Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed., Part 52

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

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For twenty years the Colonel has been a înem- ber of the Third Presbyterian Church of Chicago, but the family are now communicants of the Congregational Church of Blue Island. He holds membership with George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., and with the Masonic fraternity, and

40 ]

R. L. JAMES.

in his political views is a Republican. Immedi- ately succeeding the great fire of Chicago, he was active in the organization of an informal relief committee for the purpose of caring for the desti- tute and homeless. He also organized a force of special police for the restoration of order and sup- pression of rioting, authorized by the Citizens' Committee. The city, however, was soon after placed under martial law by the United States

Government, and the force was disbanded. In business affairs, Col. Ray exercises keen fore- sight, sound judgment and ready decision. To the possession of these qualities, together with a determined will and excellent executive ability, may be attributed the unvarying success of the numerous enterprises with which he has been identified.

ROBERT LEE JAMES, M. D., B. S.

OBERT LEE JAMES, M. D., B. S., one of the wide-awake and progressive citizens of Blue Island, now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine, was born in Morris, Ill., on the 5th of September, 1865. His parents were Elisha B. and Sarah (Evans) James. His fa- ther was of Welsh descent, and the family was founded in America by ancestors from that country who came to the United States during early Colo- nial days. Elisha B. James was born in Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1843. His wife is also a native of the Buckeye State, and her residence in Illinois dates from 1848. Both still make their home in Morris, where Mr. James is engaged in farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale, being recognized as one of the leading agricultur- ists of that community.

Dr. James, after attending the public schools, became a student in the Morris Normal and Sci- entific School, and later pursued the scientific course of study in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, from which he was gradu- ated in 1888. He then went to Oberlin College, where he took a special course of study With the desire of entering the medical profession and making its practice his life work, he gained admission to the Chicago Homeopathic College. He graduated from that institution with the de-

gree of M. D., and also graduated from the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago with the same degree. He received the degree of B. S. on the completion of his course in Valparaiso.

During his vacations Dr. James engaged in prac- tice with Dr. Beebe, of Chicago, as his assistant, and thus gained a practical as well as theoretical knowledge of medicine, so that when he came to Blue Island in 1891, it was not as an unskilled physician. He here began practice with Dr. E. C. Reed, and on the Ist of January he bought out his partner, succeeding to the entire business, which has since steadily increased. He is now enjoying an extensive practice.

On the 31st of December, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. James and Miss Jessie E. Butler, a native of Hancock, Mich. Their union has been blessed with one child, Earl Butler. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Ar- canum, the Knights of Maccabees, a member of the Board of Health of Blue Island and of the Chicago Medical Society. He exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never sought political preferment for himself. He is a thorough-going scholar, and ranks among the most successful young physicians of Cook County. He gives

408

C. H. STILES.

special attention to surgery, being well fitted for that work botlı by education and inclination. Since coming to Blue Island Doctor and Mrs.

James have made many warm friends, and their presence is considered a desirable addition to the leading social gatherings in the community.

CHARLES HENRY STILES.

HARLES HENRY STILES, a prominent stock-breeder, and business man of Wheaton, was born at Cazenovia, N. Y., on the 10th of April, 1849, and is a scion of the oldest and best New England blood. His first ancestor in this country was Robert Stiles, who came from Yorkshire, England, and settled at Rowley, Mass., in 1639. Joseplı Dalton Stiles, grandfather of the subject of this notice, was a native of New Hampshire, born at Keene in 1798. He married for his second wife (the first having died at a very early age) Desdemona Wadsworth, and lived at Cazenovia, N. Y. Here was born his son, Ly- man Harkness Styles, who took for a helpmate Miss Martha Dobbin, a native of Catskill, same State. To them were born three children, the first of whom died in infancy, the third being lie whose name heads this article. When the latter was twelve years old, his parents died, and he passed the succeeding eight years of his life as a member of the family of Virgil Maro Armour, a cousin of Philip D. Armour, the noted Chicagoan.

C. H. Stiles attended the common schools the allotted time for farmer lads, and early displayed an energy and business capacity which gave promise of a useful career. At the age of twenty years he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he en- gaged in business with his brother-in-law, Levi W. Hart, under the firm name of Hart & Stiles. They manufactured cigars, and kept a drug store and livery stable for two years. The capital em- ployed in this way by Mr. Stiles was inherited from his uncle, Adoniram Dobbins, a prominent liard- ware merchant of Geneva, N. Y. Subsequently,

Mr. Stiles spent three years in the United States railway mail service, and had charge of the first white mail car sent out on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. At the expiration of liis term in this service, he engaged in selling pools and bookmaking on races, and has since been associated with most of the great racing events in this country. It is no uncommon thing for him to handle $100,000 in a single day's racing. He is now a member of the firm of Bride & Stiles, formerly Bride, Armstrong & Stiles, which controls the privileges on the principal tracks of America, having just closed a contract for ten years on the Mexican circuit.

Having resolved to engage in the breeding of fine trotting animals, Mr. Stiles purchased in 1890 one hundred acres, a mile north of Wlieaton, which he has fitted up with all the conveniences and requisites for that purpose, and now makes his home there. He is the owner of "Elect- wood," No. 17,004, by "Electioneer," No. 125; dam "Amrah," by "Nutwood," No. 600, one of the finest specimens of "Electioneer" stock, and numerous other finely-bred horses. He has not spared money, and, with his opportunities for selecting winning strains, he can not fail to de- velop some of the fastest steppers in the country. His farm and stables compose the home of one hundred handsome and aristocratic blooded ani- mals. He is interested in the new regulation mile- track adjoining his farm, a great resort for Chi- cago horsemen, which will hereafter be the scene of interesting trotting events. The farm also furnishes a breeding-ground for game chickens

409

F. V. H. MINARD.

and fine dogs-Scotch Collie and English Fox Terriers-to which Mr. Stiles gives considerable attention.

Socially, Mr. Stiles is a most genial and affable gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to meet. While he is deeply interested in racing and stock-breed- ing, he is capable of conversing intelligently on other topics, being possessed of an interest in general affairs and a progressive and enterprising spirit. He is a member and stockholder of the Northwestern Breeders' Association and of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Stiles is, no doubt, the youngest soldier who saw two years' active service in the Civil War. He enlisted in July, 1863, in Company B, Fifteenth New York Cavalry, and served un- der Gens. Sigel, Hunter and Sheridan, taking part in every battle and all the campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley. The horse he rode in the Hunter campaign was one of three that came back in our lines out of thirteen hundred starters, which not only shows that it was a hard campaign on men and horses, but also shows that Mr. Stiles was a

good forager and horseman. He was a member of Custer's famous division, the only cavalry division that ever received a distinctive badge from tlie Government, which consisted of a red necktie, worn at the Grand Review in Washington, in June, 1865. Immediately after the last-named event, Mr. Stiles was discharged as a supernum- erary non-commissioned officer, his regiment hav- ing been consolidated witlı another.

In 1889 occurred an interesting and important event in the life of Mr. Stiles, when he took for a helpmate Miss Della E. Burt, a native of Liv- erpool, England, and a daughter of an Episcopal clergyman, Rev. Dr. Lionel Jerome Burt and his wife, Henrietta Evangeline, nee Westreff. Mrs. Stiles is an amiable and accomplished lady, who takes an interest in church and society matters, and presides over the hospitable home of her hus- band with grace and ease. Their residence oc- cupies a high and healthful site, overlooking the little city of Wheaton, and is the abode of quiet elegance and refinement.

FRANCIS VAN HORN MINARD.

RANCIS VAN HORN MINARD, a retired farmer, now living in the village of Blue Is- land, has by a well-spent life and systematic business methods won a competence that ena- bles him to lay aside business cares and spend his declining days in rest from labor. He was born near Prattsville, Greene County, N. Y., Novein- ber 14, 1833, and is a son of Elisha and Persis (Van Horn) Minard. His parents were natives of Columbia County, N. Y., and the Minard fam- ily is supposed to have been of Irish origin, while the Van Horns are of Dutch descent. The father of our subject was a son of Joshua and Zipporah (Bowles) Minard. The former, who was born in

1765, followed farming near Hudson, N. Y., and had a family of two sons and two daughters.

In 1841, Elisha Minard emigrated with his family to Cook County, Ill., bringing most of his goods in wagons. He settled upon a tract of wild land in Bremen Township, for which he had previously traded eastern property, owning there two hundred acres, which is now in possession of our subject. His death occurred on the old homestead at the age of fifty-one years, in1 1845. His wife, who survived lıim for some time, de- parted this life in Lee County, Ill., about 1860. In their family were the following children: Will- iam Hubbard, now deceased; Henry H., of Free-

410

F. T. E. KALLUM.

port, Ill .; George Wellington and Julia Maria, both deceased; Mary Eliza, deceased, wife of James Luce; and Francis V., who completes the family.

The educational advantages which our subject received were those afforded by the district schools. He was a child of only twelve years when his fa- ther died, but remained at home, and at the age of sixteen took charge of the farm, which he suc- cessfully operated for many years. He after- wards bought out his brothers' and sisters' inter- ests in the place, becoming sole owner. It is still his property and yields to him a good income. In 1889 he came to Blue Island, and has since lived a retired life.

On the 24th of November, 1855, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Minard and Miss Margaret L. Gilson, who was born in Bremen Township, and is a daughter of Dexter Gilson, one of the pioneers of that locality. Their children were as follows: William Arthur, now deceased; Dexter

G., Millicent M., wife of Irving Patrick, of Will County, Ill .; Nellie L., deceased; William W. and Willis W., the former of Chicago, and the latter deceased; and Wellington and Winnifred, twins, the former deceased, and the latter at home. The mother of this family was called to her final rest June 8, 1877, at the age of thirty-eight years. On the 26th of October, 1882, Mr. Minard was again married, his second union being with Ag- nes J. Patrick, daughter of Walter Patrick, one of Cook County's pioneers.

Mr. Minard is an advocate of Republican prin- ciples, having warmly supported that party since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fre- mont. The family attends the Congregational Church. He is a public-spirited citizen and an accommodating neighbor, whose genial manners win the esteem and good-will of all who know him.

FRITHJOF T. E. KALLUM.

RITHJOF T. E. KALLUM, who is con- nected with the Chicago Title and Trust Company, and makes his home in Blue Island, was born in Dramen, Norway, July 31, 1863, and is a son of Julius and Louisa (John- so1) Kallum. His father served for twelve years in the Norwegian army, and was also in the Gov- erninent employ as a surveyor. In 1865 he bade adieu to his friends and native land, and with his family sailed for America. After living for four years in Chicago, they took up their residence in Washington Heights, and the father aided in the survey of that town and built the first residence after the town was platted. There he spent his remaining days, being called to the home beyond on the 7th of September, 1873, at the age of forty- nine years. His widow still resides at the old

home. Their children were: Carrie, wife of Jacob Woldenberg, of Washington Heights; Gummil and Bertha, both of whom are engaged in teach- ing in that place; and Frithjof of this sketcli.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of Washington Heights, completing the pre- scribed course of study at the age of eighteen. Later he attended the Metropolitan Business Col- lege, of Chicago. On leaving the public schools, he started out to earn his own livelihood, and se- cured a position in a paper-box factory, where he worked for about a year. He then became office boy for Justice D. Harry Hammer, with whom he remained for about seven years, during which time he was promoted until he became chief clerk.

Mr. Kallum entered upon his official career on

4II

J. F. SNYDER.

attaining his majority, having been elected Police Justice of Washington Heights. At the age of twenty-three he was made Town Clerk of Calu- met Township, and later was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court of Cook County, serving under Judges Gary, Anthony, J. P. Alt- geld and Brentano. In January, 1891, he re- signed, in order to accept a position with the Chi- cago Title and Trust Company, with which he has since been connected.

On the 23d of February, 1886, Mr. Kallum Was united in marriage with Miss Ada Sorgen- frei, daughter of John and Elizabeth Sorgenfrei, of Blue Island, in which place the lady was born. They had two children, but both died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kallum located first in Washing-

ton Heights, but in 1887 came to Blue Island, and in 1893 he built here a handsome residence, at the corner of Grove and Chatham Streets. -

In his social relations, Mr. Kallum is connected with the Masonic fraternity and with the Royal Arcanum, and attends the First German Evangel- ical Lutheran Church of Blue Island. In politics he is first, last and always a Republican, the party finding in him a most stalwart advocate, ever ready to advance its interests. He is an en- ergetic, capable and successful business man, and all duties of a public nature which fall to his lot are discharged with such promptness, impartiality and good cheer as to inspire the confidence and respect of all concerned.

JOHN FRAZIER SNYDER.

OHN FRAZIER SNYDER, City Attorney of Wheaton, and an able and successful mem- ber of the Chicago Bar, has been a resident of this city since 1871. He is a grandson of Thomas Snyder, who was born in the Mononga- hela Valley, in Virginia, and settled on a farm near Hubbard, Trumbull County, Ohio, about 1830. Thomas Snyder's father, of German de- scent, was stolen from Virginia by the Indians when nine years old and taken west of the Ohio River, where he was held in captivity until he grew to manhood. One day he was sent by his captors across the Ohio River with a pony, to gather up arrows which they had been shooting. He seized this opportunity to make his escape, riding the pony as long as it could hold out to run, and then continuing his way on foot till he reached the white settlements. Thomas Snyder married Rebecca Titus, also a native of Virginia, of English lineage. He died about 1859, being in the neighborhood of seventy years old.

Joshua Snyder, son of Thomas, and father of the subject of this notice, was born in Virginia in 1825, and was therefore but a child when taken by his parents to Ohio. He married Harriet Frazier, a native of that State, and in 1844 came to Illinois, removing thence to Nebraska in 1879. He has been forty-five years a Wesleyan Meth- odist preacher, and has moved from place to place as selected by his conference. He was Chaplain of the Nebraska Senate in the session of 1892-93. He served three years in the Union army during the Civil War, as Captain of Company D, Eighty- third Illinois Infantry, going out under Col. (afterward Gen.) Harding, of Monmouth, and participating in all the experiences of that regi- ment. His wife, Harriet, is a daughter of John V. and Nancy (Veach) Frazier, of Scotch an- cestry.

J. Frazier, eldest of the four children of Joshua and Harriet Snyder, was born at Kishwaukee, Winnebago County, Ill., January 16, 1849. Up

412

D. C. MAHON.

to twelve years of age he passed most of his life at Viola, Mercer County, Ill., and the family was located at Bloomington when the father entered the army. He attended the Normal School at Normal, near Bloomington, and Monmouth Col- lege, and graduated in the classical course at Wheaton College in 1876. He began the study of law under the preceptorship of Col. H. F. Vallette, of Chicago, was later with D. C. & C. W. Nochols, of the same city, and was admitted to practice in October, 1880. His progress at the Bar has been steady, and he now enjoys the emoluments of a large general practice, including law and chancery cases, and has also successfully conducted the defense in important criminal trials. He occupies offices in the Schloesser Block in Chicago, Il1. He served as Police Magistrate of Wheaton for eight years, and was elected City Attorney in April, 1893. His cases are prepared with care, and their trial is marked by legal acumen and alertness, and a reserve of force which conspires to overcome any sudden obstacles, as well as to exhaust the resources of his adversaries.

Personally, Mr. Snyder is a man of large frame and fine physique, and his presence is calculated to attract attention anywhere, and especially to impress a jury, when re-enforced by his keen mentality and able pleadings.

In political associations, he is an ardent Repub- lican, and is not at a loss to account for the faith that actuates him in sustaining this exponent of his ideal in the progress of good government. He attends the Methodist Church, of which his wife is a communicant.

Mr. Snyder became the husband of Miss Frankie Ellen Wheaton on the 14th of August, 1878, and is the possessor and occupant of a happy home on Seminary Street, in the city named for Mrs. Sny- der's fatlier, Jesse C. Wheaton, Sr. Two bright children complete this family circle, namely: Juanita Clemm and John Frazier, Jr. Mrs. Sny- der graduated in the classical course of Wheaton College in June, 1875, and taught six years in the Wheaton High School, being Principal the last three years.

DAVID CRAIG MAHON.

2 AVID CRAIG MAHON, who is now living retired on a competency acquired throughi perseverance and honest toil, was born in County Antrim, in the northern part of Ireland, February 14, 1830. His grandparents were Scotch-Irish, but of them he remembers notli- ing. His father was John Mahon, a native of Scotland, who removed to Ireland with his parents when very young. He emigrated to America with his family in 1842, and remained in New York City a few weeks, after which he came to Chicago. When a short period had elapsed, he took up his residence upon a farm about eighteen miles from the city, situated in

Northfield Township, Cook County. Here he spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was a successful farmer, and left his family in com- fortable circumstances. The mother of our sub- ject, who bore the maiden name of Martha Craig, was a native of County Antrim, Ireland. Her parents were Scotch-Irish, and removed from Scotland to the Emerald Isle at an early day. She was married at her birthplace in 1820, and the children born to this worthy couple were Martha, Mary Jane, Jolın, Elizabeth, David, Agnes and James. Four died in Chicago, and Elizabeth, James and our subject still reside here.

413

D. C. MAHON.

David Mahon was educated in the common schools of this city, and in 1844, at the age of fourteen years, he began to learn the trade of carriage-ironing with Oliver Jellerson. He served this firm five years, and then engaged with the McCormick Reaper Manufacturing Company, with which he continued for two years. In 1851 he entered the employ of the Galena Union Rail- way Company, working in their shops, which were opened at that time; but the gold fever be- ing then at its height, with a friend, he resolved to go to California. They set out from Chicago on the 16th of April, and with a mule-team made the entire journey overland by the usual route, making short stops at principal points for rest and fresh supplies, and meeting with no unpleas- ant experiences. On the 15th of September, they arrived at Sacramento, where they remained for a week, for the purpose of procuring a mining out- fit. Mr. Mahon then went to Grass Valley, a small mining town of about six hundred inhab- itants. Here he worked nine months, digging for gold, when, broken down in health through hard work and constant exposure, he was com- pelled to abandon that labor. He then returned to Sacramento, and after a brief rest, entered the service of Howe & Prudder, manufacturers of wagons, mining tools and supplies. He was made foreman of the works at a very large salary, ow- ing to his great efficiency. The first work per- fornied was to iron two large stage coaches for car- rying passengers between Sacramento and Stock- ton. With this firm he remained two years, when, in the summer of 1854, he embarked for home on the steamer "Uncle Sam," which he left at Panama to cross the Isthmus to Aspinwall. At this point he took passage for New York on the Vanderbilt steamer, "North Star," and New York was made without a stop. He then contin- ued on his way by rail to Chicago, reaching home in June, 1854. Mr. Mahon has never regretted the trip. To him it was not only a source of pleasure, but also of profit in many ways.

Soon after his arrival home, Mr. Mahon re- turned to his old railroad position, which he held until 1863. He was then transferred to the com- pany's shops at Sterling, Ill., and appointed fore-

man, which position he held for eight years, when he resigned in 1871 to accept a better position with the Vulcan Iron Works, of Chicago. Here he had charge of their blacksmith department, and remained with that firm for twenty years, one of its most trusted and faithful employes, who by fidelity to duty won the entire confidence and re- spect of the firm. He has now retired with a competency, obtained through long years of hon- est toil and judicious investments.

The month of June, 1854, witnessed the mar- riage of Mr. Mahon and Miss Mary Ann Adams, daughter of William H. and Maria (Bethel) Ad- ams. Her parents were of English descent, and came to Chicago in 1835, from New York. They lived and died on a farm near the city, and there Mary was born. She had a sister and two brothers: Elizabeth, wife of Charles Harpell; William, who is married and resides in Chicago; and James, who died in this city in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Mahon were born the following children: John, who inarried Jennie Thompson, and has a son Willie; James, who died when six years of age; and Annie, Mrs. Charles Grimm, who died at the age of twenty-two, in 1885. She and her brother lie buried in Graceland Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Mahon attended the Midwinter Fair held in San Francisco, Cal. They left Chi- cago via the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, . March 8, 1894, and returned June 8, 1894. They not only visited the Fair at San Francisco, but Los Angeles, Sacramento, and other points of interest in the Golden State. Mr. Mahon went over the ground traversed during his first resi- dence in California, but found that so many changes had occurred everything was unrecog- nizable. He was greatly pleased, however, with his trip.

Mr. Mahon is a member of Covenant Lodge No. 526, A. F. & A. M .; Corinthian Chapter, R. A. M .; St. Bernard Commandery No. 35, K. T .; and Oriental Consistory. He has taken the Thirty-third Degree, and is very prominent in Ma- sonic circles. He also belongs to the California Pioneers, and takes great interest in regularly at- tending their meetings He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed., Part 52

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