Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed., Part 42

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : Calumet Book & Engr. Co.
Number of Pages: 808

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Mr. Peck's habits and manners are wholly un- ostentatious, and he is ever affable and kind to all who may come in contact with him. In the midst of a busy life, full of cares and responsibil- ities, he gives much attention to the amenities of life and has been an extensive traveler. In sum- ever seen, Chicago easily leads all other Ameri-

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can cities in æsthetic development, and stands not far behind such old-world centers of art and artists as Paris, Brussels and Florence."

The stockholders of the Auditorium Associa- tion have caused to be placed in the foyer of the Auditorium a bronze bust of Mr. Peck, upon the

granite pedestal of which has been inscribed: "A tribute to the founder of this structure, from the stockholders of the Auditoriuni Association, in recognition of his services as their President, in behalf of the citizens of Chicago. 1889."

CAPT. JOHN F. STAFFORD.

D APT. JOHN FRANCIS STAFFORD, who was for many years connected with the mer- cantile and maritime interests of Chicago, was born in Dublin, Ireland, August 12, 1820. His father, John Stafford, was a provision mer- chant, and an intimate friend of Daniel O'Connell, the famous Irish patriot. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Mallon.

In the year 1828 the family removed to Port Hope, Canada West (now Ontario), where John Stafford bought and operated a grist, saw and fulling mill. In the following winter he was frozen to death while on the road between Port Hope and Toronto. The next spring his widow moved to Rochester, New York, where, a few years later, her son John began the study of medicine in the office of Elwood & Toby, the former then one of the eminent surgeons of the State, and the latter a prominent physician. Two years later, in 1832, Mrs. Stafford died of cholera, and the son abandoned his medical studies; but he never forgot his mother's counsel and made it the rule of his life, which has always been up- right and stainless.

At the age of fourteen he began life on the great lakes in the capacity of cabin boy on tlie ship "Julia Palmer," of Buffalo, New York. In those days the old custom of serving grog (in this case it was Santa Cruz rum) prevailed, and at eleven o'clock each day the crew had its daily

rations. Being anxious to succeed, young Staf- ford spent several years as a sailor, and gradually worked up to a position as master, which he ac- quired in 1849, at which date he became part owner and captain of the brig "Boston," of Buf- falo. In this capacity he spent three years on the lakes.

In 1851 he settled in Chicago, and engaged in the business of ship chandler and grocer on South Water Street, in which occupation he re- mained nine years. During that time he bought vessels, and in 1860 he owned a fleet of ten. One of these, the brig "Banner," made the voyage from Chicago to Buffalo in four days and two hours. In the year 1859 he purchased a half interest in Sans' Ale Brewing Company. This firm manufactured a very fine quality of ale and supplied the United States Government, under contract, with one hundred barrels of ale daily, for use in the hospitals of the sick and wounded, during the War of the Rebellion1.

Mr. Stafford was a member and principal cap- italist in the firm of Bennett, Peters & Co., then the largest wholesale liquor house west of New York. He sold his interest in tlie two last-men- tioned firms in 1869, and disposed of his fleet of ships the following year, since which time he has not been actively engaged in business. During all these years he had been active in politics, and through this activity became well acquainted with

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all the public men of his political (Republican) faith in the State of Illinois since Richard Yates was elected Governor of this commonwealth. Although often solicited to become a candidate for office, he would never consent, and has held but one political position. During Mr. Yates' term as Governor of Illinois Mr. Stafford was prevailed upon to accept the appointment of Coal Oil Inspector, in order to give the city the bene- fit of his experience and ability in straightening out the irregularities previously prevailing in the administration of that office. This he did in eight months, and promptly resigned. After the great fire of 1871 lie was a prominent member of the Aid and Relief Committee, and contributed liberally to assist the sufferers by that disaster.

It was in a work of vast importance to the citi- zens of Chicago that Captain Stafford most dis- tinguished himself, not only by his steadfastness of purpose, but also by the results of his efforts in a matter which involved the title to millions of dollars' worth of property. In the year 1869 the Legislature of the State of Illinois granted to the Illinois Central Railroad Company the use of the lake shore a long distance south of the Chicago River. The company afterward, in the exercise of its riparian rights, usurped the rights of own- ership over the adjacent portions of the lake and filled up a portion of the harbor, subjecting so much of the lake as it chose to its own purposes. At the time of the passing of the statute providing for the conveyance of an easement to the com- pany, it was held to be illegal by some of the best lawyers, and a meeting of merchants, cap- italists and others was called to take measures to resist the encroachnents of the railroad company. As a result of this meeting, J. Young Scammon, Thomas Hoyne and John F. Stafford were ap- pointed a committee to take proper steps to re- strain the company from exercising riparian rights on the lake front. In pursuance thereof, an injunction was obtained from the lower court, which was sustained, but the railroad company carried the case up until it finally reached the Supreme Court of the United States, and there, twenty-four years after its institution, the case

was decided adversely to the company. One hundred million dollars' worth of property, it was estimated, was thus saved to the citizens of Chicago. While the suit was in the courts, Cap- tain Stafford's colleagues liad died, and he alone had been left to see the end of this famous suit. During all the years of this litigation Captain Stafford had given the case unremitting attention, and expended his money liberally in forwarding the interests of the people, and did it all gratu- itously.

In March, 1854, at Buffalo, New York, Cap- tain Stafford was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Cadwallader, daughter of Michael Cadwallader, City Comptroller of that city, and for many years editor of the Buffalo Journal. It is a noteworthy fact that Gen. Thomas Proctor, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Cadwallader, inducted Gen- eral Washington into the mysteries of Free Ma- sonry. Mrs. Stafford died in 1861, leaving two daughters, Juniata and Minnie, who reside with their father.

Although Mr. Stafford finds no more pleasant place than his comfortable home on the North Side, he has spent much time during recent years in travel, always accompanied by one of his daughters. The summer season of the year was spent in northern resorts and the winter in the South, sometimes as far away as Cuba or Mex- ico. During the year 1888 Captain Stafford and Miss Minnie spent six months in Europe, visiting the home of his childhood (after an absence of sixty-two years), the four quarters of Britain and the principal countries of Southern Europe.

In politics Captain Stafford has been an earnest and unflinching Republican since the organization of the party. He has never been a candidate for office, but has chosen, rather, to help deserving friends to good positions. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian, and for seventeen years has been vestryman of Trinity Church. There is no man in Chicago deserving a larger circle of warm friends, or more highly esteemed for public ser- vices than genial, warm-hearted Captain Stafford, whose fidelity to the interests of the people of Chicago will be long remembered.

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C. M. HAWLEY.

HON. CYRUS M. HAWLEY.

YRUS MADISON HAWLEY was born in Cortland County, New York, in January, 1815. His liberal education, for the times, was received at the Albany (New York) Normal School, under the tutelage of the eminent scholar, Professor Woolworth. His law studies were begun under the guidance of the distinguished advocate, Joshua A. Spencer, of Utica, New York. On coming to Chicago, in 1847, he con- tinued his application until admission to the local bar in 1849, and in 1862, on motion, was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. Says a noted contemporary, "By force of native genius and industry, he directly took a front position in the ranks of his profession." Remarkable indeed was the degree of success which attended his twenty-five continuous years of legal practice here, being annually retained by such opulent clients as John V. Farwell & Com- pany and Field, Leiter & Company; and his profes- sional affiliations being for many years with such legal giants as Senator Lyman Trumbull and his brother, George Trumbull.

In 1869 he was nominated by President U. S. Grant to act as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court for the Territory of Utah, which appoint- ment was, on the 15th of April of that year, unanimously confirmed by the United States Sen- ate. To this new sphere of usefulness he was warmly welcomed, delivering the Fourth of July oration at Salt Lake City the year of his arrival, which was very highly complimented and at once established his ability as a public speaker, in addition to his known superior legal acquirements and the laurel crown of jurist about to be won.

Of the succeeding four years, through which he sat upon the Supreme bench of that polygamy- practicing territory, it would be quite difficult to speak in full justice, but, in the language of two

of his conservative biographers, we may chron- icle, "Among the distinguished persons who have figured in the affairs of Utah, there is none deserving a more respectful notice than Judge Hawley." "Every subject demanding his official attention has been grasped firmly and fearlessly, and his written decisions and opinions upon the various legal issues which have been submitted to his consideration are noted for their soundness, ability and perspicuity."

Taking a firm stand against the Mormon sys- tem, as might have been expected, he encoun- tered the solid antagonism of its united press and public efforts, in which he was made the sub- ject of undeserved censure and even vituperative abuse. But the golden purity of his judgment and decisions continued unsullied by malign tra- ducers, living now in the immortal canons of law of that region, wherein his own bravely sown seeds were among the first and noblest to bear governmental fruit. On all questions involving polygamy or other associated evils, which were a growing menace to these United States, he took the most determined and unwavering stand against further usurpation by, or continuance in the prac- tice of such customs. No more doughty champion of the right has ever thrown down the glove of challenge against Mormon-entrenched hierarchy; for to the subject of this sketch, as much as to any single person, is due credit for the improved pres- ent tone and condition of that territory, 110w ad- mitted to our sisterhood of States.

From among many of his prominent decisions, afterward published in pamphlet form, we make mention of the following: "Opinion of the Su- preme Court as to the Jurisdiction of Probate Courts in the Territory of Utah," 1870; "An Important United States Supreme Court Decision for Utah," 1871; "Arrest of Militia Officers in

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Utah Territory," after 1870; "Militia Officers in Utah Territory, Habeas Corpus Decision," after 1870; "Habeas Corpus Decision of January 28, 1873;" "The Mormons and the Treaty with Mexico;" "A Review of a Decision of the Su- preme Court of the United States," after 1870; "Opinion on the Original Jurisdiction of the Su- preme Court," Supreme Court of the United States, October term, 1873, on appeal.

One of the most memorable acts of Judge Haw- ley in connection with this epoch of his career was his causing the arrest of Bishop Lee, leader of the Mountain Meadow Massacre, who was sub- sequently indicted, tried and convicted, the death penalty being executed upon the very spot of the bloody massacre. Because of such heroic and judicial acts as the foregoing, upon the eve of his departure from Utah-for he liad been too stu- dious in performance of duties to seek subtle means of continuance or preferment in office-his recent friends and associates, made in these few but eventful years, tendered him a dignified but cordial banquet in this formal manner:

"SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, April 8, 1873. "Hon. C. M. Hawley,

"Dear Sir :- Understanding that it is your intention to return to your former home in Chi- cago, we desire to evince before your departure in some suitable manner our appreciation of your character as a citizen, gentleman, and an able, fearless and incorruptible judge.

"We, therefore, respectfully tender to you the compliment of a dinner on the evening of the 1 1th instant, when we may have another opportunity of expressing the esteein, confidence and friend- ship we now entertain and have ever entertained for you in your personal and official capacity."

The foregoing was signed by leaders at the bar, and, upon acceptance, was the occasion of a remarkable gathering, including many distin- guished legal lights, federal functionaries and army officers, which called forth many a brilliant and touching expression of sentiment.

From that post of honor, after some journey- ings, he settled for a time at Washington, D. C., as a copartner of the Hon. A. G. Riddle, where his, by this time, widely voiced reputation brought distinguished and lucrative retention. But the old home by the lakes always held a warm spot

in his heart, and returning to Chicago, he here passed the final years of a worthy life. The vital spark too soon burned out at his substantial resi- dence, No. 5326 Washington Avenue, at ten o'clock in the morning of Wednesday, August 29, 1894.

Aside from pursuits of law, he was profuse in discursive literary outpourings on social as well as legal problenis. Among numerous lectures delivered we find gratifying reviews of those upon these subjects: "What is Life," "Corinne," "The Mutations of Time." He was, at the time of his decease, President of the Hyde Park Phil- osopliical Society. He was very proud of liav- ing been one of the founders, as likewise a most active and able supporter, of the Chicago "Old Tippecanoe Club," before whom he repeatedly ap- peared in edifying contributions, notable among which was a paper in 1891 (afterward published as a pamphlet) upon the Italian Mafia trouble at New Orleans. Therein was furnislied a learned review of the international laws covering the dis- pute, together with the treaty in force between the two countries, which was made the occasion for suitable resolutions. Most feelingly of their recent loss the Tippecanoe Club adopted the fol- lowing resolutions at a regular monthly meeting, held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, September 29, 1894:

"RESOLVED, That the President appoint a committee of three to present a paper expressive of the profound sorrow of the Club for the death of Judge Cyrus Madison Hawley."

The President therefore appointed the following committee: Dr. J. W. Harmon, Henry Sayrs and Rev. W. S. Post.

That committee presented the following report:

"Since our last meeting this Club has met with an irreparable loss in the death of Judge Cyrus Madison Hawley.

"He was one of our most talented and influen- tial members. No member of this Club could speak upon questions which were discussed at our meetings with more force and eloquence. He attended our meetings quite regularly, and always contributed to their interest.

"He was a patriot. Descended from a long line of revolutionary and patriotic ancestors, he was a worthy son of such noble sires.

"He was an able expounder and defender of

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the foundation principles of this Club and of the Republican party. In him were embodied the essential and enduring principles which are the foundation of the prosperity of our government.

"Judge Hawley was a man of great ability. He was a logical and consecutive reasoner. Hi keen intellect enabled him to see the pith and very essence of questions which he discussed, and he always supported his propositions with con- summate skill, force and ability.

"He was the author of many papers which have been published.

"He also left a large number of manuscripts, which the writer of this has read, and they all give evidence of profound study and research and great ability.

"The death of Judge Hawley is a great loss to this Club. We all mourn the sad event. There- fore, be it

"Resolved, That by the death of Judge Hawley, the old Tippecanoe Club of Chicago loses one of its most esteemed and valuable members, and that we all deeply deplore the sad event.

"Resolved, That this report be entered upon the records of this Club, and that a copy of it be sent to the family of the deceased."

It is thus apparent that the subject of this sketch was in political views a Republican, in whose ranks few were more modestly conspicu- ous. An Abolitionist, he lived to see the greatest stain upon national and domestic annals wiped away; an early advocate (i11 1861) of the right and duty of government to issue treasury notes as a circulating medium, as a means with which to meet immediate fiscal governmental demands, he saw that opinion become an established adminis- trational dogma.

What affords a more impressive spectacle than to see one pass away in the fullness of years and fame? Prominent, as lawyer; consummately able, as a jurist; stanch, as a friend; devoted, as husband and father; independent in means ac- quired through channels of laborious honor; surely we may safely leave his memory and his fame to the goddess of impartial hand, who con- siders the consciences, and records for all eternity the deeds of each.

Judge Hawley's charities were dispensed with quiet unostentation, but were none the less very substantial both in amount and judicious selection of the donees. Witness, during his lifetime he

was a periodical giver to the Chicago Presbyte- rian Hospital, the Newsboys' and Bootblacks' Association, and the Protestant Orphan Asylum, his contributions to each of these often amounting to as much as $500 yearly. In his will lie pro- vided for the annual payment to all of said insti- tutions of $500 during the lifetime of two of his immediate relatives, and upon their deaths the whole of liis ample estate is devised in fee to be divided among the said institutions. Who can foresee the amount of good thus accomplished, the suffering relieved and the buds of many noble manhoods forever quickened? Thus he reared a monument in the hearts of unborn thousands who are yet to arise and bless his life and memory.

Judge Hawley was a lifelong Presbyterian in religious faith, having been a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of Chicago, for upward of thirty years. Its pastor, the Rev. Dr. Barrows, preached his funeral sermon in sincerely glowing terms. He was buried at Penfield, New York, beside his deceased wife.

In 1862 he married Sophia Fellows, of Penfield, New York; her father being a lawyer of good abilities, and her grandfather the General Fellows who performed heroic service for the colonies in the Revolutionary War.

Upon her decease, Mr. Hawley, January 19, 1893, married Mrs. Annie Fulton Loomis (a widow), of Chicago, who survives him. Her maiden name was Fulton, the family being of Scotch-Presbyterian descent, one branch of which produced the immortal Robert Fulton, inventor of the first steamboat, successfully launched on the Hudson River in 1814. Her mother was Elizabeth Moore, a daughter of Major Thomas Moore, famed in connection with the War of 1812.

He had two children: C. Myron Hawley, who was admitted to the bar and served his father as Clerk of the Court in Utah, where he untimely died of pneumonia; and a daughter, now Mrs. Charles Bumford, of New York City.

Cyrus Madison Hawley was a son of Lewis and Sarah Hawley, nee Tanner, a daughter of James and Hannah Tanner, nee Hazard, of Newport, Rhode Island, they having been formerly of Huntington, Connecticut, but removing to Solon,

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New York, where they were prominent residents for upward of half a century.

Ascending the lineage in America, we record the following: His grandparents were Joseph and Anna Hawley, nee Lewis, a daughter of Na- thaniel and Ruth Lewis, nee Beardsley, of Hunt- ington, Connecticut. Joseph was a son of Cap- tain Francis and Rachel Hawley, nee Davis, a daughter of John and Sarah Davis, nee Chatfield, of "Great Hill" Derby, Connecticut, residents of Huntington. Francis was a son of Samuel, Jr., and Betliia Hawley, nce Booth, a daughter of Ephraim and Mary Booth, nee Clark, of Strat- ford, Connecticut, who lived at Stratford, and later at Derby, Connecticut. Samuel, Jr., was a son of Samuel, Sr., and Mary Hawley, nce Thompson, a daughter of Thomas and Ann Thompson (nce Welles, of Farmington, Connect- icut), of Stratford, Connecticut. Samuel was a son of Joseph Hawley, "Yeoman and Town Re- corder," and Katherine Birdsey, of Stratford, Connecticut.

The last said Joseph Hawley came to America about 1629 or 1630, from "Parwidge" (now Par- wick), Derbyshire, England, which is a place located about nine miles northwest of Old Derby; he settled upon "Home Lot No. 37," as set off by the "first inhabitants of Stratford, Connecti- cut." Here he died at the advanced age of eighty-seven, his burial spot being still identified by a well-worn slate tablet (an exceptional mark among early New England settlers), on which is yet legible its inscription, "J. H. May 20, 1690."

From a work embodying the results of great labor and research, into which we have been privileged to examine in connection herewith (the volume being entitled the "Hawley Record, 1066 to 1890," a heavy quarto tome), we ascertain that this family is both very ancient and honor- able. The line is of Norman origin; the first Hawley, as appears from the "Roll of Battel Abbey" (that consummate aggregate genealogical tree builded by "The Conqueror," back to whom is traced so much of the good and bad of the past nine hundred years of English history), came into England in 1066 front France with the con- quering King William I. The arms of the Derby (England) Hawleys are, " vert a saltier engrailed argent. Crest, a dexter arm in armor ppr., gar- nished or holding in the hand a spear in bend sinister, point downward ppr. Motto, "suivez moi." The etymology of this patronymic sug- gests itself as a compound of the root words, "haw" and "ley," which might be intelligently interpreted as "A meadow field enclosed by haw- thorns.

Stratford, Connecticut, the ancestral American seat, is situated very advantageously upon Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, which is not only the southwesternmost in that State, but all New England; here the Hawley family has been prominent for many generations. As one au- thority states, "The name of Hawley has stood pre-eminent in the ranks of jurists and statesmen of New England."

ISAAC NEWTON CAMP.

SAAC N. CAMP, one of the prominent busi- ness men of Chicago, who has been success- fully engaged in mercantile pursuits in this city for more than a quarter of a century, is a

native of Elmore, Lamoille County, Vermont, having been born there on the 19th of December, 1831. His ancestors were colonial settlers in the Green Mountain State. His parents, Abel and

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Charlotte (Taplin) Camp, were both niatives of Vermont. The father was a farmer, whose sound sense and good judgment gave him the position of leading citizen among the people of the town in which he lived. For several years he held the office of Postmaster and Town Clerk. He died on the 22d of December, 1890, aged ninety years. In respect to his longevity, he was like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, each of whom lived to a very advanced age. Among other things that came to Mr. Camp, on account of his integrity and financial ability, was the charge of a large tract of land which was left to the Uni- versity of Vermont by Guy Catlin. In connec- tion with the management of this land was a scholarship in the university held by Mr. Catlin, and placed at Mr. Camp's disposal.

Isaac Newton Camp, after the usual course in the common schools, attended the academy at Bakersfield, Vermont, where he paid his board by teaching music. At the age of twenty he entered the University of Vermont, where he made use of the scholarship above mentioned, and in his spare time earned enough money to pay his cur- rent expenses. After four years of hard study, interspersed with a liberal amount of hard work, he was graduated and received his diploma from his Alma Mater in 1856. Soon afterward he be- came assistant principal in Barre Academy, which had been transferred from Bakersfield during the time he was in college. There he taught math- ematics and music for four years, after which he became principal of the High school, at Burling- ton, Vermont, filling that position until he came to Chicago, April 20, 1868.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed., Part 42

Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago : Calumet Book & Engr. Co. Number of Pages: 808

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : Calumet Book & Engr. Co.
Number of Pages: 808