. Of their five children, Hannah and Eliza died in girlhood; Lucinda and Sarah attained maturity; and An- drew is now the sole surviving member of the family. The parents both died in Maine. Until he was twenty years of age the subject of this sketch remained at home. On starting out in life for himself he began to cultivate a farm at Keunebunk Port, York County, where he remained for twelve years. On selling his farm he moved to Dexter, Penobscot County, where he made his home for six years. While there he built a factory in partnership with the husband of his sister Lucinda, and on the com- pletion of the same he engaged in the manufac- ture of woolens, remaining in the mill for six years, when it was sold. With his share of the proceeds, amounting to about $2,500, he came to Illinois, making the trip via Dexter to Port- land in a stage, from Portland to Boston by rail- road, thence to Buffalo by railroad, and from there to Chicago on the great lakes, taking the canal from Chicago to Fox river, and thence traveling with a team through Illi- nois and Iowa. He finally concluded that no location was as desirable as Will County. Ac- cordingly he came here, bought one hundred and sixty acres of partly improved land and be- gan to raise farm products. On this place he has since remained. The majority of the improve- ments have been made under his personal super- vision, as when he came there was not even a barn on the farm, and only a portion of the land had been fenced. From time to time he added to his holdings until at one time he owned four hundred and sixty-three acres. He devoted his land principally to the raising of grain, which he marketed in Joliet. While he was not active in politics and never sought office, yet he has always been a man of firm convictions on politi- cal questions, and votes with the Republican party. In religion he is connected with the Con- gregational Church. Mr. Conant's experience furnishes a splendid illustration of the increase in price of farm land in Will County. For the first land that he bought 376 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (in 1S54) he paid $20 an acre. His next pur- chase was in 1866, the price being $60 an acre. Fourteen years afterward he bought one hundred acres at $60 an acre. In 1S91 he bought farm land at $90 an acre. In 1846 occurred the marriage of Andrew E. Conant to Adeline, daughter of Capt. Robert Smith; she died two years after their marriage. In the summer of 1S53 he was united with Eliz- abeth, daughter of Samuel PhilbFOok, a shoe manufacturer in Maine. They became the par- ents of five children, namely: Adeline, who died September 24, 1881, at the age of twenty- three years; Hattie, who died October 1, 1864, when an infant: Joseph, Lewis and Otis K. The oldest of these sons, Joseph, was born April 29, 1S61, and grew to manhood on the old home- stead. June 28, 1S96, he married Erne, daugh- ter of Samuel Mottinger, and since then he has made his home on a farm of one hundred and eighty acres southeast of the home place. He is a Republican in politics, and is now holding the office of road commissioner. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. The second son, Lewis, was born on the homestead May 19, 1865, and received his edu- cation in the Joliet schools. For a number of years he has had the management of the home place, his father having retired from active cares and responsibilities. He is in charge of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he engages in raising farm produce and in stock-raising. Much of his attention is given to the stock busi- ness, which he has found a profitable adjunct to general farming. He has Shorthorn cattle and a fine grade of hogs on his farm, which he raises for the market. To some extent he has also car- ried on a dairy business. October 8, 1896, he married Miss Helen Parr, a daughter of Alexan- der and Matilda (Richards) Parr, natives of England, but for some years residents of Chicago. Mrs. Lewis Conant is a graduate of St. Luke's, Chicago, and is an accomplished and amiable lady, with the ability to successfully manage large responsibilities in the household. One son, Lewis Philip, has been born to them. The youngest son of our subject, Otis K. Co- nant, was born January 15, 1868. His life, like those of his brothers, was passed uneventfully on the homestead during the years of childhood and youth. On establishing a home of his own, he and his wife, Bessie, daughter of William Flagg, settled on a farm northwest of the homestead, where in 1S99 he erected a comfortable residence and a substantial barn. Gl A RON GREENWOOD, who is a pioneer LI of this county, was born in Herefordshire, / I England, in 1835, a son of John and Martha (PritchardT Greenwood, natives of the same shire as himself. His father, who was a general farmer, came to America in 1S47, and proceeded at once to Illinois, settling in Joliet Township, Will County , where he became interested in sheep- raising. He died in 1854, when sixty-four years of age. During his residence in his native country he was active in the Wesley an Church, but after settling in the United States he asso- ciated himself with the United Brethren denomi- nation. He lost his second wife before leaving England. They were the parents of three sons, namely: Richard, now of Joliet Township; Aaron; and George, deceased. Six other chil- dren from a former marriage reached maturity, and two came to the United States, John and Mrs. Ann Trow, of Wisconsin. At the time of settling in this county our sub- ject was thirteen years of age. He grew to man- hood in Joliet and New Lenox Townships, and received common-school advantages. When eighteeu years of age he began to cultivate a rented farm, and in this way made his start in life. His first purchase was in 1863, when he bought a tract of over ninety acres on section 12, Manhattan Township, and at once began its im- provement. He has since engaged in agricultu- ral pursuits, and is now the owner of four hun- dred and sixty acres, all in this township. Besides raising farm products, he carries on a GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 377 business in feeding stock. While he still contin- ues agricultural pursuits, he now makes his home near the village of Manhattan. He has given his allegiance heartily to the temperance cause, believing that the saloons are the greatest ene- mies of our country, and in politics he supports Prohibition principles. In the Methodist Epis- copal Church he serves as steward and trustee, and for twenty years served as Sunday-school su- perintendent. In the work of the Manhattan Grange he has been warmly interested, and has been its chaplain for several years. In 1 86 1 Mr. Greenwood married Sarah H. Noakes, who was born near Hastings, England, and by her he has a daughter, Alice, now the wife of E. P. Cole. They have reared a boy, 'Robert O. Greenwood, who has lived with them since he was two years old. When a youth, our subject had only such advantages as the schools of those days afforded, which, at best, were meagre; but, with his strong mind and love for reading, he has kept thoroughly posted on the events of the dav, and is a well-informed man. (JOHN W. GRAY is one of the leading Dem- I ocrats of Joliet. In 1S90 he was elected to (2/ represent the sixth ward in the city council, and has since been re-elected every two years, receiving large majorities each time, with the exception of 1898, when he ran on an independ- ent ticket, against both Democratic and Repub- lican candidates, and was elected by a majority of three. As a member of various committees he has been helpful in the work of the council, and has aided enterprises of undoubted value. At this writing he is chairman of the committee on parks and public property, and was a member of the same at the time Bush park was pur- chased and improved. Frequently he has been committeeman from his ward. In 1896, at the Democratic state convention held in Peoria, he was chosen to represent his district as state elec- tor on the Bryau-Sewall ticket. From Governor Altgeld, in 1893, ue received the appointment of chief state grain inspector for Will County, a position which he held until the close of that ad- ministration. For eight years he was a member of the Joliet library board, having been appointed to the same by Mayors Haley, Akin and Lagger. At the homestead in Joliet where he still re- sides, Mr. Gray was born October 27, 1856. His father, Lawrence, a native of County Langford, Ireland, and the son of a farmer, was educated in Dublin College, but left school at the age of eighteen in order to come to America. After a short time in New York City he went to Haver- straw, N. Y., thence to Poughkeepsie, and about 1852 settled in Joliet, 111., where he was first employed by the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and has been in the employment of that company ever since. He married Mar}', daughter of Patrick Doyle, who came from County Langford to America, and was employed on the New York Central Railroad in New York. Of five children now living, the subject of this sketch was next to the oldest. At fifteen years of age he became an employe of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and for three years had charge of the elevator, after which he man- aged the transferring business. Later, for five years, he had charge of the Kensington yards in Chicago. On his return to Joliet he was given the superintendence of the outside work, but afterward was transferred to the office of the company. February 14, 1887, having resigned his connection with the railroad, he bought a stock of groceries from James Egan and began in business at No. 301 South Chicago street, where he continued in business until 1890. He then built a three-story block, 47x60, at Nos. 501-503 South Chicago street, where he has since carried on a grocery business. In ad- dition to this business he was for ten years prior to 1898 a director in the Mutual Loan and Building Association. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, and is' identified with the Sacred Heart Church. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Modern Woodmen of America, and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. During his residence in Chicago Mr. Gray 3/8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. married Miss Nora Rogers, a native of Ireland. The}- are the parents of seven children, the eldest of whom, Lawrence, is employed in the Illinois Pressed Steel plant. The others are Charles, Mary, George, Raymond, Melville and Cath- erine. IT RED GRASSLE, ofjoliet, was born in Her- Iw renalb, near Stuttgart, the captial city of I f Wurtemberg, Germany, March 16, 1858, and was fifth in a family of twelve children, all but one of whom are still living, eight in Ger- many and four in the United States. His grand- father, Jacob Grassle, who took part in the march to Moscow in 1812, was a farmer by occupation and served as burgomaster or mayor of Her- renalb. Jacob Grassle, Jr., the father, was a commissioned officer in the German army and took part in the revolution of 1848. Throughout his active life he engaged in the lumber business. He died in his native town when sixt}'- eight years of age. Since then his business has been conducted by three of his sons. He married Annie Keller, whose father, Fred Keller, was a blacksmith and veterinary surgeon and held the office of state veterinary; at the time of his death he was almost ninety-nine years of age. The Grassle family has long adhered to the Lutheran religion. For generations the burgomaster's of- fice has been in the family, and the position is now held by a cousin of our subject. At fourteen )-ears of age our subject was ap- prenticed to the baker's trade in Ober amt Nein- berg, and after two years continued under in- structions in Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, Strasburg and Weisbaden. In accordance with the na- tional custom he entered the army on attaining manhood. For three years he was a member of the King's Guard. On being honorably dis- charged he came to America in 188 1 and at once proceeded tojoliet, where three days after his ar- rival he secured employment as cook and baker at the Will County poor farm, where he cooked for as high as one hundred persons. Nine months later he left that place and became a con- fectioner in the employ of John Scheidt, with whom he remained for one year and two months. He then returned to the poor farm, where he was at the head of the cooking and baking depart- ment for five years and seven months, finally re- signing to engage in business for himself. In 1S87 he bought his present location on the corner of Bluff street and Western avenue, remodeling the building to suit the needs of the business, and he has since built up a large trade. He sup- plies Hotel Munroe, National Hotel and the principal cafes and restaurants in the city, besides which he ships to Mokena, Lockport and Wil- mington. In point of years of business activity he is, with only one exception, the oldest baker in Joliet. Besides his business property he owns other city real estate and also has an eighty-acre farm in Wesley Township. July 11, 1SS2, Mr. Grassle married Miss Eugenia Kraft, who was born in Alsace, and came to America with her parents, Alois and Theresa (Gaber) Kraft, settling in Reading, Pa., where her father was a mason and bridge contractor. He was accidentally killed in a railroad catas- trophe; his wife died in Joliet in 1S97. They were the parents of six children, all but one of whom are stilly living. Mr. and Mrs. Grassle have had five children, viz.: Mamie, Herman, Otto (who died at four years of age), Olga and Fred, Jr. Since 1891 Mr. Grassle has been chairman of the fourth ward Democratic committee. He has also been a member of the city, county and state committees. In the spring of 1S99 Mayor Mount appointed him city sealer of weights and meas- ures. Twice he has been chosen noble grand in William Tell Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F., and he is also an officer in the sovereign grand lodge of Illinois. He is connected with the Modern Wood- men of America; the Joliet Sharpshooters' As- sociation, in which he is a trustee; the Saenger- buud; the Arbeiter, of which he is vice-president; and the Krieger Verein, in which he is treasurer. He is identified with the First German Lutheran Church ofjoliet and serves the congregation as a trustee. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 2X^- ^OslAimX&I - u^JVot >u,»o.s GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 333 ALLEN P. CARPENTER. GlLLENP. CARPENTER. Few of the resi- I I dents of the county stand higher, and none / I lias warmer friends, than the subject of this sketch, a retired farmer of Channahon Township. In his active life he has gained the confidence and esteem always awarded integrity, honor and industry. From his youth he has been identified with the county's history. In October, 1853, he came to Joliet. A short time later he was employed to teach a four months' term of school in this city. He at once entered upon his duties. His position was one of great responsibility, requiring patience, intelligence and constant watchfulness. On his roll he had the •names of one hundred and three pupils. At the expiration of his term the school board urged him to remain longer, but he had promised his father to return home and assist in the work during the spring and summer, so in March he went back east. However, in the fall he returned to Joliet, where he again taught school. In the spring of the next year he began to cultivate the farm in Channahon Township now owned by H. B. Por- ter, remaining there for three years. Later he spent two years in Troy Township. Following this he was associated for seven years with his brother, Henry S. Carpenter, in the grain and elevator business at Minooka Landing. In 1865 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixteen acres two miles north of the village of Channahon and the next year he removed to his new home. In conjunction with cultivating his land, for eight years he carried on a general merchandise, lumber and coal business. In 1875 he withdrew from the latter business and retired to his farm. From time to time he added to his possessions until he had large landed tracts, but, having lost both of his children, and his wife dy- ing in 1890, he had no longer the same reason as before for desiring large possessions, and he after- ward sold all but his original one hundred and sixteen acres. In 1895, after the erection of the creamery at Channahon, he was made its mana- ger, and during the three years that he held the position, the business netted about twenty-seven per cent dividends, a proud record which has never been equaled in the history of the Chan- nahon Creamery. In Orleans County, N. Y., Mr. Carpenter was born January 27, 1S34, a son of Daniel and Paulina (Smith) Carpenter. He and his sister, Lucinda, the widow of Dr. Gersham Randall, of Linn, Kans. , are the only survivors of the fam- ily, which originally comprised six children. His father, who was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., in 1796, grew to manhood there, and received a common-school education. February 25, 1819, he married Miss Smith. About 1824 he removed to the western part of the state, settling in Orleans County, where he engaged in farming. His wife died in 1837. Later he married Miss Fannie Styles, by whom he had five children, two now living: Wilber H., of Joliet, and Fran- ces, wife of William Harmon. The father was a progressive farmer and acquired a competency through his tireless efforts. In early life he was a Whig. On the organization of the Republican party he affiliated himself with it. He did not care for office, and refused all but minor posi- tions. In the Methodist Church he served as a trustee. His death occurred August 2, 1870. When nineteen years of age our subject left 19 3»4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home and came to Joliet, arriving here, as before stated, in October, 1853. The now prosperous city was then an insignificant village, but he dis- cerned its possibilities and also saw the opportunity of making a good investment by the purchase of farm land in the county. Subsequent events justified the wisdom of his course. January 10, 1855, he married Miss Ellen Spencer, who was born in Chicago December 21, 1834. They be- came the parents of two children: Alice Evelyn, who was born on Christmas day of 1865 and died August 1, 1866; and Allen Elmer, who was born April 28, 1869, and died July 24, 1870. Mrs. Carpenter passed away October 20, 1890. She was an active worker in the Methodist Church and a woman beloved by all for her gentle, amiable character and kind heart. Mr. Carpenter has been a trustee of the Methodist Church for the past twenty- five years and for some time has been a steward. Politically he is a firm Republi- can. From 1893 to 1897 ne served as supervisor of Channahon Township. For twelve years he held the office of town treasurer and for nine years was highway commissioner. For a quarter of a century he was a member of the Republican central committee. He has also frequently been a delegate to county and state conventions. In 1 85 1 Mr. Carpenter married Miss Henrietta Spencer, a sister of Mrs. Allen P. Carpenter. They became the parents of three children. The only living sou, Charles C, who was connected with his father in the grain business, is now business manager of a piano factory at Ottawa, 111., and a bicycle factory at Joliet. The second son, George H., is deceased. The only daugh- ter, Sarah F., is the wife of William Grinton, a merchant in Joliet, and with her Mrs. Carpenter makes her home. HENRY S. CARPENTER, who was long a business man of Joliet, was born November 23, 1825, and died March 5, 1892. He re- ceived his education in Albion Academy. In 1848 he came to Joliet, with the subsequent his- tory of which he was identified. For a number of years he taught in the city schools, but by de- grees he drifted into the real-estate business, buy- ing and selling town lots and also dealing in farm property. In addition he had large grain interests, in connection with his brother, Allen P., the two being among the most extensive grain merchants of this section of the country. He bought in carload lots and exported to all parts of the world. 0TEPHEN J. WILLIAMS. In the manage- ?\ ment of his dairy and farm interests Mr. Q) Williams has displayed energy and wise judgment. From early manhood he has been one of the important factors in the promotion of local enterprises and agricultural improvements in Dupage Township, and as a progressive farmer of high integrity, has won the confidence and re- gard of his large circle of acquaintances. The land which he owns lies on sections 33 and 34. Here he was born September 22, 1846, and here much of his life has been passed. In the stock business his specialty is the raising of cattle and Norman horses. He buys heavily in the Chicago markets and often sells again without taking the stock out of the yards. He has a large number of milch cows and ships from seventy to eighty gallons of milk to Chicago daily, finding in the dairy business a profitable source of revenue. Thomas Williams, our subject's father, was born and educated in Cornwall, England, where he learned the contract business with his father, an able and well-known contractor in Cornwall. In early manhood he engaged in the flax-seed business, shipping from England to America. In 1852 he came to this country and carried on a coal business in Pittsburg, Pa. Upon the start- ing of the canal in Illinois he sold his coal busi- ness and took a contract to build a part of the ca- nal in Will County, a part of sections 23 and 24, extending through Romeo. In 1850 he went to California and built a levee in San Francisco, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 335 which work consumed almost three years. His next contract was for building fifteen miles of the Great Western Railroad in Illinois. Upon the completion of his canal contract he had purchased forty acres where our subject now lives, and his family resided here while he was in different parts of the country filling contracts, adding to the home farm from time to time. On finishing his railroad work he returned to this place and gave his attention to its improvement. He was nominated in 1880 for the legislature by the Dem- ocratic party, but before the election was stricken with paralysis and died, August 25, the same year. He was then seventy-two years of age. In religion he was identified with the Church of England. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons. By his marriage to Susan Homer, who died November 23, 1898, he had nine children, of whom all are deceased but Mrs. Susan G. Haney, of Chicago, and Stephen J., of this sketch. In the academy at Naperville and the college at Wheaton our subject received excellent edu- cational advantages. His first work was the management of a coal mine owned by his father at Gardner, where he remained for three years. He then went to Lockport Township and took charge of a farm on sections 31 and 32, which he conducted for sixteen years. He still owns the farm, comprising three hundred and twenty acres. He returned to the old homestead at the death of his father. On this place he has since made his home. Mr. Williams has been one of the most successful farmers and stockmen during the last decade in Will County. His methods of farming are the most advanced and his judgment in regard to buying and selling stock has made him well known in the Chicago market. His home farm now comprises over one thousand acres of choice laud, the equal of which it would be hard to find in northern Illinois. A Democrat in national af- fairs, he is independent in local matters, voting for the men he considers best qualified to repre- sent the people. He has been a delegate to town- ship and county conventions and to many of the state and national gatherings of the Democratic party. Upon the death of his father he succeeded him in the office of supervisor, which he held for thirteen years. At one time he was nominated for the legislature, but the district being strong- ly Republican he was defeated. He is warmly interested in all that concerns his immediate lo- cality, especially in educational matters, and his influence for yeais in the office of school direc- tor has been exerted in behalf of the schools. While in Gardner Mr. Williams married Mary E. Burns, who died January 2, 1876, at the age of twenty-seven and one-half years. This union was blessed by three children: Thomas, who is in Albuquerque, N. M. ; James, who culti- vates the home farm for his father; and Maude, who married Isaac Sims, a merchant in Lockport. Two years after the death of his first wife Mr. Williams married her sister, Katie Burns, by whom he has three children, Mary E. , Jennette B. and Stephen J. Jr. EVI WHIPPLE, member of the firm of I C Whipple & Barr, grain merchants of Plain- ly field, was born near Morris, Grundy County, 111., March 7, 1846. His father, William Whip- ple, a native of Watertown, Jefferson County, N. Y., born in November, 180S, spent the first fourteen years of his life there and then went to Detroit, Mich. For six years he worked as a clerk in that city. Coming from there to Illinois he engaged in the grocery business in Marseilles, also sold groceries through the surrounding country with team and wagon. He then settled in Grundy County, renting a farm near Morris, but after two years bought another farm near by, and on the latter place he made his home for thirty years. From there he moved to Buffalo, Ind. His last days were spent in Ford County, 111., where he died at eighty-seven years. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Repub- lican. While he never had any educational ad- vantages he became a well-informed man and kept posted concerning current events of im- portance. He was a member of a pioneer family 3 86 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of New England that traced its ancestry to Ger- many. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Basheba Gibson, was born in Vermont and died in Illinois in 1862, when forty-five years of age. She was a woman of exemplary character and sincere Christian faith. She left four children, of whom Levi was second in order of birth. Until twenty-five years of age our subject re- mained at home assisting his father in the culti- vation of the farm. At the time of his marriage he settled on one of his father's farms, which he later purchased, making it his home until 18S2. He then rented the property and moved to Morris, 111. , where he carried on a livery busi- ness for two years. Afterward he became inter- ested in the lumber business. In 1890 he came to Plainfield and formed a partnership with C. V. Barr, renting an elevator at Plainfield and one at Caton Farm. The latter burned down in 1892, but was immediately rebuilt by the proprietors. Later they bought the elevator at Plainfield and have since operated both, Mr. Whipple managing that at Caton Farm, while Mr. Barr has charge of the one at Plainfield. The Caton Farm elevator has a capacity of between seventy-five and eighty thousand bushels, it being one of the largest elevators in the county. By the marriage of Mr. Whipple to Miss Harriet A. Stone three children were born, Win- nifred, Lester H. and Chester L. In his political views M. Whipple is a Republican and takes an active part in assisting those of his friends who are candidates for office, but has never sought political positions for himself. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Plainfield and is still connected with it. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In the forwarding of worthy enter- prises he has taken an interest, contributing to the same as able, and he has for years assisted in the maintenance of the Congregational Church with which his wife is identified. As a substantial business man no one stands higher in his community than Mr. Whipple. He has great capacity for business, and the success of his enterprises comes from his energetic man- agement of the same. Having given much time and thought to the grain business he is familiar with all its details, and manages his elevator in such a way as to reap the greatest possible results therefrom. He is very progressive and public- spirited, and is always in favor of movements that are likely to benefit his locality, though the demands upon his time made by his business in- terests prevent him from actively identifying him- self with public affairs. AWRENCE DITTRICH, who for years be- lt fore his death was one of the enterprising |_J farmers and business men of this county, was born in Buckenhofen, Bavaria, Germany, January 20, 1844. He received his education in schools in his native country, and from an early age was familiar with agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-six years he came to the United States, landing in Baltimore, and proceeding from there to Chicago. After a short stay in the latter city he came to the vicinity of Mokena, where he se- cured work on a farm. In 1873 he married and moved to Joliet, where he obtained work in the rolling- mill. During the ten years he was em- ployed in the mill he proved himself to be a very competent and efficient workman, and from small wages was advanced until he made as much as $160 per month. During 1883 Mr. Dittrich bought an unim- proved tract of eighty acres of land at what was then called Grinton. Settling upon the place, he at once began its development. He cleared the land of stumps and placed it in condition for cultivation. At a later date he bought fifty-two acres to the south, which he also brought under cultivation, and devoted to general farm products. In the raising of horses and cattle he also took con- siderable interest. While he gave his attention closely to his farm work he did not neglect his duties as a citizen, but kept in touch with local matters. For a number of years he served as road overseer and later was elected highway commis- sioner. His political belief was in accord with GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 337 Democratic principles. In religion he was con- nected with St. John's Roman Catholic Church. The marriage of Mr. Dittrich, October 22, 1873, united him with Mrs. Susanna Brown, who was born in Westbach, Rheinpfaltz, Bavaria, Germany, a daughter of Henry Schneider. She was reared in her native land, and after her mar- riage to Mr. Brown came to the United States. By her first marriage she had two children, but both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Dittrich were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely: Helena, wife of Henry Christman, of Joliet; Henry, who has charge of the home farm on section 10, Troy Township; Lawrence, Su- sanna and Annie. Mrs. Dittrich was reared in the Lutheran faith, and is connected with that denomination in Joliet. Since the death of her husband, August 7, 1892, she has had the over- sight of the homestead and the general manage- ment of the estate, and has proved herself to be a woman possessing decided business ability. UJOAH WHITLEY, county surveyor, was rV born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, 1/3 August 10, 1852, a son of Robert and Sarah (Lorryman) Whitley, natives of the same town. His grandfather, John Whitley, descended from a family who, as far back as the sixteenth century, resided near Whitley bridge, in Yorkshire, and by whom the family name was variously spelled Whitily, Whytely, Whitley, etc. Whitley Castle, in Northumberlandshire, was probably owned by a branch of the family, and is quoted by histo- rians of the Roman period. Robert, who was a miller by trade, came to America in 1853 and set- tled at Plainfield, Will County, 111., where the fam- ily joined him two years later. For a time he was employed in a mill at Oswego, Kendall County, but in 1864 returned to Plainfield, where he re- sumed milling. In 1866 he embarked in the milling business at Lockport, 111., where he has since been foreman for a company. By his mar- riage to a daughter of Nathan Lorryman, of an old Yorkshire family, he had seven children, of whom Noah and Robert, Jr., of Lockport, and two daughters survive, our subject being the eld- est of the family. He was three years of age at the time his mother brought him to the United States, joining his father in Will County. Sub- sequently the family went to Kendall County, but returned to Plainfield in 1864, and in 1866 settled in Lockport, where he completed the high school course. He then took up civil engineer- ing and surveying and attended a private school in Chicago. The first engineering done by Mr. Whitley was in 1872, when he was employed on the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad in Ohio. Two years later he came to Joliet, where he assisted the county surveyor, A. J. Mathewson, in his surveys. In 1877 he went to California, where he engaged in surveying. He was also assist- ant superintendent of a large fishing com- pany, and, being in and about the water much of the time, he contracted rheumatism in his arms. Hoping a change of climate might enable him to get rid of the disease, he went to the Society Islands, twenty-five hundred miles south of the Sandwich Islands, in the Pacific, and spent almost a year in that region of the world, being for a few months on the island of Tahiti, whose inhabitants were mostly natives, with a very few Americans, Germans and Scotchmen. The trip proved successful in permanently relieving him of the disease. Returning to Joliet in 1883, Mr. Whitley has since engaged in work as a civil engineer. From 1885 to 1888 he served as city engineer. To fill a vacancy the board of supervisors ap- pointed him county supervisor in 1895. The following year he was regularly elected to the office of county surveyor and civil engineer for a term of four years. He has had almost all the work connected with the laying out of additions and subdividing of property, and his work has always proved reliable and trustworthy. In 1892, as a member of the sanitary survey, he located sec- tion and half-section corners in Will County for the sanitary district. In 1897 and 1898 he had harge of the party locating land corners through ;88 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the city of Joliet for the sanitary district, and was called upon to give testimony in the condemnation cases that came up for settlement. He is a mem- ber of the Western Society of Engineers. In national politics he is a Republican. During 1887, within six months, he made two trips to England and Scotland, where he visited relatives and acquaintances of the family. He was mar- ried in Joliet to Miss Jane E. Clark, who was born in Scotland, and died in that country, leav- ing a daughter, Sarah Barbara. GlNDREW J- HOWK. Although it was J 1 not until a comparatively recent period that I I Mr. Howk settled permanently in Joliet, yet he has been familiar with the place from early manhood and no one has taken a greater inter- est in its progress than has he. The family of which he is a member has been represented in America for man}- generations. He was born in Water town, N. Y., December 15, 1831, and was a son of Henderson Howk, a miller of Water- town. When the family came to Illinois in 185 1 his father built the mills in Joliet that occupied the present site of the plant of the Economy Light and Power Company. One of his first contracts in the west was in connection with Governor Matteson for the building of the Rock Island Railroad from Joliet to Blue Island, after which he carried on the mills in partnership with George W. Hyde. His last years were spent in retirement from business and he died in this city in 1889. During his residence in New York he took an active interest in political mat- ters and served honorably as a member of the state legislature. Though not a member of any denomination he was liberal in his gifts to all, and more than one church has reason to be grate- ful to him for generous assistance at a time when it was sorely needed. By his marriage to Emily, daughter of L. Nathan Matteson and a sister of Hon. Joel A. Matteson, he had five children, of whom the oldest, Andrew J., and a younger brother, F. M., a justice of the peace in Joliet, are the only survivors. John and Augustus were both in business in this city until their death. When about twenty years of age our subject accompanied his parents to the west. He entered the store of his uncle, Governor Matteson, in Joliet, and remained with him until 1S53, when he went to California and embarked in prospect- ing and mining. From that time to this he has had important mining interests. His success at the start was such as to induce him to devote his life to the occupation . When the placer mines became exhausted he turned his attention to quartz mining. He located a mine, "May Lundy," on the summit of the Sierra Nevada range, eleven thousand feet above sea level, it being one of the highest productive mines now in operation on the continent. It was opened in 188 1 and he operated it personally for some years. He has also had valuable interests in Nevada. In 1863 he went to that territory, where he carried on silver mining profitably until 1S76; but owing to the decline in silver he dis- continued the work in the latter year. Of recent years he has again turned his attention to mining in Nevada, but mines for gold and copper and not for silver. While he has not wholly given up his interests in California he has no active con- nection with mines there now, but works in Nevada instead. In 18S5 he settled permanently in Joliet in order that his son might have the ad- vantage of study in the city schools. Usually he spends a portion of each summer in Nevada at- tending to his interests there. Politically he is an ardent supporter of the silver wing of the Re- publican party. In religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. While in California he married Miss Margie Kirkpatrick, by whom he has one son now living, Henderson J. Howk. • Often noting the prosperity of Joliet and the variety of its industries Mr. Howk recalls the days when he first came here and enjoys dwell- ing upon the contrasts between a half century ago and now. Shortly after he came here he built a part of the first brick building erected in the town , putting up a portion of the brick block just north of the National Hotel. It was his GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 389 plan to start in business in that block, but his health was poor and his physician ordered him to leave. It was in this way that he decided to go to California. From 1889 to 1896 he was a member of the firm of Kirkpatrick, Howk & Massey, who engaged in quarrying just outside of the city limits on South Chicago street. 30HN AGNEW, deceased, was one of the finest machinists ever in Joliet. He was born in Wicktonshire, Scotland, March 11, 1S43, and in early manhood removed to Glasgow, where he worked as a machinist, meantime gain- ing a thorough knowledge of the trade. Believ- ing he would be better able to succeed in America he crossed the ocean in 1871 and settled in Cleve- land, Ohio, where he worked in the rolling mills. From there, in 1880, he removed to Chicago, and there was selected to be foreman of a large ma- chine shop, for which work his previous ex- perience as foreman in Cleveland admirably qualified him. He continued in Chicago until 1889, when he went to Anderson, Iud., and had charge of the building of the rod mills in that place. The year 1890 found him in Joliet, where he erected the Enterprise mills for Fish Brothers. Later, as master mechanic, he had charge of the Illinois machine shops of the Illinois steel works. In every city where he resided he was recognized as an expert machinist. His work was reliable and trustworthy, and no employer ever spoke of him except in terms of highest praise. He con- tinued to hold a very responsible position in the steel works until his death, which occurred in Joliet February 2, 1893. To his family he left a comfortable home and the memory of an upright Christian life. After coming to the United States Mr. Agnew took a warm interest in public affairs in his adopted country. He affiliated with the Repub- lican party and upheld its principles. During his residence in Anderson, Ind., he was a member of the common council. The nature of his work, however, was such as to prevent his acceptance of most local offices, for he had not sufficient time to give to them. In the Knights of Pythias he held office as grand chancellor and was connected with the Uniform Rank. He also served as high chief ranger in the local camp of Foresters. In both of these orders he stood high and took an active part. Before leaving Scotland Mr. Agnew lost his first wife, who left a son, William, now connected with the postal department in Cleveland. After coming to America he was a second time married, choosing as his wife Miss Jane Dewar, whom he married in Cleveland February 22, 1872. Mrs. Agnew was born and reared in Scotland and in 1870 accompanied her uncle to the United States, settling in Cleveland She was reared in the Episcopalian faith and early identified herself with that church, which Mr. Agnew also attended, though not a member. They became the parents of seven children, one of whom died at four years of age, and six are now living, viz.: Jessie, wife of George Russell, of Anderson, Ind.; Samuel H., a machinist in Joliet; Anna F. and John, both of whom are employed as clerks in this city ; James and Jean, who are still at home. ""LISHA C. FELLOWS. In the early ^ period of Will County's history there was __ no attorney so prominent and influential as Mr. Fellows, who was long the Nestor of the bar in Joliet and one of the leading criminal lawyers of Illinois. Born and reared in Brockport, N.Y., the son of wealthy parents, he was given in youth every advantage which ample means could pro- vide, and was educated in law under the tutorship of successful attorneys in the east. During the year 1836 he came to Joliet, which was then a frontier town in the midst of the wilderness, with few indications of its future prosperity and popu- lation. Largely through his efforts the first char- ter was secured for the city. In many ways he promoted the growth of the town and the enlarge- 39° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ment of its interests. No movement was started of a public-spirited nature that failed to receive his co-operation. As the passing of the years brought a constant prosperity to Joliet, they also brought to Mr. Fel-' lows an ever-increasing reputation in his chosen profession. His name was connected with the most important cases in the courts of Will County, and as a criminal lawyer he was recognized as unequaled and without a rival. Frequently he was called into other counties of the state in con- nection with important cases. He was a tireless worker in the interests of his clients. Every authority was looked up, every research was made and ever}' clue investigated that would aid him in his professional work. His life was in his work, and it might almost be said that his pro- fession was his life, so closely were the two inter- woven. After a useful and honorable career, Mr. Fel- lows retired from his activities. For some years before his death he was an invalid. September 5, 1875, his step-son, George Leonard, who had been his partner in law, and was a young man greatly beloved by all, passed away from earth at the going down of the sun. His own health was very poor at the time, and the following year, August 1, he died at the rising of the sun. During his three years' illness he had been tenderly cared for, not only by his wife and daughter, but also by his adopted son, Frank Fellows (a son of Mrs. Fellows by her first marriage). This son was his constant attendant throughout his illness, and Mr. Fellows showed his affection for him by bequeathing him an equal share of his property with his daughter. At a meeting of the Will County Bar Associa- tion, October 2, 1876, the following resolutions were passed: "Whereas, The death of E. C. Fellows is to the bar a sad occasion and of no ordinary char- acter, and he has given his whole life to practice within its precincts, be it ' ' Resolved, That we remember with emotion his power as a practitioner, his fervid eloquence, his marked fidelity to his clients, and, as an asso- ciate, his genial social qualities ; and "Resolved, That these resolutions be made a matter of record in the court and the clerk be in- structed to forward a copy to the bereaved family of the deceased." During a portion of his life Mr. Fellows was an exhorter in the Methodist Church, and he died in the Christian faith, with the hope of a resur- rection to life eternal. In early life he affiliated with the Democrats of the old school, but during Civil-war times he supported Abraham Lincoln, and afterward he was independent in politics. He was a man of straightforward honesty, and would tolerate no wrong methods, though they might offer tempting professional allurements. His knowledge of criminal law was excelled by no attorney of his locality and day, and by his high professional attainments he added to the in- fluence of his home town. Mr. Fellows married Miss Frances D. Gates, a grand-daughter of Gen. Horatio Gates, the famous Revolutionary hero, and also a relative of Generals Schuyler and Van Rensselaer, who gained renown in the struggle with England. In later days other relatives of Mrs. Fellows have gained fame. Her cousin, Major Anderson, was the one who held Fort Sumter until approaching starvation forced a surrender. Her parents were Seth and Mary (Anderson) Gates; the latter, who was a daughter of a Scotch nobleman, was reared under strict Presbyterian influences, and was a woman of marked ability, gentle in dispo- sition and kind to all. At the time of her death she was ninety-five years of age. Seth Gates was born and reared in Rutland, Vt. , but in early manhood removed to Bradford County, Pa., taking with him $1,000 in gold, which was con- sidered a fortune in those days. He purchased a tract of timbered land and hewed a farm from the wilderness, in which wolves and other wild ani- mals made the night hideous with their cries. At the time the family removed to the new home Mrs. Fellows was nine months old; consequently she retains no recollection of her native county. She was one of twelve children, namely: Rufus R., Luther, Schuyler, Herrick, Van Rensselaer, Horatio, William, Aurilla, Demorest, Frances Diantha, Almira and Sarah. Rufus R. Gates GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 39i became a prominent evangelist in the Seventh- Day Advent Church, and made his home in Phil- adelphia. Of the family, Schuyler, Herrick, Horatio and Mrs. Fellows are still living. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Fellows, Addah, was born in Joliet, and married Lomando Pierce, by whom she had two children, Frank Fellows Pierce and Florence Gates Pierce. Mrs. Fellows and Mrs. Pierce are members of Christ Episcopal Church in Joliet, having been confirmed by Bishop McLaren in Lockport. 0ANIEL F. HIGGINS is well known, both through his successful practice as an attor- ney, and through his active, efficient service as vice-president of the board of school directors of Joliet. For the past twenty years he has been intimately associated with educational work; probably his most helpful service as a citizen has been in connection with the city schools. Since 1896 he has held office as the board's vice presi- dent. He is a member of the township high school board, and is entitled to the credit of origi- nating the plan and assisting to carry forward to a successful completion the building of the town- ship high school. The decision to erect this building was made in December, 1899. Since then the work has been carried rapidly and sys- tematically toward completion. The building stands on the corner of Jefferson and Eastern avenues and is, without exception, the finest township high school building in the entire state; a result the credit of which should be given the men whose names are indissolubly associated with the enterprise. The Higgins family was established in New England in an early day. Samuel, the earliest member of whom any definite knowledge is had, served in the Revolutionary war. Prior to 1781 he resided in Killingvvorth, Conn., but in that year moved to Castleton, Vt. He was twice married, aud by his second wife, Temperance Kilsey, had eight children. The second of these children was Dan, who was born in Castleton, Vt., August 27, 1784. By occupation he was a farmer. In 1806 he married Hannah LeBarron, by whom he had eleven children, Chauncey, the fourth, having been born in Rutland County, Vt. He was reared on the home farm, and during the summer assisted in its cultivation, while in the winter he attended school. However, his educa- tion, which was good, was acquired mostly by his own efforts. When about of age he took up agricultural work in Vermont. In 1835 he came via the lakes to Chicago, thence by the old trail to Dupage Township, this county, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land. He raised produce which he shipped to Chicago, and he also raised stock. At the time of the anti-slavery agitation he was pronounced in his Abolition views. He aided the work of the underground railroad. Though active in local affairs, he would never accept office. He was instrumental in moulding the principles of the Republican party in his neighborhood. For many years he was a leader in politics. Person- ally he was a man of indomitable will and en- ergy, and one of the best business men in his township. He helped to build the first church in Naperville, and for years was a deacon in the Baptist Church near his home. October 23, 1844, in Dupage Township, he married Emily Root, who was born in Benson, Vt., March 18, 1812. They became the parents of five children, namely: Emity Frances and James Chauncey, both deceased; Daniel F. ; Olney F., who is man- aging the old homestead; and Charles Sumner, deceased. The father died in February, 1892. The subject of this article was educated in public schools and in Northwestern College, which was then in Plainfield. When fifteen years old he enlisted in Company C, One Hun- dredth Illinois Infantry, and went with his regi- ment to East Tennessee. On the 1st of July, 1865, he was transferred to the Fifty-first Illi- nois Veterans' Corps, which served in Texas un- til October, 1865. He was then honorably dis- charged from the army. Returning home he was for two years principal of the school at Downer's Grove. In 1S74 he began to read law 392 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. with Judge Cod}-, one of the leading attorneys of northeastern Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in Joliet in 1877, and has since engaged in practice here. About the time of his election as county attorney (1884) he formed a law partner- ship w'ith E. C. Akin, now attorney-general, and they were together until the latter' s removal to Springfield in 1896. Since then Mr. Higgins has been associated with Fred W. W alter. He is a strong Republican, and has been chairman of the county central committee, and a member of the city council. He is a great admirer of William McKinley, and an active campaigner, and has been offered several appointments, which he has declined on account of his private work as a lawyer. His influence has been given to move- ments of a worthy character, and he has been one of the most progressive citizens Joliet has ever had. His entire life has been passed in this county. He was born in Dupage Township and grew to manhood in the midst of the changing scenes of farm life here, witnessing the develop- ment of farms and the growth of towns. In Joliet he has done a considerable amount of building, mostly residences. He was united in marriage May 4, 188 1, with Mary Brown, of Jackson, Will County. They are the parents of six sons and two daughters, namely: D. Frank, Jr. ; Charles Chauncey. Helen J., Marshall F., Max Brown, Mary Marguerite, Ara Brown and Alfred N. WILLARD W. GIFFORD, county treasurer, is a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served with a valor and fidelity that en- title him to the lasting gratitude of all who love their country. He was born near Mayville, Chautauqua County, N. Y., a son of Edson and Lydia (Whipple) Gifford, also natives of that state, and descendants of New England pioneers. His grandfather, William Gifford, who was of remote Welsh descent, brought his family from Massachusetts to New York, and cleared a farm from the woods of Chautauqua County, where he continued to make his home until he died, at the age of about eighty years. Some years after his marriage, Edson Gifford brought his wife and two children to Illinois, making the trip by the lakes and settling in Grundy Count}- on the Ken- dall County line. There, out of the raw prairie, he improved a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. After a few years he settled in Lisbon, Kendall Count}', where he engaged in the mer- cantile business. In 1866 he settled in Morris, Grundy County, where he was proprietor of a store. The year 1872 found him settled in El- wood, Will County, where he engaged in mer- chandising. His death occurred in this village in 1894, when he was seventy-four years of age. His wife died during the early days of their resi- dence in Grundy County. Of their three chil- dren, a son and daughter are living. He was a second time married, and by that union there are two sons now living, one being a business man in Elwood. The subject of this sketch was born March 4, 1844, and was a child of four years when his parents came to Illinois. His education was ac- quired principally in Lisbon, Kendall County, and Lisbon Academy. July 15, 1861, he en- listed in Company D, Thirty-sixth Illinois In- fantry, which was mustered in at Aurora and sent to Missouri. After the battle of Pea Ridge the company was ordered to Mississippi and took part in the siege of Corinth, later was sent in pursuit of General Bragg, and took an active part in the battles of Perryville and Stone River. During the latter engagement he was captured, but was soon paroled and sent to Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until his exchange in May, 1863. He joined his regiment at Mur- freesboro, immediately before the campaign against Chattanooga, and took part in the battle Chickamauga, where he was shot in the leg. The Union army retreated to Chattanooga and he was left on the field, within the rebel lines for seven days, after which he was taken into a Confederate hospital and his leg was amputated by a Federal surgeon. Four days later he was taken in an ambulance to the Union lines at Chattanooga and was exchanged and taken to a Union hos- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 393 pital, where he remained for some time. In the latter part of October, 1863, he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability, and returned to his home, but it was a year before he had recovered sufficiently to engage in any busi- ness. After a year in an academy Mr. Gifford was appointed postmaster under President Lincoln, which office he held until 1872, meantime also engaging in the mercantile business. On resign- ing his office he removed to Elwood and became a member of the firm of E. Gifford & Son, pro- prietors of a general mercantile store. Later the firm became Gifford & Co. , a brother and son being admitted as partners. Under Presidents Garfield and Arthur he also served as post- master at Elwood. During much of this time he was a member of and president of the board of the village trustees. Several time he has been a member of the county Republican central com- mittee. In the fall of 1898 he was elected county treasurer by a majority of twenty-seven hundred, and in December of that year he took the oath of office for a term of four years. In the spring of 1899 he moved to Joliet, where he now re- sides. He is a member of Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R. In Cambridge, 111., Mr. Gifford married Miss Lydia Bryan, who was born in Stark County, 111., daughter of an old settler there. They are the parents of four children: Edson, who is deputy county treasurer; Estella, Mrs. R. J. Hemphill, of Aurora, 111.; Katie and Grace, at home. r^ETER POLSON. With the energy charac- L/' teristic of his nationality, Mr. Poison has [3 devoted himself to contracting and build- ing in Joliet. He arrived in this city from his native land May 22, 188 1, and at once secured employment in carpentering. Realizing that a knowledge of the English language was necessary in order to carry on business success- fully, he devoted his evenings to study, and soon mastered the language. About a year after he came he began to take contracts for the erection of houses, and he has since continued in the busi- ness. Besides building residences in different parts of the city, he has had the contracts for the Lemont Orphans' Home. In 1890 he laid out Poison place, between Jackson and Benton streets, on Hickory Creek, and this property he improved with residences which he later sold. In 1899 he erected a double brick two-story building on Jackson street. He has also built over fifty residences for himself, selling them as opportu- nity presented. Mr. Poison was born near Helsiugborg, Skane, Sweden, May 31, 1846. His father, Paul, a son of Nils, was born in the same vicinity, and engaged extensively in the distilling busi- ness until his death, at forty-three years. Twice married, he had two children by his first union, and one of these is still living. His second wife was Boel Nelson, who died in Skane in 1889, when eighty -three years of age. Of their chil- dren, Johanna died in Sweden; Nels is a farmer in Skane, and Kerin also resides in that coun- try. The youngest of the four, Peter, was five years of age when his father died, and he was reared on the home farm by his mother. From fourteen to seventeen years of age he worked on the farm. At an early age he formed a resolu- tion to learn the carpenter's trade, and when he was eighteen he hired a man to take his place on the farm while he apprenticed himself to the trade. After three years he entered the Swedish army, where he served for two years in a hussar cavalry regiment. On leaving the army he worked at his trade, which he followed in his native land, in conjunction with farming, until he came to the United States in 1881. Though not active in politics, Mr. Poison is a stanch Republican, and keeps posted concerning public affairs. He is a member of the Joliet Builders' Association. From the organization of the Swedish Lutheran Church he has been one of its leading members, and at the time of the erec- tion of a house of worship he served on the build- ing committee. For nine years he held office as a deacon, and for fourteen years he assisted in 394 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Sunday-school work as a deacon. He has also represented his congregation in the synod. Before leaving Sweden he married Batilda Swen- son, daughter of a farmer. She died in Joliet, September 30, 1882. They were the parents of five children, namely: Samuel, a carpenter in Joliet; Pauline, in Chicago; Marie and Josephine, at home, and Carl L., who died in infancy. l^AVIER BIETH, who is engaged in farming •\ in Troy Township, was born in 1831 in Al- ii) I sace, then a part of France, but now a Ger- man province. He was reared on a farm operat- ed by his father, John Bieth, and from an early age assisted the latter in his work. At sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to the shoemak- er's trade, which he followed for some years af- terward. He was not, however, content to re- main in his native land, where the opportunities for success were so few and the hardships so many. He therefore resolved to seek a home in the new world. In 1853 he took passage on a sailing vessel that anchored in New York after a voyage of thirty-six days. Coming direct to Illinois, he secured work in the construction of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, but after he had been working forty-one days, the contractor left secretly, and he received no remuneration . His first experience in our country was far from encour- aging, but he had the faith to believe that better things awaited him. His next employment was as a farm hand, for which he was paid $S a month. After having worked for others for eight years Mr. Bieth rented a farm and for six years en- gaged in its cultivation. Meantime he frugally saved each year's profits and was finally able to buy a place of his own. His first purchase con- sisted of eighty acres in the southern part of Troy Township, and he remained there for some time, working with painstaking care upon the place and increasing its value by his improvements. In 188 1 he bought a farm of two hundred and twenty acres. In the cultivation of the land he met with success from the first. He has added to his holdings until he now has three hundred and sixty acres, of which he operates one hun- dred and twenty acres, and rents the remainder. Among the improvements he has made is a wind- mill seventy-five feet high. While Mr. Bieth has not been active in poli- tics, he is a stanch Democrat, and never fails to cast his ballots at elections. In i860 he married Ellen Lynk, by whom he has seven children, namely: John; Mary, wife of John Stepher; Jo- seph; Frank; Josephine, wife of George Stephens; Theresa and Emma. The family are members of St. John's Roman Catholic Church. In all of his business transactions Mr. Bieth is exceed- ingly cautious; this trait of character being prob- ably emphasized by reason of his early unfortu- nate experience in America. Conservatism is one of his most marked traits. When, however, he is convinced of the value of an enterprise, he is ready to give it his co-operation and assistance. All through his active life he has been a hard- working man, and his industry and perseverance have been rewarded by the accumulation of valu- able farm property. ULLIAM H. HUNTER was born in Joliet, 111., August 1, 1854, the only son of Thomas R. and Lucinda (Smith) Hunter. He has an only sister, Fatha, who is the wife of J. Q. A. King, of Kansas City, Mo. His father was a native of Sullivan County, N. Y., born February 2, 18 18, and grew to manhood in his native county ; when he was but seven years of age, his father, Robert, was killed by a tree fall- ing on him while he was engaged in clearing a piece of timber land. During the early life of Thomas R. Hunter he was engaged in rafting logs down the Delaware River. Later he served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, on the completion of which, in 1837, he started for the west. Locating in Joliet, 111., he opened a shop on Bluff and Oneida GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 395 streets, and formed a co-partnership with a Mr. McMasters. Much of his work was the making and sharpening of the tools used in the construc- tion of the Illinois and Michigan canal. The co-partnership continued until the spring of 1850, when, in March of that year, he started across the plains for California with a party of Argonauts bound for the " Golden Gate." After a journey of six months he arrived at his destination and located a claim on the Feather River, in Califor- nia. In about seven months he had worked put his claim, at which time he returned east via the Isthmus, arriving at home fifteen months from the day he started. With him he brought back $5,000, the fruits of his mining venture. He then built a residence on Oneida street and Broad- way, and resumed work on Oneida and Bluff streets, in theold stone shop that is still standing. In 1856 he purchased what is now block 70, S. S. Addition tojoliet; here, having retired from blacksmithing, he engaged in fruit raising. To this land he added until he owned some twenty- nine acres in the same vicinity. Some of his original purchase of block 70 is still in the pos- session of his son. In politics he was a Repub- lican, and on that ticket he was twice elected an alderman of Joliet. The last six years of his life were spent in his son's home, where his death occurred April 22, 1888. The ancestry of the Hunter family is traced back to Scotland on the one hand, and, also, through the Davenports, to colonists who crossed in the " Mayflower." The wife of Thomas R. Hunter was born in Tennessee April 25, 1826, being a daughter of Bar- ton and Fatha Smith, who came from Indiana to Joliet in 1835. She passed away at her home in Joliet March 15, 1882. For a number of years Barton Smith was a justice of the peace in Joliet, where he died September 22, 1863. The subject of this sketch was reared in Joliet, and has always made this city his home. For about eighteen years he was engaged in the coal business, but in 1893 he sold out his interests to O. W. Curtis. Later he had the agency for various agricultural implements, and in the meantime also took the agency for the Stempel Fire Extinguisher. The latter proving a success- ful venture, he gave up the former agency, and since 1898 has given his undivided attention to the extinguisher business, and also sells the Eads chemicalizer and chemical engines, hav- ing his office at No. 613 the Rialto Building, Chicago, 111. November 13, 1878, Mr. Hunter married Miss Mollie P. Turner, of Lockport, 111., a daughter of S. S. and Caroline Turner. Her father, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, came west in 1850, settling in Plainfield, in this county, where he followed his trade of a moulder and pattern- maker. Later he bought from John Griffin what is now known as the McGuire farm, west of Lockport. His wife died in Lockport December 24, i860, and he then moved with his family to Buchanan, Mich., where he again followed his trade, but returning to Lockport in 1862. Novem- ber 15, 1861, he married Mrs. F. H. Richards, of Plainfield, 111., who died October 2, 1867. He was again married April 12, 1871, his wife being Mrs. Mary E. Sayre, by whom he had one child. He died May 25, 1882, on the sixtieth anniversary of his birth. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have two children, Caroline L- and Robert S. The family have all united with the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of whose choir Miss Caroline is a prominent member. Fraternally Mr. Hun- ter is connected with Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M., of Joliet. EHARLES V. BARR. To those in the least familiar with Plainfield's industries the name of Mr. Barr is well known. He is junior member of the firm of Whipple & Barr, and has the personal oversight of the firm's busi- ness at this point, Mr. Whipple having charge of their elevator at Caton Farm. They have built up a large business in grain, and also deal exten- sively in coal and lumber. By their reliability and energy they have gained the respect of ac- quaintances and the confidence of business men. 396 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Barr was born in Morris, Grundy County, 111., June 28, 1864. His father, John, a native of Couutj' Antrim, Ireland, learned the weaver's trade in that country and in 1851 came to Amer- ica, settling in Albany, N. Y. After a short time he proceeded westward, establishing his home in Morris, 111., where he embarked in the grain business, and became the owner of an elevator. His death occurred in that town when he was fifty-eight years of age. In personal qualities he was a man to attract and retain friends, possessing a genial nature and great energy. He did not confine his attention to the grain business, but had other interests, being a large cattle feeder and also the owner of a distillery which he oper- ated until it burned in 1871. He then erected a flour mill on its site. His success was all the re- sult of his own efforts, as he had no means when starting out for himself. In religion he is a Presbyterian. The Democratic party received his allegiance, and he was active in its support. He was several times elected treasurer of Grundy County, for two terms held the office of mayor of Morris (a town of four thousand people; and for years served as supervisor. The wife of John Barr was Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Fulton County, N. Y., and now makes her home in Los Angeles, Cal. She is a member of an old family whose history in the United States is traced back to the lauding of the "Mayflower," being directly descended from John Howlaud and Daniel Wardwell. In her family there were six children. The oldest, Nel- lie G., is the wife of R. E. Mason, of Los Angeles, Cal. The second-born, Robert, died when twenty- five years of age; Charles V. was third in order of birth. Francis E. is principal of the Episcopal Seminary at Portland, Ore. Alice C. is the wife of Bert Smith, of Springfield, Mass. John C, the youngest of the family, is a letter carrier in Los Angeles, Cal. The boyhood days of our subject were spent in Morris, and his education was obtained in the common schools. When he was thirteen he began working as a messenger and office boy with William Young, a grain dealer in Chicago, with whom he continued for several years. When he was twenty-one he bought a member- ship in the board of trade in Chicago, where he continued as a broker until September, 1890. Then, in connection with his brother-in-law, Levi Whipple, he leased the elevator at Plain- field, which they afterward bought. They have also built and now own the elevator at Caton Farm. In politics Mr. Barr is independent. He is connected with Plainfield Lodge No. 472, K. of P. , in which he is past chancellor. His marriage, August 23, 1886, united him with Miss Kate Stone, of Morris, a well-educated lady and an active member of the Congregational Church. Thej- are the parents of two sons, Allan Stone, born May 23, 1896, and John Raymond, born October 17, 1897. 3OHN SENNITT, who has been connected with the office of postmaster of Plainfield for thirty-nine } r ears and whose home has been in this town since 1857, is a native of Cambridge- shire, England, born January 15, 1830, a son of John Sennitt, Sr. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education in the schools of the neighborhood. After some years as a farmer in Cambridgeshire he came to the United States, when twenty-four years of age. The voyage across the ocean was made on the "Palestine," which was out of sight of land for a mouth. Going to Ohio he spent one winter and the following summer as a farm hand there. With a desire to gain a better education he entered Hiram College in the fall of 1856 and while there became well acquainted with James A. Garfield, afterward president of the United States, but who then was comparatively unknown. The spring of 1857 found Mr. Sennitt in Plain- field, where he secured work as a farm employe. However, the work proved injurious to his health, and he was obliged to seek another occu- pation. In the spring of i860 he secured an ap- pointment as assistant postmaster, and since that time he has been continuously in the office, either GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 397 as postmaster or deputy. In July, 1869, he was appointed postmaster and continued to act as such until President Cleveland's first administration, after which for two terms he served as deputy. Since the inauguration of President McKinley he has held the office in his own right, which makes a record of thirty-nine years in the office, and proves him to be a satisfactory official. He has always been stanch in his adherence to Republi- can principles and the party in Plainfield has no adherent more loyal than he. He is connected with and a liberal contributor to the Baptist Church, in which denomination his grandfather was for many years a minister. He has done much for the advancement of the village and has fostered worthy enterprises to the extent of his ability. He erected a postoffice building, which was burned in 1898, after which he built the structure, on the same site, that is now used for the office. The marriage of Mr. Sennitt took place April 20, 187 1, and united him with Emma A. Drew, a member of a pioneer family of this coun- ty. They became the parents of five children, four of whom are living, nainely: Lina May, Car- rie Belle, Grace and Charles. HERBERT S. WORTHLEY, M. D., of Elwood and Joliet, is one of the successful physicians of the county. In 1890 he began his professional studies in the medical depart- ment of the Northwestern University (then known as the Chicago Medical College), from which he graduated three years later at the head of his class. It was the custom in the institution to confer the position of house physician and sur- geon of Mercy Hospital, Chicago, 111., upon the student receiving the highest grade in a compet- itive examination, and Dr. Worthley was suc- cessful in securing the highest standing, and was therefore appointed to the position, which he filled for one year. In the spring of 1895 he came to Elwood and established an office at this point. Through his skill as a practitioner he has built up a flourishing practice. On account of frequent calls to Joliet he decided to open an office in the city, and in 1898 established a branch office at No. 426 Barber building, wdiere he spends two days of each week. He also receives frequent requests for his services at the hospital, so that his time is fully taken up in pro- fessional work. A son of Robert C. and Waity (Reynolds) Worthley, the subject of this sketch, was born in Odell, 111., December 15, 1867. He was third among five children, the others being Eva, wife of William Shanks, a farmer at Bonfield,Ill. ; Hattie, who married William Ackley, a merchant of Pon- tiac, 111.; Wallace, a teacher at Odell; and Evans, at home. The father, who was born in Platts- burg, N. Y., in 1833, graduated from an acade- my in his home town, after which he engaged in teaching for a number of years, but later became interested in saw and grist milling. In 1865 he removed with his family to Odell, 111., where he has since made his home. He is one of the leading men of the town and an active worker in the Methodist Church. His parents were natives of New York. His father-in-law, Henry Reynolds, was born in Vermont, and always made his home there. While working on his farm one day he was killed by lightning. Afterward his widow removed to Illinois, but a few years later joined a son in Plattsburg, N. Y. She died at the home of a daughter in Bombay, N.Y. The education of Dr. Worthley was acquired in the Odell high school and the state normal university at Normal, 111. At seventeen years of age he began to teach school, which occupation he followed for six years. With the money thus earned he began the study of medicine, and for two years was under the preceptorship of Dr. T. O. Banister, of Odell, going from thereto the Northwestern University for the completion of his course. He has been a constant student of his profession. The diploma granted him as an M. D. did not mean for him the conclusion of his studies; on the other hand, he has studied to keep abreast with the progress made in therapeutics and surgery, and is a thoughtful reader of medi- 39§ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cial literature. Through his membership in the county and state medical societies he keeps in touch with the work of his colaborers in the pro- fession. In political belief he is independent, with Democratic tendencies, but his time being closely engrossed by his profession, he takes no part in local politics. He is one of the trustees of the village of Elwood, among whose citizens he holds a leading place. Fraternally he is con- nected with Jackson Camp No. 3318, Modern Woodmen of America, and District Court No. 523, Supreme Court of Honor. January 9, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Ball, and they are the parents of a daughter, Beatrice, born July 15, 1899. ROBERT H. HACKNEY, superintendent of the Fox Pressed Steel Company of Joliet, is one of the rising young mechanical en- gineers of this city and has shown decided ability in the discharge of his responsible duties. Much of his talent in his chosen occupation is without doubt inherited from his father, Clement Hack- ney, who is a skilled mechanic and machinist, and his grandfather, George Hackney, was also a machinist of more than ordinary ability. The latter brought his family to the United Statesaud secured employment with the Hoe Printing Press Company in New York City, but after a time re- moved west to Milwaukee, Wis., and was em- ployed as superintendent of motive power with the St. Paul, North-Western, Q and Santa Fe roads successively. He is now living retired in Chicago. Following in the footsteps of his father, Clem- ent Hackney held positions with the same rail- roads and followed the same line of work. He was also engaged as superintendent of motive power for the Union Pacific Railroad at Omaha. From that work he drifted into the manufactur- ing business, and accepted a position as general manager of the Fox Pressed Steel Company. He had charge of the building of the company's plants in Joliet and Pittsburg. In 1889 the works were started in Joliet and two years later he transferred his residence from Milwaukee to this city, where he has since had his home. He is a man whose vigor of mind and quickness of comprehension, combined with originality of ideas, have made him successful in the various interests with which he has been identified. His work has required his entire time, hence he has not been identified with public affairs nor has he sought prominence in politics, but devotes him- self closely to private interests. The only child of the marriage of Clement and Mary (Stuart) Hackney is Robert H. Hackney. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1870, and was well and liberally educated, attending schools in the various cities where his father re- sided. He prepared for college in Milwaukee Academy. In 1SS9 he entered the University of Wisconsin, where he took a complete course in mechanical engineering, and graduated in 1893, with the degree of M. E. Coming to Joliet he at once connected himself with the company of which his father was the manager, and, begin- ning in a less important position, he worked his way up until in 1898 he was made superintendent, a position that he fills acceptably to the company and with credit to himself. He is a member of the Alumni Association and the Phi Delta Theta of the University of Wisconsin. IE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 2)s r f^^f'-^^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 401 DAVID W. JUMP. 0AYID W. JUMP, M. D. There are few pro- fessions that require the amount of diligent study and general information that is essen- tial to the science of medicine. Among the phy- sicians who realize the full importance of their responsibilities and who add dignity to the pro- fession, is Dr. Jump, who has been engaged in continuous practice in Plainfield since his gradua- tion in March, 1S72. In addition to his practice, for some ten years he has conducted the leading drug store of the city, and this he still owns. He aims to keep up with the times in matters of re- search and discovery in the medical world, and to that end reads the leading medical journals and remains to this day a student of his profession. In what is now Chicago Junction, Huron County, Ohio, Dr. Jump was born August 24, 1847, a son of William H. and Margaret (Rich- ards) Jiimp, natives respectively of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Herkimer County, N. Y. His grandfather, Robert Jump, was reared on a plantation near Easton, Md,, but in early man- hood moved to Virginia. At his father's death he inherited four slaves, but these he freed, being opposed to the institution of slavery. After a short time in Virginia he settled in Ohio across the river from Wheeling. Two years later he moved to Richland County, Ohio, where he pur- chased a heavily-timbered tract, and this he cleared and improved. The remainder of his life of eighty-four years was spent on that place. While he moved from Virginia to get away from slaver}' influences and environments, yet when the Civil war came, his sympathies were wholly with the South, which he believed was not treated justly by the North. 20 When the family settled in Ohio our subject's father was seven years'of age. His health being poor, he was prevented from enjoying the pleas- ures and advantages of youth to a large extent. However, he secured a good education and for a time taught school, but his delicate health pre- vented him from achieving the success in life he would otherwise have gained. He died when fifty-three years of age. After the disintegration of the Whig party he affiliated with the Repub- licans. His wife survived him for twenty years, dying at the age of sixty-three. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters, namely. David W. ; Alemby, now mayor of Chicago Junction, Ohio; Winfield Scott, also a resident of Ohio; Amos, of Norwalk, Ohio, who served as treasurer of his county for two terms; Robert, Marietta, Helen and Charles, who remain on the old homestead; and Lucy, deceased. In order to gain the money for his medical education our subject taught school, meantime giving his leisure days to the reading of medicine with Dr. Buckingham, of Chicago Junction. In March, 1872, he graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan, since which he has built up a large practice in Plain- field. He is connected with Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M. While he refuses official positions (except that of school director), he is firm in his allegiance to the Republican party and takes a lively interest in public matters. He was married in Plainfield to Miss Alice Watkins, who was born and educated in this city, her father having been a pioneer farmer of the count}-. The older son of Dr. and Mrs. Jump is Clyde W., who is a student in the literary and medical 402 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. departments of the University of Michigan. The younger son, Charles Floyd, is a graduate of the Joliet high school, and now clerks in his father's drusr store. EHARLES E. WOODRUFF, secretary and manager of the Joliet Pure Ice Company, and a director of the Will County Abstract Company, also the Joliet Warehouse and Trans- fer Company, is one of the influential business men of Joliet, where he has resided since 18S4. The business with which his name is most closely associated was established by him in 1896, when a plant was built on Cass street, connected by a switch with the Rock Island Railroad. A large wholesale and retail business is transacted, which extends throughout central Illinois and is not lim- ited to ice, but also includes all kinds of coal. Ice is manufactured from distilled water by means of the Empire ice machine, operated by two engines of one hundred and twenty horse power each. The plant has a capacity of forty tons a day, the busi- ness being the largest of its kind in Joliet. The members of the company are A. J. Bates, presi- dent, and C. E. Woodruff, secretary and man- ager, the former being the principal owner, while the latter has the entire supervision of the plant, and to him its success is largely due. The Woodruff family originated in England, whence John (or Jack) Woodruff crossed the ocean in the "Mayflower," settling in Massachu- setts, thence going to Connecticut, where subse- quent generations were identified with the world's activities. The grandfather, Simeon Woodruff, who was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Rutland, Vt., and married Rosa Adams, a great-niece of John Adams, second president of the United States; she lived to be one hundred years of age. About 1799 Simeon Woodruff re- moved to Jefferson County, N. Y., and settled on land now included in the city of Watertown. His oldest daughter was the first white girl baby born in the county. He was a typical pioneer, ener- getic, hard-working and hospitable, and through his industry he evolved a valuable farm from the wilderness. One of his sons, Theodore T., a man of great ability, was the first patentee of sleeping cars, but sold the patent to George M. Pullman. He became very wealthy through his inventions and manufactures. When his mother was a very aged woman she made her first trip out of Jefferson County, for seventy-two years, on which occasion she came west in a palace car owned by her son. This was, indeed, the only journey she ever made in all of her long life with the exception of the trip from Vermont to New York, when she traveled in a mud sleigh drawn by oxen. The ownership of the homestead at Watertown descended to Simeon's son, Charles T., who was born there, and who, through his active years, superintended farm property and also engaged in carpentering and the manufacture of brick. He died in 1894, when eighty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Clark, was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, N. Y., and died in 1885. She was a daughter of John Clark, a farmer of that county. Of her five chil- dren all but one are living. John holds a gov- ernment position in Watertown; Rose Adams, Mrs. Henderson, is a widow living in Joliet; and Abba is the wife of Edward Irwin, of Chicago. The subject of this sketch was born October 9, 1859, at the old homestead in Watertown, which he how owns. In 1877 he graduated from the Watertown high school, after which he taught school for one year and then for two years read law in the office of Winslow & Smith. He re- ceived the appointment of chief clerk in the state treasurer's office at Albany, N. Y., from which he was transferred to the state insurance depart- ment in New York City, remaining in office until the Democrats came into power, when he re- signed. In 1S80 he married Jennie C, daughter of S. M. Robinson, M. D., one of the oldest and most prominent physicians of Watertown. After his marriage he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in Watertown until 1884, when he came west to Illinois and became interested with H. B. Scott & Co. in the manufacture of wire, establishing an office in Chicago, but maintain- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 403 ing his residence in Joliet. He continued with the company until he embarked in the ice busi- ness. In Illinois, as in New York, Mr. Woodruff con- tinues his active support of Republican principles, and, as a member of the Will County central committee, he has been able to materially ad- vance the interests of his party in this section. He is a charter member of the Union Club, of which he was elected the first secretary and for many years has been a member of its board of directors. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His wife is a member of Central Presbyterian Church, to the work of which he has contributed. They are the parents of one son, Glen C, who is being educated in the Military School at Knox- ville, 111. (JOSHUA BUSH. Among the leading citizens I of Jackson Township the name of Mr. Bush O is one which deserves mention in a work of this character. He is an active and enterprising farmer and stock-dealer; a man of intelligent ideas, liberal views and strict moral worth; while the confidence reposed in him by his fellow- citizens is manifested by his selection to serve in various positions of trust and honor. His politi- cal opinions bring him into affiliation with the Republican party, whose county conventions he has attended as a delegate. In 1890 he was chosen census enumerator of the township, and at another time he served as township collector. The appointment of postmaster at Elwood was conferred upon him in December, 1898, and he has since filled the position, displaying in it the same energy, efficiency and wise judgment char- acteristic of him in every relation of life. Mr. Bush was born in New York state Septem- ber 12, 1845, a son of William and Emily (Bentley) Bush, and a grandson of Joshua Bent- ley, Sr., an agriculturist of New York, and a Presbyterian in religious belief. His father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, was reared in New York and engaged in farming there for some years. In 1847 he came to Illinois and bought a farm in Will County. For thirty years he was actively engaged in the improvement of the land. His industry was great, and he was classed among the best farmers of the county. Devoting his time closely to his private affairs, he had little leisure for participation in politics, and no desire to serve in official capacities. However, he has always taken a warm interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of the people, and even now, when ninety years of age, he still retains much of his mental vigor and his hearty interest in national issues. Until recent years he was a Democrat, but now gives his influence for the Prohibition party. While serving as highway commissioner it was his aim to im- prove the condition of the roads in his township. In 1879 he retired from his farm and settled in Elwood, where he has since made his home. He is a member of the Methodist Church of that place. B3' the marriage of William Bush to Miss Bent- ley, of New York, four children were born, namely: Eli, a farmer living near Wilmington, this county; Rhulof, of Ackley, Iowa; Mathew; and Joshua. Rhulof and Mathew were soldiers in the Civil war, and the former, who was a member of the Twentieth Illinois Infantry, was disabled by a wound at Shiloh; while the latter was killed in the battle of Chickamauga, in Sep- tember, 1863. Mrs. Emily (Bentley) Bush was born in New York state about 1820. She was a lady of great strength of character, a devoted Christian, a good mother, friend and neighbor. Her death occurred January 16, 1888. When less than seventeen years of age the sub- ject of this sketch enlisted, July 26, 1862, in Company G, One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, and with his regiment went to the front, where he took a part in the various battles of his division. He participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga and the Atlanta campaign. At the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1863, he was wounded, and from there sent to the hospital at Nashville, where he remained for two months, 404 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. then returned to his regiment. He was in East Tennessee at the time of Lee's surrender in April, 1865, and was then sent back to Nashville, later being ordered to Chicago, where he was mus- tered out in June, 1865. On his return home at the close of the war Mr. Bush began farming, an occupation in which he has met with success; he has been engaged in raising horses, cattle and hogs, and has made a specialty of buying horses in connection with Mr. Stoddard, of New York. His prosperity is to be attributed to his energy aud industry, backed by a good share of common sense. In his manners he is plain and straightforward, genial in his in- tercourse with friends, and of a generous, kindly spirit. His army life is held in remembrance and the old associations are perpetuated through his connection with the Grand Army Post. On New Year's day of 1867 Mr. Bush mar- ried Margaret R., daughter of John Grant, a pioneer of 1834, in Will County. Mr. Grant was born in Scotland, and after settling in this county became a large farmer, as well as a prominent man of affairs. He was a son of John Grant, Sr., a farmer of Scotland, and a member of an old Scotch Presbyterian family. He was the first of the family to seek a home in America, although about 1850 three of his brothers joined him in Will County. At the time of immigrating, in 1834, he was eighteen years of age. For a few months he traveled in search of a location. Com- ing to Illinois, he was employed as a sub-contrac- tor on the Illinois and Michigan canal. In 1838 he bought property at Reed's Grove, purchasing the first farm opened in Jackson Township. On that place he began farming and stock-raising. Subsequently he became the owner of several farms, and at the time of his death was well-to- do. He held a number of local offices, including that of justice of the peace. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1854 he died of the cholera, aged thirty-eight years and six months. By his first wife he had a son, William C, now living in Elwood, this county. For his second wife he married Adaline, daugh- ter of Thomas Frazier, and a native of Green- brier County, W. Va. After the death of her father in 1834 she accompanied her mother and the other children from West Virginia to this count)-, settling at Forked Creek, Wesley Town- ship, where her mother died in 1845. Mrs. Grant was a woman of noble Christian character, a de- voted wife and mother, and a kind neighbor. She died December 5, 1880. Four children were born of Mr. Grant's second marriage. Of these Mary A. died of the cholera in 1854, when nine years old. John A. and James M. reside in Joliet. Margaret R., the only surviving daugh- ter, was born in the house where she still re- sides. She is a lady of marked strength of char- acter, a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and a member of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union, being in thorough sympathy with the efforts of this organization to put down the liquor traffic. Other worthy movements re- ceive her sympathy and active aid. In all her husband's labors she has been his counselor, and not a little of his success is due to her assistance. They are the parents of six children now living: Ella M., who is her father's deputy in the post- office; Eva M., who is teaching school; Harry E., a farmer; Lulu L., Florence and Arthur. Two children, Albert and Lois, died when small. GlUGUSTUS R.MARTIN. Farmingandstock- I I raising have formed the chief occupations of / I Mr. Martin. For many years he has been recognized as an intelligent agriculturist of Plain- field Township, whose industry and perseverance have brought him prosperity. In the raising of stock his specialty has been Norman and Clyde horses, and he has also kept on his place a num- ber of cattle. In 1894 he erected a commodious farm house, supplied with all of the modern con- veniences, and this his family have fitted up in a neat and tasteful manner so that it affords them a comfortable home. At this writing he rents the land, having given up the active management of the place with a desire to spend his remaining years in retirement. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 405 During colonial days three brothers came to America and two of these took part in the Revo- lutionary war, one being the ancestor of our sub- ject and a pioneer of Manchester, N. H. Jesse Martin, our subject's father, was born in New Hampshire in 1798. At the opening of the war of 1812 he practiced with his rifle in order to gain skill in its use, hoping he might see active service at the front, but he was so young that the family refused to permit him to go. When a young man he worked in the dressing of cloth that was woven by the people of his vicinity. Afterward he en- gaged in lumbering, then cleared a tract of land, finally resuming the dressing of cloth. For seven years prior to coming west he carried on a mer- cantile business in Dexter, Me. In 1852 he came to Illinois and purchased the farm where our sub- ject now lives. Of the eighty acres forty-five had been broken. Later he bought another eighty- acre tract, of which he sold twenty acres. For a time he made his home in a small house that stood on the land at the time of its purchase, but in 1858 he erected a more commodious and sub- stantial residence, and in it he died in 1893. In religion he was of the Uuiversalist faith. In 1856 he left the Democratic party and joined the ranks of the Republican organization, voting for Colonel Fremont. He afterward remained a Re- publican. It was while he engaged in business in Maine that he married Mary Sprague, daughter of Elijah Sprague, who was an early settler of his county and served as sheriff and in other offices. By this marriage three children were born, one of whom died in childhood and another, Joseph P., who was one of the earliest commercial travelers from Plainfield, died in 1899. The birth of our subject occurred in Dexter, Penobscot County, Me., October 3, 1832. He was educated in public schools and assisted his father in the store. Since coming to this county he has resided on his present farm, assisting his father until the latter's death, since which time he has owned the place. He is well posted concerning topics of current interest, and is a Republican in his political views. His religious faith is that of the Universalist Church. In 1859 he married Sa- rah Sloper, of Waterville, Me., whose grandfather came to this country from England. They became the parents of three children, but only one is now living, Annie, who is a talented musician and has received excellent advantages in that art. MILES D. FOSTER, of Plainfield, was born I— in Otsego County, N. Y., March 29, 1820. \Ji His father, Lyman, a native of Meriden, Conn., at twelve years of age accompanied his parents to Lewis County, N. Y., and there con- tinued to reside until 1S44. For a number of years he owned a paper mill in Otsego County. In October, 1844, he came to Plainfield and bought a farm one mile north of the village, which he operated for a number of years. His last days were spent, retired from active labors, in the village of Plainfield, and here he died at ninety years of age. He had been a prominent man in pioneer politics, and was recognized as one of the leading Democrats of his locality. For many years he held the office of justice of the peace in Lewis and Otsego Counties, N. Y. , and for some time served as highway commissioner in Plainfield. In 1848 he was elected one of the county judges, but the law providing for the of- fice proved to be unconstitutional, so he never took his seat. In religion he was connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject's grandfather, Giles Foster, a na- tive of Connecticut and a large farmer and miller, was very prominent in his section of the state, and as a business man was unusually active and efficient. When quite young he served as a private in the Revolutionary war. Politically he was a Democrat. In religion he was a life- long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred when he was eighty-seven. One of his sons, Isaac, was sent west as a home missionary for the Presbyterian Church in 1S37, and established his home in Plainfield, where he remained until 1852 and then went to California. The great grandfather, Timothy Foster, proba- bly a native of England, was commissioned by 406 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the king of England as high constable iu New England. He was a man of large frame and great powers of endurance. The mother of our subject, Esther Blood, was born near Bennington, Yt., and at fifteen years of age moved to New York with her parents. She died in Will County in 1865. In religious views she was a Methodist. Her father, Jared Blood, a native of Vermont, served in the Revo- lutionary war. While he was a farmer by occu- pation, his attention was largely given to the public service. While living in Vermont he served as a member of the legislature, and after going to New York he was judge of the court of Chenaugo County for several years. The family of which our subject was the oldest consisted of seven children, the others being Louisa J., de- ceased, who was the wife of Albert Beckwith: Lafayette, deceased; Augusta M., who married Alonzo Hemstreet and lives in Plainfield; Mary A., deceased; Helen M., Mrs. Allen Bliss, de- ceased; and Cornelia E., wife of John Piatt, a farmer of Plainfield Township. The education of our subject was obtained in local schools and Louisville Academy at Louis- ville, N. Y. In 1S44 he accompanied his parents to this county, after which he remained with his father for eight years. In 1852 he went to Cali- fornia via Panama, being one of the first passen- gers who crossed the Isthmus of Panama on the railroad. Arriving iu the far west, he engaged in mining near Columbia, Tuolumne County, Cal. He also farmed for a year. In 1859 he sold his interests iu California and returned to Plainfield. With the exception of a few years on a farm, he has since made this village his home, and for twenty years he served as justice of the peace here, also for two years was a mem- ber of the board of trustees. In political matters he believes firmly in Republican principles. He has never identified himself with fraternal or- ganizations, although his father was a prominent Mason and one of the organizers of a blue lodge in Joliet. December 18, 187S, Mr. Foster married Miss Emma Hawkins, daughter of Ephraim and Artemisia (Cleghorn) Hawkins. Her father, a native of New York state, went to Canada iu youth and there settled on a farm. While he was still a young man he removed to Beloit, Wis., and bought and improved a farm. Later he came to this county, and after a few months in Joliet he embarked in the grocery business, which he conducted in that city and in Lockport for several years. While in Canada he married Miss Cleghorn, who died in Joliet. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred in September, 1895, when he was seven- ty-nine years old. Of his three children, Emma was born in Beloit, Wis.; Edward M. is publisher and manager of a mining paper in Denver, Colo. ; and Carrie is a clerk in the county recorder's of- fice at Joliet. Mrs. Foster was educated in Jo- liet and Lockport, and possesses the traits of character that win the regard of associates. Iu religion she is a Congregationalist. To her marriage four children were born, viz.: Helen A.; Edward D., who is a student in the law de- partment of Michigan State University; Esther A. and Alice E. (I AMES B. HERBERT, who has made his I home in Joliet since he was a boy, claims Q) Illinois as his native state, and was born near Champaign, July 15, 1865. The family of which he is a member descends from Scotch ancestors. His grandfather, James Herbert, and great- grandfather, both of whom were born in Scot- laud, crossed the ocean to Canada, settling upon a farm in Ontario. The father, Abraham, was a native of Canada, and grew to manhood upon the Ontario homestead. In 1864 he settled in Cham- paign, 111., where he was employed as a clerk for others and also engaged in business for himself. In 1876 he came to Will County and for a time carried on gardening iu New Lenox, but soon settled in Joliet. His last years were spent in retirement from business cares, and he died in this city in January, 1889. During his residence in Ontario he married Jane Bothwell, who was born iu Montreal, of English descent, and was GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 407 left an orphan in childhood. She is still living and makes her home on Washington street, Joliet. Of the four children comprising the family three are living, viz.: James Bothwell, William and Newton, the two latter being carpenters in Joliet. Our subject assisted his father during his boy- hood, first in gardening and afterward in team- ing. In 1885 he began teaming for himself, in which he continued until 1897. During the latter year he took the contract for the sprinkling of the city streets, and has since devoted his en- tire time to this work. He owns and uses four sprinklers that were built in South Bend, Iud., each having a capacity of from six to seven hun- dred gallons. For the water used in these sprinklers he pays the city over $600 per annum. Always a friend of the Republican party, Mr. Herbert has served in both the city and count}' conventions. He is a member of the Joliet Teamsters' Union, and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Order of Macca- bees and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In religious connections he is identified with the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He built and now occupies a residence at No. 210 Baker avenue. His marriage, in Joliet, April 1, 1886, united him with Miss Clara Shiffer, who was born in Plainfield Township, this county, a daughter of John Shiffer. Four children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert, of whom Roy and Florence are living. Two sons, Arlington and Earl, died at the ages respectively of two and one-half years and eighteen mouths. V/JAJ. MAX GOLDBERG, who has been Y engaged in business in Joliet since 1888, is (g one of the prominent members of the Uniform Rank, K. of P., and at this writing holds the office of major of the Third Illinois Regiment, commanding the first battalion. Dur- ing the long period of his connection with this fraternity he has been promoted by successive steps from one position of prominence to another, and has taken an active part in lodge and en- campment work. He is also identified with other fraternal organizations, chiefly the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the blue lodge and chapter of Masonry. In Koenigsburg, Germany, Mr. Goldberg was born April 15, 1857, being next to the youngest of four children, of whom two sisters are in Chi- cago and a brother, Herman, is a soldier in the German army, stationed at Koenigsburg. His father, Herman, who was the son of Samuel Goldberg, a member of an old family of Koenigs- burg, learned the business of a horse dealer un- der his father, who bought horses for the govern- ment, and he remained in his native burg until he died. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Leyeu, was a daughter of Louis Leyen, was born in Koenigsburg and spent her entire life there. Leaving home in 1873, Mr. Goldberg went to Liverpool, where he took passage for New York. Arriving in this country he proceeded to Chicago, where he at once engaged in business. In 1883 he began to buy car load lots of iron, shipping the same to various rolling mills, and in this way he continued until the time of his location in Joliet. His first location in this city was at No. 1 13 Bluff street, and here he has since had his headquarters. Securing his material from the Fox Solid Pressed Steel Company, and man}' other concerns in the United States, he ships the same to eastern mills, doing a large business in this line. His plant is equipped with every improvement, including large shears, four to six inches in diameter, and twenty-six inches in length, operated by elec- tricity. Besides this business in scrap iron, since 1894 he has carried on a coal and coke business, and in 1899 took his son-in-law into partnership, under the firm name of Goldberg & Reubens, their office and yards being on Clinton street, opposite the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. The handsome residence of Mr. Goldberg is at No. 152 Comstock street. He was married in Chicago to Miss Jennie Weinberg, who was born in Detroit, Mich. They are the parents of three children, of whom the daughter is the wife of L. M. Reubens. The older son, Louis, who 4o8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. is a" graduate of the Joliet high school, is now a student in St. John's Military College at Delafield, Wis. The younger son, Mortimer, is with his father. (31 LBERT G. BECKWITH, a retired farmer LA residing in Plaiufield, was born in St. J 1 Lawrence County, N. Y., October 8, 1816. His father, Dudley, a native of New Hampshire, learned the blacksmith's trade there, and, after his marriage to Wealthy Brock way, he removed to New York. For many years he followed his tradeiuSt. Lawrence County. In October, 1835, he came west to Illinois, settling in Plainfield, where he built the first blacksmith's shop in the town. For years he carried on his trade in this village, having in his old age the assistance of his son, our subject, in his work. In politics he was a Republican. During the war of 18 12 he served in the American army, being assigned to duty along the St. Lawrence River. His death occurred April 30, 187 1, when he was eighty-two years of age. Though reared in the Baptist faith (his father being a minister in that denomina- tion) he became a member of the Congregational Church and an active worker in that cause. His wife, who died at seventy-five years, was like himself a faithful Christian and an active Con- gregationalist. Of their two children the younger, Adaline, married Samuel Pratt and died when fifty-four years of age. Mr. Beckwith is certainly entitled to be called a pioneer of Illinois, as it has been sixty-six years since he came to this state. When he was eighteen, in 1834, he started west via wagon with two families, crossing through Canada to Detroit and thence to Chicago, where he arrived on the nth of August. Going from there to Duukley's Grove, twenty miles northwest of Chicago, he helped in the building of log houses and remained until November 1 . Winter came on and he was without money, so he walked back to Chicago, fording several streams en route. Though he started early in the morning dark had fallen be- fore he reached his destination. The howling of the wolves could plainly be heard and the loneli- ness of the scene could be imagined better than described. When he reached the town he secured employment in putting up a small building. His next job was in the pinery among the Indians; he remained in the forest until April, meantime never seeing a white woman's face. The summer of 1835 he spent at Dunkley's Grove, meantime saving $25, which he sent home to his father with the suggestion that he come west. October, 1835, found our subject for the first time in Plainfield, where he built a shop and worked until 1836. He then returned to New York for his mother and sister, who had not ac- companied his father west. On his return he rented a farm which he operated for several years, also working in a shop as a teamster and in other occupations. After he had been here for ten years he bought one hundred and sixty acres of wild land three miles northwest of Plainfield, to which he moved and which he improved. After three years he sold the place and bought one hundred and fifteen acres south of town, where he made valuable improvements and erected the necessary buildings. In 1892 he sold the farm, retired from active labors and settled in the village. Politically he has been active in local Republican affairs. He has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for fort)- years, and his wife has been identified with the same denomination for sixt)- years. In 1844 Mr. Beckwith married Louisa J. Fos- ter, a sister of Giles D. Foster, in whose sketch her family history appears. She died in 1862, leaving two daughters, namely: Jane, a widow, living in Oklahoma; and Ellen, widow of Frank Andrews, of Florida. The second marriage of our subject took place November 28, 1864, and united him with Mrs. Helen (Hoag) Barney, who was born in Nashua, N. H., April 18, 1S28, a daughter of Asahel and Sabria C. (Chessmore) Hoag. Her father, who was born in Henniker, N. H., August 2, 1795, accompanied his parents to Vermont when a child, and there learned the shoemaker's trade. When he was twenty-eight years old he returned to New Hampshire, settling GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 409 in Nashua, where he engaged in the mercantile business until 1830. His next removal was to Concord, N. H., where he bought land, built a shoe store and a printing house and printed thousands of Bibles. Failing health induced him in 1838 to seek a home in the west. Coming to Plainfield he bought a farm near the village and, improving the property, afterward made it his home. For years he served as road commis- sioner and school director and took an active part in local Republican politics. He was reared in the Quaker faith and always inclined toward the doctrines of that sect, though he did not keep his birthright in it. While in the east he became prominent in Masonry, and after settling in Illi- nois he assisted in organizing a blue lodge in Joliet. His life was fairly successful viewed from a financial standpoint. Viewed from a higher standpoint of usefulness and of good deeds done he was a citizen whose value was great and whose death might well be deplored. He died while he was visiting in California, August 10, 1870, overexertion in climbing a mountain in Mexico having led to his death. He was buried with Masonic honors. The mother of Mrs. Beckwith was born in Washington, Vt., May 3, 1799, and died in Plainfield January 22, 1861, at the age of sixty- one years. She was a Congregationalist in re- ligious connections. Of her seven children Royal M. and Oscar S. are deceased; Franklin, who was a successful school teacher here but is now de- ceased, was the first to be buried with Masonic honors in Plainfield; George W. has also passed from earth; Charles B. was fifth in order of birth; Harriet is the widow of Alexander Roberts, of Tustin, Cal. ; and Mrs. Beckwith completes the family circle. She was ten years of age when her parents settled near Plainfield and conse- quently remembers the pioneer days of this localit3\ For five years she was a student in a young ladies' academy on Dearborn street, Chi- cago, and while there saw the first train of cars that ever came into Chicago. When twenty- three she became the wife of Milton Barney, a merchant of St. Paul, Minn. In the spring of i860 he went to Colorado and for two years was judge at Georgetown, where he also had impor- tant mining interests. While he was crossing the range he was lost and it is supposed he was mur- dered for his money, as he had just sold a claim and had the money with him. His only son, Royal S. Barney, is engaged in merchandising in Denver, Colo. By her second marriage Mrs. Beckwith had a daughter, Florence R., wife of Thomas W. Walker, of Mazon, Grundy County, 111. Mr. Walker was born in Mazon April 16, 1859, and is a leading man of that place, being constable, school commissioner and holding other important positions. 0LIN AUGUSTUS SAGE, who is a member of a prominent pioneer family of Chan- nahon Township, was born in the village of Chaunahon January 5, 1871, a son of Elizur W. and Sabrina (Eaton) Sage. He was one of five children, of whom four are now living. His old- est sister, Hattie I., is the wife of W. B. Davis, a farmer of this township; Helen S. married S. H. Holbrook, who is with the Butler Paper Corn- pan y in Chicago; and Fannie E. is the wife of Allen V. Crisler, of Park Ridge, 111. The father of this family was born in Rome, N. Y., in 18 12, and was one of the seven children of Elisha and Prudence (Risley) Sage, the others of the family being Henry R. , Elisha M., William C, Russell .(the noted New York millionaire), Sallie and Fannie. Elisha Sage was born in Cromwell, Conn., in 1779, a son of Elisha and Martha (Montague) Sage, and was one of a family of six sons and six daughters. His father, also a native of Crom- well, born in 1747, was a sou of Amos and Re- becca (Wilcox) Sage, and was one of a family of five sons and three daughters. Amos Sage, born in Cromwell in 1722, was a son of Timothy and Margaret (Holibert) Sage. Timothy, who was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1678, was a sou of David Sage, who was born in Wales in 1639 and emigrated to America in 1652, settling in 410 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Middletown, of which he was one of the earliest pioneers. His first wife was Elizabeth Kirby and his second wife Mary Wilcox. From the second marriage descends this branch of the family. When a youth our subject's father learned the carpenter's trade. By his first wife, who was Mary Willard, he had nine children, four now living, namely: Mary J., the widow of Charles Wignall, of Jenson, Ark. ; Emily, wife of Henry Chadwick, of Batavia, 111.; Elizur, of Channa- hon; and Leni, who married M. Schoonmaker, of Chicago Heights. In 1834 the father came to Illinois and settled in the village of Chanuahon, where he followed his trade for many years. In politics he was a Republican. For several years he served as a member of the school board. In his early years he was a very active worker in the Methodist Church. In 1859, some years after the death of his first wife, Elizur W. Sage married Miss Eaton, a na- tive of Morristown, Vt., and a daughter of Lathrop and Sabrina (Wood) Eaton, also natives of that state. Her grandfather, Abial Eaton, was born in Woodstock, Conn., October 19, 1770, settled at Morristown, Vt., in early life, and died there February 28, 1835; he married Seely Cooper. Lathrop Eaton was born at Morris- town September 21, 1797, and engaged in farm pursuits throughout his active life. Among the offices he held were those of school director and justice of the peace. The Eaton family descends from John and Abigail Eaton, who came from England about 1635 in the ship "Elizabeth," and for two years lived at Watertown, near Bos- ton, but removed from there to Dedham, Mass., where he died November 17, 1658. His son, John, was born at Watertown in 1636 and died in 1694. Next in line of descent was Thomas, born July 23, 1675, a blacksmith, who lived for a short time in Roxbury and in 1703 moved to Woodstock. He died at Ashford, Conn., Au- gust 14, 1748. His son, David, born at Wood- stock, July 21, 1706, was a farmer and made his home at Ashford, where he died about 1777. He was three times married and had several children by each marriage. Josiah and David, sons by his first wife, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Ephraim, also a son by the first marriage, was the next in line of descent. He was born October 2, 1739, and spent some time on a farm near Woodstock. Ten years after his marriage to Eunice Sanger he removed to Hinsdale, N. H., and probably died there. His son, Abial, was born at Woodstock October 19, 1770, and settled at Morristown, Vt. The next generation was represented by Lathrop Eaton, who married Sabrina Wood, February 13, 1825, and died No- vember 8, 1854. The education of our subject was obtained in common schools. After his father's death his mother removed to the farm where he now re- sides, and of this place he has had charge since he was fifteen years of age. In politics a Repub- lican, he was elected highway commissioner on that ticket in the spring of 1897, and is now filling the office. His marriage, September 1, 1892, united him with Miss Daisy G. Whitmore, who was born and reared in Channahon, a daugh- ter of Franklin and Eleanor (Ferris) Whitmore. They are the parents of three children, now living, Lester W., Ruth E. and Arthur. HOMAS W. SPROAT has resided on his present farm since 1890. During that year he came from Cook into Will County and purchased one hundred acres on Maple street, of which eighty acres is in New Lenox Township, where he has since made his home. The farm at that time was in a run-down condition, its build- ings were old and its fences unsightly. Under his supervision a remarkable transformation had been effected in the appearance of the place, which now ranks with the best in the township. In 1893 a substantial and large barn was built, and four years later a fine residence was erected, while other improvements have been made from time to time. In addition to general farming he has engaged in raising cattle and has also carried on a dairy business. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 411 The father of our subject, John Sproat, was born in Scotland, and after he was married came to America about 1846, settling near Geneva, in Seneca County, N. Y. In 1854 he came west to Illinois, spending a year in Hadley, Will County. In 1849 he moved to Black Oak (now Oaklawn), Cook County, where he has since successfully followed farming, but is now, at seventy-eight years, somewhat retired from active business cares. Since the organization of the Republican party he has voted for its principles and sup- ported its candidates in local and general elec- tions. On a question of politics there is never any doubt where to find him; he is squarely and openly for protection of home industries, for sound money and for expansion. By his mar- riage to Elizabeth McCullah, of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, he had four children, namely: Thomas W.; Ellen, wife of Chester H. Marr; Mary E., who married James Crandall; and John R., a farmer in New Lenox Township. Thomas W. Sproat was born in Seneca County, N. Y. , August 24, 1 85 1. He was a small child when the family settled in Illinois, and he passed the years of youth in Cook County, where his education was obtained in the public schools. He gained his knowledge of agriculture by work- ing on his father's farm, and he continued to re- side in Cook County until his removal to his present property. Like his father he is a stanch Republican, and like him, he has never aspired to public office, but aids the party in every way possible and assists his friends who are candidates for office. May 12, 1880, his marriage occurred to Miss Ruby Crandall, daughter of John Cran- dall, deceased, an old settler and wealthy farmer of Worth Township, Cook County. John Crandall married Jane McKenzie, daughter of William and Jeanette (Weir) McKenzie. The latter, a native of Scotland, is yet living at Worth, aged ninety-one years, and is in full pos- session of all her faculties. Mr. and Mrs. John Crandall were the parents of seven children: James A.; Harriet J., wife of Benjamin Crandall; Mrs. Ruby Sproat; Mrs. Mary Biedenkopf; Daniel L. ; John (deceased); and Ellen J., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sproat are the parents of five children, namely: Jessie May, wife of Ed- ward Blee; Frank Edwin, who died aged ten months; Laura Ella, John Franklin and Alfred Leroy. The family attend the Methodist Epis- copal Church of New Lenox. RWIN C. MORGAN, a farmer and stock- ^ raiser of Wesley Township, residing on _ section 4, has spent his entire life on his present farm, and was born here September 13, 1S54. H' s father, Benjamin F. Morgan, was a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., born April 2, 181 1, and continued to reside in that county un- til his removal to Illinois. The year 1840 found him in Will County, where he settled on section 4, Wesley Township. The following year he brought his family west and established his per- manent home here. The land on which he set- tled was raw and wild, with scarcely a furrow turned in its soil. He cleared the eighty acres, placed it under cultivation, and devoted it to general farm pursuits and to stock-raising. Later he bought another eighty-acre tract. He was always interested when improvements in the township were proposed. He filled a number of local offices, to which he was elected on the Re- publican ticket. While he never attained wealth, yet at the time of his death, in 1882, he left a valuable farm and other property, which repre- sented the results of his labors during an active portion of his seventy-one years. He married Elizabeth Sternberg, who was born in New York and died in Will County in 1861. Of their four children, Erie F., is living in Chicago; Philip C. is deceased; Ervviu C. was third in order of birth; and Sidney S. was the youngest. After the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan our sub- ject's father was a second time married, choos- ing as his wife Betsey E. Gould, a native of this county. By that marriage a daughter was born, May E., now the wife of Irving F. Lowell, of Rochester, N. Y. When a boy our subject attended public school. 4 I2 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Like most boys, he was more fond of play than of study, and the best education he has gained has come from contact with the world in the school of experience, as he always keeps well posted on topics of importance. His life has been quietly and busily passed on the old home- stead. He has charge of two farms and makes a specialty of raising grain and stock. On his place he has made a number of good improve- ments, which prove him to be a man of thrift and energy. In politics a Republican, he has been active in local party matters. From 1879 to 1881 he was town clerk. In 1883-84 he served as town collector, and again in 1892 and 1898 as town clerk. At this writing he is clerk of the school board. His various positions he has filled with fidelity, showing that he is a good citizen, alive to the needs of the township. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Fannie M., daugh- ter of Henry H. Jones, of this township. They have an only child, Bessie V. IILLIAM F. KEITH. Few of the citizens of El wood have been identified with, its history for so long a period as Mr. Keith and none has been more influential or progres- sive. In the fall of 1863 he purchased a small mercantile business in the town, which then con- tained only three dwellings and several shanties. From that day to this he has been foremost in enterprises for the upbuilding of the village. He prepared the charter for the town and after it was incorporated, by a special act of the legis- lature, he was made police magistrate. A number of times he has been chosen to serve as town trustee, and twice he was president of the board. In 1S66 he was commissioned notary public by Governor Yates, and has since held the office, by successive appointment. He is also serving his fourth term as justice of the peace. In the building up of schools and churches he has taken a leading part. In fact, every movement for the benefit of the community receives his co-opera- tion and aid. During 1868 he disposed of his general merchandise and, erecting a business block, opened a drug store, which he conducted personally for years. He is still a member of the drug firm of W. F. Keith & Son, but in 1S94 practically turned over the management of the business to his sou. Besides his other interests he has considerable business as an attorney, also handles real estate and acts as agent for fire in- surance companies. Near Rome, in Lewis County, N. Y., William F. Keith was born August 11, 1827, a sou of John T. and Maria (Miller) Keith, of whose three children he alone survives. His father was educated for the ministry and became a mem- ber of the Methodist conference, in which he continued until, through the failure of his health from overwork, he was obliged to go south and remain until he regained his strength. His wife died while he was pastor at Mount Morris, and he died shortly after his return from the south. His father, William Keith, a native of Easton, Mass., was a minister in New York City, where he died at the age of thirty- four years. He mar- ried Sarah Tibbetts, a member of an old family of Rome, N. Y. The Keith family descended from three brothers who came to this country in an early day to escape religious persecution in their home country, Scotland. It is supposed that they settled in Bridgeport, Mass. The mother of our subject was orphaned at an early age and was taken into the home of an older brother, Isaac Miller. She was born in Con- necticut, where her ancestors were early settlers. At the time of his mother's death our subject was ten years of age. He was given a home with his grandmother Keith in Lewis County, N. Y. , but after two years went to live with an uncle in Buffalo. His education was obtained in the common schools of the latter city and at Rich Academy, Attica, N. Y. When eighteen years of age he went to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and began his apprenticeship as carpenter and builder, studying the principles of architecture. In 1S48 he married Miss Rachael Mackey, daughter of David Mackey, who held many of- fices of trust in Cattaraugus County and was a GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 4i3 successful farmer. His ancestors settled in that region when the entire country was a dense for- est, through which roads had not yet been opened. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keith, of whom the daughter, Ada, is de- ceased. The son, Clarence A., is a general mer- chant in the village of Cattaraugus. Hoping that a change of climate would benefit his wife's health, in 1856 Mr. Keith came to Illi- nois. He settled at Naperville, where his uncle, Aylmer Keith, was a banker and prominent busi- ness man. However, his wife was not improved by the change and in a few months he returned with her to New York state, where she died. Leaving his children with her parents, in the fall of 1857 he again came to Naperville. Dur- ing his first visit there he had been chosen archi- tect for the Naperville bank and superintended the construction of the building. On his return he formed a partnership with a cousin and es- tablished a notion and confectionery store in Naperville. One year later his older cousin, who was cashier of the Naperville bank, sold out and removed to Twelve Mile Grove, Will County, where he purchased a farm and embarked in sheep-raising. After a year, however, he sold out and went to Joliet, where, with Mr. Keith, he embarked in the drug business. In i860 the two went to Pike's Peak and established a saw- mill business. Seven months later they retureed to Joliet, and soon afterward sold the drug busi- ness. In 1861 Charles W. Keith, the cousin, formed a company of artillery, of which he was made captain. Our subject enlisted in the Nine- teenth Illinois Infantry and was made a member of the regimental band, which was organized in Lockport. He was sent to Nashville and Mur- freesboro, Tenn. During the winter he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Elizabethtowu, Ky., where, as soon as he recovered sufficiently, he was appointed apothecary. In the spring of 1863 another illness caused him to be returned to his regiment at Nashville, where he was dis- charged and sent home, but for a year or more he remained an invalid. In the spring of 1863 Charles W. Keith came to Elwood and purchased a farm, and our subject made his home with him for a time. As soon as he was able to engage in business he opened a store at Elwood, and here he has since been a prominent business man. In politics he is a Democrat, and for two years he served as deputy county treasurer under Treasurer Donahue and eight years under Mr. Spangler. He is identi- fied with the Presbyterian Church and for ten years served as an elder. In 1866 he married Miss Hannah T. Leverich, who was born in Waterford, Pa. To their union three children were born, viz.: William H., who is chief clerk and cashier in the freight department of the Chi- cago & Alton Railroad in Joliet; Edward E., who has charge of the drug business in Elwood; and Eva M., who is with her parents. ROBERT WHITLEY, head miller in the large mills of Norton & Co., at Lockport, was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, Eng- land, in 1831. When fifteen years of age he began an apprenticeship to the miller's trade in a large mill at Wakefield, where he served for six years and afterward worked for wages. In the fall of 1854 he sailed for America on the " Harvest Queen," which did not complete the voyage until seven weeks had been spent on the ocean. Meantime cholera had appeared on the ship and eighty-two passengers had fallen victims of the plague. From New York City Mr. Whit- ley came west to Illinois. He settled in Oswego, near Aurora, where he engaged in the milling business for nine years. Although he was un- familiar with the customs of our country he was quick to learn and soon was able to compete with men of our own nationality. Being industrious and painstaking his work was satisfactory to all concerned. From Oswego Mr. Whitley went to Chicago as a workman in a mill. In a short time he came to Plaiufield and took charge of a mill. Two years later the mill was sold, and at the same time (1866) he came to Lockport as a miller in 4 i4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Norton mills. From that year to this he has been connected with this industry, which is one of the largest of its kind in the west. In 1871 he was sent to assume the management of the company's large mill near the Madison street bridge in Chicago, where he remained for a year. In January, 1872, he was given charge of the mill in Lockport, which was then a small plant employing few men and turning out only a small amount of flour. During the years that have since elapsed he has witnessed the growth of the mill to its present enormous proportions, and its present prosperity is due not a little to his wise oversight. He resides in Lockport and owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres three miles west of town, which represents the earnings of his active years. Prior to leaving England Mr. Whitley mar- ried Miss Sarah Lory man, of Wakefield. Seven children were born to their union, but two of these died in childhood, and Christopher died when twenty-seven years of age. The older of the living sons is Noah, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The daughters are Maria, wife of Nicholas Pitts, a miller in Lock- port; and Ruth, wife of E. W. Ray, of Anacor- tes, Wash. The younger son, Robert, is a miller by trade, but at this time is engaged in sunn- ing with his brother. Since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Whitley has taken an interest in public and political affairs. He was a warm admirer of Lincoln, and since the latter was president has voted the Republican ticket. In his desire to provide his children with every advantage possi- ble he did not forget his duty to the community, but has kept closely identified with the educa- tional interests of the town, and the schools here owe not a little of their excellence to his untiring efforts in their behalf. At this writing he is president of the school board, and for nine years he was a member of the board of school trustees. He has also served as an alderman of Lockport. For thirty-two years he has been a member of Lockport Lodge No. 538, A. F. & A. M., of which he was master much of the time for a quarter of a century. He has also been connected with the chapter and commandery at Joliet for twenty- five years, being among the oldest members of the same. Any enterprise calculated to benefit his city is sure of his co-operation and aid, for he has the interests of the place at heart and takes a just pride in its advancement. HENRY GOTTSCHALG, who resides at No. 41 1 Collins street, Joliet, was born in Joliet Township in 1862, and has spent his entire life in this county, devoting his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. His father, August, a native of Saxony, Germany, learned the shoemaker's trade in his youth and followed it for some time in his native land, where he also worked as a stone mason. In accordance with the national custom he served his time in the German army. In June, 1847, he came to the United States, proceeding direct to Joliet, at that time a small village in the midst of an unimproved farm region. Soon after his arrival he purchased twenty acres three miles east of Joliet, on Maple street, in Joliet Township. The land was unim- proved, and was practically in its primeval con- dition. He set himself to the task of clearing and cultivating the place, erecting needed build- ings and fences, and making such improvements as his means rendered possible. He continued to make his home on the same place until 1892, when advancing years with their attendant in- firmities caused him to retire from active labors. Having met with success in his enterprises he was able to spend his declining days in the en- joyment of a competency that had been justly earned and merited. From time to time he had added to his possessions until he was the owner of four hundred and twelve acres in this county and two hundred and twenty acres in Nebraska, in addition to city property; and this large acreage was remarkable when it is remembered that he came to America with little means. He died in Joliet October 2, 1898, when almost seventy-six years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 4i5 name of Dora Ford, was born in Saxony, Ger- many, and died in Joliet July 22, 1898, at the age of seventy-three years. Seven children born to their union are now living, namely: Amiel and Oscar, who are farmers in Nebraska; Matilda, wife of Louis Huff; Lillia, who married C. C. Colby; Henry; John, of Joliet; and Augusta, who is the wife of Henry Rub. The education of our subject was acquired in the country schools of this county. Familiar with farm work from his youth he naturally selected agriculture for his life occupation. In 1889 he began independent farming on the old Berger farm in New Lenox Township, at first renting the place, but in 1894 purchasing it, and he continued to reside there for some years, en- gaging in the raising of cattle and horses, in ad- dition to general farming. All of the improve- ments on the place were made under his personal supervision. He built the residence, which is a comfortable farm house, and also put up other buildings as needed. In February, 1899, ^ e moved from the farm into the city, in order to give his children the educational advantages he desired for them. He has never been active in politics, although he keeps posted concerning the questions brought before our country for solution, and in his opinions inclines toward Republican doctrines. The marriage of Mr. Gottschalg took place in 1S89 and united him with Maggie, daughter of Adam Meyer, a resident of Troy Township. They have four children, Ivy Augusta, Estella Ida, Elmer A. and Carl August. The family are connected with the Lutheran Church. Gl RTHUR C. CLEMENT. The founder of 1 I the Clement (or Clements, as it was then / I spelled) family in America was Robert Clements, Jr., who came from England thirty years after the sailing of the ' ' Mayflower ' ' and settled in Haverhill, Mass. He was one of three trustees to whom the town was deeded by the Indians. In the subsequent years he became a man of great influence in the village, where his father and family joined him and where he con- tinued to reside until death. Benaiah Clement, a descendant of Robert, Jr., spent much of his life in Windsor, Vt., where he was born; he died at forty-nine years of age. His son, Charles, was born in Windsor in 1810. In the spring of 1833 he came west on horseback, and after a short time in Peoria, 111., settled in Joliet, where he bought one acre, including what is now the northwest corner of Bluff and Exchange streets. He built the first frame building in the town, which he sold later. With Mr. Wilcox he en- gaged in the mercantile business for two years. In company with that gentleman, Mr. Allen and others he established the Joliet Courier and published the same in Merchants' Row on North Bluff street. In the possession of our subject is the first impress of the first edition of this paper, which bears the date of April 20, 1839. On account of ill health Mr. Clement returned to New England and temporarily retired from business pursuits. About i860 he returned to Joliet and started a dry-goods store on the corner of Jefferson and Ottawa streets, where the Will County Bank now stands. In 1863 he sold out and engaged in loaning money on real-estate and farm lands. In politics he voted with the Dem- ocrats, and on that ticket was many times elected to the city council. He died in this city Decem- ber n, 1878. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Cordelia Wilcox, was born in Elbridge, N. Y., in 1825, and died in Mayville, that state, in 1893. She was a daughter of Loami Wilcox, a farmer, and a sister of the gentleman who en- gaged in business with her husband. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Clement consisted of a son, Arthur C, and a daughter, Alice C. , Mrs. Chaney, of Chautauqua, N. Y. In the first frame house built in Joliet the sub- ject of this notice was born January 16, 1852. He was reared in Chester, N. H., until ten years of age, and afterward studied in the Joliet public schools. In 1868 he entered Cornell University, from which he graduated in 1872 with the de- gree of B. S. He began the study of law in the 416 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. office of Oliu & Phelps and later studied in the Chicago College of Law for a year, being ad- mitted to the bar at Mount Vernon, 111., in 1S75. Entering upon practice he was a member of the firm of Phelps & Clement until 1878, when his father died and he, as administrator, settled up the estate and continued the loan business started by his father. In 18S5 he formed the firm of Clement & Oliver, dealers in real estate and loans, but that connection was dissolved in 1891, and he continued alone for some years. In 1897 the firm of Clement & Chaney was formed, and this partnership continues to the present time. He has built and improved considerable real-estate. He built the Clement block and remodeled and enlarged it so that it now contains eight stores, with a frontage of one hundred and thirty-two feet on Ottawa street and eighty-eight feet on Jefferson street. He also built his residence at Xo. 300 South Eastern avenue. Besides his other interests he is a stockholder in the Will Count3" National Bank, in which he has been a director. For one year he held the office of president of the Silver Cross hospital, filling the position at the time the hospital was being erected. A charter member of the Union Club, he was for six years a member of its board of directors and also served as treasurer. He also held membership in the Stone City Club. In Auburn, N. Y. , Mr. Clement married Georgia, daughter of Alfred Smith, a large farmer of that place. They are the parents of two children: Charles, a student in the North- western Medical College; and Laura, a high school student. EHARLES N. SPRAGUE, a member of an honored pioneer family of this county, owns and occupies a beautiful home in Joliet. He was born in Dupage Township, June 19, 1847, and is a son of Thomas J. Sprague, deceased, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this vol- ume. Alternating attendance at the district schools with work on the home farm, he grew to a vigorous, robust manhood, fitted to enter upon the responsibilities of life. When he was twenty-three years of age he married and begau for himself, purchasing a farm and devoting his time to its improvement. Later he became interested in a creamery, which he operated in conjunction with his father, meantime renting his farm and making his home in Joliet. He continued to be connected with the creamery until February 1, 1S97, when he disposed of his inter- est in the plant. Since 1885 he has resided in Joliet, having at that time traded his farm for property in the city. While his home is here, he has for a few years been engaged in the dairy and stock business near Marseilles, La Salle County, 111., where in 1S97 he purchased a farm of five hundred and thirty-six acres. He makes a specialty of breeding Shorthorn Durham cattle, and has found stock-raising a profitable adjunct of general farming. For a number of years he conducted a milk business in Joliet, running sev- eral milk wagons and having a good route. At this writing he owns stock in the Joliet Lime- stone Company, an enterprise that is proving quite remunerative. The marriage of Mr. Sprague took place No- vember 25, 1869, and united him with Miss Alice C. Killmer, who was born in Dupage Town- ship, her father, Reuben W. Killmer, having been one of the pioneers of the township. They are the parents of three children now living, namel} - : Hattie M., a graduate of the Joliet high school and an accomplished young lady; Mabel, who is a student in the Joliet schools; and Thomas K. Though reared in the Democratic faith, Mr. Sprague has not allied himself with any party, but maintains independent views and votes for the best man. For one year he served as assessor of Dupage Township, and for five terms he served as town clerk. He was made a Mason in Lock- port Lodge, No. 538, A. F. &A. M., in 1872, and is now connected with Mount Joliet Lodge. With his family he holds membership in the Presbyterian Church, and he has officiated as one of the trustees of the congregation. •OF I £ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS i^^t-^r~2s< GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 419 SIMEON WOODRUFF. QlMEON WOODRUFF was born in Water- /\ town, N. Y., October 21, 1S33, a son of \zJ Lnther and Sarah (Kyes) Woodruff, who were also natives of that city. His paternal grandfather, Simeon Woodruff, was born in Con- necticut and settled on a farm near Watertown, where he died at eighty years of age. The ma- ternal grandfather, Aaron Kyes, also a native of Connecticut, settled in New York, where he fol- lowed farm pursuits and also engaged in the cooper's trade. In 1845 Luther Woodruff brought his family to Illinois and settled on the southwest quarter of section 2, Joliet Township, now ad- joining the city limits. He died in Joliet in 1891, when eighty-seven years of age. His wife died in this city in 1887, when seventy- five. They had two children, Simeon and Mary F., the lat- ter of whom married C. H. Nichols, of Joliet. After coming to Illinois our subject resided on the home farm until 1859. In the spring of that year he left for Pike's Peak, determining to seek his fortune in the gold fields of the mountain regions. He outfitted with ox-te?msand crossed the Missouri at St. Joe, thence took the Platte route across the plains. As he proceeded farther he met large numbers of people returning, dis- couraged and disappointed, having met with hard luck in their efforts to find gold. He and his friends were therefore drawn from their original intentions and decided to pursue their way to California. The five men, with three yoke of cattle and six months' provisions, went up the Sweetwater route, crossed the mountains to Downey ville, Cal., reaching that place after a four months' trip from St. Joe, and at once began placer mining. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Woodruff was still in California. In 1S64 he enlisted for three years (or during the war) in Company K, Seventh California Infantry, and was sent from Presidio to Arizona, where his company was stationed at Fort McDowell. They located the site and erected the first adobe buildings there, being the first soldiers in that part of the ter- ritory; this fort was inspected by General Mc- Dowell while they were there. They remained there until April, 1S66, when they were relieved by regulars and went back to San Francisco, where they were mustered out of the service. Mr. Woodruff then resumed mining. He re- mained in California until 1875, when, after an absence of sixteen years, he returned to Illinois. This journey was made in a manner far different from the first one. Then, he had traveled with ox-teams; now, he came via the railroad, enjoying all of the conveniences of rapid travel and attend- ing comforts. When he arrived in Will County he engaged in farming at the old homestead, and continued thereuntil 1888, when he embarked in the real-estate business in Joliet. He has been interested in the laying out of subdivisions to the city. Woodruff & Nichols and Fuller & Wood- ruff laid out subdivisions from his father's home- stead, the latter firm platting eighty acres on section 23. Mack, Woodruff & Cowles platted eighty-five acres on section 26, and Fuller & 21 420 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Woodruff laid out the Forest park addition of forty acres, giving two and one-half acres for the site of the Forest park school. He has personally laid out Dewey Bluffs, comprising thirty acres. With his sister he gave the site for the Windsor wire mill. Few residents of Joliet are more familiar than he with the real-estate business; he is thoroughly posted concerning values and has conducted his enterprises in a manner indicating good ability on his part. From the organization of the Republican party in 1856, when he cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, Mr. Woodruff has been a supporter of the Republican party and believes firmly in its platform and principles. Frater- nally he is connected with the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He was married in Milwau- kee, Wis., to Miss Eunice W. Whitney, who was born in New York and accompanied her parents to Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff reside on Macomber avenue. 0ILAS I. PARKER, a well-known citizen of ?\ Channahou, was born in Franklin County, \£j Yt., November 14, i84i,ason of Charles C. and Elizabeth (DeMeritt) Parker. He was one of eight children, all but one of whom are still living, viz.: Emily M., wife of George Knapp, of North Menominee, Wis.; Samuel D. E., a stockman of Deadwood, S. Dak.; Ann Jeaunette, of Menominee, Wis.; Silas I.; Orin, a farmer of Conuersville, Wis. George S., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits at the same place; and Genevieve, of Menominee. The father was born in Montgomery, Vt., September 5, 1814, and the mother was born in New Hampshire, November 7, 1813. The former learned the carpenter's trade in youth. In 1843 he removed to Wiscon- sin and settled in Jefferson County, where he fol- lowed his trade. In 1858 he removed to a farm he had purchased some years before, and there he remained until his sons had grown to man- hood and left home. About 1870 he sold the place and settled in Aztalan. In 1877 he re- moved to Dunn Count}' and purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, where he remained until his death, March 31, 1881. His politics were Republican. For some years he served as collector of his township. He was an active worker in the Methodist Church, where he long served as a class-leader, and also took an interest in the Sunday-school. His wife was a daughter of Davis and Abigail (Emerson) DeMeritt. At the outbreak of the Civil war our subject became an enthusiastic adherent of the Union. August 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, and went as a recruit to his regiment, which he joined on the battle- field of Antietatn. He took part in that battle and later was at Fredericksburg. In the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, he was wounded and left for dead on the field. However, he was found to be still alive and was taken to the field hospital, where he remained a week. Then, with others, he was taken to Washington and placed in the Campbell hospital. Afterward his father took him home, he having been given a thirty- days' furlough. At the expiration of the time he went to Camp Randall hospital at Madison, Wis. , where he was honorably discharged from the service October 27, 1S63. Upon receiving his discharge, Mr. Parker re- turned home. As soon as he was able he began to work at the wagon-maker's trade, opening a shop and hiring an expert workman, from whom he learned the trade. He also engaged with his father in the saw-mill and threshing business. In the summer of 1866 he went to Fort Larned, Kans., and worked as a carpenter in the govern- ment employ. March 14, 1869, he married Melinda S. Knapp, and afterward worked for a few months in Kansas. On his return east he settled in Will County, 111., and for nine years farmed his father-in-law's farm. In 1S79 he re- moved to Missouri and bought a farm in Miller County, but after a year rented his place and en- gaged in contracting and building in Eldon, also carried on a lumber business and a flour and feed store. In 1890 he sold his farm and in the spring of the next year returned to Channahon, where GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 421 he has since resided. Of recent years he has given his attention principally to farming, al- though he has also to some extent engaged in carpentering. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are both active workers in the Methodist Church and he holds the office of trustee in the same. He is a member of Burden Post No. 494, G. A. R. , in which he is officer of the day. He and his wife had but one child, a daughter, Almira E., who was born June 29, 1874, but died in infancy. Mrs. Parker is a daughter of Dr. Ira O. and Almira (Joslyu) Knapp, the former one of the earliest settlers of this section. He was born in Barre, Vt., February 12, 1810. In 1833 he graduated in medicine. On the 14th of July of the same year he married Miss Joslyn, after which he and his bride started for the west, ar- riving in Will County in October. During their trip they stopped one night in Chicago and slept in the first frame house ever built in that town. On reaching Will County they spent a few days with the doctor's uncle in Plainfield, thence came to Chauuahon. He was the first physician in this part of the county and his professional calls came from far and near, but the large amount of night work and the long drives soon told on his health, and about 1848 he gave up his practice. He then settled on a farm which he had bought shortly after his arrival in the county. Here he spent his remaining years. His integrity and benevolence won him the esteem and love of all who knew him. In politics he was a Whig, then a Republican, and finally a Prohibitionist. He was an enthusiastic worker for good govern- ment, but was not an office seeker. In 1S44 Governor Ford appointed him justice of the peace, which position he filled for some years. He was a prominent worker in the Methodist Church, in which for years he was trustee and steward. He was one of five persons to form the first class in Channahon and was the last of the five to depart this life. He passed away Jan- uary 6, 1894. His parents, Mason and Nabby (Tryon) Knapp, were probably natives of Ver- mont. The former was born February 2, 1785, and died October 17, 1S71; the latter was born August 20, 178S, and died June 7, 1862. Mason Knapp enlisted in the war of 1812, but never took part in any engagement; he was marching to the engagement at Plattsburg when the war closed. In 1852 he and his wife came to Illinois, where they spent their remaining years with their son. The wife of Dr. Knapp was a daughter of Luke and' Lydia (Graves) Joslyn, and was born January 26, 18 10, at Waitsfield, Vt. To her marriage the following-named children were born : George L., born July 8, 1834, now of North Menominee, Wis.; Orin S., born October 14, 1836, now engaged in the saw-mill business at Loveland, Colo.; Melinda S., born August 24, 183S; Solon, born January 6, 1842, now a sales- man at Emerson, Ala.; Lydia J., born March 14, 1S45, and died October 11, 1S46; and Lydia J. (2d), born January 22, 1847, and died October 21, 1847. There was also an adopted daughter, Sarah M. Goss, who is now the wife of James Barry, of Elk Grove, S. Dak. EHARLES A. McKENNA, manager of the Caton stock farm in Plainfield Township, has been with Judge J. D. Caton and his son since he was eighteen years of age. Begin- ning in the employ of the judge, he proved him- self to be diligent, faithful and energetic, and was given increased responsibilities as he grew older. Since 1885 he has had the management of the Caton farm of thirteen hundred and fifty acres, which is the largest farm in the state that has nothing but tillable land. Under preceding man- agers efforts had been made to introduce satis- factory drainage, but all failed. Under his su- pervision, however, tiling was proved to be thor- oughly practicable, and one hundred and fifty miles of tiling were laid. Water is furnished by an artesian well twenty-five hundred and fifty feet deep. Since the death of Judge Caton, in July, 1895, Mr. McKenna has been retained as mana- ger for the judge's son, Arthur J. Caton, of Chi- 4- - GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cago. As the latter visits the place only once or twice a year, the entire responsibility of the work lies with the manager, and to him may be attributed the fine improvements noticeable on the property, and the fact that the farm turns in to the owner a large annual revenue. A portion of the land is devoted to the raising of farm products. About twenty-three thousand bushels of corn are sold annually, while the oats, averaging twenty-five thousand bushels, are used for feed. A specialty is made of stock-raising, in which department of agriculture Mr. McKenna has shown unusual judgment and intelligence. There are on the place about two hundred and fifty head of horses, many of which are fine trot- ters; also one hundred head of cattle, some of these being of the very finest grades; and about four hundred and fifty hogs, the specialty being the Poland-China breed. To assist in the man- agement of the place, from eighteen to twenty- five men are hired. There are seven houses on the farm and sixteen barns, besides other substan- tial farm buildings, and steam engine, thresher, corn sheller, etc. During the harvest season six binders are operated. Politically Mr. McKenna has never identified himself with any party, but maintains independ- ence in opinions and views. His attention has been so closely given to his farm work that he has no leisure for official positions, and although twice nominated for the office of supervisor, he declined to accept the nominations. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. By his marriage, in 1S85, to Miss Nora Dunford, of Ottawa, 111., he has seven children: William, Anna, John, Laura, Cather- ine, Margaret and Mary. |~)EY. F. S. SUSTERSIC, who was the first l^A and has been the only pastor of St. Joseph's r\ Roman Catholic Church of Joliet, came to this city in May, 1891, with instructions from the bishop to organize a congregation of his fel- low-countrymen. He at once gathered together those of the Catholic faith, bought a lot on Chi- cago street, and erected a handsome stone edi- fice, which was dedicated in October of the same year. In 1895 he built St. Joseph's school in the same block, an institution that now has four rooms, with two hundred pupils, to whom instruc- tion is given in English and in the Slovenic lan- guage, the Sisters of St. Francis being in charge of the work. In 1898 a neat parsonage was com- pleted, and during the same year a place on Scott street was bought for the Sisters of St. Francis who are in charge of the school. The bodies of the dead are laid to rest in a cemetery of five acres at Washington Heights, which was bought in 1894 and is known as St. Joseph's cemetery. The congregation of the church numbers two hundred families, representing two nationalities, Slovenians and Croatians, the first-named largelj- preponderating. Among the societies are the Children of St. Mary, the Ladies' Altar Society, and four Slovenian and one Croatian benevolent society. This is also the headquarters of the Slovenic Catholic Union of the United States, the secretary and treasurer residing here. In the city of Ljubljana, province of Kraiu, Austria, Father Sustersic was born January 21, 1864, a son of Casper and Jennie (Pecnik) Sus- tersic, natives of the same place and members of very old families of the province. His father, a farmer, owned the estate, " Bobencek," and died there at sixty -three years. Of their six children three are living, Father Sustersic being the eld- est. When six years of age he began to attend school and at twelve he entered the gymnasium, where he completed his classical studies. When eighteen he entered the seminar}- at Ljubljana, the capital of Krain, where he studied philoso- phy and theology for four years. In 1S86, at twenty-two years of age, he was ordained to the priesthood. Owing to the fact that he was under the stipulated age for admission to orders, it re- quired a special dispensation from Pope Leo to make his ordination valid. He was ordained in St. Nicholas Cathedral at Ljubljana (orLaibach, as called in German) by Bishop (now Cardinal) Missia. For two years he was assistant pastor GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 423 in the church at Smlednik and for three years he was stationed at Litija, from which place he came to the United States in 1S91. Learning that many of his countrymen were in Joliet and had no priest of their mother tongue, and that Archbishop Feehan was desirous of securing a Slav priest, he at once secured the permission of his bishop to come to this city, and has since ac- complished a gratifying work in bringing together and organizing a church of his own people. In all of his labors he has the hearty co-operation of his parishioners, who place the utmost confidence in his judgment and have learned to esteem him very highly as pastor and priest. V/IOSES G. DEMMOND. Connected prom i- Y nently with the early history of this coun- (9 ty is the name of Mr. Demmond. When he first came to Joliet, having made the long jour- ney from the east via canal, lakes and wagon, it was in 1839, when the surroundings were those of the remote frontier. He has seen the develop- ment of the county from its primeval condition into a populous and wealthy region, and in the attainment of this result he has himself been no unimportant factor. His name occupies an hon- orable place among the industrious pioneers who did much for the upbuilding of this part of Illinois. The Demmonds are an old family of New Eng- land, descended from Scotch ancestors. The grandfather of Mr. Demmond, who was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, was born in New York and removed from there to Worcester County, Mass., where he died. The father, Charles, also a native of New York, came west in 1839, arriving in Joliet on the 10th of July, ac- companied by his family. He had traveled by wagon to Albany, thence by the Erie canal to Buffalo, from there on a steamer "Great Wester," to Chicago and thence by wagon to Joliet, the trip taking three weeks. By trade a builder, he followed contracting here until his death, in 1869, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Holden, was born in Massachusetts and died in Joliet, in 1885, when eighty-two 3'ears of age. They were the parents of seven children, viz.: Mrs. Harriet Wilcox, who died in California; William C, of Joliet; Darwin D., who lives in Chicago; Moses G., of Joliet; F. E. and S. M., of Chicago; and Mary Rebecca, who is married and resides in Chicago. The subject of this sketch was born in Rut- land, Mass., July 1, 1831. Almost his entire life has been passed in the west and his education was acquired in western schools, which at that time were crude and inferior. At an early age he acquired, under his father, a good knowledge of carpentering. In 1850-51 he acted as chain- man and flagman for a corps of surveyors on the Rock Island Railroad, and when the road was completed here he went to Iowa as rodman on the Muscatine branch. Returning to Joliet he married and afterward engaged in clerking, later for two years worked at carpentering with his father, and then settled upon Redmill farm, which he operated for his father-in-law, Henry D. Higinbotham. After a time he removed to Twelve Mile Grove, where he continued agri- cultural pursuits. In 1864 he moved into Joliet, where he took charge of the business interests of H. N. Higinbotham, of Chicago, superintend- ing the management of his fifteen hundred acres of land in this county. He continued to act in this capacity until 1893, when illness obliged him in a measure to lay aside business cares. From 1890 to 1898 he resided on the old Higin- botham farm, but since the latter year has made his home at No. 1004 Cass street, Joliet. A Democrat until 1880, since then Mr. Dem- mond has affiliated with the Republican party. For two years each he served as alderman from the first ward and police constable, also held the office of superintendent of streets of Joliet under Mayor W. A. Steele. During his residence in Wilton Township he was collector for two years and constable for a year. In the days when the street cars of Joliet were operated by mule power, he held the office of superintendent of the street 424 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. railway, continuing for two years until the road changed hands. In religious belief he is a Uni- versalis!, and fraternally holds membership with Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M. At the old Higinbotham home on Cass street, March iS, 1S56, occurred the marriage of Mr. Demmond and Miss Ann Eliza Higinbotham, who was born in this county, a daughter of the late Henry D., and sister of Harlow N. Higin- botham, of Chicago. They are the parents of six children, namely: Henry C, who is a con- stable in Joliet; Frank E-, a tailor in this city; Mrs. Ella A. Park, of Joliet; Mrs. Mary Pasold and Mrs. Myra Porter (twins), the latter living in Kankakee; and Moses G., Jr. , who is con- nected with the Fox Steel Company. (1ASPER Y. CUTLER, who since 1867 has I owned and occupied a farm in Homer Town- C/ ship, was born in Burlington, Vt., April 25, 1825, a son of Lyman M. and Lucy (Hamilton) Cutler, natives of Connecticut and Vermont re- spectively. His father moved to Vermont when a young man, and from there went to Madison County, N.Y., thence to Erie Count}-, Ohio, and in 1846 settled in Chicago, where hedied in 1851, at sixty-one years of age. In the various locali- ties where he resided he did much toward clear- ing and improving farm land, and at the same time he conducted a tanning business on a small scale. In politics he was a " rock-ribbed " Dem- ocrat, ever true to party principles. He married a daughter of David Hamilton, for years a suc- cessful farmer in Vermont. Mrs. Lucy Cutler died January 19, 1S80, when eighty-one years of age. Of her eight children, five grew to matur- ity, viz.: Lyman G., who was born September 12, 1820, and died in Chicago, May 19, 1858; Edmund S., who was born April 14, 1823, and is now living in Denver, Colo. ; Jasper Y. ; Azro C, of Joliet, who was born September 13, 1827; and Lucy Ann, who was born October 25, 1830, and died July 16, 1852. When the family moved from Vermont to New York our subject was two years of age. He was reared in New York and Ohio, and received a common-school education. With his brother, Lyman G., in 1844 h e left Ohio and drove with a team to Peoria, 111., where an uncle resided. In that city he was taken ill and was unable to engage in work of any kind for about six months. After partially regaining his health he secured employment in caring for horses in a stage stable. In July of the same year he took a stage- team and drove the stages through his section of Illi- nois, continuing with the same company for six years, meantime making a number of trips from St. Louis to Chicago. His next position was in a lumber-yard owned by Foss & Bros. , in Chica- go, where he was employed for two years. Through the influence of his employer, Mr. Foss, he was elected a constable forthe city of Chicago, and he also served as deputy sheriff under Will- iam L. Church. For some 3-ears afterward, until i860, he was a member of the Chicago police force, in which he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. When he first became connected with the force it had but twelve officers. At the time of the riot in Chicago, April 21, 1855, he was in the thickest of the fight and bore himself with such courage and fidelity that, in grateful appreciation of his services at the time, the citi- zens of Chicago afterward presented him with a gold medal. In 1S60 Mr. Cutler resigned as a police officer in order to accept a position with the government as steamboat inspector at the Chicago custom- house, where he remained until 1866. During the Civil war, being already in the government employ, he was ineligible to army service, but his loyalty to our country and his anxiety for the success of the Union cause led him to employ a substitute to enlist in his stead. In 1867 he re- moved from Chicago to this county, and pur- chased ninety acres in Homer Township, where he has since followed general farm pursuits. Here, as in Chicago, he has been interested in local matters. He has always been stanch in his allegiance to Republican principles, voting the straight ticket at every election. In the office of GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 425 highway commissioner he rendered efficient serv- ice. A friend of the public schools, he served as director for years, meantime promoting the cause of education in his locality. He was one of the organizers of the Homer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he was a director for years, and the welfare of which he still has deeply at heart. The marriage of Mr. Cutler, May 5, 1852, united him with Ann, daughter of John Felton, of Michigan. Five children comprise their fam- ily: EllaE., wife of Charles H. Peck; Carrie L., who married George Gilman; Frank J. and Charles N.,who are farmers in Homer Township; and John F., who was born in 1878, and is still with his parents. The oldest son, Frank J., was born August 12, 1861, and married Hattie, a sister of George Gilman. They have one son, Ralph. A young man of enterprise and ability, he has become one of the prominent agriculturists of the township. He deals in market cattle and hogs and also owns seventy milch cows, making large shipments of milk every day to Chicago. For several years he served as collector, and at this writing he holds the office of highway com- missioner. The second son, Charles N., born in 1872, married Lucy Young, and they have two children, Laura and an infant son. 'JTjEORGE GOSS, who has been a businesman _ of Joliet since 1864, was born at Wiirtzburg- JJ on-the-Main, Bavaria, Germany, August 27, 1838, a son of George and Elizabeth Goss, natives of the same place. He was the youngest of five children, and the only one to come to the United States. His father, who was the son of a soldier in the Napoleonic wars in Germany and Russia, was captain of the first steamboat on the Main and also on the Rhine, and continued at the head of the line until the company retired from busi- ness in 1870. His death occurred in 1880, when he was eighty years of age. His wife had died at the age of thirty-five years. In 1854 our subject took passage at Bremen on the sailing vessel " North Wind," which arrived in New York after a voyage of twenty-nine days. Proceeding to Buffalo, lie worked at the butcher's trade for a year there, and then spent a similar period in Milwaukee. In 1856 he went to Chi- cago, where he was employed as a butcher for two years. His next location was in Ottawa, where he carried on a business of his own. The year 1864 found him in Joliet, where he started a meat market on Joliet street, between Jefferson and Washington. However, he sold out in two months, and formed a partnership in the retail meat and produce business with Joseph Reich- mann, opening a market on Chicago street near Jefferson. Later the market was moved across the street, where- he continued business alone. He also built a double stone store building on Chicago street, across the alley from the Barber building. For two years or more he was a mem- ber of the firm of Goss & Adler, on Exchange, near Bluff street. The present post-office building, at Nos. 113- 1 15 Jefferson street.was built by Mr. Goss in 1893. It is a two-story building, 44XS0 feet, the first floor of which is occupied by the post-office. In 1896 he bought the store at No. 405 Washington street, where he has a three-story building, 22X 150. Of recent years he has carried on a whole- sale meat busiuess. He has a packing house in Joliet Township, two miles northeast of the city, where he carries on a rendering factory. He also conducts a wholesale busiuess in hides, etc. Be- sides this business, he owns a small farm in Joliet Township. While he is now in prosperous cir- cumstances, and has made a success of his busi- ness, yet he has met with his share of reverses. During the time he spent in Ottawa he lost almost everything through the absconding of a government contractor, and in 1873, when the panic came on, he lost the first two buildings he erected in Joliet. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion holds membership in St. John's Roman Catholic Church. The marriage of Mr. Goss, in Ottawa, united him with Miss Anna Boersle, who was born in Dayton, 111. They are the parents of six chil- 426 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. dren, the eldest of whom is his father's namesake and business partner. The others are Fred; Mrs. Minnie Mergel, of Chicago; Annie; Louisa, at home; and Mrs. Emma Kennedy, of Joliet. HON. THOMAS J. KELLY. Through his long and intimate connection with the busi- ness interests and public affairs of Joliet, Mr. Kelly has become well known to the resi- dents of this city. In i368 he established his present dry-goods business, having as a partner his brother Joseph A., under the firm name of Kelly Brothers. In 1875 the block he now occu- pies was built, and the following year he pur- chased his brother's interest, since which time he has conducted the business alone. While neces- sarily much of his time and thought are given to the management of his store, yet he has found leisure for other interests. He was trustee of the company that platted and laid out Boulevard Heights, and served as president of the South Joliet Land Company, that laid out South Joliet addition. He is also treasurer of the Mutual Loan and Building Association. Politically Mr. Kelly voted with the Democrats until the candidacy of Samuel J. Tilden in 1876, when he became a Greeubacker. The tariff question led him to ally himself with the Repub- licans. After the St. Louis convention of 1896, not being in sympathy with the gold platform of the Republican party, he returned to the Demo- cratic ranks, being a bimetallist in the broad sense of that word. He has been closely con- nected with politics in his city and county, and has frequently been chosen to occupy positions of trust. For two terms he was supervisor of Joliet Township, for two terms served as assistant su- pervisor, and for two terms held the chairmanship of the county board of supervisors, being chairman when the present court house was erected, and it was in no small measure due to his efforts that the substantial and commodious fireproof building was erected. In 1S83 he was first elected mayor. His service was so satisfactory that he was re- elected in 1885 and 1889, serving until 1891. During his administration the fire and police de- partments were organized, and street improve- ments of great value were made. The Kellys are an old family of Trellick, County Tyrone, Ireland. Our subject's grand- father, Thomas Kelly, was a merchant of that town. One of his sous, Rev. John Kelly, became a Roman Catholic priest, and died in New Jersey. Two others, Eugene and Patrick, settled in Cali- fornia, where the latter died. Eugene, who crossed the ocean about 1834, spent some years in the mercantile business in St. Louis, and in 1849 went to California, where he became one of the largest merchants and bankers of his day. Later he was identified with the banking business in New York City, where he died in December, 1894. The oldest son, Edward, was for some years a merchant in Trellick. In December, 1847, he left Ireland on the sailer " Sea," which anchored in New York City in January, 1848. In the spring of the same year he came to Will County, 111., and settled four miles south of Joliet, in Jackson Township, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and adjoining lands from Robert Duncan, an old settler of Joliet. For sixteen years he engaged in the cultivation of that place. He then sold it and bought a farm in the southern part of Lockport Township, where he improved a valuable tract of one- half section. He died there November 5, 1S71, at the age of seventy- one years. His wife, who died in 1894, at the age of eighty-seven, was Rose, a daughter of Owen Curren, a farmer of County Tyrone, but during his last years a resident of Will County, where he and his wife died in old age. Edward and Rose Kelly had two sons, Thomas J., and Joseph A., of Joliet, and two daughters, Catherine and Bridget, of Chicago. Accompanying his parents to this country, our subject remained in New York City for a year after they came west, and in 1849 he joined them on a farm in Will County. In 1854 ne entered Notre Dame University at South Bend, Ind., where he studied for eighteen months. Later he spent two years at St. Mary's College, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 427 Wilmington, Del. In i860 he graduated from the Jesuit College in Montreal, after which he returned to the farm and remained there for seven years. He began in business in Wilmington in 1867, the following year moved to Joliet, and has since carried on a store on Jefferson street. At Lockport, 111., in 186S, Mr. Kelly married Marj r , daughter of Patrick Fitzpatrick, who in 1832 came from Ontario to this county and set- tled on the west bluff. Mr. Kelly and his wife- are faithful and prominent members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and he has contributed generously to its various charities. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus, and the Joliet Sharpshooters' Association. He is deeply inter- ested in the welfare and progress of Joliet, and has given liberally of his time and influence to promote enterprises of undoubted value to the city. LIVER S. CHAMBERLIN. Among those who, through unaided exertions and the ex- ercise of sound judgment, have risen from humble positions in youth to places of honor and influence among their fellow-citizens, may be mentioned Mr. Chamberlin, who for years was an enterprising business man and farmer of this county, but is now living retired at No. 1 1 12 Cass street, Joliet. He was born in southeastern Canada, near Vermont, September 14, 1825, a son of Franklin and Rebecca (Leavitt) Chamber- lin, natives of Waterford, Me., and Stoke, Vt. His paternal ancestors were from England and settled on the coast of New England during colonial days. The grandfather, John Chamber- lin, a native of Waterford, engaged in business as proprietor of a packing house. After the close of the war of 1812 he moved his family into the dense woods of Canada East, one hundred miles from Montreal. Cutting down the timber, he "grubbed," cleared and improved a farm, and on it spent his remaining active years. Up to the time of his death he retained, in full, his physical and mental powers, and the death summons came suddenly to him while seated at the breakfast table one morning in the home of his son, John, near Montreal. He had only two children, Franklin and John. The latter, a lifelong resi- dent of Canada, was especially active in church matters and served as a deacon for a number of years. Born January 22, 1797, Franklin Chamberlin was a boy when his parents settled in Canada, and there he grew to manhood. In 1837 ne journeyed by wagon from Canada to Chicago, thence came to what is now Will County and took up laud at Twelve Mile Grove. After seven years he moved to Blue Island. In 185 1 he moved to Black Oak Grove, now known as Oak Lawn, of which he was a pioneer. During his residence there he represented the town of Worth as a member of the Cook County board of super- visors for several years, and was a leader in local politics. On the farm which he improved there he died, when eighty-four years of age. His wife died at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Adams, in Utah, in 1889, aged ninety-two years. Of their seven children, Sallie Ann died at Nachusa, 111. ; Oliver S. is the subject of this sketch; Annie married Jediah Scott, now of Cali- fornia; Mary married John Adams and lives in Centerville, Utah; James lives in Pasadena; Henry went to Nevada and traveled by wagon from there to Oregon, settling seventy-five miles from Lagrande, where he died in 1896; and one child died in infancy. When twelve years of age our subject accom- panied his parents from Canada to Chicago, a trip that consumed four months. They reached Chicago in the summer and found it a small, in- significant town. Joliet, too, was a little hamlet of no importance. He assisted in building a cabin on the claim at Twelve Mile Grove, using black walnut timber in the construction of the building. He accompanied his parents later to Blue Island, where he remained until twenty- seven years of age. In 1854 he began to buy cattle and afterward engaged in the stock busi- ness on a rather extensive scale. In 1857 he purchased a farm near Blue Island and there he made his home for seven years, meantime buying 428 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and selling cattle. In 1862 he sold his farm and moved to Joliet, where he resided for thirteen years. On coming to this citj- he purchased the crockerj- business of Thomas Cagwin, and for some years sold crockery and glassware. His store and stock were destroyed by fire in 1866, after which he opened a store on Chicago street, continuing in the grocery business there for a few years. In 1875 he sold out and purchased a farm on Maple street, New Lenox Township, where he engaged in raising fine stock and made his home for seventeen years. When he rented his farm in 1892 he moved to the house formers- owned by his father-in-law, and here he has lived in retirement from business cares. Besides the property which he owns, his wife has four hun- dred and forty acres in New Lenox Township, which she rents. In politics he always votes the Republican ticket. In 1853 Mr. Chamberlin married Eliza, daugh- ter of Henry K. Stevens, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. They have one sou' now living, Frank E , and lost one son, Al- bert H., the elder of the two, who was killed at the age of twenty-two while on a hunting trip on the Kankakee River. Frank E. married Vir- ginia C, daughter of George House, and they and their son, Albert F. , reside with his father and mother on Cass street. qJEORGE A. DUCKER. In studying the — I lives of successful business men, we find ,_J that they invariabty possess great energy of character. It is to the possession of this quality that Mr. Ducker owes not a little of his pros- perity, for through it, and the exercise of wise judgment in all transactions, he has been enabled to build up a business that stands among the foremost of Joliet enterprises. When he began, in 1886, the trade was small and the stock of goods far inferior to that of the present time. From time to time he increased his stock by ad- ding new departments, and in 1S96 he merged the business into a department store, with a com- plete general line of goods. In his store at Nos. 221-223 Chicago street he uses four floors, with a frontage of sixty-six feet afid a depth of ninety feet. The basement and first and second floors are used for retail purposes, while the third is for storage. Since 1896 the business has been car- ried on under the firm name of George A. Ducker & Co., his partner being J. C. Hunt, who has charge of the second floor. In March, 1898, Mr. Ducker became interested in the establish- ment of the mercantile house of Fred Roblin & Co., in Waukegan, and he has since been a mem- ber of this firm. His ability as a merchant and financier Mr. Ducker probably inherits from his father, James Ducker, who was for years one of the most suc- cessful business men in this count} - . In his sketch upon another page appears the family his- tory. Our subject was born in Mokena, this county, April 16, 1S59. When only eleven years of age he began to assist in his father's store. After coming to Joliet in 1S74 he was for two years cashier and bookkeeper with his father. At the same time he studied under a private tu- tor. In 1876 he became connected with the sales department and after a time was made buyer for the store. In the spring of 1885 he went to Red Cloud, Neb., and opened a dry-goods store, but when his father died, in December of that year, he sold the business and returned to act as exec- utor of the estate. Since the estate was settled he has been in business in Joliet. Fraternally Mr. Ducker is a member of Mat- teson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Joliet Chapter, and Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. , also Medinah Temple, N. M. S. In the order of Elks he is a member of the local board of trustees, and he is also actively connected with the Modern Wood- men of America. Socially he is identified with the Union Club. A Democrat in politics, he was in the spring of 189S elected assistant super- visor of Joliet Township, and since his election to the board has been chairman of the purchasing committee for the courthouse and jail, and a member of other committees. In religion he is a Universalist. In this city he married Florence, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 429 daughter of Valentine Rathburn, who was for years a farmer in Dupage Count}-, 111., but died in Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Dueker have two chil- dren, Edna M. and George A., Jr. ROBERT ALEXANDER, who is engaged in the wholesale meat business in Joliet and is also a member of the firm of Fleischer & Co., representing the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company, was born in Stuttgart, the capital city of Wurtemberg, German}-, March 2, 1853, a son of Isaac and Theresa (Neuman) Alexander, also natives of Wurtemberg. His father, a man of superior intelligence and information, became interested at an early age in antiquities and in art, and gave his attention to the collec- tion of paintings, arms and armor, laces, porce- lain, etc. In thiswayjhe became known through- out his entire country, and his collection was said to be one of the finest ever made. His life was wholly given up to his family and his business. His wife died in 1869 and he in 1893. Of their ten children, three daughters and two sons are still living, the two latter, Robert and Henry, being in Joliet. After having completed the studies of the high school in Stuttgart, our subject came to America in 1870, joining two sisters in North Carolina, where he secured work as a clerk. Later he was employed in Atlanta, Ga., Memphis, Tenu., and St. Paul, Minn. The summer of 1S76 he spent in Bismarck, N. Dak., after which he clerked in Brownsville, Tex., for four years. In 1883 he went to Chicago and was employed in the office of the commanding general, Philip Sheridan, in that city. When General Schofield succeeded to the command, he continued with him as confi- dential clerk, and also held a similar position with the next commanding generals, Terry and Crook. On the death of General Crook, in 1890, he came to Joliet and embarked in the wholesale meat business with his father-in law, Jonas Kahu, the firm title being Kahn & Alexander. At first they acted as consignees for Armour & Co. , but in 1894 they settled with that firm and en- gaged in business independently. Since the death of Mr. Kahn, March 24, 1897, Mr. Alexan- der has been alone, although he still retains the old firm name. In Chicago, in 1886, Mr. Alexander married Millie, daughter of Jonas Kohn. Fraternally he is connected with Matteson Lodge of Masonry, is past high priest of the Royal Arch Chapter and a member of the council of Royal and Select Mas- ters in Joliet. He is also associated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In poli- tics he is a stanch Republican. Besides his other interests he acts as executor of the Kahn estate. He is an energetic and capable business man and is justly meeting with success. (TAMES WALSH, a retired farmer residing I in Spencer, New Lenox Township, was born \Z) in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 183S. At twenty-one years of age he came to the United States, landing in New York City, and for a short time working as a hired hand on farms, after- ward engaging in agricultural pursuits on his own account. In 1851 he came to Illinois and settled in Joliet, which at that time had only one business street. He was employed on the Rock Island Railroad during its construction, after which he rented a farm. In 1855 he bought property on section 27, New Lenox Township, where he began independent farming. At dif- ferent times he bought other farm land, until he now owns five hundred acres of as fine land as may be found in the entire county, besides a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Livingston County, 111. Besides raising cereals, he gave considerable attention to the raising of stock, and in both departments of agriculture met with grati- fying success. He continued to make his home on the farm until 1891, when he rented the place and purchased a home in Spencer. It is his in- tention to spend the remainder of his life in this 43° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. village, retired from active labors, and in the en- joyment of the comforts his industry has rendered possible. Having been a hard-working man, he well deserves the rest he now enjoys. The platform of the Democratic party repre- sents the political views of Mr. Walsh, who has been a steadfast supporter of its men and meas- ures and has shown considerable interest in town affairs. For a number of years he served as school director. He and his family are members of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. His life shows what it is possible for a man to ac- complish in this world, when he is industrious and has the aid of a good wife. In the early days of his residence here he was compelled to work almost ceaselessly, and often the hour of midnight found him still in the field. Equally hard-working was his wife, who frequently bound grain all night, working in the field by his side both night and day. Prior to her marriage, in New York City, in 1S51, Mrs. Walsh bore the maiden name of Mar- garet Delauey; she was a daughter of William Delaney, who came to this country from Ireland in 1S49. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are named as follows: Annie, wife of James Carroll; John- and Martin, farmers of this county; Michael and James, of Campus, Living- ston County; and Patrick, a teacher in the schools of this county. Mr. Walsh and his wife also adopted a child of six years from the New York St. Joseph's orphan asylum. They gave her the name of Annie Walsh, and she still remains with them, finding a happy home with her adopted parents. "HOMAS J. NEESE, supervisor of Wesley Township, and a dealer in agrieidtural im- plements at Ritchey, has been connected with the farming interests of the township since 1876, when he settled on a farm here. Besides his general farming he has been engaged in raising and feeding cattle, and since 1890 has also acted as local representative of the Deering Harvester Company. Although he was reared in the Democratic faith he is a stanch Republican and exercises his right of franchise in favor of the part)- to whose principles he adheres. He is very active in local politics. Frequently he has been chosen by his fellow-citizens to occupy some local office of trust and honor. For two years he was collector of the township, for three years served as assessor and for six years was township treasurer. In 1892 he was elected supervisor, and this office he has since filled to the satisfac- tion of the people, discharging its duties with promptness and fidelity. He has acted as a member of the county central committee and as delegate to county and state conventions. It was largely through his efforts that a school was secured and a fine building erected in the village of Ritchey. In his work as school director he has been instrumental in advancing the educa- tional interests of his district and in raising the grade of scholarship. Before the Revolutionary war Peter Neese came from Germany and settled in Center Coun- ty, Pa. That was then in the midst of a trackless wilderness. People were few and privations many. In order to get feed for his cattle he cut down forest trees for their leaves. He became a large farmer and was successful for those days. When a very old man he died in 1852. His son, William, was a native of Center County, where he spent his life on a farm. He held a number of minor offices and supported the Democratic party. For some time he was an elder in the Lutheran Church. He died in 1867, when sixty years of age. By his marriage to Margaret Hubler, a native of Center County, he had three children, namely: Thomas J.; Man, wife of Silas Smith, of Manhattan, 111.; and Alexander, who died in Kansas when thirty-three years of age. On his father's farm in Center County, Pa., our subject was born September 6, 1847. He received a common-school education, after which he as- sisted in cultivating the home farm for two years. In 1869 he came to Illinois with his brother and settled in Florence Township, where he began farming and stock raising. In 1S76 he moved to Wesley Township, and has since been one of its GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 43i best- known men. He is a member of the Knights of Globe at Ritehey. Ever since the Methodist Episcopal Church was built he has been one of its trustees and has assisted liberally in all its enter- prises. In 1S67 he married Miss Jane C. Groos- man, a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four children, the eldest being Delia, wife of Frederick Hiles, of this township. The others are George William, Sonata S. and Wal- ter B. I" REDERICK FORKEL, foreman of Barrows' Yy Lock Company, at Lockport, was born in I Dresden, Germany, March 29, 1861, a son of Frederick and Christine Forkel, natives of the kingdom of Saxony. His father w r as a German soldier and served in the Schleswig- Holstehi war of 1849; by trade he was a gar- dener and also a weaver. He died in 1877, and his wife iu 1898. Of their three children, Adolph is foreman in a machine factory in Dres- den; Bertha is married and resides in Dresden. Our subject, who was the youngest of the family, is the only one in America. He was reared in his native city, and received his education in the excellent schools there. At the age of fourteen, following the usual custom in Germany, he was apprenticed to a trade. For about four years he worked as an apprentice in a machine shop, after which he followed his trade successively in Ba- varia, Bohemia, Vienna, Northern Italy, Swit- zerland, Wurtemberg, Baden, Alsace-Lorraine, Belgium and Holland. Afterward he spent a year at his old home, then went to Frankenstahl on the Rhine, and from there came to America iu 1S82. The first location of Mr. Forkel iu this couutry was at Stamford, Conn., where he was employed as a locksmith with the Yale Lock Manufacturing Company for two years. For one year he was foreman of the scale department and machinist with the Automatic Scale Company. Upon the closing of the plant he returned to the Yale Lock Company as machinist, remaining for six months. Next he was foreman in the pattern department of the S. C. Liude Company, at South Newark, Conn. For three years he was employed at Cress- kill, N. J., and when his employers moved to Cleveland, Ohio, he was given charge of the pat- tern department with the Perkins Lock Company. After remaining with them for some time, in 1889 he came to Lockport as superintendent of the Barrows' Manufacturing Company, which po- sition he held for two years. When the firm was changed to the Barrows' Lock Company he was made general superintendent, with the oversight of the one hundred or more hands employed in the factory. He gives his attention very closely to the details of the position, and has proved a most valued employe, having, in addition to his regular work, also constructed a number of im- provements on the locks and machines manu- factured iu the factory. The home of Mr. Forkel is situated on the corner of Hamilton and Sixth streets, Lockport. Here he resides, with his family, including his wife, Mrs. Maria (Herbeck) Forkel, and daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Fraternally he is connected with Lockport Lodge No. 538, A. F. & A. M.; Lock- port Chapter, R. A. M., the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Englewood, N.J. In politics he is a Re- publican. His religious views are in sympathy with the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, in which faith he was reared. "DWARDL. WILSON, secretary and gen- 's eral manager of the Manhattan creamery, _ , and the owner of a valuable farm on section 17, Manhattan Township, was born in Worth, Cook County, 111., November 11, 1870, and is a son of Edward and Magdaline (Lendrum) Wil- son, natives of the north of Ireland. He was one of six children, all of whom are dead except himself and his brother, Robert J., of Cook County. His father emigrated from Ireland in 1853 and settled in Cook County, 111., where he 432 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. has since conducted farm pursuits upon an ex- tensive scale, and is now the owner of three hun- dred acres, on which he engages principally in general farming. Since the organization of the Republican party he has been a believer in its principles. He has served as highway commis- sioner and school director for several years, and is a man of high standing in his neighborhood. Sixty-three years of activity have not lessened his energy nor weakened his judgment, for he is still au industrious, judicious farmer. In 1890 the subject of this sketch graduated from the commercial department of Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Chicago. He re- mained with his father on the home farm until 1895, and then moved to his present farm near Manhattan, which he had purchased in 1S89 from W. D. B. Linn, and which is one of the old homesteads of the county. Here he has since conducted a general fanning and dairy business. During the year of his removal to this farm he assisted in the organization of the Manhattan creamery, in which he is, with one exception, the largest stockholder. Since coming to his present farm he has made many improvements, thereby increasing the value of the place. Like his father, he gives his support to the men and measures advocated by the Republican party. In 1896 he married Lizzie M., daughter of Ed- ward P. Bishop, of Cook County. He is identi- fied with the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Globe at Man- hattan, and for some time has served as president of the order. (7j 1 1 >NKY B. PEASE. Since establishing his /\ home in Joliet in 1S72 Mr. Pease has been \~J engaged in contracting and building. For proficiency in his chosen occupation he has estab- lished an enviable reputation and has been given contracts for some of the most substantial busi- ness blocks and finest residences in the city. During the first years of his connection with Joliet building interests he drew up almost all of the plans that he used, but of more recent years he has confined his attention to the carrying out of plans designed by others. He has built as many as twenty-six residences, besides other buildings, in one year. In addition to this busi- ness he is interested with his brother, Cyrus, in the grocery and queeusware business at Hamil- ton, Mo., the firm name being Pease Brothers. He assisted in' the organization of the Joliet Na- tional Bank and has since been a member of its board of directors. Tracing the history of the Pease family, we find that Abel Pease, a native of Vermont and a soldier of the war of 1812, removed to St. Law- rence Count}-, N. Y., where he improved a farm and died at the age of almost eighty years. His son, Samuel, who was born in Vermont, became a farmer near Lawrenceville, N. Y., where he continued to reside until his death, at seventy- seven years. During Civil war days he was a stanch Abolitionist and a supporter of the Union. He married Irene Hamlin, who was born in Ver- mont and died in New York. She was a cousin of Hannibal Hamlin, who was vice-president with Abraham Lincoln. Her father, Stephen Hamlin, a Yermonter, belonged to an English family that early settled in Massachusetts. In the family of Samuel and Irene Pease were six sons and one daughter. Of these, the eldest, James, a soldier in the Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry throughout the Civil war, was wounded three times at Arkansas Post and was taken prisoner, but escaped; Hiram resides in Oregon; Nelson, now in Colorado, was a soldier in the Sixtieth New York Infantry during the Civil war; Milo died in New York; and Cyrus, also a member of the Sixtieth Regiment, is now living in Hamil- ton, Mo. The second of the sons, Sidney B., was born near Lawrenceville, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., June 9, 1S39, and was reared on a farm. In 1856 he settled in Illinois, and for two years during the summers worked on a farm near Dwight, and for one winter attended Lisbon Academy. In 1S59 he became interested in bridge building in various sections of the couu- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 433 try, mainly in the south, but the growing hos- tility between the north and the south made it unpleasant for him to remain in a pro-slavery section, so he returned to Illinois. In the fall of i860 he cast his ballot for Lincoln and Hamlin. In April of the next year he enlisted in a com- pany, but, the quota having already been ob- tained, the company was disbanded. With two others, he went to Springfield, 111., where he was admitted into Company B, Twelfth Illinois In- fantry, May 7, 1861. His regiment was sta- tioned for a time near St. Louis and later took part in the battle of Belmont, Ky. In September, 1861, he was mustered out, but did not leave the service, re-enlisting at once in the same company and regiment. After the battle of Fort Douelson he was promoted to be second sergeant. In that battle he was wounded in the right hip, by a minie ball and returned to Dwight on a thirty days' furlough; the bullet was never removed, but has given him little trouble. After returning to his regiment he took part in the battles of Shiloh, Monterey, Iuka and Corinth. The win- ter of 1863-64 he spent in Tennessee. Just before this he had veteranized at Richland Creek, and, at an election of officers, had been chosen second lieutenant of Company B, but, the company not being filled, he was not mustered in. After a thirty days' furlough in New York he rejoined his regiment and took part in the battles of Dal- ton, Resaca and Dallas. At Resaca he was wouuded in the right ear. Later he was in the engagements at Kenesaw Mountain, Micko Jack Creek and the siege of Atlanta, where for four mouths there were continual skirmishes. In front of Atlanta, July 22, he was wounded in the right foot, but promptly bandaged the foot and held his place in the ranks. Later he was in the battles of Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, the capture of Atlanta, and the battle of Altoona Pass, where they held the fort until reinforcements arrived. Going with Sherman toward the sea, he took part in the battle of Savannah, then marched north through the Carolinas, and was in a battle near Newberne, a hotly-contested engagement at Ben- tonville and the battle of Goldsborough, after which he went 011 to Petersburg with the troops. At Raleigh word was received of Lincoln's assassination. When the war ended he took part in the grand review at Washington, after which he was sent to Louisville, Ky., and received a commission as first lieutenant of his company from Governor '-'Dick" Oglesby. He was mus- tered out at Springfield, III., July 18, 1865. After a short time in Dwight, in 1866 Mr. Pease went to Johnson County, Kans. , and en- gaged in contracting. During the fall of the same year he went to New Orleans, as a contractor in the Southern car works. In the spring of 1867 he went back to his native county in New York and there married Miss Jennie Egglestou, who died in Joliet in 1S92. Of their five children three are living: William, who is with the Illi- nois Steel Company; Marion and Carrie, who are graduates of the Joliet high school. From 1867 to 1872 Mr. Pease engaged in contracting in Dwight, since which time he has been a resident of Joliet. He built and occupies a comfortable residence at No. 401 Rayuor avenue. He is con- nected with Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R., and in politics has always been a strong Republican. EOLL McNAUGHTON. The position held by Mr. McNaughton at the bar of Joliet is one of influence. Since coming to this city, in 1885, he has gained a wide acquaintance among the people, and has, by his character as a gentleman of honor, won the confidence of his associates. In May, 1887, upon examination before the supreme court at Ottawa, he was ad- mitted to practice in Illinois. Returning to Joliet, he soon became a member of the law firm of Goodspeed & McNaughton, but after one year withdrew from the partnership in order to accept the position of deputy postmaster under the first administration of President Cleveland, and re- mained in that office until May I, 1890. On re- signing he entered the firm of Donahue & McNaughton, and resumed the general practice of law. In 1895 and again in 1897 ne was elected city attorney, retiring in the spring of 434 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1899, when he refused to be a candidate for a third term. During 1897 and 1898 he was active in letting the contract for improvements to cost $500,000, and between the spring of 1896 and 1S99 he drew up more ordinances than had been prepared or drawn by the six attorneys preced- ing him in the office. In 1S91 he served as town- ship supervisor. He is keenly interested in poli- tics and has firm convictions regarding tariff, the currency question, trusts, and the other issues that are almost constantly before our people for solution. His belief brings him into affiliation with the Democratic party, and he is one of its leading exponents in Joliet. He gives his aid to all public measures having for the object the welfare of the people, and is public-spirited in his sup- port of worthy projects. At South End, near Campbellton, Argyllshire, Scotland, Mr. McNaughton was born August 11, i860, a son of Donald and Margaret (Goudie) McNaughton, natives respectively of Argyllshire and Ayrshire. His grandfather, Thomas, and great-grandfather, Coll McNaughton, were na- tives of Argyllshire, as were their ancestors for several generations before them. They engaged in farming. Donald McNaughton, who resided on the "Culinlougart" estate, brought his family to America in 1878, and settled at Chatham, Ontario, Canada, where he has since engaged in farming. From his Scotch forefathers he inher- ited integrity, perseverance, a strict sense of honor and a firm Presbyterian faith. His wife, who died in 1895, was the daughter of an Ayr- shire miller. In the family there were eight chil- dren, all but one of whom are still living, our subject being fourth in order of birth and the only one in Illinois. He was reared in Scotland, and prepared for college in the Campbellton high school. When ready to enter the University of Glasgow his father decided to come to America, . and so his plans were changed. Instead, how- ever, of accompanying his parents to Canada, he went to Michigan, securing employment with his axe in the woods near St. Clair. In February, 1879, he entered Chatham Collegiate Institute, where he studied fora term. The summer of the same year he spent as a sailor on the lakes. In August, 1879, he entered the employ of the Cana- dian Pacific Railroad, and assisted in building the road along Portage and Lake of the Woods. In the fall he started to Canada, but stopped in Oswego, 111., to visit an uncle, and two days after arriving there he passed an examination for a teacher's certificate and secured a school. He continued to teach there until the spring of 1885. Meantime he had been studying law, getting law- books from James R. Flanders, of Joliet. He has been a constant student of his profession, not ceasing his studies with his admission to the bar, but continuing a devoted student of all works bearing upon the principles of jurisprudence. Not only is he a brilliant lawyer, but one whose knowledge of the profession is deep and profound, and who is equipped for successful practice by a thorough acquaintance with all the authorities. Fraternally Mr. McNaughton is a Council and Royal Arch Mason, a past officer in Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M., and at one time was junior warden of Joliet Commandery No. 4. He attends and supports the Universalist Church, and is a liberal contributor to religious enter- prises. He married Agues, daughter of John Conlon, a native of New York and an early set- tler of Joliet, where Mrs. McNaughton was born. They are the parents of two daughters, Bessie and Jean McNaughton. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 437 the Mcdonald family. 'HE McDONALD FAMILY. As is in- dicated by their name, the McDonald (or Macdonald) family of the oldest settlers of Will County, in Illinois, is of Scottish extraction, but whether directly descended from one of the survivors of the massacre of Glencoe the little history or legend which remains fails to show. The pedigree is traced, however, to Michael Mc- Donald, a sea-faring man, whocamefrom the old country through Canada and began life in Amer- ica in New England. In olden times when St. Michael was revered as a patron saint by the high- landers of Scotland, the name was more of a favorite in family nomenclature than it is at present; the descendants of Ireland are now monopolizing it. Juue 20, 1766, Michael married a widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, by whom he had a son, Asa, and a daughter, Betsey, the latter dying young. He moved with his family to Liverpool, near Syracuse, N. Y., and left them there to pursue his calling as a sailor, and it was rumored that he was drowned in Lake Ontario. But rumor again states that he was the head of two fam- ilies, and that he passed the balance of his days with the other branch. Asa became the main support of the family and soon displayed an ability to perform this duty. Before he was of age he served as a drummer in a company raised to oppose the British at Niagara, in the last war with England. He became prominent in the New York militia as a captain and expert musician. Following various avocations until 1836, he then emigrated from Onondaga County, N. Y., to Will County, 111., and settled at first in Joliet, then at Five Mile Grove, and afterwards bought a farm on Spring Creek, in New Lenox. He married Olive 22 Rudd at Syracuse and reared a family of six daughters and one son, namely: Rosanna E., Jane C, Jonathan S., Clarissa C, Harriet, Lovina and Ellen, of whom the son and Rosanna E., Jane C. and Lovina are surviving at this date. Although ostensibly a farmer, Asa employed his energies more in the cultivation and practice of music, and was a leader in many public and social enterprises, but did not aspire for political preferments. His fame as a violinist is well re- membered by those who attended his dances and social gatherings. He was born May 9, 1802, and died December 4, 1857. His wife, Olive, was born September 23, 1805, and died March 1, 1873- Jonathan S. McDonald was born at Liverpool, N. Y., April 17, 1829; he was therefore seven years old when the family settled in Joliet. Being the only son, his place would naturally be on the farm, but this proved to be too tame a life for him to follow. At the age of eighteen he began teaching a district school in the winter and worked on the farm in summer, but when the California gold fever broke out he crossed the plains in 1849 and spent four years in the mines, returning with a moderate "pile" with which to start in business at home. His effort to acquire a college education at Oberlin, Ohio, lasted only two weeks. He then turned his attention to banking at Lockport, at which he was engaged until the Civil war began in 1859, when the turn of events almost despoiled him of his wealth. December 12, 1857, he married Louisa, the daughter of Col. George Snoad, who was born in England. Immediately after his failure as a banker he visited the newly discovered gold mines at California Gulch, Colo., but returned in the following spring and recruited a company 438 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. at Lockport, which became a part of the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry. He had command of this in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, and numerous skirmishes and was "promoted for meritorious conduct in the field." He was wounded at Stone River and is now quite deaf as a consequence. After the war he served as a cashier in railroad business in Chicago, then returned to Will County and engaged in politics and newspaper publications until increased deaf- ness compelled him to turn his attention to other enterprises. The Highland Scotch are noted for possessing a tendency to mysticism and "second sight," and this faculty seems to have developed in him; he is now engaged in philosophical pur. suits, and has become noted in occult circles as the author of several books on ancient magic and esoteric philosophy. Leon McDonald, son of J. S. McDonald, was born November 2, 1860, in the township of New Lenox, Will County, 111. His education was ac- quired in the public school at Lockport, and at the Wisconsin State University. He learned the printing and publishing trade in his father's office, serving in all capacities from "printer's devil" to editor. In 18S0 he went to work on the re- portorial staff of the Joliet News, afterward oc- cupying the chair of the city editor on the same paper. He left the News to engage with two others in the founding and publishing of the Joliet Daily Press. This venture was an ex- traordinary success while the original founders remained in possession. Mr. McDonald sold out his interest in 1884 and returned to Lockport, the home of his parents, where he assumed con- trol of the publication of the Lockport P/weu /.v, this paper being still owned and published by him. Since attaining his majority he has taken an active part in county and state politics. For nineteen years he has been a member of the coun- ty Republican central committee, and during nearly all of the time a member of the executive committee of that body. Locally he has a num- ber of times been called to positions of public trust and honor, among other things' serving two terms as president of the village council. It was during his second term of office that Lock- port's excellent system of water works was built. In 1897 he was appointed general superintendent of the Illinois & Michigan canal, which position he still holds. Since he assumed the duties of this position the canal has passed through some of the most critical experiences of its existence. The authorities of the sanitary district of Chicago avowedly sought to destroy it and acquire valu- able rights belonging to the state, held under the care and control of the canal officers. The con- test that ensued, both from an engineering and legal standpoint, was a huge one and most bit- terly fought. It resulted, however, in a victory for the canal people on every point and saved to the state property and rights worth several mil- lions of dollars. For the part he had in achiev- ing this result, Mr. McDonald earned and re- ceived a great deal of credit. He was married September 21 , 1S9S, to Claire Augusta Rudd, daughter of Charles H. and Esther (Leonard) Rudd. Miss Rudd was born April 26, 1875; was formerly a resident of Ober- liu, Ohio, and is a graduate of the college in that city. They have one daughter, Louise E., born July 13, 1899. 30SEPH STOOS, deceased, was at one time prominent in the public affairs of Joliet, and served as alderman from the third ward; also held the office of assistant supervisor, and for two terms was city treasurer. He was born in Oppeuheim, Alsace, France, and in boyhood learned the carpenter's trade under his father, Sebastian, who was a contractor and builder of bridges and arches. When a young man he came to America with his brother, Andrew, now of Naperville, 111. , and after a short time in the lat- ter city he came to Joliet in 1S54. He was an expert builder, and had 110 difficulty in securing work at his trade. He was superintendent and architect of the Jefferson street bridge, which has since been torn down by order of the drainage commissioners. He had charge of the building of St. Francis' convent, Porter's brewer) - buildings, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 439 St. Joseph's hospital and St. John's Roman Catholic Church. He also erected the residence that he occupied at No. 515 North Hickory street. Some of the most substantial structures in the city were erected under his supervision, and he continued actively engaged in the business until ten years before his death, when he retired. In the organization of St. John's Church he took an active part, and afterward for years was one of its trustees and a trustee of the academy. He was a member of the Sharpshooters' Association. Politically he gave his support to the Democratic party and voted for its men and measures. As a citizen he was patriotic, and, although always retaining a love for his native land, no native- born resident of the United States was more loyal to its welfare than he. His death occurred April 16, 1890. In Joliet, November 19, 1856, Mr. Stoos mar- ried Miss Mary Anna Hassinger, who was born in Herbstheim, Alsace. Her grandfather, Michael Hassinger, was a stoue mason and contractor in Alsace, where he died. Her father, Joseph, was also a contracting mason. In the spring of 1846 he brought his family to America, making the voyage from Havre to New York on a sailing vessel, thence going up the Hudson to Albany, from there on the Erie canal to Buffalo, and thence via lake to Chicago, and finally to Will County. Here he engaged in contracting and building. He had the contract for all of the cul- verts on the Plainfield road. Besides this, he operated a stoue quarry and superintended land that he purchased here. His death occurred when he was over sixty years of age. His wife was Mary Ann, daughter of Anton Drendel, a farmer of Alsace. She died in this county in 1S84, when seventy-seven years of age. Her three daughters, Mrs. Stoos, Mrs. Michael Sheidt and Mrs. Peter Gans, reside in Joliet. Mrs. Stoos was eight years old when the family came to Joliet, where she was educated. She is well known among the members of St. John's Church, having long been a member of this parish. Eight children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stoos. Only four are now living. The son, Alfred J., is represented elsewhere in this volume. Theresa is the wife of Joseph Braun, Jr., whose sketch appears on another page. Mar)- married Prof. Henry Rolf, of Joliet, and Josephine is the wife of Robert P. Kiep, also ol this city. 30HN C. BAKER, of Manhattan Township, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1842, a son of Clark and Luciua (Welsh) Baker. His paternal ancestors came from Eng- land and settled in Rhode Island in an early day. His grandfather, Jirah Baker, moved from Rhode Island to New York and cleared a farm from the wilderness, making his home on that place until he died at ninety years of age. He took an active part in politics and served as a delegate to the constitutional convention. His father, Ben- jamin Baker, served in the Revolutionary war with two of his sons, one of whom died during his term of service. Clark Baker was born in Rensselaer County in 1796 and for years followed farming and survey- ing, laying out the county lines and the township lines in the town of Hoosick. When sixteen years of age he served in the war of 181 2. In 1845 h e settled in Will County, purchasing a tract of timber laud in what is now Manhattan Township and engaging extensively in farming and stock-raising. He became the owner of about twelve hundred acres of good laud. He made a specialty of breeding Merino sheep and also raised Shorthorn cattle. For about twenty years, alto- gether, he held the office of supervisor, and dur- ing the same time he was justice of the peace. Politically he was a Democrat. He died at his home in 1892, when ninety-six years of age. His wife, daughter of George Washington Welsh, was born in Albany, N. Y., and died in this county at eighty-five years of age. They were the parents of five children, two of them survive, our subject and Mary E. , widow of J. B. Russell. Having come to this county in early childhood, our subject knows no other home but this. When his father retired from active cares he succeeded 44Q GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to his management of the estate. He has en- gaged in breeding Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle (having from eighty to one hundred head of cows) and fine sheep, and owning a farm of more than one thousand acres. Associated with Jones Brothers in Manhattan, in 1S93 he pur- chased the Thayer elevator and established the Manhattan bank, of which he was elected presi- dent. The company has built up a grain and coal trade and a general banking business. Mr. Baker is strong in his advocacy of good roads, and politically is a Democrat. He was the first master of the Manhattan Grange and is connected with the county Grange. His first wife, Eliza- beth Hoopson, whom he married in 1871 and who died in 1888, left three children; while by his present wife, who was Mary Jones, he has two sons, Robert and Clark. "DWARD H. VAN DUSER, who is en- 't) gaged in farming and stock-raising in New „_ Lenox Township, was born on the place where he now lives December 2S, 1856. He is a member of a pioneer family of the county. His father, George Van Duser, a native of New York, grew to manhood in the east, but not being con- tent to adapt himself to the grooves of farm work there he decided to seek his fortune in the great west. Coming to Illinois he spent a year in Chi- cago. He then settled in Will County, where he secured employment in the old Red mill on the Higinbotham homestead. November 25, 1840, he married Elmina Mellen. The following spring he brought his wife to New Lenox Town- ship and settled upon the farm, where they spent the remainder of their lives. As he was pros- pered he added to his possessions, and at the same time acquired valuable stock. Through his combined efforts in farming and stock-raising he became well-to-do, and held a place among the prosperous men of the township. His interest in local affairs was noticeable throughout his life. As a Democrat he identified himself with town- ship and county politics. He frequently was chosen to serve as a delegate to county conven- tions, and for a number of years he served as justice of the peace. He was an active member of the Grange. In religious views he was of the Universalist faith. He was permitted to enjoy eighty active and busy years; and then, in May, 1898, while still as strong and robust as many men twenty years his junior, he was killed by a runa- way team. His wife had died five 3 r ears before his death. They were the parents of seven chil- dren, namely: Emily, who is the widow ofjohn Widney, of Kendall County, 111.; Adelaide, who married Joshua Barrett, of Iowa; Jerome, a farmer of Iowa; Ida, deceased; Gilbert, who is engaged in farming in Kansas; Edward H.; and Flora, who married Frank Gorham, of Iowa. Upon completing a common-school education in country and city schools our subject took up farming in connection with his father, with whom he remained until the latter's accidental death in 189S. The following year he rented the land, though still maintaining a general supervision of the place, which comprises eighty acres of till- able land and a timbered tract. In educational affairs he takes an interest, and as school director has aided the schools of his own district. He is a member of the Grange. Politically he believes that the man should be supported whose char- acter and abitity are unexceptional and whose fitness for the office in question cannot be dis- puted. As a citizen he is public-spirited, favor- ing measures for the benefit of the people and the advancement of the community's welfare. (ILLIAM A. STRONG, who was long presi- dent of the Joliet Gas Company, was born in New York in 1828, and received a public-school education in his native town of Waterloo. There he engaged in the hardware business from 1845 until 1850. During the lat- ter year he came to Joliet and formed a partner- ship with his uncle, under the firm name of W. A. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 441 Strong & Co. In 1855 the title was changed to Strong & Co. , Messrs. Brooks and Barrett being admitted into partnership. Under different firm names the business was successfully conducted until 1865. On retiring from the company, our subject accepted the position of president of the Joliet Gas Company, and through his wise over- sight and sound judgment the corporation be- came a very successful one. He also was con- nected with other interests of a private or public nature, and until his death was one of Joliet's most prominent men. The confidence reposed in him was shown by his selection to take charge of the settlement of various large estates. As bank direc- tor and, for a few years, as an owner of stock in a quarry business, he had diversified interests. His fellow-citizens, appreciating his business ability and high character as a man, selected him to rep- resent them in the city council and as mayor of Joliet, where his administrative and executive faculties found a useful sphere of activity. Early in his residence in Joliet he bought one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which he platted in a subdivision known as Glenwood. In 1855 Mr. Strong married Miss Charlotte A. Buell, who died at Thomasville, Ga., March 20, 1889. Of their four children, two were daughters and two sons. One of the daughters, Mrs. Bud- long, died in January, 1885. EHARLES W. HOSTMER, superintendent of the car department of the Michigan Cen- tral Railroad at Joliet, was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., June 22, 1839, a son of Gottlieb and Minnie (Myers) Hostmer. He was one of nine children, of whom besides himself only two survive, Henry, a retired business man of Fort Wayne, Ind , and Louis, a contractor and builder in Fort Wayne. His father learned the milling business in youth, and, through good manage- ment and industrious efforts, in time became proprietor of a grist mill, but in later years turned his attention to farming. In 1836 he came to America, proceeding from Philadelphia, Pa., to Indiana and settling on a farm near Fort Wayne. There he spent his last years in retirement from business cares. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and in politics a Democrat. His wife was born in Germany in 1803 and died in 1892. When our subject was fifteen years of age he entered a dry-goods store at Fort Wayne, with the intention of adopting the mercantile business as his life work. However, his plans were sub- sequently changed. After three years he went to Chicago and apprenticed himself to the car- building trade in the Illinois Central shops. On the completion of his apprenticeship he remained in the same place as a salaried workman, and for twenty years he worked with them as a coach builder. He was then promoted to the foreman- ship of the car department of the passenger equipment, and remained in that important posi- tion until 1889, when he resigned to accept his present place with the Michigan Central Railroad, where he has charge of both the passenger and freight departments. In 1876 Mr. Hostmer married Miss Betty Battershall, who was born near Albany, N. Y., a daughter of William and Emma (Wilcox) Battershall, both natives of York state. Her father came to Illinois in 1861 and bought a farm at Hinesville, where he remained for a short time. He then removed into Chicago and opened a boarding house on the south side, where he re- sided up to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Hostmer had only one child, Charles, and he is now deceased. While not connected by membership with any church, Mr. and Mrs. Hostmer attend the Methodist Church and subscribe liberally to its support, as well as to the support of other worthy movements and charitable enterprises. In poli- tics Mr. Hostmer is a stanch Republican, and fraternally is connected with Home Masonic Lodge No. 508, A. F. & A. M., of Chicago. The credit for his success is due to himself wholly. Beginning life in humble circumstances, but step by step, with commendable perseverance, he ac- quired a thorough knowledge of the car-building 442 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. business and thus fitted himself for a position of trust and responsibility. His success is a fitting example of what is in store as a reward for energy and directness of purpose. He is a good repre- sentative of the progressive and enterprising men of this county who are of German parentage and who retain the industrious, thrifty habits of that nationality. (TJlMEON S. TYLER, who is engaged in the /\ insurance and real-estate business in Joliet, \zJ was born in this county May i, 1S49. He is a member of a family whose genealogy is traced back to 13 17 in England and Holland and whose members have been prominent in Ameri- can history since early colonial days. To the same family belongs John Tyler, president of the United States, 1841-45. Simeon B. Tyler, fa- ther of our subject, was one of the earliest set- tlers of this county, whither he came from Bethel, Sullivan County, N. Y., at the same time with Squire Flagg. He built the sawmill on the Du- page River at Plainfield. In it he sawed the lumber that was hauled to Chicago by Squire Flagg and used in the building of the first frame house in the town. His own impressions of Chi- cago had not been favorable. He had landed from a boat in Chicago and found a town of tents. He was offered for ten shillings an acre, the land where the court house now stands, but it looked so uninviting that he had no desire to become its purchaser, even for that small sum. Coming to Plainfield he bought one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added later. He was a carpenter by trade and erected many of the first buildings in Plainfield. Some years afterward he took up farm work, in which he continued until his death. Active in religious work he was a leading Baptist of his locality and assisted in building two churches in Plainfield. He did not take any part in public affairs, preferring private business to office. After coming to this county he married Ruth, sister of Jason Flanders, a pioneer of Plainfield. Nine children were born to their union, four of whom are living. A. H. Tyler, who died February 8, 1900, enlisted in the Union army in 1862, when only fifteen years of age, and served for three years as a member of the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry. Lansing H. is a large farmer of Remington, Iud.; Ralph \Y., for many years a traveling salesman, makes his home in Galesburg, 111. ; and Esther R mar- ried Wesley Simmons, a farmer and stockman of Fairbury, Neb. The first among the four now living is the sub- ject of this article. He was reared in Plainfield, where his father resided from 1832 until his death in February, 18S9. When he was a boy his older brothers started to the front to aid in defending the Union. One of them, Hubbard A., who was then seventeen years old, died of ty- phoid fever at-Nashville, Teun., during his term of service. Unable on account of his youth to go with his brothers, our subject was forced to con- tent himself with the routine of study in the vil- lage school. Later he studied in the Northwest ern College of the Evangelical Church, which was then in Plainfield, but is now in Naperville. His first venture in business was as a merchant in Evansville, Ind. After some time he came to Joliet. Later he made a trip to Kansas and selected laud near Dodge City, on the old Santa Fe trail. Locating there he was for three and one-half years engaged in the clearing and culti- vating of his land, after which he returned to Joliet. As an insurance agent he represents twelve of the old-line standard companies. Since he started in the insurance business nearly twen- ty-five years ago he has represented a number of these companies steadily, which speaks volumes for his ability and knowledge of the business. From early boyhood his sympathies have been with the Republican party, which he was reared to believe the party of advance and progress. His father had on his place a station of the underground railroad and was a stanch Aboli- tionist and Republican, and his brothers were no less strong in their political sympathies. How- ever, he has never cared for office and has never been active in politics. Fraternally he is con- nected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 4.2, A. F. & GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 443 A M. In 1888 he erected on Eastern avenue the comfortable residence where he and his fam- ily, have since made their home. He was mar- ried, November 18, 1874, to Miss Lovice B. Towne, a daughter of Caroline (Hammond) Towne, of Waupun, Wis. They have two chil- dren, Walter S. and Dorris, the former a student in the Illinois University. The family are con- nected with Central Presbyterian Church. |"~ RANK SPRAGUE, an enterprising farmer r^ and dairyman of Lockport Township, was I * born July 22, 1S58, in Dupage Township on the Plainfield road, where his father, Thomas J., located on settling in Will County. Through- out his entire life he has been identified with the farming interests of this county, and, in addition, has had other interests of an important character. His education was received in country schools and the Lockport high school. Growing to man- hood on a farm, familiar from his earliest recol- lections with agricultural pursuits, he was well fitted for the management of a farm of his own, and on arriving at man's estate chose for his life work the occupation with which he was most familiar. He was twenty-two years of age when he started out in life for himself. His first in- dependent venture was the renting of the home farm, which he carried on alone for two years. In the fall of 1883, in connection with his brother, Charles N. (a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, as does also that of their father), Mr. Sprague purchased his present farm. In the spring of 1884 he settled on the place. At once he began its improvement and cultivation. Besides the raising of general farm products he gave considerable attention to the dairy business. In 1894 he sold a part of the farm south of the railroad to the Joliet Limestone Company; at the same time he bought his brother's interest in the remainder and has since operated it alone. He is a dealer in all kinds of farm and dairy feed, shipments to him being made in car load lots by means of a side track on his place. He milks about twenty head of cows and sells the milk to dealers. He owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of choice farm land. In the fall of 1890 he opened up a quarry on the farm, quarry- ing a fine grade of rock. In 1894 he sold the stone quarry, then opened, to the Joliet Lime Stone Company, after which he opened another quarry. In March, 1S99, he rented it to the Keltie Stone Company. The presence of the rock in the strata of his land greatly enhances the value of the place. Politically Mr. Sprague votes with the Demo- crats at national elections, but in local affairs gives his support to men whom he considers best qualified to represent the people. He has always refused official positions for himself. His mar- riage took place June 2, 1881, and united him with Florence E., daughter of Philip S. Tripp, of Hillsdale County, Mich. Ten children were born of their union, of whom seven are living, namely: Florence Olive, Vila May, Libbie Elsie, Charles Albert, Philip T., George C. and Alice C. AMUEL HOOD, a retired physician, resides ?\ on section 16, Crete Township. He was C*y born in County Tyrone, Ireland, June 25, 1815. His father, Samuel Hood, Sr., a native of Ireland, but of English ancestry, came to America in 1840 and settled on new land in Cook County, HI., remaining thereuntil his death at eighty-seven years. He married four times, the mother of our subject being Maria E. Vanhaften, who was born in Bombay, and was first married to a surgeon-general in an East Indian Company. After his death she married Mr. Hood. Of her two children our subject alone survives. He began to study medicine when he was eighteen years of age, first serving three years in an apothecary shop and then entering a medical college in London, England. Three years later he graduated, after which he set sail for America. For a number of years he practiced in different 444 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. places in Pennsylvania, then moved to Gentry County, Mo., and after four years came to Illinois, where he carried on practice for twenty years. In Butler County, Pa., Dr. Hood married Ellen Stewart, who was born in County Donegal, Ire- land, and came to America with her parents in girlhood. Nine children were born to their union, but death has removed a number of these from the home they once brightened by their presence. Thomas died when twenty-one, Samuel when eighteen and David when seven. Two died in infancy. John J. became a farmer in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Mary married Nelson Seymour, a farmer at Homewood, Cook County. Maria married Henry Seymour, engi- neer of the Crete Manufacturing Company. Har- riet became the wife of Robert Hewes, a farmer of Crete Township. HARVEY B. PORTER, who is one of the most successful farmers of Channahon Township, was born in Newburg, Cuya- hoga County, Ohio, June i, i860, a son of Leman and Arzelia (Benedict) Porter. He was second among five children, the eldest of whom, Alice A., is principal of the musical department in " The Western," a university for women at Ox- ford, Ohio. The youngest, Alta S., is the wife of Sherman Lewis, a farmer of Will County. The others, Alma R. and Edgar S., reside with their mother on the old homestead. In the house where our subject was born the birth of his father occurred November 1, 1831, and there he made his home until 1866. He then came to Will County and bought two hundred and forty acres in Channahon Township. Here he settled down to farm pursuits. The ensuing years were spent in the tilling of the soil, sowing of seed and harvesting of grain. Stock-raising, too, received some of his attention. Five years after he settled here he bought an adjoining eighty-acre tract, which made his farm one-half section in acreage. He was an educated man, a broad reader, and was well informed on all public questions. Politically an ardent Republican he did much to advance the Republican cause in his township. He was not a seeker after office, and always re- fused to allow his name to be used as a candidate. However, he made an exception in cases of school offices, and for some years filled the office of school trustee. He died at his homestead August 28, 1895. The grandfather of our subject, Harvey Porter, was a descendant of Puritan stock. His father served under General Washington during the Revolutionary war; in an earl) - day he removed to New York and settled in Schoharie County, where the grandfather was born. The latter, in 1818, when a young man, went to Ohio and established his home in Cuyahoga Count}', where he resided until his death in 1861. During three months in the war of 181 2 he served in the army, and at the time of the British attack on Fort Erie he was doing detailed duty at the Batavia arsenal, from which point the noise of cannon and the firing of guns could be distinctly heard. The mother of our subject was also of good old Revolutionary ancestry. She and her parents, Julius S. and Mary (Rogers) Benedict, were natives of Vermont, whence they removed to Ohio, settling near Bedford when she was three years of age. Her grandfather Rogers was a general in the Revolutionary war and served on Washington's staff. Mrs. Porter was born in 1829, and, though now advanced in years, is still hearty and strong. Since her husband's death she has remained with her children on the old homestead, where her declining days are bright- ened by the affection of her children and the esteem of her friends. After having studied for some time in the high school at Channahon our subject entered theTri- State Normal at Angola, Ind., from which he graduated in 188S. For four months afterward he taught a district school, but pedagogy was not congenial and he sought a position more to his liking. Returning to Angola, for two years he was employed in a machine shop as a model maker. From there he went to Jolief, where he GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 445 carried on a model-making shop for two years. The failing health of his father rendered his presence at the old home advisable. He went back and assumed the management of the farm. Since then he has superintended the cultivation of the land and the selling of the farm products, in which work he shows decided ability and en- terprise. Politically he is a Republican and works in the interests of his party. In 1894 he was elected highway commissioner of Channa- hon Township, which office he filled for three years. He is a member of the Methodist Church and one of its trustees. Fraternally he is con- nected with Channahon Lodge No. 262, A. F. & A. M.; Kalon Camp No. 4282, M. W. A., and Channahon District Court of Honor. "HOMAS J. SPRAGUE. One of the men who by personal sacrifice and persevering industry wrested a home and fortune from the raw prairie land of Will County, and who will be long remembered by those among whom he made his home, was the well-known pioneer, Thomas J. Sprague. Coming here when the re- gion was wild and uncultivated, he bore his part in the development of the land and assisted in bringing Will County to its present high stand- ing among the counties of Illinois. He was born in Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., November 23, 1810, and grew to manhood on a farm. After having for two years engaged in the mercantile business, in 1838 he came west to Illinois, set- tling in Dupage Township, Will County. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie land on which scarce a furrow had been turned nor an attempt at improvement made. The task of improving the place was no small one, but he succeeded in doing so and met with more than ordinary success as a pioneer farmer. By the purchase of canal and government land he finally became the owner of over five hundred acres, which he held until his death. After years of arduous labor as a farmer he accumulated suf- ficient to give him a nice income, and he then retired from active labors and came to Joliet, where he made his home from 1890 until he passed from earth, October 22, 1898, after an ill- ness of one week. Financially he was a success- ful man; nor was he less successful in winning the esteem of his associates and the warm regard of his friends. In politics he was always stanch in his adherence to the Democratic party. Fra- ternally he was connected with Lockport Lodge No. 538, A. F. & A. M. While he was not iden- tified with any denomination he was a believer in Christianity (his parents having been Quakers) and in his life endeavored to live up to the teach- ings of Christ. It was his pleasure in his last years to contrast the improvements of the present with the privations of the past, and to call the attention of others to the wonderful transforma- tion wrought in this county during his sixty years of residence here. No one rejoiced more than he in the county's upward growth and prog- ress. January 9, 1845, Mr. Sprague married Mrs. Lydia (Swift) Godfrey, daughter of Shubael and Eunice (Olmstead) Swift. Her father was born and reared in Austerlitz, Columbia County, N.Y., and engaged in farming there until 1835, when he drove through to Illinois and settled in what is now Dupage Township, Will County. Pre- empting a tract of wild land he gave his attention to its improvement. Later he added to it by the purchase of canal land. A number of years later he sold the farm and moved to Waukegan, where he died at ninety-four years of age. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife had died in New York when thirty -seven years of age, leaving three children. One of these, Lydia, was born December 28, 18 18, on the homestead at Auster- litz, where her father's eyes had first opened to the light. She accompanied her father to this county in 1835, and, having received an excel- lent education in the east, she secured a position as teacher in Dupage Township, continuing in that occupation until her marriage. In 1839 she became the wife of Charles Godfrey, who came to this county from the east in 1833. Three chil- dren were born of their marriage, viz.: Eunice E., 44 ri GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. wife of Reuben W. Kilmer: Joseph, a resident of Joliet; and Mrs. Julia M. Lord, of Joliet. A few years after the death of Mr. Godfrey his widow became the wife of Mr. Spra'gue. Of the children born to this union three died when young and Thomas J. died in Joliet October 3, 1893, 'after having gained a good practice as a physician. Two other sons, Charles N. and Frank, are rep- resented on other pages of this volume. The daughters are: Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Math- er; Harriet, widow of Albert Phelps, of Dupage Township; and Celia, widow of George E. Royce, of Naperville, 111. ROBERT MANN WOODS. One of the best known men of Illinois is the subject of this article, who won the title of major during the Civil war and whose record, both in military and civil affairs, is one of which he and his may well be proud. He is a member of a family de- scended from old Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock. His father, William J. Woods, a native of Penn- sylvania and a cabinet-maker by trade, removed from the east to Illinois in 1842 and settled in Pike County. He was the only man in that county who voted for James G. Birney for presi- dent. He was an Abolitionist and Prohibitionist as far back as 1825. In 1S48 he moved to Gales- burg, 111., where he published a free-soil paper, the Galesburg Free Democrat, in which office the subject of this sketch learned the printer's trade. In 1855 Mr. Woods, Sr., was one of several gen- tlemen who founded the Western Industrial and Scientific Institution and organized the college at College Springs, Iowa. At a later date he moved to Minneapolis, Kans., and there died May 10, 1900, at the age of ninety-five years. He was three times married. His first wife was Sarah Lyon Mann, a native of Maryland, daughter of Maj. Robert Mann, a soldier of iSi2, and of the family of Horace Mann, the great educator. She was a kin to Mary Lyon, founder of Mt. Holyoke Seminary. By their union ten children were born, of whom the major was the fifth. Born in Greenville, Mercer County, Pa., April 17, 1S40, Major Woods was two years old when the family settled in Illinois. His earliest recol- lections are of the pioneer surroundings and in- cidents of Pike County. While living at Gales- burg he attended Knox College. In 1858 he went to Iowa and taught school there and in Missouri for three years. At the opening of the Civil war he was appointed by Governor Yates to a position in the office of the quartermaster-gen- eral and afterwards that of the governor, where he remained until June, 1864. He was then made adjutant of Yates' Sharpshooters, which formed the Sixty-fourth Illinois Regiment. He served in this through the Atlanta campaign, after which he was detailed as a mustering officer. Later he served on the staff of Maj. -Gen. Giles A. Smith, taking part in the march to the sea and the campaign through the Carolinas. His commissions as captain and major were the re- ward of gallantry and valor on the field of battle. After taking part in the grand review at Wash- ington and also serving as a mustering-out officer for General Sherman's army at Louisville, Ky., Major Woods was summoned to Springfield, 111., by Adj. -Gen. I. N. Haynie, and there he com- piled the regimental histories (filling nine vol- umes) of all the Illinois regiments. In the spring of 1866 he wrote the constitution and by-laws of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was or- ganized by Dr. B. F. Stephenson, and of which Major Woods was the first adjutant-general. Soon afterward he organized the various depart- ments throughout the northwest. The first char- ter issued, that of Decatur Post No. 1, has his name upon it. In 186S he went to Chicago. For some years he was chief clerk during the con- struction of the United States custom house and postoffice in that city. In 1S77 he was made insurance examiner of Illinois, a position of great responsibility and one which he filled most cred- itably. During the time in that position he was obliged to close up, in the courts of the state, ever}- life insurance company then organized under this state. As a newspaper man Major Woods began his career in 1S79, when he purchased the Joliet Re- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 447 publican from James Goodspeed. This paper he conducted successfully , proving that the ability which had made itself manifest in the arm)- and in business was also fitted for the field of journal- ism. In 1SS3 he purchased the Joliet Sun, which he merged into the Republican . By the subse- quent purchase in 1888 of the Daily and Weekly Press he extended his influence as a newspaper man, merging the three papers into the Republic and Sun, a popular and influential daily and weekly paper, which took a leading part in all the activities of the local Republican organization. There was also a job department and a book binder}-. In 1892 he disposed of his interest in the newspaper business. Organizing the St. Louis Paving Brick Company of Galesburg, he became its secretary and treasurer. He after- ward organized the Peerless Portland Cement Company of Union City, Mich., of which he was vice-president. He now has an office in Chicago and goes to that city daily, but still makes his home in Joliet, being too devoted to this place to desire to transfer his citizenship elsewhere. October 5,1867, Major Woods married Miss May Florence Miner, who was born in Harding, 111., April S, 1851, a daughter of Samuel E. and Aseuath (Darrow) Miner. The Miners and Darrows were Massachusetts and Connecticut Yankees, having had six ancestors who were minute men at Lexington in the Revolutionary war, and twelve in the war of 1812. Major and Mrs. Woods have two children, Alice M. and Miner R. From this rfeum^ of the life of Major Woods it will be seen that he is a man who has wielded a potent influence in public affairs, bearing a part in many lines of activity that have been far- reaching and powerful. Ever}- duty of life he has discharged faithfully and well. As a soldier he performed duties that were hazardous. In all the hardships and responsibilities of forced inarches, bloody battles or monotonous camp- life, he proved himself a true son of Mars, giving unmistakable evidence of endurance, patience and heroism. From the ordeal of a soldier's life he emerged with laurels won upon sanguinary battlefields and with an official rank that had been well earned. Nor has his subsequent career as a private citizen been less meritorious. The same qualities that brought him success in the one contributed to his advance in the other. When in the world of journalism he used his influence to promote enterprises of undoubted merit, whose success would mean the enhancement of Joliet' s progress. Realizing the power of the press, he sought to make his paper a power for good, a factor in the moral, educational and commercial advancement of his town. In the real-estate and loan business, to which some of his best years have been given, he has won many warm friends and built up a patronage that is valuable and of a high class. The wisdom governing his actions has inspired confidence in his judgment, and his entire circle of acquaintances concede to him high ability and unwavering integrity. 30HN C. COWING was born at Lisbon, N. H., June 6, 1833, a son of David and Polly (Jessemen) Cowing. His father, who was born at Lisbon February 6, 1795, became a minister in the Free Will Baptist Church. He was married at Sugar Hill, Grafton County, N. H., in 1814, to Poll\- Jessemen, who was born June 24, 1795. They both died at Elk Grove, Cook County, 111., his death occurring Septem- ber 17, 1848, while his wife passed away March 3, 1850. They had come, with their family, to Illinois in 1844, arriving in Chicago on the 9th of November, and settled first at Half Day, on the Desplaines River, in Lake County, 111, but shortly afterward removed to Chicago. After the decease of his mother, our subject made his home in Richmond, McHenry County, 111., for a short time, but during the same year (1850) went to Twelve Mile Grove, Will Coun- ty, 111., and thence to Rockford in 1852. He was married in Beloit, Wis., December 29, 1853, to Elizabeth Bradshaw, of Rockford, 111., who was born in Derry Township, Columbia County, Pa., 44 8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. January 31, 1S34, and died on their farm at West Peotone, Will County, 111., September 22, 1896. In 1854 he settled in the township of Wilton, Will County, but sold his property there and set- tled on section 19, Peotone Township, in Febru- ary, 1855. He still resides there and is the old- est permanent settler in the town. His first pur- chase in the township was eighty acres. By sub- sequent purchases he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, but of this he has sold a large part, and now has a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He is an active Republican. He has filled some township and local offices, in- cluding those of constable, commissioner of high- ways and school director. An active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he is steward and a trustee of his congregation, and has the honor of having organized the first Sunday- school in his district. For some years he has been practically retired, having given the man- agement of his farm (on which he still resides) to his youngest son. The lady whom Mr. Cowing married was a lineal descendant of Judge Bradshaw, who sat on the bench at the trial of Charles II. Her father, George Bradshaw, in early life engaged in teach- ing school, but later cultivated a farm. On coming west he made his home in Rockford, 111., for some time, but finally removed to Lee County, this state, where he died.' One of his sons, B. H. Bradshaw, was a power in the Republican party and an active man in public affairs, serving several terms as a member of the Illinois leg- islature and holding other offices of trust and honor. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cowing comprised the following sous and daughters: Mary Luella, who was born in Wiltou Township, September 29, 1854, and died in Peotone, III., July 6, 1885; Albert H., who was born in Peotone, May 29, 1857, being the oldest surviving male child born in the township of Peotone; George J., born in Peotone, March 25, 1859; John F., who was born in Peotone, February 12, 1869, and died in Ann Arbor, Mich., February 5, 1884, while a student in the law department of the State University; Addie M., who was born in Peotone, April 4, 1866, and who resides with her father; Herbert H. , who was born in Peotone, January 9, 1869, and died September 29 of the same year; Arthur B., who was born January 10, 1871, and is now pre- paring for the profession of law; and James R., who was born in Peotone, May 25, 1873, and now has charge of the home farm. ^JEORGE J. COWING. This well-known — attorney of Joliet, member of the firm of J Cowing & Young, is one of the native-born sons of Will County. He was born in Peotone Township, March 25, 1S59, and received his ele- mentary education in public schools and under private tutors. From seventeen until twenty-one years of age he taught in district schools, and with the money thus earued he began a course of study in the Northwestern University in 1880, but his incessant labor had impaired his health and he was obliged to temporarily discontinue his studies. In the spring of 1881 he went to Colorado, where he remained for fifteen months, returning in the summer of 1S82. Soon after- ward he matriculated in the law department of Michigan University, where he took the regular course of lectures, graduating in 1884. Among his classmates was the since well-known "Dick" Yates, who has become a power in Republican circles of Illinois. Constant devotion to his studies had again af- fected Mr. Cowing's health and after graduating he found it necessary to spend several months recuperating. As soon as he had recovered his health he came to Joliet and began the practice of law, associating himself with the law firm of Olin & Phelps. After eighteen months with them he opened an office at No. 317 Jefferson street, in an office adjoining that of Hon. Edward C. Aiken, to whose large and valuable law li- brary he had free access. Soon afterward he formed a partnership with Col. J. B. Fithian, un- der the firm name of Fithian & Cowing, and this firm built up a large practice. In 1889 their GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 449 partnership was dissolved. Soon after this Mr. Cowing entered into partnership with Hon. Ben- jamin Olin, which continued until Mr. Oliu was elected county judge. In his canvas for that office Mr. Olin had no supporter more active than his law partner, in spite of the fact that the candidate was a Democrat and his partner a stanch Republican. In 1892 Mr. Cowing asso- ciated himself with George W. Young and Octo- ber i, 1898, they removed their office to the Cut- ting building, where they have a well-equipped suite of three rooms. Fraternally Mr. Cowing is identified with Mat- teson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M.; Paul Re- vere Lodge No. 371, K. of P., in which he was chancellor commander; and Mound City Camp, Modern Woodmen of America. He is admirably fitted for successful work in his profession and in the public service, being systematic, exact and business-like, and at the same time well-informed, genial and accommodating. He is connected with the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee. In 1890 he married Miss Stella Titsworth, daughter of H. M. Titsworth, of Aurora. They have three children, Luella A., Glen L. and John C. IILLIS A. STRAIGHT, a well-known manufacturer residing in Manhattan, was born in Fairbury, Livingston County, 111., August 5, 1859, a son of Hon. R. C. and Fran- cina (Abbey) Straight, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Arba Straight, who was a lifelong farmer, came from New York to Illinois in 1849, and settled at Fairbury. From that time until his death he tilled the soil in Livingston County. A man of deep religious convictions, he took an active part in the Baptist Church, and, at his own ex- pense, erected a house of worship for that denom- ination in Fairbury. At the time of his death he was ninety-four years of age. At the time of coming to Illinois in 1849, Hon. R. C. Straight established his home in McLean County, but ten years later he moved to Fair- bury, where he followed farm pursuits for a time. Later, for ten years he manufactured tile in that city, being the first to embark in that business in his section of the state. Not only was he a pioneer in the business, but a large manufacturer as well. In 1887 he retired from active busi- ness cares, and, at sixty-six years of age, is passing his time in the supervision of his prop- erty interests and continues to make his home in Fairbury. In politics a Republican, he was elected on that ticket as the representative of Livingston County in the state legislature, and at other times has held various local offices. Of his eight children all but two are living. They are: W. A.; Lee S., who lives in Fonda, Iowa; Lizzie M., wife of William Wilson, and a resi- dent of Paxton, 111.; Nellie V., a widow living in Pasadena, Cal.; Guy H., in Iowa; and Es- tella, who has been prominent in educational matters and for several years held the principal- ship of the schools of El Paso, 111. After studying for some years in the district schools and Fairbury high school, our subject, at the age of fifteen, began to work in his father's tile factory, and soon became familiar with the business. In January, 1883, he and his brother, Lee S. , came to Manhattan and built a factory for the manufacture of tile, at the same time or- ganizing the firm of Straight Brothers, which continued for some years, until Lee S. sold his interest to his brother. The latter has since en- larged the plant, which now has a capacity for ten thousand tile per day. These he sells through agents, in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri; where he has built up a large trade. While he resides in the village, he owns and man- ages a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he raises Norman horses aud other stock; and he also has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Livingston County, which he rents. By his marriage to Nellie M. , daughter of Wesley D. Jones, of Mokena, 111., he has six children, Natalie, Floyd W., Helen F., Arby R., La- Dessa and Willis W. Politically Mr. Straight favors Republican 45° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. principles. For four years he served as super- visor of Manhattan Township. He is connected with the Knights of the Globe at Manhattan, and has passed all of the chairs in the order, of which he is now the chief justice. Having been familiar with the tile business from youth, he is fitted to carry it forward advantageously. He is one of three brothers, all of whom have been suc- cessful manufacturers, and at one time five factories were owned by members of the family. OUIS J. FREDERICK, M. D., a successful It physician and surgeon of Joliet, is one of L/ the skilled professional men of this city and has gained an enviable reputation in his chosen calling. Since he began in practice here, in Sep- tember, 1896, he has won many friends, both professional and social, and is recognized as one of the rising men in the medical field. He has his office in the Armory block, on the corner of Chicago and Clinton streets. His success is at- tributable to the close attention which he gives his profession and his careful study of every form of disease, with the remedial agencies best ad- apted to each. Genuine love for his profession makes him a student, united with which are painstaking care and genial, gentlemanlycourtesy, all being important factors in success. The doctor's father, Louis Frederick, a native of Germany, came to the United States in boy- hood and during the Civil war served in a Mas- sachusetts regiment. For many years he was engaged iu # business in Chicago and he is still living in that city, but is now retired. He mar- ried a member of a pioneer family of Waukegan, 111., and they were the parents of four sons and three daughters, our subject being the oldest of the family. He was born in Chicago October 8, 1867, and received his education in the city schools, graduating from the high school in 18S4. Afterward he clerked in a drug store, in which way he became familiar with pharmacy, a knowl- edge that was extended by a year's study in the Chicago College of Pharmacy. While employed in the drug business he studied medicine under Dr. A. L. Farr. In 1S89 he entered Rush Med- ical College, from which he graduated in 1892, with the degree of M. D. In 1S92 he received from Governor Fifer the appointment of assistant surgeon at the Illinois state penitentiary and con- tinued in that position until September, 1896, when he resigned in order to engage in private practice. Since coming to this city he has estab- lished domestic ties, his wife being Lula, daugh- ter of Capt. Charles Rost, who is a prominent resident of Will County. Mrs. Frederick was born in Tennessee, but has spent her life prin- cipally in or near Joliet, and is well known in the most select social circles. She is identified with Central Presbyterian Church and contributes to its maintenance. All matters connected with his profession re- ceive Dr. Frederick's attention and enlist his in- terest. At this writing he is physician for Will County and surgeon for the Western Stone Com- pany. It has been his aim to keep abreast with every development made in therapeutics, and for this reason he is a constant student of his profes- sion. In 1896 he took a course in the Post- Grad- uate Medical School in Chicago, and during the summer of 1899 he went east, in order to study in the Bellevue Hospital College of New York. While he is well informed in every department of medicine, his specialty has been diseases of women and children, in which field of practice he has been exceptionally successful. He is a mem- ber of the Chicago and Will County Medical So- cieties, and has served the latter as secretary. Fraternally he is connectedwith the Modern Wood- men of America and the North American Union, of which latter he is examining physician. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. 3OHN FREDRICK, who has been connected with the E. Porter Brewing Company as chief engineer since July 18, 1S93, was born December 2, 1857, under the stars and stripes aboard an American sailer on the Atlantic ocean GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 45i between Havre and New York. He was the third in a family consisting of four daughters and three sons, all of whom are still living. His father, Joseph, was born in Bavaria, and studied the trade of wood engraver and dyer under his father, who bore the same name as himself. During the year 1852 he came alone to America and settled in Troy, N. Y. , where he was em- ployed for three years. Being favorably impressed with this country he determined to settle here permanently, and accordingly, in 1856, returned to Germany for his family. In the latter part of 1S57 they made the journey across the ocean and settled with him in Troy. Later the family re- moved to Albany, the same state, thence went to St. Louis, Mo. In the latter city he engaged in the oilcloth business until obliged to close out on account of the war. In 1865 he was one of the first settlers in Wausau, Wis., where he became interested in the sawmill business. Afterward he moved to Milwaukee and again engaged in the oilcloth business, but failed in that. He then operated a machine shop, in which were manu- factured some inventions of his own. Finally he retired from business cares, and now, at eighty- two years of age, he makes his home in St. Paul, Minn. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army, serving in Company B, Second Mis- souri Infantry, under the gallant "Phil" Sheri- dan. His wife was Magdalina Richter, who was born in Weisensultz, Bohemia, and died in Mil- waukee, Wis. When the family moved from Wausau to Mil- waukee the subject of this sketch was nine years of age. He soon began to work in his father's machine shop, where he learned the machinist's trade. At thirteen he became an apprentice to the trade in Johnson's machine shop, where he served for four years. In order to meet the re- quirements of the government when his appren- ticeship was ended he secured employment on a schooner, where he remained for one year, after which for a similar period he was fireman on the "City Burge," out from Milwaukee. He then successfully passed an examination as chief engineer. Following this, he was for one year each employed as engineer on the barge "Hick- cock," the "Josephine" and the "Norman." For a time, during the winter months, he engaged as engineer on the "St. Paul," between Milwau- kee and Prairie du Chien. In 1887 he became engineer for the P. H. Best Brewing Company, and later was made their chief pump man. On the formation of the Pabst Brewing Company he took a position in their brewery and continued there until he resigned. Since July, 1893, ne has been with the E. Porter Brewing Company; and under his supervision a number of improve- ments have been made in the plant, a new elec- tric light having been introduced and one new boiler put in of one hundred and fifty horse power. The plant has two ice machines and all the modern improvements. In politics Mr. Fredrick is independent. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Court of Honor. His home is at No. 114 South Broadway. He was united in marriage in Milwaukee to Miss Annie Schwrien, who was born in Mechlenburg, Germany, and came to America with her father, August Schwrien, who was a blacksmith in Mil- waukee. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick are Lillian and Mamie. GlLFREDJ. STOOS has the distinction of LI being the youngest dry-goods merchant in / I Joliet. He was born in this city January 18, 1870, and is a sou of Joseph and Mary Stoos, who are represented on another page of this work. In the parochial schools principally the rudi- ments of his education were obtained. He then entered St. Joseph's College at Teutopolis, 111., where he continued a student until the junior year, but at that time discontinued his studies in order to engage in business. His first position was as cash-boy in Mr. Calmer's dry-goods store, and later he was a clerk and bookkeeper in the same establishment. January 7, 1892, he was admitted into the firm as owner of one-half interest in the business, and the title was changed to Calmer & Stoos. In January, 1895, M. Cal- 452 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mer purchased the interest of H. C. Calmer, but the firm title remained unchanged. January 12, 1897, the junior partner disposed of his interest in the company and immediately began plans for a business of his own. March 25, 1S97, Mr. Stoos opened a store in the first floor of the Barber building, where he has ample accommodations, 66x120 feet, and carries a complete assortment of dry -goods, cloaks and millinery. By reason of his good judgment in purchases he is enabled to sell at low prices, while the excellent quality of all his stock brings him a large patronage among the best people of Joliet. There is in the business world only one class of men who can attain suc- cess, and tint is the class possessing energy that never wearies, enthusiasm that never yields to discouragement, and good judgment that always holds the enthusiasm in check. Such a man is Mr. Stoos. He is a representative of a family whose members for generations have been up- right, persevering and energetic, and these quali- ties are his by- inheritance. Fraternally Mr. Stoos is a member of the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. He is connected with the Sharpshooters' Association and the Western Catholic Union. Some years ago he married, his wife being Miss Helen Gallinger, daughter of Alexander Gallinger, a lumberman of Oshkosh, Wis. G] MANDAS S. SPEICHER, a leading busi- L_| ness man of Plainfield, was boru in Berks / 1 County, Pa., December 23, 1859. When he was eight years of age his parents settled on a farm and there his youthful years were passed, his education being obtained in neighboring schools. In 18S1 he started out for himself and, coming to Plainfield, worked by the month on a farm near the village. He saved $350, and with this for a start he married and established his home in Plainfield. He rented a farm adjoining the city limits, and for four years superintended its ninety-five acres. At first he was prospered, but finally a disastrous fire caused a loss of $1,900 in grain and property. Meantime he had started a dray and teaming business in town, and after the fire he returned to the village, where he opened a coal yard. This he conducted for two and one-half years, in connection with his team- ing. On selling the coal business he opened a livery, which he has since conducted. At the ' same time he began to sell buggies and other vehicles, a line of work that he has since con- tinued, having built up the leading business of its kind in the town. In 1S98 he added imple- ments and binders to his stock in trade. During the summer of 1899 fire again caused a heavy loss, but he immediately rented new quarters and has since been prospered. Teaming, the livery business, and the sale of buggies and implements, engross his attention and keep him constantly occupied. Being strictly honest in all of his deal- ings he has gained the respect and confidence of other business men. Notwithstanding the mis- fortunes by fire with which he has met, he has never allowed himself to become discouraged, but has pressed forward with renewed energy, and has now placed his affairs upon a sound financial basis, with ever} - prospect for future success. In politics Mr. Speicher is a Republican and takes a lively interest in local affairs. He has never sought office and has never held any local position except that of policeman. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M. January 19, 1886, he married Miss Ada- line Neisweuder, of Plainfield, and they now have three children, William Guy, Paul and Louella. of raE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS *Tj*^U&-4tJC#+t*L^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 455 COL. FRED A. JACKSON. EOL. FRED A. JACKSON, late of the Third Illinois Infantry, Spanish-American war, and lieutenant-colonel of the Third Illinois National Guard, has made his home in Joliet since 1853. His connection with military affairs dates from 1876, when he entered the Joliet city corps as a private. Soon chosen first sergeant, in 1878 he was elected first lieutenant, and Jan- uary 23, 1880, was elected captain, which office he held for more than twelve years. The title of major was conferred upon him in July, 1892. During this time he served successively in the Tenth and Twelfth Battalions, and Fourth and Third Regiments of Illinois National Guard. On the reorganization of the Third he was elected and commissioned lieutenant-colonel, which office he held until July, 1899, when he resigned and retired from the army. His regi- ment rendered active service at the time of the Braidwood strike in 1877, the LaSalle strike in 1878, the Chicago strike in 1894, again at La- Salle in 1894, and twice at Lernont. When troops were called for, to serve in the war with Spain, the Third Regiment volunteered and he was commissioned major of the same. After a time in the camp at Springfield the regi- ment proceeded to Chickamauga and thence to Newport News. On the 3d of August they lauded at Porto Rico, being the first soldiers to occupy Aroyo and that part of the island. With the Fourth Ohio they advanced in an attack on Guyatna. August 13 they marched up Coyey road, where they expected a fight, but news being received of the signing of the protocol, they were ordered back to Wyama and thence to the United States. They arrived in this country October 3, 1898, and were mustered out at their home station. The Third continued to have the same officers until its reorganization, when its major was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel, and afterward continued as such until his retirement from the guard. In the spring of 1899 he was nominated for town clerk on the Republican ticket and was elected by a majority of thirteen hundred and twenty-six, this being the largest majority ever received by a Republican candi- date in Joliet Township. He took the oath of office April 23 for a term of one year. Colonel Jackson was born in Springville, Sus- quehanna County, Pa., December 7, 1844, a son of Thomas and Julia A. (Mussey) Jackson, na- tives respectively of the north of Ireland and Connecticut. His father, at eighteen years of age, went to Canada, but soon crossed into New York and settled in Springville, where he carried on a dry-goods business. In 1853 he came to Joliet, where he bought grain for George Wood- ruff. When the Michigan Central elevator was started he managed the same for J. L. Hurd & Co., of Detroit, holding the position until his death, in 1884. He was a Republican and a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife died in 1896. They were the parents of four sons and one daughter, of whom two are living, Fred A. and Henry B., both of Joliet. When our subject was nine years of age he accompanied the family to Joliet. In 1863 he entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company as bill clerk, and continued with them for twelve years, after which he was with Hobbs & Knowlton. In 1880 he became a clerk with the Illinois Steel Company, and later was cashier, holding the 23 45 6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. position from 1884 to 1892, when he resigned. On the Republican ticket he was elected to repre- sent the first ward upon the board of aldermen and served until he moved from the ward. He now resides just outside of the city, where he has a comfortable home on Maple street. At one time he was connected with the Knights of Pythias. He was married in Newcastle, Pa., to Miss A. S. Crawford, who was born there. They are the parents of four sous, namely: Cleve F., who is night foreman with the Bates Machine Company; Thomas L-, a locomotive engineer, who was sergeant of Company L, Third Illinois Infantry, in the Spanish war; David C, a loco- motive eugiueer with the Grand Rapids & Northern Indiana Railroad; and Dean H., at home. WILLIAM F. BARRETT, late of Joliet, now deceased, was born in Lenox, Berkshire County, Mass., January iS.iSiS. He was the oldest of three children, who were orphaned by their father's death in early life. When he was fifteen he went to Lyons, N. Y., where he clerked for Chester Yale, a brother of his mother. In 1S35 M r - Yale removed to Jackson, Mich., establishing a hardware store in that city. The young man accompanied him as a clerk and at the age of twenty-one was made a partner in the business, the two continuing together until the uncle died in 1843, after which the nephew grad- ually closed out the business. Coming to Joliet in July, 1850, he secured work at the tinsmith's trade with W. A. Strong, on the corner of Ex- change and Bluff streets. After little more than a year he bought an interest in the business, and the firm title became Strong, Brooks and Barrett. Several years before the war he bought the in- terest of his partners and continued the business in the same location alone, but finally business reverses came and in 1867 he sold to T. P. Ford. Becoming interested in the stone business, Mr. Barrett purchased Weaver's quarry, but after two years sold it and bought Capt. George R. Dyer's hardware store on Jefferson street. In 1872 he admitted his son, John Onderdonk Barrett, as a partner, the fiim title becoming W. F. Barrett & Son, and the two remained together until he died, June 5, 187S. For several terms he represented the fourth ward in the common council, being elected on the Republican ticket. He aided in the organization of the First Presby- terian Church, of which he long served as a trustee, and at the time of the erection of the church he was a member of the building com- mittee. In 1859 he erected, on the corner of Hickory and Oneida streets, the residence where his widow now makes her home. October 31, 1844, Mr. Barrett married Cla- mana Onderdonk, who was born in Holley, Or- leans County, N. Y., September 10, 1S23. She was one of seven children, three of whom came to Illinois. Of these, John T. , who went to Cali- fornia in 1S49, returned to Illinois in poor health and died before the Civil war; a sister, Mrs. Sarah Gauson, died in Idaho Springs, Colo. Her father, John Onderdonk, was a son of Thomas Onderdonk, a soldier in the Revolution- ary war and a farmer on the Hudson River. The remote ancestors came from Holland to New York and settled at Nyack, on the west banks of the Hudson. John, who was born in Ramapo, Rockland County, N.Y. , became a clothier in New- York City, thence removed to Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., where he was married, and then settled in Holley, N. Y. In 1831 the family re- moved to New York City, but in 1836 settled in Jackson, Mich., where, and in Albion, Mich., he also followed the clothing business. In 1850 he established his home in this county, purchasing a farm three and one-half miles southeast of Jo- liet, in Joliet Township, and farming the land for a few years, after which he retired. He died at the home of his daughter in Joliet when eighty- four years of age. His wife, Charity, was born in Nyack, N. Y., in 1802, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William F. Barrett, when seventy-six years of age. She was a daughter of John Acker, a farmer near Lyons, N. Y., who in 1831 became a pioneer of Con- cord, Jackson County, Mich., later removed to GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 457 Joliet, and died at the home of John Onderdonk when lacking only six months of one hundred years. He was of Holland descent. His son, Henry, became a merchant of Concord, Mich., and represented his district in the Michigan legislature. Mrs. Barrett was educated in pri- vate schools in Jackson, Mich., and Haskell's Academy in Ypsilanti. In religion she is a Presbyterian, and her life has been that of an earnest, consistent Christian. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Barrett consists of three daughters and three sons. Of these, Sarah Emily, the eldest, married T. D. Baird, M. D., of Walseuburg, Colo.; Charity is the wife of H. H. Carson, of Joliet; John O., the first-born son, is at the head of the Barrett Hardware Company, in Joliet; William F. , Jr., is traveling salesman for D. B. Fisk & Co., of Chicago; Elizabeth Acker resides in Joliet. Edward C., the young- est of the family, was born in Joliet February 16, 1864, and in 1880 entered the Barrett store as an apprentice to the trades of plumber, tinner, and gas-fitter. Since 1SS3 he has had charge of the manufacturing department. In 1885 he be- came a member of the firm, and upon the incor- poration of the company was chosen secretary and treasurer, which offices he now fills. He married as his first wife Jennie Cullom, a niece of Senator Cullom. His present wife is Antoin- ette, daughter of Thomas Hobbs, and they have one child, Mary. GlLICK LUNDSTRUM. It was largely LI through the efforts of Mr. Lundslrum that / I the Joliet Builders' Association was organ- ized and he was elected its first secretary, an of- fice which he still efficiently fills. When he came to Joliet in 18S8 he secured employment as a carpenter. Four years later he commenced to take contracts and has since had charge of the erection of many public buildings and private residences, not only in his home town, but throughout Will County and in Grundy and Kendall Counties. Among his contracts are those for the Farragut school on the west side, the residences of M. F. Loughran, Jerome P. Stevens, C. Howard Calmer and S. F. Good- speed in Joliet, and the high school in Center- ville, Iowa. He has erected churches, schools, business blocks, residences and buildings of all kinds, and has a business that is constantly in- creasing. Having made a special study of arch- itecture, he is enabled to draw up the designs for buildings, and shows considerable taste in this direction. He owns his residence at No. 118 Akin avenue, and is interested in other real es- tate. Mr. Lundstrum was born in Westrebothen, Sweden, March 3, 1868. His father, Erick, who was born and reared in the same place, followed the carpenter's trade and engaged for years in the building business in his native country. In 1869 he took his family to Sundswall, where he made his home for ten years. Crossing the ocean in 1879, accompanied by his family, he settled in Lockport, 111., where he secured em- ployment as a millwright and carpenter with Nor- ton & Co. In 1887 he came to Joliet, where he has since worked at his trade, having had charge of jobs for which his sou holds the contracts. He is still quite active, notwithstanding his six- ty-five useful years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna L. Bostrom, was born in Sweden, the daughter of a farmer; she died in Lockport in 1881, leaving six children, viz.: Mrs. Emma Anderson, of Lockport; Alick; Mrs. Lydia Walters, of Lockport; Freda L-, wife of D. B. Coleman, of Lockport; Anna, who resides with her father at No. 114 Akin avenue; and Otto, a carpenter. The early boyhood days of Mr. Lundstrum were passed in Sundswall, where his education was begun. When he was eleven years of age he came to America with his parents, crossing to Hull and Liverpool and from there taking a steamer to Boston. After his arrival in Lock- port he spent a year in the public school, but after that was obliged to begin work and could attend school only at infrequent intervals. He has been familiar with carpentering from his ear- liest recollection and has always been handy with 458 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tools. Iu 1882 he was employed in the building of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Joliet. When he was sixteen he secured a position in the dry- goods store of George B. Norton, with whom he remained for thirteen mouths. Afterward he was in the grocery establishment of Skoglund & Co. , for a year, and spent a similar period in the store owned by F. F. Stowe & Son. In 1S88 he came to Joliet, where he has since made his home. He possesses excellent executive ability, with the power to plan and the energy to execute work of an important nature. His contracts have been filled to the satisfaction of all concerned, and his reputation is that of a first-class builder. A man of strong temperance principles, Mr. Lundstrum has accomplished much for the ad- vancement of the cause of temperance. He has organized many lodges, particularly of the order of Sous of Temperance, and at one time served as grand worthy patriarch of the state of Illinois. In politics he is independent and in fraternal re- lations a member of Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He married, in Unionville, Iowa, Miss Christine Herteen (originally Hjertiu), who was born and reared in Sweden. REV. PATRICK W. DUNNE. The history of St. Patrick's Church of Joliet, which has been under the spiritual oversight of Father Dunne since January 29, 1886, dates back to a very early period in the history of Illinois. The present pastor has iu his possession the records of the congregation extending from its organization to the present time. The grandest event in the history of the Roman Catholic work in Joliet was the celebration, in 1889, of the golden jubilee of the church, and the occasion will long live in the memory of all who witnessed the attending cere- monies. The pontifical high mass was celebrated by Bishop Burke, of Cheyenne, and Archbishop Riordan, of San Francisco, delivered the jubilee sermon. At the time Father Dunne accepted this pastor- ate the church building was iu a dilapidated condi- tion and the work in a condition far from satisfac- tory. He at once entered upon his duties with enthusiasm. In the remodeling of the church his father proved most helpful, and it was the latter's pride that the last work he ever did was the fit- ting of a house for the worship of God. A slate roof was put on and other improvements made. The church building stands four hundred feet on Hickory and three hundred feet on Broad- way. In connection with it is St. Patrick's paro- chial school, started by the present pastor, and occupying a modern building that cost $25,000. The six large rooms and a commodious hall fur- nish adequate accommodations for the two hun- dred pupils. The building is heated by steam and lighted by electricity. The school is in charge of the Ladies of Loretto, under whose supervision the pupils are given a thorough edu- cation in all the common branches up to the high school grade. Father Dunne was born in Watertown, Wis., March 4, 1852, a son of Edward and Mary (Finn) Dunne, natives respectively of Queens County, Ireland, and Prince Edward Island, and a grand- son of Patrick Dunne, a farmer, who emigrated from Ireland to Prince Edward Island, but died in Chicago. In 1849 Edward Dunne settled in Watertown, Wis., making the trip to Chicago via boat, thence soon afterward to Watertown, where his family joined him. He built the first church iu the town and the first bridge over the Rock River; the latter, which is still standing, was built of oak timber resting on wooden pegs. In 1853 he went to Chicago and afterward built some of the first bridges in and near that city. He died in Joliet July 2, 1888, and was buried from St. Jarlath's Church, Chicago, on the 4th. He was one of nine children, there being seven brothers who came to America. One of them, Dennis, was vicar-geueral of the Chicago diocese for years, holding the position at the time of his death in 1867. During the Civil war he organ- ized a regiment tbat was known as the Dunne legion (later the Irish legion.) The crowning work of his life was the building and conduct of an orphan asylum on Archer avenue, Chicago, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 459 and it was through overwork in the carrying for- ward of this work that his fatal illness was brought on. In man}' respects Edward Dunne possessed more than ordinary ability. He was exceedingly quick in grasping plans and ideas, and in the completion of contracts was prompt and ener- getic. He built the first Magdaline asylum in Chicago, but, just before the work was com- pleted, the building burned to the ground, entail- ing a heavy loss upon him. He was a faithful church member and for thirty -five years had the same pew in church. His fifteen children were reared to usefulness and habits of honesty and energy, and the ten still living are men and women of intelligence. One son, William, gradu- ated from Rush Medical College with the highest honors of his class, and during the Civil war was a surgeon in the Second Illinois Infantry, after which he was city physician of Chicago for years; his death occurred in Chicago. A daughter, Rose, is a sister in the order of Loretto, in To- ronto, Canada. Michael is assistant manager of the New Planter's Hotel in Chicago; Felix is a bookkeeper in that city; and Dennis will com- plete his education and enter the priesthood in 1 901. The mother, who was the only child of Felix Finn, resides with her daughter in Chicago, and is now seventy years of age. For the past nineteen years not a week has elapsed without her son, Patrick, visiting her. From an early age Father Dunne was destined for the priesthood. He was educated in Chris- tian Brothers' Academy, on Adams and Des- plaines streets, Chicago; St. Charles College at Ellicott City, Md. , where he studied the classics from 1869 to 1S75; and St. Mary's Seminary, where he took two years in philosophy under the direction of the Sulpician Fathers and three years in theology. December 20, 1879, he was or- dained by Cardinal Gibbons in the Cathedral in Baltimore, and was assigned to the Chicago diocese. Returning west, he was sent to Joliet as assistant of St. Mary's parish, where he re- mained for six years, under Father Burke, now bishop of the St. Joe (Mo.) diocese. On the death of Father Power, of St. Patrick's, he was assigned to this place, which was his first and has been his only pastorate. This is the ' ' mother ' ' of the Roman Catholic churches of Joliet, and out of it have sprung five other organizations that have become potent factors in the religious life of these several localities. 0LAGUS B. LUNDAHL, who is one of Joliet' s most reliable stone masons and cutters, first came to this city in 1870, but the following year went to Des Moines, Iowa, and secured work at his trade. He did not re- turn to Joliet until 1 891, twenty years after he had first come to the town. Since then he has successfully engaged at his trade here, and has been selected to act as superintendent of dif- ferent contracts, among them the building of the Silver Cross hospital, Universalist block, Wood- land schoolhouse, Park avenue schoolhouse and the Bush block. He built the house at No. 607 Second avenue, where he makes his home. Four miles from Gottenburg, near Alingsas, in Elsborslaen, Weslrejutland, the subject of this sketch was born March 21, 1S39, a son of Borg and Catherine Martinson. His father, who was a farmer's son, was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he continued to follow as long as he lived. In religion he and his wife were faith- ful members of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of four sons and two daughters, of whom two sons (one in Sweden and the other in America) are now living. Olagus B. was reared on the home farm and from a very early age aided in the cultivation of the land, thus be- ing prevented from attending school regularly. In 1868 he came to this country. His first loca- tion was at Mankato, Minn., where he was em- ployed as a stone mason for two years. From there he went to Chicago, 111., in 1870, but dur- ing the same year secured employment at his trade in Joliet. 1111871 he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where for eight years he was employed in the cutting of granite and sandstone for the state 460 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. capitol. When the eapitol building was com- pleted he began to work as a contractor in the stone-cutting business, and continued in the same city until his return to Joliet. He is a member of the Stone Cutter's Union and takes a warm interest in even-thing pertaining to the stone business. He has never been active in politics, although he is well posted concerning public affairs and votes with the Republican part}-. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church and has been a member of its board of trustees. During his residence in Des Moines Mr. Lun- dahl was married, in that city, December 27, [872, to Miss Mary Peterson, who was born in Stavager, Norway. They have three daughters, Anna, Ida and Nellie. Mrs. Lundahl was one of nine children, all but two of whom attained man- hood or womanhood and six are now living, two sons being in Iowa, while the others (except herself) remain in Norway. She crossed the ocean in 1870 on a sailing vessel, arriving in New York after a voyage of seven weeks. After spending a short time in Story County, Iowa, she settled in Des Moines, where she met and mar- ried Mr. Lundahl. She is a daughter of Peter Oleson, a farmer, who owned the homestead "Haaland." Her mother, Gunnill, was a daughter of Storkaare, a farmer who owned "Ostenstad." Mr. Oleson passed away some time ago, but his wife is still living, and remains at the old homestead in Norway. HENRY BENJAMIN SMITH. The family represented by this well-known citizen of Joliet was founded in America by Thomas Smith, a weaver of Ramsey, England, who came to the United States prior to 1635 and settled in Ipswich, Mass. During 1635 he removed to Newbury, Mass. His second son and third child, James, was born September 10, 1645, and during the colonial wars held the office of lieutenant in the army. The eighth child born of his marriage to Sarah Coker was Benjamin, who was born August 21, 1 68 1, and who married Mrs. Hannah Sooms. Their third child, Benjamin, was born August g, 17 1 2, and married Dorothy Ballard, of Andover, Mass. The second child born of their marriage was Benjamin, whose birth occurred October 15, 1736. By his union with Johanna Lund, the second child was Benjamin, born June 2, 1765. The latter, when a mere boy, enlisted in the colonial army and served in the first war with England. While in the army he carried a flint- lock gun, which he had made himself and which is now in the possession of the subject of this sketch. He married Edy Adams and their oldest child, Benjamin, born March 26, 1791, married Alma Maranda Strong, April 26, 1826. The next generation was represented by Henry Sum- ner Smith, our subject's father, who was born August 3, 1832, in Rutland, Yt. Reared on his father's farm, he left home to learn the ma- chinist's trade, and this occupation he followed for a short time. When gold was discovered in California and" the news reached his far-away eastern home, he, with the enthusiasm of youth, determined to seek his fortune on the Pacific shore. Taking passage on a sailing vessel, he went around the Horn and finally reached his destination. He engaged in mining both in Cali- fornia and Nevada. Finding, however, that mining was not very congenial nor profitable, he returned to San Francisco and engaged in the iron manufacturing business. The firm of Pren- dergast & Smith became one of the largest of its kind in the west, and their products, especially their marine and stationary engines, had a large sale throughout the country. In public affairs he was for years a leading figure in San Fran- cisco, being a local Republican leader, and atone time he was his part3 r 's candidate for congress. He was also one of the most prominent Masons in California and held official positions of great responsibility in the fraternity. He died in San Francisco November 12, 1S7S, when forty-six 5-ears of age. August 18, 1861, occurred the marriage of Henry Sumner Smith to Clara Record, who was born near Bath, Me., and died in San Francisco, Cal., December 4, 1S75. They were the parents GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 461 of six children. Henry Benjamin, the oldest of the family, was born in San Francisco October 6, 1862. His education was acquired principally in the California Military Academy at Oakland. Upon leaving school he came to Joliet to make his home with his uncle, Horace S. Smith, who, at that time, was general superintendent of the Joliet Steel Company. For a time he studied in the Bloomington (111.) high school. He entered the machine shop of the Joliet Steel Company as an apprentice to the trade, serving for four years, and afterward continuing the trade. In 1S89 he was made assistant superintendent of the rod mill under William Garrett, the inventor and builder of the same. When the works were shutdown, in 1893, be was appointed safety inspector and claim adjuster for the company, a position that he has since held. He was secretary of the Sun Printing Company, job printers and publishers of the Joliet Daily Sun, which later was sold to the Joliet Republican Printing Company. At the organization of the Royal Oil Company he was appointed president and continued as such until the works were sold to the American Oil Com- pany. In Bloomington, 111., February 1, 1894, Mr. Smith married Miss Lucy Delia Luce, daughter of Dr. Albert Hull and Lucinda (Dawson) Luce. Her great-grandfather Luce brought his family to America and settled in Wayne County, N. Y., where her grandfather, Joseph Luce, was born and reared. Her father, a pioneer physician of McLean County, 111., first practiced in Leroy, but soon removed to Bloomington, where he re- mained a popular physician and esteemed citizen until his death in 1885. He was the first presi- dent of the McLean County Medical Association. His wife, who was born in Bloomington Town- ship, McLean County, in 1826, is now making her home with Mrs. Smith. She is a descendant of Revolutionary forefathers. Her father, John Henry Dawson, and a Mr. Hendricks, were the two first white settlers in McLean County, and he became the owner of large tracts of land, but his last days were spent in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he died a very aged man. He served under the famous leader William Henry Harrison during the war of 18 12, and it was while in the army that he had his first glimpse of western life, and he was so pleased with the prospects that he deter- mined to locate in Illinois. Mrs. Smith was given excellent advantages when a girl and is a graduate of the Chicago Female College. In re- ligion she is of the Episcopalian belief and at- tends Christ Church. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Smith is named Horace Benjamin, and was born November 18, 1895. He represents the tenth generation — in direct descent, and is the seventh to bear the name "Benjamin." The connection of Mr. Smith with military matters dates from 1883. He then enlisted as a private in Company B, Fourth Illinois Infantry. The next year he was appointed regimental quartermaster-sergeant. In July, 1886, Governor Oglesby commissioned him first lieutenant in the Fourth Regiment, and later he wasappointed quar- termaster in the Third Regiment. By a special act of the legislature the quartermaster was given the rank and title of captain, which he has since held. May 7, 1898, he enlisted in the Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which he accompanied to Chickamauga National Park, Ga. , thence to Newport News and from there to Porto Rico, where he participated in the island campaign in the war with Spain. He was mustered out at Joliet with the regiment, after an honorable and offi- cial service, January 24, 1899. (qJEORGE BURGESS, master mechanic of the I— Joliet plant of the Illinois Steel Company, \J( became a machinist at J. P. Withrow's, in Newcastle, Pa. He next worked under Robin- son & Ray, in Pittsburg, Pa., for two years and then in the Union Works of the old Illinois Steel Company in Chicago. After one year he was made foreman of the machine shop, and con- tinued as such for two years. His next position was that of night master mechanic. After a year he became assistant master mechanic of the works. When the mill shut down he went to South Chi- 462 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. eago as chief engineer of the rail mill of the Illi- nois Steel Company. On the reopening of the Union mill he returned as assistant master me- chanic and in 1895 was promoted to be master mechanic. In 1896 the mill closed down again and he was sent to Joliet to take charge of the plant in this city, where he has remained ever since. Tracing the ancestry of the Burgess family, we find that John Burgess, Sr., was born in Spain, his father having gone to that country from Scot- laud. When sixteen years of age he settled in New Jersey. For many years he was engaged in the canning of oysters along the Chesapeake. He now resides in Philadelphia. His wife, Eliz- abeth, is still living, and is ninety-two years of age. Their son, John, Jr., was born in Camden, N. J., and learned the saddler's trade in Pitts- burg, Pa. At the opening of the Civil war he en- listed twice, but each time the company was dis- banded before being called into service. On his third enlistment he was detailed in the garrison at Pittsburg, where he engaged in the manufac- ture of harness. When the war ended he started in the harness business in Newcastle, Pa. From there, in 1893, he removed to Youngstown, Ohio, where he now makes his home. In politics he favors he Republican party, in religion is an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and frater- nally is connected with the Masons and Odd Fel- lows. He is a man of strong temperance princi- ples and upright life. The wife of John Burgess, Jr., was Annie Tay- lor, who was born in Wellsville, W. Va. , a daugh- ter of Thomas and Annie Taylor, natives of Eng- land. Her father, on coming to America, engaged in mining at Pottsville, Pa. Before railroads had been built he crossed the Alleghanies to West Virginia, where he followed coal mining until his death. His wife also died in West Virginia. The family of John Burgess, Jr., consisted of two sons and two daughters, three of whom re- side in Youngstown, Ohio, and George, the old- est, in Joliet, 111. He was born in Newcastle, Pa., August 14, 1S64, and studied in the public schools of the native town. When sixteen years of age he began to study dentistry with Dr. Green of Newcastle, with whom he remained for four years. Meantime, however, he had be- come interested in mechanical work, and his taste in that direction was so pronounced that he abandoned dentistry. He entered the machine shop of Withrow & Gordon, with whom he served an apprenticeship of three years. Afterward he was employed in the building of the water works at Pittsburg, Pa., for two years. In 18S4 he started west, intending to go to California, but, instead, stopped in Chicago, and he has since made his home in this state. He was married in Chicago to Miss Marie Cklacy, a native of New York City. They have three sous, George, Jr., Lorain and Eugene. In politics Mr. Burgess is a Republican. He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 310, A. F. & A. M., in Chicago, and later became connected with Lafayette Chapter, R. A. M., and Apollo Commandery, K. T., of Chicago. During his residence in Newcastle he was a member of the lodge and encampment of Odd Fellows, and he is now connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. 0AYID D. BARRETT, a well-known busi- ness man of Joliet, was born in Jackson Township, this county, September 3, 1S54, a son of Lansing and Margaret A. (Hampton) Barrett, natives respectively of Ontario, Canada, and the Isle of Man. His paternal grandfather about 1840 brought his family from Canada to Illinois, settling in Jackson Township, Will County, where he improved a farm from the wild prairie. He died in Joliet when almost one hundred years of age. The maternal grandfa- ther, John Hampton, who was born on the Isle of Man, April 1, 1800, grew to manhood and married there. On coining to America he settled in Cleveland, Ohio, but after one year, in 1S41, he came to Illinois, settling in Jackson Town- ship, this county, and improving a farm from a bare, unimproved tract of land. He aided in the building of the Chicago & Alton Railroad through GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 463 his township and a station was established on his farm that was called Hampton. Prominent in local affairs he wielded an influence for good among his fellow-citizens. He died in Joliet in 1884. Reared on a farm, Lansing Barrett became a stock-dealer and brought from Canada the first merino sheep introduced into this count}'. Dur- ing the gold excitement of 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, intending to bring back to Illinois a bunch of mountain horses, but was taken sick on the way and compelled to return. He died shortly afterward, when only twenty-six years of age. His wife is still living and makes her home at No.' 216 Cassaday avenue, Joliet. Our sub- ject, who was the only child born of the mar- riage, was taken into the home of his mother's father, but at the age of seven went to St. Louis to make his home with an uncle. He attended the schools of that city until he was fourteen. On his return to this county he took charge of his grandfather's farm, but after four years he came to Joliet, and for two years attended school. The cooper's trade he learned under Joseph Winter- bottom, for whom in time he became superin- tendent, remaining with the same employer for fourteen years. June 12, 18S7, Mr. Barrett started in the liv- er}- business, buying Mr. Bennett's interest in the firm of Cook & Bennett, and continuing with L. M. Cook under the title of Cook & Barrett. After eighteen months he sold out and ten days later he bought out Merrill & Potter, on the corner of Scott and Van Buren streets, where he has since carried on a large business. The build- ing which he occupies is 60x160, with an L 60x120, being the largest barn under one roof in the city. In the livery, boarding and transfer business he has built up a large trade, and he also has horses on sale, owning a number that are unusually fine. His "David H." is a three- year old pacer, with a record of 2:20. He also raised "Minnie B.," that paced one- half mile at 1:09, when two years of age, but before the next season was accidentally injured. In national politics Mr. Barrett is a Republi- can. He is connected with the Modern Wood- men of America and the Uniform Rank, K. of P. He was united in marriage, in Bondfield, 111., with Isabelle, daughter of John Linebarger, a grain dealer in El wood, this county. They are the parents of three children, Howard, Gladys and Mabel. HON. A. B. HALLOCK, postmaster of Peo- tone, and a former member of the Illinois legislature, was born at Lake Zurich, Lake County, 111., May 20, 1S54, a son of Rev. Joseph Addison and Maria (Brockway) Hallock. Of the original family of six, all but one are still living. Minerva is the widow of John W. Kreamer, who was a member of the noted law firm of Hurd, Booth & Kreamer, of Chicago; Roby is the wife of H. H. Kleinmau, of South Chicago; Isadore married L. H. Fountain, an expert bookkeeper and accountant, of Brooklyn, N. V.; and Eleanor is the wife of F. H. Hague, one of the proprietors of the Chicago Knife works. Rev. Joseph Addison Hallock was a first cousin of Fitzgreen Hallock, the famous poet. He was born at Peru, Clinton County, N. V., in 1811 and acquired his education in Burlington (Vt.) Col- lege. At twenty-one years of age he entered the Methodist ministry as a circuit rider in western Pennsylvania. He was of Quaker parentage and was the first of the family to leave the faith. He was among the first agitators of anti-slavery and had on his place a station of the underground railroad, by which means many black men and women were assisted across the border. That early anti-slavery agitator and martyr, Lovejoy, of Alton, 111., frequently visited him, and Allen Pinkerton was also a familiar figure at his fireside. As early as 1842 he was one of three men in Elk County, Pa., to cast a vote for an anti-slavery candidate for president. Because of the attitude of the Methodist Church toward slavery, he sev- ered his connection with that denomination early in the beginning of the anti-slavery crusade, and united with the Congregational Church, filling various of its important pulpits. In 1883, when 464 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he went to Florida as a missionary among the freedmen, he connected himself with the Presby- terians. Returning north in 1890, he settled at Peotone, 111., where during the next five years he preached occasionally, but accepted no regular charge. In 1895 he went to Chicago and there the last years of his life were spent with his daughter, Mrs. Hague. His entire mature life was devoted to the cause of Christ, and during his more than sixty years of labor in the ministry he was instrumental in accomplishing much for the spiritual uplifting of his fellowmen. He had come west in 1S42, settling in Lake County, 111., where he homesteaded a tract of land, the deed to which was signed by James K. Polk. He was familiar with Chicago when the now magnificent city was a straggling village. One of his brothers, Hon. Isaac Hallock, had settled in Chicago in 1 S3 1, when the town had but fifty-two inhabitants outside the fort, and when it was a common sight to see wolves crossing the river at Randolph street. The Hallocks are descended from Peter Hal- lock, one of the thirteen Pilgrim Fathers (in- cluding Rev. John Youngs), who came from Eng- land in 1640 and landed in New Haven. There, on the 2 1 st of October, of the same year, Mr. Youngs gathered his congregation together under the auspices of Rev. John Davenport and Hon. Theophilus Eaton, governor of the New Haven colony, which had been planted two years before, April iS, 1638, under a spreading oak tree; a virtual theocracy, taking the Bible as its code of laws, ecclesiastical and civil. With his congre- gation, Mr. Youngs crossed the sound to Long Island in the latter part of 1640, and took up his abode in Southold, landing at the harbor of what is now Southold village. These thirteen men and their families were the first white settlers in the northeastern part of Long Island. Peter Hallock was the first of the thirteen to step on the shore. Fearlessly he left the boat and stepped out among the Indians who gazed wonderingly upon their strange visitors. That part of Southold is to this day known as Hallock's Neck. From the Indians he purchased the tract since called Oyster Ponds. Returning to England, he brought back his fam- ily, but found the Indians had resold his tract, and he then purchased ten miles west of Southold a farm extending from Long Island Sound to Pe- conic bay, a distance of three miles. He settled in Aquebogue, two miles west of Mattituck vil- lage and creek, all of these places being then in Southold Township. William, the only son of Peter Hallock, had four sons, of whom John, our subject's ancestor, was the only one to leave the church of his forefathers and unite with the So- ciety of Friends. For this act he was disinherited. His son, Peter, was the father of Peter and the grandfather of Rev. Joseph Addison Hallock. Our subject's maternal grandfather was John Smith, but when a child of six weeks he was adopted into the Brockway family and was always known as John Brockway. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father and father-in-law were Revolutionary soldiers. When only four years of age our subject was given his first glimpse into text-book wisdom, his teacher being his father, who at that time taught at Lake Zurich, Lake County, 111. Three years later his parents removed to Palatine, 111., where he studied in the common schools. After six years there the family removed to Salem, Iowa, where his father preached for a year. Later, while his mother was visiting at Lake Zurich, she was taken ill and died. The father then took the family to Chicago and established what is now known as the Leavitt Street Congrega- tional Church, on Leavitt and Adams streets. Later our subject spent two years with relatives on a farm in Kankakee and Will Counties. At twenty years of age he returned to Chicago and began his business career. September 10, 1S74, he was sworn into the clerical service of the Chi- cago postoffice, where he remained until April 14, 1875. He was then appointed letter carrier, and for eight years was employed in that capacity, resigning March 1, 1S83, in order to accept an appointment as deputy sheriff under Seth Han- chett. After fourteen months of service he was relieved by the sheriff because he refused to be- tray General Logan when the latter was a candi- date for president in 1SS4, Mr. Hallock having been appointed through the personal request of General Losran and his friends. Later the sheriff GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 465 sent for him and wished to reinstate him, but Mr. Halloek refused to accept. He then left Chicago and came to Peotone, where he was engaged at various occupations. In 1889 Mr. Halloek was appointed postmaster at Peotone under President Harrison. On Cleve- land's second election, Mr. Halloek, on account of his activity as a Republican, was removed from the position. He then purchased a photographic business, which he continued up to 1897. He was elected in November, 1S94, on the Republi- can ticket, to the state legislature by the largest majority ever recorded in the district up to that time. He served in the thirty-ninth general assembly with credit to himself and honor to his constituents. During his service he was chairman of the committee on fish and game laws and was active in Will County's interests on the draina^i canal legislation, also worked for the school text book bill. In 1897 he was elected first assistant doorkeeper of the fortieth general assembly, re- ceiving sixty-five out of eighty-three votes. In May, 1897, he was again appointed postmaster at Peotone. Largely through his efforts the of- fice has since been made one of the third class. The marriage of Mr. Halloek, July 3, 1877, united him with Miss Margaret Bruce, who was born in Lockport, this county, a daughter of Hugh and Ann (Arthur) Bruce, natives of Scot- land. Her parents immigrated to America after the birth of several children and settled in Canada about 1842. A few years were spent there, and they then came to Illinois, settling first in Lock- port and later in Peotone, where they were pion- eers. During the Civil war the family gave three sons to the Union service. One of these, William Bruce, gave his life for his country and is now in a soldier's grave at Mission Ridge. Another, Hugh, Jr., returned home from the front, but soon died of wounds received in the service. The third, James Bruce, resides at Lake City, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Halloek have two daugh- ters, Laura M. and Belle M. The former is a graduate of the Peotone schools and now holds the position of assistant postmaster. The latter is now attending a normal school and has a teacher's certificate. Fraternally Mr. Halloek is connected with Peo- tone Lodge No. 636, A. F. & A. M.; and Green Tree Camp No. 1405, Modern Woodmen of Am- erica, in which he is Venerable Counsel and which he has represented in the head camp at all conventions held since the organization of the camp at Peotone. In the First Presbyterian Church of Peotone he is a trustee and a Sunday- school worker. He is a member of the Woodman quartet, well-known campaign singers of this sec- tion, whose voices have been heard and encored at some of the largest political gatherings in this part of the state, and whose four members are also connected with the Presbyterian choir. GlUGUST G. LUTH, superintendent of the LI cooper shop of Norton & Co., at Lockport, / I was born in Prussia, Germany, September 30, 1857, a son °f John and Mary Luth, also natives of Prussia. His father, who was the son of a hero of Waterloo, was for years connected with a large estate in Prussia, but in 1871 brought his family to America and settled in De- troit, Mich., where he has since made his home. Of his five children, the second forms the subject of this sketch. He was educated principally in his native land. In 1871 he came with the family from Hamburg to New York, thence to Detroit, where he was employed in a tobacco house for a time. For two years he worked at the painter's trade, but the business proved very unhealthful, and he was obliged to make a change. Next he served an apprenticeship of three years to the cooper's trade in a large cooper shop in Detroit, after which he worked with John Wagner, of the same city, for ten years. His next position was in the Anchor works, where he spent two years. He assisted in the organization of the Detroit Co- operative Cooper Works, and was the first super- intendent of the shop, which he managed for two years. On resigning the position he traveled for B. M. Madlock in the cooper business, his route extending through New York, Maryland, Penn- 4 66 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Canada. After two years as traveling sales- man he resigned the position. The year 1893 found Mr. Luth in Lockport as superintendent of the large cooper shop of Norton & Co. , which position he has since filled with recognized efficiency. The shop turns out more than one thousand barrels per da}', and other ar- ticles of a similar nature are also manufactured. Under his supervision the machinery was re- modeled and the plant enlarged, thus increasing the producing quality. He devotes himself very closely to his work and takes little time for recre- ation or participation in public affairs. While he is not active in politics, he keeps himself posted and votes with the Republican party in national elections. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Order of Rebekahs. In Detroit, Mich., Mr. Luth married Miss Catherine Lockman, by whom he had six chil- dren. Edward is with his father in the cooper shop. William, the second son, was accidentally shot in the hand by a blank cartridge on the 4th of July, 1899. Blood poisoning set in and he died of lockjaw on the gth of the same month. The other children are August, Ella, Emma and Harry. (TAMES D. FRAZER, of Homer Township, I was born in Pittsford, Monroe Count}', N. Y., (2/ October 5, 1821, a son of James G. and Mary (Hawkins) Frazer, natives respectively of Massa- chusetts and Connecticut. His maternal ances- tors came from Holland, and his paternal from Scotland. The first of the Frazer family in this country settled in Massachusetts during the col- onial period and served in the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject was born near Boston June 24. 17S9, and during the war of 1812 served in the American army near Lake Champlain. When about twenty-five years of age he removed to New York and there engaged in farming, abandoning the trade of hatter which he had pre- viously learned. In 1850 he came to Illinois and made his home with his son, James D., dying here in 1S69, when eighty years of age. His wife also died in this county when seventy-two years old. They were the parents of nine children, but only three are now living, James D. ; Martha, the widow of Mahlon Gregg, of Rochester, N. Y. ; and Jane, who is the wife of William Hindman, of Co- rumia, Mich. From an early age our subject was familiar with the work of a farm and on leaving home he hired out to farmers by the month. In 1849 he and his brother Harmon V. came to Illinois and bought land in section 30, Homer Township, this county, where they embarked in farm pursuits. The brother continued to reside here until his death, May 5, 1892. In 1863 our subject settled on the farm where he now resides, and on this place he conducts general farming and stock- raising. Since coming west he has resided con- tinuously in this county with the exception of nineteen months (1852-53) spent in the mines of California, principally in the Mount Shasta re- gion, where he met with fair success as a miner. For several years he served as supervisor of Ho- mer Township, and he has aided in the building of schools and churches, and in other improve- ments for the benefit of the community. Politi- cally he is independent. He was the first treas- urer of Lockport Lodge No. 538, A. F. & A. M. , of which he was the first treasurer. He assisted in organizing the Homer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he was president for a num- ber of years. In 1857 Mr. Frazer married Miss Mary F.Lane, who was born in Pittsburg, MonroeCounty, N. Y., September 4, 1830, and was brought to Illinois by her parents in 1833. Through her mother, she traces her lineage to James Olmstead, who landed in New England in 1 632 , and established his home in the wilds of Connecticut. The Olmstead fam- ily originated in Germany, but in the early part of the sixteenth century settled in Cambridge, England, and from there came to America. Mrs. Frazer is a daughter of John Lane, Sr. , who was born in Maine on the Kennebec River and in 1833 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 467 took up a claim in Yankee settlement (now Ho- mer Township) this county, where he became known as the "village blacksmith." As the in- ventor of the first steel plow he gained promi- nence among agriculturists. By his marriage to Lucy Olmstead, a native of Connecticut, he had four children, but only two survive, Mrs. Martha Warner, of Albion, Mich., and Mrs. Frazer. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Frazer consists of three children, namely: John D., a farmer in Homer Township; Mattie J., who married J. H. Corvell and resides in York, Neb.; and Mary F., wife of W. M. Nye, of Monroe County, N. Y, 3OHN LANE, Sr. The following account ot the origin and history of the first steel plow, with which the name of Mr. Lane is indissol- ubly associated, was written by the late Dr. John F. Daggett. At the ninth annual meeting of the old .settlers of Will County, held in Joliet in September, 1890, the writer was appointed one of the committee to gather facts relating to the invention and manu- facture of the steel plow, the use of which has proved of national importance, and is essential to agricultural progress and the convenience of farming. The older members of this community can recall the inconvenience and vexation caused by the old wooden plow. The history oi the plow is interesting and important, as by its use the civ- ilized nations of the globe are fed and nourished. A history of this implement, tracing its gradual progress from the ancient type to the improved form of the present day, is necessarily a history of agriculture; so much is this the case that a tolerably correct estimate of the progress of the art in any country, whether in ancient or modern times, may be formed by ascertaining the struc- ture of the plow in use at any date. The principal object of this address is to do a deserved but long neglected honor to the memory of John Lane, Sr., who was the inventor and maker of the first steel plow that was ever made in this or any other country. The value of this invention to the world cannot be overestimated. The name of John Lane, Sr. , should stand side by side with that of Fulton, Morse and McCormick, as one of the great inventors of the country. The first steel plow was made in 1835 by Mr. Lane (who was an accomplished mechanic as well as' practical farmer) at his shop on section 20, in the town of Homer (early and commonly known as Yankee settlement) , in the county of Will, state of Illinois. He was assisted in the making of the plow by Levi Hartwell, who was then quite a young man. In 1835, after years of hard labor and delay in cleaning his old wooden or cast iron plow (using a wooden paddle to remove the sticky soil), Mr. Lane was inspired with the idea of making a plow of steel, which he thought would keep bright and need no cleaning. At that time there was no steel manufactory in the United States where the mould board of a plow could be constructed. Mr. Lane secured an old mill saw from the West Lockport sawmill. The saw was cut in pieces of the required length, and the edges welded .together to get the needed width for the mould board. This was then hammered or pressed into proper shape, then ground and polished to working condition. To get the best shape, Mr. Lane would test the workings of the plow in his own fields, and alter the shape as his judgment dictated. The woodwork of the plow was made by John Griswold of Lockport, as was the woodwork of hundreds of Lane plows there- after. The plow was sold to Comstock Hanford of Lockport, and used until it wore out. The oldest steel plow made by Mr. Lane, now in ex- istence, is in the possession of J. D. Frazer, and was made in 1849. Mr. Lane continued to manufacture the plow for a year or more before steel was manufactured wide enough for a mould board. The mould boards of the first two hundred plows were made of old sawmill saws, obtained in Chicago at $1 per foot. The first steel plate wide enough to use was obtained from a firm in Pittsburg, Pa. From that date he manufactured with Mr. Hartwell, but the demand was greater than the supply and in time became worldwide. Factories were es- 468 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tablished and shipments made to distant points. Iu 1854 one hundred plows were shipped via New York and the cape to California, and were the first steel plows sent to the Pacific coast. After the death of Mr. Lane, which occurred October 5, 1S57, when he was sixty-five years of age, Mr. Hartwell continued the manufacture of the plow, and John Lane, Jr., who had learned the trade in his father's shop, carried on the manufacture in Lockport for many years. He became the in- ventor and patentee of a number of important im- provements in the manufacture of plate steel for plows. Though often advised to do so, John Lane, St., absolutely refused to have his invention patented, saying that if others could be benefited by his ideas he was glad to be of service to them and wished no remuneration for it. (JOHN C. OWENS, M. D. That Dr. Owens I is a man of versatile ability, his successful (2/ connection with various enterprises amply proves. It is, however, to his profession that he has been most devoted and in which he has been most deeply interested. Since 1881, the year of his graduation, he has largely given his time and attention to the highest temporal mission among men, a combat with disease and death. His efficiency, skill and signal success in his profes- sion are well known, and his practice is not lim- ited to Plaiufield, his home town, but extends throughout the surrounding country. He is also the owner of a drug store and a harness shop iu Plaiufield and a farm of two hundred acres in Na-au-say Township, Kendall County, all of which he persoualh' superintends. The Owens family was established in New York in 1832. The doctor's grandfather, Hugh Owens, was a farmer and local minister, and for some years resided near Utica, but his last days were spent in Remseti. Henry Owens, father of the doctor, was born in Wales and accompanied the family to America when only five years of age. Six years later he left home, on account ot his treatment by his stepmother. Afterward he worked on a farm. When he married he moved to a farm in the town of Ava, which he had pur- chased before his marriage. Much of his time was spent in splitting timber in the woods; this timber he used in the manufacture of oars, large sales of which he made to the government during the Civil war. At times he had six men in his employ. In 1867 he went to Yernon, Oneida County, where he carried on a large hay and dairy farm. For five years' he carried on a large dairy farm near Yernon, after which he sold the place and moved to Vernon, at the same time buying a farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres iu the outskirts of the town. For four years he operated that place. When advanced in years he retired from active labors and the re- mainder of his days was spent in the enjoyment of the comforts his industry rendered possible. He died in 1891, when seventy years of age. He was a stanch Republican, but not a politician, and never held office. Iu religious views he was a Presbyterian. The mother of the doctor bore the maiden name of Nanc}- Kees and was a daughter of Alanson and Fanny Kees. She was born in Western Township, Oneida County, N. Y., and died in the same county when fifty years of age. From childhood she was connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a de- voted wife and mother and her memory is dear to the hearts of her children. Her older son, James A., is now engaged in the drug business in Rome, N. Y.; the daughter, Fannie J., is the wife of Norman Mowers, also of Rome; the youngest of the family is John C, of this sketch. He was born in Western Township, Oneida County, January 3, 1857. His education was begun in district schools, and was supplemented by careful reading and by habits of observation. When he w^as eighteen he left the farm and began to work in a drug store, in that way gaining his rudimeutary knowledge of medicines. While there he formed a resolution to become a phy- sician, but realizing his need of a better literary education, he entered Cazenovia Seminary, where GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 469 he studied for a year. He then began to study medicine with Dr. H. C. Palmer, of Rome, N. Y., with whom he continued for six months. Next he matriculated in the medical department of the Syracuse University, where in two and one-half years he completed the regular three years' course, graduating June 9, 1881. After a vaca- tion of three months he entered the Rochester city hospital, where he continued uutil May, 1882, meantime taking a special course in the study of diseases of the eye. May 30, 1882, found him starting for the west, where he had decided to locate. He arrived in joliet in August, and continued there until January 30, 1SS3, when he came to Plaiufield. Here he has since engaged in continuous practice. Since coming here he has taken a warm interest in local affairs and, as a Republican, has had considerable to do with the mapping out of the party campaigns here. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. December 5, 1883, he married Miss Mary H. Hitchcock, of Morris, 111., and by this union three children were born, one that died in infancy, and Kenneth H. and Jay C. , both at home. q)EORGE M. PEAIRS, M. D.,of Joliet, is _ secretary of the Will County Medical So- J ciety and, since June, 1S97, secretary of the board of pension examiners, in both of which he has been a leading member. In 1S94 he was ap- pointed by the Illinois Steel Company as their surgeon in Joliet and has since acted in this capacity. He is also surgeon for the Chicago, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad and assistant surgeon for the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, and attending physician and surgeon at St. Joseph's hospital. Among the residents of Joliet his skill as a physician is recognized and he is given a high place in the medical fraternity of the city. He has his office in the Barber build- ing and gives his attention very closely to pro- fessional work. To keep in touch with every development in the medical science has been his aim, and for this reason he has been a constant student of the profession. In the spring of 1899 he took a course in bacteriology and pathology under Professor Klebs in the Chicago Post-Grad- uate Medical College, and each winter he takes a course in surgery under that eminent surgeon, Dr. Seun. The Peairs family is of English and Welsh de- scent. Henry Peairs, a native of New England, engaged in farming in Pennsylvania and from there removed to Ohio, settling on a farm at Duncan's Falls, near Zanesville, where he died at eighty-nine years of age. His wife, whose family name was Robinson, died at the age of eighty-seven. Their son, H. R., a native of Ohio, graduated from Washington College, Pitts- burg, and entered the ministrj' of the Presby- terian Church. While he was holding a pastorate at Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, his son, George M., was born December iS, 1866. Later he was stationed at Harrison, Ohio. In 1871 he ac- cepted a call to Hey worth, MeLean County, 111., where he remained for ten years, and afterward was for four years at Normal, in the same county. Next he went to Clayton, Adams County, 111., where ill health forced him to relinquish minis- terial work. He returned to Normal, 111., where he died in 1895. His wife, who was Sarah A. Hope, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and is now living in Normal, 111. She was a daughter of Edward Hope, a contractor in Pittsburg. The family of Rev. H. R. and Sarah A. Peairs numbered six children, of whom four are living, Mary, George M., Harry J. and Ralph. The oldest son, who forms the subject of this sketch, was reared in Illinois and received his education in thi; Hevworth and Normal schools, preparing for college in the high school department of the Illinois University at Normal. However, in- stead of entering college, he at once turned his attention to the study of medicine, reading with Dr. J. N. Black, of Clayton, 111. In 1888 he en- tered Rush Medical College, from which he grad- uated in 1891, with the degree of M. D. While there he took special courses in gynecology and diseases of the eye. In 1891 he accepted an ap- pointment as surgeon in the Illinois Steel Com- 47° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pany's hospital at South Chicago. The follow- ing year he removed to Morris, 111., where he remained for two years, meantime holding the office of county physician. Since 1894 he has engaged in practice in Joliet. He is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society and the Inter- national Association of Railway Surgeons, and attended the convention of the latter organiza- tion in Richmond in 1S99. While he is not act- ive in politics he has a thorough knowledge of national issues and affiliates with the Republi- can party. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias of Joliet, and Cedar Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Morris. December 10, 1894, Dr. Peairs married Miss Jessie Hayes, who was born in Ohio and is a graduate of the Oberlin conservatory of music. Her father, Gen. P. C. Hayes, a journalist of great brilliancy, held the rank of general during the Civil war and won lustre through his skilled leadership of Union forces. Afterward coming to Illinois he held the position of editor of the Morris Herald and later was at the head of the Joliet Republican, but is now living in retire- ment in this city. He has been prominent in the Loyal Legion. Dr. and Mrs. Peairs are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Joliet and are prominent in the city's best so- ciety. They are the parents of one child living, Muriel Lucile. QETER STAUFFENBERG. When a child LS of three years Mr. Stauffeuberg was brought l~) by his parents to Will County, and here he has since made his home. He is thoroughly con- versant with the history of the county and has assisted in the development of its agricultural re- sources, having from an early age engaged act- ively in general farm pursuits. In 1SS3 he settled on section 13, Manhattan Township, where he had previously purchased one hundred and sixty acres of farm land. He has since re- sided on this place, meantime giving his attention to its cultivation and to making improvements that will increase its value. His landed posses- sions aggregate four hundred and eighty acres, which represents his industrious efforts in past years. Mr. Stauffeuberg is the son of a German bear- ing the same Christian name as his own and who came to the United States in 1840, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1S46, three years after the birth of his son, our subject, he came west to Illinois and bought a farm in Frankfort Town- ship, this county, where he afterward engaged extensively in farming. He died in Greengarden Township when seventy-five years of age. By his marriage to Catherine Stauffenberg, of Ger- many, he had three children, Henry, a farmer in Greengarden Township: Margaret and Peter. The last-named was educated in common schools. In childhood he acquired a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. As soon as he was large enough to do so, he began to plough and sow. When he came to the time that it was necessary to select a life occupation, he chose the one with which he was most familiar and from which he might reasonably hope to secure the best returns. The energy with which he has carried on his work proves that his choice was an excellent one and that he is fitted for agricultural pursuits. He takes an interest in maintaining a high class of improvements on his place and is anxious that his farm shall compare favorably with the best in the township. For ten years he served as school director of his district, a position that he filled with fidelity and intelligence. In 1S67 Mr. Stauffeuberg married Miss Minnie Hansen, who was born in Germany and died in this county in 1879. The}- were the parents of three children, namely: Edward, John and Katie, wife of John Baukow. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ^yJ^c^tr'/L ^#//z6#- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 473 AUSTIN GODFREY. GJUSTIN GODFREY. As an example of the LI helpful lives which men of character and I I perseverance raaj- live, mention may justly be made of Austin Godfrey, the prominent farmer and dairyman of Lockport Township. He is a member of a pioneer family of this county, and has himself made his home here from a very early age. He was born in Erie .County, N. Y., August 31, 1822. His father, Henry, a native of Vermont, was left an orphan at three years of age. With but few advantages in youth, he nevertheless became a man of fine character and excellent standing. Settling in Erie County, N. Y., he took up a tract of timber land twenty-five miles from Buffalo, and this he cleared and cultivated. During the war of 1812 he served as quartermaster, and was in Buffalo at the time it was burned. While living in New York he married Candace Warren, by whom he had four sons and two daughters, Austin being the youngest and the only one now living. Candace Warren was a daughter of Jabez and Hannah (Sumner) Warren, the latter of an old family who fought in the Revolutionary war. Jabez Warren's mother married a second time, her husband being an Englishman who was ever loyal to King George, and in his daily prayers prayed for the success of the English. This was more than the patriotic spirit of young Jabez could brook, and he ran away from home at the age of sixteen, enlisting in the colonial army, and fighting in many of the battles of the Revo- lution. Finally he settled in Vermont and reared his family. From there he moved to Aurora, Erie County, N. Y. By occupation he is a sur- veyor. When our subject was a boy of eleven, Octo- ber 1, 1833, the family came west and settled in 24 Will County, 111. The father and the oldest son took up one hundred and sixty acres each, a part of which is in what is now Dupage Town- ship, Will County (then Cook). When Austin was fourteen the land was divided, and he and the brother next in age to him conducted, to- gether, what was known as the Godfrey farm, on the stage line from Chicago to Ottawa. They had charge not only of the farm, but also of the tavern and stage horses. The partnership con- tinued until our subject was twenty-five, when the property was divided, he continuing on the same place. - In 1874 he went to Joliet for the purpose of giving his children educational ad- vantages. There he built a residence and spent two years. On his return to the farm he re- sumed its management. In 1886 he bought two hundred and forty-seven acres, comprising the old Hawley farm. Here he built a residence, granary and an addition to the barn. The old part of the barn, which is still standing, was the first frame barn of any size built in Will County. Besides this place, on which he lives, he owns four other farms, which he rents. Since coming to his present location he has given his attention more especially to the dairy business, in which he has been notably successful. On his place he has between fifty and sixty head of milch cows, all of the Holstein breed. In order that the cattle may go to either side of the main road, without necessitating the opening of gates, he built a passage way under the road, an idea that has proved an excellent one. The grain raised on the farm is almost wholly used for feed. All the improvements on the place are modern and indicate that the owner is a man of intelligence and progressive spirit. As a Republican, Mr. Godfrey has been active 474 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in local politics. He has served as supervisor, highway commissioner, school director and trustee, filling each office with the intelligence and energy noticeable in his conduct of private affairs. His accumulations are the result of en- ergy and industry, intelligently applied. His enterprise and ability have won for him a popu- larity that is a permanent tribute to his merit. During the long years spent in this county he has seen the country bloom and blossom as the rose, and has taken a deep interest in its prog- ress. As a citizen he has always been public- spirited, and as a farmer and dairyman thrifty and energetic. By his first wife, Lavinia Warren, Mr. God- frey had two children, one now living, Emma A., wife of George W. Potter, of Joliet. After his first wife's death Mr. Godfrey married Miss Lucy Denton, who was born in Henry ville, Can- ada, December 3, 1S37, a daughter of Capt. John and Sylvina (Harrington) Denton. The latter's mother was a sister of Rev. Hosea Ballou, the noted Universalist divine, and who was of French-Huguenot descent; her grandfather was state surveyor in Vermont, and belonged to a noted family in which were many professional men. Capt. John Denton, who was a son of William Denton, a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Massachusetts, and became an exhorter and local preacher in the Methodist Church. He spent many years in Canada, during which time he took part in the Canadian war of 1837, as a captain in the British army. From Canada he moved to Dupage County, 111., in 1847, and set- tled on a farm near Naperville, where he died two years afterward, at the age of sixty. His wife, a native of Vermont and a member of an old and influential family of that state, died in Lockport when almost eighty-two years of age. They were the parents of eight children who reached maturity and married, and of these five are living. Miriam is the widow of Samuel Wil- son, of Lockport; William J., a resident of Lock- port for years, died there at the age of sixty-six; Leonora married Edward Welch and lives in Iowa; James L. is a retired farmer in this town- ship; Lury (a twin of Mrs. Godfrey) is the wife of Jonas Beach, of Lockport; and Abigail, who married George Besse, died when thirty-five years of age. When Mrs. Godfrey was nine years of age, in 1847, she moved with hei parents to Dupage County, 111. Much of the time since then she has made her home in Will County. After completing her schooling she taught for three years. In religion she is a Congregation- alism to which faith all of her children also ad- here. Her second son, Howard, is deceased. The others are named as follows: Herbert A., a farmer of this township; Daisy C, wife of Arthur Jones, living in Michigan; Carrie, Mrs. William Monro, also of Michigan; Arthur M., who assists in the management of the home place; Guy R. and Roy S., both of whom are with their parents. GlBRAHAM G. NOEL, who is living re- I 1 tired at No. 304 North Eastern avenue, / 1 Joliet, is one of the pioneers of this county, having come here with a brother in 1848. Shortly after his arrival he bought laud three and one- half miles south of Joliet, on the Wilmington road, but soon afterward he sold his interest to his brother. In 1850 he brought his family to this county from Carroll County, Ind., arriving in Joliet October 14, and purchasing a tract ad- joining his brother's land. With a team of oxen he broke the sod, turning the first furrows in the soil. His method of planting corn was primi- tive; with an axe he cut a hole in the sod, into which he dropped the corn, then lightly covered the seed with dirt, a method of working which would be considered extremely slow in this pro- gressive age. The years that followed were filled with cares; yet they were happy times, and he looks back upon the pioneer days as the most delightful of his life. The increase in prices of land affected him favorably, making him well- to-do, a result which his industry and energy had contributed to secure. For nearly forty years he lived the busy life of a farmer, plough- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 475 ing, sowing, reaping, harvesting, each day bringing its special duty, each night bringing a well-earned repose. Finally, in the fall of 1886, he sold his farm and removed to Joliet, where he has since made his home. Mr. Noel was born in Scioto County, Ohio, January 29, 1809. Two miles from his early home was the site of a loug-abandond military post, no record of which was kept in that local- ity. However, the presence of bullets in the walls indicated that the fort had been used during the days of firearms. When a boy he used to ex- plore the remains of this fort. He found an em- bankment four feet high, enclosing about one hundred acres, in which was a passage of about forty rods to a spring, this passage being enclosed by an embankment eight feet high, enclosing two acres. There was also a passage to what was probably the arsenal, enclosing about one-fourth of an acre. When a boy our subject's grandfather, Peter Noel, came to America from Holland. He set- tled in Virginia, where he learned the weaver's trade. At the opening of the Revolutionary war he and his brother enlisted, remaining at the front until peace was declared. Afterward he followed his trade and cultivated a farm. In 1793 he removed to Ohio, where he died. By his marriage to Sophia Good he had thirteen children, all of whom attained mature years and married. The third of these, Peter, was four- teen years of age when the family settled in Ohio. He assisted in clearing the home farm, which was heavily timbered. In youth he learned the trade of a gunsmith, which he fol- lowed throughout much of his life. Indians were very troublesome, but annoyed them very little except in stealing horses. The men of the family were known to be good shots, hence were avoided by the savages. On the breaking out of the war of 18 12 he was sent as a scout and guide with the riflemen who were ordered to Hull to bring up the cattle and ammunition to Detroit. For this work of guide he was well adapted, for he was a thorough woodsman and could tell the points of the compass at night by feeling the bark of the trees. When he had taken the rifle- men as far as Finley's block house, eighteen miles from Detroit, they were notified of Hull's surrender and were paroled. Afterward he and his son Abraham each had a severe attack of fever, and the latter bears to this day a scar on his neck where he was lanced. On recovering, Peter Noel re-enlisted in the war of 181 2, in which he was promoted to be a colonel, and our subject now has the sword he carried. He returned to his home at the close of the war and followed his trade, also operated a saw-mill for seventeen years. He remained in Ohio until 1850, when he came' to Illinois, and in the spring of 1851 died at his son's home in Will County, aged seventy-one years. At the time that he left Ohio he owned three farms. He bought land in Will County in 1848, but did not come here until two years later. In politics he voted with the Whigs. In the year 1840 seventy- six of his name voted the Whig ticket in Scioto County, the only one who deserted the party having done so for a woman's sake. For twenty- one years he served as justice of the peace, and for a similar period was county commissioner. As long as he remained in Ohio he commanded a battalion of riflemen there. He had no desire for political positions and, though urged to ac- cept a nomination to congress, declined the honor. Had he so desired, he could have had any office within the gift of the people, for he was a man of great influence. From boyhood he was fond of hunting, an ardent and successful sports- man, and always wanted to be within easy reach of game. In 1833 he, our subject, and two oth- ers were out hunting at the time of the shoot- ing stars, which made the night as light as day, an interesting phenomenon which our subject vividly recalls; At this time, iu the month of October, the same year, he shot forty-seven deer and our subject shot thirty-seven, while one was shot by both, making a total of eighty-five deer that fell beneath their unerring aim. In Ohio, Peter Noel married Susannah, daugh- ter of Sir Joseph DeFort, a nobleman of France, who came to America at the beginning of the Revolution, and served in the American army as sergeant. Afterward he settled in New Jersey, 476 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. removing from there to Ohio, and making the trip in the same boat with our subject's father. Two sons and three daughters comprised the family of Peter and Susannah Noel, namely: Joseph, Abraham, Mary, Sophia and Mercy, of whom our subject alone survives. He had few educational advantages when a boy, except those obtained in subscription schools; he worked early and late on the home farm. After his marriage, November 4, 1S37, he bought a farm and began life for himself. In 1844 he removed to Indiana and bought a farm of which only eleven acres had been cleared. Erom there he came to Will County, October 14, 184S, after which he aided in the development of its agricultural resources. May 10, 1875, his wifedied, aged fifty-six years. He then made a trip to Oregon with his family, but did not like the country and returned to this county, well coutent to spend his remaining years here. In politics he was a Republican. For several years he served as school trustee. His wife, Eveline, was a daughter of Gregory and Elizabeth (Taylor) Glasscock, the latter a cousin of Zachary Taylor. Her father, a native of Virginia, but for years a resident of Ohio, served in the first war with England. Five chil- dren were born to the union of Abraham Noel and Eveline Glasscock. All were daughters. Mary Ann is the wife of Lewis Linebarger, a banker in Iowa. Sophia, deceased, was edu- cated hi the Will County schools, and was an accomplished lady whose many good qualities of head and heart endeared her to all who knew her. As a teacher she was eminently successful, and her good work and precepts will keep her mem- ory alive in a new generation. Susan married Joseph Campbell, a prosperous grain dealer of Lacon, 111. Sarah married James Watkins, and is now deceased. Melvina M. is the widow of Carlos F. Long, and resides with her father. Since 1S50 Mr. Noel has been a director of the Desplai nes Cemetery Association, in whose burial ground main- pioneers and several Revolutionary soldiers are buried. Carlos F. Long, who married the youngest daughter of Mr. Noel, was born in Winnebago County, 111., May 19, 1856. When but three years of age he was brought by his parents to Will County. For a time he worked as book- keeper in James Ducker's store at Mokena, and later was cashier in the same establishment. Afterward he had charge of the settlement of the Ducker estate, being connected with the family for twenty-four years, and until his death, April 8, 1899. His father, Benjamin F. Long, who was a volunteer in the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, during the Civil war, participated in many a hard fought battle, and died in a hos- pital while at the front. Politically Mr. Long was a Republican. He united himself with the Methodist Church when nineteen years of age, and continued to hold his membership in that denomination until his death. He was a man of upright character, honest, moral and conscientious, and his death was widely mourned as a loss to the citizenship of the county. May 1, 1895, he married Melvina M. Noel, who was educated in the Joliet high school and graduated in music from the Valpar- aiso Normal School in Indiana. She taught school for teu years, and later taught music. She is a lad}- whose accomplishment and culture fit her to grace any society which she may enter. 3OHN ONDERDONK BARRETT. The peo- ple of Joliet claim that they have in their city the finest hardware store in the United States. A walk through the Barrett block, on the corner of Chicago and Clinton streets, usually causes the stranger to accept this assertion as true. The entire space of the block, four floors, 66x160, is occupied by the company, who fur- nish employment to fifty hands and have the lar- gest wholesale and retail hardware store in this section of the state. The front of the basement is utilized as a salesroom, while in the rear is the machinery for cutting and threading pipe from two and one-half to eight inches in diameter. The first floor is devoted to the display of stock and the retail business, on the second is the nianu- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 477 facturing department, while the third is used for the storage of stock. Power, heat and light are furnished by electricity. The stock includes every variety of tinware, hardware, stoves, agricultural implements, etc., and experienced tinners, plumb- ers and gasfitters are furnished on request, to- gether with the articles necessary for their work. The success of the business is largely due to the wise judgment and tireless energy of J. O. Barrett, who, December 19, 1891, incorporated the Bar- rett Hardware Company, with himself as presi- dent, and his brother, Edward C, as secretary and treasurer. He was also one of the organizers of the Joliet National Bank, in which he has been a director from the first. In the city where he now lives, Mr. Barrett was born March 16, 1851, a son of William F. and Clamana (Onderdonk) Barrett. When six- teen years of age he acquired his first insight into the hardware business, and for two years after- ward he clerked for his father and for Mr. Ford. In 1872 he became a partner in business with his father. After their store burned the}' began in business anew, continuing together until his father died in 1876. The firm moved into the New Akin block built for them and acquired a constantly increasing stock and trade. In time the firm name was changed to Barrett & Sons, a younger son, Edward C, being admitted as a partner, and the two sons have continued together since that time. Inheriting from their father a talent for business affairs, they have added to the business which he established and to the reputa- tion which he gained. Their honorable methods, fair dealings and sagacity of judgment are uni- versally recognized. Those who come into busi- ness relations with them find them men of honor and integrity; indeed, it is from these qualities and their great energy that their success has come, and the prosperity that has rewarded their efforts in the past is a happy omen of what the future holds for them. The demands of his business have been such that Mr. Barrett has had no leisure for public af- fairs and, aside from voting the Republican ticket, he has taken no part in politics. At different times he has bought and improved real estate in Joliet, and is now especially interested in the Zarley tract. His marriage, in this city, united him with Miss Mary C. Warren, who was born in Shrewsbury, Mass., and at the age of twelve years came to Joliet in company with her uncle, Calvin Knowlton, who was president of the Will County National Bank. 61 LFRED J. LINDGREN, deputy sheriff, is LA one of the well-known Swedish-American / J citizens of Joliet, where he has made his home since 1887. His present position as deputy he has held continuously since 1894, being under John Francis for four years, and since then, by reappointment, under Sheriff Mattinger. Dur- ing most of the time he has been court deputy as well. Ever since he became an American citi- zen he has given his allegiance to the Republican party, being in hearty accord with its principles of protection and sound money. Since the or- ganization of the Swedish-American Republican Club he has been actively connected with it as secretary, and he is also a prominent member of the State League of Republican Clubs. The oldest of four children, of whom he and Mrs. Tulin, of Princeton, 111., are the survivors, our subject was born in Hinerydsoken, Krono- berg, Smaland, Sweden, January 27, i860, a son of C. G. and Stiua (Magnusdotter) Lindgren. His mother died in 1883. His father, a farmer, came to America in 1869 and settled near Prince- ton, 111., where he has since resided. For a few years our subject had the advantage of study in the public schools at Princeton, where he added to the knowledge gained in the Swedish schools. In the spring of 1873 his parents moved to Lock- port, but in the fall of the following year returned to Princeton and afterward he resided there, as- sisting his father in the cultivation of a farm. Coming to Joliet in 1888 Mr. Lindgren became an employe in the wire mill, but soon left and accepted a clerkship in Charles Johnson's grocery, where he remained until his appoint- ment as deputy sheriff. He is an enterprising 47 8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and liberal man, thoroughly American in every- thing but birth and love for his native laud, and is imbued with the spirit of American energy and progress. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Globe. In the work of the Swedish Mission Church he has been a valuable assistant, being clerk of the congregation and a member of the board of trustees, and at the time of the re- building of the church he served upon the com- mittee having the matter in charge. The first wife of Mr. Lindgren was Miss Ella Johnson, who was born in Princeton, her parents having settled there as early as 1853. She died in Joliet, leaving four children, Edith, Otto, Florence and Harry. The second marriage of Mr. Lindgren also took place in Princeton, his wife being Miss Mathilda Nalean, who was born and educated in that town. [—RANK HUBENET is one of the best-known r^ Swedish-American citizens of Joliet, where I he resides at No. 309 Harris avenue. He is president of the Swedish- American Republican Club, the largest organization of its kind in Joliet, and the prominence which it has gained is almost wholly due to his energy and wise leadership. As secretary of the Knights of the Globe he is identified with another local organ- ization. In the Swedish Lutheran Church he serves as secretary of the congregation, a mem- ber of the board of trustees and president of the benefit society connected with the church. An active worker in Joliet Observatory No. 8, North Star Benefit Association, he holds the principal office (that of astronomer) in the lodge and is chief conductor of the Grand Observatory*, with headquarters in Moliue, 111. In iSgohe was ap- pointed a special agent to collect statistics of manufactures in Joliet city and township, in the interests of the United States census. At this writing he is township oil inspector for Joliet. About two hundred and fifty years ago the Hiibeuette family removed from France to Norr- land, Sweden, during the reign of Gustavus Adolphus. Our subject's grandfather, who was born in Norrland, was superintendent of a large furnace there. The father, L. W. Hiibenette, is a business man of that place and is now seventy- five years of age, while his wife, Ulricka Elenora (Kellberg) Hiibenette, is seventy-three. Of their eight children, two sons and four daugh- ters are living, one sou and two daughters being in America. Frank, who was sixth in order of birth, was born at Norrland December 30, 1862. He was educated in public schools and a gym- nasium. Coming to the United States in 1881, he settled in Joliet, 111., where he was employed in different stone quarries for five years, after which he became manager of a branch coal office of Hunter & Curtis. In 1891 the office was dis- continued, at which time he started for himself, opening an office at No. 603 Cass street, and be- ginning in the coal and coke business. His lo- cation is convenient and a sidiug connects his yards with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. Since coming to this city he has married, his wife being Ellen Anderson, a native of Sweden. They have six children: William Waldemar, Edith Elenora, Ebba Henrietta, Blenda Linnea and two boy twins, Lief Lincoln and Grant Thorsten. (lOSEPH C. BRISBANE, who is engaged I in dairying and farming on section 14, New Q) Lenox Township, was born in Cook County, 111., in 1863, a son of James W. and Dorothy (Caldwell) Brisbane, natives respectively of Scot- land and the north of Canada. His father came to the United States in 1858 and settled in Cook County, 111., where he followed the trades of blacksmith, wagon-maker, carpenter and cabinet- maker. About 1873 he removed to this county and later settled on a farm near New Lenox. Since 1880 he has made his home on his present farm near the village and here he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. His wife died GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 479 March 17, 1897, leaving five children, namely: Joseph C. ; Jeannette W. , who has been a suc- cessful teacher for twelve years and is now con- nected with the schools at South Englewood; Dorothy, wife of Charles Cooper; Martha, wife of William Patrick; and Mary, still at home. At the time the family settled in this county our subject was ten years of age. He grew to manhood in the township of Crete, one and one- half miles from the village of that name. His education was received in common schools, under the supervision mainly of William H. Evans. For some years he carried on farming in con- nection with his father, but in 1885 he settled on his present farm, which he purchased in 18S9. He is now the owner of one hundred and eight acres, devoted principally to the pasturage of milch cows, and carries on a large and profitable dairy business. Thoroughly familiar with prac- tical dairying, in all of its phases, he is qualified to carry on a business satisfactory to others and remunerative to himself. On the Republican ticket Mr. Brisbane was elected township collector, which office he filled for bne year. The office of school director he filled for ten years, during a part of which time he was clerk of the board. In the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which heis a member, he has served as trustee and steward for some time, and is also secretary of the building committee now in course of erection. His marriage, in 1885, united him with Emma J., daughter of John J. Willis, of New Lenox Township; and they have one child, Vernice E. ["" RANCIS NICHOLSON, deceased, was one rQ of the early settlers of Joliet, having come I here in 1S36. He was born in New Hart- ford, Oneida County, N. Y., a son of Jared Nich- olson, and a member of an old and honored American family whose ancestry is traced back to Governor Nicholson of Connecticut. His father was born in Connecticut, but at an early age settled in Oneida County, N. Y., and thence, when Francis was six years old, removed to Chautauqua County, the same state. There the boy grew to manhood. Reared on a farm amid frontier surroundings he had no educational ad- vantages, and even if schools had been numerous his health would have interfered with his attend- ance. Not being strong enough for manual labor on a farm he took up the tailor's trade, which he followed. A few years after his marriage in West- field, N. Y., he started for Illinois, driving across the country with his wife in a covered wagon. The trip was safely made, although at one time he was followed by robbers for a whole day, but reached a settlement by night and so escaped from them. When he arrived in Joliet the town contained fort}' buildings, including stores, barns and residences. His first meal in the county was in the Yankee Settlement. Settling about seven miles north of Joliet on the road west of the river he spent a short time there. In 1S37 he opened a tavern on Bluff street, and was there when the first stage drove through to Joliet. He saw the first canal boat on the Illinois and Michigan canal and the first railroad train ever run into Joliet. Later he resumed his trade, which he followed for some time. For seven years he clerked for Mr. Wilcox. Prior to 1S60 he started in the grocery business with his son, but not finding the enterprise profitable he took up tail- oring again, and at this he continued until he was past eighty years of age. In politics he was a strong Democrat. For years he served as ves- tryman and warden of the Episcopal Church, in the work of which he was quite active. His life was protracted to a great age, for he was ninety- three when he died in February, 1896. During the long period of his residence in Joliet he wit- nessed its steady growth and took pleasure in noting its progress. Personally he was a man of quiet and retiring disposition. The first wife of Mr. Nicholson died when she was a young woman. Afterward he married Mary Ann Burdge, member of a Holland-Dutch family of New Jersey. Mrs. Nicholson was a woman of ability, energy, great kindliness of heart, and an excellent conversationalist. She 480 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was fond of reading and kept well posted in the progress of current events and in politics. Pos- sessing a deeply religious nature she did all within her power for the advancement of Chris- tianity, and was instrumental in the upbuilding of the Episcopal Church. In homes where sick- ness came her presence brought comfort, and her careful nursing did much to restore the sick one to health; indeed she had quite a local reputation as a nurse. Four children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, three of whom attained maturity. Both of the sons are now deceased. The older, Frank, went to California in 1850 and engaged in prospecting and mining there. He married there and reared a family of eight chil- dren. The younger son, Harman, enlisted in the second Michigan Cavalry immediately after the first battle of Bull Run. Entering as a private he was promoted successively to second and first lieutenant and captain, and at the close of the war was commissioned major in recogni- tion of gallant service. Much of his service was under Sheridan in Virginia and Tennessee. At his death he left four children. The only surviving member of the farnil}' is Mr. Nicholson's daughter, Katherine Sophia. She was born in a house that stood on North Hickory street, Joliet. Her earliest years were associated with pioneer events and experiences in the rapidly growing frontier town. For fifty- six years she made her home in the family resi- dence on Exchange street, but during some of that time she was employed in other cities, although always considering Joliet her home. In order to aid the family she took up teaching, which occupation she followed for eleven years in California and Illinois. Forsix years she was employed as bookkeeper in a store in Muskegon, Mich., after which she held the position of libra- rian of the Joliet public library for eleven years. In 1870 she went to California, where she taught for two years. In 1880 she started a greenhouse in Joliet, and this she conducted successfully until her retirement from business in 1S98. The- property she has since rented. She owns and occupies a residence which she erected in 1898, and in which she has as a companion a young girl whom she is rearing, Mary Adele Nicholson. She is a woman of excellent business ability, and at the same time, has genial, kindly ways that win and retain warm friends. HENRY ALEXANDER. Through his active participation in enterprises for the benefit of his city and county and his progressive spirit as a citizen, Mr. Alexander has become one of the influential men of Joliet. No one has taken a deeper interest than he in measures calculated to benefit the people or to develop the material resources of the county, and he has been gen- erous to the point of self-sacrifice in his gifts of time and means to promote projects of undoubted value. The position of supervisor which he held gave him an opportunity for aiding public move- ments. While acting in that capacity he was in- strumental in securing the erection of the sheriffs residence, the rebuilding of the county jail, the making of many improvements in the court house and county poor farm, and the general improve- ment of county roads and bridges, and in each of these instances he served upon the special com- mittee appointed by the board of supervisors. While he usually encountered no opposition in his desire to secure improvements, occasionally he had to hold his own against heavy odds, and this was especially the case at the time of the bill in- troduced to secure an elevator in the court house; after a hard struggle he was successful and the building now has a fine elevator. During the severe depression that followed the panic of 1893 he acted as superintendent of the poor, the posi- tion taking almost his entire time; he discharged its duties efficiently, and no worthy man who applied for help suffered from hunger and cold. A resident of Joliet since 1881, Mr. Alexander was born in Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, a son of Isaac and Theresa (Neumann) Alexander. His maternal grandfather, Solomon Neumann, was a hardware merchant, and his paternal GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 481 grandfather, Simon Alexander, a fanner, was one of the few soldiers that returned with Napoleon from the ill-fated expedition to Moscow. Isaac Alexander was a dealer in antiquities and an au- thority in that line He died while visiting a daughter in Bavaria. His wife died in Germain-. Of their children, five are living, three being in the old country, and Henry and Robert in Amer- ica. In Stuttgart, where he was born January 12, 1849, our subject was educated in a private school. In 1S66 he took passage at Havre for New York, and on arriving in this country pro- ceeded to Alexandria, Ya., where he clerked in a mercantile store until 186S. Afterward he had stores successively in Front Royal, Edenburg and Shenandoah, that state. Selling out in 1870, he returned to German}- and entered the commissary department of the German army, serving through the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. Afterward he engaged in the live- stock business. Returning to the United States in 1880, he was for a short time interested in the stock business in Syracuse and Ithaca, N. Y., and in September, 18S1, came to Joliet, where he began a wholesale meat business that he has continued to the present tiine. In 1892 he was elected assistant supervisor and two years later was chosen supervisor, which position, together with that of superintendent of the poor, he held for two years. Largely through his efforts, in 1895, a bill passed the legislature authorizing the establishment of an asylum for the incurable in- sane of Illinois. In August of that year Gov- ernor Altgeld appointed him one of the commis- sioners to locate the institution, notwithstanding the fact that he is a stanch Republican in politics. He served as secretary of the board of commis- sioners and took an active part in securing the location of the asylum in Peoria. March 17, 1897, Governor Tanner reappointed him to the same office and he was made chairman of the board and assisted actively in planning for and starting the construction of the building. In February, 1898, he resigned from the board and in April of the same year he was appointed special agent for the quartermaster's department of the United States arm}-, to buy horses and mules for the army, which position he has since filled. He has frequently served as a member of the county ceutral committee and in other ways has pro- moted the welfare of the Republican party in his vicinity. The home of Mr. Alexander, at No. 1000 South Joliet street, is presided over by his wife, whom he married in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1874, and who was Amelia Auerbaeh, a niece of Berthold Auerbaeh, the celebrated author and novelist. The four children comprising their family are: Theresa, wife of Sig. Goldstein, of Moline, 111.; Bertha, Sigmund and Adell, at home. RICHARD J. BARR, city attorney of Joliet, is a member of the law firm of Meers & Barr, and is well known in the profession. His personal popularity is indicated by his elec- tion to the city attorney's office in the spring of 1899, when he was the only one elected on the Republican ticket, receiving a majority of twenty- four, while some of the Democratic candidates had majorities as large as one thousand. He has been a Republican from boyhood to the present time, and believes that the principles of this political organization are best calculated to secure the progress of free government and perpetuate our national institutions on the basis proposed by the founders of the Republic. His education was carried on in the high school of Joliet, after which he taught school at Manhattan and Wilton Center. He afterwards matriculated in the University of Illinois, where he spent four years in the classical course of study. Next he went to the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor and there received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1895. His class pre- sented to the university a bronze bust of Judge Cooley which cost $600. The presentation cere- mony was made a memorable event and was ap- propriately celebrated. Dr. James B. Angell represented the university, Governor Rich the 482 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. state, and Judge Hornblower, of New York, the nation. The members of the class selected Mr. Barr to represent them, and the presentation speech which he made was published afterward in book form. While in the University of Illinois he also gave evidence of unusual ability as an orator and debater. He was president of the Illinois Oratorical Association, and also president of his class. He was elected editor-in-chief of the class annual, the " Illio," which was origin- ated by the class and compiled by him. The precedent thus established has been maintained by subsequent classes. Upon graduating from the university in June, 1895, Mr. Barr came to Joliet, and in August of the same year he opened an office in this city. He practiced law alone until April 1, 1897, when the present firm of Meers & Barr was formed. Fraternally he is a member of Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Knights of the Globe; Mound City Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, and Paul Revere Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Should nothing unforeseen prevent a prosperous future in his chosen profession may safely be predicted of Mr. Barr. With his enter- prise, which enabled him to secure a finished ed- ucation, he has since surmounted obstacles in his path and has risen to a position of prominence among the members of his profession. (JOHN DAY. No man in the county is more I worthy of respect than Mr. Day, who for so GJ many years has been connected with the ag- ricultural interests of Dupage Township, but is now to some extent retired from active cares, and makes his home in Plainfield. He is one of the pioneers who laid the foundation for the present prosperity of this region. Being industrious and careful, as well as a good manager, he made a success of his farm work. On renting his farm he moved to Plainfield and bought a place, which he has since made his home, having rebuilt and improved the residence, besides putting up a house to the east. While he is practically re- tired, he still farms ten acres, this affording him a chance for some work in the occupation of which he is fond, while at the same time it does not overtax his energies. In Lincolnshire, England, Mr. Day was born April 2, 1836, a son of John and Rebecca (Bric- cols) Day. He was the third among four children, of whom Mary and William died in this country and Sophia in England. His educational advan- tages were very meagre, as he was obliged to support himself from an early age. When he was thirteen he had an opportunity to come to America, but his parents refused their consent, so hj continued at home until he was eighteen. He then crossed in an old sailing vessel that had more than one thousand passengers and consumed seven weeks in the voyage. As he had started with a family that had two of its members in Will County, he was induced to come here, mak- ing the trip via the canal and lakes from New York. Arriving in this county, he secured work on a farm just west of Plainfield, and he was be- ginning to get a nice foothold in his new home when, in the fall, an attack of typhoid fever ren- dered him unable to work for three months. On regaining his strength he resumed his work. After two years he sent for his parents, who joined him in Will County. After the latter came, father and sou cultivated a farm of ninety- one acres in Dupage Township, which our subject had purchased. At a later date ninety-one acres additional were purchased, thus making a valua- ble farm, on which he first raised wdieat and afterward corn and oats. Starting in with a few head of stock, he added to them from time to time and gave considerable attention to the cattle business and dairying. He also raised horses. In 1880 his father was killed by a bull, and afterward the entire supervision of the place fell upon him. In addition to his property here he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Iowa, of which he now owns eighty acres. Though not desiring to be prominent in poli- tics, Mr. Day is a man of firm convictions, and believes stanchly in Republican principles. For some twelve vears he held the office of school di- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 433 rector. In religion a Methodist, he has served the congregation in Plainfield as a trustee for some years. Just prior to the Civil war he married Catherine Stratton, who came to this count}' in 1854, the year of Mr. Day's arrival here. When the war opened he desired to enlist in the army and fight for the Union, but his wife urged him so strongly not to do so that he gave up the hope. Of the six children born to his marriage only two are living. Sophia is the wife of Frank Gor- don, of Hamilton County, Iowa; and Carrie mar- ried Fred Morgan, of this county. EHARLES E. FRASER is one of the pro- gressive citizens of Plainfield, to whom is due much of the credit for the substantial improvements noticeable in the place. He was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., November 17, 1845, a son of James R. and Eliza (Brown) Fra- ser. He was the oldest of six children, of whom one died in infancy and Leila in girlhood. Thomas B., the second son, is a retired merchant living in Sterling, Neb.; Anna M. is the wife of Joseph Vinson, of Joliet; and Willard A. is prin- cipal of the schools of Rutland, Vt. The father was one of the twelve children of Robert Fraser, who came to this country from Ireland, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. After settling in New York he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Dur- ing the war of 1812 he served in the American army. After having engaged in farming in New York for a number of years, our subject's father came to Illinois in 1855 and settled first in Plainfield and next in Lockport Township, this county, where he improved a farm. He continued to re- side on this place until his death, at fifty-six years of age. On the Democratic ticket he was elected road commissioner, which office he filled for several } r ears. He took an active part in the work of the United Presbyterian Church. At the time he moved west his son, our subject, was a lad of ten years, and for some time afterward he attended the district schools in Lockport Township and the Northwestern College at Plain- field. The first business in which he engaged was that of merchandising, in which he continued for twelve years. For a similar period he was interested in the manufacture of tiles, supplying the local markets. With two gentlemen as part- ners, he built up an extensive and profitable busi- ness. Though no longer connected with the business, personally, he is still interested in the plant. He owns both city and farm property, which he rents. As a Republican, Mr. Fraser has been identi- fied with local politics. For some sixteen years he has served as a member of the village board. For three terms he filled the office of mayor, and during his administration many improvements were introduced, including the establishment of the waterworks. In 1876 he was made a Mason. He is a member of Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M., in which he has been secretary and treasurer. He is connected with the Congre- gational Church, in which he is treasurer of the church and librarian of the Sunday-school. In 1 87 1 he married Ellen E., daughter of Jonathan Hagar, of this county. Two children were born of this union, but one died in infancy. The sou, Merton H., lived to be almost twenty years of age, but died at Socorro, N. M. , where he had gone with the hope of benefiting his health. After the death of his first wife Mr. Fraser was again married, being united, September 3, 1885, with Lettie J., daughter of J. H. Smiley, of Plainfield. They have two daughters, Elma E. and Marion E. (JjEORGE B. HAMLIN, M. D., of Frank _ fort Station, one of the county's prominent ^_4 physicians, was born in Odell, Livingston County, 111., February 4, 1866, a son of Dr. Thomas H. and Ellen (Bateman) Hamlin. His paternal ancestors were of English stock. His grandfather, Thomas Hamlin, came from England to the United States in an early day and settled in 484 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Huntingdon, Pa., where he followed the occupa- tion of a veterinary surgeon for man}- years. As early as 1848 he settled in Livingston County, 111.', where the remaining years of his life were passed. Dr. Thomas H. Hamlin was a native of Hunt- ingdon County, Pa. When a boy he accompa- nied his parents to Illinois, and his youthful years were passed at Odell. In young manhood he studied medicine. Later he turned his atten- tion to veterinary surgery, which he followed in Livingston County, and also owned a farm there. In 1S95 he came to Frankfort Station, and has since made his home with his son. He has been an expert in his chosen occupation, being recog- nized as a skilled practitioner and thoroughly familiar with diseases of animals and their methods of treatment. His wife was born on Lake Superior while her parents were going from New York to Chicago. She died in 1892, leaving an only son and child. The early education of our subject was obtained in Odell and Dixon, 111. He began the study of medicine in 1889, Dr. John Johnson being his pre- ceptor. Later he entered the Chicago Homeopa- thic Medical College, from which he graduated in 1893. He spent two years as resident physician in the Chicago Homeopathic Hospital, having been appointed to the position prior to his gradua- tion, so that he had only six months to serve after graduating. While a student he was chosen for this position through a competitive examina- tion out of a class of fifty-two. During his col- lege course he did much work among the county poor, whom he furnished with medical services gratuitously. October 1, 1893, he came to Frank- fort Statiou and established an office. His suc- cess was so great that in 1893, in order to secure adequate accommodations, he built an office and dispensary. His practice has steadily grown, and now requires all of his attention. He has also given some time to the study of dentistry, attending the dental department of the North- western University. This study he took up, not with the intention of following the dental profes- sion, but in order that he might acquire a broader knowledge of general medical work. Fraternally he is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M.; Modern Woodmen of America; and Odell Lodge No. 464, I. O. O. F., at Odell. In 18S9 Dr. Hamlin married Miss Emma Emerson, of Chadwick, 111. She was a daughter of Dr. John Johnston, but was adopted and reared by her grandparents, Emerson, whose name she took. Her grandfather, Dr. R. G. Emerson, w r as for years a prominent physician at Chadwick, 111. She was educated in the Dixon Normal School and taught school for several years prior to her marriage, her work being prin- cipally in the schools of Black Oak, 111. She still retains a deep interest in educational work, as well as in all movements looking toward the progress of the people, mentally and morally, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. (JOHN FRANCIS was born in New Lenox I Township, Will County, 111., January 8, \Z/ 1S43. His father, the well-known Abraham Francis, was a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and his mother, Mary A. J. (Davison) Francis, was a native of Adams County, Ohio. The sub- ject of this notice was the fifth child of his parents under whose careful training he developed into manhood, becoming familiar with the various employments of farm life, and pursuing his early studies in the common schools. When approach- ing manhood he took a course of stud)* in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Chicago, then returning to the farm, remained there until his twenty -third year. December 21, 1865, he married Miss Harriet Maria Bliss, daughter of Abel and Lucinda (Blake) Bliss, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. Mrs. Francis was born Septem- ber 5, 1846, in New Lenox Township, and is the second daughter and third child of a family of two sons and five daughters. Besides the ad- vantages of the common school Mrs. Francis re- ceived careful parental training, and remained a member of her father's household until her mar- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 485 riage. She is now the mother of four children, all of whom are living: John E., born August 3, 1868; Howard B., July 3, 1871; Harriet J., September 6, 1877; and Wilbur A., January 7, 1880. Each one of them has graduated from the Joliet high school in the following classes, re- spectively, '87, '90, '97, '99. All but the eldest son remain at home. He married Miss Adeline L- Walz, daughter of John J. and Henrietta (Streicher) Walz, January 31, 1895. To them were born two children, Helen Adeline and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Francis is a Republican and has held many positions of honor and trust at the hands of his friends and fellow-citizens. He was col- lector two years, school trustee nine years, school treasurer twelve years, and supervisor twenty- three years. The fact that he filled that office twenty-one years in succession (being chairman two terms) indicates forcibly the high place he holds in the regard of his fellow-citizens. At the time of the erection of the Will County court house, the soldier's and sailor's monument, and the administration building or sheriff's residence, he was a member of the building committees, and to such men as he is due the credit for the erec- tion of public buildings so substantial and so well adapted to their needs. In 1894 he was elected sheriff of Will County, which position he held for four years. Aside from these duties Mr. Francis has fol- lowed farming all his life. The farms which he owns have been placed under the best improve- ments. Substantial buildings, well cultivated land, modern machinery, bear witness to his suc- cessful management. He has been especially successful in the breeding and care of live stock. For fourteen years he exhibited Berkshire hogs at the state fairs with unusual success. Later his attention has been turned toward cattle, and he now owns one of the finest herds in Will County. His landed possessions aggregate nine hundred acres, divided into four tracts, the one upon which he lives being acknowledged the best farm in New Lenox Township. Mr. and Mrs. Francis are both active members of the New Lenox Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a trustee and steward for many years. When the new church was erected in 1899, he was chosen a member of the building committee, and probably no man deserves more credit than he for such a complete, magnificent, and well-appointed edifice. Personally Mr. Francis is looked upon as one of the leading men of the county. He is a man of progressive ideas, liberal and public spirited, and his career is indicative of the esteem and confi- dence with which he is regarded by his fellow- citizens. His amiable wife has been an efficient helpmate, and has contributed her full quota toward sustaining the reputation of the family. EOL. DANIEL H. DARLING has been a resident of this county since 1855, and at the outbreak of the Civil war was engaged in teaching in the Joliet schools. The family of which he is a member has been represented in America since colonial days, and has borne its part in the various wars in which our country has engaged. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution, and his father served in the second war with England, while he himself has a credit- able record as an officer in the Civil war, in which he rose from the ranks to the command of a regiment. Professor Darling (for he is better known by this title than by that of colonel) was born in Paines- ville, Ohio, June 8, 1S36, and was fourth in a family of six children. His father, Seth, was a native of Madison County, N. Y. , and there learned the trades of carpenter, joiner and wheel- wright. He became a pioneer of the western re- serve of Ohio, where he entered and improved a tract of laud, and at the same time followed his trade. There he remained until his death, in 1841. His wife, Marline, was a daughter of Noah Anderson, who was born in Maryland, of Scotch parentage, and settled in Ohio at the same time with Mr. Paine, after whom the city of Painesville was named. 486 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. After having completed the studies of the local schools, the subject of this sketch became a stu- dent in Lake Erie College, where he completed his education. In 1855 ne came to Illinois and accepted a position as principal in the Lockport school, where he remained for three years. He then came to Joliet, as principal of the public schools of this city, in which capacity he was serving at the beginning of the Civil war. Fired with the enthusiastic spirit and the patriotism of his forefathers, he determined at once to offer his services to the Union. He went to Chicago for that purpose, but, as he weighed only one hun- dred and twenty pounds, the recruiting officers would not accept him. However, he would not give up his purpose, but proceeded to Michigan, where he was accepted, becoming a member of Company C, Seventh Michigan Cavalry. He was in all the campaigns and engagements of the army of the Potomac. In the battle of Gettysburg he was wounded, but the need of soldiers being great and the battle a close one, he had the wound bound up, and continued in the fighting line, taking part in the fifteen battles that followed during the next fourteen days. When the fight- ing ceased he permitted the physicians to dress his wounds in a hospital. After the grand re- view in Washington he was honorably dis- charged, but immediately re-enlisted for service against the Indians, in which he made so credita- ble a record that he was promoted to the com- mand of his regiment, serving under Generals Custer, Kilpatrick and Sheridan. He now has in his possession, as an interesting relic, an Indian blanket worn by one of the savages, a memento of his first engagement with the Indians. The fatigue of long marches and exposure to inclement weather told severely upon Prof. Dar- ling's health, and on the expiration of his army service he was unable to immediately resume teaching in Will County. As the Ohio Reform school was located in a very healthy place he went there, accepted a position in the school, and continued in it for four years, when, his health being again restored, he returned to Lockport and resumed work as principal of the schools. When the need of a superintendent of schools was felt in Joliet he was offered the position, which he accepted, holding it for fourteen years. In 1868 he married Miss Abbie Wyman, of Painesville, Ohio. Owing to her ill-health, in 1896 he resigned his position, in order that he might be free to take her to a warmer climate during the winter months of each year. He has long been recognized as one of the most efficient educators of northeastern Illinois. Certainly there are very few who have accomplished more for the educational interests of Joliet than has he, and he richly deserves his high standing as a teacher. In politics he has never been active, but is intelligently conversant with public affairs and votes the Republican ticket. During the war he was made a Mason, and took his first degree in General Washington's old lodge at Winchester, Va. He is connected with Bartleson Post, G. A. R. In religion he is identified with the Christian Church. HOWARD T. KELTIE, secretary and treas- urer of the Keltie Stone Company, was born in Clinton, Canada, June 27, 1851, and was one of a family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living except two sons. His fa- ther, Thomas Keltie, a native of Scotland and a carpenter by trade, settled in Kingston, Canada, at an early age, and afterward removed to Clin- ton, where he died in the primeof life. He mar- ried Mary A. McCullough, who was born of Eng- lish parentage in Canada and died in Detroit, but was buried at Joliet. In religious faith she was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. When three years of age our subject was taken to Port Clark on Lake Huron, but four years later he returned to Clinton, where he attended the common schools. When sixteen he entered a stave factory, and afterward for three years was an engineer in the drilling of salt wells in On- tario, in the vicinity of his old home. Coming to the States, he was engaged to put down an ar- tesian well at Lemont, beginning the work in July, 1873, and digging a well thirteen hundred and GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 487 sixty feet deep, which was the first deep well in the locality. Coining to Joliet, he worked for sev- eral months in deepening wells, then returned to Canada, where he spent the winter. In the spring of 1874 he came to Mendota, 111., where he dug an artesian well twenty-two hundred feet deep. Next he put down a well at Champaign, 111. Returning to Mendota, he worked at the deepen- ing of the well he had previously dug. His next contact was near Marseilles, 111., where he put down a well that was twenty-one hundred feet deep. Afterward he dug several wells in the same vicinity. While at Marseilles, Mr. Keltie made the ac- quaintance of Mr. Hays, of the Joliet Stone Com- pany, who engaged him to buy an engine and ma- chinery for sawing stone, and put it in operation in Joliet. With this concern (the Joliet Stone Company) Mr. Keltie continued as an engineer for four years, after which he superintended their quarries for four years. In 1884 he bought an interest in the Joliet and Chicago Stone Company, of which he was superintendent of the quarries at Fourth and Rowell avenues. After two years he was made vice-president and secretary as well as superintendent, and continued in these capaci- ties until 1893, when he resigned. Organizing the Douglas & Keltie Stone Company, he became its manager, and soon afterward bought his part- ner's interest and changed the name to the Kel- tie Stone Company, of which he is secretary, treasurer and manager. Under his supervision quarries were opened between Jackson and Cass streets, on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, where the company bought a large tract of land. He also opened and began to operate twenty acres west of Joliet, on the same railroad. The quar- ries are provided with steam plant, derricks, sid- ing, and other necessary equipments, and the product is a good quality of building stone. He is also a contracting stone mason and does all the work in this line for the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. He has also had contracts for the ma- terial used in the government piers at South Chi- cago. Shipments of stone are made to all parts of the country, but especially to Milwaukee and St. Louis. In addition to his connection with this business, Mr. Keltie is interested in the Will County Bank and was also one of the incorpora- tors of the Vance Furniture Company, of which he was secretary until the business was sold out. In Joliet Mr. Keltie married Miss May T. Smith, who was born in Joliet, daughter of Will- iam Smith, of Joliet. They have three children, William H., Arthur J. and Laura M. The fam- ily are connected with the First Baptist Church, in which he is church treasurer and president of the board of trustees. At the same time he acts as superintendent of a mission Sunday- school. In national politics he is a stanch Re- publican, and at this writing is a member of the county central committee. He is also treasurer of the Working Men's Republican Club. A member of the board of school trustees for Joliet Township, he is serving his second term as pres- ident of the same. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, and in the latter has served as chancellor commander. gHARLES F. BLOOD, of Joliet, was elected justice of the peace in 1S91 and re-elected in 1893 and 1897, having had his office in the Barber building since 1895. At different times he has held other local offices. For three years he has served as deputy assessor. In 1888 Mayor Paige appointed him chief of police, and he filled the office for two years, meantime accomplishing much toward ridding the city of toughs and des- peradoes. The position was one of the greatest responsibility and required much night work, but he filled it in a manner highly creditable to him- self. When he first came to Joliet, in 1872, he was employed as superintendent of the J. D. Paige bottling works, where he remained until 1878. He then became engineer of steamer No. 2 of the fire department, continuing in the position for ten years, when he resigned to accept the position of chief of police. The Blood family originated in Scotland, but 4SS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was early established in Vermont. Jonathan Blood, a native of Rutland Count}-, that state, and a soldier in the war of 1812, spent his last days in Erie County, N. Y. His son Horace, who was born in Rutland, moved to Erie County, N. Y. , in an early day, and followed the harness maker's trade there. He held numerous local offices, among them those of commissioner and school treasurer. In 1869 he came west and set tied in Remington, Iud., afterward engaging in farm pursuits near that place. He died in Rem- ington, Ind., when eighty-six years of age. During the patriot war he served as a sergeant. He married Nancy Fairbank, who was born in Rutland, Vt., of English descent, and died in Indiana at eighty-three years of age. Her father, Willard Fairbank, a farmer in Vermont, spent his last days in Aurora, Erie County, X. Y. In religion Horace Blood was a Universalist and his wife affiliated with the Baptists. They were the parents of four sons and seven daughters, of whom four of the daughters are deceased. Dorr J., who was a soldier in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh New York Infantry, resides in Remington, Ind. ; Horace W. is a retired busi- ness mau of Joliet; and Anson carries on a coal business in Omaha, Neb. The third of the sous, Charles F., was born in Aurora, N.Y., February 14, 1844. In youth he attended the public school and academy in his home town. With six other students of the academy he left school at noon one day in Sep- tember and traveled by stage fourteen miles to Buffalo for the purpose of placing his name on the recruiting list. He was mustered into Com- pany B, Tenth New York Cavalry, which was sent to Gettysburg, Pa., for the winter. By a strange coincidence, this was the first regiment to enter Gettysburg after Lee's evacuation in 1863. In 1862 he was sent to join the army of the Potomac, and took part in a number of cav- alry dashes and skirmishes in old Virginia. Returning north for the battle of Gettysburg, after that engagement his regiment pursued Lee into Virginia, fighting iu front of Petersburg and at other points. He was present at the mine ex- plosion. At Trevilian Station he was struck in the left foot b}- a ball, but his heavy cavalry boot protected the foot to such an extent that, although he was unable to accompany his regiment for a time, amputation was avoided. At the close of the three years of service he was taken ill with malaria, and was sent to the hospital. On account of physical disability he was honorably discharged in front of Petersburg, in October, in 1864. Returning to his studies in the academy, Mr. Blood found in a short time that his experience in the army had rendered the confinement of the schoolroom distasteful to him. Thereupon he left and started for the west, intending to go to California. However, reaching Plainfield, 111., in 1865, he found his brother Horace ill, and so remained. In 1867 he went to Indiana, but four years later returned to this county, and for a year remained in Wilmington, since which time he has made Joliet his home. June 29, ^71, he mar- ried Caroline, daughter of William Foncaunou, a soldier in the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry during the Civil war. Six chil- dren were born of their union, three of whom are now living, Ernest, Christine and Horace. Politically Mr. Blood was a Democrat prior to the war, but since then has been a stanch Republican. Fraternally he is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., and Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R. t Urt\Mt RsnY f ,tu^ s (FPyi/l /nXy r-(pui GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 491 JOHN HAYDEN. 3OHN HAYDEN was born in Lincoln County, Me., August 19, 1848, and was three years of age when his father, John Hayden, came to this county, so that from his earliest recollections he has been familiar with this region, its people, its development and its agricultural interests. He remained on the home farm until his marriage. This event occurred in 1S77 and united him with Bridget, daughter of Martin and Esther (Welch) Bergau, and a native of Manhattan, this county. Her parents were born in Kilkenny, Ireland, and were among the earliest settlers in Manhattan Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hayden became the parents of six chil- dren, namely: John, Daniel, William and Mar- tin, who are college students; and Anna and Ed- mund, who are attending the common schools. After his marriage John Hayden settled on a quarter section of land which had been deeded to him by his father. He now cultivates six hun- dred and fort}' acres. In the summer of 1893 he built the best farm house in Will County, equipped with modern conveniences, which stamp the own- ers as people of good taste and ample means. An important factor in his success has been his cattle business. He has devoted considerable attention to the feeding of stock and has been successful in the work. In religion he is of the Roman Catholic faith. He votes for the candidates and principles of the Democratic party. For eighteen years he held office as township commissioner, for eight years was treasurer of the town board and for twenty-two years has been a member of the school board. In 1S96 he was made super- 25 visor of the town. So satisfactory was his service that he was returned to the office at the expira- tion of his first term in 1898; this, too, in spite of the fact that the town for years had given a Re- publican majority. Frequently he has been selected to serve as a delegate to the conventions of his part}-. His selection for official positions indicates his great personal popularity as well as the efficient manner in which he discharges his public duties. His life has been a busy and use- ful one, and his honorable career has gained for him the confidence of the people of Florence Township and Will County. (JOHN CONRAD. Perhaps no citizen of Peo- I tone has been more actively identified with G/ varied of its interests than has Mr. Conrad, who is now living retired in the village. A na- tive of Germany, he was born in Odenbach, Rheinpfalz, Canton Lauterecken, April 15, 1830, a son of Peter and Dorothea (Reisz) Conrad. He was one of nine sons and daughters, and the third of six now living. His brothers, Peter and Henry, are both retired from business, the former living in Peotone, and the latter in Monee. Doro- thea is the wife of John Schmidt, of Round Grove, 111.; Catherine is the wife of S. Horning, of Peotone; and Elizabeth, the widow of Fred- erick Schroeder, lives in Peotone. The father of this family was born in Odenbach, January 1, 49- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1796. His father, who was born in France, died in Germany when the son was fifteen years of age. In youth he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he afterward followed in addition to farm- ing. He was a thoroughly upright man, the soul of honor and integrity. He died January 20, 1848, aged fifty-two years. His wife was born at Odenbach, May 26, 1S03, and came to America in 1855, after which she made her home with her children, dying April 28, 1890, when eighty-seven years of age. Under the instruction of his father our subject learned the boot and shoe trade. In 1849, dur- ing the rebellion of the people (Hecker as leader) against the laws of the king of Bavaria, on account of Mr. Conrad wearing a Hecker's hat he was taken off the street in the city of Neustadt, A. D. H., by the soldiers, and terribly mangled and misused. In the conflict he re- ceived, with a sword from the general of a reg- iment, a long deep cut on his right arm, directly above the elbow, cutting clear to the bone. This blow was directed for the head. It was only prevented by a citizen in office of that city, who saw what was going on, ran in at great risk of his own life, takiug hold of the general's arm just as he was striking the blow, thereby breaking the force, which landed on Mr. Conrad's arm, and from which he nearly bled to death. The next morning, still held as their prisoner, and being shamelessly and unmercifully handled all night by the highest officers of said regiment, Mr. Conrad received his death sentence by said offi- cers to be shot at eleven o'clock, a. in., on that day. While on the way to the place of execu- tion, more dead than alive from loss of blood, followed by thousands of soldiers and people, being only about three blocks away from the city square, where the shooting should occur, the king sent a message by wire "to release the young man, and to let him free." The gash can still be seen on Mr. Conrad's arm, showing a very plain wide scar across his arm, and even the stitches of the needle are plainly to be seen to-day, after the expiration of fifty-one years. Mr. Con- rad was nineteen years old at that time. In the same year, 1849, Mr. Conrad was closely watched by two men who were opposed to his re- ligious ideas, he being a Protestant and standing firm by his faith. One evening after retiring he was followed up by these two anti- Protestants, who were partly under the influence of liquor, and at the same time being Mr. Conrad's shop- mates, came into his bed-room, each one armed with a butcher knife. There was no light in the room, but the moon shone bright. Mr. Conrad heard them approaching, and their remarks, say- ing: "He is in, he is in; see, there are his boots," whereupon Mr. Conrad silently slipped out at the rear of his bed, and gradually made his way to the door unnoticed by them, while they were in the act of striking their butcher knives down through the bed- quilts. Examination afterward was made of the bed, and fourteen holes were found in the bedding, they thinking their victim was in the bed. This, too, happened in Neu- stadt, A. D. H. Mr. Conrad also had the ex- perience of five more similar cases, but they are too much to describe. Railroad wrecks; fell twenty feet to a stone floor; was twice in burning houses in the city of New York, when he was a fireman, but was rescued nearly burned; was be- tween two canal-boats in the water, when the only way to save himself was to sink to the ground, and this he did, both boats passing over him, one to the east, the other to the west; one day his horses ran away with him, one of his feet became tangled in the lines, and he was dragged on the ground just a quarter of a mile. Two weeks before the time of his drafting into the army he left for America, May 23, 1850, and on the 30th of the same month he took passage on the sailing vessel " William Sturges," which anchored in Philadelphia July 19, 1850. The following day he went to New York City, where he worked at his trade for four years at a salary of $4 per month for the first six months. During all but six months of this time he was a member of the New York volunteer fire department, No. 18 engine. In September, 1854, he came west and settled at Elmhurst, Dupage County, 111., where he opened a shoe shop. On the day of Lincoln's assassination in 1865 he discontinued the business. Later he established a general GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 493 mercantile business, which he conducted until January 20, 1869. He then came to Peotone and opened the New York house, which he conducted for eighteen mouths, then selling out and opening a general store. Two years later he retired from the business on being elected police magistrate. For eight years he devoted his entire attention to the dutiesof hisoffice. During this time, in 1872, after having been a moderate beer drinker for years, he determined to reform and cease drink- ing, and from that time to this he has kept that resolve, — a fact that shows he is a man of deci- sion of purpose. In 1875, with his son-in law, August Schugman, as a partner, he embarked in the general hardware and stove business, an en- terprise that proved successful. Mr. Schugman's interest was bought in 1S90 by our subject's son, John P., and the firm of J. Conrad & Sou con- tinued for two years, when two other sons, Frank H. and Fred P., became members of the firm, and Mr. Conrad retired to private life. This firm is in existence to-day under the name of John Con- rad's Sons. July 29, 1855, Mr. Conrad married Miss Caro- line Schaubel, who was born in Grombach, Ba- den, Germany, January 23, 1837, and was brought to America by her parents in 1850. They set- tled in Pine Grove, Pa., and in 1854 moved to Elmhurst, 111., where C. Schaubel carried on a shoe business, although in Germany he was a forester and gardener by occupation. On Mr. Conrad's arrival in Elmhurst in the same year, he worked several months for Mr. Schaubel. In 1855 Mr. Schaubel retired from business and moved to Oak Park, 111., where he bought prop- erty and has since made his home. Mr. Schaubel built the first church in Oak Park. It was of the Baptist denomination. He was the origina- tor of the first Sunday-school in Oak Park, and was the local preacher at that charge at certain occasions. He died in 1894, at the age of eighty- five years. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad became the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. Charlotte is the wife of Rev. William Gross, a minister of the Evangelical Church now located at Mount Carroll, 111. John P., Frank H. and Fred P. constitute the firm of John Conrad's Sons. Harry F. is a member of the dry- goods firm of Conrad & Carson, of Peotone. Hattie is the wife of Frank A. Schlauder, a blacksmith and carriage-maker of Peotone. Jennie mar- ried Harry C. Reser, a police officer in Peotone. Charles J. and William R. are employed in the hardware store owned by their brothers. To show the influence Mr. Conrad has wielded among his fellow-citizens, it is but necessary to state some of the positions he has held. For twenty-eight years he has been a notary public and still holds his commission, and for eight years he has served as a police magistrate in Peo- tone. During his residence in Dupage County he was coustable for fourteen years and tax col- lector two years. For nine years he was village trustee of Peotone, and for eighteen years served as school director. During the Civil war he was for two years secretary of the Union League at Elmhurst. In this county and Dupage, alto- gether, he was for seventeen years an auctioneer. For four years he was president of the Sons of Herman Lodge at Elmhurst, and one year its rep- resentative to the grand lodge at Chicago. Dur- ing his eleven years of service as trustee of the village cemetery he has taken great interest in improving and beautifying this spot. In 1888, while in Will Count}', he gave thirty-three days of service as a juror in the United States district court. During the last twenty-eight years he executed vouchers for soldiers without any charges whatever. He also served in Elmhurst, Dupage County, as school director for six years, and in Peotone for twelve years. At the time that Dr. A. Melville and Owen Mink had their fatal altercation in the village of Peotone, Mr. Conrad was the man who stepped in between the two men, right when the fight was the hottest, and prevented Mr. Mink from fur- ther harming Dr. Melville. Mink was about to kick out the brains of Dr. Melville, and while he was in the act, Mr. Conrad stepped in between the two men, taking hold of Mink's shoulders with both hands, and forcibly pulling him away from the doctor, who then lay on the ground half unconscious. While Mr. Conrad was struggling 494 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. with Mink, Dr. Melville, standing off about twenty feet, fired a shot from a 38- caliber, directly under Mr. Conrad's left arm. Mr. Con- rad and Mr. Mink being clinched, the shot killed Owen Mink almost instantly, and he died in Mr. Conrad's arms. The ball landed in Mr. Mink's heart, and passed directly under Mr. Conrad's left side close to his body. This was as narrow an escape from death as many of his other experiences previously mentioned. In 1883 he was rescued out of the fire very badly burned, when his store burned down, and his loss on building and goods was over $6,000. A sketch of Mr. Conrad's life would be incom- plete without some reference to his religious ac- tivity. Since he became a Christian his life has been one of great usefulness, unstained by any shadow. For twenty-two years he has been a trustee in the Evangelical Church, during all of which time he has been secretary and treasurer of •the board. For twenty eight years he has been leader of the choir in the church. Every relig- ious or philanthropic movement receives his sup- port, to the extent of his ability to give. Very justly he holds a high place in the regard of his fellow-citizens as a man of integrity, honor and ability. HER AUGUST ERICKSON, who is one of L/' the most influential Swedes in Joliet, holds f$ a position as keeper at the Illinois state penitentiary. He was born atEkebybouasokeu, Ostergotland, Sweden, in February, 1858, the oldest child of L. P. and Anna Katarina Erick- son. His father, who was a farmer's son, fol- lowed agricultural pursuits and operated a distil- lery. He took the family to Elgmyra, Christ- bergs soken, when our subject was two and one- half years of age, but later settled in Stjarnorp, and finally retired to Norrkoping, and in 1891 died in Motala. His first wife died in 1873, leav- ing four sons and two daughters, of whom the daughters reside in Evanstou, 111., one son, Carl E., is engaged in the hardware business at Iron- wood, Mich., and two sons remain in Sweden, Gustav V. being a sergeant in the national army, while Hjalmar lives in Norrkoping. Of the father's second marriage, three children were born, all now living in Sweden. When a boy our subject had excellent advan- tages and studied English and other branches under a governess. At seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of a tanner and currier in Motala, but after a year went to Liu- kOpiug and secured work there at his trade. In 1877 he became a sailor and sailed via England to Portugal, then returned to Sweden and worked at his trade. May 27, 1879, he landed in New York, from there started at once for Chicago. Through an employment office in the latter city he hired to work in the quarries at Lockport, but after eight days he secured work in the tan- nery of Houck & Brown, where he continued for years, resigning in 1897 in order to accept the position of keeper at the penitentiary. December 13, 1890, in Joliet, Mr. Erickson married Miss Ida Charlotta Meliu, who was born in Swauaholm, Sweden, and came to this city in the spring of 1890. They have four children, Carl Oscar August, Gustaf Birger August, Thorsten Fingal August and Hildiug Walfred August. The family occupy the residence at No. 106 Virginia street, which Mr. Erickson built in 1892. Mrs. Erickson was one of seven children (three here), whose father, Johannes Oscar Melin, was a lifelong resident of Sweden. She is connected with the Royal Neighbors and the North Star Association. Socially, her genial manners and kind heart have won her many friends among her acquaintances in this city. The Republican party has a firm advocate in Mr. Erickson. He is a charter member of the Swedish Republican Club, in which he has offici- ated as vice-president. He is also actively con- nected with the Swedish-American Republican League of Illinois. The Modern Woodmen of America and Fraternal Alliance of Milwaukee have his name enrolled among their members, and at one time he was connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is a charter member and recorder of the North Star Benefit Association in GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 495 Joliet. In the organization of the Swedish Lu- theran Church he took an active part, and at the time of the building of a house of worship he as- sisted, as a member of the building committee. In the offices of trustee and treasurer he has proved a helpful member of the church, and has promoted its welfare constantly since he first be- came identified with it. HON. EDWARD C. AKIN, attorney- general, was born in Will County, Jul}* 19, 1852, and was educated in the public schools of Joliet, and at Ann Arbor, Mich. For four years he was paying and receiving teller in the First National Bank of Joliet, where he acquired an extensive acquaintance throughout Will County. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois in the fall of 1878, and has continued in active practice ever since. He began his political career in 1887, when he was nominated as the Republican candidate for city attorney of Joliet, and although the city was at the time Democratic from five to six hundred, he defeated the Democratic nominee by a majority of over seven hundred. In 1888 he was nomi- nated for state's attorney of Will County, and at the ensuing election led the entire state and county ticket by eight hundred votes. In 1892 he was renominated for that office and again led his ticket by hundreds of votes, and is credited by the leaders of both political parties with having saved the county ticket from defeat. His most brilliant political victory was achieved in the spring of 1895, when he ran as the Republican candidate for mayor of the city of Joliet. Although op- posed by a citizen's ticket, led by a Republican, he defeated the Democratic nominee by a ma- jority of over two hundred, receiving nearly as many votes as both his opponents combined. As a lawyer he stands among the leaders of the Will County bar. As a public prosecutor he has no superior in the state, and his conduct of munici- pal affairs has won for him the admiration of all good citizens, regardless of party affiliations. He is a man of high character and sterling in- tegrity, and although he has been prominently before the people of this count}- for the past ten years, no breath of suspicion has ever been cast upon his private life or official acts. He is a man of fine appearance and pleasing address, and has won an enviable reputation throughout the state as a public speaker. — Chicago Inter Ocean, 1896. A public official, and especially one who holds a responsible and important position, no matter whether he is or is not a candidate for re-election, as a servant of the people, should be able to give a good account of his stewartship. Those whom he serves have the right to know in what manner he has performed the duties of his office, although they may not always insist upon knowing. To show conclusively that an officer has administered his trust ably, impartially, conscientiously, fear- lessly and economically is the best argument in favor of his renomination for a second term that can be presented, and is also a sufficient reason for his re-election. That no opinion rendered by Mr. Akin has been overruled is as gratifying to his friends as it is flattering to himself as a lawyer, and is evi- dence that his legal ability and judicial acumen are of the highest order. It is all the more creditable to Mr. Akin from the fact that a num- ber of these opinions were in connection with the construction of the new laws, such as the revenue law of 1898, the amended statute in relation to loan and building associations, and others of equal importance. The large increase in the work of the department is ascertained by com- paring the figures of the past three years with those for the full term of Mr. Akin's predecessor, which was considered at the time, and justly so, a record-breaker. Mr. Akin has lost no cases except in the supreme court, and of the twenty- eight there decided against him, as will be noted, twenty-seven were criminal cases, which were lost because of errors in the trial courts. It may be fairly claimed, therefore, that he has, in reality, lost but one case. Particular attention is called to his efforts to secure the enforcement of the anti-trust law. This was not done for the purpose of bleeding 496 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the corporations, nor on account of any unreason- able prejudice against, or hostility to, the cor- porations, but because the law requires him to proceed in the manner he did. In the decision of the inheritance tax cases by the United States supreme court in favor of the constitutionality of the law, Mr. Akin won a great legal victory, and the state has been benefited to the amount of nearly $1,000,000 of taxes from this source. All these combine to make up a record of which Mr. Akin may well be proud. His friends are proud of it, and they believe that upon this record alone he should be renominated and re-elected. In placing him on the ticket for a second term, the Republican convention will do a creditable act and one that will be indorsed by the people at the polls in November next. — Juliet Republican, February 2, I goo. W. COPPAGE. It is said that every man t) has his specialty, — some one subject with „_ which he is more familiar than with any other. Some men's specialties are difficult to dis- cover, not so with Mr. Coppage, for even those but slightly acquainted with him are aware that his " hobby " is the manufacture of ink. The term, "ink fiend," meaning an ink salesman, was first used by him, and if this expression may also be taken to mean one whose mind is wrapped up in the subject, and who is familiar with its ever}- phase, it might appropriately be used con- cerning himself. In the spring of 1893, coming to Joliet, he organized the Challenge Printing Company, which manufactures all kinds of print- ers' inks, paints and oils. He is the inventor of a new process ink with a luster, for which he has received the highest testimonials from publishers and printers. Through his efforts the manufac- turers of inks were forced to make an ink with a superior luster for a small price. His inventions are proving profitable to himself, and his sug- gestions have made fortunes for other men. The Copjiage family were among the F. F.V.'s in colonial days, but date back to New England, and were represented in the Revolutionary war. Lemuel Payton Coppage, a native of Virginia and a large slave-holder, being opposed to the institution of slavery, freed his negroes and then removed to Brown County, 111., where he farmed until his death. One of his sons, Joseph, as- sisted in driving the Mormons out of Nauvoo, 111., and later served in the Mexican and Civil wars, retiring as a major; he now resides at Naples, 111. John Wesley Coppage, another son of the Virginia planter, was born in Fauquier County, Va., and in 1S47 settled in Chicago, where he engaged in fresco painting, and also was a canal contractor and boat-owner. He died in Chicago, February 14, 1S71. His wife, Eliza- beth Yarnow, was born in Brockville, Canada, of French descent, and settled in Chicago in April, 1837. Her father, John Yarnow, a native of France, was one of the first shipbuilders in Chi- cago, and superintended the building of the first steam vessel launched in that city. At one time he owned property in the heart of Chicago, but sold it before its value became known. He and "Long John" Wentworth were cronies, and were called the ' ' two big Johns. ' ' His last days were spent in Minnesota, where he died. His daughter, Mrs. Coppage, is now living in Oak- land, Cal. Of her family only a son and daughter are living. The subject of this sketch was born in Chicago, September 18, 1856. His education was begun in the old Harrison street school. He was, ol course, too young to participate in the war, but he vividly recalls the scenes of those da}-s, when his father had charge of the colors on the gun- boat " Carondelet, " and when all was excite- ment and expectation. For a few years he served at the merchant tailor's trade. In November, 187 1, he entered the employ of Millard & Decker, printers. He entered the employ of the National Printing and Engraving Company as errand boy, earning $3 a week, but received various promotions, and was finally made fore- man, with the highest wages paid any employe. After sixteen years with the company he re- signed to take the western agency of J. K. Wright & Co., of Philadelphia, manufacturers of print- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 497 ing ink. He made Chicago his headquarters and traveled throughout this entire section of country, holding the position until the fall of 1892. While he was with the National Printing and Engraving Company, they were the first to put in a plant for making their own ink, and he probably made the first pound of printing ink ever manufactured in the press room. In 1899 Mayor Mount appointed Mr. Cop- page city oil inspector. He was secretary of the first Young Men's Republican Club organized in Chicago. Until 1892 he continued a Repub- lican, but he then became a silver adherent, and in 1896 was elected secretary of the Silver Re- publican Club. He was made a Mason in the William P. Warren Lodge, A. F. & A. M. His marriage in Chicago, united him with Miss Mar- garet O'Brien, who was born at Cold Springs, N. Y. , and by whom he has two daughters, Grace and Gertrude. Mrs. Coppage is a daugh- ter of M. J. and Margaret O'Brien, the former of whom, a contractor, settled in Joliet in 1879, but is now living retired in Chicago. ~T LIAS BROWN, supervisor of Jackson Town- V) ship, and a prosperous farmer and cattle- __ feeder, was born in this township November 12, 1851, a son of Ara Broadwell and Martha (Hougham) Brown. He was one of thirteen children, six of whom survive, namely: Sarah B., wife of George W. Sharp, a farmer in Indiana; Elias; N. Jane, of Joliet; Mary B., who married D. F. Higgins, an attorney of Joliet; Frank, who resides on the old homestead in this county; and Martha M., of Joliet. The father was born near Syracuse, N. Y., February 19, 1820, a son of Peter and Mary (Teeple) Brown, and descended from Scotch forefathers. The Teeple family was founded in America during the Revolutionary war by two brothers from Holland, one of whom espoused the American cause, while the other fought with the British. After reaching manhood Grandfather Brown moved from New Jersey to York state, where he followed farming and the carpenter's trade. In 1834 he removed with his family to Illinois and settled in Will County. He built a cabin on what is now the Boylan homestead, on the Chi- cago street road. In 1837, one- half mile south of his cabin, he built what was at that time the largest farmhouse in the count}-, and in that home he died March 7, 1841. At the time of coming to Illinois Ara Broad- well Brown was fourteen years of age. He re- ceived only a limited education. He was twent)-- one when his father died and afterward he assisted in settling up the estate, then settled down to farm life, cultivating two hundred and sixty acres and an eighty-acre tract, which was his share of the estate. The homestead being his portion of the estate, he remained there up to the time of his death, which occurred September 8, 1865. He was successful in the stock busi- ness and in farming, and at the time of his death owned seven hundred acres of as fine land as the county contained. He was an ardent supporter of the Democratic part)', but in no sense of the word an office-seeker, always refusing the nu- merous offices which were tendered him. The mother of our subject was born in Hamil- ton County, Ohio, April 6, 1824, and descended from an Englishman, who, early in the seven- teenth century, settled in Maryland, having been sent to America by the Church of England as a missionary to the Indians. Her father was a farmer and an active member of the Baptist Church. After having received his education in common schools and the Jennings Seminary, of Aurora, Elias Brown took upon himself the active duties of life and began farming in his native county. February 27, 1878, he married Miss M. Alpharetta Mapps, who was born in Jackson Township, a daughter of Thomas A.' and Mary A. (Hemphill) Mapps. Her father, a native of Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pa., born December 27, 1828, removed with his parents to Ohio in boy- hood and there learned the cooper's trade. When a young man he came to Illinois and settled in Will County, where he married and continued to reside until the time of his death. 49$ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Since his marriage Mr. Brown has resided on his present farm. While he follows general farming, he has made a special feature of the cattle business and has met with success in this industry. In 1883 he was chosen by his party (the Democratic) as a candidate for supervisor and was elected. At that time the term of office was only one year. He was elected for five suc- cessive terms. In November, 1890, he was elected to succeed Henry Spangler, who resigned as supervisor to accept the office of county treas- urer. Since then he has been returned to the office at the end of each term, and has served, with the exception of two years, for the past seventeen years. Fraternally he is a member of Jackson Camp No. 3318, M. W. A. He and his wife are the parents of four children, namely: Ara B., born May 9, 1881; Elias A., September 29, 1883; Jarvis J., April 17, 1888; and Paul, June 24, 1891. ONDUS BRANNON, M. D. Both in Man- 1 1 hattan, this county, where he formerly en- |_J gaged in practice, and in Joliet, where for some years he has had his office in the Barber building, Dr. Brannon is well known as a skill- ful physician and surgeon, one who, by careful study in the best colleges, by clinical work in hospitals, and by practical experience in the building up of a large practice, is fitted to hold a high place in the ranks of his profession. Since he came to Joliet, in December, 1895, he has made a specialty of gynecology and major and minor surgery, and has had a large hospital prac- tice beside his private professional work. Dr. Brannon was born in Decatur County, Ind., November 25, 1857. His father, John, a native of New Jersey, was a young boy when the family removed to Franklin County, Ohio, and settled on a farm. When thirty years of age he removed to Indiana, settling at Forest Hill, where his subsequent years were spent. During the Mexican war he served as a member of an Ohio regiment. His death occurred May 2, 1893, when he was seventy-six years of age. He married Sarah Marker, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, of Pennsylvanian par- entage. She is still living at the old Indiana homestead. Of their five children, Laura re- sides with her mother; Mrs. Isophene Wright, of Greensburg, Ind., is a professional nurse and a graduate of the Illinois Training School for Nurses; Weller cultivates the home farm; George H. is a practicing physician in Manhattan, this county; and Londus, the second son, forms the subject of this sketch. He was educated in the public schools and Hartsville College, and at the age of seventeen began to teach school, it being his aim to earn enough to secure a medical edu- cation. When he was nineteen he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. L. Wooden. In 1878 he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1882, with the degree of M. D. In February, 1S83, he came to Will Count}', opening an office at Manhattan, where he remained until the spring of 1894. Before settling in Joliet he took a course of eighteen months' study and experi- mental work in the Presbyterian, Cook County, Chicago Polyclinic and other large hospitals of Chicago, and availed himself of the splendid op- portunities that city offered for clinical training, whereby he could gain a larger experience than could be gained during a lifetime in a general practice. The last twelve months he spent as house physician and surgeon in the Post-Gradu- ate hospital on the west side, from which he re- ceived a diploma in November, 1895. For several years Dr. Brannon was instructing surgeon at the Silver Cross hospital in Joliet. In 1893 he was appointed pension examiner and was chosen secretary of the board, serving for three years. A change of administration in 1S96 caused his resignation. He is connected with the Chicago and Will County Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. He was made a Mason before leaving Decatur County, and is now iden- tified with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. At one time he was connected with the Odd Fellows. He was married in Peotone, 111., GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 499 to Miss Lizzie A. Jones, who was born in Wilton Township, this county, and is a daughter of Robert Jones, a native of Yorkshire, England. Dr. and Mrs. Brannon, and their niece, Miss Edna Brannon, have a pleasant home at No. 313 Richards avenue. EOL. JOHN CURREY. Notwithstanding the years that have passed since the death of Colonel Currey, his memory has not grown dim in the hearts of those who held him clear. As a pioneer of Joliet he is entitled to mention in the annals of the city, to the early building of which he was a large and prominent contributor. At the time he came to this place, in 1836, it was known as Juliet and was an insignificant hamlet, surrounded by great stretches of undeveloped prairie land. During the subsequent years of his busy life he contributed to its upbuilding and fostered its interests. The Currey family was established in America many generations ago, and was of French ex- traction. Colonel Currey was born in Portland, Me., November 22, 1801, and was quite young when his father, Parish Currey, removed to Massachusetts. For some years he engaged in the mercantile business at Bridgewater, Oneida County, N. Y., coining from there to Illinois in 1836. He became interested in the erection of a large stone building in Joliet, which is now the National hotel. Before the completion of the building his partner, J. J. Garland, sold his in- terest to Martin H. Demmond, and the work was finished by the firm of Currey & Demmond. The building was the largest that had been erected in Joliet up to that time and the house has since been connected with the history of the place. For several years Colonel Currey conducted a large and prosperous mercantile business in part- nership with Mr. Demmond. On the dissolution of the partnership he took a contract for the con- struction of a portion of the Illinois and Michigan canal, and after completing that work he entered into partnership with ex-Gov. J. A. Matteson in the ownership and management of a large supply store, located on the canal. As long as the packets ran on the canal he continued the business, carrying in stock a full assortment of such goods as the location demanded. After buying his partner's interest he continued the business alone for ten years, until his retirement. He had invested in property near Joliet and planned to establish his home upon it, but prefer- ence for city life led him to change his plans and settle in the city. Here he resided until his death, March 11, 1872. The Episcopal Church, of which Colonel Cur- rey was a member, received the encouragement of his support and sympathy. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat. He was twice married; first, in 1823, to Miss Lucy Demmond, of Water- ville, N. Y. , who died some years later. The two children born to their union died when young. In Joliet, March 27, 1866, he married Susan, daughter of James Sterling, who was a native of Sterling, Scotland, but emigrated to America and engaged in agricultural pursuits at Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. By his marriage to Anna Cunnighan five children were born, three now living. Mrs. Currey was the eldest and was born in Cornwall. She accompanied her parents to Illinois at the time of the building of the canal, in which her father was interested as a contractor, with George A. Barnett. During the excitement following the discovery of gold in California Mr. Sterling crossed the plains to the coast, where he spent several years, meeting with fair success. GjUGUSTUS EIB. As a resident of this Li county since 1833, Mr. Eib well deserves / I mention. He was a boy of thirteen when the family settled in the neighborhood of his present home, and he has since been a witness of the remarkable growth of this section. In Har- rison County, W.Va., he was born June 19, 1820. He was one of nine children, of whom five sons survive. His father, Peter Eib, was born in Little York, Pa., March 12, 1779, and removed 5oo GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to Harrison County, W. Va., but in an early day settled in Ohio, where he spent two years. In the spring of 1832 he removed to Illinois and se- lected a claim in Will County, then returned to Fountain County, Ind., where he had been liv- ing for six years. May 10, 1833, he arrived with his family on the place he had selected for their home. He died here August 4, 185S. Remaining with his parents until 1845, our sub- ject then bought eighty acres of canal land, a part of his present farm. He has been prosperous in his undertakings, and now owns one hundred and sixty-seven acres, forming one of the valuable farms of Jackson Township. His marriage, March 20, 1851, united him with Miss Jane Evans, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 2, 1828, a daughter of Lovead and Mahala (Kyrk) Evans. Her father, a native of Ver- mont, settled in Franklin County, Ohio; thence, in 1837, removed to Fountain City, Ind., but one year later settled in Iroquois County, 111., and continued thereuntil two years prior to his death, when he went to Miami County, Kans. Eight children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Eib, four of whom are now living, namely: Adelbert, a farmer of Jasper County, Ind.; Peter and Alonzo, who operate farms in Will County; and Willard, who cultivates the home farm. 3OSEPH A. KELLY, who for years has been the owner of extensive landed interests in Kansas, is now living in Joliet, retired from active business cares, having transferred to his sons the management of his western ranches. He was born in Trellick, County Tyrone, Ireland, and in childhood was brought to America by his parents, Edward and Rose (Curren) Kelly, settling with them in Jackson Township, this county. When a boy he studied in a log school- house, whose equipment and furnishings were as crude and primitive as its exterior appearance. His education was completed in Notre Dame University, where he remained a student for six years, graduating in 1863. Afterward he continued with his father for two years and then embarked in the dry-goods business on North Bluff, near Exchange street, later removing to Exchange, near Canal. For some years we was in partnership with Dan Hendricks, but finally bought his interest and afterward carried on busi- ness with his brother, under the firm title of Kelly Brothers, their location being on Jefferson street. About 1878 he sold out to his brother and returned to the old homestead, where he en- gaged in general farming and the stock business. In 1888 Mr. Kelly removed to Harper County, Kans., buying a ranch six miles from Corwin and placing four thousand acres under fence. The land is well watered by the Little Salty and the Little Sandy creeks and is admirably adapted for cattle-raising. At this writing he has almost one thousand head of cattle on the ranch, and these he markets in Kansas City. Six hundred acres of the land are planted to Kaffer cane, corn and millet, which is used for winter feed. The build- ings on the place are neat and adapted to their several purposes. He also owns another ranch of four thousand acres one mile north of Corwin, lying on the Little Sandy, and this property is stocked with cattle. The K ranches, as these two places are called, are the largest in Harper County. Besides these, he owns three-quarters of a section across the line in Oklahoma. Since 1899 he has been retired from business, making his home at No. 1 1 1 South Center street, Joliet. In earlier life Mr. Kelly was an active member of the Joliet fire department. For twenty- seven years or more he has been identified with the Joliet Sharpshooters' Association. At state and national tournaments he has frequently received the first prize. At the first United States Sharp- shooters' match in Jones' Woods, New York, he won one of the first prizes, and he received a medal at the Centennial in Philadelphia in 1876. He is still a member of the association. In poli- tics he is independent, and in religious connections holds membership with St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. The marriage of Mr. Kelly, in Joliet, united him with Miss Maria Elizabeth Hendricks, who GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 501 was born in Rockford, 111., but was reared in Joliet. She was one of a family of seven, the eldest of whom, Miles, was killed by the Indians when crossing the plains to California in 1849; D. P., ex-city attorney of Joliet, is now engaged in the practice of law in Chicago; Thomas A., formerly a druggist and hospital steward of Com- pany D, Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, during the Civil war, is now a farmer in Oklahoma; J. C. is an attorney in Chicago; and B. L. also resides in that city; Margaret, Mrs. Nugent, is a resident of Chicago; and Maria E , Mrs. Kelly, completes the family circle. Her father, Thomas Hendricks, was a contractor and builder and came from New York state to Illinois in 1843. Her mother, Margaret, daughter of Daniel Quig- ley, was born in Athlone, Ireland, in December, 18 1 7, and crossed the ocean in 1834, afterward marrying Mr. Hendricks in Syracuse, N. Y. Her children were reared in Joliet, with the ex- ception of five years spent in Rockford, where Mrs. Kelly was born. Mrs. Hendricks is a woman of strong character and many admirable qualities. Though now advanced in years, she is active and vigorous, and is devoted to the wel- fare of Mrs. Kelly's family, with whom she makes her home. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have six chil- dren, viz.: Eugene and Edward, who have charge of the Kansas ranches and are engaged in the cattle business there; Leo, who is a student in Notre Dame University in Indiana; Margaret, Marie and Catherine, at home. ["^HILIP MERSINGER. At the time that Yf Mr. Mersinger settled in Joliet, September \3 10, 1S78, the city had a population of only eleven thousand. He has witnessed its sub- sequent growth and had aided in the development of its business interests. Meantime, by his ability and energy, he has become the owner of the largest sewing machine business in the state outside of Chicago. By fair and just dealings with all, he has established a large trade, which is not limited to his home town, but extends throughout this section of the state, four travel- ing men taking orders for machines in Will and adjacent counties. The location of the store is No. 109 South Ottawa street, where may be found on sale New Home, Standard, White and Domestic machines, also some eight cheaper grades of machines. In addition to machines, he has also built up a large trade in pianos and or- gans, and handles all kinds of musical instru- ments, making a specialty of the Kimball and Emerson piano and the Kimball organ. The record of the Mersinger family is traced back to a distant period in the history of the province of Wurtemberg, Germany. There our subject's father, John, was born and reared, and there he carried on a mercantile store. Accom- panied by his wife, who was Jannetta Whiteman, of Ruchhaim, Germany, and their two children, he came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, opening a store at Penn's Valley, Center County, and remaining in that county until his death. In religion he was a Lutheran. After coming to this country he identified himself with the Demo- cratic party. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, five of whom attained mature years and four are living. Several of the chil- dren were born in Center County, Pa., and among these was Philip, whose birth occurred August 8, 1840. He was a mere boy when he began to be self-supporting and for a number of years managed some of the largest farms in Cen- ter and Union Counties and gained a reputation as a good financier and trustworthy manager. However, the exposure in inclement weather brought on rheumatism, and he was forced to seek another occupation. In 1869 he began in the sewing machine business near Center Hall, his native town, where he made his home for some years. In 1878 he came west, intending to settle in Kansas, but the three preceding years of poor crops had ruined business in that state, so he returned as far east as Joliet. In point of years of business activity he is the oldest man in the machine trade in this city. In his work he is efficiently assisted by his wife, who is a lady of superior ability and who takes entire charge of the 502 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. business when he is absent. She bore the maiden name of Sarah E. McCormiek, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Myers) McCormiek, of Scotch-Irish and German parentage. She was born in Center County, Pa., where she was reared, educated and married. In politics Mr. Mersinger is independent. During and after the Civil war he was for four years a special police officer in Philadelphia. He has never cared for political offices, preferring to give his time to his business and its interests. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He was a charter member of the first lodge, Knights of Pythias, that was organized in Phila- delphia (which was the second in the United States), and in the same city he also joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but usually attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a member. They have no children, but are rearing two children of Mrs. Mersinger's brother, Andrew and Candace McCormiek. 30HN F. QUINN, proprietor of an under- taking establishment at No. 407 North Chi- cago street, Joliet, is a well-known Democrat and has served as chairman of the city central committee. In 1897 he was elected city treasurer on the Democratic ticket and served for two years, retiring in May, 1899. From 1881 to 1883 he served as assistant supervisor of Joliet Township. He also takes an active part in various fraternities, being a member of the Court of Honor, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus, a member of the board of managers of the Modern Woodmen of America, and county president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. During the period of his connection with steel and iron works in Joliet he was promi- nent in organizations composed of workers in these mills. He assisted in organizing Stone City Lodge No. 4, Rollers, Hookers and Catch- ers, with which he remained identified until its disbandment. He also aided in the organization of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers; and was the first president of Stone City Lodge No. 4 of the same, holding the office for some years; he rose to be vice-president of the fourth district, comprising Illinois, Wis- consin and some of the west. On retiring from the steel business he resigned the office, but still remains an honorary member of the order. Dur- ing the period of his membership in the associa- tion he attended every national convention that was held and took a leading part in the proceed- ings of each. Mr. Quinn was born in Winchester, Va., April 6, 1853, a son of Bernard and Maria (Carroll) Quinn, natives respectively of County Kildare and Queens County, Ireland. His father, who graduated from the University of Dublin with the degree of C. E., followed surveying and also en- gaged in teaching school in and near Winchester. He died in West Virginia in 1862. His wife, who is still living, makes her home in Keyser, W. Va. They are the parents of seven children, six of whom attained mature years, namely: Mary, who died in Cumberland, Md.; James C, a farmer in Missouri; John F. ; Bernard, who is engaged in farming in western Nebraska; Daniel, a merchant at Keyser, W. Va.; and Julia, whose home is in Chicago. When our subject was nine years of age his father died. The war occurring at the same time, he was deprived of advantages he might otherwise have enjoyed. From West Virginia he went to Cumberland, Md., and thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he secured work at the rolls in a rolling mill. From there he removed to Sandusky, Ohio. In the spring of 1872 he came to Joliet and secured employment in the old iron mill, remaining there until an accidental in- jury to his foot by a hot rail disabled him for work for a year. Upon his recovery, the steel mill having meantime been completed, he began to work at the rolls in it, remaining there until 1883, when he resigned in order to embark in business. Going to Aurora, he opened a livery and undertaking establishment and continued in GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 503 that city until 1890, when he returned to Joliet. Since then he has carried on a general undertaking business. He is connected with the Illinois State Undertakers' Association. His services as a funeral director and erubalmer are in frequent demand, and he is known as a man possessing a thorough knowledge of his business and an accommodating, gentlemanly disposition. In Joliet, December 28, 1880, Mr. Quinn mar- ried Miss Mary A. Downey, who was born in Bremen Township, Cook County, 111., a daugh- ter of Peter and Catherine (O'Sullivan) Downey, natives of Queens and Kerry Counties, Ireland. Her father, on coming to America, settled in Ohio, thence went to Indiana and in 1847 came to Illinois, where he engaged in contracting on the Rock Island Railroad. Meantime he bought a farm in Bremen Township, and afterward gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1875 he bought a farm in Channahon Township, Will County, and afterward resided there until his death, in 1892. Since then his widow has made her home with Mrs. Quinn. Of eleven children, six now living, Mrs. Quinn was the oldest daughter, and by her marriage she has two sons, Bernard J. and John Francis. Mr. Quinn and his family are connected with St. Mary's Catholic Church. REV. WILLIAM BOHLER WALKER, rector of Christ Episcopal Church of Joliet, was born in Atlanta, Ga., February 3, 1852, a sou of Matthew Talbot and Maria (Bohler) Walker, natives of Augusta, Ga. His paternal grandfather, George Minis Walker, was born in the Rappahannock district, Va., and married Mary Tyler Walker, a relative of George Walton, who was a signer of the declaration of independence. Removing to Georgia he followed the profession of a lawyer, and attained consid- erable prominence in that state. Matthew Tal- bot Walker, who was a druggist in Georgia, afterward entered the railroad service, and for years before his death was connected with the Western Atlantic (now the Georgia, Louisville & Nashville) road. During the Civil war he was connected with the government service. At the time Atlanta was besieged by the northern troops he and his family were in such danger that they were forced to flee from the city. On their re- turn they found their residence destroyed and their property laid waste, and they were obliged to live in a stable until a house could be built. He continued to make Atlanta his home until his death, in 1896. His wife, who was a daughter of William Bohler, of Georgia, is still living in Atlanta. Of their six children who attained years of maturity all but one still survive, William Bohler being the eldest of the family. The daughter, Mrs. Henry Z. Harris, resides in Atlanta. Three sous are connected with the rail- road service, George and Matthew Talbot being employes of the Georgia, Louisville & Nashvilk- Railroad at Atlanta, while Henry is employed with the road in Nashville. The early years in the life of William Bohler Walker were filled with excitement. The coun- try was pluuged in a bitter civil strife, and the Walker family lived in one of the Confederate strongholds, against which the fire of federal guns was directed. He assisted in making am- munition for the confederate army, but was, of course, too young to enter the service. In the spring of 1865, at the close of the war, the family returned to Atlanta, from which they had been refugees. He prepared for college in Capt. William Bray's school in that city. In 1869 he entered the sophomore class, University of Georgia, from which he graduated in 1872 with the degree of A. B. Immediately afterward he began to read law with Alexander H. Stephens, a man of national distinction, with whom he made his home at Crawfordsyille until Mr. Stephens re-entered public life. He was admitted to the bar in Atlanta in 1874, but never practiced the profession. It was his mother's hope that Mr. Walker might enter the ministry. This plan he had at first opposed, preferring the law, but afterward he began to be favorably drawn toward the min- isterial profession, for which, indeed, he seemed 5°4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to possess marked qualifications. Impelled by the persuasions of friends and relatives, and also by his own thoughtful, matured judgment, he decided to turn his attention from the law to the ministry. January I, 1S75, he matriculated in Berkeley Divinity School, at Middletown, Conn., from which he graduated in 1877. He was or- dained by Bishop John Williams, of Connecticut, in Holy Trinity Church, Middletown, in 1877. Returning to Georgia, he became rector of the Church of the Atonement in Augusta, where he remained for nine years. Meantime he was mar- ried in Connecticut, February 6, 1878, to Miss Bessie Beecher Shew, daughter of Dr. Joel Shew, a successful physician, and step-daughter of Dr. Winthrop B. Hallock, of Connecticut. The four children born of their union are Winthrop Hal- lock, Edwin Weed, William Bohler, Jr., and Beverly. The climate of the south not agreeing with Mr. Walker, in 18S4 he resigned his pastorate in Augusta and returned to Connecticut, where for three years he was rector of Christ Church in Stratford. He then accepted the rectorship of St. John's Church, in Dubuque, Iowa, where he remained for four years. In February, 1893, he came to Joliet as rector of Christ Church, and has since attained prominence as one of the scholarly ministers of the city. The church of which he is rector was organized thirty or more years ago, and contains in its membership many of the lead- ing citizens of Joliet. Under the leadership of Mr. Walker every department of the work is in a prosperous condition, and the church attracts not only people w T ell known in the city, but many visitors and strangers as well. A mind so active as that of Mr. Walker cannot be confined within the bounds of strictly theolog- ical work or the usually-accepted duties of a rector; for he is a citizen, public spirited and progressive, and nothing that is of importance to the body politic is uninteresting to him. Every movement for the advancement of Joliet finds in him a champion. Every work originated in behalf of the people enlists his sympathy and endorse- ment. His interest in the city's welfare is of that stable character which adheres with steadfast support to principles of undoubted value. While he is a believer in the platform as adopted by the gold wing of the Democratic party, he recognizes the good in all parties, and is himself an enthu- siastic supporter of the present (McKiuley) ad- ministration in the many problems brought before it for solution. His name has been brought into especial prominence through his single-handed fight with the railroad interests. In an article he made the statement that the city should elect for its officials men who would not be subsidized by railroad and street-car lines. On account of this statement the railroad took away his clergyman's permit entitling him to half fare. He fought the matter in the courts, arguing his own case, and defeated them so completely that they sent him a permit, with the request that he use it. How- ever, he returned it by the next mail, stating that he would accept no favors from them, as he had not cared for the permit, but was opposing boldly corporations that endeavored to subsidize the representatives of the people. The Interstate Commerce Commission decided in his favor, establishing the fact that the half-rate was his legal right, and not a courtesy. The case, which was carried on for almost two years, attracted a great deal of attention and started a reform move- ment along the line of passes. ~ BEN S. BRUCE. The business of which 'S Mr. Bruce is the head is one of the largest _ of its kind in Joliet. He started it upon a very small scale, using only four cars the first year, but it increased so rapidly that he was soon obliged to devote his entire attention to its super- vision. For a time the firm name was Bruce Brothers, but on the 20th of February, 1899, the Bruce Ice Company was incorporated, withL. B. Bruce as president and E. S. Bruce secretary and treasurer. The office of the company is at No. 15 10 Collins street, Joliet, and their ice-houses are in this city and at Lake Zurich, on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, fifty-two miles north GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 505 of Joliet, in Lake County. At the latter place they have forty acres, supplied by natural springs that secure the finest quality of ice. The plant is in every respect modern, and is provided with the modern equipments, including the latest steam elevators. The ice-house has a capacity of twenty-one thousand tons. To such an extent has the business grown that the supply of cars will soon reach two thousand per annum. The gentleman to whose energy and good judg- ment the growth of this enterprise is due was born at the old Bruce homestead, two and one- half miles north of Joliet, November 19, 1869. His father, James, was born in Aberdour, Scot- land, a son of George Bruce, the owner of a mill in Scotland, but during his last years a resident of the United States. When twenty-one years of age James Bruce came to America, in 1844, set- tling in Joliet. After working for a short time as foreman in the building of the Rush street bridge, Chicago, and as superintendent of the building of the locks on the Illinois and Michigan canal, he bought a tract of raw prairie land near Joliet and turned his attention to the improve- ment of a farm. In 1S70 he bought the old Taylor property and opened a stone quarry, which he operated until his death, being the principal member of the firm of James Bruce & Co. He laid out the Bruce, Hopkins and Bacon subdivisions of Joliet. His death occurred in this city December 13, 1898. The lady whom he married, Jane Stephens, was also of Scotch birth. She was a daughter of E. Stevens, who came to America and settled on a farm near Millburn, 111. She is still living at the old homestead and is now fifty-eight years of age. Of his eight chil- dren, six are living, viz.: William J., superin- tendent of the Bruce Stone Co ; E. S. ; James, Jr., member of the firm of Bruce & Jameson, at Mar- seilles and Seneca, 111.; Robert, a student in the University of Illinois; Belle, wife of George Stephens; and Margaret, Mrs. John Jameson. The education of our subject was obtained in public schools and the Chicago Commercial Col- lege. For three years he was shipping clerk for the Barrett Hardware Company, after which he traveled, in Texas, in the interests of Lambert & Bishop. One year later he entered the office of James Bruce & Co. , of which he was placed in charge, and he still owns a one-third interest in the company, but of recent years his time has been given exclusively to the ice business. In politics his sympathies are with the Republi- can party and he votes the straight party ticket at local and general elections. Socially he is a member of the Union Club. His marriage, in Chicago, 111., united him with Miss Luella Bur- dick, a former classmate, who was born in Lock- port, 111., daughter of A. S. Burdick, an old settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have one son, Harold A. Bruce. HENRY W. KOENIG, who has made his home in Joliet since 1883, is a well- known contractor and builder of this city, and has followed this occupation here since 1891. Being a man of quickness of comprehen- sion, keen discrimination and intelligence, com- bined with a thorough practical knowledge of his occupation, he has met with constant success in his business, and has been given the contracts for scores of residences in Joliet and surrounding towns. Every contract is carried out faithfully and honestly, thus adding to his reputation and in- creasing the confidence in which he is held by the general public. Besides residences he has had charge of the erection of a number of public buildings, including the Lincoln schoolhouse. At times he has been called to take charge of work as much as two hundred miles distant from Joliet, although the bulk of his contracts have been in or near the city. He built the residence he owns and occupies at No. 209 Cassiday avenue. In Wackstadt, Erfurt, Prussia, Germany, the subject of this sketch was born November 13, 1850, a son of Michael and Barbara (Hartleib) Koenig, natives of the same place. His father and grandfather spent their entire lives on the family homestead. He was next to the oldest of 5 o6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. four children, of whom he alone lives in America. At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade in Bischhagen, where he served for three years, and then worked in Hamburg for another three years. In 1870 he crossed the ocean from Hamburg to New York. After a short time in Chicago he went to Geneseo, 111., thence to St. Louis, Mo. , working at his trade in both places. In 1878 he was appointed foreman of buildings on the Rock Island Railroad, and this position he held until 1890, meantime having charge of the building of freight and passenger depots between Chicago and Rock Island and be- tween Chicago and Peoria. His work was most acceptable to the company and proved financially remunerative to himself, but the constant change from town to town was less pleasant than his present business connections, which enable him to enjoy more fully the pleasures of domestic life. He is a member of the Joliet Builders' Associa- tion. In national politics Mr. Koenig gives his sup- port to the Democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His marriage was solemnized in Tamaqua, Pa., and united him with Miss Louisa Klumpp, who was born in that city, being the daughter of Adam Klumpp, a contractor and builder of break- ers in that region. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Koenig are Callie C, Etta L., Otto A. and Bertha S. "DWARD H. WERNER, D. D. S. The 'S family represented by this well-known m ^ dentist of Joliet traces its ancestry to a long line of German forefathers. His father, William Werner, the first of the name in America, was born at Fraukfort-on-the-Main, Hesse-Darm- stadt, February 5, 1831, and emigrated to the United States when twenty years of age. After three months in Stroudsburg, Pa., in October, 1 85 1, he settled in Frankfort, 111., and for a year was employed as a stone mason in the building of the Rock Island Railroad. Upon removing to Joliet in 1852 he became interested in quarrying, and afterward had the contract for building many of the most substantial stone buildings in the city. In 1856 he was elected commissioner of highways and served as such for three years. From 1 86 1 to 1865 he was an alderman, and for seven years he served as a member of the board of supervisors. In 1863 he was appointed com- missioner in charge of the drafting of soldiers into the army. September 7, 1853, he married Barbara^Goebel, a native of Prussia. Four sons were born to their union, Frederick William, Frederick Charles, George W. and Edward H. The last named was born in Joliet December 9, 1S67. His education was begun in the grammar schools of the city. At an early age he deter- mined to enter the dental profession and his studies were directed with that end in view. The first knowledge he acquired of the science was in 1884, when he began to study under Dr. Staehle, and he continued with the same pre- ceptor until 1889. In the meantime he had en- tered the New York College of Dental Surgery, where he took the regular course of lectures, graduating in 1889, with the degree of D. D. S. Returning to Joliet Dr. Werner at once opened an office in this city and gave his attention to the building up of a professional practice. His thorough study of the science had fitted him for successful practice, and he had many friends among the people of the city to encourage him by their influence and interest. He has con- tinued in Joliet ever since, with the exception of four years spent at Port Byron, Rock Island County, 111. In his practice he avails him- self of the latest improvements in dentistry, and is thoroughly up-to-date in all of his work. His office is at No. 104 Chicago street. He is a mem- ber of the Alumni Association, New York Col- lege of Dental Surgery, and is connected with the Knights of the Globe. Politically he supports the principles of the Democracy. January 22, 1890, he married Miss Leonora Barber, daughter of S. J. Barber, of Joliet. She was born in Grundy County, 111., and is a graduate of the Joliet high school. The two children born of their marriage are named Julia and Clarence Edward. V Of E UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS 506 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. four children, of whom he alone lives in America. At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade in Bischhagen, where he served for three years, and then worked in Hamburg for another three years. In 1870 he crossed the ocean from Hamburg to New York. After a short time in Chicago he went to Geneseo, 111., thence to St. Louis, Mo. , working at his trade in both places. In 1878 he was appointed foreman of buildings on the Rock Island Railroad, and this position he held until 1890, meantime having charge of the building of freight and passenger depots between Chicago and Rock Island and be- tween Chicago and Peoria. His work was most acceptable to the company and proved financially remunerative to himself, but the constant change from town to town was less pleasant than his present business connections, which enable him to enjoy more fully the pleasures of domestic life. He is a member of the Joliet Builders' Associa- tion. In national politics Mr. Koenig gives his sup- port to the Democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His marriage was solemnized in Tamaqua, Pa., and united him with Miss Louisa Klumpp, who was born in that city, being the daughter of Adam Klumpp, a contractor and builder of break- ers in that region. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Koenig are Callie C. Etta L. ( Otto A. and Bertha S. "TDWARD II. WERNER, D. D. S. The 't) family represented by this well-known _ dentist of Joliet traces its ancestry to a Ion;,; line of German forefathers. His father, William Werner, the first of the name in America, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main, Hesse-Darm- stadt, February 5, 1831, and emigrated to the United States when twenty years of age. After three months in Stroudsburg, Pa., iu October, 1S51, he settled in Frankfort, 111., and for a year was employed as a stone mason in the building of the Rock Island Railroad. Upon removing to Joliet in 1852 he became interested in quarrying, and afterwarhad the contract for building m of the most substantial stone buildings in city. In 18S he was elected commissioner highways an served as such for three y« From 1S61 tn865 he was an alderman, and seven years h served as a member of the 1" of supervisor In 1863 he was appointed com mi^sioner incharge of the drafting of soldu into the arm. September 7, 1S53, he marric Barbara'Goeel, a native of Prussia. Four - were born t their union, Frederick Willi Frederick C George W. and Edward The last nanxl was born in Joliet Decembei 1S67. His eucation was begun in the gran; schools of tL city. At an early age he d< mined to eter the dental profession and 1. studies weredirecti 1 with that end in view The first kn> acquired of the sci was iu 1884, hen he began to study undei Staehle, and he continued with the same ceptor until 3So. In the meantime he had en tered the Ne' York College of Dental Sin where he tok the regular course of lectures graduating i [889, with the degree of D. D. S. Returning 1 Joliet Dr. Werner at once opened an office in tls city and e ve his attention to the building upof onal practice. His thorough stuv of the science had fitted him for successful pictice, and he had main- friends among the p»ple of the city to encourage him by their infieuce and interest. He has con- tinued in Joli ever since, with the exception of four years s:-ut at Port Byron, Rock Island County, 111. In his practice he avails him- self of the lalst improvements in dentistry, and is thoroughlyup-to-date in all of his work. His office isatNi 1 ■■; Chicago street. He is a mem- ber of the Aim; tion, New Y lege of Dent and i the Knights < the Glo! the principle of the I' :;'>og 1890, he mar of S. J. Ba: Grundy C Joliet hig] their man Edward. r t > if ^retC. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 509 FRED SEHRING. I - RED SEHRING, deceased, late president of Yy the Fred Sehring Brewing Company of Joli- | et, was born in Langeu, Dukedom of Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, December 19, 1834, and received the rudiments of his education in the excellent schools of his native land. When thir- teen years of age, in 1847, he came to America with his parents, Weigand and Margaretha (Keim) Sehring. The Sehring family is one of prominence among the German-Americans of Will County. Its founders here were Weigand Sehring and his wife, who settled in Frankfort Township in 1847. Weigand was a soldier in the war of 1813 in Germany, which decided the fate of Europe. When he came to the United States he engaged in farming. In 1854 he and his family removed to Joliet and engaged in the hotel business, his son being interested with him in this enterprise. In spite of the fact that Fred Sehring had only eight months' instruction in the schools of Amer- ica, by diligent application he accpiired a good English education and in early life laid the foun- dation of the broad knowledge that proved so helpful to him in later years. In i860 he was appointed deputy clerk in the recorder's office in Joliet, a position which he filled with such ability as to win recognition. In 1863 he was elected county treasurer. This office he filled with such fidelity and success that he was re-elected at the expiration of his term of two years, and served until 1867. Upon retiring from office he pur- chased an interest in the brewing firm of Joseph Braun & Co., which founded what is to-day one of the finest plants in the northwest. The total capital at first was only $6,000 and during the 26 first year only three men were employed, but the total output reached one thousand barrels. Two years later it had increased to eighteen hundred barrels. Upon the death of Mr. Braun, in 1870, a change was made in the business, Mr. Sehring securing the active control, and changing the name to Columbia Brewery. The success already gained continued during the ensuing years. He put his whole soul into his business, with a de- termination that always wins success; yet, while determined, aggressive and pushing, he was up- right and honorable in every transaction and recognized no line between meanness and dishon- esty. He believed that the man who would pur- posely cheat his friend would cheat his God. His heart was kind, and full of warm responses to generous natures. The constant increase in the business led Mr. Sehring to make a change. In January, 1883, he incorporated the Fred Sehring Brewing Com- pany, with himself as president, his son Henry, vice-president, his son-in-law, Henry F. Piepen- brink, secretary and treasurer, and his son Louis J., superintendent. The new corporation began with a capital of $50,000. He continued to act as president until his death. At the same time he was a director of the Will County National Bank. • Fraternally he was a prominent Odd Fellow and frequently represented his lodge in the grand lodge. He was also a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Joliet Commandery No. 4. Politically he believed in Democratic principles. In 1874 he. was elected to the city council, where he served for eight years. During the same year he was the Democratic candidate for the state senate against A. O. Marshall, Republican, and 5io GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. C. Frazier, the Granger candidate. The returns showed Mr. Marshall elected by twelve majority. Mr. Sehring contested the election. The matter was taken into the legislature, where one hundred and forty illegal votes were proved to have been cast against him and which were placed to his credit, by the report of a majority of the committee on the contest; but the Republicans and Grangers combined against him, casting twenty-six votes for Marshall, while twenty-three were cast for him. He favored movements for the benefit of the people aud the development of his home town, and proved himself a generous, public- spirited citizen. He died July 2, 1892, and is survived by his wife, who resides at the old homestead, with her unmarried children, Susan E. aud Louis J. Mrs. Fred Sehring was a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Bez, who came from Wurtemberg, Germany, to America in 1853 and settled in Joliet, where she was married to Mr. Sehring January 16, 1855. Besides her sou and daughter who reside with her she has two daughters and two sons, viz. : Maggie, wife of Henry F. Piepenbrink; Henry, a member of the Sehring Brewing Company; Anna C. , who is the wife of Dr. A. A. Poehuer and resides in San Francisco, Cal. ; and George F. , who is teller in the Will County National Bank, and was mar- ried in 1896 to Miss Louisa Kramer, of this city. A record of the life of Fred Sehring would not be complete without mention of his wife. Though her sphere was in the home, yet from that place she aided aud encouraged her husband in his struggle for success. Thus she assisted in the up- building of the business that has made the name of Sehring prominent and influential. From her home she made many errands of rnercy to the huuies of the poor and needy, but her deeds of devotion and self-sacrifice were always quietly doue, being of the kind of which it may be said that the left hand knoweth not the benefactions of the right. Even the weight of advancing years has not lessened her activities. No one has ever left her presence discouraged, and her charitable spirit is so broad that it knows no dis- tinction of creed or nationality. The death of Mr. Sehring did not prove fatal to the business he had built up. This was left in safe hands, with his sons and son-in-law. The eldest of the sons, Louis J., succeeded him as president, aud is still the general manager of the business. He was born in Joliet April 12, 1858, and at an early age learned the rudiments of the brewing business in his father' sbrew r ery. After- ward he served apprenticeships with Bernheimer & Schmidt, of New York City, and the Peter Schoenhofen Brewing Company, of Chicago. Returning to Joliet in October, 1877, he was at once appointed superintendent of the brewery, and has retained the position as manager up to the present time. In character he possesses many points of resemblance to his father. Like him, he is honorable in every transaction and conducts the business in a straightforward, ener- getic and honest way. Like him, too, he believes in aiding measures for the benefit of the city. From 1885 to 18S7 he represented the third ward in the city council. He is a member of the Sharpshooters' Association and is rated as a crack shot. His time, however, is given to busi- ness matters rather than to politics or recreation, although he does not neglect the latter. Henry Sehring was born in Joliet in 1861 and received a public school education. When seven- teen years of age he entered the brewer) - with which he has since been connected. In 1883 he was elected vice-president, an office that he still fills. In 1889 he married Miss Katie Arnold, who was born in Mattesou, 111., and by whom he has a sou, Arnold. The brewery is situated at the corner of Bridge and Summit streets, where the company owns five acres. The water is secured from two springs and is, by chemical test, proved to be especially adapted to the brewing business. In 1S94 a bottling establishment was started. Two kinds of beer are manufactured, the Standard- Pale aud Muenchener, which are sold in Joliet and adjoining towns. With the building and machinery, which are of great value, there is a capacity of thirty thousand barrels anuually. At present the sales amount to the full capacity of the plant, and plans are being drafted for large improvements to increase the capacity. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 5ii The constant growth of the business is due to the wise judgment and enterprise of the officers of the company, who have devoted years of effort to the building up of the plant. 6>G)ILLIAM H. LANFEAR has a well-culti- \ A / vated farm on section 29, Homer Town- V V ship, where he is engaged in general farm pursuits and in raising Norman horses, cattle and hogs. He holds an honorable place among the men of character and principle, who have had the making of this county and who are active in sustaining its reputatiou as one of the rich agri- cultural regions of the state. Having lived in the same neighborhood since a child, he is well acquainted both with the people and the advan- tages of the township, and has gained a high po- sition among his fellow citizens. After his mar- riage, in 1852, he settled on a portion of the homestead, and has since built a neat residence, substantial barns and good fences, has made other valuable improvements, including the plant- ing of trees, and has brought the two hundred and thirty-four acres comprising the farm under excellent cultivation. Few citizens of the town- ship have resided here longer than he. It has been his privilege to witness the wonderful trans- formation of the county during the past sixty- five years, and in the development of its re- sources he has been an active factor. The Lanfear family was founded in America by Seth Lanfear, a native of Holland, who crossed the ocean in the "Mayflower," and settled in New England. From there his de- scendants moved to Montgomery County, N. Y. Joshua Lanfear, our subject's grandfather, was born in that county and died on a farm there when ninety-six years of age. His brothers served in the continental army during the Revo- lutionary war. His son, Asa, who was born in Montgomery County in 1793, became the owner of a large farm in his native count}*, but after a time decided to seek a home in the then sparsely settled west. In 1834 he made a prospecting trip to what is now Will County, 111. Being pleased with the location he bought a farm on section 29, Homer Township, and began to break ground and build fences. In the spring of 1835 he brought his family to the new home, where he built a log cabin and began life in the midst of pioneer surroundings. From the first he was prospered. He tilled the soil, reaping large har- vests of grain, and also engaged in raising stock. He was a Republican in politics and served his district as a school director. For years he was a deacon in the Baptist Church and Sunday-school superintendent. June 23, 1871, he passed from earth, being then almost seventy-eight years of age. His marriage united him with Olive Bur- gess, who was born iu New York in 1797 and whose step-father was killed by Indians. She died in 1883 at the home of her son, William H. , when eighty-five years of age. Of her ten chil- dren, the following survive: Ardelia, the widow of Joseph B. Rowley; Lydia H., the widow of Alfred G. Rowley; Eiion, a resident of Texas; William H.; Mary J., the widow of William Morse;. Joel S.; and Olive M., wife of Curtis Morse. In 1832 Selah, a brother of Asa Lanfear, came to Will County with his family and settled in Homer Township, where he died at the age of thirty-three years. His body was interred in the burial-ground on section 30, being the first to be buried there. His widow was eighty-four at the time of her death. During the Black Hawk war he was captain of a company and built a fort east of Lockport. Years after he had come to Illinois, his brother, Enon Lanfear, brought his family here and settled in Homer Township. On Christmas day of 1830 our subject was born at Sempronius, Cayuga County, N. Y. When five years of age he was brought to this county by his parents. His education was obtained in common schools, which he attended a few months each year. February 25, 1852, he married Miss Emily M. Savage, a sister of Hon. Amos Savage, in whose sketch the family history appears. She was born in Granville, N. Y., July 24, 1830, and 512 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was three years of age when her parents settled in this county. Since then she has resided in this locality, where her family have always stood high. She was educated in the pioneer schools of Illinois and exhibited ability for teaching. She taught four terms in Homer Township success- fully. For the first term her compensation was but $1.00 per week and "board around." Dur- ing the last year she received double this amount, much to the envy of some of her associates. Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Lanfear three are living, namely: Mary A., who is the wife of Joseph Brown, of this county; Albert H., at home; and Nettie E., wife of Frank E. Hyatt, of Lockport. Four children are deceased: Asa W. , born November 8, 1854, died March 22, 1871; Ida M., born August 2, 1856, died January 6, i860; Charlie E., born November 3, 1872, died July 24, 1873; and Willie H., born November 3, 1872, died September 13, 1874. The family are identified with the Baptist Church at Lockport, of which Mr. Lanfear is a trustee. (DQlLLIAM F. McMASTERS, city clerk of \ A / Joliet, is a descendant of a Scotch family Y V tnat was identified with the early history of North Carolina. His parents, William F. and Elizabeth (Allen) McMasters, were natives re- spectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio and died in the latter state, the father in 1864, the mother in 1872. The maternal grandfather, William Allen, was a farmer of Jefferson County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Rev. David McMasters, was a son of Rev. James Masters (as the name was then spelled), and a native of Chatham County, N. C, where his family had been slave- holders, but becoming convinced of the injustice of the institution they finally set their slaves free. David McMasters and two of his brothers became ministers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. While living in Pennsylvania he married Miss Anna Starr. Later they removed from that state to Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio. They were accompanied by a ten-year old girl, Lucy Norman, whom they reared and who was married by Rev. Mr. McMasters to Mr. Stanton; they became the parents of Edwin McMasters Stanton, the famous war secretary of the Rebel- lion. At an early age William F. McMasters, Sr., our subject's father, accompanied his parents to Jefferson County, Ohio. There he carried on a furniture business and later was proprietor of a boot and shoe store, also of an insurance agency. For some years he served as county auditor. A member of a family of two daughters and one son, our subject was born in Steubenville, Ohio, April 10, 1863. After his mother's death he came to Illinois and made his home with an aunt in Canton, where he attended the public schools. At the age of twelve years he secured work on a farm and from that time he earned his own livelihood. In 1876 he became an appren- tice to the cigar-maker's trade, which he followed in Canton until 1881, and afterward traveled through the east and in Canada. ' In 1886 he was married in Galesburg, 111., to Mrs. Nettie (Bald- win) Krollman, who was born in Monmouth, this state, being a daughter of George Baldwin, an earl)' settler of Monmouth and proprietor of the Baldwin house in that city. April 10, 1890, Mr. McMasters arrived in Joliet, where he has since made his home. He was employed in a cigar factory until 1899, being foreman during four years of that time. In the spring of 1899 he was elected city clerk on the Democratic ticket, receiving a majority of two hundred and forty-five. On the 1st of May he took the oath of office, and has since, with the aid of two assistants, discharged the duties of the position to the satisfaction of all concerned. The Democratic party receives his steadfast support, and he is actively interested in political matters. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. During his active con- nection with the Cigar Maker's Union he fre- quently was elected its president, and he was also for some years president and financial sec- retary of the Central Trades and Labor Council of Will County. He and his wife have two GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 5i3 daughters, Estel and Georgia, and by her first marriage Mrs. MeMasters also has a daughter, Maude Krollman, who is now a student in the high school of Monmouth, 111. HON. JOHN B. MOUNT, mayor of Joliet. The Mount family is of English and Ger- man descent and was early represented in New Jersey. Elias P. Mount, who was born near Morristown, N. J., the son of a brick man- ufacturer, learned the builder's trade in Newark, and about 1855 came to Illinois. Settling in Jacksonville, he engaged in business as a con- tractor and builder. An active Democrat, he however never held public office. In religion he was a Presbyterian, and fraternally a Master Mason. Ainonghiscontractsweretho.se for the courthouse at Jacksonville, large portions of the insane asylum, deaf and dumb school and the institute for the blind; twice he built the Illinois Female College. He built many of the most substantial business houses and residences in that city, and was one of its first prominent contract- ors. He died there in October, 1892. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Johnson, •was born near New London, Conn., the daughter of a farmer whose ancestors came from England and served in the colonial army during the Rev- olution; her mother was a member of an old Puritan and Revolutionary family to which be- longed ex-Governor Morgan, of New York. Mrs. Elizabeth Mount died in January, 1898, at the age of sixty-four years. Of her six children all but one are living. The eldest of the family, John B., was born in Jacksonville, 111., January 16, 1859. He .was educated in public schools and Whipple Academy, where he took a college preparatory course. In 187(1 he entered a drug store, where he clerked, and at the same time studied pharmacy, remain- ing there until 1882. He then came to Joliet and opened a drug store on the corner of Chicago and Jefferson streets, where he remained for thirteen years. He then bought the property at No. 702 Washington street, near Eastern avenue, where lie has since carried on a large business as drug- gist. Since 1889 he has been a stockholder and director in the Mutual Building and Loan Asso- ciation. Fraternally he is identified with Matte- son Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M., in which he is treasurer. Reared in the Baptist faith by his mother, he has always been in sympathy with the doctrines of that church and has aided its work. He was a charter member of the Stone City Union Club of Joliet and is still actively connected with it. In Marseilles, 111., Mr. Mount married Miss Annie L- Bruce, b3' whom he has a daughter, Margaret Bruce Mount, a member of the Joliet high school class of 1900. Mrs. Mount is a grad- uate of the Young Ladies' Atheneuin at Jackson- ville and is a cultured, educated lady, possessing many attractive traits of character. She is of Scotch parentage, her father, Alexander Bruce, having been born in Scotland, whence he emi- grated to Illinois and engaged in banking in Marseilles until his death. He was also a prom- inent railroad contractor, his specialty being stone masonry for railroad bridges, and he bridged the Illinois and Mississippi rivers more than twelve ti mes. For some years Mr. Mount has been one of the leading Democrats of his city and has also served as treasurer of the county central committee. In 1893-94 ne was Q tiy treasurer. With the excep- tion of those two years he has filled the office of assistant supervisor since 1889, and is at present a member of the judiciary committee appointed to settle with the circuit clerk. In the spring of 1897 he was the Democratic nominee for mayor, but was defeated by two hundred and four votes. Two years later he was again nominated, and this time defeated Colonel Bennitt by nine hun- dred and eighty votes, assuming the duties of the office on the 1st of May, 1899, for a term of two years. In the capacity of mayor he is ex-officio president of all the public departments. Alike in business circles and in public affairs Mr. Mount is, by common consent, accorded a high place. Successful in a financial sense, ex- 5H GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. hibiting clearness of judgment and great energy in the conduct of his drug business, he has proved himself to- be no less fitted for the functions of an office-holder, and has displayed a public spirit and force of character as the head of executive affairs in Joliet. The best interests of the city have been promoted by his influence. It is the testimony even of those opposed to him in pol- itics that, as mayor, he has always protected the city's interests and defended its rights: and that, in the performance of his duties as executive, he is quick to recognize an important situation and equally quick in devising means of meeting it — qualities that have enabled him to perform efficiently the exacting duties of his office. ' DWARD R. McCLELLAN, who is engaged ) in farming and cattle-raising on sections 22 . and 23, Plainfield Township, was born in Will County, October 26, i860, the only child of John and Arathusa (Brown) McClellan. In 1745 three McClellan brothers came to America and settled, one in Connecticut, another in Pennsylvania and the third in western Massa- chusetts. From the Massachusetts settler de- scends the subject of this article. From the Pennsylvania descended Gen. George B. Mc- Clellan. Hugh McClellan, our subject's great- grandfather, was captain of a company of minute men from Shelburne and Colerain, Mass., who started from the front April 20, 1775, the day following the battle of Lexington. He served honorably throughout the Revolutionary war and participated in many hard-fought battles, among them the battle of Stillwater on the Hud- son, where General Burgoyne had thrown a rope bridge across the river to be used as a means of retreat. A few days before that engagement the colonists were roused east of the Hudson. All of the pewter plates in their houses were melted into bullets. Although a child of Colonel Mc- Clellan had just died, he stopped only long enough for the burial, and with a fleet horse overtook his men before they reached Stillwater. There the bridge was guarded by a company of thirty Hessians, all but one of whom were killed, this aiding materially in the defeat of Burgoyne and his bloodthirsty Indian allies. At the close of Shay's rebellion his home was made the repos- itory of the arms and ammunitions of war of the little belligerent army, and a large room in his colonial mansion, known as the north chamber, was filled with them. There he also administered the oath of allegiance to the people. Hon. Michael McClellan, son of the Revolu- tionary colonel, was elected on the Whig ticket to the Massachusetts legislature, in which he served for several terms. By his marriage to Jane Patterson he had eight children, of whom John was the youngest and is now the sole sur- vivor. He received a public-school education and remained on the homestead until he at- tained his majority. From Massachusetts he came direct of Illinois and settled in Will Coun- ty, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Plainfield Township. To this he added until he owned one hundred and eighty-five acres. There he remained, cultivating the soil and raising stock, until the fall of 1SS3, when he retired from farm cares. Since then he has made his home in Plainfield. During the existence of the Whig party he voted for its principles and afterward became a Republican. Since 1880 he has held the office of road commissioner, a position that he has filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. The education of our subject was obtained in the schools of this county and the high school in Niles, Mich. Upon completing his course there he returned to the home place and began to assist in its management. He continued with his fa- ther until the latter's retirement to Plainfield, since which time he has been alone. He has made a specialty of the cattle business, making his fanning secondary, and while he sells some oats, he is obliged to buy each year considerable corn for feeding. In buying cattle his preference is for the Durhams. He has added to his hold- ing until he now operates two hundred and sixty- five acres, every part of which is now accessible GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 515 to running water. One hundred and thirty acres are under the plow, the remainder being used for the pasturage of stock. In addition to his cattle he keeps a few trotting horses on the place. In the delegation work of the Republican party in his township Mr. McClellan has taken an active part, wielding an influence for the candi- dates of the party, but seeking no official honors for himself. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. November 27, 1883, he married Miss Carrie I. McAllister, daughter of Capt. Edward McAllister, of this township. They have two daughters, Inez A. and Vera E. HON. HUGH HENDERSON. On the 22d of October, 1854, there was genuine grief in the state of Illinois, but its intensity and depth were most keenly felt in Joliet and Will County, where Judge Henderson's death, at that period, was in reality a public calamity. He was an ornament to the bar and the judiciary and elevated to a higher eminence every position he occupied. His selection to revise the laws and statutes of the state, at Springfield, a duty to which he devoted three months of active energy and an intelligent mind, trained in the legal lore of the past, and its application to the existing condition of the time, was an evidence of eminent qualifications to fill the highest office within the gift of the people. That they appreciated his merits and well-won honors was made evident by records that are now historical facts, that he- was at that period the contemplated candidate for governor on the Democratic ticket, with a certainty of election to the gubernatorial chair. In those days Illinois was a magnet of attrac- tion for the youth, genius, intellect and manhood of other states, until it became the nursery of the builders of the nation, on the lines marked out by Washington, Jefferson and Jackson. If Ken- tucky furnished a Lincoln, New York contributed a Henderson, another of Nature's noblemen, called away when his services to country and friends were most needed, and before his brilliant talents and faithful discharge of public duty had time to receive the recognition that was so cer- tain of fulfillment. Hugh Henderson was born on a farm in Nor- way, Herkimer County, N. Y. , June 9, 1809. At an early age he aided his industrious parents, especially in spring and summer, when and wherever his services were available. In winter he attended the country school and laid the basis of an education that was achieved by a determi- nation, characteristic of his spirit, to succeed in whatever duty he undertook. At the age of eighteen he taught school. This occupation he followed until he had saved sufficient to enter Fairfield College, New York. There, by close application, he forced his way to the foremost rank and graduated with high honors. Entering the law office of George Feeter, of Little Falls, N. Y., he never halted in his exertions to acquire a knowledge of all it was necessary he should know, in a profession he was destined to honor, and in which he was to become an authority on matters of jurisprudence. In the spring of 1835 he anticipated Horace Greeley's advice and came west, showing his good judgment by locating in Joliet, where he opened an office on the east side of Chicago street, north of Cass street. His letters to par- ents and friends at this period were prophetic, read in the light of to-day, and he contributed more than his share, with the progressive pio- neers of that time, to prepare the way for the prosperous conditions of the present, which makes a great future inevitable. December 23, 1837, he married Helen Myers, who was born in Herkimer, N. Y., December 30, 1814, and who came to Joliet in 1835. Her father, Michael Myers, was an officer during the war of 1812, and her grandfather was Gen. Michael Myers, of Revolutionary fame. Her maternal grandfather was Army Surgeon Gris- wold, who afterward was elected governor of Connecticut. That the judge was happily mar- ried and received co-operation in his lofty, pa- triotic and political aspirations, was well under- Si6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. stood, but how could it be otherwise in the off- spring of such an ancestry. Mrs. Henderson is alive to-day, at the age of eighty-five, in her forty-fifth year of widowhood; loyal and faithful to her husband's memory, with a mind clear and intelligent, showing in affliction the courage of her race, and with that depth of love for home and kindred for which they were noted. The old homestead, built in 1838 under the judge's supervision, and her every wish consulted in its erection, bears its old-time appearance and serves as an historic landmark. Its appearance demon- strates the mother's desire to retain in its en- tirety the home to which her husband was so attached, commemorative of struggles and tri- umphs. Progressive as the family are in every- thing else, the mother's feelings are too well understood and felt to have am* change sug- gested that would rob the home of any recollec- tion of its happiest hours. The family consisted of four children. Mar- garet S., who resides at Lyons, Mich., is the widow of John A. Kelly, captain of Company K, One Hundreth Illinois Infantry, during the Civil war. Daniel C, who married Rose W. Wood- ruff, of New York, was for many years editor of the Joliet Daily and Weekly Record and. died in 1898, highly esteemed by all who knew him. James E., publisher of the Joliet Signal, the old- est paper in the state, married Kate A. Alpine, who is at present public librarian. John D. is represented in the following sketch. Honest and upright in all their dealings, liberal and generous as the case demands, unassuming at all times, it need not be wondered at that the Henderson fam- ily are so highly esteemed in the community. The old files of the Record and Signal, as well as the court records, bear ample testimony to Judge Henderson's success as a lawyer prior to his election as judge of the circuit court, to suc- ceed Hon. Theophilus W. Smith. The seventh judicial circuit in those days embraced the coun- ties of Will, Dupage and Iroquois. His ac- knowledged ability, illustrated in his able deci- sions, his impartiality in all cases and at all times, were no more conspicuous than his up- right character, which won for him the respect of the bar and the confidence and esteem of the community. No wonder then that his name and fame should spread to other districts and that he should be selected as the banner bearer of the Democratic party which had determined that his name should head the state ticket for governor of Illinois. However, Fate willed it otherwise. That parental affection characteristic of the fam- ily prompted him to pay a visit to the scenes of his boyhood days and to the old folks at home who cherished his memory. He left his family and Joliet October 1, 1854; he was in good health and spirits, and little dreamed it was the last parting from his dear ones. On the journey he caught a severe cold which developed into pneu- monia, and he died on the 22d of the same month. No opposition was raised to the wishes of his relatives to have him laid to rest near his birth- place, and Norway cemetery contains all that is mortal of Judge Henderson, whose name will be perpetuated in the annals of his adopted city and state and whose memory is still green in the hearts of those who held him dear. At the De- cember term of court, Mr. Osgood, by request of the bar, presented resolutions of respect which were adopted and spread on the records. Joliet is proud of preserving the names of the pioneers worthy of honor and to her everlasting credit will it be placed that the judge's memory has been perpetuated by naming after him a school and a leading thoroughfare — the Hen- derson school and Henderson avenue. (John d. Henderson, of joliet, a son of I Judge Hugh Henderson, was born October Q) 16, 1 85 1, in the house where he now resides. Deprived of his father by death when he was too small to realize his loss, he was reared under the wise yet gentle rule of his mother, who gave him good educational advantages and fitted him for an honorable place in the business world. From early boyhood he was connected with railroad companies, being with the Chicago & Alton for GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 5i7 eleven years, the Santa Fe for six years, and the Rock Island for twelve 3 - ears. When he began work he carried messages for the operator, who was none other than the present Sir William Van Horn, president of the Canadian Pacific. Dur- ing all this time he was located in Joliet. Owing to failing health he was obliged to resign his position and seek other employment. In 1895 he embarked in the real-estate and loan business, which he has since followed, having his office in the Barber building. The change of occupation has proved helpful to him, for he now enjoys ex- cellent health. At the same time he has been financially prospered and has accumulated a competency through his intelligent and indus- trious efforts. He opened a subdivision on Hen- derson avenue and Jackson street, just east of Spring Creek, and here he platted thirty- eight residence lots. In politics, though not a partisan, Mr. Hen- derson is a staunch Democrat, adhering to the party in which his father was so prominent a figure for years. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, and is also a member of Powhatan and Rebekah lodges and Eagle En- campment of Odd Fellows. December 22, 1880, at Lyons, Mich., he was united in marriage with Cora E. Coon, daughter of Peter Coon, a mer- chant of that town. Two children have been born of their marriage, Louis J. and Edna L- HON. HENRY SNAPP. Through his hon- orable record as state senator and member of congress, Mr. Snapp's name and life are worthy of perpetuation in the annals of this county. He was born in Livingston County, N. Y., June 30, 1822, a son of Abratn Snapp, who was a native of Pennsylvania (born in 1795) and descended from a Strassburg (Germany) fam- ily that settled in America about 1740. From Pennsylvania Abram Snapp removed to New York, where he worked as a farmer and cabinet- maker. In 1825 he settled in the western part of New York, and was deputy sheriff in Rochester. In 1833, accompanied by his wife and four chil- dren, he started west, traveling via lake to De- troit, thence by team to Illinois, and establishing his home in what was known as "Yankee Settle- ment" (now Homer Township, Will County). It was then in Cook County, Will County not being organized until 1836. He entered a large tract of land and engaged extensively in farming, continuing until 1863, when he retired to Joliet. An accident that resulted in blood poisoning caused his death in 1865. He had served as an officer in the Baptist Church, in the work of which he was long a leader. His wife was Sarah Weed, member of an old eastern family and a cousin of Thurlow Weed. Of their three daugh- ters and two sons, only two daughters are living, Mrs. Johnson, of Kankakee, and Mrs. Mather, of Joliet. From the age of eleven years the life of Henry Snapp was identified with the growth of Will County. From his father he inherited a strong will and uncompromising integrity, together with intellectual traits of no common order. Upon at- taining his majority he came to Joliet and read law with E. C. Fellows and S. W. Randall, and in 1S43 he was admitted to the bar. For the legal profession his ready command of language, his quick wit and keenness of discrimination ad- mirably fitted him. His mind was logical in its processes. He reasoned from cause to result, and the intricacies of complicated cases yielded to his acute reasoning faculties. In spite of his many duties and interests he never ceased to he a student of the law, and thus he kept himself in touch with every advance made in its various de- partments. The qualities possessed by Mr. Snapp were such as fitted him for the public service. This was recognized by his fellow-citizens, who tendered him offices of responsibility and honor. In 1868 he was elected to the state senate. Four years later he resigned the office in order to ac- cept the nomination to represent the sixth (now the seventh) congressional district in congress, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. B. C. Cook, resigned. On the expiration of the term he de- 5i8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. clined renomination, but returned to Joliet and resumed his law practice, in which his subsequent years were passed. During the long period of his practice he had various partners. At first he was with Mr. Fellows, later was a member of the firm of Snapp & Breckenridge, afterwards was successively with Goodspeed & Snapp, and Good- speed, Snapp & Knox, finally being with his son as Snapp & Snapp, practicing throughout the northern part of the state. During the war he and his father were stanch Abolitionists and sup- porters of the Union. He assisted in organizing the Republican party in this count}- and his serv- ices as speaker were frequently in demand at that time. In religion he was of the Baptist faith. He died in this city November 26, 1895, when seventy-three years of age. The wife of Mr. Snapp was Mary Adeline Broadie, who was born in Delaware. One of her paternal ancestors took the side of the second pretender in Scotland and for that reason sought a new home in America. Her father came from Ohio to Kankakee, 111., in 1S33, and the next year settled in what is now New Lenox Town- ship, Will County, where he died. He married a Miss White, of English ancestry. Mrs. Mary Adeline Snapp died in 18S4, leaving five chil- dren, namely: Sarah M., who is the wife of Judge Dorrance Dibell, of Joliet; Elizabeth, who married George M. Campbell, of this city; Henry Douglas and Howard M., both of Joliet; and Charles, who is a business man in Memphis, Tenn. HOWARD M. SNAPP. As a potential factor in the work of the Republican party, Mr. Snapp is well known throughout this coun- ty. While he has never been a candidate for public office and has not sought official honors, he has nevertheless wielded a strong influence in all party matters and has perhaps accomplished more than any other citizen to secure victory for Republican principles in this locality. In 1884 he was made secretary of the county central com- mittee, an office that he filled with efficiency until 1892, when he was promoted to the chairmanship of the committee. It is said that he has held this position for a longer period than any of his predecessors. In 1896 he was chosen a delegate to the national Republican convention in St. Louis, when William McKinley was nominated for president, and he has frequently been a dele- gate to conventions of lesser importance. In Joliet, where he now resides, Mr. Snapp was born September 27, 1855, a son of Hon. Henry Snapp. His education was obtained in local schools and in Chicago University. At the close of the junior year he left the university and took up the study of law in the office of Hill & Dibell, continuing to read with that firm until he was admitted to the bar, in 187S, at Ottawa. From that time until 1888 he was with his father and Mr. Breckenridge, and later, with his father, formed the law firm of Snapp & Snapp, which partnership continued until the retirement of the firm's senior member in 1890. Since then Mr. Snapp has been alone. In addition to his private practice he has held the office of master in chan- cery since 1884, having been first chosen by Judge McRoberts and afterward reappointed every two years. Fraternally Mr. Snapp is a member of Matte- son Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also the chapter and council, Mount Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T., and Medinah Temple, N. M. S., of Chicago. His marriage in Kansas City, Kans., united him with Miss Alice Halsey, who was born in Henrietta, N. Y., a member of a prominent old family of Monroe County. Three children com- prise their family, Dorrance, Helen and How- ard M., Jr. (lOHNSON FOLKERS is a prominent Ger- I man-American citizen of Frankfort Station, G/ w ho keeps abreast with the progress of the times, and has endeavored at all times to advance the interests of his adopted country. Ever since he was a boy, and from an early day in the his- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 5i9 tor)- of this county, he has made his home here. His life of industry and his record for integrity in all relations of life have given him a stauding in his community which might well be a source of gratification to any citizen. At one time he had many important business interests in his home town, but for some years past he has been practically retired from business cares, transfer- ring his interests to his sons, in whose hands they have received careful attention. Mr. Folkers was born in Ostfriesland, Hano- ver, Germany, June 11, 1836, a son of Frank Theilen Folkers and Ariane (Gummels) Folkers. His father was a large merchant in his native place, Neustadt Goedens, Germany, but after coming to America, in 1852, he turned his atten- tion to farm pursuits. He died in Frankfort Sta- tion, Will County, March 14, 1893, when ninety- seven years of age. He wife had died in Ger- many in 1843, leaving five children, viz.: Rica, who lives at Frankfort Station; Angelina, widow of Philip Klaman; Peter, of West Superior, Wis ; Johnson; and Annie, wife of George Stauf- fenberg, of Manhattan Township. The grand- parents of our subject on his father's side were Didde Jansen Hinzaga and Anna Muttera Folk- ers, the former a miller by occupation, and known and honored as a good citizen and an honest man. In religious faith the family were members of the Lutheran Church. In 1849 Johnson Folkers came to America with his uncle, Diederich Brumund, and settled on a farm where Mokena now stands, near Hickory Creek, Frankfort Township. For a few years he made his home with his uncle. Later he settled in what is now Greengarden Township. When he was fifteen he began to work out by the month, and continued as a farm hand until he was twenty-five. During the construction of the Rock Island Railroad he was employed as a teamster near Mokena. In 1853 he worked on the Michigan Central Railroad near Joliet. In 1863 he bought a piece of land adjoining Frank- fort Station. Settling here, he embarked in the meat business, which he carried on until 1SS9, being the first to open a meat market in the town. Some years later he bought out the livery, and this he carried on in addition to his market. Later he bought the Doty hotel. These three lines of business he conducted successfully until 1889, when he turned them over to his three sons, Frank, William and Peter. While he never cared for office nor desired to be active in politics, Mr. Folkers takes an inter- est in public affairs and is a firm Republican. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, and served in the same until 1862, when he was discharged on account of dis- ability. With his regiment he was engaged prin- cipally in service on the frontier. He fought in the battle of Frederickstown with the western division of the army under Colonel Marsh. As a soldier he was prompt, reliable and faithful. On his return home from the front he married Sophia, daughter of John Eberhard, theirwedding occur- ring February 23, 1862. Besides their three sons, they have reared two adopted daughters, Hattie and Mabel, bestowing on them the most careful attention and giving them excellent educational advantages. V /| ORRIS NIVER, a retired farmer living at Y Lockport, was born at Ulster County, N.Y. , (g January 23, 1818, a son of James and Sarah (Terwilliger) Niver. His father was a farmer, shoemaker and local Methodist preacher. In 1853 he came to Illinois. After three years he moved to Clinton County, Iowa, where he en- gaged in farming for some years, and then re- tired, removing to Clinton, where he died at ninety-three years of age. His grandfather, Godfrey, was a German, and emigrated to Amer- ica long before the Revolutionary war, settling in Ulster County, N.Y. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity and six are still living. He remained at home until he was seventeen, when he began to work on a farm and in a sawmill at $10 and $12 a month. After- ward, until he was twenty-one, he paid his father $100 per year for his time. In 1839 his em- 520 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ployer, Martin Rich, sent him to Michigan with a threshing-machine, but he worked there only three weeks, when he came to Will County, 111., and secured a job of threshing on Hickory Creek. A week later he went to Plainfield, where he was employed in threshing, using the first horse- power threshing-machine brought into the coun- ty. During the season he followed threshing for seven years. He then rented a farm one mile south of Plainfield, where he lived for four years. Meantime he bought wild land three and one-half miles southeast of Plainfield, paying $100 for eighty acres. Thirty-seven years later he sold the property for $100 an acre. On locating in Lockport he bought seven lots, three of which he sold for residence lots. In 1843 Mr. Niver married Mrs. LucinaStowe, who was born in Lewis County, N. Y. , September 9, 1S20, and came to this county with her parents in 1840. Her father, a native of Connecticut, settled in Lewis County in boyhood and there learned the carpenter's trade. On coining to Illinois he settled near Plainfield. A few years later he moved near Ottawa, 111. , thence went to Wheatland, Iowa, where his wife died at fifty-two years of age. Afterward he made his home with his daughter until his death, when eighty-one years of age. G>GjlLLIAM CORRIE is assistant general \ A / manager of the Joliet Limestone Company, V V which has its main office in the Chamber of Commerce building, Chicago, and its Joliet office on the corner of Rowell and Fourth ave- nues. The officers of the company are: Hugh Young, president; R. C. Harper, vice-president and general manager; and C. S. Metcalfe, secre- tary. The quarries owned by the company are the most extensive and their business the largest of any in Joliet. Besides the quarrying of stone, they are engaged in the manufacture of sawed and machine-dressed stone of all descriptions, curbing, engine beds, limestone sidewalks, etc. Mr. Corrie was born in Greenock, Scotland, December 12, 1S46, a son of William and Isa- bella (Maine) Corrie, also natives of that coun- try. His father, who was an expert silk buyer, brought his family to America in 1850 and settled in New York City, where he was employed by A. T. Stewart and James Beck as an expert in silk. In 1862 he removed to Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until he died. His wife, who was a daughter of John Maine, a carpenter, and a member of a very old and prom- inent family of Scotland, is still living in Iowa, and is now about ninety years of age. Of their two sons and two daughters, all are in Ida County, Iowa, except William, the oldest of the family and the subject of this sketch. He at- tended ward school No. 35, on Thirteenth street near Sixth, New York. In May, 1861, at the first call for volunteers, he enlisted as a drum- mer boy in the Twelfth New York Infantry, and afterward took a part in all the engagments of his regiment, including the first battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, etc. At Gaines' Mill he was struck by a spent ball and lay un- conscious for some time, and was reported among the killed. At this battle his regiment was so badly cut up that it was consolidated as guard for headquarters. On the day before the battle of Gettysburg he was mustered out at Frederick . City, Md., but accompanied the command to Gettysburg and took part in that memorable en- gagement. Afterward he returned to New York and then went to Iowa, where his father had moved during his absence at the front. At Muscatine, Iowa, Mr. Corrie again enlisted in the army, and was assigned to the scouting troops of the Mississippi marine brigade, attached to the treasury department, and ordered to pro- tect the Mississippi River. They were mounted and took their horses with them on boats, going down the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans, then up the Red River, and having a skirmish with some of the southern troops almost daily. Near Rodney, Miss., Mr. Corrie was wounded in the leg, but soon returned to active service. At other times he was wounded, though not so seriously. He continued in the army until February, 1S66, when he was honorably GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 521 discharged. After the war he came to Illinois, and resided successively in Ogle, Winnebago and Carroll Counties, being for a time in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Com- pany as baggage-master and at Winnebago. In 1887 Mr. Corrie came to Joliet, where he was time-keeper for the Young & Farrell Dia- mond Stoue Sawing Company, with whom he was later employed as superintendent. For two years he was superintendent of the Detroit Brownstone Company, of Detroit, Mich., and for a similar pe- riod was superintendent of the Portland Stone Company in Indiana. Returning to Joliet in the spring of 1898, he became assistant general mana- ger of the Joliet Limestone Company. He is a past commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a past officer of the local lodge of Odd Fellows, alsoa member of the Knights of Pythias. In poli- tics he is a Republican. While living in Ogle County, Mr. Corrie mar- ried Miss Annie M. Black, who was born there, a daughter of William Black, who in an early day came to Illinois from Virginia. They are the parents of six children. The eldest, Belle, is the wife of Henry Schumann, who is one of the largest stone contractors in San Francisco, Cal. , and, among other contracts, had that for the build- ing of the Leland Stanford University. The other children are as follows: William Albert, a painter and paper-hanger, living in Joliet; E. J., who is connected with the Joliet Limestone Com- pany; Mrs. Blanche Mathers, of Joliet; Bessie and Ruby, at home. 'HOMAS LANG DON. A lifelong resident of this county, familiar with its growth and interested in its prosperity, Mr. Langdon is especially qualified to discharge with efficiency his duties as supervisor of Troy Township. Four times he has been elected to this office, and his repeated selection for the place is ample evidence of his ability to fill it and the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. He is one of the local leaders of the Democratic party and takes the liveliest interest in the success of its candidates and principles. Besides the office he now holds, he has served as highway commis- sioner for two terms. By the board of supervisors he was appointed a member of the building com- mittee in charge of the erection of the county poor farm buildings, on which $22,500 was ex- pended, and he faithfully discharged the trust re- posed in him. For several years he was a mem- ber of the board of the poor farm, and at this writing he is a member of the committee to settle with the sheriff and the committee on fees and salaries. The farm which Mr. Langdon occupies is situated in Troy Township, five miles west of Joliet. He was born in this township September 27, 1846. His father, John Langdon, came to the United States in early manhood and for a time made his home in New York state, but in 1835 settled in Illinois, taking up land in this township, of which he was one of the first settlers. After a time he purchased eighty acres, which made his farm one of two hundred and forty acres, and to the cultivation of this property he gave the subsequent years of his life. Prior to coming to America he married Bridget Gillespie. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom two sons and three daughters are now in this county: Mrs. Eliza Green and Mrs. Sarah Ryan (twins); Francis E. ; Thomas; and Nellie, wife of Martin Langdon, of Omaha. After having acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture by working on the home farm, our subject started out for himself at twenty-two years of age. For four years he rented a place, after which he bought and removed to a farm of his own. However, since 1880 he has operated his present estate, where he farms two hundred and forty acres, making a specialty of raising corn, oats and hay. He also engages in raising cattle, mostly of the Durham breed. He is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church of Joliet, to the work of which he is a regular contributor. January 3, 1 87 1 , he married Catherine Talbot, of this county. They are the parents of five children now living, namely: GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. John Ambrose, who is traveling from Omaha for the Cudahy Brothers; Richard T., who assists in cultivating the home farm; Blanche Lorene; Catharine Frances, a student in the Joliet high school; and Elizabeth Agnes (Bessie) Langdon. 61 UGUST MAUE, principal of the Eastern. LA avenue public school, is one of the success- / I ful teachers of Joliet. He represents the third generation of his family resident in Will County and was himself born here, at Mokena, in 1866. His grandfather, Francis Maue, a na- tive of Bavaria, Germany, grew to manhood at his native place on the banks of the Rhine. In addition to farming he learned the tailor's trade. About twenty years after his marriage he decided to seek a home in the United States. Accom- panied by his family, in 1S47 he set sail for the new world. After a voyage of twenty- one days, which was considered remarkably short for the time, he reached New York. Thence he pro- ceeded up the Hudson River and along the Erie canal to Buffalo, and from there via the lakes to Chicago, from which point he drove into the country, looking for a good location. Finding the farm land in this county fertile, he settled in Frankfort Township and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he began to im- prove and cultivate. Besides farm pursuits, he followed his trade, working at Mokena. Through his excellent management he was able to spend his last years in ease, having given his children a good start in life. He died at the age of seventy-six years on the old homestead at Mokena. His wife survived him seventeen years, departing this life at the age of eighty- seven. When the family came to this county the only son, Daniel, was a boy of sixteen years. The succeeding years were busy ones for him, be- cause much of the business devolved upon him. In those days the absence of railroads made it necessary to do much teaming to the Chicago markets. This fell to his part of the work. When he married he became the owner of the major part of the homestead, which has since been acquired by him in full. He built a home of his own, when married, near his father's place. He is still in active life, carrying on his work on the farm with the aid of his youngest son, now just grown to manhood. In late years he moved to an adjoining farm which he had purchased . He has never aspired to public work, although he assumed his just share of the work in township offices. He has adhered to the Re- publican party in politics. His wife was Sarah Mast, daughter of German parents, who came to this country in the same year, 1847. She is a woman of domestic habits and strong character, which has impressed itself upon the children. The large family has none not honored by neighbors and friends for in- tegrity and industry. Ten children were born of their union, namely: Francis, a farmer, living one mile from the old homestead; Daniel, at home; Julius, who died in childhood; Carl B. , a business man of Minne- apolis; George, who operates the original home- stead of his grandfather; Edward, who farms an adjoining place; August; Amelia, wife of Will- iam Cleveland, of Frankfort Township; Ida, who keeps house for her brother George; and Albert, who is with his father. The education of August Maue was commenced in district and continued in village schools. The fund of knowledge thus acquired was sup- plemented by a course of study in the Adrian Normal College, from which he graduated in 1885. He taught for a year at Goodeuow and then became principal of the Monee school, being at the time the youngest principal in the entire county. Feeling the need of even broader knowledge than he had hitherto acquired, he en- tered the University of Illinois at Champaign, where he took a course of bellesdettres, graduat- ing in 1 89 1 with the degree of B. L. Having decided to follow the occupation of a teacher he accepted the principalship of the Elwood schools, and a year later took charge of the Mokena school. He resigned this position after one GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 523 term, in order to accept the principalship of the Broadway school in Joliet, and since then he has been connected with educational work in this city. In his present position he has fifteen teach- ers under him. His work is so systematized that he is able to discharge, carefully and well, every duty devolving upon him. As an instructor he is thorough. He has the happy art of being able to impart knowledge in such a manner as to in- terest and please the student, but he is not super- ficial; on the other hand, those under his imme- diate oversight are invariably well grounded in their studies. As a disciplinarian he is firm, yet kind, and many of his best friends are those who have been his pupils. G| CLINTON DILLMAN. Typical of the L_l progress of Joliet in commercial lines f J, stands the firm of Poehner & Dillman, which was organized in 1S90, and has since be- come one of the substantial companies of the city. In the Metropolitan block, Nos. 417-19 Cass street, they occupy two floors 48x130 feet, hav- ing a basement that is used for storage and also as a shop, while the stock of hardware and stoves is kept upon the first floor. The firm has the largest trade in plumbing and hot-air and steam- heating in the city, and also takes many con- tracts for gas-fitting, furnishing, in their various departments, employment to thirty-five hands. Among their most important contracts were those for the Farragut school, Metropolitan block, two residences for the Sehrings, the new Central Presbyterian Church, and the residences of Col. John Lambert and Henry Piepenbrink, in all of which the systems of heating and plumbing have been modern, thorough and entirely satis- factory. The Dillman family descends from German an- cestry. Michael Dillman, a native of Pennsyl- vania, removed to Stark County, Ohio, and in an early day settled in Plainfield, 111., where for a time he carried on a foundry, but later engaged in farming. His son, Lewis E., was born in Summit County, Ohio, March 21, 182-8, and learned the trade of a tanner and currier. In 1847 he drove to Illinois by wagon with A. II. Shreffler, stopping at Plainfield and selling four Hussy reapers, the first introduced into Will County. In May, 1849, he brought his father, Michael, and the other members of the family to Plainfield, and the firm of M. Dillman & Co. was soon afterward organized. Later he drove back to Ohio, where, April 4, 1851, he married Miss Maria E. Hunsberger, whom he brought back to Plainfield in his buggy. He then started a foundry and machine shop and began the manu- facture of agricultural implements, this being the start of what is now the Joliet Manufacturing Company. On selling that he engaged in gen- eral merchandising for a few years and then re- sumed manufacturing as president of a com- pany that, in the fall of 1862, moved the business to Joliet. The next year he brought his family to this city, where he was treasurer of the com- pany, being associated with A. H. Shreffler and Andrew Dillman. After a time Mr. Dillman started a barb wire business, which he sold to the Lockstitch Fence Company, becoming its treasurer, and continu- ing in the manufacture of the wire until a stroke of paralysis terminated his activities. He is still living in Joliet, interested in the growth and prosperity of the city, with whose history he has for so many years been identified. He has been acquainted with many of the pioneers of the county — those men to whom we are indebted for our present high standing among the counties of the state; and, indeed, his own work as a pioneer business man is of such importance as to entitle him to a high place in the gratitude of the present generation. For two terms he was alder- man from the first ward. In religion he is con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife is also living, and is now (1899) sixty- seven years of age. They were the parents of three sous and one daughter who attained matur- ity, E. Corbin and A. Clinton, of Joliet; Milo Fred, who died here, and Mrs. Mabel Moore. Born in Plainfield, this county, September 23, i860, the subject of this sketch has spent all but 524 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the first three years of his life in Joliet. He graduated from the high school, after which, at eighteen years of age, he began to learn the wire business. Three years later he became superin- tendent of the factory of the Lockstitch Wire Fence Company, and continued with the same firm until 1888. He then went on a tour of in- spection with a view to locating, but his visit in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa disclosed nothing desirable, and he returned home. Since 1890 he has been devoted closely to the building up of the business with which his name is identified. Though not active in public affairs he is a stanch Republican. Socially he is a member of the Union Club. He has been treasurer of the Sunday school and a member of the board of stewards in the Ottawa Street Methodist Episco- pal Church, with the work of which he is inti- mately associated. His marriage, in this city, united him with Miss Jessie Frances Stevens, who was born in Wisconsin and educated in the Iowa State University. They and their children, Milo Stevens and Frances, reside at No. 418 Eastern avenue. pGJlLLIAM D. B. LINN, who came to Joliet \ A / October 1, 1858, and has since been iden- V V tified with the interests of this city and county, is a descendant, in the third generation, from a Revolutionary soldier, and in the second generation from William Linn, a native of Con- necticut, who served as captain in the war of 1812. His father, W. D. B. Linn, Sr., was born in Berk- shire County, Mass., and engaged in the marble business for years in Pittsfield, that county, where he died. He had married Meliuda Decker, who was born in Hudson, N. Y., and died in Massa- chusetts; her father, Peter Decker, was a native of New York, of Holland-Dutch ancestry. In a family consisting of five daughters and two sous, of whom four daughters and one son are living, the subject of this sketch was next to the oldest. He was born in Lanesboro, Berk- shire County, Mass., March 6, 1833, and was reared in and near Pittsfield, where he attended the public school. Later he was a student in the Williamstown boarding-school, where he clerked after completing his studies. When he came to Joliet he was a total stranger to the people in this section and knew but one man in the entire county. Settling on a farm near Manhattan, he began to raise stock and general farm products. Three years later he bought a farm in Manhattan Town- ship, a portion of which is now the site of the village of Manhattan, and for some time he gave his attention to the improvement of its one hun- dred and fifty acres. Until 1870 he dealt in various grades of stock, but turned his attention in that year exclusively to Holstein cattle, bring- ing from Massachusetts the first thoroughbred Holstein ever brought into Illinois. The animal was named" Sleswig," and was a pure Hol- stein, he and his breed being the only ones that were imported from Holstein, the others of the name having been imported from the north of Holland. For some years his were the only Holstein cattle in the county, and at times he had as many as thirty head. Selling his farm in 1891, Mr. Linn removed to Joliet, where he has since made his home-. In the fall of 1894 he embarked in the livery busi- ness, renting a barn 44x150 feet at Nos. 815-817 Cass street, where he has since carried on a livery and boarding-stable. He has never been active in politics, but takes an interest in the same, and votes with the Democratic party. For a time he served as township clerk of Manhattan. In 1861 he was made a Mason in Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Joliet, with which he has since been connected. His marriage united him with Miss Harriet M. Buck, who was born in Berk- shire, Mass., and by whom he has a daughter, Florence. It is a fact worthy of note that he, his father and his grandfather, were each the only son in the family who attained years of maturity. He is a public-spirited citizen, and takes an in- terest in matters that will promote the welfare of his city and county. OF i IE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Kf/h+f^ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 527 JOHN Y. BROOKS. (JOHN Y. BROOKS. Those able men whose I sound judgment has promoted the industrial Q) growth of their community and whose en- ergy has brought an enlarged prosperity to every line of human activity deservedly occupy posi- tions of prominence among their fellow men. A volume wherein reference is made to leading busi- ness men of Joliet should not omit mention of Mr. Brooks, whose indefatigable industry and keen discrimination have been factors in bringing suc- cess to every enterprise with, which he has been identified. Few are more familiar with the wire business than he, and his management of the four mills of the American Steel & Wire Company (those located at Rockdale, and on Scott street, Meeker avenue and Bluff street) has been char- acterized by sound judgment and great enter- prise. Mr. Brooks was born in Syracuse, N. Y., March 14, 1863, a sou of John Haverly anil Olivia Almira (Green) Brooks, natives respect- ively of New York and Rhode Island, and de- scendants of ancestors from England, Holland and Ireland. He is a direct descendant of Peter Brooks, who was born in Albany, N. Y., March 4, 1733, and was of English parentage. Jonathan Brooks, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and married Maria Haverly, who was born in Normansville in 1774, a daughter of Johannes and Annatje (Adams) Haverly, natives of Holland. John H. Brooks, Sr. , the grand- father of John Y. Brooks, was a contractor and became interested in the mercantile business in Syracuse, continuing as proprietor of a store until his retirement from business. He married Isa- bella Strong, daughter of William and Jane (Morrow) Strong, natives of County Antrim, Ireland. One of the sons born of this marriage, Hon. William S. Brooks, was an early settler of Joliet and became quite prominent in political circles; he represented this district in the state senate. Another son, John H. Brooks, Jr., the father of our subject, spent his entire business life as a merchant in Syracuse and died while visiting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 20, 1891. - His wife was a daughter of Oliver and Almira (Moore) Green, the latter of whom was born April 11, 1797, and died April 25, 1893. The subject of this sketch was sixth in order of birth among the children of John H. Brooks, Jr. He received his early education in the public and high schools of Syracuse, N. Y., and after- ward studied for four years in the Peekskill (N. Y.) Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1S80 wiih the highest honors of his class. Immediately afterward he came to Joliet, where he entered the hardware store of his uncle, Hon. William S. Brooks. In 1883 he began to work in the shipping department of the Ashley Wire Company, and, being remarkably quick and capable, he soon rose. In 1886 he became secretary of the Joliet Enterprise Company, and continued in that capacity until the panic of 1893, when the business went into the receiver's hands, and he assisted the receiver in settling up affairs. Afterward, in 1894, he became connected with the Consolidated Steel and Wire Company as manager of their mill and continued as such until the company was consolidated with the American Steel and Wire Company, when he was placed in 528 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. charge of the four Joliet mills. He gives his at- tention very closely to business matters, and, aside from the Union Club, is not identified with any societies or fraternal organizations. In re- ligion he is a member of the Episcopalian Church. He was married, in Joliet, to Miss Jennie Gray, daughter of John Gray, an earl}- settler of this city . The} - are the parents of a daughter, born February 2, 1900. HENRY SWIVAL, who has met with grati- fying success in his work as a farmer and cattle-feeder, is one of the well-known men of Florence Township. He was born in Switzer- land September 9, 1834, a son of Henry and Rachael (Haefner) Swival, of whose six children the daughters remained in their native laud, and the sons, David, Frederick and Henry, came to America. David is now deceased, and Frederick lives in Iroquois County, 111. Both of the pater- nal and maternal ancestors represented long- established families of Cauton Glarus, where the father and mother were born and reared. The fui mer was engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. He died about 1847 and his wife twelve years later. Both were adherents of the Evan- gelical Church. The common schools of Switzerland gave our subject all the educational advantages he ever re- ceived. In 1853 he left home and went to Liver- pool, where he embarked on a sailing vessel bound for New York. After a voyage for forty- two days he arrived in this country, May 2, 1853. The next day he started for Chicago. From that city he went to Gilman, 111., where he en- gaged to work for a railroad contractor on the Illinois Central Railroad for $4 a month. Dur- ing the summer of 1854 he worked under the same employer for three months on the construc- tion of the Michigan Central Railroad at Chicago Heights. Following this he went to Greengar- den, 111., where he was employed as a farm hand. In April, 1855, he settled in Wesley Township, 'Will County, where he was employed on a farm for four years. He then spent one year in Florence Township, after which he herded cat- tle for eight years, being in the saddle almost constantly day and night. During the first six years of this time he had charge of the cattle owned by a large cattle company, receiving at first $50 a mouth, and later $75. Afterward for two years he bought and sold cattle for a gen- tleman in Kankakee, being paid $110 per month for the first five months, after which he hired to him at $850 per year and all expenses paid. In 1865 Mr. Swival bought one hundred and ten acres of laud in Florence Township, where he now lives. March 5, 186S, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Linebarger, a native of Parke County, Ind., and a daughter of John and Nancy (Stone) Linebarger. When she was a small child her father came to Will County about 1S50 and bought a large tract of land in Florence Township. In 186S he removed from that place to Elwood and later settled in Livings- ton County, this state. His last years were passed in Bonfield, Kankakee County, where he died in 1885. He was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, served as a trustee and class-leader for years, and was well known for his upright Christian life, his hospitality and his generous aid given to charitable movements. After his marriage Mr. Swival settled down to farm pursuits on the place he had purchased three years before. In his new home his knowl- edge of the stock business proved most advan- tageous to him. He began at once to raise cat- tle and hogs, and during the winter months was a large feeder of cattle for the maket. In time he became a heavy buyer of stock, particularly hogs. As the years passed by he came to be recognized as one of the prosperous men of the township. In 1878 he bought another tract of one hundred and ten acres, making his farm one of two hun- dred and twenty acres. Recently he purchased three hundred and eighty-five acres in Dickinson County, Iowa, four and one-half miles from Spirit Lake, where he plans to send a couple of his sons in the spring of 1901. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, six of whom survive, namely: John, a farmer, who married GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 529 Etta Newton and lives in Florence Township; Nellie, wife of Clarence Randolph, of Joliet; Minnie, who married Robert Ward, a fanner of Wesley Township; Ara, William and Roy, at home; and Nettie, deceased. In national issues Mr. Swival votes the Dem- ocratic ticket, but in local matters he is independ- ent, voting for the measures best calculated to advance his township interests and the welfare of the people. For one term he held the office of highway commissioner and for several years served as school director.- JEROME P. STEVENS is a member of a family that has be.en well known throughout this county from a very early period of its settlement. He was born in Joliet in 1854 and has always made this city his home, being now engaged in the real-estate and loan business here. His father, Henry K. Stevens, a native of Newark, N. J., born in 181 1, came west in 1829, first settling in Michigan, where he engaged in the cultivation of farm land. From that state he moved to Indiana in 1832 and settled on the Wabash River. The year 1836 found him a pio- neer settler of Will County, 111., where he spent one year on a farm. In 1837 he came to Joliet and opened a tavern on North Chicago street, where the Bissell hotel is now standing. His inn was the leading and the largest hotel in the city and was known as the Waving Banner. While conducting it he began to purchase real estate and in time his property interests became so valuable that he abandoned the hotel business and turned his attention to the real-estate and loan business, which he continued very success- fully for years. A man of shrewd judgment, keen intuition and quick in forming decisions, he prospered in his real-estate transactions, and bought and sold extensively. When he came to Joliet it was a small village, sparsely populated, and giving to the casual observer few indications of future prosperity; but he discerned its advan- tages and was at once convinced that investments made here would prove profitable. Subsequent events have proved the wisdom of his judgment. After a business life covering many years he re- tired, dividing his property among his children, and has since made his home with his son, Jerome. His wife, who died in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years, was Mary A. Bissell, a na- tive of Ohio. They became the parents of five children, namely: Eliza, wife of O. S. Chamber- lin; Albert P. and Henry T., of Joliet; Addie, who married Dr. W. O. Cheeseman, of Chicago; and Jerome P., of Joliet. After completing his education in the schools of Joliet, Jerome P. Stevens began to deal in real estate in Joliet. In 1891 he removed the busi- ness to Chicago, where he devoted his time to the placing of loans and the buying and selling of real estate until 1897, when he returned to Joliet. As a business man he possesses many of the traits that made his father successful, and it is safe to predict for him a busy and prosperous life, in the carrying forward of the various en- terprises he has already placed upon a sub- stantial basis. His marriage took place in Mokena, Will County, in 189 1 and united him with Miss Clara Belle Jones, by whom he has two children, Mary C. and Arthur J. QATHAN BENNETT. Through his con- r / nection with the business interests of Joliet IIS) and his former prominence in local labor unions, Mr. Bennett has become well known among the people of his home city. In 1891 he started a coal, coke, wood and feed business, at the site where he has since remained, and he has built up a large trade in hard and soft coal; his yards are on Washington street, near the Michigan Central tracks. Besides his fuel business he has taken contracts for the building of sewers and water mains. In local affairs he has been deeply inter- ested. After having served as assistant supervi- sor for six years, he was elected supervisor in the 530 GK XK A LOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. spring of 1893 on the Republican ticket, and was re-elected in 1895 and 1S97, mean time taking a 11 active part in much of the important business brought before the board. In the spring of 1899 he was again elected on the Republican ticket. For three years he was highway commissioner of Joliet Township. The Bennetts are an old family of Shropshire, England. Samuel Bennett, who was born there, became a civil engineer, and for some time held a position as engineer of water works. He and his wife, who was Margaret Ashley, both died in Shropshire. Of their eleven children five are living, three of whom are in England and one in Chicago. The oldest of those now living, Nathan, was born in Midland, England, March iS, 1S45. His home town was a centre for iron manufacturing, hence he early became familiar with this work. When eleven years old he en- tered a wire mill and afterwa'rd worked in differ- ent departments, thus gaining a thorough knowl- edge of the business. In the fall of 186S he came to America and engaged as puddler for the Bremen works in St. Louis, where he received $7 for work that brought him only $2.25 in his old home. In the spring of 1S70 he came to Joliet, being one of the first six furnace men here. When the steel mill was built he entered it and learned the business thoroughly. For many years he worked as heater in the mill, and from 1870 to 1893 he was interested in iron work. Not only was he was one of the oldest men in the business at this point, but one of the most reli- able as well, and he stood high in the opinion of those most competent to judge his ability. His experience was long and varied. When he was a boy working for seventy-five cents a week he was employed in the wire mill where the wire was manufactured that was used in making the first cable ever laid, and he therefore assisted in making the first cable. The year before leaving England Mr. Bennett married Miss Mary Ann Guy, by whom he has five children now living, viz.: Sarah A., Mrs. J. James, of Joliet; Albert Edward, who assists his father in the coal yards; Edith E., who is in her father's office; Mabel H. and Marion L- Fra- ternally Mr. Bennett is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, holds membership with the Knights of the Maccabees, and has passed the various chairs in the order, Sons of St. George. In 1S70 he was one of the principal organizers of the Sons of Vulcan, the first labor associa- tion formed in Joliet, and the first meeting (at- tended by seven members) was held one Sunday afternoon in a barn on Cass street. This was the nucleus around which centered the now large and formidable Amalgamated Association of Joliet. For six terms he acted as president of the society. Later it was merged into the Amal- gamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, and he continued an active worker until he re- signed his position in the mill, since which he has been an honorary member. He is in sympa- thy with the doctrines of the Methodist denomi- nation, and his wife and family are actively con- nected with the Ottawa Street Methodist Episco- pal Church. ["" RANCIS F. STOWE, a merchant at Lock- ed port, was born in Jamestown, N. Y., July I 11, 1S34, a son of Nathaniel H. and Eliza- beth (Partridge) Stowe, and a descendant of John Stowe, who emigrated from England in 1634 and settled in Middlesex County, Mass. He was one of eight children, seven of whom are living. One of these, Mrs. Eliza S. Twitchell, of Boston, Mass., is an author of some note and was selected to speak concerning single tax at a congress held in connection with the World's Fair. Francis F. Stowe remained on the home farm until twenty-one years of age, although for some three years before he had been teaching school. On leaving home he went to Clayton County, Iowa, where he taught school and en- gaged in farming. Two years later he went to Erie County, Pa., where for ten years he was en- gaged in the lumber business, meantime also taught several terms of school. In April, 1869, he came to Lockport and opened a grocery, since which time he has continuously engaged in busi- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 531 ness here. For a time he was president of the Lockport State Bank, now the Exchange Bank. He is a stockholder in the American Press Asso- ciation. Mr. Stovve married Miss Sophia F. Barnard, of Ellington, N. Y. They have three children: Frederick W. , a partner with his father in the grocery business; Grace E., who married George F. Seeley, of New York City; and Wayne B., who is one of the managers and directors of the American Press Association, of New York City. Politically Mr. Stowe is a Republican. For twenty-four years he served as justice of the peace. While in Erie County, Pa., he was for three years a member of the county board of auditors. Fraternally he is connected with Lock- port Lodge No. 538, A. F. & A. M., and the In- dependent Order of Mutual Aid. 30HN WILLIAMSON, formerly vice-presi- dent of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Tin and Steel Workers of America, was appointed, June 1, 1899, deputy internal revenue collector, under Hon. F. E. Coyne, for the thirteenth division of the first internal reve- nue district of Illinois, his territory being Kan- kakee County and all of Will, Grundy and La- Salle Counties lying south of the Illinois River. A resident of Joliet since December 27, 188 r, he is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, born Septem- ber 25, 1S61, a son of John and Margaret (Chal- mers) Williamson, who were born in the same cit\- as himself. His father, who was an iron moulder by trade, died in 1869, when thirty-three years of age, leaving three children: John, who was then a boy of eight years; Elizabeth, who is married and lives in Buffalo, N. Y. ; and James L., a machinist in Rochester, N. Y. The mother, who was a daughterof Hugh Chalmers, a merchant tailor of Glasgow, brought her chil- dren to America in 1872 and settled in Roches- ter, N. Y., where she died at fifty-one years of age. Mr. Williamson was but eleven years of age when he became self-supporting. His early edu- cation was obtained in the public schools. After he commenced work his evenings were devoted to study. He also entered Taylor's Business College, Rochester, N. Y., from which institu- tion he graduated in 1880. He is well read and keeps abreast with the times, and is well posted on all the live topics of the day. His first employment was on a farm. After- ward he engaged in business on his own account, in the prosecution of which he traveled exten- sively in New York and northern Michigan. In 1881 he came to Joliet, where he secured employment in the converting department of the Joliet Steel Company, now a portion of the Fed- eral Steel Company. From a very humble posi- tion he worked his way to a place of much re- sponsibility, being in charge of the steel ladles in this department. He continued with this com- pany until he was appointed deputy internal rev- enue collector. The whole life of Mr. Williamson is a splen- did example of what pluck, honesty and energy can accomplish. Though early thrown upon his own resources, he did not sit idly by and wait for something to turn up, but while a mere boy pro- ceeded to carve out his own future. He has risen rapidly, not only in his own chosen business, but also (and this he prizes more) in the estima- tion of his fellow-workmen and the citizens of Will County. He is highly respected in this community, and during all the time he was en- gaged at the steel mills he enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-workmen and his employers. He was always a member of the committee to settle wages or grievances. This position required great tact and a thorough knowledge of local con- ditions. His recommendations were invariably accepted and his advice sought on all important matters pertaining to tire welfare of his fellow- workmen, as is evidenced by the fact that he was for four consecutive terms president of the Mu- tual Lodge No. 12, Amalgamated Association of Iron, Tin and Steel Workers, during which time he also served as deputy vice-president of the fourth district, which included Illinois, Wiscon- 532 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sin and northern Indiana. This office he filled for five years. Later he was chosen vice-presi- dent of the same district and held this office at the time he was appointed deputy collector of in- ternal revenue. He is stijl an honorary mem- ber of the association. His advice and services are still at the disposal of his associates. Mr. Williamson is past noble grand of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, a member of the encampment, for three terms served as captain of Joliet Canton No. 52, and is an active worker in the order of Rebekahs. He is an active Mason and a member of Joliet Chapter. He has always been active in politics and considers it a part and parcel of good citizenship to properly attend to such matters. He is a stanch Republican, and although giving willing support to his party, he steadily refused office until 1897 and 1S98, when he was elected assistant supervisor of Joliet. His services and ability were recognized by appointment as deputy internal revenue collector. This position was ten- dered him without solicitation on his part and was finally accepted. This position is very responsi- ble, requiring tact, good judgment and business ability, as it brings him in contact with the dif- ferent commercial interests of Illinois and all classes of people. His friends say he is emi- nently fitted for this work and predict a rapid rise and a bright future for him. Mr. Williamson was married, February 12, 1885, to Miss Sarah Hewlett, of Joliet. The couple have two sons, John Raymond and Elmer Harold. They now reside at their home, No. 913 Benton street, Joliet. |~"DWARD ETHERIDGE. After twenty Kt) years with the Illinois Steel Company as I foreman in charge of bricklaying, during which time he won and retained the confidence of the officers of the company and made an en- viable record for efficiency, Mr. Elheridge in 1897 resigned his position in order to engage in con- tracting, an occupation that he had followed years before with success. During his early connec- tion with this business he built the Centennial block, Mr. Fortune's home, the Mclntyre resi- dence in Wilmington, the old post-office (now the First National Bank building,) and many other substantial blocks and houses. Since re- suming work as a contractor he has had the contracts for the Boston store, and the buildings owned by Anderson & Flint, Cudahy Packing Company and the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. Mr. Etheridge was born in Worcestershire, England, December 6, 1847, a son of James and Leah (Shelvock) Etheridge. His grandfather, Joseph Etheridge, engaged in the manufacture of nails in the days when they were made by hand; he died when almost eighty years of age. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Shelvock, was a brewer of stout ale. James Etheridge, who was a bricklayer, died at sixty-three years, and his wife was also about the same age at the time of her death. Of their twenty-two children, nine attained mature years, and eight are living, three sons, Eli, Felix and Edward, being in Jo- liet. Another son, William, who was also a resident of this city, was accidentally killed by falling from a buggy. One of the daughters, Fannie, resides in Joliet; another, Mrs. Amelia Phellis, makes her home in Toronto, Canada; and the third, Mrs. Mary Ann Ward, is in Eng- land, while a son, Arthur, also lives in the mother countr} - . When only seven years of age our subject be- gan to work at the nailer's trade with an uncle, remaining with him for six months and being paid only two cents per week. His next work was in a gun barrel plant, after which he worked with his father in the brick-laying trade, contin- uing with him from the time he was thirteen un- til he was eighteen. The next year he spent in Birmingham, England. After his marriage to Miss Eliza Sawyer, which took place in Hole- sowen, August 20, 1866, he worked at his trade in Staffordshire. In 1869 he went to North Lan- cashire, and continued there until 1872, when he came to the United States. March 13, 1872, he took passage from Liverpool on a steamer that GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 533 crossed to Portland, Me., from which point he proceeded to Chicago, arriving there April i , and coming on to Joliet June 14. Here he worked as a bricklayer with the Joliet Steel Company until 1874, after which he was in the Braddock steel works of Pittsburg, Pa., and next assisted in the construction of the blast furnaces of the James Green iron works in St. Louis, Mo. Re- turning to Joliet, he engaged in contracting and building. In 1877 he became a bricklayer, and later foreman with the Illinois Steel Company, remaining in this position until he embarked in contracting. In national politics he votes the Republican ticket. At one time he was identi- fied with the Knights of Pythias and now holds connection with the Sons of St. George. In re- ligious views he is a Methodist, belonging to the Irving Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Eliza Etheridge is a daughter of Zacha- riah and Sarah (Hacket) Sawyer, of whose five children Mary is in England; Henry, Thomas and Emma reside in Chicago. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Etheridge has been blessed by four children, namely: George, a bricklayer, who since 1897 nas been a member of the firm of Etheridge & Sous; James, who is also a member of the firm; Mrs. Sarah Shelbaek, of Chicago, and Mrs. Martha Sunbaum, of Joliet. EOL. ALBERT W. BRIGGS, who has been a resident of this county during much of the time since 1852, is descended from a colo- nial family of Massachusetts. His father, Charles W., son of Richard Briggs, was born on a farm near Rutland, Vt. , and in early life learned the trade of a carriage-maker, which he followed in Painesville, Ohio. In 1852 he brought his family to Illinois and settled on a farm near Plainfield, but later removed to Chicago and lived there in retirement until his death in 1886. He married Julia A. Jones, who was born in Rut- land County, Vt., and died in Will County, 111. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters, namely: Julia, Mrs. K. J. Hammond, of St. Paul, Minn.; Albert W. and Arthur R. (twins); Eliza S., wife of VV. C. Goodhue, of Chicago; C. R., whose home is in Redlands, Cal.; and Tinnie H., wife of R. H. Terhune, of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our subject's twin brother, who was for some years engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Chicago, afterward went to San Francisco, where he carried on a large trade in wholesale groceries and fruits; he is now living retired. Colonel Briggs was born in Painesville, Ohio, March 21, 1839. He was thirteen years of age when the family settled in this county, and his education was afterward carried on in the Plain- field public school and academy and the Blue Is- land schools. In 1859 he went to California via New York and the Isthmus of Panama. From San Francisco he proceeded to the mountains at Shasta, thence to Virginia City, where he en- gaged in silver mining. While he was in Nevada he was commissioned by James \Y. Nye lieutenant-colonel of the First Nevada Regiment, which was raised by Charles A. Sumner, a nephew of Charles Sumner. His regiment was assigned to duty on the great plains between Utah and California, where they had many skirmishes with the Indians, and rendered faith- ful service under the leadership of Colonel Sum- ner and Lieutenant-Colonel Briggs. After two years in the army the latter resigned his com- mission in order to return east. While he was on the homeward voyage, at Panama, he learned of the assassination of President Lincoln. Upon his return to Joliet, in 1865, Colonel Briggs opened a drug store on Jefferson street, opposite the court house. When the country around Manistee, Mich., began to open up here- moved the drug business to that town and for a few years conducted it there. Later he became interested in the manufacture of lumber as a member of the firm of Green, Briggs & Co. For three years he met with success, but the dis- astrous fire in the town caused a heavy loss. Returning to Joliet he carried on a grain business with H. S. Carpenter for several years. Next he became a member of the grain firm of W. S. 534 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Johnson & Co., in Chicago, operators of elevators of the Northern Iowa division of the North- Western Railroad. In 1S91 he retired from that firm and accepted a position as assistant immigra- tion agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad, a position that obliged him to travel throughout the entire country. After three years as agent he resigned in 1894 and has since acted as man- ager of Lambert & Cochrane's real-estate busi- ness in Joliet. He has laid out three subdivis- ions in the northeastern part of the city and one in the southwest part, and has also made build- ing improvements on the property. In politics he is a Republican, but not active. The marriage of Colonel Briggs united him with Miss Rose Cagwin, who was born in Joliet, daughter of Abij ah Cagwin, deceased, ofthiscity. The}- are the parents of two children. Theirson, Arthur A., a graduate of a Chicago high school, has for fourteen years been connected with the First National Bank of Chicago. The daughter, Julia H.,who has a soprano voice of unusual sweetness and power, is prominent in the best society in Joliet. Sl.MOS EIB. As a representative of a pioneer / I family of this county Mr. Lib is well / I known in Jackson Township. He was born in Harrison County, W. Ya.. July 29, 1823. He was ten years old when the family settled in Illinois and he has ever since been identified with the farming interests of Will County. His first purchase consisted of eighty acres of canal land, the present site of his home. In 1862 he bought an additional one hundred acres, which he still owns. Later he added more land, but of recent years has sold it, retaining only his tract of one hundred and eighty acres. Politically he is a Democrat. He has been interested in educa- tional matters and served for twelve years as a member of the school board. March 28, 1S51, Mr. Eib married Miss Catherine Gouter, who was born April 7, 1834, in Alsace, France. She was one of the five children of Michael and Catherine (Arnholdt) Gouter, and has one brother and one sister now living, viz.: Michael, of Russell County, Kans.; and Susan, wife of William Brown, of this county. In 1840 Mr. Gouter brought his family to the United States and settled three miles south of Joliet. After a few years he purchased laud in Jackson Township and there remained until his death. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Eib are named as follows: Levi H., who is en- gaged in the insurance and real-estate business in Joliet: George W., a wheat grower in Colusa County, Cal. ; Albert M., a farmer in Will County; Clara E., who married Albert Cotton, of Kankakee, 111.; and Susan, wife of Alvin Spangler, of Jackson Township, this county. 30HN A. HATCH, general merchant and grain dealer at Mokena, Frankfort Town- ship, was born in 1S42 near his present place of residence. His father, John Hatch, who was born in England in 1816 and came to America in 1S35, settled in Chicago and thence came to Will County, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres from the government at $1.25 an acre. In 1869 he moved from hereto Linn County, Mo., and purchased a farm, where he has since made his home. He is a Republican and for several years served as road master. His wife was born in Scotland and died in Missouri in 1S93, aged eighty-two, leaving seven children: Eliza, John A., William, Charlotte, Edwin, Mary, and Charles (now deceased). In 1S69 our subject went to Missouri with his parents, where he was afterward variously em- ployed until his return to Mokena in 1876. Here he was first employed in a mercantile store. After- ward he purchased the store and goods and has since carried on business for himself. Besides gen- eral merchandising, he deals in grain, feed, coal, tile, etc., and operates a feed mill and grain eleva- tor. For several years he served as justice of the psace and school director. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, as a private. Later he was appointed a lieutenant GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 535 in Company E, Forty-seventh United States Col- ored Infantry, attached to the department of the gulf, under General Canby. He took part in various engagements of the war, some of them being among the fiercest battles of the four years, but he was not once wounded or imprisoned. He is now a member of U. S. Grant Post, G. A. R., in Chicago. In 1S66 he married Nancy M., daughter of Ozias MeGovney, of Mokena. They have eight children: Jane, wife of Henry Stell- wagen; Nannie E., wife of Samuel J. Fulton; John O., Grace E., Etta O., Elbert R., Lois V. and Alfred C. (JOHN FAHRNER, M. D., who has been I engaged in the general practice of medi- Q) cine in Joliet since 1882, is a descend- ant of an old German family, and was born in Marienbad, Bohemia, Austria, February 11, 1854, a son of Dr. Valentine and Mars- A. (Tauber) Fahrner, natives of the same country. His father received excellent advantages in his native land, and after graduating from the University of Prague with the degree of M. D., he engaged in practice in Marienbad. From there, in 1854, he came to the United States, establishing an office in Chicago, where he made his home until 1868. After a year in Europe, in 1S69 he settled in Mokena Township, this county, and two years later came to Joliet, where he built up a general practice. He died in this city in July, 1S79, when seventy-five years of age. His wife preceded him in death some years, pass- ing away in Joliet May 28, 1873. They were the parents of one son and two daughters, but one of the daughters died at twelve years of age; the other, Mrs. Catharine Lehuer, makes her home in Joliet Township. The earliest recollections of the subject of this sketch are associated with Chi- cago, which he remembers as a small city, widely differing from the present metropolis. His pri- mary education was obtained in parochial schools, after which he took a classical course in St. Joseph's College. In 1S68 he returned to Europe with his parents, and a year later settled with them in this county. Under his father's instructions he gained his first knowledge of the medical science, with whom he studied and whom he also assisted in practice for a num- ber of years. Possessing a talent for the pro- fession and a genuine love for it, he readily acquired a knowledge of its intricacies. In 1879 he matriculated in Bennett Medical College of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1882, after a three years' course. Returning to his home county he opened an office in Joliet, and has since established a large and growing office practice. He has his office on the corner of Center and Oneida streets. Movements relating to the pro- fession receive his attention and assistance, and he is actively connected with the Illinois Eclectic Medical Society. In national polities he supports Democratic principles, but in local affairs believes in supporting the men best calculated to represent the people. When he finds enterprises are cal- culated to promote the prosperity of the city he gives them his unqualified support. He is con- nected with St. John's Roman Catholic Church and St. Aloysius Branch No. 21, of the Western Catholic Union. December 28, 1875, in Joliet, Dr. Fahrner and Miss Magdalena Kachelhoffer were united in marriage. Mrs. Fahrner was born in this city, to which her father, F. X. Kachelhoffer, came in an early day from Alsace and engaged in the mer- cantile business here. The doctor's children are John, Pius, Angela, Walter, Alphouse, Char- lotte, Frederick, Esther, Arthur, Julius and Elsie. HOMAS DIXON. Prominent among the successful farmers of Florence Township may be mentioned Mr. Dixon, who, after years of active and arduous labor, has retired from farming cares and is passing his declining days quietly at his home in the suburbs of Sym- ertou. For years he has occupied a position of influence in the affairs of his community. Al- 536 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. though he has refused all public offices except one, he has nevertheless been foremost in move- ments for the public good and has won the es- teem of his associates. For eighteen years he served as road commissioner, and during that time became recognized as a steadfast champion of good roads. Of English birth and parentage, Mr. Dixon was born in Nottinghamshire, February 19, 1826, a son of John and Hannah (Dickerson) Dixon, who lived and died in England, the former being almost ninety at the time of his death. In the family there were seven children, viz.: Sarah, who is in England; Thomas; John, of Wilming- ton, this county ; William, deceased; Ann, who is the wife of William Connors; George, of Sym- erton; and Hannah, who remains in England. When a boy our subject had no chance to attend school, for, the family being poor, he was obliged to support himself from an early age. He worked as a day laborer until twenty-eight years of age, when, in 185S, he came to America, accompanied by his sister Anna, sailing from Liverpool May 2 on the sailer "Excelsior," and landing in New- York June 14. From New York he proceeded direct to Chicago and thence to Lockport, where he met some English acquaintances. For five years he worked on the old John Lane farm in Homer Township, where the first steel plow was made. Next he rented a farm in Felix Township, Grundy Count}-, and this he operated for four years. Returning to Will County in 1S69, he bought one hundred and eighty-five acres in Florence Township, and at once began the task of clearing, improving and cultivating a farm. He became especially interested in stock-raising, and made a specialty of Durham cattle and Clydesdale horses, dealing exclusively in fine stock. In 1891 he rented the farm to a son and built a new house on his land near the village. His life is an example of what ma}- be accom- plished when the spirit of determination is exer- cised in connection with the everyday affairs of existence. His farming operations have resulted satisfactorily, and he is now in a position to enjoy the comforts of life in his declining years. While he is not active in politics, he is a pronounced Democrat, strongly in sympathy with his party. His wife is a member of the German Evangelical Church, in which he has been treasurer of the Sunday-school. Miss Mary Ann Taylor, who became Mr. Dixon's wife in 1852, was born in the same shire as himself and was a friend of his in their child- hood days. They are the parents of eight chil- dren, seven now living, as follows: Harriet, wife of William Blood; Joseph, who makes his home in Joliet; Fannie, wife of Timothy Badgley, of Chicago; Sarah, Mrs. John Singleton; Thomas, who superintends the old homestead; John, living in Iowa; and Rosie, who is the wife of Frederick Behrn, of Joliet. 3 AMES \V. LOYE, who is engaged in jobbing and repairing, and in the manufacture of store and office fixtures, is one of the reli- able business men of Joliet, and has a shop at No. 212 North Ottawa street that is provided with electric power and other modern improve- ments. His grandfather, Thomas Love, was gamekeeper on the estate of a nobleman near London. For many years he was an officer in the English army, much of his service being in' Canada, where he finally retired to private life, engaging in farming and stock-raising in Ontario County, Ontario. Among the offices which he held were those of magistrate and township supervisor. In religion he was a member of the Church of England. The father of our subject, James Love, was born near London, England, and for years carried on a farm near Seaforth, Huron County, On- tario, but later succeeded to the ownership of the homestead near Greenbank. He was a mem- ber of the Canadian Presbyterian Church and a man of upright Christian character. Our sub- ject, James \Y. Love, was born in Whitby, Can- ada, March 17, 1855, and was reared on his grandfather's farm, which he assisted in clearing and improving. At seventeen years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, being with GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 537 the same employer for five years. In the fall of 1877 he came to the States and settled in Joliet, 111., where he was employed by Mr. Burlingame for three years and by Mr. Van Fleet for six years. Later he was in charge of a gang of laborers in the bridge department of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad. In 1S94 he began jobbing, opening a shop in the old Republican Sun building near the river. Two years later he moved to North Joliet street, and after a year located at his present place. Fraternally Mr. Love is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in re- ligion he is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. The Republican party has always received his support since he came to the United States, and, while not desiring political offices, he has been willing to aid his party by serving on committees and as a delegate to conventions, etc. In Seaforth, Ontario, March 24, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Essie Ward, of Canada, by whom he has one son, Harry Ward Love. (1 OSEPH ROSE. The farmers of this county have a good representative in Mr. Rose, who G/ for years diligently and successfully culti- vated a farm in Manhattan Township, but who since 1S91 has been living retired from active cares and in the enjoyment of the comforts earned by his former industry, is quietly passing the twilight of his life in Manhattan. The period of his connection with the history of this county covers a half century. It was on the 19th of June, 1850, that he arrived in Lockport, a stran- ger in a strange land, with whose customs and people he was wholly unfamiliar. He was with- out means and was glad to secure work at fifty cents a day and his board. In the years that have since come and gone he has labored to such good purpose that he now owns two hundred and forty acres of improved land besides his property in town. A son of John and Sarah (Whitely) Rose, the subject of this sketch was born in Nottingham- shire, England, March 1, 1S25. He was reared on a farm and remained in the vicinity of his birthplace until he crossed the ocean to the United States. After a voyage of nearly six weeks from Liverpool on the good sailing ship "Manhattan," Captain Mulligan, he arrived in New York City, where he spent a few days. He then proceeded to Albany and from there pur- sued his way to Chicago, at that time an insig- nificant village in the midst of a dense swamp. From Chicago he came via canal boat to Lock- port, where he secured employment. Later, for three years, he worked on a farm for D. C. Young, and while in his employ he helped to clear up the land now occupied by Oakwood cemetery. Renting a tract of eighty acres, Mr. Rose be- gan independent farming. He spent four years on the same place, and in 1858 removed to Man- hattan Township, where he operated a rented farm for six years, and in 1864 bought a farm in Wilton Township, between Peotone and Wilton. Upon the one hundred and sixty acres compris- ing the farm he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He later bought eighty acres of land west of Wilton Center. He remained on his farm until his removal to Manhattan in 1891. He has never cared for office and, aside from voting the Republican ticket, takes no part in politics. In 1846 he married Miss Mary Hallam, a native of England. They are the parents of the following-named children: Charles, James 1'., Robert H., Elizabeth, Mary J. and Harriet S. Of these Charles is in Los Angeles, Cal. "■PHRAIM L. SHAFFNER. The business *T) interests of Joliet have an energetic repre- __ sentative in Mr. Shaffner, who for years has been the owner and manager of a coal yard in this city. Forming a partnership with his father, under the firm name of B. Shaffner & Son, in 1876 he embarked in the coal business. Eight 533 GKXKALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years later the partnership was dissolved, he as- suming full control of the business, which he has since enlarged to its present magnitude. His yard is conveniently located near the tracks of the Chicago & Alton, Illinois Central and Santa Fe Railroads. He is a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, and has attained a success of which he is eminently deserving. In 1S46 John Shaffner came to this county and took up government land, on which he engaged in farming. His son, Benjamin, was born in Cumberland County, Pa , in 1825. The next year the family removed to Summit County. Ohio, and he was twenty-one years of age at the time of the removal to Illinois, the family settling in Xew Lenox Township, this county. Later he acquired a farm in Jackson Township, where he remained until 1S57. On selling that place he removed to Joliet and began working at the car- penter's trade, but after a time became interested in wagon-making, also carried on a grocery and provision business, and finally opened a coal yard. About 1884 he retired from active business cares, and has since lived in the enjoyment of an income sufficient for his needs, occupying a com- fortable home in this city. In politics he is a Republican. By the marriage of Benjamin Shaffner to Caro- line Larkin, of this county, two children were born, E. L. and E. P., both of Joliet. The former was born in New Lenox Township, October 1, 1S52, and received a common-school education. At fifteen years of age he secured employment with the Joliet Iron & Steel Company as an office boy. Gaining the confidence of his employers, he was promoted from one position to another until he was finally given charge of the pay rolls, and he continued with the company until he re- signed to engage in the coal business. June 21, 1S77, Mr. Shaffner married Miss Frances A. Stanley, who was born in Joliet June 10, 1855. Her father, Francis G. Stanley, was for twenty-seven years foreman of the William Adams Lumber Company, continuing in the po- sition until the time of his death. Mrs. Shaffner died May 12. 1885, leaving four children. The eldest, Edwin Stanley, who was born May 29, 1878, is assisting his father in business. Frances M., born December 7. 1S80, is a graduate of the Joliet high school, and resides at home. Lottie A. died at five years; and Benjamin F. , born January 8, 1885, is with his father. The second marriage of Mr. Shaffner took place May iS, 1S86, and united him with Miss Martha J. George, who was born in Bucyrus, Crawford County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Susan (Stickler) George. Her father came from Ohio to Will County in an early day and after a resi- dence here of several 3-ears returned to Ohio, where he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffner are the parents of a daughter, Clara Belle, born June 9, 1889. GlLKXAXDER DAVIDSON, proprietor of a L\ livery on South Bluff street, Joliet, was born / 1 in Scrauton, Pa., June 9, 1S70, a son of Francis P. and Elizabeth 1 MeNeal) Davidson, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. His father, who followed the machinist's trade in Scotland for some 3-ears, after coming to Amer- ica became master mechanic in the steel mills at Scranton. In 1S73 he removed to St. Louis, where he held a position as master mechanic in the Vulcan iron works at Caroudelet. His next location was in Crystal City, as master mechanic in the plate glass works there. In 1SS0 he went to Chicago and became superintendent of the Morton Frog & Crossing works, having charge of the building and fitting up of the new plant. Coming to Joliet in 1S90, he accepted a position as manager of the Fox Pressed Steel Company (now the Pressed Steel Car Company). This plant he fitted with machinery and put in run- ning order. In 1892 he went to Montana as superintendent of the mechanical part of the noted Anaconda mines. Since 1898 he has been retired from business cares and has made his home in Joliet, where he stands high in the esti- mation of the people as a reliable citizen. Among those in his line he has always held a high rank, GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 539 and during his active years he was considered one of the most skilled mechanics in America. Reared under the influences of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, he has always adhered to its doctrines and endeavored to live up to its teachings. The education of our subject was acquired principally in South Chicago. When a mere boy he was apprenticed to the moulder's trade, serv- ing his time with Fraser & Chalmers, and work- ing in Chicago. When his father went to Ana- conda he accompanied him, but after a stay of three months returned to Chicago. However, in 1893 he again went to Montana, this time re- maining until June, 1895, when he settled in Joliet. His connection with the Bates Machine Company began shortly after he settled in this city and continued until March, 1899. He then bought out the business he now successfully con- ducts. Everything about his barns is first-class. His carriages are all rubber-tired and modern in every particular. He owns ten horses of high grade and also has a number of boarders in his stables. He gives his attention very closely to his business, desiring in every particular to please his customers and to conduct affairs in a manner satisfactory to patrons and profitable to himself. Politically he has not allied himself with any po- litical party, but is independent in his vote. (p\ BIJAH R. STARR, former proprietor of the LI Stone City greenhouses at No. 110 Macom- / I her avenue, made his home in Joliet from 1S71 until his death in 1S99. He was born in Ithaca, N. Y., March 25, 1832, a son of William Russell Starr. The common ancestor of all branches of the Starr family in America was Dr. Comfort Starr, a native of Ashford, Kent County, England, and a prominent surgeon and owner of large estates. This ancestor settled in Massa- chusetts in 1635 and afterward made his home there. He was a warden in St. Mary's Church at Ashford, Kent County, England. Both he and his descendants were prominently identified with many important movements for the develop- ment of New England, and the family name was a synonym of honesty and uprightness. His son, Thomas, came to America in 1637; his name is mentioned in the early history of Massachusetts, and he was one of the surgeons that went out with the army against the Pequod Indians. Capt. Josiah, son of Dr. Thomas Starr, was born at Chestertown, Mass., September 1, 1657, and became the founder of the branch of the family in Danbury, Conn. He was elected the first town clerk, captain of the first military com- pany there, and also held the offices of justice of the peace and surveyor. In 1702 he was chosen deputy to the general court, a position of great distinction. This office he held, by re-election, during the remaining years of his life. He had a grandson who bore the same name ashimself and who was born in 1717. He was a member of what was then known as the train-bard. In 1754 he was chosen ensign of his company. In August, 1755, he was chosen second lieutenant of the Fifth Company to go against Crown Point. In 1756 he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. His father also served as an ensign and captain and as deputy to the general court and was promi- nent in church affairs. Abijah, son of Colonel Starr, was born in Dan- bury, Conn., about 1744, and removed thence to Patterson, Putnam County, N. Y. His sou, Abijah, a native of Patterson, settled in Ithaca about 1S16, and afterward followed surveying. By his marriage to Hauna Watts he had three children, of whom the eldest, William Russell Starr, was born in Patterson August 4, 1 S07 , and engaged in the mercantile business there. In 1S34 he came to Illinois and took up some land near Crete, where he engaged in farming. He was a stanch Whig and Abolitionist. For some years he was postmaster at Crete. He took an active part in the organization of the Congrega- tional Church of Crete. November 18, 1829, he married Harriet L- Royce, daughter of Asahel and Sally (Clark) Royce. He died February 10, 1857. The subject of this sketch was their only son. He was two years of age when they brought him 54° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to this county, coming via the lakes on one of the earliest steamers, "Uncle Sam," that made the voyage. When a boy he attended school held in a log building put up by the pioneers, and containing openings for windows and doors; afterward doors and windows were made of what was known as shake boards, split out of logs. In 1850 he went to California, driving across the plains with a large party. The journey was a perilous one, owing to the hostility of the Indians. At night and day guards were on the alert to protect the travelers against possible attacks, but they were not molested. As a miner he had fair success. After two years he returned to Illinois, on account of his father's illness, and resumed the management of the home farm. Four years later his father died and the farm was sold to our subject's uncle. Our subject then went to Wheaton, Dupage County, where for eight years he engaged in the mercantile business. Iu March, 1S71, Mr. Starr sold out in Wheaton and came to Joliet, where he and his wife started a store at No. 69 Jefferson street, which they carried on for five years. The management of the store was almost wholly in his wife's hands, and she displayed excellent judgment in superintend- ing it. Meantime he had started a greenhouse on Macomber avenue, which was the first one started in Joliet. In 1S7S he and his wife dis- posed of their stock of goods and turned their at- tention wholly to the florist's business. They rebuilt their residence and erected another house on an adjoining lot. In the greenhouses there are five thousand feet of glass. The accommoda- tions are ample for the care of a large variety of plants, two of the houses being 20x50, while two others are 20x70. Mr. Starr was a stockholder in the first build- ing and loan association organized in Joliet. As a Republican, he was fairly active iu politics and attended numerous conventions. In religion he was a Methodist. During his residence in Wheaton he was made a Mason, and after coming to Joliet he joined Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he held positions of trust. October 24, 1853, Mr. Starr married Sarah Ann, daughter of Jared and Lana (Young) Mogg, and a native of Clay, N. Y. Her grand- father, Jeremiah Young, was a Revolutionary soldier and traced his ancestry to Germain', his great-grandfather having come to this country from that land. Many of the name still reside in Schoharie and Onondaga Counties, N. Y., where the original emigrants settled. Her father was born in Connecticut in 1791, and was orphaned by the death of his parents when he was a small boy. He was bound out and in boyhood was compelled to work very hard, with no advantages or opportunities. While he was still very young, the treatment he received caused him to run away from his master. He secured work on a farm and was employed as a hand until he had saved enough to start out for himself. After his marriage he bought a farm in Onondaga County. After a time he bought another farm and also ran a sawmill in Oswego County. A strong Jackson Democrat, he took an active part in politics. He was a very upright, honorable and industrious man, one who had many friends in his com- munity. In his family there were fourteen chil- dren, all but one of whom attained maturity, and ten are still living, the youngest of these being fifty-seven years old, it being the oldest and largest (taken altogether) of any family now living that was born in Onondaga County. Mr. - and Mrs. Starr became the parents of three daughters, namely: Mary, wife of A. C. John- ston, of Joliet; Ellen, a physician and the wife of Dr. C. H. L. Souder, of Chicago; and Attie Cor- delia, wife of George T. Relyea, a wholesale grocer, of Joliet. At his home, surrounded by his family, Mr. Starr departed this life December iS, 1S99, aged sixty-seven years, nine months and eighteen days. Throughout life he was noted for his ster- ling honesty and positive convictions, and was respected by all his acquaintances for his love of truth and right and his bitter hatred of dis- honesty and corruption, either in public or pri- vate affairs. He was always kind and generous in his family and with his neighbors. His genial and sympathetic nature led him to perform main- acts of kindness and charity toward the poor or the distressed in his neighborhood. Of his char- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 54' acter and life it may truthfully be said that they always stood for the right because it was right and not for policy's sake. He admired and championed the cause of truth and justice, and he boldly denounced wrong. In every good cause he was a supporter. He did much, by example and precept, to lead the community in paths of justice, loyalty and honor. EHARLES W. KEITH, foreman of the Joliet plant of Selz, Schwab & Co., is descended from Scotch ancestry, but his forefathers have been in America since 1661. During that year, Rev. James, son of Robert Keith, came to the new world from the county of Caithness, in the northern part of Scotland. From him descend all of the Keiths of New England. He was edu- cated in Marshall College, Aberdeen, and came to America immediatly after completing hiscollege course. • He was called to be the first minister at Duxbury, Mass. His son, Simeon, was born in Mendon, May 6, 1742, and was orphaned at an early age; learning the blacksmith's trade, he started out for himself when eighteen years of age. Upon the breaking out of the Revolution- ary war he enlisted in a company of volunteers under Captain Wilkinson, of Sutton. He marched with the company to Roxbury, but there, through the exposure of camp life, caught a severe cold resulting in fever, from which he died January 3, 1776. Though he did not live to see the inde- pendence of our country, his name deserves to be perpetuated among those of other patriots who gave their lives for their native land. By his marriage to Rebecca Leland he had five children, of whom the second, Royal, was the grandfather of our subject. Royal Keith was born February 23, 1769, and was seven years of age when his father died. The care of the family then fell upon the mother, who, in spite of the hardships of war, the priva- tions of poverty and the sorrows of widowhood, managed to keep the children together and reared them to become useful, honorable citizens. As soon as he was old enough to earn money Royal helped to support the family. He learned the shoemaker's trade with his uncle, Elijah Stanton. In 1788 he went to Boston, where he found em- ployment in a shoe store occupying a room in Faneuil hall. Two years later he returned to the family home at Grafton, where he soon began to manufacture shoes on his own account, selling in Boston and Providence. He was one of the earliest manufacturers of custom shoes in Amer- ica, having begun in business soon after the first tariff was passed for the protection of American industries. The first shoes he manufactured were rough hand-sewed articles, which were used by laboring men or shipped south for the Carolina negroes. After a time these shoes were supplanted by others more modern in style and shape. Dur- ing the embargo of the war of 1S12, transporta- tion by water was impossible, and Mr. Keith sent a shipment of shoes overland from Grafton to Richmond, Va., which was a very difficult task in those days. He was a citizen highly esteemed for his worthy qualities. Possessing excellent business qualities he always succeeded in busi- ness enterprises. Often he was appealed to by his neighbors for advice in weighty matters. He was frequently chosen to serve in official capaci- ties, and in 1836 was the representative from Grafton in the general court of Massachusetts. He died November 13, 1S57, after a long and successful life. By the marriage of Royal Keith to Deborah Adams, which was solemnized December 26, 1797, ten children were born, of whom Royal A., the sixth, was born December 27, 1809. He was a farmer by occupation, although he also engaged in the meat business for some years. In religion he was a Congregationalist. He was a man of quiet, unassuming disposition, who, like his father, was respected wherever known. He at- tained an advanced age, and passed from earth August 29, 18S2. By his marriage, September 2, 1840, to Lydia D. Fisher, eight children were born, Charles being the fifth. The last-named was born at Grafton, Mass., April 19, 1849, and was educated in common schools. In youth he 542 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. became familiar with the shoe business. About 1865 he went to Worcester, but a year later re- turned to Grafton, and for six years was with J. W. Slocum & Sou. Next he went to Upton, where lie was similarly employed for two years. For five years he was in the employ of C. A. Claflin, of Hopkinton, Mass. Later he was with J. H. and G. M. Walker at Worcestsr until 1883, when he came to Joliet upon the recommendation of Mr. Claflin, who was at the time assistant su- perintendent for Selz, Schwab & Co., in this city. For a part of the first year he was assistant to the foreman, after which he was appointed foreman, and has held this position since, notwithstanding the different administrations of affairs. A fter the first year he took the place of two foremen, hav- ing charge of from seventy to eighty men. In politics Mr. Keith is a believer in Republi- can principles, but in local affairs believes it is more a question of the right man than of political principles, hence he supports the men he consid- ers best qualified to represent the people. Janu- ary 28, 1S80, he married Carrie A., daughter of Lovett B. Hayden, who was engaged iu the boot and shoe business in Hopkinton, Mass. They are the parents of four children: Carrie Ethel, Royal Adams, Nina Hayden and Robert Elwin. HENRY CHRISTMANN, who is proprietor of a meat market at No. 623 South Chicago street, Joliet, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, October 14, 1865. He was the third among eight children, six of whom are now liv- ing. His father, Christopher Christmann, was for twenty-five years engaged in the mercantile business in Bavaria, but in 1S80 left Germany and emigrated to America, settling in Joliet, where he is now living, retired from business cares. Since identifying himself with our government he has been a stanch Republican. He was mar- ried in Bavaria iii 1859 to Margarita Schneider, who is yet living, in Joliet. At the time of comiirg to the United States Henry Christmann was a boy of fifteen years. From an early age he has been self-supporting, and through his industry and perseverance he has laid the foundation of a very profitable business. After working for six months in a butcher shop he started a meat market of his own, and has since continued in business for himself. In 1S92 he erected a two-story brick building north of his shop, but this he later sold. In all of his work he has showed good judgment. He uses great care in the selection of his meats, thus gaining the confidence of his customers. His long ex- perience in the business, combined with his en- ergy and perseverance, well qualify him to carry on his market with success. While he has never been active in local affairs, Mr. Christmann has firm opinions on political subjects and votes with the Republicans. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of America, Home Forum and Loyal Orange Lodge. He is ' connected with the German Protestant Church and is now serving as its secretary. His first marriage took place January 21, 1S88, and united him with Emma Liederbach, who died in 1895, leaving two children, Christopher Frederick and Catherine Louise. March 3, 1S97, he was united in marriage to Helen Dieterich, of Joliet, a daughter of Lawrence and Susannah (Schneider) Dieterich, natives of Germany. They settled in Troy Township, where Mrs. Dieterich yet resides, on the old homestead. uw v^Vo?— « GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 545 ROMAINE J. CURTISS. ROMAINE J. CURTISS, M. D. Those who possess originality of mental attributes form striking figures in local or general history. In keenness of perceptive qualities, in clearness of mind and firmness of convictions, Dr. Curtiss has a leading position among Joliet physicians and surgeons. His record is that of a man fear- less in the defence of truth, firm in the expres- sion of his opinions, even when these convictions are diametrically opposed to the views of his co- laborers. A constant student of his profession, he has kept in touch with every development that has been made in the medical science, and has himself been a leader in the forward march of discovery and research. Many generations gone by, in the remote past, the Curtiss family emigrated from Spain, where its members had long lived in peace under their own vine and fig tree, and settled in the less genial England. From there three brothers came with the Cambridge colony to America, settling in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Dur- ing the Revolutionary war the family was repre- sented at the front. Zurial Curtiss, a native of Connecticut, removed to Cayuga County, N. Y., wherehissou, Newell, was born. Later he set- tled in the timber near Plymouth, Richland County, Ohio, where he reared his family on a farm and spent his remaining years Newell Curtiss was a farmer, and also owned a saw and grist mill, and engaged in the manufacture of lumber and flour, having his mill near New Ha- ven, Huron County, Ohio, where he moved soon after the birth of his son, RomaineJ. After a busy and active life he retired to the quiet of his home and is now living at Norwalk, Ohio, at the 28 age of more than ninety years. He married Marilla Sage, who was born in Oswego, N. Y., and is still living; her father, Roswell, was a farmer in New York. Of four children Dr. Curtiss was the eldest, and is now the sole survivor. He was born near Plymouth, Ohio, October 1, 1840, and was reared in Huron County. At seventeen years of age he entered Hillsdale (Mich.) College, where he remained for two years. He then took up the study of medicine under Dr. Charles Richards of New Haven, after which he entered the Buf- falo Medical College with the intention of com- pleting his course there. However, the Civil war came on and he enlisted as a medical cadet in the army. He was assigned to duty on a hospital boat containing the wounded from Vicksburg who were being taken to St. Louis, and made several similar trips until illness forced him to resign. In 1864 he graduated from Ohio Medi- cal College at Cincinnati as an M. D., and shortly afterward entered the navy as assistant surgeon on the United States flagship ' ' General Burn- side," assigned to the Mississippi squadron, eleventh division. At the close of the war he returned home on an extended furlough, and four months later was discharged. For seven years Dr. Curtiss practiced at An- dover, N. Y. While there, through an accident on the railroad, eighty people were killed and sixty wounded. After the accident he was the first on the ground, and was given charge of the wounded. Later he was made surgeon for the Buffalo & Erie (now the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern) Railroad, being the first railroad sur- geon ever appointed in the United States. In 546 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. September, 1S73, he came to Joliet and opened an office for practice. He soon built up a repu- tation for efficiency and skill. For years he was surgeon for the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern, and the Santa Fe roads; for ten }-ears was surgeon in charge of St. Joseph Hospital, and also acted as surgeon for steel wire mills, etc. He was the first health commissioner of Joliet and organized the health department, also wrote all of the ordi- nances for the same. On the reorganization of the Will County Medical Society he was its president for a year, and later served as secretary for thir- teen years, but in 1895 resigned. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Grand Army, and in religion he is a Catholic. The thoroughness of the researches which Dr. Curtiss has made in the realm of bacteriology and in hygiene have brought him into promi- nence. After long years of study, investigation and experiment, he came to the conclusion that disease is incurable, but its prevention is possi- ble, and therefore he has advocated hygiene and prevention rather than cure. Logically, he prac- tices the prevention of disease and is an ardent hvgienist. In explanation of his theory and in proof of its validity, he has contributed papers frequently to medical journals, and these have been studied by members of the profession throughout the entire country. Recently con- siderable attention was attracted to him through his letter to Andrew Carnegie, inviting him to invest a princely adequate sum of money in the erection of a great technical school where people might be taught the science of hygiene and longevity. In 1882 he was elected to the chair of bacteriology and hygiene, and the chair of general pathology in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago. After he had com- menced to lecture there he took up the germ theory as being the true cause of disease. The other twenty members of the faculty at first op- posed his theory, but in time they were converted to the principle; meantime, however, the strug- gle was a hard one for him, as he was denounced by main-, and only the influence of Dr. Senn, the famous surgeon, saved him from being asked to resign. After ten years in the college he with- drew to private life. Like all discoverers of new- ideas, he has made enemies in his professional career, but he has also made many warm friends and, by his originality of thought and force of character has won for himself an honorable po- sition in the world of thought. . RASTUS W. WILLARD, of Lockport, 'y superintendent of the lands of the Illinois _ and Michigan canal, is a member of a family that has been identified with American history since the early part of the seventeenth century. The first of the name in this country was Maj. Simon Willard, who was born in County Kent, England, and settled in Boston, Mass., about 1630, afterward serving as com- mander of expeditions in the early wars and taking a prominent part in many historic move- ments. Nor were his descendants less patriotic than he. One of them, Ambrose Willard, a native of Massachusetts and a farmer of that state, served during the war of 1812, defending the American interests in that conflict. He at- tained the age of eighty-three years. His son, Erastus H. Willard, M. D., who was born in Worcester, Mass., accompanied his parents to New York in boyhood, and later became a phy- sician. In 1848 he was elected a member of the state senate. During the existence of the Whig party he affiliated with its members, and after its disintegration became a Democrat. He died at his home in Spencer July 18, 1S86. The marriage of Dr. Willard united him with Mary S. Moses, who was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1808, and was reared in Lima, in the home of her grandfather, a leading educa- tor of that city. Her father was killed when she was a mere child. She died in 18S0. Like her husband she always adhered to the Presbyterian faith. Of the ten children born to their union six are still living. Erastus W., the subject of this sketch, was born in Belmont, Allegany County, N. Y., October 22, 1S38. Between the years of GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 547 twelve and sixteen he was a student in the academy near his home. In January, 1S56, he came west to Illinois and secured a clerkship in a drug store in Wilmington, Will County, re- maining there for several years. Returning to New York he opened a grocery at Friendship, but when the Civil war broke out he gave his mother a bill of sale for the store and enlisted in the Union army. He was a non-commissioned officer, belonging to Company E, Twenty-third New York Infantry, but was soon transferred to a position as hospital steward. Later he received a commission as first lieutenant of Company G, Sixty-fifth New York Infantry. At the close of his time he was mustered out of service at Almira, N. Y., after which he took the enroll- ment of his town and served as assistant provost- marshal until 1863. Deciding to again seek a home in the west Mr. Willard returned to Wilmington, 111., in Septem- ber, 1863. The following year when President Lincoln called for men to enlist for one hundred days in order to relieve soldiers, he went out as first lieutenant of Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Infantry. The regiment was ordered to Leavenworth, Kaus. , where Mr. Wil- lard served on the court martial for two months. He then took his company to Paola, thence re- turned to Leavenworth, and at the expiration of the time of service went back to Springfield, 111. During the Price raid he went to Missouri and remained there for two weeks, after which he again went to Springfield and was mustered out of the service. On resuming the pursuits of civic life Mr. Willard engaged in the drug business at Wil- mington, where he remained until 1886. He came to Joliet and established a drug business, which he couducted for years. After selling out his store he was for six months editor of the Daily Press, which was then one of the leading papers of the city. A prominent Republican, he served as a member of the state central committee in 1892, 1894 and 1S96, and acted as chairman of the committee on organization in 1S96 and 1898. He served as chairman of the Will County cen- tral committee in 1S92 and 1896. In 1884, when he took charge of the Republican committee, the county had been giving Democratic majorities for several years, but under his management an enthusiasm in behalf of the Republican party was developed. In 1880 he did the entire work for the Republican cause in the county, and secured John A. Logan to come to Wilmington and make a speech. Under the administration of Governor Tanner in February, 1897, he was appointed to superintend the landed interests of the canal, and at the same time established his home in Lockport, where he has since resided. Fraternally Mr. Willard is connected with Lodge No. 208, A. F. & A. M.; Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M.; Joliet Commandery No. 24, and for three years was master of the lodge, for some years served as high priest of the chapter, and for two years was eminent commander of the commandery. He assisted in organizing the Grand Army post in Wilmington and was elected its first commandei; afterward, on removing to Joliet, he identified himself with the post of this city. June 28, 1S71, Mr. Willard married Miss Jessie R. Duck, of Wilmington, by whom he has three children, Francis D., Edward H. and Jessie. V A ICHAEL C. HALEY, a pioneer of Man- Y hattan Township, was born in Ireland in (9 1842, and at two years of age was brought to America by his parents, Martin and Catherine (Curry) Haley. Not long afterward his father died in New York while still a young man; the mother passed away at the home of her son, July 30, 1S95, and their only daughter, Bridget, is also deceased, so that our subject is the only liv- ing member of the family. He was reared by his uncle, Thomas Haley, whom he accompanied to Illinois at twelve years of age, and with whom he remained until grown. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, in which he served for eighteen months, and was then honorably discharged on account of wounds 54S GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. received at Jackson, Miss., Jul)' 13, 1863. Re- turning to his uncle's home, he was for a time unable to engage in active work, but as soon as he had regained his strength he began farming for himself. In 1864 he bought forty acres from the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Three years later he bought his present farm of eighty acres, on which he has since made improvements and engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Besides this place he owns one hundred and sixty acres ill Kit Carson Count}', Colo. In his political opinions Mr. Haley is a Repub- lican, and has worked actively for his party. For several years he served as deputy sheriff under Sheriffs Houston, Piepenbrink and Francis. Dur- ing most of the years since 1864 he has been con- stable of the township. In Goddard Post, G. A. R., at Manhattan, he is an active worker and senior vice-commander. He assisted in the organization of the Anti-Horse-thief Association, of which he has since been captain. October 16, 1864, he married Margaret, daughter of John Murphy, of Joliet. One child blessed their union, a son, William M., who died at the age of twenty-nine years. Mr. Haley has been a hard-working man, and with the assistance of his wife has be- come the owner of valuable property, which rep- resents years of industry and tireless application on his part. KEELSON E. HAZELTON. The entire life I / of Mr. Hazelton has been passed on the 1/3 family homestead in Wesley Township, where he was born. His father, Charles R., a native of Bennington, Vt., removed to Ohio in early life, thence years afterward went to Aurora, 111., and about 1852 settled in Wesley Township, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. The subsequent years of his busy life were passed here. The principal development of his township took place under his immediate obser- vation. From an uncultivated prairie he saw it changed to a garden spot, worthy to be compared with the finest places in his native New England. His attention was chiefly directed to general farming, although he bestowed some attention on stock-raising. From time to time he added to his possessions until he owned about six hundred acres, all representing his unaided efforts. His success was even more gratifying than his fondest hopes had painted, for when he left Vermont, a poor youth of eighteen, and started for a strange section of the country, he had not dared to hope that he would be in later years a large land owner. He was spared to a very advanced age, being eighty-nine at the time he was called from earth, November 14, 1898. His first wife died in Ohio, leaving two sons, Norman and George. Afterward he married a widow, Mrs. Annie (Van Fleet) Ball, by whom he had five children, namely: Ella, wife of William Mellen; Vesta, who married Amasa Bell; Ida, wife of Charles Walton; Susan, Mrs. Thomas B. Reid, of Kansas; and Nelson E., of this sketch. The widowed mother, at the age of seventy-five years, is a re- markably well-preserved old lady, keen, active and vigorous; she is living on a part of the old homestead. Born in 1862, our subject passed the years of youth at the old homestead, carefully reared under the supervision of his parents. He re- ceived common-school advantages, and these, aided by reading, observation and experience, have made him a well-informed man. He has followed the uneventful life of a farmer, having taken charge of the home farm at the age of twenty-one, and now he cultivates three hundred and twenty acres, besides buying and selling stock. In 1899 h e erected on the old home place a residence that is without doubt the finest in the township, being modern in its appointments and artistic in appearance, while its furnishings are of a character that indicate the refined tastes of the family. It contains not only the necessities but also the comforts of modern life. While he was more fortunate than some young men in that he was given a start in life by his father, yet, had it not been for his energy, good judgment and in- dustry, he could not have attained the success now his. His farm work is invariably conducted in a thorough and progressive manner. He raises GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 549 large quantities of grain, averaging three thou- sand bushels of corn and seven thousand bushels of oats each year. Like the other members of the Hazelton family, Mr. Hazelton is a Republican, but not a poli- tician nor a partisan. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America. May 21, 1885, he married Jennie, daughter of John W. Raymond, of Kankakee County. They have two daughters, Nellie and Genieve. The family occupy a high position in the social life of the community and always lend substantial aid to educational and charitable enterprises. P QERDEN BUCK, who is one of the success- \ A / ful business men of Joliet, is a son of YV George A. Buck, a pioneer of this city. He was born in Manhattan, Will County, in 1869, on the 9th of February, and spent his early childhood years in that place, but in 18S0 came to Joliet, where he attended the high school until the close of the junior year. His first employ- ment, for which he was paid $5 a week, was as collector and night operator for the Chicago Tele- phone Company, a position that required him to work twenty hours out of the twenty- four. After six months in the position he became an employe of Paige & Benson, owners of a grocer}' and a coal and ice business. At first he was connected with the ice department. Soon A. W. Hays and Chester Paige succeeded J. D. Paige in the gro- cery business, while Paige & Benson remained in the ice and fuel business. In 1888 Mr. Buck bought Chester Paige's interest in the grocery, which was conducted under the title of A. W. Hays & Co., the location being in the old opera house block, on the corner of Chicago and Clin- ton streets. When that building was burned down, in 1892, the business was removed across the street to the Auditorium block, where Mr. Buck has since carried on a large and profitable trade, at No. 302 Chicago street. In 1S94 the firm opened a coal and building material business on Cass street, where the}' dealt in sewer pipe, drain tile and fuel. March 9, 1898, Mr. Buck bought his partner's interest, and has since been sole proprietor of the coal yards, at Nos. 511 513 Cass street. He has a building 40x132, with yards in the rear, and carries in stock all kinds of pressed brick manu- factured in the United States, also sewer pipe, drain tile, etc., in which he conducts an exten- sive business. He is president of the Retail Mer- chants' Association of Joliet, and stands high among the business men of his city, where he is known as a man of unusual enterprise and sound judgment. As a Democrat, he has been active in politics, and has served as treasurer of the city Democratic committee. For one term he held the office of township collector. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. The marriage of Mr. Buck, which took place in Joliet, united him with Miss Inez Paige, daugh- ter of J. D. Paige, superintendent of the Joliet fire department. One son blesses their union, George Paige. Mrs. Buck is a Universalist in religious belief, and, while Mr. Buck is not con- nected with any denomination, he is in sympathy with all movements for the uplifting of humanity. He is a progressive citizen and earnestly favors measures for the benefit of Joliet, in whose future as a commercial center he has the srreatest faith. I ALTER D. STEVENS is one of the enter- prising business men of Joliet, where since 1896 he has been proprietor of a car- riage repository. He occupies a three-story building, 66x60 feet, furnished with every mod- ern equipment, inclnding elevators, etc., and stocked with Babcock buggies, Ariel bicycles and vehicles of all kinds. The location, on the cor- ner of Van Buren and Joliet streets, is convenient and central. As a business man he has already gained a name and place among the people of Joliet. Active and judicious, he uses sagacity in 55° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. all of his business dealings, and shows keen judg- ment in both buying and selling. His honorable dealings have won for him the confidence of the people. The father of our subject, J. W. Stevens, was born in Gaudhurst, England, and coming to America, became a business man of Joliet in 1S4S, opening a dry-goods store on Jefferson street. Two years afterward his wife joined him, crossing the ocean on the sailing vessel " Irving," which landed in New York after a voyage of thirty days. Her brother in-law, Capt. R. J. Doughty, was owner of the vessel on which she crossed. From New York she pro- ceeded by rail to Buffalo, thence via the lakes to Chicago and canal to Joliet. She was born in County Kent, England, and bore the maiden name of Hirriet Deverson. Her father, Daniel Deverson, also a native of County Kent and a f ir ner, dial there at eighty-six years, while her mother, Annie, daughter of Stephen Stokes, a far ner, spent her entire life in the same county, where she died at eighty-four years. There were t .valve children in the family, but only four are living. Harriet, who was next to the youngest of the twelve, is the only member of the family in America. Possessing considerable business ability, as soon as she joined her husband in Joliet she began to assist him, and for some time car- ried on a millinery business in connection with his dry goods store. After his death, in 1859, she continued at the head of the entire establish- ment. In 186 1 she was a second time married, becoming the wife of Frank Bush, who was born in Whitehall, N. Y. , a son of Stephen and a brother of J. E. Bush. He came to Illinois about 1S54, and with his brother, Henry, engaged in cattle dealing and the wholesale meat business. He owned a farm of one hundred and thirty acres adj lining the city. He died November 10, 1897. The following year forty acres of his farm was sold to Joliet for a park and was named Bush park. In 1871 Mrs. Bush bought a store on Jefferson street, where she continued business until 1892, and then sold both the stock of goods and the building. In 1863 she bought a beautiful home on the corner of Western avenue and Hickory street. She has built many tenement houses both on the east and west sides, and built the Bush block on the corner of Exchange and Bluff streets. In 1892 she erected the Strobridge build- ing, corner of Van Bureu and Joliet streets. She still owns ninety acres of land adjoining Bush park, and this she superintends. To her first marriage three sons were born, Walter D.; Irving D. (in Alaska), formerly the first secre- tary of the Joliet Stove Works, afterward en- gaged in the manufacture of agricultural imple- ments, and for thirty years one of the prosperous and prominent business men in Joliet; and Eu- gene, an assayer of great ability and promince, in Leadville, Colo. Fcur children were .horn of her second marriage, namely: Hattie, wife of Peter Shitts, attorney, of Joliet; Luella, at home; Charles Franklin, who is agent for the Wells- Fargo Express Company, at Des Moines, Iowa; and Arthur Willis, formerly manager of the Jo- liet Gas Company. At the time his mother came to Joliet our sub- ject was two years old. He was born in Dover, England, September 28, 1S48, but the only home he remembers in connection with his early child- hood is Joliet. During the war he was sent to school in England and spent five years in Can- terbury Academy, after which he shipped in the English merchant marine service under an uncle, who was a captain engaged in the Mediterranean trade. Returning to Joliet he engaged in the grocery business as a member of the firm of Car- son & Stevens, after which he was in the lumber business with Frank Bush & Co., then engaged in the book and stationery business alone. In 1873 he went to Georgetown, Colo., where at first he was interested in prospecting and mining, but soon turned his attention to the insurance and real-estate and mining business. In 1879 he went from Georgetown to Leadville, where he engaged in the same business. While in the west he traveled through the coast country and in British Columbia. Returning to Joliet in 1893 he was first connected with his brother Irving D., but in 1S96 he started in business alone. In politics Mr. Stevens has always affiliated GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 55' with the Republicans. From 1873 to 1893 he served as a delegate to every state Republican convention in Colorado. For one term he was assessor. He also served as police magistrate and ex-ofneio mayor of Georgetown. He is well-informed regarding public affairs, although he has not been so active in Illinois as in Col- orado, for his attention is quite closely given to business matters, and he has little leisure for participation in politics. EYRUS A. LEWIS. No man has done more for the development of the agricultural in- terests of New Leuox Township than has Mr. Lewis, and few are better known that he. Since he came to this county in 1850 and settled upon his present farm he has transformed the raw prairie land into a valuable and highly-cul- tivated tract, having purchased, soon after his arrival, one hundred and sixty acres at $4 an acre, to which he has since added until he now owns four hundred acres of fine laud, devoted to general farm products. He also owns city prop- erty and is a director in the Joliet National bank. Mr. Lewis was born in Decatur, N. Y., July 19, 1824, a descendant of ancestors who came from Wales and settled in Hartford County, Conn. His father, Justus Lewis, a native of Connecticut, removed to New York in an early day and settled in the woods, where he cleared a farm. Upon that place he made his home for sixty years. During the Revolutionary war he was stationed at West Point, on the Hudson, and helped to forge and lay the chain across the river for the purpose of preventing the enemy from coming up stream. He died when eighty-six years of age. His wife was Candace Spencer, of Connecticut, who died in 1843, at the age of forty- three years. They were the parents of four chil- dren, viz.: Coridon S., deceased; Marilla, widow of A. B. Cornwell; Jane, deceased; and Cyrus A. Educated in the common schools of New York, Mr. Lewis remained at home until his removal to Illinois in 1850, and since then he has been identified with the history of this county. He has held a number of township offices and has always been a stanch Republican. By his mar- riage, in 1847, to Emeline Seward, a native of New York, he has seven children. The oldest son and second child, Spencer, went to China in 1881 as a missionary for the Methodist Episcopal Church and is now superintendent of the West China mission. Since going to that country he has twice returned to America to visit relatives, and his two children are now attending school in Chicago. The other members of the family are as follows: Mary, wife of William Greenwood; Candace, who married Calvin Armigast; Nellie, Mrs. Julian Barnes; C. Almon, Sherman and Jennie, Mrs. Henry Lantz. In the organization of the Grange Mr. Lewis took an active part and he served as its master for several years. A man of firm religious con- victions, he has long been a leading member of the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Joliet, and for some years officiated as a trustee. All movements for the benefit of the community receive his sympathy and support. The pros- perity which he has attained is solely the result of individual application and effort. When he began to work he received $4 a month at car- pentering, and from that small beginning he has worked his way forward to a position of financial prosperity and an assured standing as a farmer and a citizen. (ILLIAM E. DAVISON, who is well known as a successful merchant tailor of Joliet, was born near West Woodburn, thirty miles north of Newcastle-ou-Tyne, County Northumberland, England, on Christmas day of 1862. His father and grandfather, both of whom bore the name of Walter Davison, were natives of the same county as himself. His father, who was engaged in farming and also in the manu- facture of shoes, made his home at Laurel cot- 552 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tage, a beautiful place near West Woodburn, and there he died in May, 1866, when our subject was little more than three years of age. In re- ligion he was a Presbyterian. He had married Margaret Brown, who was born at Davy Shield Hill, two miles from the famous battlefield of Chevychase. She was a daughter of Thomas Brown. She survived her husband ten years, dying in March, 1876. Of her six children, John Adam, was head bookkeeper for a large wallpaper manufacturing establishment at New- castle-on-Tyne until his death in 1871 ; Jane Ann lives at Ridsdale, Northumberland; Margaret is the wife of Ralph Nesbit, of Ridsdale; Thomas J. succeeded his older brother as bookkeeper in the wallpaper house, remaining there until he died in 1891; Walter Robson is yardmaster for the Michigan Central Railway Company at Joliet. The youngest member of the family was Will- iam Edward, of this sketch. He was reared at Laurel cottage. When twelve years of age he completed the studies in the government school. August 20, 1875, he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade at East Woodburn and after his mother died he went to live with his employer, with whom he remained during the rest of his five years' apprenticeship, when he worked for George Handyside at Cambo, England. In 1880 he went to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he pursued his trade. The next year he secured work at his trade in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, where he remained for more than two years. In the spring of 1884 he took passage from Liverpool on the "Adriatic." April of the same year found him in Joliet, where he spent the summer. In September he entered the em- ploy of Ely, of Chicago, and there learned cut- ting. In 1887 he returned to Joliet, which he had selected as his permanent location. In part- nership with John W. Hudson, who had come to America with him in 1884, he started in busi- ness, the firm name being Hudson & Davison. After one year on North Chicago street, Mr. Davison purchased his partner's interest, contin- uing at the same place until August, 1889, when he secured his present location in the Clement building, No. 107 South Ottawa street. Here he has a large stock comprising the latest and finest patterns, and his business is the largest of its kind in the city, a result that is to be at- tributed entirely to his energy, thorough knowl- edge of the business, and courteous treatment of customers. Mr. Davison was one of the first to build on Buell avenue, which has since become one of the finest drives in the city. He was married in this city, in January, 1889, to Mrs. Carrie (Wallace) Sonntag. Her father, George Wallace, a native of Stroudsburg, Pa., was a nephew of the late Firman Mack, who was one of the pioneers and prominent business men of Joliet. Mr. Wallace was reared in his native place. For some years he clerked in a boot and shoe store in Phila- delphia. In 1849 he came to Joliet, where he was employed by his uncle, Mr. Mack, until 1855. He then opened a retail shoe store on Jef- ferson street, continuing business there until his retirement. He died October 6, 1 881, at the age of fifty-two years. He had married, October 22, 1857, Elizabeth P. Moore, who was born at Clarkson, Monroe County, N. Y., a daughter of Rev. James H. and Jane (Parkinson) Moore. Her father, who was born near New York City, was for years a minister in the Methodist Epis- copal Church. During the '40s he came to Illi- nois and settled in Kendall County, where he was a pioneer preacher. At the time of the discover}' of gold in California in 1S49, he and his son, Parkinson, crossed the plains to California, where the}- engaged in mining for some years. From there he returned to Illinois. Soon afterward, however, he again went west, this time settling in Kansas in order to cast in his lot with the free-state adherents. He took part in the border warfare of those days and helped to vote in Kan- sas as a free state. As a minister and farmer he was well known in Kansas, where he remained until his death. Mrs. Wallace resides on North Hickory street, Joliet. She had but two chil- dren, both daughters, Mrs. Davison, and Laura- bel, wife of C. W. Brown, of Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Davison are the parents of three daughters, Kittiebel, Jessie Henrietta and Clara Elizabeth. The oldest daughter graduated from the Joliet GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 553 high school ill 1899 and is now studying in the training school in this city. The family are con- nected with the Ottawa Street Methodist Epis- copal Church. GJBNER C. GILLETT, proprietor of the J 1 Hickory Creek dairy farm in New Lenox / I Township, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1S42. His father, Isaac M. Gillett, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., born November 28, 1 8 14, settled in Seneca County, but about 1842 moved to Wayne County, and from there came to Illinois in 1855. The spring of that year found him in Dupage County, but in the fall he settled in Homer Township, Will County, where he bought a farm of one hundred and thirty acres. By subsequent purchase he increased his holdings to five hundred acres. While hold- ing the office of road commissioner he assisted in laying out the roads in the town of Homer. Politically he was a Republican. He died on his homestead February 25, 1898, when eighty-four years of age. His father, Abner C. Gillett, was a lifelong resident and farmer of New York and was identified with the early history of Seneca County. A man of deep religious convictions, he assisted in the work of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, to which he belonged. He died in spring of 1861, at seventy-six years of age. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Adam Carman, member of a Quaker family of New York. In her family were four children, namely: Abner C. ; Egbert A.; D. A., who oc- cupies the homestead in Homer Township; and Isaac M. , of Spencer. The mother is still living on the old home farm and is now eighty-five years of age. When the family settled in this county our subject was fourteen years of age. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, under Gen. T. O. Osburn, and served for three years, mostly in the army of the James River, although he spent eighteen months with Gilmore in South Carolina. He witnessed the bombardment of Fort Sumter April 7, 1863. After being mustered out he re- turned to his home. In the spring of 1865 he married Mary E. Gorham, who was born in New York. After his marriage he lived on the old homestead for three years. In 1868 he moved to Miami County, Kans., where he bought a small farm of forty acres and remained some years. Returning to Will County in 1873 he spent five years on his father's farm. In the spring of 1878 Mr. Gillett bought the old Smith Reynolds farm. He now owns two hundred and seventy acres, on which he engages in dairy farming, keeping about one hundred milch cows and shipping twenty cans of milk to Chicago every day. Fraternally he is identified with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., in which he is past master; and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife have one daughter, Jennie, who is the wife of Harry W. Storm. Wj RS. MARY E. GOTTS. One of the well- Ir known business concerns of Joliet is the (3 American Ice Company, of which Mrs. Gotts is the proprietor, and which carries on a large trade in ice, coal and wood. The office and yards of the company are at Chicago and Col- umbia streets, and the ice houses, which have a large capacity, are also at the same location. Three wagons are used constantly in the delivery of orders. The business is under the personal superintendence of Mrs. Gotts and its success is due almost wholly to her executive ability and perseverance, although she has had an able as- sistant in her brother, Edward F. Reiter, who is manager of the ice business. In addition to the oversight of this work, she is also proprietor of a large dressmaking establishment that furnishes employment to eight seamstresses and turns out tailor made garments of the finest and latest styles. Mrs. Gotts was born in Homer Township, this county, and was third among the eleven children of Peter and Helen (Biever) Reiter, who settled on a farm at Peck's Corner, Homer Township, 554 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. about 1863. When a mere child she became in- terested in dressmaking, for which she seems to have inherited a natural talent, her ancestors on both sides of the house having been tailors and dressmakers. In 1888 she came to Joliet in order to engage more extensively in the dressmaking business, and she has since continued this work successfully, in addition to personally superin- tending the ice business. She and her son, Alva, reside at No. 403 Collins street. EORNELIUS C. VAN HORNE, one of the first settlers of this county, descended from a family of Hollanders who settled in the Mohawk Valley in 1635 and from there scattered throughout the country. He was born in White- house, N. J., a son of Abraham Van Home. It was the hope of his parents to fit him for the ministry. One of his ancestors, it is said, was the first pastor of Trinity Church in .New York and was buried in the cemetery there. However, his talents did not seem to lie in the line of the ministry and he studied for the bar, to which he was admitted in New Jersey. In 1832 he came west to what is now New Lenox Township, this county. Two years later he moved to Frankfort Township, where he was a pioneer farmer and lawyer. He was the first postmaster ever ap- pointed in Will County, serving as such both at New Lenox and Frankfort, and he also served as justice of the peace. In February, 1852, he es- tablished his law office in Joliet. A year later, on the incorporation of the city, he was elected the first mayor, and was serving in that office at the time of his death, July 7, 1854. Had not his career been so suddenly terminated, he would undoubtedly have attained great success at the bar of Joliet and in the political life of the city and state, for he was a man of fine talents and broad knowledge. The Democratic party received his support and its candidates his vote. In religious faith he was a Universalist. Mr. Van Home was twice married. His first wife, whom he married in Indiana, was born in Ohio and died in Montreal, Canada. Of the chil- dren of his first marriage, five were sons and one a daughter. One of the sons, Simon, yet lives in California, and another, Abram, in Nebraska. Five children were born of his second marriage, namely: William; Augustus C. ; Mrs. Elizabeth LefHer, of Missouri; Theodore, a telegraph opera- tor for the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Bloom- ington, 111.; and Mary, who lives in Montreal. The most distinguished member of the family is the oldest son, Sir William Van Home, of Mon- treal. When a boy he learned telegraphy in Joliet, and afterward worked his way up in the railroad business. For many years he was with the Chicago & Alton Railroad and later with other roads. As general manager he took the contract for the building of the western end of the Canadian Pacific road from Winnipeg to the coast, which work, had it not been for his efforts, would not have been completed for many years, or perhaps never. On the completion of the road he was elected to succeed Sir John Stephen- son as president of the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company, of which he is still the head. He was afterward knighted by Queen Victoria in London, England, for services rendered in the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and. the development and opening up to civilization of British Columbia. G| UGUSTUS C. VAN HORNE was born in I I Frankfort Township, this county, Septem- / ) ber 22, 1844. He was a boy of ten years when his father, Cornelius C, died very sud- denly of cholera. At seventeen years of age he began to make his own way in the world, his first work being as carpenter with a bridge build- ing gang. A year later he was made a fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad, and in 1S64 he accepted similar work on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He continued in that capacity until 187 1 , when he was promoted to be engineer on a freight train. From 1873 to 1875 he was on the old Missouri road, but with that exception he GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 555 continued steadily with the Chicago & Alton for some years. Later he was with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as engineer out from Portage, but after two years returned to the Chicago & Alton, on which he has since been en- gineer. Meantime he was for eleven years en- gine house foreman in Joliet, for eighteen months in Bloomington and for six months in Chicago. His run is now between Joliet and Brighton. He is a reliable, trustworthy engineer, and has never met with a serious accident during all of his long connection with the road. The home of Mr. Van Home is at No. 201 Union street, Joliet. In New Lenox, this coun- ty, he was married to Emma A., daughter of George Nelson Marvin, who came from Syracuse, N. Y., to this county in 1S54 and settled in Plainfield Township upon a farm. For some years he has been retired and now makes his home with Mr. Van Home. Both our subject and his wife are identified with the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he holds office as president of the board of trustees. Politically he is independent. At one time he was connected with the Knights of Pythias and at this writing he belongs to the Modern Wood- men of America. He is a member of Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M.; Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., and Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. With his wife he is connected with Chapter No. 187 of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Van Home was the first matron and in which she has since filled many offices with tact and abilitv. HON. THOMAS H. RILEY. To many of the people of this county Mr. Riley is best known through his efforts in behalf of drainage and deep-water interests and through his incumbency of various important offices. Al- ways a Democrat, he has never wavered in his allegiance to this party. In 1877 he was elected alderman from the first ward, two years later was elected from the second ward, which he after- ward represented in the council for five terms, making seven terms altogether. His object in accepting the office was in order that he might use his influence to secure the adoption of separate systems of sewage and drainage, and upon accomplishing that he refused to serve further in the council. In 18S6 Mr. Riley was elected to the state legis- lature, serving in the thirty-fifth assembly. He offered the joint resolution in the house of repre- sentatives creating a commission to solve the drainage problem of Chicago. He was made a member of the same, with instructions to report to the thirty-sixth assembly a practicable method of disposing of the sewage of Chicago. The other members of the committee were John A. Roche (then mayor of Chicago), T. C. McMillan and Barney Eckhart, both of Chicago, and A. J. Bell, of Peoria. Accompanying their report was what is now known as the drainage law, of which Mr. Riley had charge in the house and L. E. Cooley in the senate, and which they were in- strumental in passing. Later they secured what was known as the passage of the "Little Water- way bill" to connect, by the fourteen-foot chan- nel, the present drainage channel in Lockport and the Mississippi River. After a hard fight this bill became a law by vote of the legislature in 1894, but was vetoed by Governor Altgeld, and, as a result of the veto, the people are now holding deep-water conventions to secure the ac- complishment of the same results. In the thirty- fifth assembly Mr. Riley was a member of the revenue, canals and drainage and warehouse committees. A resident of Joliet since 1872, Mr. Riley was born in Syracuse, N. Y., February 20, 1848, a descendant of a Danish family by whom the name was spelled Reilley, but this was shortened to its present form by our subject for convenience. He was second of seven children, all but one of whom attained maturity, and five sons are now living, three being in this county. One son, James, now of Little Falls, N. Y. , was a soldier in Scott's Nine Hundred from New York during the Civil war. The father, Edward Reilley, was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1803, and 556 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. came to the United States in 1826, and in early manhood settled iri St. Lawrence County, N. Y., later removing to a farm now within the city limits of Syracuse, N. Y. He became interested in the manufacture of salt, which he continued for years. In 1881 he came to Joliet, and died here three years later, at eighty-two years of age. He married Julia Black, who was born in Coun- ty Kiklare, Ireland, of French descent, and died in Syracuse, N. Y. Leaving home in 1865, our subject went to the Pennsylvania oil region, where he engaged in teaming for a year, and then had a boat of his own on the Allegheny River, later had three boats on Erie canal, making Syracuse his head- quarters. In the spring of 1872 he came to Joliet and for a few months was a steersman on the canal. Afterward he clerked in a grocery until the spring of 1875, when he started in business for himself. Later he was proprietor of the Au- burn house, and in 1883 started in the artesian well business, sinking several wells, the deepest of which was twelve hundred feet. In 1886 he sold out and started in the undertaking business at No. 412 Van Buren street, where he had erected a building in rSS2, and since then he has engaged steadily in business as an undertaker and funeral director. He built seven stores, all of two stories, fronting on Van Buren street, also a livery barn. Meantime, he has also engaged in general contracting, and had the contracts for the water works at the state penitentiary, also for two miles of dyke in the drainage ditch, the principal sewers of Joliet, and the water works and conduits taking the water to the different mills of the Illinois Steel Company. In 1S90 he laid out Riley's Riverview Driving Park, in which he invested $25,000 in improvements, and which has a half-mile track that is not only the best in the state, but also one of the finest in the country. For two years he held a county fair, but the second year lost $5,000, so abandoned the enterprise. He probably did what no other man in the United States ever attempted, namely, he himself organized the Will County Mechanical and Agricultural Association, putting up the best buildings for that purpose in the state, and equipping the same. Coming as it did right after the World's Fair it was not appreciated by the people and the large deficit was due to that. In Joliet Mr. Riley married Miss Bridget Barry, whose father, Edmund Barry, was an early settler of this city and an employe on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. During the exist- ence of the Illinois Valley Circuit Mr. Riley represented the whole of the Joliet interest and therefore was one of its prominent members. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Modern Wood- men of America and the Court of Honor. The noble impulses of Mr. Riley's public-spirited measures are beginning to be understood and ap- preciated by the wise and broad minded citizens of Joliet, where he has been a conspicious figure for many years and where he is justly held in high esteem as an honored man and a repre- sentative citizen. He has not sought his own aggrandizement, but has planned for the best in- terest of the city that claims him and that is justly proud of him as one of its best citizens. His fight in the thirty-fifth assembly against the Hurd bill and his hard work in favor of the drainage law under which the now famous drainage chan- nel was constructed are a matter of history from which future generations will learn useful lessons of unselfish devotion to progress and higher- civilization. r^HILIP JACOB KIEP, a pioneer of Joliet, Lf was born in Prussia, Germany, and was K3 orphaned when quite young, his mother dying when he was two yearsof age and his father six years later. In youth he learned the shoe- maker's trade, which he followed in his native land and also for a time after coming to America. When he was twenty-four years of age, in 1854, he crossed the ocean to the United States, pro- ceeding direct to Joliet, where he was engaged in the shoe business for some time. During the early days of his residence in this city he was a volunteer member of the fire department. For a time he carried on a liquor business and later conducted a boarding house at No. 308 South GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 557 Chicago street, where he bought a substantial two-story building. He was a member of the Sharpshooters' Association and St. John's So- ciety, and he and his wife were among the first members of St. John's Catholic Church. Politi- cally, after becoming a naturalized citizen, he al- ways voted with the Democratic party. He bought residence property at No. 407 North Hickory street and built the house in which his widow now resides. Here his death occurred June 15, 1S94. The marriage of Mr. Kiep took place in Joliet on the last day of 1857 and united him with Miss Helena St. Julian, who was born in Alsace, a daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Graff) St. Julian, natives of the same province. Her fa- ther, who was a descendant of an old French fam- ily, brought the family to America in 1847 an d died in Joliet seven years later. His wife died in this city in 1S72. They were the parents of five daughters and one son, the latter now de- ceased. Mrs. Kiep is the only member of the family living in Joliet, and has made this city her home since 1847, when thirteen years of age. Since her husband's death she has lived quietly at the homestead, caring for the interests of her family and overseeing the affairs of the home. Of her children, the three oldest, John, Joseph and Frank, are proprietors of a meat market in Joliet; Robert is engaged in the jewelry business on Chicago street; Philip is with his brothers in the meat business; Josephine, Mary and Theresa reside with their mother. gERNARD BAILEY, superintendent of the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company of Joliet, was born in Roseudale, Ulster County, N. Y., October 19, 1854, a son of Francis Henry and Grace (Straub) Bailey. In 184S his father started to cross the ocean on an old sailing vessel that was wrecked off the coast of Ireland, after which the passengers were transferred to an- other ship, and finally reached the new world. He settled in Ulster County and embarked in the hotel business, continuing to carry on a hotel until his death in 1885. Asa Republican he was active in local politics. During the time of the Civil war he served as collector of taxes. He was a man of influence and prominence in his community, and was a potent factor in the up- building of the German Catholic Church. After coming to this country he married Miss Grace Straub, by whom he had four sons and four daughters, six now living. All remain in the east excepting Bernard, the eldest. He was edu- cated in the Ulster County schools. He served an apprenticeship as machinist with McEntee & Dillon at Rondout, N. Y., at the expiration of which he was employed in a shop in New York City, where he remained for three years. Re- turning to Rondout he was employed by the West Shore Railroad Company as a machinist for three and one half years. His next position was in the employ of the Union Cement Com- pany, of East Kingston, N. Y. In October, 1889, Mr. Bailey made an engage- ment with the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., as a machinist. By this company in 1893 he was sent to Joliet as foreman of the machine department, which position he held for two years, and was then promoted to be superintendent of the roller mills. These are the only mills of the kind in Illinois and are the largest west of the Alleghenies, having a capacity of one hundred tons. The number of employes varies with the amount of work on hand, but usually reaches about three hundred. There is such a good demand for the products of the mills that at this writing they are running overtime. Fraternally Mr. Bailey is a member of the lodge, chapter and council of the Masonic Order, Court No. 177, Order of Foresters, in Joliet; Stevenson Camp No. 2S92, Modern Woodmen; and Adler Lodge No. 388, I. O. O. F., at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He has been fairly active in politics and has served as a delegate to Re- publican conventions and in other ways aided his party in its work. At the time of President McKinley's visit to Joliet in 1899, Mr. Bailey was a member of the reception committee that 558 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. went to Morris to meet the president. President McKinley inquired of Mr. Bailey if he carried a "good luck" shoe with him. He replied that, while he did not, he would have one made for the president. Later he made a fine shoe, which was nickel-plated, engraved and forwarded to Mr. McKinley. December 23, 1879, Mr. Bailey married Char- lotte Schriver, of New York City. They are the parents of nine children: Bernard J., who is in the works at Joliet; Frederick Raymond, who is with the Bates Machine Company; George, Hor- tense, Grace, Samuel, Lincoln, William and ElishaH. 61 LMON N. HILTON. The record of the LA subject of this sketch entitles him to con / I spicuous mention in the present work, for his life is an example of the power of resolute working and steadfast integrity, and illustrates in no uncertain manner what it is possible to ac- complish when perseverance and determination form the keynote of a man's life. He is now in the prime of life, and the position he has already attained, though worthy of commendation, is without doubt but an index to future years of prosperity. His keen business acumen and pro- gressive ideas have not only placed him in the front rank of the citizens of Symerton, but have also made him prominent among the grain dealers in the county. Mr. Hilton was born in North Anson, Somer- set County, Me., August 6, 1857, a son of Joshua N. and Nancy H. (Knolton) Hilton. He was one of a family of six children, four of whom are living. His sisters are: Laura, wife of J. J. Newell, of Waterville, Me.; H. May, wife of Eugene Lawrence, of Madison, Me.; and Win- nifred, who resides with her father. The Hilton ancestry is traced back to William Hilton, a man of influence and a Revolutionary soldier. Dur- ing that war two of his brothers were killed by Indians. After peace had been declared he moved up the Kennebec River and settled on a tract of land in Somerset County. On this place he built a log cabin and later a frame house. It was in this home that his sou, Joshua, grew to manhood, surrounded by all the environments of the frontier. The only advantages which he had were those physical benefits derived from an outdoor life; there were no public schools, and even subscription schools were few in number, so he was forced to depend upon his unaided exer- tions in obtaining a knowledge of the three R's. After his marriage to Sarah Heald he removed to another part of Somerset County, and there his subsequent years were uneventfully passed. On this homestead Joshua N. Hilton was born in 1835. Some time after his marriage he pur- chased and removed to the property upon which his grandfather, William, had settled as a pio- neer. He has since continued to reside on that place, engaged in agricultural pursuits. While he is not an office seeker nor a politician, he is a man of influence in his community, and a stal- wart supporter of the Republican party. He has long been active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and at one time held the highest office in his home lodge. He had a brother, Amos (now deceased), who was a member of the Maine legis- lature and took an important part in the passing of beneficial measures during his time as a pub- lic servant. The village of North Anson, at an early period of its existence, alive to the advantages afforded by a good education, had founded in its midst an academy where the knowledge acquired in public schools could be supplemented by a thorough course in the higher branches. It was in this in- stitution that our subject completed his educa- tion. As he grew to manhood the question of a permanent occupation and location occupied much of his time. He looked about him upon the surroundings with which he had been familiar frj:n his earliest recollections; he saw a small town, remote from the business centers of the country; obscure and unknown; its citizens as a rule unambitious, its opportunities meagre. Be- lieving that the west would afford greater priv- ileges he determined to seek a home here. Reaching Illinois he at once sought employ- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 559 inent, for he had little money and was anxious to secure any work that offered an honest liveli- hood. His first position was in an elevator at New Lenox, this county. His work was ex- ceedingly difficult and exhausting, and after four- teen months, finding his health was giving way under the strain, he felt obliged to resign. Dur- ing the summer of 1880 he visited California, with a view to recuperating his health. He found a business opening at Orofino, Siskiyou County, that state, and so remained there for thirteen months. Meantime his former employer at New Lenox had been urging him to return, promising him more congenial employment in his mercantile business which he conducted in connection with the grain business. Thus Mr. Hilton was influenced to return. For four years he remained in the store. In 1885 he and his cousin, G. S. Hilton, bought a grain elevator at Manhattan, and he took charge of the business. This was the beginning of his success. From that time he pushed his way ahead, with fewer obstacles than before. In December, 1888, he and his cousin sold the business at Manhattan, and he came to Symerton, purchasing the ele- vator at this place early in 1889. Here he built a large new elevator and also added to his grain trade a drain, tile, coal and lumber business. In political sentiment Mr. Hilton is a Repub- can. Though in no sense a politician, he takes an earnest and active part in the conduct of public affairs, and in casting his ballot at local elections casts his vote for a candidate differ- ing with himself in politics if he believes that candidate will better serve the people than his own party's nominee; for it is his belief that in local matters the man and the principle should carry more weight than the opinions of the candi- date concerning protective tariff, free coinage of silver, expansion, and other national problems. At various times he has held the town offices and he has also served as supervisor of Florence Township, into which office he has brought the same business traits and the same energy notice- able in his private affairs. Fraternally he is con- nected with Symerton Camp No. 4361, Modern Woodmen of America. In 1886 he married Miss Christina Bouch, of Mokena, who was born in Manhattan Township. They had four children, Lester A., Roy, Lloyd and Merl. The oldest son, born September 1, 1887, died March 4, 1900; the youngest, born August 11, 1893, is the only one living; and the other sons died in infancy, while Mrs. Hilton passed away February 6, 1895. HENRY T. TRUBY, the well known grain and lumber dealer, is a son of the late Mar- shall Truby. His ancestors came to Amer- ica as early as 1733, one of them, Christopher Truby, being an officer and patriot in the Revo- lutionary war. His father, Marshall, was born in Armstrong County, Pa., and was reared in the east, where for some time he was captain on Ohio and Allegheny River boats. With a fleet of packets, in 1852, he journeyed down the Ohio, up the Mississippi and the Illinois, thence to the canal, where he engaged in the forwarding business between Lasalle and Chicago, at the same time buying and improving a farm. In a few years he sold his boats and bought a tract of raw land adjoining the present city limits of Jo- liet, a portion of which is now included in Bush park. For some time he devoted his attention closely to the improvement of his property. Dur- ing the war he resumed work on the canal, run- ning a line of freight boats. He also made trips from Chicago to Nashville, Term., bearing gov- ernment supplies to the front and delivering his cargoes each time in safety, although, owing to the proximity of the Confederates, it was neces- sary to be guarded by gunboats. When the war was ended he began in the grain business, hav- ing an elevator on the canal at South Bluff street. Adjoining the site of his elevator, he started a lumber yard, which he conducted successfully. In 1870 he removed to Birds Bridge, thiscounty, to engage in the grain business, and he built an elevator there, making shipments of grain both by canal and railroad. He continued in business in that village from 1870 to 1897, and during 560 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. that entire time served as postmaster, also for some time held school offices and was a justice of the peace. In politics he was a Republican, but never exhibited a partisan spirit, believing that a true citizen rose above party in loyal devotion to country. The First Presbyterian Church of Joliet numbered him among its members. The success which he gained entitled him to respect. Without any means to aid him in securing a start, and with no influence to help him along except his own good name and upright conduct, with these and by untiring industry and intelli- gent management, he steadily rose until he oc- cupied a position of marked consideration in business circles in Will County. If the title of self-made can with justice be given any man, it certainly belonged to him, for, against adverse circumstances, and in the face of obstacles, he had the energy and determination to attain a high degree of success. There was no detail of the grain business with which he was unfamiliar. Nor did that business represent the limit of his energies. He was also interested in the lumber business as a member of the firm of Truby & Co., and he maintained a supervision of his farm at Birds Bridge, seven miles west of Joliet. In addition, he was senior partner in the firm of M. Truby & Son, owners of elevators both at Joliet and Elwood. After seventy-seven useful and active years, he passed into eternity, July 26, 1897, followed to the grave by the respect of those with whom he had long been associated. The marriage of Marshall Truby united him with Maria McCracken, who was born in Penn- sylvania, and is still living at the old home at Birds Bridge, in Troy Township. The family to which she belongs came to America from the north of Ireland, but is of Scotch origin. In her family there are three daughters and a son liv- ing. The latter, who was next to the oldest of the children, was born in Joliet, September 12, 1852. He was educated in the schools of Joliet, Jennings Seminary of Aurora, and the Metropol- itan Commercial College of Chicago. He then became a bookkeeper in his father's office. In 1875 the firm of M. Truby & Son embarked in the grain business. Five years later they bought the two Elwood elevators, taking J. C. Beattie as a partner, and in 1888 purchased the Jesse ele- vator in Joliet, the first-named having a capacity of forty thousand bushels, and the latter ten thou- sand. In 1 89 1 Truby & Co. started a lumber business across from the elevator in Joliet, hav- ing two acres for yards and sheds, and building up a large trade in lumber and building material. Since the father's death the son, Henry T. Tru- by, has conducted the business with J. C. Beat- tie, selling both at wholesale and retail. Besides this business, he is interested, as a director, in the Will County Abstract Company. Fraternally Mr. Truby is a member of the blue lodge of Masons and in politics he votes with the Republican party. He was united in marriage, in Channahon, with Miss Charlotte Beardsley Fryer, daughter of Hon. J.N. Fryer, an old set- tler of Channahon Township, where she was born. One son living, Charles L-, blesses their union. OF : IE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 563 JOHN DALY. 3OHN DALY, one of the old settlers of Lock- port Township, stands high in the regard of his acquaintances, and deserves all that kind fortune can bestow. All that he has and all that he is may be attributed to his determination of character and his industry. When he came to this county a young man, without friends or means, he was glad to secure work at $6 a month. From that small beginning he has worked his way to a competence and an assured position among the farmers and dairymen of his town- ship. A son of Edward and Lucinda Daly, our sub- ject was born in 1825, and was nineteen years of age when he embarked for America on the sail- ing vessel " Lord Seaton." After a voyage of nine weeks he landed in New York, from which city he went by boat up the Hudson to Albany, then crossed New York state by rail to Buffalo, and from there came on the great lakes to Chi- cago, completing his journey by wagon to Will County. On his arrival in Lockport Township, in the latter part of 1844, he secured work by the month, and afterward for several years was em- ployed at farming and teaming. For a time he was engaged in the construction of the Illinois and Michigan canal on the Lockport section. The lessons of frugality and industry acquired in his childhood helped him in this country, and he carefully saved his money until he was able to buy one hundred and twelve acres of timber land near his present location. However, he lacked a small sum of having enough to pay for the entire tract and was obliged to go in debt for a part of the place. The land was in its prime- val condition. He was forced to do considerable "grubbing" and clearing before he could com- mence its cultivation. He enclosed the land by good fences and built a small house. As he prospered, he bought other land, until he now owns nearly seven hundred acres. His dairy in- terests are extensive; he owns about fifty cows and ships milk to Chicago, having shipped to the same firm there for twenty-two years. His resi- dence is a substantial stone building, the stone for which he hauled from Lockport on the canal when it was frozen over during the winter months. Beside his home property he owns a number of business houses in Lockport. In April, 1S49, Mr. Daly married Miss Julia Walker, who had come to Will County the year before their marriage. They became the parents of eight children, four of whom are living, Thomas, Margaret, Susan and Edward. Mar- garet married John McCoy, a farmer and dairy- man in Lockport Township; they have six chil- dren: Julia, Susan, Matilda, Sadie, Edwin and Ellen. The younger daughter, Susan, is the wife of George Bush, who lives in Wayne, Neb.; they are the parents of four children, Julia, Georgiana, John and Lotta. Thomas Daly, the older of Mr. Daly's surviv- ing sons, is a prosperous farmer of Crawford County, Kails. He is an industrious, enterpris- ing and intelligent farmer, and well merits the success he is gaining in his agricultural enter- prises. While still a mere boy he began to save money, and this he afterward invested in land, 29 5^4 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. thus gaining a foothold for future prosperity. He married Margaret, daughter of Riley Ritchey, of Homer Township, and grand-daughter of James Ritchey, who came from Chillicothe, Ohio, to Illinois, at a very early day, and was living at Fort Dearborn at the time of the Blackhawk war. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Daly have six chil- dren now living, namely: John E., Susan M., Eva L-, Cleveland R., Jessie and Thomas. Edward Daly, the youuger of our subject's sons, assists his father in the management of the home farm. He married Suella Bush, by whom he has three children, William, Clara and Pru- dence. Another son of our subject, David, was born and reared on the old Daly homestead, and married Sarah Kirman, by whom he had six children, Jennie, Julia, George E., Margaret, Grace and David. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and in politics a Democrat. He was fond of military affairs, and was a mem- ber of the Joliet Light Artillery, with which he served under Colonel Bennitt in some of the noted strikes. Personally, he was genial and popular, a man with hosts of friends and many enemies. He died September 23, 1892. The subject of this sketch was reared in the Presbyterian faith, and has always aided in its work, besides which he has contributed to the Episcopal Church in Lockport. The Democratic party receives his support in national elections, but in local matters he is independent. He has never desired office for himself, preferring to de- vote his time wholly to his farm and dairy in- terests. G] NTHONY WAGNER, who is living retired J I in Joliet, has made his home in this county / J since 1846, having come here with his par- ents when he was a boy of twelve. He was born May 31, 1834, in Alsace, which was then a French province, but is now a part of Germany.' His father, Ignatz, also of Alsacian birth, for many years ran a ferry across the Rhine River, but in 1846 emigrated to America, crossing the ocean on the sailing-vessel "St. Nicholas," which was forty-six days upon the water. After a pleasant, but somewhat monotonous voyage he landed in New York. There he transferred to a Hudson River boat, in which he sailed up to Albany. From there he traveled via canal-boat to Buffalo and thence on the great lakes to Chicago. Push- ing on to Naperville he spent a few months there, but in the fall of the same year he came to Joliet, securing employment on the Illinois and Michi- gan canal. Later he was engaged in farm work, buying some land which is now inside the city limits of Joliet. Prices were very low when he settled here, and he paid only $30 for a log house and the entire block on which his son Anthony now lives, property that has since multiplied in value many hundredfold. On this place the re- mainder of his days were passed and here he died in 1883. He was a lifelong member of the Ro- man Catholic Church, in which faith his children were reared. After becoming a citizen of the United States he allied himself with the Demo- cratic party. By his marriage to Mary Ann Erhardt he had four children who attained ma- turity, viz.: Mary; Ignatz, deceased; Anthony and Alois. One of the most vivid recollections of our sub- ject's childhood was the long journey by water from Havre to Chicago. He well remembers, too, the frontier surroundings in this city and county, the sparsely settled regions, the unim- proved land and the log cabins. As soon as he was old enough to guide a plow he was put to work at breaking prairie land with an ox-team, and for some years much of his time was given to this occupation. When of age he learned the stone-cutter's trade, which he followed afterward, being for many years foreman in the large stone quarries owned by Charles Werner, of Joliet, from which position he resigned in 188S and re- tired from active work. Politically he is a Dem- ocrat, was collector of Joliet Township in 18S5 and again elected in 18S6. Under the adminis- tration of Mayor E. C. Akin, 1S95-1897, he was appointed to the office of superintendent of streets of the city of Joliet. That he was the "right man in the right place" was best proven by the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 565 following administration of Mayor Lagger, 1897- 1899, again appointing him to this important po- sition; as a Democrat, serving under two Repub- lican mayors, he received indeed a well earned compliment. He is also one of the few charter members left of the Joliet Sharpshooters Asso- ciation, which was organized in 1866. In i860 he married Magdalene, daughter of Joseph Klein, of Strassburg, Cook County, 111. Mrs. Magdalene (Klein) Wagner was also born in Alsace, and came to this country with her parents in 1846. By their union five children were born, namely: Joseph; Mary, wife of Will- iam Downey; Louise, wife of John Giblin; Rose and Emma. . RWIN GOODWIN. In the pioneer history t} of this county the Goodwin family bore an _ honorable part. Of New England ancestry, inheriting the hardihood and powers of endur- ance characteristic of that race, later generations also exhibited these qualities and assisted in the development of the great west. From New Hampshire Joseph Goodwin removed to Law- rence County, N. Y., in a very early day, and his subsequent years were devoted to farm pursuits there. His son, William, who was born in that county in 18 14, came to Illinois in 1837, settling in Will County. All around him were evidences of frontier life. Houses were few and poorly con- structed, affording but little protection from wind and weather. His trade was that of a carpenter and, seeing the need of more substantial dwel- lings, he was careful in the construction of the houses that he built, endeavoring to make them comfortable abodes. In those days land was owned by the government and was offered for sale at prices within the reach of the poorest man. He bought land in Wesley Township, receiving a patent from the government for the same. The remainder of his life was spent in this township, where he owned about five hundred acres. His beginnings were small, but industry gave him returns, and as he was a hardworking man, he became very successful in age. His excellent judgment and common sense did much for him, and he was honored and respected as a man of worth. In his youth he had received no educational advantages, yet, in spite of this, he became well- to-do. The primitive log schoolhouse was the university that he attended when a boy; its slab benches and puncheon floor were in marked con- trast to the modern appurtenances with which we are familiar; and its teachers were of a grade far inferior to those of the present age. How- ever, in the great school of experience he gained a good education, and who shall say that it was less valuable to him than one acquired from text- books. He believed that every citizen should take an interest in local affairs, and what he expected of others he was foremost in doing himself. Politi- cally he was a pronounced Republican. Frater- nally he was connected with the Masons. After forty years of intimate connection with the farm interests of Wesley Township, in 1877 he was called from earth. His sixty-three years of life had been filled with deeds of generosity and kindness, and his record was that of a good man. He married Margaret Rebecca Althouse, a native of Virginia, who died at the homestead in 1868, at the age of forty-six years. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living, namely: Hiram, a resident of Wilmington Town- ship; Dollie, wife of William H. Cramer; Erwin; John, who cultivates the old home place; William, a farmer near by; and Philip, whose home is in Oregon. On the homestead opposite his present faim the subject of this sketch was born February 24, 1854. His father having been successful as a farmer was able to give him good advantages, and he attended the public schools of Chicago and Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College. On the completion of his education he settled down to a farmer's life; but soon, with a desire for travel and contact with the world, he deter- mined to travel in the far west. He was twenty-one when he went to Colorado and from there to the Pacific Coast. After four years he returned to Will County, where he has since remained, He S66 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land and is engaged in farming and cattle-raising. In 1S9S he caused to be built on his place one of the most substantial farm houses in the township, and here, with his wife, he has a comfortable and happy home. He has never cared for political prominence, and, aside from voting the Republi- can ticket, takes no part in local affairs. Frater- nally he is connected with Wilmington Lodge No. 208, A. F. & A. M. His marriage took place May 24, 1899, and united him with Clara E. Han- ford, daughter of Stephen Hanford, of Kankakee Count v. 30HN LAMBERT. The name of Mr. Lam- bert is indissolubly associated with the growth and development of the wire in- dustry, with which he has been connected since it was in its infancy. He is therefore justly recognized as one of the foremost men of Joliet and it may be doubted if the city has any citizen more remarkable, in many respects, than he. The Lambert family were among the early settlers of Hunterdon County, N. J., and the now thriving city of Lambertville was named in their honor. Mr. Lambert was born in that place January 12, 1847. He was a mere lad when the Civil war opened, but, fired with a love of ad- venture and a patriotic zeal in behalf of the na- tion, he determined to enlist in the Union army. In January, 1862, his name was enrolled as a private in Company D, First New Jersey Cavalry. He was sent with his regiment to Virginia, but after a year, owing to ill health, was honorably discharged. Later he again vol- unteered in the service, becoming sergeant of Company A, Third New Jersey Cavalry, in which he remained until the close of the war. Under General Custer he participated in the Shenandoah campaign of 1864, including the battles around Winchester and terminating in the splendid victory at Cedar Creek, the occasion of General Sheridan's famous ride " From Win- chester Twenty Miles Away.'' In 1865 he took part in the battles of Waynesboro, Ashland, Din- widdie Courthouse and Five Forks. In the lat- ter engagement he was wounded by a fragment of a shell, causing the loss of a part of his left hand. He also had his horse shot from under him. After this he bore a part in all the battles under General Grant until the surrender of Gen- eral Lee. He was present at the grand review in Washington, D. C. , and was one of four men of his company who at the time were able to per- form duty, out of the original number of one hundred and one. He received an honorable discharge from the army August 9, 1865. Two years after the close of the war Mr. Lam- bert came to Illinois and settled in Grundy Coun- ty. The year 1870 found him a resident of Joliet, where he has since made his home. He was for six years an officer in the Illinois state penitentiary. In April, 1S76, he married Miss M. E. Bishop, of Joliet. They have one child, Anna E. A few years after coming to Joliet, Mr. Lam- bert had his attention drawn to the wire business, a careful study of which convinced him of its wonderful possibilities of growth and develop- ment. In 1879 he became a member of the Lambert & Bishop Wire Fence Company, which from the first enjoyed steady growth and soon be- came well known among similar organizations. In 1S92 this was merged with the St. Louis Wire Mill Company, the Braddock Wire Com- pany and the Iowa Barb Wire Company, form- ing the Consolidated Steel and Wire Company. On the election of officers for the company he was chosen vice-president and later was also made general manager. When the American Steel & Wire Company began its corporate exist- ence, January 1, 1899, he was elected president, a position of great responsibility and influence, and one for which his talents amply qualified him. It was due to his business foresight and capacity, coupled with fine executive ability, that he attained a place among the controlling spirits of one of the largest and most successful manufacturing industries in the country. He has given his attention very closely to business, refusing all invitations to participate in public GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 567 affairs and all appointments to office, the sole exception being in one instance, when he ac- cepted an appointment as colonel on the staff of Governor Tanner. His notable achievements in the field of com- mercial endeavor have made his name a synonym of success. He is an accurate judge of men, his naturally keen insight having been deepened by his varied experiences in life, which have brought him in contact with men of all classes. His busi- ness career has been marked by the exercise of unusually keen discrimination. Perhaps the two traits most noticeable in his business dealings are his excellent judgment and his energy. In fact, his enterprise and ability are of such a character that death alone can terminate his activities. His ready wit and command of language fit him for a public speaker, and had he chosen to enter the political arena he would have been a power in his party, but his addresses have always been limited to industrial topics, along which line he has been most deeply interested; and these speeches are especially valuable, as representing the thoughts and ideas of a man whose brain is stored with practical information, accumulated during a long and active business career. V/lESHACK DANDO, who is engaged in the y insurance, real estate and conveyance busi- 0) uess at Braidwood, was born in Bristol, England, in 1847, a son of Jeremiah Dando, a native of the same city. Under the instruction of his father, who was a practical coal miner, he gained a thorough knowledge of mining, when he was only fifteen years old. He then left home and went to the coal mines in Monmouthshire, Wales, where he was employed for two years. In 1865 he set sail for America, crossing from Liverpool to New York, and thence going to Pittston, Pa., where he secured work in the mines. In December, 1866, he went to New- buryport, Mass. Three months later he came west. He dates his residence in Will County from February, 1867. At that time he began to work in the old Cady mine near Wilmington, remaining there during the summer. In the fall of the same year he came to Braidwood, then a new mining camp. His first work here was in "B" shaft. From that time until 1874 he was engaged principally in mining. In 1874 he was elected city clerk of Braidwood, being the second incumbent of that office, and serving for two years. To fill an unexpired term, caused by the election of Justice William Mooney to the legis- lature, he was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1875, and this commission he held un- til 1877. From that time until 1885 he served as police magistrate. Later he was again elected to that office and was again chosen to serve as justice of the peace, which he filled for a period, altogether, of more than twenty years. It was partly due to his efforts that the city library was started and the cataloguing of the books was conducted under his personal supervision; he has since acted as a director of the Library Associa- tion and was for years clerk of the board. In every enterprise for the benefit of his home town he has taken a warm interest. The growth of Braidwood interests all of its citizens and none more so than those who have been identified with its history ever since its pioneer days as a mining camp. To this class Mr. Dando belongs. A respected citizen, a stanch Populist, and a man of firm convictions upon matters pertaining to our national welfare, he is a fine represen- tative of our foreign-born citizens, who are true and loyal to their adopted country. In 1877 he assisted in organizing the Greenback party in this county, but when the People's party sprang up he transferred his allegiance to it, for its principles accurately represented his views. He was at one time the Populist candidate for the legislature, but was defeated. In a number of fraternal organizations Mr. Dando has been active. He was among the charter members of the Lodge of Foresters in Braidwood and several times was elected chief ranger; also served as delegate to the subsidiary high court at St. Louis, Boston and Providence, R. I. He was the first vice-commander of the 5 68 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Knights of Sherwood Forest, which was organ- ized at Providence. As a charter member he took an active part in the organization of the Sons of St. G5orge at Braid wood, which he served as president a number of terms. For several years he held office as secretary of the Miners' Union. In other labor organizations he has also been quite active. In 1868 he married Miss Martha Swansboro, a native of South Wales. She died in 1883, leaving five children, viz.: William J. ; Hattie, wife of George Milner; Ada, Thomas and Albert. The oldest and youngest sons are both employed in Joliet. G| NTON SCHAGER was born in Chicago, LA August 22, 1S58, a son of Anton and Eliza- / I beth (Hagemann) Schager. He was the eldest of twelve children, of whom five beside himself are now living. Rose M. resides with her mother at Ravenswood, Chicago. Julia F. , who also makes her home in Ravenswood, is the widow of George L. Schintz, who was the youngest man ever elected to the office of district attorney in Langlade County, Wis., and was also prominent in the public life of his home town (Appleton, Wis). Hattie M. is the wife of M. S. Sanders, who is chief clerk and financial man- ager for Crerar, Clinch & Co., with office in the Rookery building, Chicago, and who previously held the position of chief clerk with the Illinois Steel Company in Joliet. Lillie F. married George E. Stevens, a commercial salesman for the McLaughlin Coffee Company of Chicago; they reside in Janesville, Wis. Edward J., who was for some time a collector for the Joliet National Bank, is now with the Kirk Soap Company in Chicago, and resides with his mother. The father of our subject was born in Austria in 1S32, and came to America in 1850. It was customary for youths who preferred business en- terprise to army service to secure permission to do a traveling mercantile business, and thus, by traveling from one country to another, to finally reach their destination without the use of a pass- port. In this way he reached the United States. Here he resumed his work as a traveling mer- chant, and sold in the states of Michigan, Wis- consin, Indiana and Illinois, finally settling in Chicago. October 15, 1857, he married Miss Hagemann. Soon afterward he opened a dry- goods store in partnership with his father-in-law on South Canal street, where he remained until the year before the great Chicago fire. By pre- vious experience as a clerk with leading mercan- tile firms he had gained a thorough knowledge of the business and a wide acquaintance with merchants. In 1870 he built a business house on the corner of Halsted and Forquer streets, and in connection with the sale of dry- goods also operated a large knitting factory. After the fire his was the largest dry-goods house, whole- sale or retail, in the city. The close attention given to his knitting factory interests under- mined his health through the inhaling of dust that constantly filled the knitting rooms. A change of business was thus rendered necessary. He associated himself with the Kraker Stone Company of Joliet, and in this way he was in- duced to establish his home here. He also en- gaged in the dry-goods business, though on a smaller scale than when in Chicago. However, his health continued to fail and he died in Janu- ary, 1S94. In politics he was an ardent Demo- crat. While in Chicago he was a very prominent member of St. Francis' Catholic Church on West Twelfth street, in which he served as president of various societies. For some years he was a director of the German Catholic orphans' home, the property of which he assisted in purchasing. He was a director of the Home Insurance Com- pany, the Germania Bank, and the Teutonia Life Insurance Company of Chicago. The mother of our subject was born in one of the ancient fortresses near Koblentz on the Rhine, February 2, 1839. She was a daughter of An- ton and Gertrude Hagemann, who came to Amer- ica in 1846 and settled in Chicago, where for years Mr. Hagemann was a mill watchman. One of the sons of the family, Hubert A. Hagemann, recently deceased, was treasurer of the seventh GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 569 ward Democratic club, and a leading Democrat of that part of Chicago. Another son, Joseph A. Hagemann, volunteered in the Civil war, and served under Hecker, Siegel and Rosecrans. At Gettysburg he was wounded and taken pris- oner, but afterward exchanged. He now lives at Hanceville, Ala., on a farm, but has never re- covered from the effects of his wounds, and is in very poor health. Mrs. Schager survives her husband and now makes her home in Ravens- wood. The primary education of our subject was ob- tained in St. Francis German Catholic school. At the age of twelve he entered St. Ignatius College, from which he graduated in 1876. One of his classmates and particular friends was the well-known Judge Prendergast, now deceased. After his graduation he devoted his time to his father's business until 18S7, when he was ap- pointed store keeper of the Illinois state peni- tentiary at Joliet, taking charge of the office January 1, 1888. Notwithstanding the fact that he was Democratic in politics, and was the only representative of that party holding office in this institution, he retained the position for three years and seven months. Shortly before he re- signed he was married, October 22, 1890, to Miss Celia M. Stanton, daughter of Nicholas Stanton, a well-known business man of Joliet. They have three clnldren, Leo A., Anton J. and Cecilia M. Mrs. Schager has been prominent in musical societies. She is leading soprano and assistant organist in St. Mary's Church, and at one time was organist in the old church. She was the first organist at Sacred Heart Church of Joliet, and filled the position for six years, Mr. Schager, our subject, being director of her choir the greater part of the time. In 1891 Mr. Schager embarked in the insurance business. He also gave considerable attention to expert accounting, in which he gained a repu- tation. May 19, 1894, he was appointed assistant postmaster, which position he held until Septem- ber, 1898, and then resumed his insurance busi- ness, being general agent for the Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, and the health department of the Security Trust and Life Insurance Company of the same city. He also settled up the affairs of the Rauft soda fac- tory and bottling works after the death of the proprietor, putting the business in a profitable condition. When twelve years of age Mr. Schager became a member of St. Aloysius Young Men's Society of St. Francis Church, Chicago. Later he was secretary of the Acolythical Society of the Holy Family Church, better known as the Jesuit Church. At college he was secretary of the Chrysostomian debating society and college ath- letic club, also assistant prefect of the college sodality. He was a charter member and one of the first trustees of St. Stanislaus Young Men's Benevolent Society, organized in St. Francis' parish in 1873, and which is now the largest, old- est and most influential young men's benevolent society in the United States. During eight of the twelve years he was connected with this organi- zation he served as its president, and for a short time also held the secretary's office. He was for five years director of the dramatic section in connection with the association, and was for fif- teen years a prominent member of the Catholic Casino of Chicago, through which he obtained his well-earned reputation as one of the best and most prominent tenors of Chicago. He made his debut as choir director at the church of the Sacred Heart in Chicago, having been appointed to that position by the great Jesuit missioner, Father Damen, and his worthy successor, Rev. Bronsgeest, S. J. On his removal to Joliet in 1885 he resigned the presidency of the society. When he came to Joliet Mr. Schager joined the Joliet Saengerbund and the St. Alois branch of the Western Catholic Union. A year later he was elected vice-president of the Saengerbund, and in December, 1889, was made president, which office he held until September, 1892. He is now secretary, and for three years has been the musi- cal director of the society. At a local gathering of singing associations in Lincoln, 111., in 1890, he offered a resolution that a state society be formed. It was acted upon, and the Central Illi- nois Saengerbund sprang into existence, with him as its president. He continued to hold the 57° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. office during the existence of the society, but was obliged by official duties to withdraw from active management when he entered the post- office, to the detriment of the society, its mem- bers refusing to elect another man to the presi- dency. He was a charter member of the Or- pheus Glee Club, organized July i, 1886, by our subject, Charles H. Talcott, Gallus Mueller, William Dingley, Joseph B. Hudson, Edward Demond, W. J. Carter and Louis H. Hyde. A permanent organization was effected six days later, with the additional names of John B. Rich- mond, George F. Knapp, Dr. O. H. Staehle and R. \V. Grinton. From 1SS7 to 1890 Mr. Scha- ger was secretary of the club. In 1897 the Joliet Glee Club was organized, which later was consolidated with the Joliet Banjo Club, and is now known as the Joliet Glee and Banjo Club. At the organization he was made director, a po- sition he has since held. For one year he was musical director of St. Patrick's Church choir. In August, 1898, he accepted the charge of St. Mary's Church choir. November 21, 1899, he assisted in organizing the Steel Works Choral Society, at the request of the superintendent, F. M. Savage, and was made its director. For ten sucee sive years he has been a Joliet representa- tive in the conventions of the Western Catholic Onion. In 1S93 he was elected supreme vice- president at Mount Sterling, 111., and the next yeir was re-elected at Aurora, also at Springfield in 1895. In 1896, at Quincy, 111., he was nomi- nated by acclamation for a fourth term in the same office, but declined in favor of Joseph Braun, Jr., of Joliet. At the Aurora convention in 1894 he proposed the reserve fund plan, submitted by the Joliet delegation, which has since proved the strongest feature of the lie stem Catholic Union. For three years he was president of St. Alois So- ciety, and immediately afterwards was made chairman of the board of trustees of said society, an office which he has since held. As a mu- sical director it is the testimony of the men in Joliet who are most familiar with his work that he has few equals. He throws his whole soul into his work, and has the faculty of arousing the enthusiasm of those whom he leads, while at the same time he develops to the fullest extent their native powers of song. He tolerates no half-hearted efforts, but is satisfied only with the best, either in himself or in others; and it is this very quality of his, — the demanding of the high- est and best from every one — that has made him so prominent and successful a figure in the musi- cal and social circles of northeastern and central Illinois. In politics he is a quiet, conservative Democrat, and always in favor of the best obtain- able form of government, being a firm believer in the almost vanished maxim that the office shall seek the man, rather than the contrar}'. 3 ESSE BARRETT BROWN, alderman from the seventh ward of Joliet, is a member of the firm of Brown & Bell, boiler- makers, at No. 107 Ottawa street. In its special line the firm is one of the best-known in this section of the state. Among the boilers for which it has held contracts are those made for the Joliet Manufacturing and Joliet Limestone Companies. Western Stone Company, American Steel and Wire Company, Baker, Eriksson, Globe, Porter, Pioneer and Rowell Brothers Stone Companies; Selz, Schwab & Co., at the state penitentiary: Union Steam Laundry and C. Hacker Company; besides which, the firm has received contracts for boilers at Coal City, Braidwood, Nevada, Chi- cago Heights, Wilmington, Lockport, and many other Illinois towns, as well as some in Indiana and other states. The family of which Mr. Brown is a member was earl}- represented in New England. His great-grandfather, a native of Vermont, removed to Ontario, where the grandfather engaged in farming. The father, Calvin, was born in On- tario and there learned the carpenter's trade, but after his marriage, in 1852. he and his wife's relatives moved to Illinois, settling near Elwood, in Jackson Township, this county, where he en- gaged in sawmilling. Returning to Canada he soon became homesick for Illinois and in a year GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 57 1 came back to Will County. He settled in Joliet, where he followed the carpenter's trade until his death in 1S93. His wife, Nancy Ann Barrett, was born in Ontario and lives in Joliet. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter, the latter deceased. One son, William R., re- sides at Marley, this county, and another, Frank- lin K., is a carpenter for Humphrey & Sons, of Joliet. Mrs. Brown was a daughter of Jesse Barrett, a native of Ontario, who settled in Jack- son Township in 1852 and from here removed to Howard County, Iowa. He worked at the car- penter's trade there until he was accidentally killed by the running away of a team. His wife was a member of the old Canadian family of Boyce, that traced its ancestry to Great Britain. Born in this county, May 31, 1854, Mr. Brown was an infant of six months when his parents re- turned to Canada, but one year later they came back to Illinois and he was reared in Joliet, al- though he has made frequent visits to Canada. He learned the brickmaker's trade at the Joliet Mound, where he was employed for six years. In 187S he entered the boiler department of what is now the Illinois Steel Company and under James G. Heggie learned boiler making, con- tinuing with the company for ten years. At the expiration of that time he resigned in order to embark in business for himself, organizing the firm of Brown & Heggie, which for two years carried on business at the old Murphy boiler works on Michigan street. From there they removed to a new shop on North Joliet street, where they continued for two years. Mr. Brown then sold his interest to his partner and organ- ized the present firm of Brown «S: Bell, starting in business at the location where he has since re- mained. The first wife of Mr. Brown was Bertha E. Johnson, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein and died in Joliet, leaving three children : Charles, who is a boiler-maker with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad; Jennie, who clerks for the Joliet Novelty Company; and Miles. The pres- ent wife of Mr. Brown was Sarah Kirkham, a native of England, and a daughter of Harry Kirkham, who was formerly head foundryman for the Illinois Steel Company. The family are identified with the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Brown favors Republican prin-' ciples. In the spring of 1S99, on the Republi- can ticket, he was elected alderman by the high- est majority ever received in the seventh ward. As councilman he has been active in measures for the benefit of the city, and has served ef- ficiently as chairman of the committee on streets and alleys of the east side and as a member of the fire committee. HOMAS STEVENSON. While his posi- tion as chief grain inspector for the Joliet district has given Mr. Stevenson a promi- nent position in Joliet, he is perhaps even better known through his connection with fraternal organizations, and his name is inseparably associa- ted with certain well-known orders. He is a native of Scotland, born in Glasgow, March 7, 1S57. The number 7, which occurs both in thedav and the year of his birth, has been the mystic num- ber in many of the important events of his life. His given name was also borne by his ancestors for several generations back. His father, who was a contractor, for years belonged to the Forty-sec- ond Highlanders, with which he served through the entire period of the Crimean war and also dur- ing the Sepoy rebellion in India. He married Isa- belle Barr, whose father, Allen Barr, was a mem- ber of the Scots Grays and took part in the battle of Waterloo. Mr. Stevenson died in 1867, at the age of forty five years, and afterward his widow brought the children to America, arriving in this country in September, 1869. She died in Febru- ary, 1S97, when seventy-one years of age. Of her family one daughter died in infancy and John died at the age of forty-one years; Isabella, Mrs. Cherry, lives in Grundy County, 111.; and Allen resides in Kansas. It may be said truthfully of Mr. Stevenson that he is a self-made man. He has supported himself since he was ten years of age, and the education he acquired was gained solely through 5/2 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his own efforts. He is very fond of reading, and this has greatly aided him in the acquisition of knowledge. From time to time he has purchased books of value bearing upon general topics of interest, and he now has a good library, which is a source of much satisfaction to him. Upon com- ing to this county he was engaged in the Braid- wood coal mines. He continued there until after his marriage, when he opened a book and sta- tionery store in that town. On being appointed first deputy sheriff, in 1SS7, he removed to Joliet, and has since made this city his home. While living in Braidwood he was nominated for town clerk without his knowledge or seeking, he hav- ing never, up to that time, attended a political meeting. He was elected and filled the office for three years. For two years he was a member of the board of education and for three years served as assessor of Reed Township. After coining to Joliet he was in the sheriff's office for four years. He was appointed to his present office of state grain inspector April 7, 1S97, and was re-ap- pointed two years later. As above intimated, Mr. Stevenson is deeply interested in fraternal organizations. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias since July 3, 187S, and on that night was elected keeper of records and seals. At that time there were but about two thousand members in the state. During his connection with the order it has increased from that small number to its pres- ent membership of about forty-five thousand. Since 1880 he has been a member of the grand lodge, in which he has filled the more important offices. For a number of years he was general traveling organizer in several states. In 1S79 he joined the local lodge of Odd Fellows. He is a member of Stevenson Camp No. 2892, Modern Woodmen of America, which was named in his honor. For some years he has been a member of the head camp, and attended the meeting of the same in Dubuque in June, 1897. At that time he was promoted from a membership to the chair- manship of the committee on offices and salaries, and is also a member of the committee on griev- ances. In Masonry he is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M.; Joliet Chap ter No. 27, R. A. M.; and Joliet Council No. 82, R. & S. M. In 1899 he was one of the organ- izers and the originator of the new order for fra- ternal insurance, the Order of the White Cross. The plan is a progressive one in fraternal insur- ance, providing a reserve fund, and making it much more reliable in the end than the generality of mutual insurance projects. With the assistance of Coll McNaughton and John Garnsey he pre- pared the charter and ritual of the order, in which he now holds the office of Supreme Recorder. From early manhood he has been an adherent of the Republican party, and has been a delegate to county and state conventions. Mr. Stevenson erected the house which he occu- pies, at No. 116 Linden avenue. March 27, 1880, he married Emma Oliver, who was born near Mineral Point, Wis. They have five chil- dren: Thomas B., Emma L., Evan Charles, Evelvn and May. E OSCAR SVENSON, who is one of the well-known Swedish-American citizens of , Joliet, came to the United States in May, 1887, and at once settled in the city where he still resides. For a year he was employed at carpentering, after which he was a wood turner for F. W. Plant, with whom he continued until December, 1S94. He then accepted an appoint- ment as clerk in the office of the county clerk, un- der W. F. Hutchinson, and this position he has since filled satisfactorily, having for his principal duties the recording and keeping of accounts for the county supervisors. In 1891 he built a house at No. 1001 South Desplaines street and in 1S99 erected a residence on the adjoining lot, both of which properties he still owns. Carl Johan Alfred Svenson, our subject's father, was a wood turner by trade, but after some years at the occupation he turned his atten- tion to merchandising, and this business he fol- lowed until his death at Oskarshamn, Smaland, Sweden, when fifty-seven years of age. He mar- ried Christine Danielsou, whose father owned the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 573 farm, "Grimholt," in Fliserudsaken, and whose death occurred at seventy-three years. Both were strict members of the Lutheran Church. They had two children: Carl Oscar and Emily Olivia, the latter still living in Sweden. Samuel Svenson, grandfather of our subject, was an architect and builder and superintended the erec- tion of many of the principal buildings in his lo- cality. In Oskarshamn, Sweden, the subject of this sketch was born April 3, 1857, and there he re- ceived a grammar and high-school education. Upon the completion of his studies he learned the trade of block making and turning under his father, for whom he afterward clerked in the store for four years. His next work was with a bus and stage line. He was successful in his en- terprises and accumulated a neat property. He built a handsome residence in Oskarshamn, which he and his sister still own. About the same time he erected the King Oscar hotel, which is the leading hotel in Oskarshamn, and this he first rented, but later sold. While his interests are now mostly in America, he has never ceased to hold his native land in fond recollection, and often, in thought and in conversation with his country- men, recurs to incidents of his youth in his home beyond the seas. He is a member of the Swedish Republican Club and the Swedish Free Congre- gational Church, in the latter of which he has served as trustee. The marriage of Mr. Svenson took place in Joliet December 1, 1888, and united him with Mrs. Ida Charlotte (Jacobson) Hedlund, who was born in Skaraborglaen, Westerjutland, Sweden, and was one of six children, three still living: August V., of Joliet; Ludvig, of South Center, Kans. ; and Mrs. Ida Svenson. Their father, Anders Jacobson, owned the farm, "Valby." During the Civil war he came to America and enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment which saw much active service at the front. After his enlistment nothing was ever heard of him, but without doubt he fell in one of the early battles of the war. His wife, who is now living in Joliet, was Britta Marie, daughter of Andres Anderson, a farmer who owned "Oja." In 1884 Mrs. Sven- son came to America, settling in Joliet, where her first husband, Carl Hedlund, died, leaving two children, Aaron and Arthur Hedlund. By her second marriage four children have been born, viz.: C. Oscar, Jr., Emily Olivia, Knut Ahlvin and Esther Victoria. HENRY LESER, brewmaster and superinten- dent of E. Porter Brewing Co. 's Eagle brew- ery in Joliet, was born in Lahr, Baden, Ger- many, February 28, 1854, a son of Jacob L. and Charlotte (Zuker) Leser, and grandson of John Leser (a manufacturer of fire hose) and Christian Zuker (a gardener). He was one of two sons and two daughters comprising the family, his brother being Jacob Leser, a lithographer in Chi- cago. His education was received in the gym- nasium in his native town. When eighteen years of age he entered the army and served in the ar- tillery as corporal for three years. After re- ceiving an honorable discharge he learned the brewer's trade at OfFenburg, Baden, and later traveled as a journeyman in Switzerland as well as in Baden and Wurtemberg. For some years he was employed as brewmaster with a large brewing firm in Baden. Coming to America in 1885, Mr. Leser worked at his trade in New York, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Sedalia and Kansas City, being brewmaster in Hines' brewery in the last-named city. In March, 18S8, he came to Joliet as a brewmaster of the Eagle brewery, which position he has since filled with great success. At the time he accepted the position the company sold only about eight thousand barrels, but their sales now reach more than thirty-two thousand barrels a year, this large increase being almost wholly due to his energetic management. At the time of the incorporation of the E. Porter Brewing Co., in 1893, he became a stockholder, and was made superintendent of the brewery, which now ranks as among the largest in the state. The products manufactured include a good quality of Winer, 574 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lager, ale and porter. He is a member of the Brewmasters' Verein of the United States, also belongs to the Saengerbund and the Sharp- shooters Association of Joliet. Politically he is a Democrat. While in St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Leser married Miss Maria Schleret, who was born in Wurtz- burg, Bavaria, Germans-, and by whom he has four children, Henry, William, Lottie and Bertha. gEORGE A. BUCK. After years of industrious application to agricultural pursuits, Mr. Buck retired from his farm and established his home in Joliet, where he has resided since 1883. When he came to this county, in June, 1857, ne bought a tract of unimproved land in section 17, Man- hattan Township. Building a home, he began the task of clearing and cultivating his property. He became the owner of many hundred acres, and at one time fenced and controlled more than three thousand acres, of which he personally owned over eighteen hundred acres. At first he made a specialty of wheat, but later turned his attention to corn, and often raised large crops of this product. For years he was extensively en- gaged in raising sheep and cattle, and on his place he had a number of high-grade Durhams. The improvements on his homestead were first- class, and included a splendid residence erected at a cost of $7,000, which has since been destroyed by fire. In 1880 the Wabash Railroad was built through his farm, and cut off forty acres of the same. A portion of the village of Manhattan lies on the property he once owned. He sold his farm in 1890. Mr. Buck was born in Lanesborough, Berk- shire County, Mass., September 10, 1829, a son of Hon. Asahel and Sophia (Mason) Buck, na- tives of Cheshire, Mass. The family of which he was a member comprised four daughters and two sons, namely: Achsah G. and Sarah H., who died at the ages of sixteen and twenty two years; George A.; Mrs. Harriet Linn, of Joliet; Truman T., of Omaha; and Laura M., Mrs. Cole, who died in Poultuey, Vt., at the age of twenty-nine. The father was a son of Asahel Buck, Sr. , a sol- dier in the war of 1812 and a farmer in Massa- chusetts. Hon. Asahel Buck was a man of local prominence and active in the Democratic party. Both in the house of representatives and the sen- ate of Massachusetts he rendered efficient service to his fellow-citizens, and he was a member of the constitutional convention of that state. In re- ligion he was a Baptist. He died in Poultney, Yt., August 19, 1 S80, at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, who was a daughter of Silas Mason, a carpenter and builder in Berkshire County, died in Poultney, Vt., April 30, 1891, at the age of eighty-eight years. Until twenty-three years of age our subject remained in his native town, and afterward for a time clerked in Cheshire. Iii October, 1856, he settled in Waukegan, 111., where he clerked a few months, coming from there to Will County the following year and buying section 17, near Man- hattan village. In the years that followed he be- came recognized as one of the most prosperous and enterprising farmers of the county. He held a number of public offices, including those of township clerk, township treasurer and town- ship supervisor, holding the last-named office for . six years. During almost the entire period of his residence in the township he served as school director. Politically he is a gold Democrat. Prior to his removal from Massachusetts Mr. Buck married Miss Helen Wolcott, who was born in Cheshire, Mass., and died in Waukegan, 111., April 1 6, 1857. She was a daughter of Russell B. Wolcott, member of an old family of Cheshire and by occupation a farmer. The second mar- riage of Mr. Buck took place in Joliet March 22, 1859, and united him with Miss Sarah H. Baker, who was born in Hoosick, Rensselaer County, N. Y., October 20, 1836. She was one of eight children, the others being Julia E., of Evauston; Norman J., who died in California; Mrs. Mary S. Barnes, of Joliet; Gibson S., who died at two months; Clark M., who resides in Manhattan; Mrs. Elizabeth E. Fisk, of Evauston; and Gideon, who is in Kansas. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 575 The father of Mrs. Buck, Jirah E. Baker, a na- tive of Hoosick, was a son of Jirah, Sr. , who was born in Rhode Island and spent his last years on a farm near Hoosick. His father, Benjamin, a native of England, was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war and died before its close, of disease contracted in the army. With him in the service were his two oldest sons. Jirah E. Baker re- moved west in 1856, joining his brother, Clark, who had settled in Manhattan, 111., in 1848. Soon afterward he removed to Arkansas and died there. The mother of Mrs. Buck bore the maiden name of Almira Gifford and was born near Hoo- sick, N. Y., her father, Gideon Gifford, having removed there from Connecticut. She died in Chicago at an advanced age. Of the family of Mr. and Mrs Buck we note the following: Helen C. is the wife of John Cockle, of York County, Neb.; Josephine, who was born May 8, 1861, died at five years; Sophia M. was born November 2S, 1862, and died in October, 1865; Laura C, Mrs. Tenny, lives in Milwaukee, Wis.; George A., Jr., was born June 22, 1867, and died June 3, 1870; Werden is engaged in the grocen' business in Joliet; Jennie T. is the wife of Arthur Baldwin, of Joliet; Kate F. married Prof. O. L. Manchester, of Normal, 111., and died April 11, 1892, when less than twenty years of age; Paul Revere was born November 12, 1875, and died March 22, 1877; Fred A. was born May 7, 1877, a,1 d died December 16, 1889; and Lucy Mason, the youngest of the family, was born Feb- ruary 19, 1882. (lAMES E. NEWKIRK. The genealogy of I the Newkirk family is traced to a very early Q) period in the settlement of Virginia, and its representatives were associated with many events of importance in colonial history, holding a high position among the F. F. V. s and contributing to the prosperity which the Old Dominion long en- joyed. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Jacob Newkirk, a native of Penn- sylvania, born about the year 175S. He served during the Revolutionary war. In an early day he moved to Kentucky, settling on a farm in Jef- ferson County. There he died, of pneumonia, February 16, 1815. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Stumpf, was born in Pennsylvania in 1760 and died in Jefferson County, Ky., in 1853. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob New- kirk, Jr., was born in Little York, Pa., in 1787, and became a successful farmer of Jefferson County, Ky. When the second war with Eng- land was declared he received a commission as colonel in the American army and served with distinction, assisting in securing the freedom of the sea for our country. After the war he re- turned to his plantation nine miles south of Louisville, and there he continued to reside until his death, February 14, 1878. He was one of a family of eight, the others being Elias, Samuel, Elizabeth, Daniel, Annie, Margaret and Cath- erine. His marriage united him with Miss Mary W. Young, of Jefferson County. Richard Newkirk, the father of our subject, was born on the Kentucky homestead and spent his boyhood there. Before he had attained his majority he started out for himself, going to Chi- cago in 1833 and remaining there, with the ex- ception of a short sojourn in Indianapolis, for some years. In company with Stephen Clevley he came to Lockport and located on a farm in the Yankee settlement (now Homer Township), but after a time went to M. H. Detnmond's farm in Joliet Township. Next he assisted in the con- struction of the canal and later bought a farm adjoining Joliet. In 1870 he settled in Houston, Tex., and from there moved to Columbus, Col- orado County, the same state, where he carried on a meat business for seventeen years. Return- ing to Joliet, he spent a short time with his son, James E. , but finally, in 1897, went back to the Kentucky homestead where he was born. There he died in March, 1899, when seventy-nine years of age. The wife of Richard Newkirk was Charlotte Nokes, a native of Essex, England, whence she came to America with her father, Thomas Nokes, one of the early settlers of Lockport. With Mr. 576 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Newkirk, Mr. Nokes hauled material from Chi- cago to Morris, Ottawa, LaSalle and Marseilles before the canal was operated, using ox-teams for that purpose. In later years, while engaged in threshing, his arm was accidentally taken off and blood-poisoning set in, which proved fatal. Mrs. Newkirk died at Joliet Township in 1S79. Of her ten children all but one attained mature years and seven are living. The sons and daughters were named as follows: Henry, who died in Jo- liet in 1897; Jacob, who was accidentally killed at nine years of age; Fred, who was twenty- eight at the time of his death in Joliet; Frank E., whose sketch is presented in this work; James E. ; Angeline, wife of Richard Greenwood; and Mrs. Louisa Hibner, both of Joliet Township; Mrs. Estella Cole, of Storm Lake, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah A. Donaldson and Mrs. Mary Engleman, both of Joliet Township. On the home farm in Joliet Township the birth of our subject occurred September 7, 1S61. His education was obtained in public schools. When seventeen years of age he secured work as a team- ster with the Joliet Stone Company. A year later he was made foreman, which position he held for some time, and later for nine years he was super- intendent of the Joliet & Chicago Stone Company. Meantime, in partnership with H. T. Keltie, he started the Keltie Stone Company in 1890, and in 1892, resigning his other position, he became superintendent of this company, which opened the quarries between Jackson and Cass streets, on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. In 1898 they opened a quarry on the same road at Bridge Junction, in Lockport Township. Besides the management of the quarries he has had consid- erable work as a general contractor. He owns the old homestead of ten and one-half acres, be- sides ninety-two acres adjoining Joliet. He re- sided there until 1897, when he bought property on Poplar street. A Republican in politics, Mr. Newkirk has been an efficient worker on the county central committee. In the spring of 1893 he was elected highway commissioner of Joliet Township and served until 1899, a period of two terms. Mat- ters affecting the welfare of the people receive his thoughtful attention, and he is classed among the public-spirited men who wish in every way pos- sible to advance the city's prosperity. Frater- nally he is connected with Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M.; Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M.; and Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T. He was married in Joliet, to Miss Mary Engle- raami, who was born in Switzerland and came to this county with her father, Jacob Englemann. The four children born of their union are George, Ralph, Florence and Freda. Mrs. Newkirk was reared from childhood in the Lutheran faith and is a member of that denomination, while Mr. Newkirk inclines toward the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 3 AMES C. BEATTIE, who is a leading busi- ness man of El wood, was born in Winfield, 111., April 9, 1856, a son of Robert and Mar- garet (Mcllrath) Beattie, natives of County An- trim, Ireland. He was one of eight children, of whom two besides himself are now living, viz.: Jennie, who married Z. T. Blaine, of Kansas; and Robert, a carpenter in Joliet. His father, who was born in 18 15, grew to manhood on the home farm and for a number of years was em- ployed as deliveryman for a bakery, in addition to his work as a farmer. About 1850 he brought his family to America and settled in Illinois, where he was a sub contractor in railroad con- struction. In 1858 he purchased a farm on the Rock Run in Troy Township, Will County, and there resided until 1880, when he retired from active labors and removed to Joliet. His death occurred in this city in 1896. In politics he was a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and in religion a Presbyterian. Besides the advantages of the public schools, our subject took the regular commercial course in the Metropolitan Business College in Chicago, from which he graduated in 1875. Afterward he became connected with Henry T. Truby in the grain business, the two erecting an elevator in GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 577 Wilmington Township, where the canal then had a feeder. He had full charge of the business. In 1881 the elevator was built at Elwood and the business transferred to this point, where he has since resided, having full charge of the business at this place. For a number of years he has served as township central committeeman, and he has also been a member of the village board. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with Jackson Camp No. 3318, M. W. A., and Elwood Camp of Royal Brothers. In religion he is a Presbyterian. September 15, 1881, Mr. Beattie married Miss Elizabeth A. Truby, a sister of Henry T. Truby, whose sketch appears on another page. They are the parents of three children, Alice Marie, Florence H. and James Truby. Mr. Beattie has been a successful business man and as such has gained the good will of all who know him. (ILLIAM PENN CATON was for years one of Will County's most honored resi- dents. He was born in Orange County, N. Y., March 28, 1815. His father, Robert Caton, was born May 22, 1761, and was three times married, his third wife being Hannah Dean, who died April 16, 1836; his death oc- curred April 6, 18 15, when his son was only nine days old. When our subject was eighteen years of age he left New York state and went to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he was employed as clerk in a store. The year 1836 found him in Chicago, 111., where he clerked. He also spent a short time in Milwaukee, Wis. Afterward he took up two thousand acres of government land in Cook County, sixteen miles northwest of the present site of Chicago. On this property he made his home until 1848. Meantime he was married, November 28, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Steele, whose home was on the north branch of the Chicago River in Cook County. Returning to Chicago, Mr. Caton secured a position as inspector of canal boats, which he held until 1856. He then settled in the vicinity of Plainfield, Will County, and engaged in farm- ing until 1 87 1, when he retired from active labors, settling in Joliet. After coming to this city he became connected with the First Presby- terian Church, in which he was deacon for years. During the latter part of his life he suffered much from ill-health. He died March 22, 1886. Mrs. Elizabeth (Steele) Caton, was born in Elizabethtown, Essex County, N. Y., May 30, 18 19, a daughter of Jonathan and Theodosia (Nichols) Steele. Her father was born in Hart- ford, Conn., in 1777. He moved from his na- tive place to Elizabethtown, N. Y., and in 1812 had charge of the arsenal there, fitting out the troops for the campaign on Lake Champlain. His wife was born in Vermont, October 16, 1780, and died in Elizabethtown when her daughter, Elizabeth, was only three months old. Subse- quently Mr. Steele moved to New York City, and thence to Chicago in 1837, sailing from Buffalo on one of the first lake steamers that ever plied the waters of Lake Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Caton became the parents of nine children. One of the daughters is the wife of T. A. Mason, represented elsewhere in this work. The others now living are scattered through different parts of this and other states. Gfl DAM GROTH. In no occupation has a LI greater advance been made during the past / I fifty years than in contracting and architec- tural work. The contractors of Joliet are of a class fully equal to those of any other large city, and among them Mr. Groth occupies a prominent position. In 1895 he embarked in business as a cut-stone and general contractor at No. 131 1 Cass street, where he has a fine plant operated by steam-power, and equipped with planers, saws, lathes, etc. Employment is furnished to one hundred men, and all kinds of stone are handled and shipped to every part of thecountry. Among the contracts which he has had are many for im- portant buildings, including theschoolhousesand other public buildings in Joliet. At this writ- ing he has under process of construction the 578 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. United States post-offices at Paterson, N. J., and Brockton, Mass., the asylum for incurable insane at Peoria, 111., and Otto Young's summer resi- dence at Lake Geneva, Wis. Mr. Groth was born in Marbourg, Germany, in 1847, the youngest of three children, of whom the oldest died in Germany, and the second, Carl, is engaged in the cut-stone business in Germany. His father, Frederick, sou of a German soldier in the war of 1812-15, was born and reared in Mar- bourg, where he engaged in cut-stone contract- ing, and built many of the university buildings in that place. He survived his wife for many years, and died in his native town. When fifteen years of age our subject began to work at cutting stone in the summer, while in the winter he took a complete course in drafting and architecture. In 1 S66 he left Bremen on the sailing vessel ' 'Anna, ' ' which, after a stormy voyage of fifty-three days, landed in Baltimore, Md. Three days after land- ing he began to work at his trade in the employ of Geddes Bros., with whom he continued for seven months. He was then employed by Mr. Maxwell for two years. From Baltimore he went to York, Pa., thence to Philadelphia, and finally returned to Baltimore, where he worked with Taylor Bros, until 187 1. In May of the latter year he came west to Chicago, where he worked at his trade. He witnessed the burn- ing of Chicago and assisted in building it up again. In 1872 he became foreman for W. C. Dickman.with whom he remained for three years. In those days a five-story building was consid- ered very tall. After a time stone was used in the construction, and seven- story buildings began to be built, but they were no higher until the steel construction was introduced. He was foreman in the building of the Sherman house, a seven- story building; also in the building of the county jail and court-house. Going to Wausau, Wis., in 1876, Mr. Groth started a small stone and contracting business, and later opened a granite quarry which he dis- covered north of the town about nine miles. He quarried the first granite in that section, and shipped large quantities to Chicago to be used for paving blocks. In 1882 he returned to Chicago, where he embarked in the stone and contracting business. From there, in 18S4, he settled in Joliet, where he was foreman for E. R. Brainard, the contractor for the Joliet penitentiary. He continued with the same employer until 1895, when he resigned in order to engage in business for himself. He is a man of energy, and has proved himself an efficient man of business, possessing the qualities that almost invariably bring their possessor success. In religion he is of the Lutheran faith. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Royal Arcanum; also Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. &A. M.; the Royal Arch Chapter Council, and Joliet Commandery No. 4. He was married in Chicago to Miss Minnie Fallscheer, daughter of John Fallscheer, an earl}- settler and business man of that city, where she was born. Their marriage resulted in the birth of four children, namely: Lucy, who is in charge of the office; Carl, who is architect, draftsman and superintendent of construction for his father;' Emma and Alma. Formerly a Democrat, at the time of the conven- tion of that party in Chicago iu iS96,and the adop- tion by it of a platform endorsing free silver, he withdrew his allegiance and joined the Republican party- In the spring of 1895 he was nominated for city treasurer on the Democratic ticket, and, being elected, took the oath of office, May 1 , 1895, for a term of two years. The office he filled with credit to himself. He assisted in organizing the Germania Club, of which he served as vice-presi- dent for two terms. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS -^^^^fe^_ GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 581 CALEB E. ANTRAM. EALEB E. ANTRAM, attorney-at-law, with office in the Barber building, Joliet, was born near Salem, Fayette County, Pa., February 12, 1865, a son of Robert and Sarah (Woodward) Antram. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Woodward, was an influential farmer of Fayette County; and the paternal grandfather, Caleb, also spent his entire life upon a Pennsylvania farm. Wherever found the family has been prominent and its members have held positions of trust and honor. When twenty-three years of age Robert An- tram began -in business for himself by opening a grist and flour mill. In 1869 he settled in La- Salle County, 111., where he bought land and em- barked in fanning. During subsequent years he became a large land holder; for, having been reared on a farm, he was familiar with the occu- pation and knew how to operate the farm suc- cessfully. He was active in the local ranks of the Democratic party, held numerous local offices, and was a leader in affairs among his fellow- citizens. For many years he officiated as an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he was a strict member from childhood and to which he still belongs. He is now prac- tically retired from active labors, but is still hale and robust, and takes a warm interest in what is going on in the world. Of his eight children Caleb is the oldest now living and the only one in Will County. He received his primary education in the district schools of LaSalle County, where he laid the foundation of the broad information he has since acquired. His father was deeply interested in Lincoln Univer- sity, a Cumberland Presbyterian institution at Lincoln, 111., and so sent his son there, where he studied for some time. Later he spent one year at Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School, and later taught school for one year. He then entered the junior class of Knox College, from which he graduated in 1889 with the degree of B. S. In the fall of the same year he matriculated in the law department of Northwestern College, from which he graduated in June, 1891, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Coming to Joliet in September, 1891, Mr. Antram opened an office for the practice of law. He was a total stranger here, but he soon, by his ability, won the atten- tion of other attorneys. His practice is general and he has done some successful work as a criminal lawyer. The probate and real-estate departments of the law occupy most of his atten- tion, and he has been particularly successful in them. In 1896 he was commissioned by the family to go to the old country and attend to business matters in connection with the estate. While abroad he visited various points of inter- est on the British Isles. He had with him a per- sonal letter from Secretary of State Olney to the foreign officials, which caused him to receive considerable attention in the various cities visited. In politics he is independent, with Dem- ocratic proclivities, and, although not a politician in the usual acceptance of the term, he takes an active interest in public affairs. For four years he efficiently filled a position as commissioner of special assessments. Fraternally he is connected with Joliet Lodge No. 856, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of the Knights of the White 30 532 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Cross. He is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Joliet and a contributor to religious and benevolent movements. June 30, 1897, ne was united in marriage with Lillian B., daughter of Rev. A. J. Van Wormer, of Albion, Mich. 30HN C. FLVNN, who is traveling salesman for the wholesale shoe house of Drur, Selbie & Co., of Portsmouth, Ohio, has made Joliet his home since 1892. He was born in Mooers, Clinton County, N. Y., February 25, 1857, a son of John and Catherine (Cassaday) Flynn, natives respectively of Ireland and Canada. His father, who was born near Dublin, remained in his native place until he was about twenty, and then crossed the ocean to New York, where he spent two years. Returning to Ireland he re- mained there for two years. On coming to America for the second time he settled in Mooers, N. Y., and secured employment there as a rail- road contractor. During the last five years of his life he was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Mooers. At the opening of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and en- listed as a private in the Ninety-sixth New York Infantry, which he accompanied to the front and in which he continued until the expiration of his term of service. . His only wound was received in the battle of the Wilderness and was not of a serious nature. In religion he was a Roman Catholic. He died in Mooers when fifty-four years of age, and his widow has since continued to make that place her home. Of their seven children we note the following: Margaret is de- ceased; Mary A. lives in Minneapolis, Minn.; Stephen is a farmer near Mooers; Frank died in Iowa; Thomas is deceased; John C. was sixth in order of birth; and the youngest is James M. , of Cleveland, Ohio. When he was only nine years of age the sub- ject of this sketch began to do for himself. As a newsboy on passenger trains he gained his first knowledge of busiuess. Meantime, however, he did not neglect his studies, but attended school when it was possible. In 1876 he entered the express office at St. Albans, Vt., where he re- mained for three years. From there in 1880 he went to Portsmouth, Ohio, as local agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, but resigned that position in June, 1881, and became traveling salesman for Drur, Selbie & Co. The house at that time was a small one and had only one com- mercial traveler besides himself; but such has been its growth that it now keeps fourteen men constantly on the road. At first the territory as- signed to him was very large, including Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Iowa, but now he travels only in northern Illi- nois, eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the house manufactures only shoes of a fine quality, only the best trade is desired; hence only large towns are visited. For years he made his head- quarters in various places, as seemed most con- venient for his business, but since 1892 he has resided in Joliet. During that year he married Miss Nellie Sullivan, of this city. They lost one child in infancy and have two sons living, John C. and James S. Politically Mr. Flynn is an independent Democrat, supporting the party in national issues, but voting for the best man in local elections. In fraternal matters he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Roval Arcanum. HOWARD S. BARKER, cashier of the Ex- change Bank at Frankfort Station, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1850, a son of Asahel B. and Elizabeth Barker, the latter a native of England. His paternal grandfather, Miles Barker, was a descendant of early settlers of Connecticut. The father, a native of Oneida County, born in 1823, came to Chicago in 1846, working at his trade, but returned to New York after two years, and in 1855 came to Frankfort Station, where he followed the carpenter's trade for a time. In 1862 he embarked in the lumber busiuess and in the handling of agricultural im- plements and building material. This he con- tinued until 1897, when he sold out to his sou GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 583 Howard and retired from business life. He and his wife had eight children, of whom two sons and a daughter are living. At the time the family settled at Frankfort Station our subject was about five years of age. His education was begun in local public schools and continued in Chicago University. He gradu- ated from the Chicago College of Pharmacy, studying for a year under Dr. Jameson of Chicago. On returning to Frankfort he added a stock of drugs to his father's store and became a partner in the entire business, father and son remaining together until the former's retirement in 1897. Since then our subject has been sole proprietor. In 1894, with his father, he started the Exchange Bank, of which he was cashier from the first. He now devotes his entire attention to the bank- ing business. He is the owner of a farm in Frankfort Township, which he rents. In pol- itics he is a Republican, and is now township treasurer, also member of the county central committee. He has been a delegate to county and district conventions. Fraternally he is an official member of the Modern Woodmen. He is a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for some time has held office as Sunday-school superintendent. In 1880 he married Sarah Winne, by whom he has four children, namely: Wilfred W. , Elizabeth G. , Paul F. and Stantial H. EEORGE M. ARNOLD, deceased, formerly a merchant of Lockport, was born and reared in New York state, and came to Will Coun- ty with his brother, John W. Atnold. For sev- eral years he was connected with the dry-goods house of George Fish & Co., Lockport, but severed his connection with that firm on being elected sheriff, and for two terms gave his atten- tion to the duties of that office. He was a well- known public man and had acquaintances and friends in every part of the county. His death was mourned by many as a personal bereave- ment. Mr. Arnold married Miss Mary Mess, a native of Scotland, and a daughter of George and Cath- erine Mess. Her father was born near Aber- deen, Scotland, and came to the United States in 1840, settling at first in Chicago, where he made his home for several years. He then came to Yankee Settlement, Will County, and for sev- eral years successfully carried on farm pursuits and stock-raising. In later years he bought a farm near Lockport and there he continued to reside until his death at about seventy years. In politics he was a Republican, and in religion an Episcopalian. He was a member of a very aristocratic and cultured family of Scotland. His wife died one year after his demise. They were the parents of four children, namely: George, who died at twenty years of age; Louisa and Mrs. Arnold, who live in Lockport; and William T., who resides in Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold had two children, of whom the son, George M., is an engineer in Chicago, and the daughter, Minnie L., is at home. (JACOB BROSSMAN, a farmer, stock-raiser I and dairyman of Dupage Township, has Q) made his home in Will Count}' since 1854. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., July 16, 1837, a son of Jacob Brossman, Sr. , and grand- son of John Brossman, natives of Pennsylvania and farmers by occupation. In 1854 his father removed from Pennsylvania to Iowa, but, not liking the surroundings, came to Illinois and settled in the northern part of Dupage Township, Will Count}', where he bought two hundred acres at $35 per acre. The land was partly in good timber and partly under cultivation, and was therefore more valuable than much of the surrounding property. As he prospered he added to his pjssessions until he acquired four hundred acres. In politics he was a Democrat and in re- ligion a Lutheran. He died at theage of ninety- four years. During his residence in Pennsyl- vania he was married. In his family there were twelve children, Jacob being the oldest of those now living. He was educated in Pennsylvania, first acquiring an excellent knowledge of the German language and afterward studying Eng- 584 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lish. At the time of settling in Illinois lie was seventeen years of age. He remained with his father until he was twenty-one, when he began farming on his own account. When he was about thirty-one years old he bought one hundred acres where he now lives. To this he added until he now owns two hundred and seventy-five acres, all in one body. His house burned, and afterward he built the residence he now occupies. He also erected other needed buildings. In 1892 he built a substantial barn, 36x86 feet in dimen- sions, and 22 feet high, with a stone basement. At one time he was a very extensive raiser of and dealer in cattle and hogs, and he still makes a specialty of Durham cattle, also raises Norman horses. In national politics he supports Demo- cratic principles; in local matters he is independ- ent. He has served as road commissioner. In 1S50 he married Lydia Setzer, by whom he has seven children: James, a farmer at East Wheat- land, Will County; Jeremiah, who is engaged in the coal business in Englewood, Cook County; John, who assists on the home farm; William, also on the home farm: Jacob, a farmer in Du- page Township; Hannah, who is married and lives in Wheatland Township; and Mary. 3ACOB A. HENRY, president of the Will County National Bank at Joliet, was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., April 25, 1825. In 1842 he entered the employ of the Hartford & New Haven Railroad Company, and assisted in laying the first track on the canal road through New Haven. In 1846 he settled inElyria, Ohio, and took his first contract in connection with a railroad in Ohio and Indiana. He superin- tended the construction of the northern division of the Sandusky road. In 1856 he came to Illi- nois, and in 1859 to Joliet. For several years he was roadmaster of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. In 1870 he began a contract for the building of the Houston & Great Northern Railroad in Texas, which he completed in 1873. Meantime he also built a portion of the Southern Pacific, which involved a large amount of heavy work. In 1888 he filled a contract in Arkansas. Few men in the central states have had larger con- tracts, and certainly no one has been more suc- cessful in filling them satisfactorily. In 1873 Mr. Henry erected a residence in Joliet, and here he has since made his home. He has been very active in matters pertaining to the progress of the city, aided in securing the electric railways and in other movements of great value. Justly, therefore, he holds a high position in the regard of his fellow-townsmen. He has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He has been twice married, having by the first marriage a daughter, who is the wife of J. W. Folk, of Joliet. His first wife died in 1878, and in 1885 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Rachel (Hulsizer) Apgar. Gfl LBERT M. STRONG, a retired farmer of LI Dupage Township, was born July 18, 1848, / I on the place where he still lives. His father, Robert, a native of Vermont, came to Illinois in July, 1831 , and settled on an unimproved tract of prairie in Will County. He at once began to cultivate and improve the land. For a time he lived in a log house, and this was the usual stopping place of all the people who traveled through the country in search of a location. During the Black Hawk war, which occurred the year after he came here, the family went to Chicago, returning when the danger was past. Through energy he became one of the large land owners of his township. He was honored as a citizen, and was chosen to serve in local offices, such as supervisor and justice of the peace. He helped to organize the Presbyterian Church in his neighborhood, served as its elder for years and was its main supporter. While in New York he married Caroline Willey, and their union resulted in the birth of eleven children, of whom our subject is the sole representative in this county. In public schools, the academy at Naperville and the Western Reserve College, Ohio, our sub- ject received a good education. On leaving col- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 585 lege he farmed with his father until he was twenty -one, when he rented a part of the home- stead. After the death of his father, which occurred December 28, 1885, he succeeded to the management of the estate. He has given especial attention to raising Shropshire sheep. In 1891 he rented the farm and went tojoliet, where he engaged in the real-estate and insur- ance business for four years. Afterward he visited in Arkansas and other southern states, and then spent a winter in Colorado. Since his return he has resided on the homestead, which he rents to his son-in-law. He is a Republican and has served as delegate to county and state conventions. October 21, 1869, he married Ida, daughter of George Wheeler, of Ohio. They have two daughters: Grace C. , Mrs. Dawson, of New Mexico; and Hattie, whose husband operates the Strong homestead. ship. Here his wife died in 1865. Later he again married, his second wife being Mrs. Mary A. (Mitchell) Hoskins, a native of England, who died December 12, 1878. Mr. Cook con- tinued to make his home on his farm during his remaining years, but his activity toward the close of his life was lessened by the lameness re- sulting from a fall. He died at his home July 14, 1890. P<»)ILLIAM COOK arrived in Will County \ A / May 10, 1850, and for forty years was one V V of the well-known farmers of Crete Town- ship, where he owned a good farm on section 16, besides some land on section 17, aggregating alto- gether one hundred and twenty-five acres. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, February 25, 1 8 10, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Holmes) Cook, and the only one of their nine children to seek a home in the United States. At thirteen years of age he left school and began to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving until he was twenty, after which he worked as a journeyman. Later he set up a shop in Winterton, and there mar ried Miss Elizabeth Adkinson, who was born in England in 1803. February 25, 1831, our subject and his wife took passage at Hull on an American bound ship and after a voyage of seven weeks landed in New York City, whence they journeyed to Monroe- ville, Ohio. After working as a shoemaker for a year Mr. Cook bought a small farm. Fifteen years later he moved to Lake County, Ind., and from there two years afterward moved to the vicinity of Clinton, coming thence to Crete Town- NENRY BEHRENS came to Will County in 1850 and in early manhood secured one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Crete Township. By subsequent purchase he became the owner of three hundred acres, which at his death,, February 6, 1889, became the prop- erty of his heirs. He was born in Hanover, Germany, January 9, 1836, a son of Frederick and Mary Behrens, whom he accompanied to America about 1850. Shortly afterward he set- tled with them in Crete Township. July 22, 1859, he married Sophia Ohlendorf, who was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1839, a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Sene) Ohlendorf. She accompanied her parents to America when thirteen years of age and settled with them in Crete Township. After the death of her hus- band she assumed the management of the estate, which included, not only the property in Will County, but two farms in Woodford Township, Iroquois County. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Behrens comprised twelve children. I~}HINEAS K. ROWLEY was born in New Ly York state and came to Will County when \3 eighteen years of age. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which oc- curred, at seventy-two years of age, February 22, 1889. He was married, November 1, 1843, to Miss Jane A. Sanford, who was born in Massachusetts in 1824. After his marriage he settled on section 19, Homer Township, and there the remainder of his life was busily passed in farm pursuits. He owned one hundred and 586 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. eighty acres comprising a valuable farm. With his wife, he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He had a family of seven children. The eldest, Adelbert C, married Sarah B. Phillips, and settled in Kane County; Mary E. married John Mitchell; George died when fourteen months old; Fred E. settled in Livingston County; Alice S. married Jerome Paddock, of Homer Township; Jane S. died at nineteen years of age; and Frank A. married Helen E. Savage and settled on a farm in Homer Township. (1 AMES BIGGINS resided in Will County for I almost a half century and was well known Q) among the farmers of Dupage Township. He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, May ii, 1S22, and spent the first eighteen years of life in his native land. On emigrating to Amer- ica he at once settled in this county and after- ward, by energy and industry, accumulated a valuable property. February 9, 1861, he mar- ried Miss Catherine Prior, who was born in Ire- land and, like himself, was reared in the Roman Catholic faith. They became the parents of six children, namely: Eugene, James, Edward, Will- iam, George and Mary. Mr. Biggins died in Dupage Township June 15, 1884. His brother, Owen, who accompanied him to America and also settled in Dupage Township, died April 19, 1885. Both were law- abiding citizens of their adopted country, and were worth}' of the esteem in which they were held. "LIAS MYERS, a pioneer farmer of Wheat- 's land Township, was born in Lancaster _ _ County, Pa., May 25, 1828, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Anion) Myers. His father, who was bjrn and reared in Pennsylvania, engaged in teaming and also cultivated a small farm of eight acres. In the spring of 1844, accompanied by his family and fourteen other families, he came via the canal and great lakes to Chicago, thence direct to Wheatland Township, where he bought ninety acres of partly improved land. Two years later he died, at the age of seventy-five years. He was active in local politics and a stanch Re- publican. In religion he was connected with the Methodist Church. He was of direct German descent. The lady whom he married was a na- tive of Germany and when eleven years of age ac- companied her parents to Lancaster County, Pa., where her father died at ninety-nine years of age and her mother at the same age. Mrs. Myers died in Wheatland Township when eighty-four years old. In her family there were eight chil- dren, Elias being the third of these. When the family settled in this county our subject was a boy of sixteen. He remained with his mother on the home farm until the spring of 1852, when he went to California by water. On his arrival in the far west he engaged in mining and also followed other occupations at different times. However, none of his enterprises proved very successful, and he finally decided that he stood a better chance back at his old home. Re- turning, he settled on an eighty acre farm in Wheatland Township, a place that represented his earnings while in California. A few years later he sold the place and bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres. At one time he owned six hundred acres in Iowa, but this he sold at $30 an acre. He owns property in Aurora, where for eight years he made his home. When he was young he teamed from Chicago to Aurora for fourteen years, and he also engaged in threshing during the season. Some years ago he lost his left hand through an accident with a corn husker, and since then he has done very little manual labor. In 1883 he turned his farm over to his third son, since which time he has lived retired from active cares. The marriage of Mr. Myers, in 1856, united him with a daughter of Hiram Johnson, of Wheatland Township. She died in 1883. Five children were born of their marriage. The two eldest, Burton and Wallace, are engaged in the livery, feed, hay and grain business at Naper- ville, where their father built a large barn for them. The youngest son, William, managesthe GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 587 home farm. Edith is the wife of John Graves, of Aurora, who was captain of a company in the Spanish-American war; and Pearl, who resides with her father on the home farm. While he takes a warm interest in public affairs and in questions affecting the welfare of our nation, Mr. Myers has never been a politician and has never desired office. The only positions he has ever held were of an educational nature. In political views he favors the Republican party. "£JEN. PHILIP CORNELIUS HAYES, of □ Joliet, was born in Granby, Conn., Febru- ary 3, 1833, a son of Gaylord Hayes. The family is of Scotch origin. The first of the name in America was George Hayes, who settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1680. His oldest son, Dan- iel, was the father of Ezekiel, among whose de- scendants was President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was a third cousin of the subject of this ar- ticle. The family has been noted for patriotism and valor. Andrew Hayes, of Connecticut, served from June 4, 1777, to January 8, 1778, in the Rev- olutionary war. In the war of 18 12 our subject's father, Gaylord, and uncle Ezekiel bore a part, while the general and two brothers were in the Union army during the Civil war. Gaylord Hayes came to Illinois in 1833 and settled near Ottawa, where he purchased one and one-half sections of farm land, remaining there until he died in 1839. By his marriage to Mary Goodrich Humphrey he had seven children, four of whom are living. His wife died in 1845. Our subject was a child when his parents died. When he was fifteen he began to work on a farm for $8 per month. During winters he worked for his board with the privilege of attending school. At nineteen years of age he began to teach school, which occupation he followed for several years, meantime pursuing his studies. September 1, 1855, he entered the preparatory school at Ober- lin, Ohio, from which he was graduated in i860. He then took up the study of theology in the seminary connected with his alma mater. On President Lincoln's call for troops he enlisted as a private, and when a company was formed he was chosen captain. However, the state having more than its quota, his company was not ac- cepted. July 16, 1862, he was again mustered into the service and was made captain of his com- pany, which was assigned to the One Hundred and Third Ohio Infantry. The history of this gallant regiment is written in the annals of our country. Its record was most creditable to its officers and men. It was mustered out at Cleve- land June 22, 1865. Meantime the captain had been promoted, December 5, 1864, to lieutenant- colonel, later was made colonel, and March 13, 1865, was brevetted brigadier-general. As a sol- dier he won highest praise from his superiors. Col. Daniel Cameron, commanding the brigade, alluded to him as "one of the best officers of the army." After the war General Hayes was superinten- dent of the public schools of Mount Vernon, Ohio. In the fall of 1866 he purchased the Cir- cleville (Ohio) Union, at which time he entered upon his successful journalistic career. In 1869 he sold his paper and bought another one. In 1874 he returned to Illinois and bought the Morris Herald, publishing it until 1892, when he bought a controlling interest in the Republican of Joliet. In 1895 he retired from active business pursuits, although his ability as a writer is so widely recognized that his services are frequently in demand in the journalistic field. From the organization of the Republican party he has been an active member. In 1876 he was elected to congress from the seventh district, comprising Grundy, LaSalle, Kendall and Will Counties. He entered upon his official duties March 4, 1877, and at the expiration of his four years' term was re-elected. He was a wise legislator, a close student of the questions of the day, and a firm supporter of measures calculated to advance the general welfare. His career in congress reflected credit upon him as a man of integrity and ability. He is a member of Bartleson Post No. 6, G. A. R. , of Joliet, and the Loyal Legion of Chicago. At Oberlin, Ohio, January 25, 1865, General Hayes married Amelia Estelle Johnson, daughter of Dr. Homer Johnson, and descended from old 588 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. New England families. They became the par- ents of six children: Carl J., deceased; Jessie, who is married and resides in Joliet; Ralph \V., who is a newspaper man by occupation; Georgie, deceased; M. C; and Mary, wife of Everett C. Piatt, of Eagle Grove, Iowa. (JOHN W. DIERSEN, deceased, was born in I Hesse-Cassel, Germany, September 2, 183S, 0) a son of John H. and Sophia (Hue) Diersen. The family set sail from Bremen in May, 1846, and landed in New York July 5, thence proceeded, via river, canal and lakes, to Chicago. In 1852 they came from Chicago to Will County, where the father secured forty acres of government land. His wife died in Crete in 1S85 and he passed away two years afterward. Their sou, John W., mar- ried Eugel Desenisz, who was born in Hesse-Cas- sel, August 28, 1842, and came with her brother Philip to this county when he was sixteen. As a farmer John \V. Diersen was efficient, and he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres in Crete Township. In addition he was secretary of the Crete Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, and for years served as highway com- missioner. In religion he was a Lutheran. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Diersen consists of twelve children: John, William, Louisa, Henry, August, Herman, Gotleib, Amelia, Emma, Wal- ter, Anna and Otto. Mr. Diersen died Novem- ber 12, 1898. (ILLIAM F. STAFFORD. A study of the lives of prosperous men shows that their success is in every instance due to their energy and good judgment. It is to these quali- ties that Mr. Stafford owes the success which has rewarded his efforts in business. When he came to Joliet, in 1891, he secured employment with Mr. Hess, whose interest he bought in the fall of 1892 and afterward continued with Mr. Godfrey for two years, meantime holding his own finan- cially in spite of the panic of 1893. Since 1894 he has been alone, continuing at the same site as before, No. 707 Van Buren street. He is the largest wholesale and retail milk dealer in the city, and furnishes milk and cream for the state penitentiary as well as for many private parties. In butter and eggs he also carries on a wholesale and retail business. He has a plant with twelve- horse electric power, which he uses in the manu- facture of ice cream for the wholesale and retail trade, and in this line, as in others, he has built up a valuable business. Mr. Stafford was born in Dupage Township, Will County, February 13, 1856, a son of Enoch and Sarah (Wheat) Stafford. His father, who was a son of William and Ann Stafford, was born in Nottinghamshire, England, February 23, 1830, and came to America in 1851, arriving in New York May 29. Proceeding west, he secured work as a farm hand in this county and afterward cul- tivated a rented farm. After ten years he in- vested his savings in farm property, and he now owns one hundred and ninety well-improved acres in the township where he first settled. His first wife died in 1S58, leaving two children, Wil- liam and Sarah, the latter now deceased. After- ward he married a sister of his first wife, Miss Jane Wheat, who came to America from England at twelve years of age, settling in Dupage Town- ship with her parents, Benjamin and Hannah (Hinsliff) Wheat. Eight children were born of this marriage, four of whom are living. Remaining with his father in youth, our sub- ject gained a good knowledge of farm work, and until 1890 he was interested in agricultural pur- suits. November 25, 1880, he married Miss Ab- bie L. Kilmer, who was born in Dupage Town- ship, her father, Reuben Kilmer, having come here at an early age from the vicinity of the Hudson River in New York. To their marriage have been born two sons, Reuben E. and James K., the older of whom assists his father in busi- ness. In September, 1890, Mr. Stafford became connected with the Dupage creamery, but a year later he removed to Joliet and has since been identified, as employe and later as owner, with the business of which he is now head. He is a Republican in politics and prior to his removal GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 589 from Dupage Township served as tax collector for two years. Fraternally he is associated with Matteson Lodge No. 175, A. F. & A. M. While he is not a member of any religious organ- ization, he contributes to the support of the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church, of which his wife is a member. £J G. THORP, M. E. In the life of this gen- I— tleman is afforded an illustration of the \Ji , recognition which talent and merit almost invariably win in the business world. From early boyhood he showed a talent for mechanical engineering and, his tastes lying so strongly in this direction, he secured the necessary education and has since been engaged in work directly con- nected with this occupation. The remarkable success with which he has met proves that his choice of an occupation was wise. As general superintendent of the Illinois Steel Company he holds a very responsible position, but it is one whose duties he discharges faithfully and well, thereby winning the commendation of his su- perior officers and the respect of those under him. The Thorp family is of English ancestry. J. M. Thorp, our subject's father, was born in Philadelphia, and was the son of an Englishman, born in Manchester, and who became a cotton manufacturer in his native city and later in Philadelphia. From that city J. M. Thorp re- moved to Pittsburg, where he engaged in the manufacture of oils. In 1882 he removed to Madison, Wis., where he is now living retired. He married Jane H. Veeder, who was born in Schenectady, N. Y., of remote Holland Dutch descent, her ancestors, however, having long re- sided in New York. In her family there were five daughters and one son, the latter being the subject of this article. He was born in Pittsburg, Pa., June 29, 1868. In 1887 he graduated from the high school of Madison, Wis., after which he entered the University of Wisconsin, and con- tinued there until his graduation in 1891, with the degree of M. E. The following year he spent as a fellow in the department of mechanical en- gineering. In 1892 he went to Chicago, where he was employed in the old North Chicago rolling mill operated by the Illinois Steel Company, his special work being as engineer of tests. In 1895 he was appointed assistant master mechanic of the Joliet plant. The next year he was promoted to the position of master mechanic in the Pueblo plant of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. He proved himself so efficient and capable that he was soon made chief engineer of the works. After having been connected with that plant for some years, in May, 1899, he resigned to accept his present position with the Illinois Steel Com- pany. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Chi Psi of the University of Wisconsin. So deeply has he been interested in his profession and so engrossed by its duties that he has never identified himself with public affairs in any way and, aside from voting the Republican ticket, takes no part in politics. From the success that has already, at so early a period of his life, rewarded his earnest and intelligent efforts, it may be safely predicted that the future years hold for him ever increasing successes and honors in the business world. HENRY DOUGLAS SNAPP. There is per- haps no occupation carrying with it a greater weight of responsibility than that of railroad engineer. He who fills such a position must necessarily be a man of steady nerve, great cour- age and possessing a mind over which a sudden danger has no power to throw dismay or terror. Such a man is the subject of this article, who is one of the most popular engineers running out of Joliet. He is above all an unostentatious man, doing his duty faithfully, but quietly, and never showing in his character any indications of pride or boastfulness. Those who once meet him are his friends ever afterward, and those who know him best most highly appreciate his fine qualities of manhood. A son of Hon. Henry Snapp, whose sketch appears on another page, the subject of this sketch was born in Joliet February 28, 1853. His education was obtained in the public schools. 59° GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. At the age of sixteen he began railroading, for his tastes ran in that direction, and he had no de- sire to take the college course planned for him by his parents He entered the employ of the Chi- cago & Alton Railroad Company as a fireman. After two years with that company he took a similar position on the Rock Island road. After some five years as fireman he was given an engine on the Chicago & Indianapolis Air Line, now the Motion route, and since then has been on different roads. Strict attention to his work has been his watchword and his high standing as an engineer testifies to his fidelity to duty. The marriage of Mr. Snapp took place October 10, 1877, and united him with Miss Frances Hill, who was born in New York state, but at two years of age was brought to Joliet by her parents, Alva and Margaret (Banta) Hill. Her father, who followed the shoemaker's trade in Joliet, continued to reside in this city until his death, which resulted in an accident on a railroad ex- cursion on the 4th of July, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Snapp are the parents of two sons, Henry Alvin, who was born June 5, 18S6; and Robert Douglas, born September 12, 1888. Ohio and came to this county in 1837. They have one daughter, Julia, wife of J. E. Davis, who now has charge of Mr. Goudy's farm. ROBERT GOUDY, a farmer of Dupage Town- ship, was born in lower Canada January 2, 1822, a son of Alexander and Jane (Wal- lace) Goudy, natives respectively of Scotland and Ireland. When he was small his parents moved to Burlington, Vt., and a year later went to Es- sex County, N. Y., where he passed the years of boyhood. When he was twenty- two he came to Will Count}-, 111., and for three years worked by the month on a farm. He then bought fifty acres of wild prairie land. Next he worked on the canal for ten years. On selling his original farm he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, which place he improved and on which he resided until removing to his present farm. He has served as school director and for ten years was highway commissioner. October 15, 1848, he married Miss Ophelia Welch, who was born in 30HN COMISKEY, superintendent of the Joliet chemical works and part owner of the plant, was born at Newcastle 011-the-Tyne, England, in 1858. His father, Dennis, who was in the chemical business, remained during most of his life in the vicinity of his birth. By his marriage to Jane Skill he had nine children, of whom John is next to the eldest. In 18S2, two years after his son had settled in this, country, he came to the United States, but, not liking the climate, he returned to England. He died in Liverpool in 1S94. As he attended school only fourteen years in his boyhood, our subject is practically self-edu- cated, and his present position and standing may be attributed wholly to his unaided efforts. When eleven years of age he began to be self-support- ing. He was employed in chemical works near his home and thus acquired a thorough knowl- edge of the business iu which he is still engaged. In 1880 he left England to seek a home in Amer- ica. For six years he was employed in chemical works in New Jersey, and, being economical, he saved a considerable part of his salary. With this motiey he came to Joliet and started in busi- ness, beginning the manufacture of muriatic acid. While he had much to contend with he turned out such a superior article that he was assured of success from the start. In order to secure suffi- cient capital to conduct the business he admitted a partner and has since continued steadily at work in the same line. In 1888 the firm bought their present location and since then they have erected buildings as needed. In addition to the manufacture of muriatic acid they now make sul- phate of soda and sell direct to manufacturers, having a contract to dispose of all they cati turn out. Being a practical man, thoroughly ac- quainted with the machinery, he superintends it personally, and has met with a success that he well merits. After the product is manufactured GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 59i be has the refuse ground up and shipped to Chi- cago, where it is used in the manufacture of glass. Mr. Comiskey is a Republican and has served his party as a delegate to conventions, but is not active in politics and does not care for office. In 1897 he built a neat residence at No. 304 South Water street, and here he and his wife (formerly Miss Mary Jane McGowan) and their children, Mary, J. Vinson and Dorothy, have a pleasant and comfortable home. EM NORTHAM, proprietor of Hotel Munroe, It is one of the best known hotel men not only |_J of Joliet, but also of northeastern Illinois. He is a member of a family that has been repre- sented in New England ever since about the time of the "Mayflower. ' ' The first to leave Massachu- setts for the west was his grandfather, Deacon Eli Northam, who settled in Dupage County, 111., at an early day and remained there until his death. By his marriage to Jerusha Robbins he had a son, Robert R., who was born in North Adams, Mass., in 1818, and came west to Chicago in early manhood, entering the employ of the pioneer hardware firm of Hooker & Jones, in that city. Early in the '40s he settled in Wilmington, Will Count)', where he carried on a grain business with his brother Henry until the latter went to California in 1849. He came to Joliet in 1853 and opened a dry-goods store on Bluff street. About 1857 he removed to Wheaton, 111., but the follow- ing year settled in Aurora, where he first conduc- ted a meat market, then engaged in the restaurant business and later was interested in the wholesale fruit and provision business for many years. In 1885 he turned the business over to his son Lem and retired from active labors. Through all his busy life he took an interest in politics and kept posted on the issues before the people. Among the offices he held were those of deputy sheriff and justice of the peace. At the time of his death, in January, 1893, he was seventy-five years of age. Robert R. Northam was twice married. By his first wife he had three sons. The oldest Richard M., now of Joliet, was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting when a lad of sixteen." The second son, Edward D., lives in Chicago, and the youngest, William, was accidentally killed in that city. Of the second marriage there were born two sons, Lemual Robbins, of this sketch; and Robert, who was accidentally killed in Aurora in 1873. The second wife bore the maiden name of Louisa A. Hentze and was born in Browns- ville, N. Y., a daughter of Henry and Charity (Gould) Hentze, natives of New England. Henry Hentze, who was of Hessian descent, was born in Rutland, Vt. , and removed from there to New York. He brought his family to Chicago via the lakes, and was met in Chicago by his son-in-law, George Munroe, Sr., who brought them to Wil- mington in a wagon. In 1852 he and Mr. Mun- roe went overland to California, making the trip with an ox team, and mining there with fair success. He remained in the west until his death, but Mr. Munroe finally returned to Will County. In the family of Mr. Hentze were seven daughters and two sons, of whom four daughters are de- ceased. Mrs. Northam is still living and makes her home with her only surviving son. The subject of this sketch was born in Aurora, 111., September 9, i860. When a boy he became in- terested in the produce business. He succeeded to the management of the business established by his father and continued it until 1891, when he sold out. Afterward he and his brother, Edward D., built the Evans grand opera house in Aurora and this they conducted until 1893, when they disposed of it to a syndicate. November 1, 1893, he came to Joliet as manager of Hotel Munroe, which he remodeled and improved, and to which he built an annex. The building stands on Chi- cago street, occupying the finest location in the city. It is acknowledged by all to be the most elegant as well as the leading hotel of the city. It contains one hundred and twelve rooms, of which eighty-six are guests' rooms. The build- ing is heated by steam and lighted by electricity. Connected with the hotel are a first-class sample room and Turkish baths. The success of the business is due unquestionably to the foresight, energy and judgment of the manager, whose 592 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. genial manner makes a guest his friend, while the excellent management of the hotel at the same time wins the admiration of the most critical. In 1898 Mr. Northam received from the mayor an appointment as member of the board of park commissioners, and on this board he has since served, being now interested in the improvement of the sixty acres comprising Highland park. As a Republican he is actively connected with local politics, and his aid is always to be relied upon by his party during important campaigns. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Knights of Pyth- ias, Modern Woodmen of America, Foresters and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In religion he was reared in the faith of his ancestors, the Congregational denomination, and has always adhered to the doctrines of this church. During his residence in Aurora he was united in marriage with Miss Bertha L. Graves, who was born in Warrenville, Dupage County, 111., and gradua- ted from the West Aurora high school. She is a daughter of one of the pioneers of Dupage County, Capt. A. C. Graves, who won his title by his official service in the Union army during the Civil war. SOL. FRED BEXXITT. The Beunitt fam- ily is of English descent and was established in Massachusetts in 1634. Ephraim Beu- nitt, a native of Connecticut, made his home in Orange County, N. Y. , during the Revolutionary war and took part in that historic struggle. After peace was restored he settled in the Wyom- ing Valley in Pennsylvania. His son, Daniel, who was born in Orange County, N. Y., was the father of twenty-three children, among the youngest of whom was Col. Benjamin Bennitt; the latter was born March 23, 1S27, three miles north of Hammondsport, Steuben County, X. Y. When he was seven years old he accompanied his father and ten of the other children to Steuben County, Ind., but three years later his father died, the family became scattered and he made his home with a sister. He studied law in an office in Hammondsport and later with Judge Comstock in Canandaigua, and was admitted to the bar March 6, 1850. With the exception of four years in the army his subsequent life was given to professional work in Hammondsport. For nearly thirty years he served as justice of the peace and for several terms he was justice of the sessions. As a lawyer he was thorough and conscientious in his work and showed a superior mind and strong will in his many contests in the courts. As a soldier he was enthusiastic and faithful to every duty. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, April 12, 1S61, and the call for troops made on the 15th, he went to Bath and enlisted in Company A, Twenty-third New York In- fantry, as a private. May 16 he was promoted to the rank of orderly sergeant and November 28 was made first lieutenant by Governor Mor- gan of New York. Among his engagements were those of Gowesville, Groveton, Rappahan- nock Crossing, second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chan- cellorsville. Returning home he was commis- sioned to organize a company of cavalry, and this company, with him as its captain, was mus- tered in at Rochester February 2, 1864, and in- corporated with the Twenty-second New York Cavalry, joining the army of the Potomac, and taking part in the various engagements under Grant. The year that followed was one of great hardship for the company and its gallant captain; but, in spite of his sufferings Cor, perhaps, on ac- count of them) he could never be persuaded after- ward to recount or, indeed, scarcely mention them. He took part in the twenty-seven days' battle in the Wilderness and assisted in General Wilson's dashing raid to Richmond. During that raid a part of Captain Bennitt's company was captured by Fitzhugh Lee, and of these thirty-one men, only twelve lived to return to their homes. For eight months he was confined in southern prisons and during that time his relatives did not know whether he was living or dead. Four times he escaped, but each time was recaptured. He was finally exchanged in 1865, and allowed to return home. He was commis- sioned major of the Twenty-second Xew York GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 593 Cavalry by the governor of New York and Presi- dent Johnson brevetted him lieutenant colonel for meritorious service. February 15, 1865, he was appointed inspector-general of the Twentieth Brigade of the National Guard of New York. After the war ended he resumed the pursuits of private life. He became active in the Grand Army of the Republic and was commander of the post in his home town. After a busy and useful life, he died August 24, 1889. By the marriage of Ben Bennitt to Melinda Wheeler, which occurred February 8, 1854, two sons were born, Fred and Mark. The former was born in Hammondsport August 5, 1855. His education was begun in public schools and completed in Cornell University. In 1875 he came to Jolietand entered the law office of Judge Goodspeed. At the same time he followed the printer's trade in the officeof the Weekly Republi- can. In September, 1876, he was admitted to the practice of law in this state. Since that time he has built up a large practice in all of the courts. Much of his practice is in the nature of counsel for corporations. He is attorney for the Joliet Gas Company, in which he holds the of- fices of secretary and director. He is also con- nected with other prominent enterprises in the city. In fact, every worthy movement for the advancement of the place has received his en- couragement and aid. The cause of religion has in him a warm and steadfast friend, and the Episcopal Church, of which he is an official member, has been especially fortunate in receiv- ing numerous evidences of his interest. He was married, April 19, 1883, to Miss Anne E., daughter of Samuel B. Reed. They have two children, Alice and Samuel B. In 1877 Colonel Bennitt became a member of the State Militia. From that time to the present he has been more or less intimately connected with military affairs. His services during the Spanish-American war are fresh in the minds of all. It is but natural that a man of his character and mental attributes should be interested in public affairs. We find him a public-spirited citizen, though not a partisan. Prior to 1896 he supported Democratic principles. During that year, when the Democratic party was divided over the silver question, he assisted in organizing the National Democratic part} - , which nominated Palmer and Bucker for president and vice-presi- dent. In the campaign that followed he took a leading part. He has often been selected to act as delegate to county and state conventions and has also held numerous local offices, including those of alderman and city attorney. MAMUEL BENEDICT REED was born in /\ Arlington, Vt., November 18, 1818, a son \z) of Thomas B. and Esther (Benedict) Reed, natives of New Hampshire. When he was a small child his parents settled near what is now Ottawa, Canada, but, not liking that country, they returned to the States, locating in western New York. In 1S42 he was present at acelebra- tion in honor of Lafayette. His education was obtained in public schools and an academy. While yet a boy he was employed as a rodman on the Erie Canal. In 1844 he accompanied the fam- ily to Joliet and soon afterward settled on a farm west of the city, which he still owns. His first railroad experience west of New York state was on the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad. Afterward he was with the Michigan Central system, later with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, which road he constructed into the city of Chi- cago, connecting that town for the first time with the east by rail. He was chosen civil engineer of the Rock Island Railroad, which he located out of Chicago on the old Oswego & Indiana and plank road charter. In selecting the route through Joliet he chose aline crossing Eastern avenue near Osgood street, but the people clamored for a railroad in the center of the vil- lage; consequently the line was changed as now located. From the eastern division of the Rock Island road he took up the construction of the division ending at the Mississippi River, thus completing the first railroad from the east to that river, and he also built the first bridge across the 594 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. river, it being at Rock Island. He engaged in constructing the Washington branch of the Rock Island and the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, which was the first to reach the Mis- souri River. In 1S64 Mr. Reed was commissioned to go to Salt Lake City and secure the aid of the military commander and Brigham Young in selecting a feasible route for a railroad through the Rocky Mountains. After two years of hardship and dangers he reported the route along which the Union Pacific road was later built. In 1866 he was made superintendent of construction of the last-named road. Under his supervision the work of building was pushed with remarkable energy and swiftness. The record of construc- tion was eight miles and three thousand feet of railway in one day, a feat which has never been surpassed. Mr. Reed afterward stated that, had he been permitted, the railroad could have been completed as far west as the Humboldt Moun- tains instead of Promontory Point, one thousand and one hundred miles west of Omaha, where the two roads met in 1869. In this very re- sponsible work, Mr. Reed was entrusted with millions of dollars. To this trust he proved most faithful. Only one man ever attempted to bribe him (although bribery was rampant at the time) and this man met with such serious consequences that he at once retired from business. After the completion of the Union Pacific Rail- road, Mr. Reed had charge of the building of the Illinois Central Railroad from Memphis to New Orleans. Afterward he was receiver of the old Chicago, Pekin & Southwestern Railroad. In 1883 he took charge of the work for the Canadian Pacific Railroad from Winnipeg west, but was compelled to give up the contract on account of illness. However, in 1884, when sixty five years of age, he traversed on foot three hundred miles of almost trackless forest in British Columbia and reported upon what he regarded as the best route for the Canadian Pacific in its crossing of the Rocky Mountains, after the work had been aban- doned by the British engineer. His report, when published in Canada, was the target of the most violent newspaper attacks and it was the consen- sus of public opinion that his route was imprac- ticable. In spite of that, the road was built as laid out by him and has been in successful opera- tion ever since. For some years Mr. Reed has spent his time in Joliet, where he is a most honored citizen. In the care of his farm, in the supervision of his financial interests, and in indulging his fondness for the study of plant life and natural history, the afternoon of his busy life is being happily passed. He was married at Geneseo, 111., in 1855, his wife being Miss Jane E. Earl, who died in August, 1896. They became the parents of three daughters, one of whom is the wife of Col. Fred Bennitt, of Joliet; another married L. H. Hyde, and the third is Mrs. Jennie Dwight, of Denver, Colo. r~ELIX INGOLDSBY, a retired farmer of r3 Troy Township, is one of the oldest surviving I residents of Will County, having settled here in 1844. He was born in Ireland in 1817, and grew to manhood in that country, remaining on a farm there until his emigration to America in 1842. He crossed the ocean in thirty days and anchored in New York, where he spent two years. From there he came to Illinois and settled in Joliet, where he was employed for five years. Meantime he bought eighty acres of laud, which he rented. In 1849 he joined the great throng of gold-seekers and crossed the plains to Califor- nia as a member of a party of about one hundred and thirty. For almost three years he engaged in mining, in which he met with fair success. On his return he came via the isthmus of Panama and Cuba and Jamaica, landing in New York. There he married, and accompanied by his wife, once more came to Will County, this time settling on section 29, Troy Township, where he now re- sides. He began with a farm of eighty acres and added to it from time to time until he acquired two hundred and forty acres, all of which is in one body. He made a specialty of cattle- raising, and also bought and sold horses, in which lines of work he made considerable money. At the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 595 time of his settlement in Troy Township there were no improvements, land was raw, and neither canal nor railroad had been built. All of the improvements on his laud were made by him personally, and the fine farm represents the re- sults of his industry. Politically a Democrat, he served as highway commissioner and for sixteen years was justice of the peace. For fifty-five years he attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Joliet, but is now a member of St. Mary's in Minooka. In 1852, in New York, he married Cecilia Kiernan. They have three children: Anna Maria, Bernard and Margaret. (TUDGE FRANCIS GOODSPEED, deceased, I a pioneer of 1847 in Joliet, was born in Tioga G/ County, Pa., January 25, 1821, a son of John Goodspeed, a merchant. He spent two years in Genesee Seminary at Lima, N. Y. , after which he came to Joliet. He entered the office of Hon. Hugh Henderson and engaged in the study of law. In 184S he was admitted to the bar. Shortly afterward he formed a partnership with another attorney, upon whose death he became a partner of Hon. Josiah McRoberts, and later was with Hon. Henry Suapp and Augustus F. Knox. In 1877, on the formation of this judicial circuit, he was elected to fill the new seat on the bench. In 1S78 he was elected for a term of six years, and remained on the bench until June, 1884, when, owing to poor health, he resigned. Dur- ing his earlier life he did much to promote the success of the Democratic party, and filled many positions of trust and responsibility within the gift of the same. In 1S61 he was selected as delegate to the constitutional committee which met in Springfield, and he took an important part in the matters before that body. After the opening of the Civil war he affiliated with the Republican party. His service as mayor of Joliet was most satisfactory and the city advanced under his able direction. His influence was widely felt, both as attorney, jurist and private citizen. In 1866 Judge Goodspeed erected a fine resi- dence on South Chicago street, just south of Joliet. This was at the time one of the finest houses in or near the city, and was provided with modern improvements, including hot and cold water and gas, the latter being furnished by his private gas plant. Surrounding the house were fifteen acres of ground, forming an ideal homestead. On the place Judge Goodspeed had a herd of fine Jersey cattle. He invested consid- erably in farm property, and his widow still owns some farm land, but she now makes her home on Union street, occupying a residence which the judge purchased in 1885 and in which his death occurred April 10, 1889. Mrs. Goodspeed was Frances Henderson, daughter of Dryden and Maria (Coe) Henderson, natives of Herkimer Count)-, N. Y. She was born in Steuben Coun- ty, N. Y., and became the wife of Judge Good- speed in 1864. They were the parents of three sons: John C. (who died in October, 1883), Charles F. and Frederick. EHARLES B. GARNSEY was born in Lima, Livingston County, N. Y., October 25, 1842, a son of Nathan and Emily (Bene- dict) Garnsey, natives of Saratoga County, N. Y. His paternal grandfather, Nathan, changed the spelling of the family name from Garnesy to the form now in general use. The Garnesys originally came from England to Stam- ford, Conn., while the Benedicts were also early English settlers of Connecticut. The subject of this article was the oldest of three sons, two of whom are living. He was educated in public schools and the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima. May 7, 1859, was the date of his arrival at Wilmington, Will County, 111. He worked on a farm and later clerked in a store there, thence went to Manteno, Kankakee County. In 1861 he entered the Union College of Law in Chicago, from which he graduated the next year with the degree of LL. B. In July, 1862, heenlisted in Company A, One Hundredth Infantry, and went to the front, where he took part in various engagements, including Stone River and Chat- tanooga, and participated in the Atlanta cam- 596 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. paign from Dalton to Atlanta, returning under Thomas to Nashville. In April, 1863, he was made commissary sergeant. In June, 1865, he was mustered out at Nashville, and on the 1st of July was discharged in Chicago. August 7, 1865, Mr. Garnsey was admitted to the bar in Chicago. He began to practice in Joliet, having Thomas H. Breckenridge as part- ner from 1 87 1 to 1875, after which he was alone until 1877, and then became a member of the firm of Garnsey & Knox. From 1867 to 1871 he was master in chancer}' for Will County. In 1877 he was elected corporation counsel of Joliet, which office he held for two years. In 1882 he was elected county judge, and four years later was re-elected, holding the office from December, 1882, to December, 1890. He is a member of the State Bar Association. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally a Mason and a mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was married in Wilmington to Mary A. Hender- son, who was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., and by whom he has two sons, John Henderson Garnsey, a partner of his father; and Charles B.,Jr. GlLFRED WENBERG. During the period L_l of his residence in Joliet Mr. Wenberg has / I been successfully engaged in contracting and building, and he is recognized as one of the ex- perts in his chosen occupation. Among the con- tracts that he has filled may be mentioned the following: Beach block on Chicago street, Munroe Hall Annex, Reichmann and Abbott building on the corner of Chicago and Jefferson streets, Cal- mer building on Jefferson street, Farragut school, county sheriff's residence, the Barnes residence on Richards street, and considerable bridge work for bridge companies and the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. He built a row of houses on Cass street, also the entire site of the stone quarry, and has engaged in building not only in this city and county, but also throughout north- ern Illinois. Near Boros, Sweden, Mr. Wenberg was born April 25, 1858. He was one of five sous and three daughters, of whom all the sons and one daughter came to America, and three sons are now living. John, who is now in Sweden, is a farmer and grist-miller; Frank, who was with Alfred, died in Joliet; Peter, who was also con- nected with Alfred in business, was the first of the family to pass from earth; Louis is a contractor in Indiana. The oldest brother, on coming to America, adopted the name of Wenberg, which the others later assumed. The father, Andrew Johnson, owned an estate in Sweden, where he died. The mother, Britta, was a daughter of Lars Hessleholmer, a large farmer; she is now living in Joliet, where she is known as Mrs. Wenberg, the name taken by her sons. In re- ligion she is of the Lutheran faith. At fifteen years of age our subject was appren- ticed to the trade of a mason and bricklayer, at which he worked for some time. In 1880 he came to America and began to work at his trade in Joliet. His brother, John, who came to Illi- nois in 1869, returned to Sweden in 1874, and has since alternated between the two countries. About 1872 Peter came to Joliet, a year after his sister, Ida, had settled here. Frank, Louis, Alfred, with their mother, came in 1880. After- ward Alfred worked at his trade during the day and of evenings, for some time, attended a night school, in order to gain a knowledge of the En- glish language and customs. In 188 1 he bought a quarry on Cass street and Maple avenue, and with his brother, under the firm name of Wen- berg Bros., began in the quarry business and contracting. In 1895 the quarry was worked out and he retired from the business. In 1883 he became interested in contracting in Englewood, Chicago, where he continued for four years, and then, returning to Joliet, continued contracting in this city. Since 1892 he has been alone in business. He is a member of the Joliet Build- ers' Association. The various enterprises with which the Swedes of Joliet are identified find a warm friend in Mr. Wenberg. He holds membership in the Scandi- navian Sick Benefit Association. He is identi- fied with the Swedish Baptist Church and served as superintendent of the building committee at GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 597 the time of the erection of a house of worship. As trustee and treasurer he has been active in church work. He is one of the two survivors of the charter members of the congregation, and from the time of the starting of the church to the present day he has never weakened in his friend- ship for the church and his sympathy with its work. In the Sunday-school he has been an in- terested worker. Politically he is a Republican, and fraternally holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America. r"RANCIS WILLIAM PLANT, A. M., was r^ born in Utica, N. Y., September 13, 1843, I f a son of James and Hannah A. (Mason) Plant. His father, also a native of Utica, born June 16, 1799, was a farmer in the suburbs of Utica until the growth of the city caused him to plat his land, which is now about the center of the town. He died there January 5, i860. His wife was born May 19, 18 12, and died August 1, 1890. They had two children, Helen, wife of Thomas D. Catlin, of Ottawa, 111., and Francis William. James was a son of Benjamin Plant, who removed from Connecticut to New York; he married Lucinda, daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Lindsley) Potter. Mr. Potter held a commis- sion in the war of 1812 as captain. After graduating from Utica Academy in i860 our subject entered Hamilton College in Clinton, N. Y., from which he graduated in 1864 with the degree of A. B. He was a classmate of the pres- ent secretary of war, Elihu Root, and other men now well known. For two years he was con- nected with a bank in Utica, after which he en- gaged in the book and stationery business as a member of the firm of Davis, Gilbert & Plant. In 1869 he moved from Utica to Joliet, where he engaged in the lumber business with T. A. Mason and H. B. Plant. At a subsequent date the firm became F. W. & H. B. Plant, and they engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds and built up a large planing mill business. Formally years he was also president of the People's Build- ing & Loan Association. 3i In Brooklyn, N. Y., October 16, 1866, Mr. Plant married Miss Elizabeth Merle, who was born in New York City November 17, 1845, and died in Joliet April 23, 1889. They had five children, Helen Merle, Laura, Grace, James Merle and Anna. For years Mr. Plant was a member of the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church, and at the time of the building of the church he aided as a member of the building committee. Politically he is a Republican. In 1867 the de- gree of A. M. was conferred upon him by his alma mater. Henry B. Plant, who was our subject's partner in business, was a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Mason) Plant, and was born January 11, 1831. His first work was under his uncle, R. B. Mason, in the building of an eastern railroad. After coining west he was employed on the surveying corps of the Illinois Central Railroad under his uncle; subsequently he was an officer with the Wabash Railroad Company. For some time he carried on a bank business in Hastings, Minn. During the Civil war he was a lieutenant in an Illinois battery. Afterward he was in business in Cairo, 111., and then came to Joliet, where he carried on a lumber business with our subject. He held the receivership of the Taylor coal mine at Lasalle and later was manager of coal mines at What Cheer, Iowa. His last years were spent on a ranch on the North Platte River in Nebraska. His widow now makes her home in Champaign, 111. [ALTER H. ROWLEY, assessor of Homer Township, was born in i860 on the farm where he now lives. His father, Alfred G., a native of Ontario County, N. Y., accom- panied his parents to Will County at nine years of age and spent the remainder of his life in Homer Township. From the time he became of age until his death he served as justice of the peace; for some years was supervisor and as- sessor, also held other local offices. He was active in the Baptist Church. He died in 1887, at the age of sixty-three. His father, Capt. Jairah Rowley, was the son of an Englishman 59S GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and was born in New York in 1777. During the war of 18 1 2 he was a captain. He was a large contractor in the building of the Erie canal. In 1833 he came to Will County and settled near Lockport, on a farm now occupied by Frank Rowley, buying land from the government at $1.25 an acre. Afterward he bought a large tract in Homer Township. He was one of the first settlers at what was known as Big Yankee settlement. The mother of our subject bore the name of Lydia Hall Laufear and was born in New York; she is now living at the old home- stead with our subject. Her father, AsaLanfear, was born in New York and came to Illinois in 1835, settling in Homer Township and buying land at the first land sale in Chicago. Calvin Rowley, the eldest son of Captain Rowley, came to Will County about 1830 and engaged in trading with the Indians, having a store near what is now Lockport. After some years he went to Rockford, 111., where he died at seventy-eight years. He had made several trips to California, the first being in 1S49, after which he returned east with considerable gold. The education of our subject was obtained in the Englewood high school and the Metropolitan business college of Chicago. For two years he was employed in a grocery in Joliet. In 1880 he returned to the homestead and has since carried on general farming and stock-raising. After his father died, the office of justice of the peace being thus rendered vacant, he was commissioned to the office, which he has since held. For five years he was secretary and treasurer of the Homer Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 1S97 and 1899 he was elected township assessor. roundings. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. Like many of the country boys, he assisted on the farm during summers and at- tended the district school in the winter months, acquiring a practical education. He naturally grew into the ways of farm life and, arriving at man's estate, chose agriculture for his occupation. In his farm work he has shown evidence of good judgment, and by his industry and energy has already acquired a high position as a progressive agriculturist. About 1 894 he moved to his father- in-law's farm, and here he has since engaged in general farming and in raising a fine quality of live stock. In politics Mr. Cole is a stanch Republican and his voice has often been heard advocating the principles of his chosen part\\ In local matters he is especially active, aiding as far as possible such measures as have for their object the pro- motion of the welfare of the people. He married the only daughter of Aaron Greenwood, who is a resident of Manhattan, and whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have two chil- dren. "T P. COLE, one of the enterprising farmers 'p of Manhattan Township, was born on a farm __ , situated a few miles from his present home. He is a son of Thomas Cole, who came to this county in a very early day and for years was one of the prosperous and prominent farmers of his locality. From his earliest recollections our subject has been familiar with his present sur- UJELS BENSSON, who for years has held the r# position of engineer of the Joliet city water \fo works, is the oldest engineer in this place in point of years of active business experience, and he is also recognized as one of the most ef- ficient as well. At once after coming to America in 1878 he settled in Joliet, and here his home has since been made. For three months he worked in the blast furnace, and then, the water works being under process of construction, he was given employment as fireman, which posi- tion he held for three and one-half years. Since then he has been engineer and superintendent of machinery, holding the position through all the changes in the political administration of the city. Successive generations of the Bensson family owned the estatecalled "Boglaxehutt,"' atSkane, Christianstad, Sweden. There John Bensson, Sr. , was born and engaged in farming. He was succeeded by his son, John, Jr., who married GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 599 Karina Munsoii, daughter of a farmer in Ronne- bode. They became the parents of eight chil- dren, all but one of whom are still living, four in Sweden, and a son and two daughters in Joliet. The subject of this sketch was born at the fam- ily homestead August n, 1853, and remained there until twenty years of age, after which he served for two years in the Swedish army. At the age of twenty-three he hired as a farm hand, but after a year went to Stockholm and secured work in a large machine shop, where he learned the machinist's and engineer's trades. For two and one-half years he was employed as engineer on the Swedish Railroad between Stockholm and Gottenburg. On resigning his position he came to America to seek a livelihood in this country. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church and for some time has been one of its trustees; also served upon the building committee at the time of the erection of the house of worship. He is a member of the North Star Association, and politically gives his support to the Republican party. . In a residence which he built, on the corner of Clay street and Youngs avenue, Mr. Benssonhas for some years made his home. He was married in this city to Miss Nellie Nilson, who was born in Skaue, Sweden, being a daughter of Peter Nilson, a woodworker in that town. The two children born of their marriage are Nels Victor and Clara Mabel. [""■RANK NEWKIRK. There are compara- K) tively few who pause to consider our in- | ' debtedness to railroad engineers. In the darkness of the night and in the midst of wind or rain or snow, they carry safely the human be- ings committed to their care; and, when we re- flect upon the small number of accidents in pro- portion to the number of trains, we are constrained to say that, as a class, engineers are the most trustworthy men in the world. Certainly such a statement may be made with truth concerning Mr. Newkirk, who is an engineer between Joliet and Chicago, and whose home is at No. 308 Richards street, Joliet. Concerning the genealogy of the Newkirk fam- ily, reference is made in the sketch of James E. Newkirk. Our subject was born on the home farm adjoining Joliet in 1858 and grew to man- hood on the same place, meantime attending dis- trict schools. His fiist work was as teamster for the Joliet Stone Company. In January, 1884, he became fireman on the old Chicago, Pekin & Southwestern Railroad between Chicago and Pe- kin, being first on the freight and later on the passenger train. For some months, during 1886, he was employed in the Streator shops, and after- ward was an engineer on a switch engine in the Streator yards for six weeks. His next position was that of engineer on the freight train between Pekin and Chicago. After two and one-half years he was made passenger engineer and ran between Joliet and Chicago, then between Chi- cago and Pekin. His next position was as en- gineer on the passenger train between Chicago and Fort Madison, a run of two hundred and for- ty miles, making four hundred and eighty miles on the round trip. Since June, 1899, he has run between Joliet and Chicago. An exceedingly careful and painstaking man, he has had no fatal accidents, and those he has had were the result of the negligence of others, not through any fault of his own. At Lorenzo, in 1888, his car was wrecked, but no one was injured but himself, and his injuries were slight. April 28, 1899, a stock car was blown from a siding to the main track, and his train ran into it, but no one was hurt. Besides his other interests, Mr. Newkirk is a stockholder in the Keltie Stone Company. He was raised a Mason in Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., and is also connected with Joliet Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., and Joliet Com- mandery No. 4, K. T. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. In poli- tics he votes the Republican ticket in both local and national elections. November 16, 1887, in Lemont, Illinois, he married Miss Alice Neill, who was born there, and by whom he has two children, Fred Hallock and Ruth. Mrs. New- kirk is a member of the Eastern Star and the 6oo GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Ladies' Order of Maccabees, and in religion is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The grandfather of Mrs. Nevvkirk, John Neill, was a blacksmith in Perth, Scotland, but after coining to America engaged in farming in Cale- donia, Wis., where he died. His widow, Mar- garet, is still living in Wisconsin. Both were Presbyterians from their childhood days. James B. Neill, Mrs. Newkirk's father, was born in Perthshire and settled in Wisconsin when twenty years of age, but afterward went back east and married in New York. During the Civil war he served as captain of Company C, New York In- fantry, from 1 86 1 to 1865, and was wounded while in the service. After the war he settled in Leuiont, 111., and worked as a blacksmith. He is now living, retired, on the west side in Joliet. He is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. He had five children by his marriage to Hannah Hallock, who was born in New York state; her father, Josiah Hallock, who was a na- tive of Vermont, removed thence to New York and later carried on a hotel business in Lemont, after which he was proprietor of the Auburn house in Joliet; he died in Lemont. "HOMAS B. STANNER has been one ot the most successful farmers of Dupage Township. While he was not obliged, as are many, to start in life wholly unaided, yet he none the less deserves credit for the success he has gained. When he began for himself his father gave him eighty acres of land in this town- ship. With this for a beginning, he steadily worked his way forward, by industry and good judgment adding to his holdings, until his prop- erty now represents thousands of dollars. In his home farm he has one hundred and sixty acres, and also owns an eighty-acre farm, besides valuable property in Columbus, Ohio, and nine buildings in Romeoville, Will County. He has rented his farm and expects to remove to Chicago, with the intention of spending his declining years in retirement, surrounded by the comforts his in- dustry has made possible. Mr. Stanner was born in Chicago November n, 1837. His father, Martin, was a native of England, and engaged in farming in Ireland, where he was also a collector of rents and taxes. About 1835 he came to America, accompanied by his wife. He settled in Chicago and secured work in a brewery. He was offered the lots where the McCormick factory now stands in payment for one week's work, but refused to take them. From Chicago he came to Dupage Township, working for a farmer at Barber's Corner. Later he bought a claim of fifty acres, which he brought under cultivation. He then bought a tract just east of the Indiana boundary. His next purchase was one hundred and two acres, which he improved, and on which he made his home until the outbreak of the Civil war. After a short visit to Ireland he enlisted in Wash- ington, D. C, and was a member of the guard at Booth's grave. While with General Rosecrans in Texas he was three times taken a prisoner, but each time was exchanged. His service was prin- cipally in the west and southwest. At the close of the war he enlisted in the regular army, and was assigned to Columbus, Ohio, where he had charge of the engines, etc., at the barracks. He stood high among the other officers, and was given many privileges not usually accorded soldiers. While on duty at Columbus he died suddenly of heart-disease, when sixty -three years of age. The mother of our subject was Mary Cain, a native of Ireland. Like her husband, she was a faithful adherent of the Catholic Church. Her death occurred on the home farm in this county when she was sixty-seven years of age. Of her six children, four attained mature years. The eldest of these was Thomas B., of this sketch. He took charge of the home farm when his father enlisted in the army, and subsequently maintained its supervision, having resided here ever since with the exception of two years in Chicago. During that time he was proprietor of the Hatch house, but not finding the occupation congenial he sold the place and returned to his farm. Both he and his wife are Roman Catholics. For sev- eral years he held the office of chief ranger in the GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 60 1 Catholic Order of Foresters. In politics he is a Democrat in national affairs, but liberal in local matters. For seventeen years he held office as justice of the peace, a position that he filled with excellent judgment, tact and impartiality. By the marriage of Mr. Stanner to Annie E., daughter of Martin Dixon, six children were born, namely: Fannie and Nellie, both of whom are married; Martin C, who died at twenty-one years of age; Kittie, who was four years old at the time of her death; Thomas, who operates a farm belonging to his father in this township; John B., now of Chicago, who enlisted in the Seventh Cavalry during the Spanish- American war and served until he was honorably discharged in Cuba, April 3, 1899; James E. and Louella, both at home. HON. URI OSGOOD came to Joliet in June, 1836, when this now large and flourishing city was an insignificant hamlet. As the town increased in size his influence as a citizen grew. He was elected to various offices, and from 1854 to i860 served as a member of the state senate. In i860 he was the Democratic candi- date for congress from this district, but was de- feated by Owen Lovejoy. Afterward he engaged in the general practice of law until his death, February 8, 1871. During the entire period of his residence in Joliet he resided at the corner of Jefferson street and Eastern avenue. January 1, 1839, he married Miss Caroline V. Aldrich. They had a family of eight children, five of whom were living at the time of Mr. Osgood's death, namely: Augustus A., Algernon S., and Henry R., of Chicago; Virginia A., wife of George S. House, of Joliet; and Emma A., who married Charles Seymour, of Batavia, N. Y., later of Oakland, Cal. Harper, Susquehanna County, where they spent their remaining years. Their children afterward removed to northern Illinois, and one son, Levi, went to California in 1852. In October, 1834, Fenner Aldrich came to Illi- nois and settled in Will (then a part of Cook) County. Before the separation of the territory into two counties he served as deputy sheriff. He was proprietor of two hotels, the Juliet house and the Exchange house. In 1836 he was elected sheriff of Will County. Three years later he was re-elected. As a county officer and as a hotel proprietor he became widely acquainted throughout northern Illinois, and his friends were as numerous as his acquaintances. For a time he conducted the St. Nicholas house in Springfield, but, preferring Joliet as a place of residence, he returned and conducted the Ex- change house during the remainder of his active life. In politics he was a Democrat, in religion a Universalist. He died August 5, 18S4. His wife, who was a daughter of Sylvanus Wade, a Revolutionary soldier, passed away February 16, 1872. |~~ ENNER ALDRICH was born in Massachu- f3 setts in 1803 and was a member of a pioneer I* family of New England. His parents, David and Mary (Capron) Aldrich, removed to Penn- sylvania and settled on a large tract of land near 3 STANLEY BROWN, for seven years past the principal of the Joliet high school, was , born near Cumberland, Ohio, September 13, 1863, a son of George W. and Lorinda A. (Robinson) Brown. He was one of a family of four sons and two daughters, four of whom are living, namely: Alma, wife of James Paisley, a business man of High Hill, Ohio; J. Stanley; Floyd, who lives in Peru, Ind., and is engaged in railroading; and Alice, the widow of Frederick Simms, and a resident of Cumberland, Ohio. In tracing the history of the Brown family back to its early settlement in America we find that this branch of the family was represented in Vir- ginia in colonial days. William Brown, who was the son of a Revolutionary soldier (a mem- ber of a gallant Virginia brigade) was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1798, and grew to man- hood on a plantation. While he was still a boy the war of 18 12 occurred and he went to the front as a soldier in the American cause. It will thus 602 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. be seen that patriotism and personal courage are family characteristics. On his return home he took up the ordinary routine of plantation life, the even tenor of which was later interrupted by his marriage to Miss Maria Graham. Shortly afterward he and his wife migrated to Ohio and settled near Cumberland, Muskingum County, in a region remote from civilization and bearing little trace of its subsequent development. En- tering a section of land he began the pioneer task of grubbing, clearing and cultivating his prop- erty. With the subsequent increase of the value of the laud his own fortunes were enhanced, and at the time of his death he was well-to-do. A man of influence he held many local offices and took an active part in the Republican party and its work in his county. After a busy and useful existence, the latter part of which was spent in the enjoyment of every comfort, he died in 1869. After the family had settled in Muskingum County, George W. Brown was born in 1830. There he grew up, studying in neighboring schools, where the course of study was limited to drills in the "three R's." Subsequently, however, by self-culture and the development of his vigorous mind, he acquired a knowledge that was profound and varied. No startling events have marked his career. He still lives on the spot where his childhood days were passed and where his father settled on moving from Vir- ginia. Like all the members of the family con- cerning whom anything is known, he is a pro- nounced Republican and has never swerved from that faith. For many years he has been a member of the Republican central committee of his county. Among the offices he has held are those of school commissioner and overseer of the poor, both of which he filled efficiently and for some years. In his daily life he has exemplified the sincerity of his religious belief. He is a member of the Baptist Church and a contributor to its works. During the many years of his life as an agriculturist he has been prospered finan- cially, and has also gained that which is more to ba desired than riches — the respect of his asso- ciates and the warm esteem of his friends. The first marriage of George \V. Brown, occurring in 1857, united him with Lorinda A. Robinson, who was born near High Hill, Ohio, in 1841 and died near Cumberland in 1869. Her father, Samuel Robinson, who was of Pennsyl- vania-Dutch ancestry, removed to Ohio with his parents about 1845, and in later years became a prominent stock dealer of his locality, buying stock and driving them to Pittsburg for sale. He died in 1897, when in his seventy -seventh year. After the death of our subject's mother his father married a second time, chosing as his wife Martha Alexander. Three children were born of their marriage, two of whom survive, viz.: Dwight, at home; and Jennie, wife of John Hall, a mer- chant at Renrock, Ohio. Since he was seventeen years of age J. Stanley Brown has been a teacher, and it was through his early efforts as an instructor in country and village schools that he earned the means neces- sary for the completion of his education. It was his determination to acquire a thorough educa- tion. Therefore he read only the best books and studied only the standard authors. For six years he was a student in Dennison University at Granville, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1889 with the degree of A. B. During his course he gained every honor that was offered and stood at the head of his class. Prior to his graduation he was elected to the chair of Latin and Greek in Blandville (Ky.) College, which he accepted, remaining for one year, and then re- signing in order to accept the management of a similar college at Arlington, Ky. The latter position he filled for three years. From it he went to Oregon as president of the State Normal School in The Dalles, Oregon, and from there came to Joliet in 1S93. Wherever he has been located there has been a noticeable increase in the enrollment of students. He started at Arlington with seventy-five, and when he left there, three years later, the enrollment was three hundred, this remarkable increase being almost wholly due to his skill as a teacher. When he came to Joliet there were less than two hundred in the high school and six teachers were employed. Since then the school has grown wonderfully in reputation and importance, while its enrollment GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 603 for 1899-1900 was five hundred and fifty pupils, with fourteen teachers. A tribute to the ability of the principal is the success of the work. In- cidentally it may be mentioned that every year but two since he came to Joliet he has received an increase of salary. The high school is the largest township high school in the United States and one of the most prosperous as well. Recently a contract has been let for the erection of a new building to cost $140,000 and accommodate twelve hundred students. Since 1893 the gradu- ating classes have more than doubled in size. Graduates are admitted without examination to any college that will admit students on cer- tificates, and graduates are accepted into Yale after successful examination. The majority of recent graduates are now in attendance upon some higher institution of learning. In Indianapolis, Ind., December 26, 1891, Mr. Brown married Miss Lettie May Seitz, daughter of Henry and Mary (Shear) Seitz, of Chicago. She was for two years a student in DePauw University and later taught in Arlington College. Her maternal ancestors came from Holland and settled at Coryman's Hollow, N. Y. , later gen- erations taking a prominent part in public affairs in that locality. Her grandfather, Israel Shear, was known as Colonel Shear, and it is thought that he was an officer in the Revolution. One of his sons, John Blodgett .Shear, was chief of scouts connected with the regular army, located in Col- orado for a number of years. After his retire- ment from the army he became interested in mining and owned a number of valuable silver mines. Three children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Castle, Virgil and Jean (de- ceased.) 3F. WILSON. The subject of this sketch was born in Candia, N. H., and at the age of , four years came with his father's family to Illinois and settled in the eastern part of Will County. Subsequently the family removed to Joliet Township and in 1862 he came to Joliet. His first start in business life was in the organ- ization of the firm of G. Munroe & Son, general merchants, with whom he remained for four years. Subsequently was engaged for three years in the manufacture and sale of agricultural im- plements. Entering the office of the Joliet Iron & Steel Company, he was made acting secretary of the company in 1877, and upon its reorganization as the Joliet Steel Company in 1879 became office manager and assistant to the general superintend- ent. He continued in this capacity until ap- pointed auditor of the Illinois Steel Company in 1891, which position is held by him at the pres- ent time. Mr. Wilson is an active, progressive business man, and has added many important improve- ments in the business methods of his company. (ILLIAM W. GREENWOOD, who has devoted his entire active life to farm pur- suits in New Lenox Township, was born in 1846 near the place where he now resides. He is a son of John and Mary Ann (Brown) Greenwood, and a grandson of John Greenwood, Sr., whose last days were spent in America in the home of his son. His father, a native of Herefordshire, England, came to the United States at the age of seventeen, and for a short time was employed in the salt works in New York. About 1846 he settled in what is now Will County, 111., where at first he worked for Judge Davidson, and afterward purchased eighty acres in Joliet Township. The last few years of his life were spent in the city of Joliet, where he died in 1885, at the age of sixty-eight. Throughout all of his active life he followed agricultural pursuits and was an industrious, persevering man. His wife died in 1874, when fifty- five years of age. They were the parents of thirteen children, but only two are living, William W. and George, both of New Lenox Township. Alternating attendance at the common schools with work on the home farm our subject passed 604 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the years of youth. As there was an immense amount of work connected with the clearing and improving of the home farm he had little oppor- tunity to engage in the usual sports of boyhood, and his attendance at school was limited to the three winter months. When he was twenty -one years of age he began in the world for himself and has since conducted farm pursuits, in which he has met with fair success. He is one of the oldest native-born citizens of his township, and is among the most industrious as well. He has served as a member of the school board and for three years was highway commissioner on New Lenox Township. The various movements for the benefit of the community find him to be a loyal friend and helper, and his influence may always be relied upon to advance worthy enter- prises. In February, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Cyrus A. Lewis. They are the parents of three children, Archie W., Lewis Leroy (better known as Roy), and Grace E. Gll'GrSTUS B. COTTON, supervisor of I I Wheatland Township and a resident here / I since 1841, was bom on the Isle of Wight, England, September 14, 1828. His father, Will- iam, brought the family to America in 1841 and settled in Will County, where the next year he bought forty acres. This he at once began to improve. Later he added to the estate. In 1S61 he returned to England, where he continued to reside until his death in 1870. In religion he was a Baptist. By his marriage to Jane Britt he had eight children, of whom our subject was the fourth. When he came to this locality all the surroundings were those of the frontier. On this side of the river there was but one house between the Cotton homestead and Plainfield. All was new. After his father returned to England he succeeded to the management of the farm, which he operated until about 1890, and then rented the land, since which time he has been retired from active cares. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of tillable land. Politically a Re- publican, he has served his party as delegate to county conventions. For thirty-four years he held office as justice of the peace, for ten years has been township supervisor, long served as school trustee and has also been town clerk. In December, i860, he married Georgiana Robbins, whose father came from England in 1843; she was born in England and died in this county in April, 1897. 3OHN M. JONES, general manager of the Great Western works of the American Tin Plate Company, was born in Averavon, South Wales, December 4, 1868. His father, David Jones, a native of St. Clairs, Wales, was taken in infancy to Cwm Avon, where he was reared and educated. He was only nine years of age when he started to work at the tin plate business. At the same time he continued his studies unassisted, acquiring through his own efforts a broad general knowledge. Taking up the tin plate business as a boy, he learned it thoroughly in all its details. He steadily worked his way up until he was man- ager of more than forty-five hundred men, having the supervision of two of the largest mills there. He did much for the support and benefit of the Episcopal Church in his town and served it as a warden. While often urged to accept offices, his work demanded his entire attention, and he stead- ily refused all offers of political preferment. In Cwm Avon he married Sarah Davis, who was then only sixteen years of age. Nine children were born to their union. The eldest, his father's namesake, was manager of a tin plate mill in Wales, but is now in America. The oldest daugh- ter, Maggie Jones- Morewood, deceased, was one of the most noted soprano soloists in the United Kingdom and often sang with such prima donnas as Patti; she was given three medals (of bronze, silver and gold respectively) by the Royal Acad- emy of London. The second daughter, Sarah, who is the wife of I. L. Jones, manager of Welden & Co., Pittsburg, Pa., also possesses a beautiful voice, but sings only for charity; she has a medal presented to her by the Musical College of Lon- don. The other members of the family are John GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 605 M.; Thomas, who is engaged in the tin plate business in Pittsburg; Gwennie Violet; andEben, also a tin plate manufacturer. At twelve years of age the subject of this sketch went to Swansea and attended Arnold College, from which he graduated before he was fourteen. Entering the mills, he learned the business in all its details, starting in the humblest position and following all departments of the work until he had gained a comprehensive knowledge of the same. He had the benefit of the expe- rience and knowledge of his elder brother and his father, and he became a practical and skilled workman. After the death of his father in 1891, he went to Penclawdd. Just prior to the twenty- third anniversary of his birth he was appointed superintendent of the Grower Iron and Tin Plate Company, in which capacity he remained nine- teen months. He was then promoted and sent by the company to their Manon Tin and Sheet works at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Eng- land, as a manager of the same. He continued the position until he came to the United States in 1895. He went to Pittsburg expecting to take a position as manager of a large plant, but the position had been filled. He then went to Mid- dletown, Ind., to take charge of the cold roll department of the Irondale Steel and Iron Com- pany. Four months later he was made night superintendent and after another four months was tendered the position of manager. His pro- motion was due solely to his knowledge of the business and his faithfulness to the trust reposed in him, for he was a stranger and had no friends to assist him in getting a start. In July, 1897, Mr. Jones came to Joliet as superintendent of the Great Western Tin Plate Company, having practically all the responsibili- ties of manager. Upon the consolidation of the company with the American Tin Plate Company, he was made general manager in name, as he had previously been in fact. He is also the district manager, subject only to the general officers in Pittsburg. The mill in Joliet employs three hun- dred hands and its output is large. That his management is entirely satisfactory is evidenced by the fact that the owners of the plant never come to Joliet, but rely entirely upon him for every detail and the entire management. He is a stockholder in the mill, as well as its manager. Fraternally Mr. Jones is connected with Mid- dletown Lodge No. 271, A. F. & A. M. Though not active in politics, he is a stanch Republican. In religion he is of the Episcopal faith. He mar- ried in Swansea, South Wales, in August, 1894, to Decima Margaretta Griffith, daughter of a physician of that place. He is very fond of ath- letics and sports. At one time he was an enthu- siastic bicyclist, with a fine record for speed, having won thirty-eight medals in England, Ire- land, Scotland and France. In 1887 he won a record for the fastest time that had up to that year been made in a twenty-five mile race. He also won twenty first prizes in swimming contests and several prizes in tennis. He was a member of the Swansea Athletic Club and the Swansea Amateur Cyclists' Club, in which he served both as captain and secretary. Many of his leisure hours were passed in yachting or bicycling, while he also was fond of playing tennis and cricket, but since coming to this country he has been less active in sports, though his fondness for them has not been diminished in the least. (JOHN BEDFORD, an early settler of Plain- I field Township, was born in Lincolnshire, Q) England, September 28, 1S28. In March, 1852, he set sail from Liverpool for New York on the sailing vessel, "Lady Ashburton," and after landing in this country proceeded to Illinois, finding work on a farm in Will County. In 1855 he returned to England and married Miss Ann Foulston, a native of Lincolnshire. With his wife he crossed the ocean in March, 1856, on the "Neptune," and settled in Lockport, 111., where he was employed as a stationary engineer for a few years. Later he resumed farming. In 1876 he bought a farm of ninety-two acres four miles from Plainfield and eight miles from Joliet. There he remained until his death, which oc- curred March 28, 18S0. He left, besides his wife, a family of four children: Albert F. , Wal- 6o6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ter S., Lizzie J. and Sarah J. He was a man of irreproachable character and upright life, and was highly esteemed by the people of his town- ship. NIRAM TWINING, a pioneer of Greengar- den Township, was born in Essex County, Mass., in 1 819, and was reared in New Hampshire and Vermont. He married a daugh- ter of Isaac Needham, and in 1S51, with his wife and two children came west, settling on one hun- dred and sixty acres of government land in Green- garden Township. At once he began to break ground, using for the purpose an ox-team and a Lockport steel plow made by "Jim" Lane. Later he added one hundred and sixty acres of laud to his original possessions, and built a set of farm buildings. He engaged in raising cattle and had a number of high grade and full-blood animals on his place. He was a man who stood high in his community. For one term he served as justice of the peace. A man of earnest Christian char- acter, he endeavored in his life to exemplify the teachings of the Scriptures. The sincere and earnest Christian spirit he showed throughout all the vicissitudes of life was his by inheritance, for his father, Rev. Jonathan Twining, was a faithful preacher and self-sacrificing Christian. The death of Mr. Twining took place Decem- ber 14, 1889. He was survived by his widow and five children: Watson F. . Dana E., Leonora L., Irene E. and Jasper E. RANK STATES, one of the enterprising and rd prosperous German-American farmers of I Channahon Township, was born in Baden, Germany, March 13, 1835, the only child of George and Josephine (Wachter) States, also natives of Baden. His mother died in 1847 and the following year his father was called out to take part in the revolution of 1S48, where he served until he was severely wounded and forced to resign. In the fall of the same year he came to America and settled near Flushing, L. I., where he died from the effects of his army wounds some six months afterward. By trade he was a miller. His death left his son an orphan, alone in a strange country, and but thirteen years of age. The boy started up the Hudson River and went as far as Peekskill, near which place he secured work with John Croker, a brother of Richard Croker, of Tammany Hall fame After remaining there for some five years, in 1853 he came west and settled in Aurora, 111., where he was employed in burning lime and as a stone and brick mason. In 1857 Mr. States married Miss Jane Benedict, a native of Milan, Cayuga County, N. Y., and a daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Branch) Benedict. Her father, a native of Essex Count}-, N. V., born in 1799, grew to manhood in his native county and married Miss Branch, who was born in East Genoa, N. Y. , in 1802. Afterward he settled in Cayuga County, where he preached in the Baptist Church until failing health obliged him to give up ministerial work. Later he was employed as a bookkeeper. In 1848 he settled in Oswego, 111. Two years later he removed to Aurora, where he soon died. His wife passed away in 1885. She was a daughter of Samuel and Ruth Branch; the former, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, died about 1S41: the latter survived him many years, living to be about ninety. By the marriage of Mr. States to Miss Benedict two children were born, but Frank, Jr., is the only one now living. Mrs. States died in 1S63 and two years later our subject married her sister, Mrs. Sarah Lowe, by whom he had six children. Four are now living, John, a farmer in this county; Edwin, William and Walter, at home. In 1S59 our subject went to Kansas and settled in Marysville, Marshall County. Those were troubled days in the history of Kansas, and his object in going there was to cast his influence in with the free-state party. In 1861 he returned to Illinois and settled in this county. After a time he bought eighty acres of land in Channahon Township, where he now lives. Through his farming and stock-raising interests he has pros- pered, and he also gave considerable attention to GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 607 work as a mason. As the years passed he ac- quired additional property and now owns three hundred and sixty-eight acres, which represents his constant labor and good management. It has been his aim to help his sons in every way pos- sible, and each of them, when fifteen or sixteen years of age, was given a tract of ground to cul- tivate and allowed to keep the profits accruing from the same. In politics Mr. States is a Republican. He is a patriotic citizen of his adopted country and sup- ports all measures in the interest of good govern- ment. For thirty-six years he has served as a school director and for six years he held the office of school trustee. Fraternally he is con- nected with Chanuahon Lodge No. 262, A. F. & A. M. A man of religious convictions and a be- liever in the doctrines of Christianity, he has con- tributed both to Methodist and Presbyterian churches in his home neighborhood and has aided both in their work. G] UGUST BELTZNER, superintendent of the LI Meeker avenue (or, as it is more commonly / I known, the Spring street) mill of the Amer- ican Steel and Wire Company of Joliet, was born in Baden, Germany, August 1, 1S44. His fa- ther, William, a blacksmith by trade, partici- pated in the revolution of 1848, for which reason he left Germany and came to America. He opened a shop in Mauch Chunk, Pa., and secured all of the trade of the Lehigh Navigation Com- pany, in addition to his custom work. He con- tinued there until his retirement from business. After his wife died he made his home with his son, August, in Johnstown, Pa., where he died September 9, 1893, aged sixty-seven years and three months. His body was taken to Mauch Chunk and buried by the side of his wife. When he first came to America he allied himself with the Democrats, but at the time of the Civil war and during Lincoln's candidacy for president he allied himself with the Republican party and afterward adhered to its principles. In religion he was of the Lutheran faith. By his marriage to Elizabeth Kuntzman he had eight children, all still living; one son, Charles, carries on busi- ness at the old shop in Mauch Chunk. At the time the family came to the United States our subject was little more than six years of age He was reared in Mauch Chunk and learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. At the same time he learned wire drawing. When the war opened his sympathies were entirely with the Union. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylva- nia Regiment, and served in that regiment for nine months. On the expiration of his time he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Infantry for three years, or until the close of the war. Among his most important engagements were those at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, in the last of which he was wounded. At the close of the rebellion he re- turned home, where he served four years at the trade of boiler-making. This occupation he after- ward followed in Mauch Chunk and at Summit Hill for the Lehigh Navigation Company, having charge of the boiler shop about two years. On his return to Mauch Chunk he worked in a wire mill for one and one-half years. For thirteen years he was with the Cambria Iron Company of Johns- town, and during the last eleven of these years he was foreman of the company's wire mill. When the great flood came he had charge of the men who were engaged in rebuilding the mill, but as the catastrophe changed the company's plans and the mill was not completed, he left the town. Coming to Joliet in 1892, Mr. Beltzner took charge of the Ashley wire mill. He has since had charge of the mill, which is now the property of the American Steel and Wire Company. Un- der his supervision are sixty-five men, whose work he oversees, showing good judgment and great energy in the exercise of his duties. In national affairs he votes with the Republicans, but in local matters he votes for the man rather than party. For years he was active in local affairs, serving as delegate to conventions, mem- ber of committees, etc. While in Johnstown he joined the Masonic order, and is also a member 6o8 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Until com- ing to Illinois he was identified with the Lutheran Church, but since then he has had his member- ship in the Presbyterian Church. At Mauch Chunk, January 9, 1868, Mr. Beltz- uer married Miss Christiana Theaubaugh, of that city. Ten children were born of their union, viz.: Elizabeth C, wife of Harry Clark, of Home- stead, Pa.; Mary W., wife of Burgoyne McDow- ell, also of Homestead; William George, deceased; Robert John, a machinist; Margaret A., wife of Frank Walker, of Joliet; Annie E., EllaN., Au- gust, Jr., Roy I. and Viola F. EHARLES HOLBERG. In the prosecution of his work as contractor and builder Mr. Holberg has proved himself to be an indus- trious, energetic and persevering man, and he has gained a high place among those of the same occupation in Joliet. When he came to this city in 1882 he secured employment in carpentering, but a year later he began contracting and build- ing, and has since given his time entirely to the business. In the city of Joliet alone he has built more than two hundred residences, besides many in the country and in adjoining cities. A num- ber of houses he has built for himself, and these he has disposed of at fair prices; but one on Henry avenue that he built he has occupied since as a residence, and he also has his shop there. He has been given the contract for a number of store buildings and public structures, including the Evangelical Association Church at Lockport, 111. Of Swedish birth and lineage Mr. Holberg is a son of John and Mathilda (Abrahamson) John- son. His paternal grandfather was killed in young manhood, and the maternal grandfather, Abraham Abrahamson, was a farmer, who spent his entire life in Sweden. John Johnson has been a lifelong farmer and is still living in the neighborhood familiar to him from childhood. In religion he and his wife are Lutherans. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living, two in Sweden, Charles in Joliet, Mrs. Legren in South Dakota, and Erik in Joliet. The eldest of the family, our subject, was born in Westerbotten, Sweden, May 30, 1857, and was reared near Omio, where he attended public schools. When twelve years of age he was ap- prenticed to the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he served for five years, and later secured em- ployment in carpentering. In accordance with the government requirements, he spent two years in the Swedish army. Concluding to seek a home in the United States he crossed the ocean in 1882 and at once settled in Joliet, where he has since gained a good trade and many friends. He is a member of the Joliet Builders' Associa- tion, among whose members he is well known. Though he is a loyal American Mr. Holberg has never forgotten the land of his birth and the home of his parents. He keeps alive his inter- est in his old country by association with those of his nationality and by membership in various organizations composed of Swedes. He is a member of the Swedish Republican Club. In the building of the Swedish Lutheran Church he took a leading part and is now serving as a mem- ber of its board of trustees. He was married in Lockport, 111., to Miss Mary Anderson, a native of the same laen in Sweden as himself. They are the parents of three children living, Charles M., John and Hilda, and lost one daughter, Minnie, at the age of six years. 3 OHN O. CONNOR. The position of Braid- wood, in the center of an important coal dis- trict, has naturally attracted to it a large number of practical, skillful miners, among whom none is more worthy of mention than Mr. Conner, the present mayor of the city. Both by native gifts and by training he is fitted for the re- sponsible task of superintending valuable mines. Having had experience in every department of mining he thoroughly understands the work. He has gradually, by the exercise of energy, good judgment and perseverance, worked his way from a humble position to one of influence and impor- tance, and is now general manager and part GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 609 owner of the Co-operative coal mine. This mine, which has a vein of two hundred and ten feet, produces an average of sixty tons per day, and its output is steadily increasing. Mr. Connor was born in Ireland in 1854 and left that country in 1869, accompanying an uncle to the United States. He first settled at Lemont, 111., where he attended school for a time. In 1873 he came to Braidwood and secured work as a laborer in the mines. Through his determina- tion to succeed, backed by perseverance and indus- trious habits, he soon became a practical miner, working up through the different grades of min- ing. In 1896 he went to Springfield, 111., and took an examination before the state board of examiners for statistics of labor, from whom he received a certificate entitling him to act as mine manager. Since 1891 he has owned a half inter- est in the Co-operative mine, situated within the city limits of Braidwood. His attention is closely given to his duties as manager of this mine, and it is largely due to his efficient oversight that the mine has proved a profitable investment for its owners. He has always been very considerate of the men in his employ and has shown a thought- ful interest in their welfare. It is said that he pays the highest wages of any mine owner in the place, and certainly it is true that in every way he has endeavored to live up to the golden rule in his relations with his men. Because Mr. Connor has been so engrossed in his work as mine manager, it must not be sup- posed that he is neglectful of the duties of citizen- ship. He has ever been loyal to his adopted country. During the many years of his residence in Braidwood he has been to the people all that is required in good citizenship and public enter- prise. As an alderman (an office that he held for four years) , he worked in the interests of the peo- ple; and this same trait has been very noticeable in his administration as mayor, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1899. The town has had in him an unswerving friend, ever alert to serve its best interests, and generous in his con- tributions toward movements tending to the gen- eral advancement. For years he has been one of the leading Democrats of this part of the county. In 1877 he married Miss Mary Horn, by whom he had seven children. He and his family oc- cupy a beautiful home in Braidwood. Frater- nally he is connected with the Home Forum and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which latter lodge he is president. (] A. PEDERSEN came to Joliet in 18S9 and has since been identified with the business O, interests of the city, first as an employe and later as an employer of others. For four years he was employed in the old Red mill and in that time gained a thorough knowledge of the business. Afterward he conducted a rented mill on Desplaines street for two and one-half years, remaining there until the property was con- demned by the drainage board, when he rented his present mill at No. 211 Collins street. This mill is operated by an engine with twenty horse- power and has a capacity of twenty tons a day, or ten tons in twelve hours. It is one of the largest feed and grist mills in the city, and the products are sold to the wholesale trade. The owner, being a man of energy and determi- nation, has won the confidence of the business element of the city and the esteem of his asso- ciates. A son of Nels and Ella Pedersen, natives respectively of Denmark and Sweden, our sub- ject was born in Jutland, Denmark, December 19, 1864, and was one of a family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom are in America. When advanced in years the father joined his children in the United States and is now living retired in Joliet. During his boyhood our sub- ject had the advantage of travel with a gentle- man in different European countries, and mean- time he gained a good knowledge of German, French and English. In 1884 he came to this country, and, after spending six months in Chi- cago, proceeded to Will County, where he was employed on a farm in Greengarden Township. From there he came to Joliet in 1889. He began in business without any means, but his integrity and enterprise have given him a good position 6io GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. among the business men of his town . Politically he is a Democrat, but does not take an active part in politics or local affairs. In religion he adheres to the Lutheran faith, in which he was reared. He was married in Joliet to Miss Dorris Johnson, who was born in Denmark. They have three children, William, Anne and Ellen. (JOSEPH McCLINTOCK. Although a quar- I ter of a century has elapsed since the death Q) of Mr. McCliutock, he is still remembered by the older residents of this county. As a pioneer his name is deserving of perpetuation in local annals. Coming to America in 1849, the same year found him in Will County, which at that time contained none of the improvements which it now boasts. The land was unimproved, the towns small and unimportant, and the sur- roundings those of the frontier. During the sub- sequent years of his life he labored to place his land under cultivation and devoted himself to his chosen work with painstaking and self-sacrificing care. While Mr. McClintock was himself an Irish- man by birth and parentage, he was of Scotch descent. His father, Robert, spent much of his life in Count}- Antrim, but in 1850, the year after his son crossed the ocean, he followed with his family and settled in Kendall County, but in 185S retired to Joliet, where he died. His wife, the mother of our subject, had died in Scotland. Of their marriage Joseph was the only child, al- though by his father's second marriage four children were born. When he came to America our subject spent a short time in Pennsylvania and Michigan, then went to Chicago, and from there came to Will County. At the time of his father's settlement across the Plainfield line, in Kendall County, he purchased land with him, but in 1857 sold out there and settled on the Plainfield road, in Joliet Township, where he im- proved a large farm three miles from the court house. There he engaged in agricultural pur- suits until his death, in 1875. In Plainfield, August 26, 1853, Mr. McClintock married Miss Eleanor McDougal, who was born in County Derry, Ireland, a daughter of Edward and Mary (Smith) McDougal, natives of the same county. Her maternal grandfather, Jacob Smith, was born near Colerain, of Scotch an- cestry. Her paternal grandfather, Joseph Mc- Dougal, a farmer of County Derry, was a son of Joseph, Sr., who removed from Scotland to Ire- land. Edward McDougal was a farmer in Ire- land in early life, but spent his last years in Joliet, where he died at eighty-four years. His wife died in New Jersey. Of their six children all but one attained mature years, but Mrs. Mc- Clintock is now the only survivor. She came to the United States in 1851 and the next year set- tled in Plainfield, where she soon became the wife of Mr. McClintock. After her husband's death she continued to manage the farm for seven years, but in 1882 rented the place and bought a resi- dence in Joliet , where she has since made her home. Possessing great energy and activity, as well as good business judgment, she has been interested in the real-estate business and has built a num- ber of residences on the west side. She is hap- piest when busy, and with her home duties and business interests finds sufficient to engross her attention, although she also gives time and thought to charitable work and to the activities of the Central Presbyterian Church, with which she is identified. HON. JABEZ HARVEY, postmaster at Wilton Center since 1875, was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, January 20, 183 1, a son of Hiram and Nancy (Fletcher) Har- vey. His father, who was born in the same prov- ince in 1807, was the youngest of twelve children, and attained a more advanced age than any of the others, being eighty-seven at the time of his death. In the fall of 1837 he came to Illinois, driving with a team of horses the entire distance of fifteen hundred miles. He spent a winter in Tazewell County, then came to Will County and settled in what is now the town of New Lenox. Three years later he came to Wilton Township and bought government land three miles northeast GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 611 of the present site of Wilton Center. At the time he came to Wilton Township, in 1841, it had but two families. In 1844 he went to Five-Mile Grove, Manhattan Township, and ran a dairy for four years, when he returned to Wilton Town- ship, remaining here until his death, in January, 1894. In politics he was a Republican. Both of the grandfathers of our subject, Lemuel Har- vey and Isaac Fletcher, were natives of New Eng- land and soldiers in the Revolutionary war, after which both settled in Canada, accepting the offer of the British government to give land to all who would settle there. In 1850 our subject went to California, spend- ing four months in the trip overland. He located twelve miles south of Downeyville and engaged in mining; also carried on a miners' store. In 1852 he returned via the Isthmus, his first ride on a railroad being across the Isthmus. He ar- rived home January 1, 1853, and soon bought one hundred and sixty acres of land one-half mile west of Wilton Center. In December of that year he married Miss Sarah J. Welliver, a native of Butler County, Ohio. After his marriage he settled down to farming. In 1858 he established a mercantile business in Wilton Center, which he has since conducted. In 1864 he took a second trip across the plains in quest of gold, going to the mines at Virginia City, but finding a great crowd there he sold his outfit and returned home. Indians were very troublesome, and caused a de- lay of a month at Salt Lake. The return trip of seventeen hundred miles was made by stage. On his return he resumed mercantile pursuits. For twenty-two years he was justice of the peace, after which he refused to serve longer. For twenty-one years he was township treasurer, an office that his son, Judd E., now holds. In 1872 he was elected to the state legislature, in which he served two sessions. Frequently he has been a delegate to county, district or state conventions. His service as postmaster covers a longer contin- uous period than that of any other postmaster in the county. In 1892 he was elected supervisor of Wilton Township and served for a term. After an intermission of two years he was again elected and served for two terms. He is now president of the Pioneers' Society of Will County, in which organization he has been very influential. His wife died June 18, 1897, leaving four children, Everett E.,of Des Moines, Iowa; EttieE., who is married and lives in Milford, Iowa; Judd, a partner in his father's business; and Jay C. (JOHN G. WILHELMI has been engaged in I contracting and building in Joliet since 1891. (2/ For a year he was a member of the firm of Wilhelmi & Wagner, but since then he has been alone. Among his most important contracts may be mentioned those for the E. Porter Brewing Company's plant, St. Patrick's school, the Ger- man society hall on North Hickory street, the high school at Lockport, the high and ward schools at Sandwich, 111., and the building for school district No. 6, Joliet Township. Besides these he has had a large number of contracts for residences and stone buildings in Joliet and else- where. He is a member of the Joliet Builders' Association, of which, at this writing, he is the treasurer. In Jackson Township, this county, Mr. Wil- helmi was born December 2, 1864. His father, John Adam Wilhelmi, was a native of Hamburg, Germany, and grew to manhood on a farm in his native land. In 1 853 he came to America. After one year in Detroit he settled in Joliet, where he lived for two years. In 1856 he established his home on a farm in Jackson Township, and after a time purchased property on section 29, Joliet Township, where he carried on farm pursuits until his death, in March, 1896, at seventy-three years. He took an interest in local matters and held the offices of school director and highway commissioner. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Wirtz, was born in Coblentz, Germany, and died in Joliet in 1890. They were the parents of eight children, of whom the follow- ing survive: J. C. , a contractor in Hastings, Neb.; Barbara, wife of John Korst, of Jackson Township; N. H., a machinist, in Chicago; Anna, wife of Frank Kramer, of Joliet; J. G.; and Lizzie, Mrs. William Pelkey, of Joliet. 6l2 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. From three years of age our subject was reared in Joliet Township, where he attended school and grew to manhood, with a fair knowledge of farm work. His taste, however, was rather in the line of carpentering than in agriculture, and when he was eighteen he began to learn the trade with Mr. Wagner, whose partner he later became. He has continued steadily at his work and has met with unvarying success, being rightly judged to be one of the most efficient and painstaking con- tractors in the city. He owns the old family homestead of twenty-seven acres on the Elwood road, two and one-half miles from Joliet, where he has a comfortable residence. In Joliet, in 1890, he married Miss Emma Richter, who was born in Mackinaw, 111., and grew to womanhood in Lockport. They have three sons, Richter A., Frederick C. and Clarence W. The family are connected with St. John's Roman Catholic Church, in the building of which Mr.Wilhelmi's father assisted. He is connected with the West- ern Catholic Union and is also member of the Modern Woodmen of America. 0ANIEL PATTERSON, a farmer and stock- man of Wheatland Township, was born iu Dumfriesshire, Scotland, October 13, 1829, a son of John Patterson. In 1849 he crossed the ocean on the "Hottinger," and after a stormy passage of six weeks he landed in New York. Thence he traveled by river and canal to Buffalo, and from there via the lakes to Chicago, from which point he drove to Will County. For three years he was with his brother, one mile east of his present home. Later, with another brother, James, he bought one hundred and twenty acres of partly broken laud where he now lives. The improvements on this place have been made un- der his supervision. At different times land has been added, until the two brothers now own four hundred and forty acres. They gave their atten- tion principally to the raising of oats and corn, and to the breeding and feeding of Durham cattle. By his marriage to Jane Williamson, a native of Scotland, Mr. Patterson had ten children, eight of whom attained mature years, namely: William, a farmer of Wheatland Township; Margaret, wife of George Smith; Robert, John, Mary, Frank, Grace and Laura. W| UNGO PATTERSON, of Wheatland Town- Y ship, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, \S September 22, 1S14, and was the eldest of the eleven children of John and Jane (Hall) Pat- terson. In 1S41 he came to America, spending six weeks in an old sailing vessel on the Atlan- tic, and finally landing in New York. After three years in that state, in 1844 he came via the lakes to Illinois and settled iu Will County, where he began farming on a tract of one hun- dred and twenty acres of open prairie. He broke the land and made necessary improvements. As he prospered he bought other land until he farmed a large tract. Iu addition to the raising of wheat and oats, he gave considerable attention to Dur- ham cattle. About 1885 he retired from active work, to enjoy his declining years in the midst of the comforts a life of frugality made possible. In New York state Mr. Patterson married Agues, daughter of Robert Clow, a pioneer of this county. They had seven children, viz.: Johu, a farmer in Indiana; Robert, a farmer in Dupage Township; William, in the same town- ship; Sarah, who married Robert Wightmau and lives on the home place; Agnes, who married, but is now deceased; Adam, who cultivates a farm adjoining the homestead; and Helen, who died iu infancy. (31 LBERT H. SMITH, who owns and occupies LI a thirty five-acre farm in the suburbs of J I Crete, was born October 12, 1845, in the town of Bloom, Cook County, just across the line from Crete Township. His father, John C. Smith, a native of Connecticut, accompanied his parents to Illinois in 1835 and settled in this county, of which the family were pioneers. Several years later he entered a claim to govern- GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 613 metit land in Bloom Township and began the raising of stock and general farm products. In an early day he served as township collector. Although he was only thirty-eight at the time of his death he had accumulated five hundred acres. His father, Timothy Smith, was born and reared on Long Island, where he engaged in tailoring, but after coming west he gave his attention to farming and stock-raising. He took part in the wars with the Indians. Fraternally he was a thirty-second degree mason, and in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in this county, when eighty-nine years of age. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John C. Wilson, who was born in England and settled in Bloom Township in an early day, be- coming owner of what was later known as Colum- bia Heights. Mrs. Smith died when twenty- eight years of age, leaving three children. The older son, Wesley, died in 1865, when twenty- three years old, and the only daughter, Louise J., is the wife of J. R. Morris, of Bloom Town- ship. When our subject was three years old his mother died, and three years later his father passed away, leaving him an orphan. He was taken into the home of his grandfather, Smith, with whom he remained until he was sixteen. Afterward he lived with an uncle on a farm and worked out by the month. When he married he bought eighty acres of his grandfather's land in Bloom Township and made his home there for some time, but finally removed to his present farm adjoining the limits of Crete. He still owns one hundred and eighty-eight acres in Bloom Town- ship, which, with the exception of five years when the land was rented, he has since conducted. November 25, 1869, Mr. Smith married Marian, daughter of Squire Willard Wood, founder of Crete, whose sketch is given on another page. They are the parents of five children, namely: Anna L.; Willard J., who is engaged in the gro- cery business at Chicago Heights; Florence, wife of Charles A. Noble, recorder of Will County and a resident of Joliet; Wesley A. and Clark C, who are with their parents. Mrs. Smith is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 32 faith the children were reared. Mr. Smith is an active worker in the Republican party. He is the only native of America holding office in Crete Township. He has the position of highway com- missioner, in which he is serving his third term. Besides his general farm work he has given con- siderable time to the stock business, and has met with good results in the breeding of Clydesdale horses and Jersey cattle. ILLIAM McCOWAN. In choosing the business of a contractor and builder Mr. McCowan selected an occupation for which his mental gifts, disposition to labor, his tastes and his previous opportunities admirably quali- fied him. Since 1882 he has made his home in Joliet, where he is known as a thorough master of his trade. He has had the contracts for the erection of a number of substantial business houses and private residences in this cits'. Realizing that "a man's house is his castle," it is his aim that this "castle" shall be solidly con- structed so as to withstand the constant wear of wind and weather, and at the same time he en- deavors to construct a building that will be pleas- ing in exterior appearance and convenient in in- terior appointments. A member of an old Scotch-Presbyterian family, Mr. McCowan was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in May, i860, a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Drummond) McCowan, natives of the same shire. His father, who is still living and is now (1899) eighty-five years of age, made weav- ing his trade through all his active life, and the same occupation was followed by his grandfather, Duncan McCowan. The wife and mother died at seventy-six years of age. Of her eleven chil- dren all but two are living, three sons being in the United States. William, who was seventh in order of birth, was reared in the parental home and attended the national schools. From seven- teen to twenty years of age he served an appren- ticeship at the stone mason's trade, meantime gaining a thorough knowledge of stone-cutting and brick-laying. Later he worked at his trade 614 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in Glasgow. In the spring of 1SS2 he came to the United States, landing in New York and from there proceeding to Joliet, where he secured em- ployment at his trade. After some years he be- gan in business for himself as a contractor and builder of stone and brick buildings. Prior to leaving Scotland, Mr. McCowan mar- ried, in Glasgow, Miss Mary Mackey, a native of Edinburgh, and they have two children, Annie and William. The family attend and are con- nected with Central Presbyterian Church. In his currency views Mr. McCowan is a believer in the free coinage of silver and is strongly opposed to monometallism, which, in his opinion, tends to benefit the few at the expense of the many. ROBERT B. CLARK, of Joliet, was born in Paisley, Scotland, May 23, 1840, a son of John and Catherine (McNab) Clark. He was one of fourteen children, four of whom survive, namely: Jane B., wife of Hiram Shingler, of Amity, Mo.; Allen, a farmer of Clay County, Tex.; Robert B.; and Catherine, who married James W. Shingler and lives in Joliet. His father was born in Renfrew- shire, in the lowlands of Scotland, in 1804. In boyhood he learned to weave Paisley shawls. Immigrating to America in 1842, he settled in Wellington County, Ontario, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. He won the esteem of his neighbors and the regard of his associates, and was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. For several terms he served as school trustee. His wife was a native of Invernesshire, in the highlands of Scotland. She died in 1862. Educational facilities were meager in the coun- try regions of Canada when our subject was a boy; hence he had little education besides that which he obtained by self-culture. In the fall of 1865 he came to the States. During the winter he worked in the lumber regions of Wisconsin and Minnesota. In the spring of 1866 he came to Joliet and secured employment in the Illinois state penitentiary, where he remained for ten years as a guard and for one year was foreman in the cigar factory of Fuller & Fuller, at the prison. His next work was in the transfer and trucking business, which he conducted for seven years, meantime doing much hauling for contract- ors at the penitentiary. In 1890 he purchased four hundred acres of land near Spirit Lake, Iowa. He has also been identified with the prop- erty interests of Joliet. In 1882 he built a resi- dence at No. 118 Second avenue, and seven years later he erected his present home at No. 112 Sherman street, which is one of the handsome residences of the city. Politically he is a stanch Republican, always supporting the men and meas- ures of the party. In religion he is connected with Central Presbyterian Church. The first marriage of Mr. Clark took place in 1872 and united him with Mar}* J. Baker, who was born in the County of Peel, Ontario, Canada, and died in Joliet in 1884. Three of the four children born of this marriage are living: Robert Ezra, Mary, Agnes and William Garfield. Mrs. Mary Clark was a daughter of William Baker, who was born in Canada, a son of Michael Baker. In early life he engaged at the trades of carpenter and wheelwright, but later turned his attention to farming. He was a skilled mechanic, and always did considerable work in that line. In 1S86 Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Sadie Beardsworth, who was born in Eng- land, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hill) Beardsworth. She was only eighteen months old when her mother died. Leaving the child with the maternal grandparents, George and Ann Hill, the father came to America. Ten years later he returned to England, and this time brought his daughter back with him to America. For a short time he was employed in a rolling- mill in New York City. Next he went to Read- ing, Pa., where he rose to the important position of assistant superintendent of the Reading mills. After twelve years in that city he removed to To- peka, Kans., where he became superintendent of the rolling-mills, continuing in the position until they were destroyed by fire one year later. He then came to Illinois and settled in Joliet, where he was foreman of the B mill for two years. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 615 When the mills were closed down, although he was importuned to remain by his employers, he left the city and went to Portland, Me., where he was foreman of the Portland rolling-mills. Later he was made superintendent of the mills, which position he held up to the time of his death. He was one of the ill-fated passengers of the steamer "Portland," which sank with all on board, No- vember 28, 1898. In religion he was connected with the Church of England. REV. W. J. McNAMEE, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Joliet, is considered one of the able men of his diocese and is also active in temperance work, being at this writing first vice-president of the Total Abstinence Union of Illinois and one of the leaders in the organiza- tion. He was born June 20, 1859, in Legga, near Ballinamuck, County Laugford, Ireland, a son of John and Mary (Ward) McNamee, also natives of that county. His father, who was born in 1809, grew to manhood oh the farm owned by his father, John, Sr., and is still living, at ninety years, on the same homestead, his twin brother, William, living a mile from his place. His wife is also living and is eighty-five years of age. They are the parents of four sons and five daughters now living, of whom three sons and one daughter are in America, the daugh- ter making her home with her brother, W. J. Of the sons, John J., who was educated in America, is now chaplain at Forest Castle, Mount St. Vin- cent, on the Hudson; another son, Joseph, is as- sistant pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Chicago. A cousin, Joseph, son of William McNamee, is pastor of St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Brook- lyn, N. Y. Reared on the home farm until fifteen years of age, the subject of this sketch at that time began to study for the priesthood. At first he was a pupil in a diocesan school, after which he com- pleted the course in philosophy and theology in All Hallow's College in Dublin. In that college he was ordained June 24, 1883, by Bishop Crane, of New Zealand, and at the same time he was as- signed to the Chicago diocese. Coming imme- diately to America, he was for six months assist- ant pastor of St. Mary's, Evanston, 111., then was transferred to Holy Angels Church in Chicago, where he remained for nine years as assistant pastor. In 1892 he established a new congrega- tion in Aurora, purchased and remodeled a build- ing and bought property adjoining with a paro- chial residence. This parish bore the name of the one with which he had been identified in Chi- cago. He remained there until February 10, 1897, when he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church in Joliet. The original location of St. Mary's was on the corner of Scott and Van Buren streets, but when the building on that site was burned, a new building was erected on North Ottawa street, where the congregation owns a quarter of a block, with the finest edifice in the city. The membership is large and the various sodalities are in excellent working condition. The church is not only next to the oldest among the Catholic churches of the city, but it is also one of the most harmonious and successful. An academy is car- ried on, under the auspices of the Sisters of Lo- retto, in connection with the church, and St. Mary's parochial school affords excellent educa- tional opportunities for the younger children. This school was remodeled in 1898, a steam plant being put in and other improvements made. ■ The four hundred and fifty pupils are under the charge of nine teachers from the convent of Loretto. Many of the graduates of the high school receive county teachers' certificates, the course of in- struction being sufficiently thorough to enable graduates to carry 011 educational work success- fully. Under the supervision of the pastor the work of St. Mary's moves on harmoniously. He gives his personal attention to all matters connected with the work and looks carefully after the spirit- ual needs of his parishioners. Besides his work as pastor he is serving as chaplain of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus, and is also a member of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of America. While he has always been devoted to his work, even to the point of self- 6i6 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sacrifice, he has occasionally allowed himself a vacation, and twice has returned to his old home, in 1887 and 1896, at both of which times he toured through the British Isles and visited many points of historic interest. EHARLES P. JOHNSON has been engaged in the building business in Joliet since Novem- ber, 188S. Among the many residences for which he has been given the contracts are those owned by Messrs. Henry Sehring, Goldberg, Bremmond, Elmer Henry and Henry Shreffler. Besides the residence which he occupies, on the corner of Maple and Strong avenues, he has built other houses for himself, including four on Meeker avenue, one on Sheridan street, two on Chase avenue, one on Harris avenue and two on Maple avenue, a number of which he has sold. He is a member of the Joliet Builders' Associa- tion. Among the Swedish-American citizens of Joliet he holds a prominent place. He is con- nected with the Swedish Temperance L T nion, and has served on the board of trustees and deacons of the Swedish Lutheran Church, also was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the Swedish Orphans' Home. The Northwestern Mutual Life Association and the Modern Woodmen of America number him among their members. In politics a Republican, he is a member of the Republican Club and has served on the county central committee of the party. In Tornea, Skane, Sweden, Mr. Johnson was born June 5, 1858, a son of John and Benta John- son. His, father, who was a son of Lewis John- sou, a farmer, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed, in addition to wagon-making and contracting, and he was considered an expert mechanic in wood. He died at forty-two years of age and his wife when thirty-eight. They were the parents of one son and six daughters, of whom four are living, all but one being in Amer- ica. When fourteen years of age our subject was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade under an uncle, a builder and farmer, with whom he re- mained for three years. Later he was employed as a journeyman. He served for two years in the Twenty-fifth Army Corps, Swedish Infantry. Ma the steamer " City of Paris" Mr. Johnson came from Liverpool to New York in 1S81 and arrived in Joliet in April of that year. For a year he worked for William Davidson of this city. In 1882 he went to Davenport, Iowa, and during one winter attended the city schools, the next winter being a student in the night schools. He worked on a farm in Rock Island County, 111., then became a sawyer and millwright in a saw- mill in Davenport. Jul}-, 1882, found him har- vesting in Minnesota. In the fall of the same year he secured employment on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. Next, re- turning to Davenport, he resumed work in the mill, where he remained steadily for some time, with the exception of a few months spent in put- ting up a mill in Cloquet, Carlton County, Minn. In 1885 he began contracting and building in Davenport. He continued there until the spring of 188S, when he went to Wausau, Wis. In the fall of the same year he came to Joliet, where he has since resided. While in Davenport he mar- ried Miss Karen Swauson, who was born in Skane, Sweden. Of the eight children born to their union six are living, namely: Josephine, Elfie, Hedwig, Tissing, Victor and Charles N. REV. CHRISTOPHER PATRICK FOSTER. In his work as pastor of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church of Joliet, Father Foster has been particularly successful. This congregation was organized in 1S86 by Father Gaulet, and was an outgrowth of St. Mary's, comprising families in this part of the city. The founder of the church was succeeded by Father Foster, who was appointed to the pastorate Sep- tember 28, 1888. He found a small building on South Ottawa street, and soon enlarged and re- modeled the building, which now has a frontage of almost five hundred feet. In connection with the church is a parochial school with two hun- dred pupils, in charge of the Ladies of Loretto. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 617 Besides his work in Joliet he has been in charge of a mission at Manhattan, which he established in 1890; there he erected a handsome edifice, which, owing to the remarkable growth of the congregation, was in 1895 enlarged to double its original capacity. The membership now com- prises fifty families, and in the church there are the various sodalities, including temperance or- ganizations for boys, societies for young men and also for young women, a League of Sacred Heart and others. At this writing he is state chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, with which he is actively connected. The Fosters are an old Scotch family that set- tled in the west of Ireland. Edward Foster was born in County Gal way, Ireland, and in 1849 removed to Manchester, England, where he worked at the merchant tailor's trade. Cross- ing the ocean in 1865, he settled in Rushville, Ind., where he had a tailoring establishment. In 1877 he removed to Indianapolis, where he has since been similarly employed. He is still living in that city, and is now seventy years of age. His marriage united him with Mary J. Haley; a member of the Scotch family of Wal- laces who migrated to Sligo, Ireland. Her mother, who was a Miss Wallace, was a convert to Catholicism, and reared the children in that faith. Of seven children comprising the family of Edward Foster, four are living, three, Thomas J., William and Edward, being in business with their father in Indianapolis, assisting him in the management of his two places of business in that city. The subject of this sketch was born in Man- chester, England, August 24, 1855. His pri- mary education was secured in Christian Broth- ers' school in Manchester. After coming to America he studied in Rushville. When fifteen years of age he entered St. Joseph's Seminary at Bardstown, Ky., where he studied the clas- sics, and later spent one year in St. Xavier's school in Cincinnati, Ohio, an institution un- der the supervision of the Jesuits. Next he ma- triculated in St. Mary's of the West, where he studied philosophy and theology, completing the course in 1879, after which he spent six months in Niagara College. Later he accepted a position as instructor in the advanced course of rhetoric and belles lettres at Bourbonnais Grove, Kanka- kee County, 111., in St. Viateur's College, one of the best institutions in the state. On the 24th of June, 1 88 1, he was appointed assistant pastor of St. John's Church on Eighteenth and Clark streets, Chicago, where he was under Rev. John Waldron, a venerable and honored priest of the archdiocese. His ordination to the priesthood was in charge of Archbishop Feehan of Chi- cago. On the death of Father Waldron, June 24, 1882, he was succeeded by Dr. Butler, with whom Father Foster remained until he was transferred to the Sacred Heart Church in Joliet. He is a man of scholarly attainments, fitted by natural gifts and a thorough education for suc- cessful pastoral work, and his long pastorate in his present connections speaks volumes for his fidelity and self-sacrificing devotion to the cause. r~RANK JACKSON, who is a successful rS building contractor of Joliet, was born in I Ledsham, Yorkshire, England, October i, 1852. His father, Thomas Jackson, a farmer, was a member of a family that had been promi- nent in the same locality for five hundred years, and, as far back as the record extends, the ances- tors were farmers and bore the name of Thomas. Our subject's father was born at Brotherton, in 1828, and there married Jane Morritt, by whom he had seven children, three now living, viz.: Thomas, who holds a prominent government position in England; John and Frank, who are business part- ners. The maternal grandfather, Francis Morritt, who was a wealthy farmer, laid the first railroad- tie for the first railroad built in the world, his name being cut in the stone tie. This road was built from Stockton to Darlington. He was a son of Col. Francis Morritt, a giant in stature, seven feet and two inches tall, and an officer both in the Crimean war and the battle of Waterloo. At Kippiz and Ridsdale academies our subject obtained his education. When thirteen he was apprenticed to the building trade. After five 6i8 OEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years of work he became so proficient that his employer gave him charge of a crew of men, and he superintended the construction of important buildings in various parts of Europe. In this way he traveled extensively during the course of his business life in the old world. For seven years he served in the volunteer force under the Queen of England. The year 1878 found Mr. Jackson in America. Landing in Philadelphia, he went from there to Houtzdale, Pa. Four months later he arrived in Chicago, where he spent eighteen months, and during that time he drove the first nail ever put in the Pullman plant. From Chicago he went to Meridian, Miss., and for two years he worked in the south. Returning north he settled in Houtz- dale, Pa., where he became a contractor. After two 3*ears he came to Braidwood, 111., and there met W. H. Odell, who started him in business. He erected practically all of the buildings in the town. In 1885 he came to Joliet, where he at once took a high place as a contractor, and was given contracts for many prominent buildings. He had the contract for the building of the Keeley plant at Dwight, 111., and has in his pos- session the only bust of Dr. Keeley owned by a private individual. In 1892 he retired from con- tracting and did not resume until July, 1S99, when he formed a partnership with his brother, and since then the firm of Jackson Brothers has become one of the best-known in the city. December 24, 1887, Mr. Jackson married Miss Margaret Bale, who was born in England, and in childhood was brought to America by her parents, the family settling in Mahanoy City, Pa., in 187 1 , when she was two years old. In 1873 they moved to Houtzdale, Pa., and in 1882 came to Braidwood, 111., remaining there until they set- tled in Joliet, in 1886. Six children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, but Clara J. is the only one now living. In politics Mr. Jackson has been an active Democrat. In 1892, 1S93 and 1S94 he served on the board of aldermen, during which time, in recognition of his faithful service, his constitu- ents presented him with a gold star. He has been repeatedly urged to accept renomination for alderman, but always declines. Fraternally he is connected with the Sons of St. George; Paul Revere Lodge No. 371, K. of P.; Banner Lodge No. 391, I. O. O. F. ; and has held all of the chairs in the local camp, Order of Foresters, which for two years he represented in the grand lodge. HARRY M. GIAVER, chief clerk of the Great Western works of the American Tin Plate Company at Joliet, was born in Tromsoo, Norway, on the 4th of July, 1869. His father, Hans, who was a native of the same place as himself, and a prominent merchant there, was especially interested in handling the products of the fisheries. Active in local affairs, he held an office similar to that of city councilman, and aided in promoting enterprises for the benefit of his town. He was a member of a family that originated in Denmark, whose representatives were prominent merchants and some of whom held high rank in the ministry. He is now living, retired from business pursuits, in his na- tive town. By his marriage to Birgitte, daugh- ter of John R. Scheldrup, a merchant, he had four sous, the eldest of whom is an attorney; the second, our subject, is the only member of the family in America. At fourteen years of age our subject left the private school he had previously attended and en- tered the University of Christiana, where he studied for four years, graduating in 18S8, when nineteen years of age. It had been his expecta- tion to enter the ministry, but, his mind having more of a commercial than a professional bent, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. For four years he was interested with an uncle in the fish and oil business. Iu 1893 he came to Amer- ica for the purpose of visiting the World's Fair. He was so pleased with the country that he de- cided to remain. His first position was iu Chi- cago, with a cousin of his father, who was a member of the contracting firm of J. G. Giaver & Co. , and during the three years he was there he had charge of the office work. Next he was with the Calumet Furnace Company in South GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 619 Chicago. In 1896 he came to Joliet and accepted a position with the firm in whose interests he has since worked. When the name of the firm was changed to the American Tin Plate Company his ability was recognized by his promotion, in Au- gust, 1S97, to the position of chief clerk, and this responsible office he has since filled with great efficiency. Though not active in politics he is a stanch Republican. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and is a believer in the doctrines of that church. Fraternally he is connected with Iron Link Lodge No. 751, I. O. O. F. , of Iron- dale. "GBERT PHELPS, who came to Joliet in >) 1870, was born in Middlebury, Vt., Decem- mm , ber 8, 1835, a son of Samuel S. and Electa (Satterlee) Phelps, natives respectively of Litch- field, Conn., and Vermont. His father, who was in the war of 1812, and served as paymaster in the army, settled in Middlebury, Vt., where he engaged in the practice of law. While serving 33 judge of the supreme court of Vermont he was elected to the United States Senate in 1839, and served his country in that capacity until 185 1. His oldest son, Edward J., an attorney in Burlington, Vt., was minister to England under the first administration of Grover Cleveland. The subject of this sketch was a classmate of Admiral Dewey in the Norwich military school. In 1856 he graduated from Union College at Schenectady, N. Y., after which he had charge of a private school in Louisiana and also studied law, returning to Middlebury in 1859. The next year he went to Burlington, Iowa, where he studied law in his brother's office, and was ad- mitted to the bar early in 1861. When the war began he was commissioned May 14, 1861, first lieutenant in the Nineteenth United States Infan- try, in which he served with valor. He was de- tached at first as recruiting officer, and then was engaged in mustering duty at Columbus, Ohio. March 16, 1864, he was commissioned captain. During the last year of the war he took part in the Atlanta campaign. He had the command of the regiment on the march through Georgia. After the war Mr. Phelps engaged in the claim business at Columbus, Ohio, for a year, then ran a flouring mill at Maumee City, that state, for two years. In 1870 he came to Joliet, where he formed a law partnership with W. C. Goodhue, later was with Judge Benjamin Olin, but is now alone in the practice of law. For some years he was president of the school board. It was due to his efforts that the public library was estab- lished in Joliet. He was president of the old Joliet Historical Library Association, which pre- sented to the city a library that has since been enlarged to thirteen thousand volumes. Since 1890 he has been president of the Library Asso- ciation, which is now formulating plans for a new public library building that will be a credit to the city and a source of pride to every citizen. In Logansport, Ind., Mr. Phelps married Miss Belle Jerolaman, whose father, Dr. George M. Jerolaman, was appointed by President Jackson as physician to the Indians, and was placed in charge of their removal to the more remote west. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have two daughters and one son. GjKORGE S. HOUSE, one of Joliet' s leading |_ attorneys and progressive citizens, is a mem- \^Jl ber of a pioneer family of Illinois. His paternal grandfather, Chester House, came west from the vicinity of Rome, Oneida County, N. Y., in 1831, and located three-quarters of a section of land on the Ausable River, twelve miles west of Joliet. On his laud was the old Fox Indian trail between the Mississippi and the lakes. The farm continued to be his home until his death, and is now occupied by his sole surviving son; since the deed made was made transferring the property from the government to Mr. House, the only papers drawn up were the original own- er's will and the later deed of our subject's father, transferring his interest in the homestead to the present owner. Chester House was a pioneer in every sense of the word. When he came west he walked from Chicago to his claim. Joliet was not then in existence. The country was in its primitive wildness. He built the first hewn-log 620 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. house in all the region and it became the land- mark for travelers. When Hon. Joel Matteson came to this county, Mr. House went to Chicago with his team and brought the Matteson family and their household goods back with him. The goods were packed in straw in Jefferson County, X. V., and were unpacked on the House home- stead, the place being clearly marked by a growth of Canada thistles, which sprang up from among the straw. Rodney, son of Chester House, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., and learned the wagon- maker's trade there. In 1833 he came west and settled on the north edge of what is now Grundy County (then Cook), when he entered a claim. In the winter of 1835-36 he built a dwelling on Chicago street in Joliet. In the spring of 1836, his wife joined him here. He opened a wagon shop on Chicago street. In 1858 he erected a new house on Scott street, where he made his home until his death, at ninety years. During his early life he was an old line Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party became identified with it. He was one of the organizers of the Congregational Church in Joliet, and after- ward served as a deacon as long as he lived. He continued at his trade until he was seventy- five, when he retired. His life was prolonged far beyond the usual duration of man's existence, but he was fortunate in retaining, to a large ex- tent, his faculties of mind and body. On the ninetieth anniversary of his birth his remains were interred in a cemetery near his home. No pioneer of the town was more respected than he, and, although he did not accumulate property or gain wealth, he gained that which is more to be desired — the esteem of his associates and the love of his friends. Before leaving New York he married Miss Julia Stillman, by whom he had two sons, GeorgeS. and Rodney (both of Joliet), and a daughter that died in infancy. When our subject was nine years of age his mother took him to Rome, N. Y., and he pre- pared for college in the academy there. At the age of sixteen he entered Hamilton College at Clinton, N. Y., where he took the regular course of stud}*, graduating in 1S56. He then matriculated in what is now Columbia law school, and three years later graduated with a high standing. Although he had no intention of practicing law in New York state, he took the examination, with the others of his class, before the board of examiners for admission to the bar of that state; and had the satisfaction of receiv- ing the highest grades of any candidate. His examiners were men of national fame — Roscoe Conkling, Judge Allen, of the eastern district of New York, and Judge Denio, who was afterward judge of the court of appeals of New York. Returning to Joliet, Mr. House entered the law office of McRoberts &Goodspeed, with whom he remained for a short time. His license to practice in New York secured him admission to the courts of Illinois, without further examina- tion. After a short time in the office of Uriah Osgood, he formed a partnership with bim, and the two remained together until 1863, when Mr. House went south, and was engaged as auditor and cashier in the office of the general disbursing quartermaster at Nashville, Tenn., under Gen- eral Donaldson. In 1867 he came back to Joliet, since which time he has been engaged in pro- fessional work. His career has been remarkably successful. It is said by those qualified to know, that there has not been an important case in Joliet during the last twenty-five years in which he was not interested. For many years he has been attorney for the Chicago & Wilmington Coal Company, the largest coal company in the state. For twenty-five years he has held the position of attorney for the Chicago & Alton Rail- road. While his is a general practice, yet he has been particularly interested in corporation law, and his largest success has been achieved in that department of the profession. In the ses- sion of 1890, when the labor element was so strong that five bills were passed in its interests, namely: the truck store bill, weekly pay bill, gross weight bill, check-weighman's bill and screen bill — the passage of these bills put all business at the mercy of operatives and employes. Mr. House was retained to fight the measures. He carried all of them to the supreme court of the state, where they were declared unconstitutional. GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 621 These same bills were passed and declared con- stitutional in West Virginia. He was then asked to go to West Virginia and argue for a rehear- ing. This he did, the result beiog that the de- cision was finally reversed. While he is a be- liever in Republican principles, yet he has never been active in politics, preferring to give his at- tention wholly to his professional activities. The marriage of Mr. House took place June 27, i860, and united him with Miss Virginia A. Osgood, whose father, Hon. Uriel Osgood, was one of the most prominent attorneys and bankers of his day. Mr. and Mrs. House are the parents of six children, viz.: George C, who is an en- gineer on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and re- sides in Bloomington, 111. ; Harry O., who is with the Illinois Steel Company in Joliet; Caroline V., wife of Frank E. Chamberlin, of Joliet; Gould, a dentist in Joliet; I. Robert, who is in his father's office; and Hazel. EAPT. JOSEPH V. DUSSEAU, whose home has been Joliet since childhood, is better known as Joseph Duso, the latter style of spelling having been adopted by his older brother, Narcisse, at the time that their father went to California; and since then, as everyone has per- sisted in writing the name by its abbreviated form, the latter has been used instead of the original and correct spelling. His father, Au- gustus, a son of Victor Dusseau, was born in Canada, a descendant of early French settlers of that country. In the fall of 1846 he brought the family via the lakes to Chicago, thence by teams to Aurora, 111., and in the spring of 1847 began farming near that town. In 1854 ne traveled across the plains to California, where he remained for four and one-half years, and on his return engaged in farming in Minnesota, later settling in St. Anthony, that state. In 1863 he came to Joliet, where he died three years later. He mar- ried Olive Lanou, daughter of a farmer and de- scendant of an old French-Canadian family. She was born in Canada and died there, while on a visit to relatives, in 1890. Of her seven chil- dren all but two are still living. The oldest son, Narcisse, who was a soldier in a Missouri regi- ment during the Civil war, died in Colorado. Two sons and a daughter live in Joliet, one daughter in Canada and another in Minnesota. The next to the eldest of the family, Joseph V. , was born at St. John's, Canada, July 8, 1844. In the fall of 1 85 1 he came with his mother and father to Joliet. He was only ten years of age when he began to earn his livelihood by working as a driver on the canal between LaSalle and Chicago. After some seven years as driver he began steering. In 1869 he became master of the "E. Burnham," and, after two years, master of another boat, which he bought in 1S73 and operated until 1882, when he sold it. Later he had charge of a stone boat for seven years and then ran another stone boat for four and one-half years, after which he ran steamboats. The ex- posure in all kinds of weather, which his busi- ness had rendered necessary, brought on rheu- matism, and for two years he was unable to en- gage in any, work. In August, 1897, he resumed work on a steamboat, and this he has since oper- ated, engaged in transporting flour and wheat to and from Chicago for Norton & Co. He has been on the canal since 1854 and is probably the oldest canal man in Joliet. In Chicago, December 27, 1874, Captain Dus- seau married Miss Louise Civalier, who was born in Montreal and came to Joliet at fourteen years of age. Eight children were born of their mar- riage, namely: Joseph and Olive, who died at the ages of fourteen and ten mouths respectively; Florence; Louise; Estella; William, who was only one month old at death; George; and Edna, who died in 1897, at six years of age. Joseph Civalier, father of Mrs. Dusseau, was born in Canada, son of Laurent Civalier and member of a French-Canadian family. He became a horse dealer and veterinary surgeon. In 1863 he re- moved to the Lake Superior region, but the next year came to Joliet, and in 1868 settled in Chi- cago, where he now resides, at seventy-five years. He married Lucy Malboeuf, who was born in Montreal and died in Chicago; she was a daughter of Lucien Malboeuf, a Canadian and by 622 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. trade a tanner. In religion Captain Dusseau and his wife are members of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. Politically he has always been a stanch Republican and may be counted upon to cast his vote in support of party principles. (3G)ALTER L. ERIKSEN, a successful san- \ A / itary engineer, has made Joliet his home VV since 18S6. A member of an old Danish family, he was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, February 17, 1S69, a son of Hans P. and Maria (Nilsen) Eriksen, and a grandson of Erik Erik- sen, a cabinet-maker and furniture dealer now residing in Greenville, Montcalm County, Mich. His father, who was also a cabinet-maker, brought the family to America in the fall of 1870 and settled in Sheffield, 111 , where he en- gaged in contracting and building for a time. Later he built a carriage shop and turned his at- tention to the manufacture of carriages and wagons, continuing in that business until he died in 1879. His wife, who still lives at Sheffield, is a lineal descendant, on her mother's side, of French ancestry, her grandfather, Francis Fran- cie, a member of a wealth}' family, having mi- grated from France to Denmark. The older of two sons, of whom the younger, Alexander, died in 1879 at eight years of age, W. L. Eriksen was reared in Sheffield, where he studied in the public school. Since fourteen years of age he has been self-supporting. He served an apprenticeship to the tinner's trade in his home town, remaining under an employer in Sheffield for three years. In 1S86 he came to Joliet, where at first he worked at the tinner's trade for Strong, Bush & Haudwerk. In 18SS he was made foreman in charge of the depart- ment of plumbing, gas-fitting and heating. His work was satisfactory, and he proved himself an efficient and reliable man. While filling the po- sition of foreman he entered upon the study of sanitary engineering in the International Corre- spondence School of Scranton, Pa., from which, after four years, he received the degree of S. E. in 1898. Meantime he had resigned his position in order to start in business for himself. He has since taken a partner, enlarged the business, and is now located at No. Soo Jefferson street, where he has built up an excellent trade in his chosen line of sanitary engineer. Fraternally Mr. Eriksen is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, in politics votes with the Republican party, and in religion holds membership with the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married, in Joliet, to Miss Emma McDade, who was born and reared in this city, her father, Chauncey McDade, hav- ing been an early settler here. She is of Scotch descent on the paternal side, while through her mother she traces her lineage to France. GlXEL H. CHRISTENSEN, M. D., a prac- I I ticing physician of Joliet, was born in / 1 Hove, Sjalland, Denmark, June 13, 1867, a son of Jens and Susanna Maria (Brammar) Christensen. On his mother's side he descends from an old and noble family of Denmark. His maternal grandfather, who was a prominent apothecary of Christianhaven, was a brother of Bishop Brammar, Bishop of Jutland, and the last of those that had power. Jens Christensen, who was the son of a large landed proprietor of Jut- land, was professor of schools for years, retiring when seventy years of age, and dying ten years later. In religion he was a Lutheran. He was a man of honorable character and upright life. His wife was sixty-five at the, time of her death. Of their nineteen children eleven attained years of maturity. Most of the sons became soldiers in the army, but one was an architect and an- other a professor. A sister married Zacharias Niedson, the most prominent Danish poet of to-day. Dr. Christensen, who was one of the youngest of the children, represents the thirteenth genera- tion in descent from Hans Tausen, archbishop to King Frederick II. He graduated from the high school of his native town in 1S83, after which he attended Soro Academy until his graduation in 1S8S. Meantime he had begun the study of GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 623 medicine under private preceptorship, and after- ward attended lectures in Copenhagen. In 1892 he came to America and spent some time in Kenosha, Wis., where he attended the high school and also studied medicine. Later he took the course of lectures in Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated in March, 1897, with the degree of M. D. During the same time he completed the course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. In 1897, through his appointment as interne at Silver Cross Hospital, Dr. Christensen came to Joliet. After one year in the hospital he began to practice medicine and surgery and has since built up a valuable patronage among the people of the city. He has his office in the Cutting building. He is a member of the Desplaines Medical Society. Everything pertaining to his profession receives his warm interest. He keeps abreast with all the developments in therapeutics, and is justly recognized as a skillful physician, whose position in his profession has been secured by intense application and constant study. J. HULTGREN is one of the leading ?\ Swedish-American builders in Joliet, and \~) , has been quite successful in his work in this city. Among his most important contracts have been those for the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church, the addition to the Eastern Avenue school, Lull's block on Cass street, St. Joseph Hospital annex, the Swedish Mission, and many residences, including his own home on the corner of Stirling and Stevens avenues. In partnership with Alfred Weinberg, in 1898 he built an oat- meal mill, an addition to the E. Porter brewery, a brick store on the corner of Oneida and Center streets, and another on Jackson street. In Jonkoping, Smaland, Sweden, Mr. Hult- gren was born February 9, 1851, a son of Jolieii- nes and Anna (Isaacson ) Hultgren. His mother, who was born in Sweden in 182 1, and is still liv- ing in that country, is a daughter of Isaac Isaac- son, a farmer. Our subject's father, who was born in Smaland in 1819, was reared on the home farm, and engaged in the milling business, own- ing two mills. His last years were devoted to farm pursuits, and he died on a farm at the age seventy-five years, in 1896. Of his six children, three daughters and one son are now living, the daughters all remaining in Sweden. The son, our subject, early learned the miller's trade and remained with his father until he was twenty- one, after which he was foreman on the Eastern Trunk Line Railroad in Sweden. For seven years he engaged in railroading and putting up telegraph lines, after which he began stonemason work on the railroad. He also built a few base- ment foundations on contracts. Coming to America in the spring of 1882, Mr. Hultgren spent three months in Arlington as a railroad employe. In August he came to Joliet, and for two summers he worked in a stone quarry. He soon became interested in a quarry with Wenberg Bros., with whom he worked as a mason. He accompanied them to Englewood, 111., remaining with them as a workman for two years. Afterward, for six years, he was their foreman in Joliet, putting up many buildings for them. While out hunting, March 3, 1891, through an accident his right limb was shot below the knee, and he was so seriously injured that for seven months he was unable to leave his room. When finally he began work again, in the fall of of 1892, he became a partner of Louis Wenberg, but after two years the partnership was dissolved, and he has since been alone, with the exception of 1898, when he put up some buildings in con- nection with Alfred Wenberg. In Sweden, 1874, Mr. Hultgren married Miss Anna K. Magnuson, who was born in the same place as himself. Her father, Magnus, was a son of John Vermo, who was a soldier in the Swedish army. Magnus continued to cultivate a farm until his death. He married Inga Elisa, daugh- ter of Johannes Elisa, a farmer in Sweden. They became the parents of two children, Mrs. Hult- gren and a daughter still living in Sweden. By the marriage of our subject and his wife nine chil- dren were born, namely : Carl A. ; Mrs. Thilda C. Davis, who lives in Joliet; AlmaS.; Lydia, de- ceased; Minnie; Emma E.; David, Enoch and Isaac. 624 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Hultgren is a member of the Joliet Build- ers' Association and the Swedish Republican Club, and is an active worker in the Republican party. In the Swedish Mission, of which he is a member, he has for some time held the office of deacon and is also interested in Sunday-school work. 0AMUEL PORTER AVERY is one of the Nk leading attorneys of Joliet. During the Q) eighteen years he has made his home in this city he has become thoroughly acquainted with its resources and conditions, and is a stanch friend to improvement and progress here, along all lines. As an attorney he possesses un- usual ability and knowledge, and to each and every case placed in his hands he gives earnest attention and care, neglecting no point that may be turned in favor of his client. In his profession he commands the respect and high regard of all who know him, his record being that of an up- right, just man, who under no circumstances will stoop to deceit or chicanery. The Avery family was established in America in a very early day. Christopher Avery landed at Salem, Mass., June 12, 1630, coming from Wiltshire, England, on the transport "Arbella" with Gov. John Winthrop. He settled in Glouces- ter, where he was selectman from 1646 to 1654; he moved to Boston in 1658 and to New London, Conn., August 8, 1665; was made freeman of the colony in 1669 and died at New London March 12, 1679. His only son, James, was born in Eng- land about 1620, and married Joanna Greenslade, of Boston, November 16, 1643; removed to New London in 1650; was chosen townsman in 1660, holding the office twenty years; was ensign lieu- tenant and captain of the only training band of the town; saw active service in King Phillip's war; was twelve times elected to the general court from 1650 to 1680; commissioner of the peace and assistant judge of the county court. In 1665 he moved to Poquonoc Plains (now the town of Groton), where he built "The Hise of the Avery's," recently destroyed by fire; he died in 1694. His sixth child was John; John's fourth child was Elisha; and Elisha'sson, Elisha, was born in 17 18, and married Elizabeth Brown Minor, of Stonington, Conn. Their son, Rev. Joseph Avery, born April 13, 1743, married Deborah, daughter of Hezekiah and Rebecca (Mead) King, of Marshfield, Conn., in 1772, and died March 3, 18 14. During the latter part of his life he was a missionary of the Congregational Church in western New York, a sparsely settled region. His son, Samuel, was born at Sag Har- bor, L. I., March 30, 1773; married, February n, 1796, Rebecca, daughter of Noah and Re- becca (Porter) Langdon, of Tyringham, Mass. Noah Langdon was captain of the Eighth Tyring- ham Company of the First Berkshire Regiment during the war of the Revolution, and was at Bennington and Saratoga. Samuel Avery re- moved to and became a farmer in Oneida Coun- ty, N. Y., where his eight children were born. Of these Samuel K., born in 1810, became a farmer in Oneida Count} - , and there married Aseuath, daughter of Abel and Asenath (Smith) Wilder. Abel Wilder was a descendant of Na- thaniel Wilder, who settled in Lancaster, Mass., in 1630, and was a prominent farmer of Oneida County, where his daughter was born and edu- cated. The marriage of Samuel K. Avery and Aseuath Wilder was solemnized in 1S36 and resulted in the birth of seven children. In 1S47 the family came to Illinois, settling in Kendall County, where two sons, Samuel P. and John F., were born. The parents owned a large farm (one-half section) near Lisbon, Kendall County, and there remained until death; the paternal grandparents also died there. The education of our subject was acquired principally in the schools of Newark and York- ville, 111. When nineteen years of age he began to teach school, which he followed for three win- ters in Illinois and one in New York state. He began the study of law in Rochester, N. Y., with Jesse Sheppard, city attorney, and E. B. Fenner, state's attorney, and later continued to read under A. W. Windett in Chicago. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1876. Immediately afterward he began to practice, establishing his office in Mor- ris, Grundy County. In 1882 he came to Joliet, where for two years he was a partner of J. B. Fithian, and since then has been alone, conduct- ing a general practice of law in its various de- partments. His attention is given unreservedly to his profession, and he is not connected with any secret organizations or social clubs; nor is he active in politics, although a stanch Republican and deeply interested in local affairs. He was married in Laddonia, Mo., to Miss Kate Wilder, daughter of Judge B. H. Wilder. They are the parents of three children: Laura, Wilder and Arthur. INDEX Adler, Jacob 119 Agnew, John 389 Ahlvin, Victor 254 Akin, Hon. Edward C 495 Aldrich, Fenner tiOl Alexander, Henry 480 Alexander, Robert 429 Allen, Chester S 331 Anderson, Swan 258 Antram, Caleb E 581 Arbeiter, George J 143 Arnold, George M 583 Arnold, Hon. John W 89 Ashley, James R 288 Avery, S. P 624 B Backstroni, John E 254 Bailey, Bernard 557 Baker, John C 439 Baldwin, David C 205 Baldwin, H. E 183 Barber, Royal E 31 Barber, William C 33 Barker, Howard S 582 Barr, Charles V 395 Barr, Richard J 4S1 Barrett, David D 462 Barrett, John O 470 Barrett, William F 456 Bates, Albert J 222 Bates, William O 223 Bayard, Ephraim 211 Beattie, James C 576 Beckwith, Albert G 408 Bedford, John H05 Beggs, James W 35 Beggs, Rev. S. R 35 Behrens, Henry 585 Beltzner, August 007 Bennett, Nathan 529 Bennitt, Col. Fred 592 Bensson, Nels 598 Bettenhausen, Conrad C 145 Bieth, Xavier 394 Biggins, James 5X6 Bissell, Martin C 23 Blakely, U. S. G 42 Blim, Charles, M. D 107 Blood, Charles F 487 Booth, Keokuk B .".Oil Bowen, Capt. E. G IIS Bowen, Frank L 239 Bowen, James R 117 Boyer, Hon. Charles E 41 Boyer, Elizabeth 41 Brannon, Londus, M. D 498 Braun, Joseph, Jr 155 Briggs, Col. Albert W 533 Brisbane, Joseph C 478 Brooks, John Y 527 Brossman , Jacob 583 Brown, Elias 497 Brown, Jesse B 570 Brown, J. Stanley 001 Brown, Nathaniel J 134 Bruce, Eben S 504 Bruce, William J 184 Brunson, EHel S 311 Bryant, William H 363 Buck, George A 574 Buck, Werden 549 Burgess, George 401 Burke, Bernard E 187 Burke, Thomas 179 Bush, John E 40 Bush, Joshua 403 Buss, Henry E 98 c Cagwin, Merrilt 62 Calkins, Alfred S 351 Campbell, George M 201 Carpenter, Allen P 383 Carpenter, Mrs. Allen P 383 Carpenter, Henry S 384 Carter, Charles E 359 Caton, William P 577 Chalstrom, John E 255 Chamberlin, Charles G 195 Chamberlin, Oliver S 427 Chamberlin, S. S 195 Christensen, A. H., M. D 022 Christmann, Henry 542 Clark, R. B 014 Clayes, Charles 127 Clement, Arthur C 415 Clinton, Capt. G. 343 Clow, William M 100 Cole, E. P 598 Collins, Horatio 350 Comiskey, John 590 Conant, Andrew E 375 Conant, Lewis 376 Conkling, Charles H 364 Connor, John 608 Connor, William 277 Conrad, John 491 Cook, George B 306 Cook, William 585 Coppage, E. W 496 Corbin, Alfred T 162 Corlett, Hon. John 291 Corrie, William 520 Cotton, Augustus B 004 Cowing, George J 448 Cowing, John C 447 Cromwell, P. I., M. D 47 Currey, Col. John 499 Curtiss, R. J., M. D 545 Cutler, C. E. B 367 Cutler, Jasper Y 424 Cutter, Nehemiah H 87 D Dahlberg, Nils L 251 Daly, John 563 Daly, Thomas 563 Dando, Meshack 567 Daras, Alexandre 273 626 INDEX. Darling, Col. D. H 485 Davidson, Alexander ,538 Davidson, William 122 Davis, George B 334 Davison, William E 551 Day. John 482 Demmond, M. G 423 Dempsey, John J 353 Dempsey, Thomas F 43 Dibell, Hon. Dorrance 51 Dickinson, 0. C 100 Diersen, John W 5SS Dillman, A. Clinton 523 Dittrich, Lawrence 386 Dixon, Thomas 535 Doescher, J. Charles 123 Dougall, William, M. D 188 Douglas, William 130 Drauden. Felton 369 Drew, Hon. Samuel J '_".'.! Ducker, George A 42S Ducker, James 342 Duncan, Dr. S. Finley 142 Dunne, Rev. P. W 458 Dusseau, Joseph V 021 E Eib, Amos 534 Eib, Augustus 499 Eib, George 141 Elwood, Hon. J. G 229 Elwood, Nelson D 22S Elwood, Ward P 245 Erickson, P. A 404 Erik sen. Walter L 622 Eriksson, August 280 Etberidge, Edward 532 Evarts, John 1 44 Fahrner, John, M. D 535 Famam, Lyman \V 80 Feil, John 56 Fellows, Elisha C 389 Ferriss, James H Is; 1 , Fithian, Col. John B 22] Flagg, George W 345 Flick, Joseph 24;; Flynn, John C 582 Folk, J. W., M. D 312 Folkers, Johnson :, 1 - Forkel , Frederick 431 Forsy the, Hon. David Ill Foster, C. P ,\16 Foster, Giles D 405 Francis, A. Allen 61 Francis Family, The 57 Francis, John 4S4 Eraser, Charles E 483 Fraser, Samuel B 298 Frazer, James D 466 Frederick, L. J., M. D 450 Fredrick. John 450 Furhs, Edward 113 G Garnsey, Charles B 595 Giaver, H. M 618 Gifford, Edson 392 Gifford, Willard W 392 Gillett, Abner C 553 Glidden , Stephen 34 Godfrey, Austin 47 3 Goldberg, Maj. Max 407 Goodspeed, Judge F 595 Goodwin, Erwin 565 Gorman, Timothy 330 Goss, George 425 Gotts, Mrs. Mary E 553 Gottschalg, Henry 414 Goudy, Robert 590 Gougar, Lewis F 77 Gougar, William 74 Grant, John A 315 Grassle, Fred 378 Gray, John W 377 Greenwood, Aaron 376 Greenwood, William W 003 Gross, Alexander 218 Groth, Adam 577 Gurney, George F 329 H Hackney, Clement 398 Hackney, Robert H 39s Haley, James 349 Haley, Michael C 547 Haley, P. C 133 Hall, Frank H 1S4 Hallock, Hon. A. B 463 Hamlin, G. B., M. D 4*3 Hamlin, Xorman S 178 Hammond, Lewis J 352 Harting, John 2*4 Harvey. Hon. Jabez 610 Hatch, John A 534 Hausser, Simon 279 Haven, Hon. Dwight 290 Hayden, Daniel 177 Hayden, John 491 Hayes, Gen. P. C 587 Hazelton, Nelson E 548 Heggie, James G 23S Henderson, Judge Hugh 515 Henderson, John D 516 Henry. Jacob A 584 Henschen, Henry 372 Herath, John R 360 Herbert, James B 406 Herschbach , Thomas 117 Hewes, Daniel E 249 Hewes, Rev. Samuel 230 Hibner, John 90 Higgins, Daniel F 391 Higinbotham, Harlow N 210 Higinbotham, Henry D 208 Hilton, A. N 55S Hoag, Asahel 408 Hogan, Stephen F .246 Holberg, Charles 608 Holm, Henry J 161 Holmberg, Rev. G 258 Holmes, Myron P 17S Hood, Dr. Samuel 443 Horton, Joseph P 282 Hostmer, Charles W 441 House, George S 619 Howard, Edgar E 139 Howk, Andrew J 3S8 Hubenet, Frank 47S Hulshizer, William H 371 Hultgreu, S. J 623 Humphrey, Horace 319 Hunt, Mark W 347 Hunter, Thomas R 394 Hunter, William H 3' '4 Hurd, Joseph L 320 Hutchinson, William F 335 I Ingoldsby, Felix 594 J Jackson, Frank 017 Jackson, Col. F. A 455 Johnson, Charles J 259 Johnson, C. P 616 Johnson, Ernest 256 Johnson, Frank A 300 Johnson, Gustav V 252 Johnson, Joseph A 263 Jones, John M 604 Jump. D. W., M. D 401 INDEX. 627 K Keith, Charles W 54] Keith, William F 412 Kelly, Joseph A 500 Kelly, Hon. Thomas J 42(1 Keltie, Howard T 486 Keniston, Hon. Jerry 15(3 Kiep, Philip J 556 Kirkham, John 217 Kirkpatrick, K , M. D 97 Klint, John 253 Knapp, Selah 36 Kobliska, John D 310 Koenig, Henry \V 505 L Labo, Joseph 239 Lambert, Col. John 566 Lane, John, Sr 467 Lanfear, William H 511 Langdon , Thomas 521 Larned, E. R. , M. D VM Larson, Charles A 186 Larson, John 291 Lentz, David H 374 Leser, Henry 573 Lewis, Cyrus A 55^ Lichtenwalter, Henry H 164 Lindgren, Alfred J 477 Lindstrum, N. Peter 189 Linn, W. D. B 521 Longshore, John G 283 Lotz, Hon. Jacob F 227 Love, James W 536 Lundahl, Olagus B 459 Lundstrum, Alick 4~>7 Luth, August G 465 Lyons, William J 202 M McAllister, Capt. Edward... .171 McClellan, Edward R 514 McClintock, Joseph 610 McCowan, William 613 McDonald, Asa 4 .". 7 McDonald Family, The 437 McDonald, John 149 McDonald, Jonathan S 437 McDonald, Leon 437 McGovern, Rev. James J 2(il McKenna, Charles A 421 McMasters, William F 512 McNatnee, Rev. W. J 615 McNaughton, Coll 43:'. McNeill, James K 2(12 Marsh, Frank E 31(1 Marsh, Horatio N 206 Martin, Augustus R 404 Martin, Jesse 405 Mason, Daniel C 166 Mason, Truman A 167 Massey, George 316 Matter, Elton E 86 Matteson, Hon. Joel A 20 Maue, August 522 Mersinger, Philip 501 Miller, James W 358 Milne, Robert 75 Morgan, Erwin C 411 Morgan, Henry W 264 Morgan, William 325 Morrison, Capt. R. J 267 Moss, George B 42 Mount, Hon. John B 513 Munch, Rev. Mother Alexan- der 165 Munch, Ferdinand 271 Munroe, Maj. E. S 1(13 Munroe, George 19 Munroe, Hon. George H 17 Murdie, Andrew 269 Murphy, Hon. E. J 216 Myers, Elias 586 N Neese, Thomas J 130 Newkirk, Frank 599 Newkirk, James E 575 Nicholson, Francis 479 Niver, Morris 519 Noble, Charles A 305 Noel, Abraham G 474 North, Selah P 78 Northam , Leni 591 Norton, Hon. I. C 299 o Ochsner, Albert 273 O'Connell, Hon. John 278 Odell, Rev. D. D 12S O'Donnell, James L 151 Olin, Andrew 25(1 Olson, Charles 257 Osgood, Hon. Uri 601 Owen, Rev. Francis 347 Owens, J. C, M. D 46S Page, Nathaniel 333 Palmer, George 365 Parker, Silas I 420 Patterson, Daniel 612 Patterson, James W 146 Patterson , John P 73 Patterson, Mungo 612 Patterson, Thomas H 28] Peairs, G. M., M. D 469 Pearson, Capt. F. W 373 Peart, Joseph 311 Pease, Sidney B 432 Pedersen, J. A 609 Perkins, A. J., M. D 173 Perry, Joseph F 348 Petty, W. Louis 357 Phelps, Albert 57 Phelps, Egbert 619 Piepenbrink, John O 106 Tilcher, Robert 354 Plant, Francis W 597 Poison, Peter 393 Porter, Hon. Edwin 69 Porter, Harvey B 444 Purdy, Kenneth L 356 Q Quinn, John F 502 R Randall, Albert T 232 Ranft, John 196 Rathje, Henry A 244 Raynor, G. C, M. D 190 Reed, Samuel Benedict 593 Reichmann, Joseph 287 Rhode, Rev. Polycarp 270 Richards, Isaac W 105 Riley, Thomas H 555 Robertson, Daniel 349 Robinson, Christopher C 73 Robinson, Mrs. L. A 73 Rose, Joseph 537 Rose, Samuel 150 Rost, Charles 215 Rowley, Phineas K 585 Rowley, Walter H 597 Ruhe, William 185 Ruland, Acker 325 Rulien, P. G., M. D 260 628 INDEX. Sage, Olin A 409 Savage, Hon. Aoios 303 Schager, Anton 568 Scheidt, Anthony M 366 Scholt, Fred J 112 Schweppe, Herman 10S Scofield, Amos H 193 Scroggs, Joseph C 277 Searles, F. W., M. D 92 Sehring, Fred 509 Sehring, Henry 509 Sehring, Louis J 509 Sennitt, John 3% Shaffner, Ephraim L 537 Sherwood, Mrs. Cornelia M. . .152 Shiffer, William H 321 Shreffler Andrew H 07 Shreffler, John D 70 Shutts, John 234 Simpson, William 323 Skeel, John F 324 Smith, Albert H 612 Smith, Charles C 85 Smith, Mrs. Charles C 85 Smith, Christopher J 340 Smith, Henry B 460 Smith, Horace S 95 Snapp, Hon. Henry 517 Snapp, Henry Douglas 5Si) Snapp, Howard M 518 Spears, William E 366 Speicher, A. S 4">2 Spencer, Herbert W 368 Sprague, Charles N 416 Sprague, Frank 443 Sprague, Thomas J 445 Sproat, Thomas W 410 Stafford, William F 588 Stanner, Thomas B 600 Starr, Abijah R 539 States, Frank, Sr 606 Stauffenberg, Peter 470 Steeu, Hon. William H 101 Stellwagen, Henry 174 Stevens, Hubert A 361 Stevens, Jerome P 529 Stevens, Walter D 54'.i Stevenson, Thomas ~>71 Stoos, Alfred J 451 Stoos, Joseph 438 Stowe, Francis F 530 Straight, Willis A 449 Strong, Albert M 584 Strong, William A 440 Stryker, Frederick R 210 Sundstrom, Charles 252 Sustersic, Rev. F. S 422 Svensou, C. Oscar 572 Swinbank, Thomas 314 Swival, Henry 52S T Tait, Thomas 233 Tengdin, Charles G 272 Theiler, John 237 Theiler, John, Jr 243 Thompson, Maj. J. M 54 Thorp, G. G 589 Tobias, Job M 199 Truby, Henry T 559 Turner, S S 395 Twining, Hiram 006 Tyler, Simeon S 442 V Vance, George L 355 Vauder Bogart, Frank S 322 Vanderhoof, Mrs. Frances M..371 Van Duser, Edward H 440 Van Fleet, Alfred 339 Van Home, Augustus C -V.4 Van Home, Cornelius C 554 Vibelius, Rev. John 260 w Wagner, Anthony 5ii4 Walker, Rev. William B 503 Wall, John F 121 Walsh, James 429 Weed, Miss Frances M 24 Weeks, Judge Charles H 297 Weeks, Horace '.Hi Wenberg, Alfred 596 Werner, E. H., D. D. S 506 Werner, F. W., M. D 140 Whipple, Levi 385 White, Thomas 45 White, William H 128 Whitley, Noah 387 Whitley, Robert 413 Wilhelmi, J. G 611 Wilke, Hon. Frederick 25 Willard, Erastus W 546 Williams, Stephen J 384 Williamson, John 531 Wilson, Edward L 431 Wilson, J. F 603 Wilson, Leonard G 99 Witwer, Clem S ii7 Wood, Willard 250 Woodruff, Charles E 402 Woodruff, George H 29 Woodruff, H. W.. M. D 30 Woodruff, Simeon 419 Woods, Robert M 446 Worthley, H. S., M. D 397 f^ ^-Oc UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA 977 325G286 C001 GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORO OF 0112 025387934 H ■i ■MRMI