USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed. > Part 58
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In 1881 Mr. Norton lost his first wife, and in 1884 he married Mrs. Frances M. Howe. For some time they have made their home in Ravens- wood, and are numbered among its most promi- nent and popular citizens. Mrs. Norton is a lady of distinguished literary ability, having written several books, and contributed many articles to magazines and the leading daily papers. Mr. Norton is particularly fond of music, and is rec-
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W. R. SCHUSSLER.
ognized as one of the best tenor singers in Chi- cago and vicinity. For years he was the leading meniber of the Chicago Male Quartet, which was engaged for various entertainments given in this locality. Mr. Norton takes great delight in out- door sports, especially in bicycle racing, and as far as his business will permit him, encourages and aids in all kinds of outdoor athletic amuse- ments. His time and services are in demand for
conunittee work in connection with such sports, and he has successfully managed a number of important events of this kind. His pleasant, gen- ial manner and many excellencies of character have made him not only a social favorite, but have won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom business relations have brought him in contact.
WALTER R. SCHUSSLER, M. D.
W ALTER R. SCHUSSLER, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon, successfully en- gaged in practice in Orland Park, has the honor of being a native of Cook County. He was born in Bremen Township, March 29, 1868, and is a representative of one of the early families of this community. The family is of German or- igin, and his paternal grandfather was one of the large wine producers of Germany, in which coun- try he spent his entire life. The Doctor's father, George M. Schussler, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1818, and in early life left his native land. He spent some time in South America, from whence he went to California in 1849, at- tracted by the discovery of gold in that State. For three years he was successfully engaged in mining on the Pacific Slope, and in 1852 he came to Cook County, Ill., taking up his residence in Bremen Township, where he spent his remaining days. His time and attention were devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he became the owner of a fine and highly improved farm of two hundred and sixty acres. He was a public-spirited and progressive citizen, devoted to the best interests of the community, and was frequently called upon to serve in positions of public trust. For many years he filled the office of Township Treasurer. He voted with the Republican party, and was a
stanch advocate of its principles. His death oc- curred in 1873, at the age of fifty-five, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Augusta Schultz, still survives him.
The Doctor was the youngest in their family of eleven children, four of whom are still living, the others being Rudolph, of Tinley Park, Brem- en Township; George, a resident of Fulton, Ark .; and Bertha, wife of J. P. Hopkins, of Oak Lawn, Ill. Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, being reared in the usual manner of farmer lads. His early edu- cation, acquired in the common schools, was sup- plemented by study in the Northern Indiana Nor- mal School at Valparaiso, where he remained for four terms. Wishing to enter the medical pro- fession, he became a student in the Bennett Medi- cal College of Chicago, and after completing the regular three-years course of that institution was graduated therefrom in the spring of 1889. He at once opened an office in Orland Park, where he is now engaged in a lucrative and constantly in- creasing practice. Though young in years, he has demonstrated the fact that he is a surgeon of unusual ability, and to a high degree he enjoys the confidence of the public.
On the 27th of January, 1892, Dr. Schussler married Miss Lettie Rust, daughter of Joseph and
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J. M. PARSONS.
Sarah (Gardner) Rust. She was born in Orland Township, and is one of five children. Her father was a native of England. The Doctor and his wife have one daughter, Hazel.
In July, 1893, Dr. Schussler was appointed surgeon of the Wabash Railroad. He is a mem- ber of the Illinois State Eclectic Medical Society,
the National Eclectic Medical Society, the State Board of Health, and the Auxiliary Sanitary Medical Society. His abilities, both natural and acquired, have well fitted him for his chosen pro- fession and are rapidly winning him a foremost place in the ranks of the medical fraternity.
JAMES MONROE PARSONS.
AMES MONROE PARSONS, the efficient and popular Justice of the Peace of Orland Park, who for many years has been officially connected with the history of this community, was born in the old town of Pomfret, Conn., on the 10th of June, 1831. His paternal grandfather was a native of New York, and there spent his entire life. His father, Jacob Parsons, was born in Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., and when about thirty years of age removed to Connecticut, locating in Woodstock. The remainder of his days were passed in eastern Connecticut and western Massachusetts. He was a farmer by oc- cupation, following that pursuit throughout his business career. Having arrived at years of ma- turity, he married Priscilla Barrett, a native of Connecticut, and they became the parents of twelve children, four of whom are yet living, namely: James of this sketch; Sophia, wife of Marcus Dillaber, of Woodstock Valley, Conn .; Julia, wife of Oscar Barrett, of Southbridge, Mass .; and William Henry, who is a resident of Chesterfield, Me. The father was a highly re- spected citizen, and enjoyed uninterrupted good health up to the time of his death, which oc- curred at the age of eighty-five. His wife had passed away many years previous.
J. M. Parsons whose name heads this memoir lived in his native town until twelve years of age, and then accompanied his parents on their re-
inoval to the Bay State, where he remained until he had attained his majority. At that time he started out in life for himself, and has since been dependent on his own resources. The year 1855 witnessed his emigration westward to Chicago, and in June, 1856, he came to Orland, where he has since made his home.
In October of the following year Mr. Parsons was married to Miss Anna M. Cox, of this place, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Pratt) Cox. She is a native of England, as were her par- ents, and when a child of two years was brought by them to America, the family locating in Illi- nois. To Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have been born four children who are yet living: Alice, now the wife of William Ward, of Yankton, S. Dak .; George, also of Yankton; Emery, high chief tel- egraph operator on the Illinois Central Railroad at Chicago; and Alfareta, wife of J. Young, of Chicago. They also lost two children.
When Mr. Parsons came to Cook County he began work as a farm hand, but as soon as his industry, economy and perseverance had secured him some capital, he purchased eighty acres of land and turned his attention to farming. On the Ist of August, 1862, however, he left the plow and enlisted in Company C, of the Eighty- eighth Illinois Infantry, the Second Board of Trade Regiment, and with his command was as- signed to the Army of the Cumberland. He par-
Photo'd by FORDTRAN
OLIVER W. BOURKE
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O. W. BOURKE.
ticipated in the battles of Perryville, Murfrees- boro, Chickamauga, the siege of Knoxville and the Atlanta campaign, and was honorably dis- charged in June, 1865, from the Cumberland Hos- pital of Nashville, Tenn.
Mr. Parsons has been honored with some pub- lic offices, the duties of which he has ever dis- charged with promptness and fidelity. In 1880 he was appointed Grain Inspector of Chicago by Gov. Cullom, and continued to serve in that ca- pacity in an acceptable manner until August, 1893, when he gave way to a Democratic official. He was first elected Justice of the Peace in 1868, and filled that position until 1880. In 1893 he
was elected Police Justice, which position he yet fills. He served for sixteen years, from 1856, as School Trustee, and in 1880 he was appointed Census-taker. Socially, Mr. Parsons is con- nected with the Grand Army of the Republic, and was formerly Commander of D. D. Porter Post No. 715, G. A. R., of Orland Park. He joined Calumet Lodge No. 716, A. F. & A. M., in 1864, and for two years was Junior Deacon. His public and private life are alike above reproach. He is an honorable and upright man and loyal citizen, as true to every trust as when he followed the Old Flag on southern battle-fields.
OLIVER WILLIAM BOURKE.
LIVER WILLIAM BOURKE, one of the well-known and influential citizens of Blue Island, has the honor of being a native of Illinois. His birth occurred near Ottawa, on the 29th of September, 1857. His father, Ulick Bourke, is now a furniture dealer on West Madi- son Street, Chicago, whither he removed during the early childhood of our subject, who was there reared to manhood. On attaining his majority, he engaged in the furniture business in connec- tion with his father, and was afterward employed in the clothing house of Willoughby & Robey. Subsequently he embarked in business for him- self along the same line, and his time and atten- tion were devoted to that enterprise until 1887, when he came to Blue Island and began dealing in real estate. This he still continues. He is prominently connected with various enterprises which aid materially in the growth, prosperity and upbuilding of the village.
Mr. Bourke was married in 1882, the lady of his choice being Miss Nellie Sanders, daughter of Benjamin Sanders, a prominent pioneer of Blue
Island, and the first President of the Village Board. He was also one of the Commissioners who built the court house and county hospital. They are highly respected people, well known in this community, and in social circles they hold an enviable position.
His fellow-townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have several times called upon Mr. Bourke to serve in positions of public trust. He was a member of the High School Board of Educa- tion of Calumet Township, and the public school system finds in him a stalwart advocate. He was a liberal contributor to and aided in the organiza- tion of the Blue Island Public Library. For five years past he has been one of the Trustees of the village, and was instrumental in inaugurating the sewerage system and establishing the electric- light plant. The best interests of the community ever find in him a friend, and he gives of his time and means in support of any enterprise which is calculated to benefit the community or promote the general welfare. In his political views, he is a Democrat, and was President of the Demo-
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ANDREW McCORD.
cratic Club of Blue Island during the campaign of 1892. He is very prominent in Masonic cir- cles, holding membership with Blue Island Chap- ter, Englewood Commandery, Oriental Consis- tory and Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine,
and he is also a Knight of Pythias. As a business man he is successful, his well-directed and per- sistent efforts and his unflagging enterprise win? ning him a comfortable competence.
ANDREW McCORD.
A NDREW McCORD, deceased, was from the early pioneer days of Cook County until the time of his death one of its leading farmers and extensive land-owners. He was numbered among the best citizens of the community, and the record of his life should be given a place in the history of the county. He was born in Palos, Ill., January 31, 1842, and was a son of John and Harriet (Paddock) McCord. The paternal grand- father also bore the name of Jolin McCord. He died during the childhood of his son John, who was then reared by his grandfather, Andrew Mc- Cord, a native of Scotland, and the founder of the family in America.
The father of our subject obtained a good edu- cation, and taught school in Orange County, N. I'., the place of his birth. In 1833, he came to Chicago, where he engaged in teaching for a short time, and in 1834 he secured land in Palos Town- ship, which he at once began to improve and cul- tivate, becoming the owner of one of the best and most valuable farms in that locality. In 1868, he purchased a farm in Gooding's Grove, Will County, whither he removed, but after three years he came to Blue Island, and from that time for- ward lived a retired life. His death occurred on the Ist of March, 1873. In 1839, he married Miss Paddock, who died in Blue Island in the fall of 1882, at the age of sixty-eight years. She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., and came to Cook County with her parents in 1834. Her father was a descendant of Robert Paddock, who
was a member of the Plymouth Colony of Massa- chusetts in 1630. He afterward served as Con- stable of Duxbury. His descendants removed to Yarmouth, and thence to Dutchess County, N. Y., from whence they went to Washington County, and subsequently to Onondaga County, N. Y.
Andrew McCord, whose name heads this notice, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and when twenty years of age responded to the coun- try's call for troops, enlisting in 1862 as a mem- ber of Company F, One Hundredth Illinois Infan- try, in which he served until after the close of the war, taking part in many important battles, in- cluding the engagements at Stone River, Perry- ville, Jonesboro, Mission Ridge, Franklin, Atlanta and Nashville. He never missed an engagement in which his regiment took part, being always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the Old Flag and the cause it represented.
After the war, Mr. McCord returned to his home in Cook County, and resumed farming in Palos Township. He was industrious and energet- ic, and his well-directed efforts were crowned with a high degree of success. He became the owner of about one thousand acres of land, and carried on farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. He enlarged liis facilities as his financial resources increased, until he had become one of the leading agriculturists of the community. He was a man of robust constitution, and until his last illness, which continued for about two months, he never suffered from sickness.
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SAMUEL FALLOWS.
On the 27th of February, 1868, Mr. McCord was united in marriage with Miss Frances A. Mc. Claughry, who was born in Palos Township, and is a daughter of Matthew and Catlierine Mc- Claughry. They became the parents of eight children: Catherine, deceased; Sarah; Harriet, deceased; Frances; Jason S. and Ezra J., who are students in the Notre Dame University of South Bend, Ind .; Ira D. and Mary J.
Mr. McCord was a member of the Grand Ariny of the Republic, and in politics was a stanchi Re- publican, who warmly advocated the principles of his party, although he never sought or accepted public office. He was a kind husband and father, a brave soldier, a successful farmer and a useful, public-spirited citizen. He passed away at his home in Blue Island, September 11, 1889, re- spected by all who knew him.
BISHOP SAMUEL FALLOWS, D. D.
B ISHOP SAMUEL FALLOWS, D. D., the subject of this sketch, is an excellent exam- ple of a thrifty and strong British-bred boy, reared upon American soil, amid the inspiring sur- roundings of a young and enterprising nation, furnishing many examples of grand success, and providing opportunities which, if seized and ren- dered helpful, lead on to fortune and distinction. The parents of Samuel Fallows were natives of England, and their ancestors long dwelt in that country. The father, Thomas Fallows, was a cot- ton manufacturer and afterward a farmer. His wife was Anne (Ashworth) Fallows. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Samuel was the ninth. He was born in Pendleton, New Manchester, England, December 13, 1835, and when a boy came to the United States with his parents. He attended the public schools, prepared for college, and at the age of eighteen entered the University of Wisconsin, from which he graduated with honors in the year 1859. He tlien accepted the offer of the Vice-Presidency of Galesville Uni- versity of Wisconsin, and taught there successfully for two years, after which he resigned his position in the University and became pastor of tlie Method- ist Church at Oslikosh, where his eloquence soon made him famous as an orator.
At the outbreak of the war, Mr. Fallows felt
that his place was at the front, and accordingly became chaplain of the Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry; but after remaining in the South a short time he resigned and returned home. He was not satisfied with the measure of aid he was rendering the Union cause, and in full possession of the spirit of conflict, he resolved to become an active par- ticipant in the great struggle for freedom. From the graduates and students of the various institu- tions of learning in Wisconsin, he organized the Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry. Such a body of educators and students-praying men-was a new feature in the army, and it was nicknamed "The God and Morality Regiment." It acquitted itself with honor in many trying places during its pe- riod of service in Tennessee. James L. High, a well-known Chicago lawyer, afterward Adjutant of the Forty-ninth Wisconsin, and also Adjutant- General of one of the Missouri brigades, was a private in this regiment; also ex-United States Senator John C. Spooner, of Wisconsin. After this service, Mr. Fallows became Colonel of the Forty- ninth Infantry, and held important military offices in Missouri. He made a bright record in that State, where guerrilla warfare gave him great op- portunities to do good work for the Union, and was brevetted Brigadier-General "for faithful and meritorious service." He was mustered out of the
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SAMUEL FALLOWS.
service in 1865, and returned to the pursuits of peace when his country no longer needed his aid. Years afterward, the surviving members of the Wisconsin regiments, including the Fortieth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth and Fifty-second Infantry Regiments, remembering his gallant deeds on the field, made the Colonel, then Bishop Fallows, President of their organization. For several years he was Department Chaplain of the Illinois Grand Army of the Republic, and is now a member of the Veteran Union League and Chaplain of the Loyal Legion. He was also for several years Chaplain of the Second Infantry, I. N. G., one of Chicago's favorite military organizations.
Col. Fallows' retirement from the army left him at liberty to resume his religious work, and a short time after his return to Wisconsin he be- came pastor of Summerfield Methodist Episcopal Church of Milwaukee, and afterward of the Spring Street (now Grand Avenue) Methodist Church. While serving this church he was appointed by Gov. Fairchild to the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and was afterward twice re-elected to the same office, which he filled for nearly four years. In 1873, Lawrence University conferred on him the degree of Doc- tor of Divinity. He was for six years Regent of the University of Wisconsin. The chair of Logic and Rhetoric in this university, which was afterward offered him, was declined on account of his preference for pulpit work. In the follow- ing year he was elected President of the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, graduating two classes in two successive years, and organizing the Law Department of the University, now one of the foremost in the State .:
In 1875, Bishop Fallows left the Methodist Church with the best wishes of his ministerial brethren, and responded to a call from St. Paul's Reformed Episcopal Church of Chicago, of which he became rector. The congregation at that time worshiped in the old frame structure at St. John's Place and Lake Street. Since that time several removals have been made, and now the church has a fine house of worship at the corner of Winches- ter and Adams Streets, valued at $60,000, and the society is one of the wealthiest and best known in
this city. A fixed pew rent is paid by those only who can afford it and seats are free at the evening service. In 1877, Mr. Fallows became Bishop Fallows in the Reformed Episcopal Church by election, and since that time has been four times elected Presiding Bishop.
Besides being a teacher, a soldier and a preacher, Bishop Fallows has done much in the field of lit- erature, and is the author of "Synonyms and Antonyms," a "Progressive Supplemental Dic- tionary," "The Home Beyond," "Bible Story," "Young American Annual," and "Webster's Encyclopædic Dictionary," and in odd hours not otherwise occupied he writes numerous articles for the leading magazines. For a number of years he ably edited the Appeal, which was the western organ of the Reformed Episcopal Church. He was one of the original members of the General Committee having all the World's Congresses in charge, and was afterward appointed Chairman of the General Committee of Educational Congresses of the World's Congress Auxiliary of the World's Columbian Exposition, and is now President of the Board of Managers of the Illinois State Reforma- tory at Pontiac. He is also President of the Peo- ple's Institute, an organization having for its ob- jects entertainment, education, philanthropy and patriotism It was organized something over a year ago, and in that time has been very success- ful, its hall being crowded on all occasions. It is the intention of the managers to replace the old political wigwam by a structure costing between $65,000 and $75,000 when complete. Of this amount, James M. Banks has already contributed $10,000 in donation of leasehold.
The building, which is now being rapidly erected, will be four stories high, and the revenue from the store and society rooms will be applied to the support of the institution. The commercial and higher branches will be taught for a small tuition fee, and a cooking-school, a sewing-school and a gymnasium will be features of the institution. There will be a large free reading-room, which will be open to all. Besides these, there will be clubrooms and social rooms for the people.
In 1860, Samuel Fallows married Miss Lucy B. Huntington, daughter of the Rev. Dr. William
Photo'd by W. J. Roor
MRS. WILLIAM GODWIN
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WILLIAM GODWIN.
P. Huntington, and a niece of the Rt .- Rev. F. D. Huntington, S. T. D., Bishop of Central New York. Four children have been born to them, namely: Helen Mary, Edward Huntington, Alice Catherine and Charles Samuel.
Bishop Fallows' church claims the greater part of liis attention, but it can be seen that his uni- versal genius for affairs makes it possible for him not only to fill a pułpit, write voluminousły, at- tend to educational and reformatory work, but also to build an institution for the educational and
social elevation of the masses, with whom he is in sympathy and close touch. For nearly twenty years he has been one of the best known inen in Chicago. His whole time is devoted to useful labor, and while others are recreating he seems to employ his leisure in preparation for more active labors and greater achievements. His philan- thiropic labors have been successful, and in his re- ligious work he is well known throughout the country.
WILLIAM GODWIN.
ILLIAM GODWIN is the competent su- perintendent of Wahl Bros.' extensive brickyards in Blue Island. He was born in Hiworth, Wiltshire, England, December 1, 1841, and is a son of Thomas and Martha (Zil- wood) Godwin. In 1844, the father bade adieu to friends and native land and, with his family, sailed for America. He made his first location in Pittsburgh, Pa., but after a few months removed to Virginia, settling near Wheeling, where he was employed as an engineer in a fire-brick factory. He continued in that business until his death, which occurred on the 7th of March, 1844, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His widow still survives him, and yet makes her home near Wheeling.
The subject of this notice is the eldest of their six children. His educational privileges were ex- tremely limited, as he attended school for only about six months. At the early age of six years, lie began working in the Sligo Rolling Mills, of Pittsburgh, where his parents then resided. At the age of te11, lie began work in a brick-yard, as molder's assistant, and as his fidelity was made manifest, he was gradually promoted to more in- portant duties, and eventually became superin- tendent of the works.
In the spring of 1861, Mr. Godwin joined the "Panhandle Grays," a West Virginia militia or- ganization, with which he served three years, guarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and oth- erwise keeping open means of communication and transportation for the Union army. At one tinie, he participated in a two-days chase of Gen. Mor- gan, on the latter's raid into Ohio, but did not catch up to him until after his capture by the reg- ulars. Part of the time his company was attached to the Fourth, and part of the time to the Fifth, West Virginia Regiment. Though he did not participate in any hard-fought battles, he saw inuch service and endured many hardships, thus proving his fidelity to his adopted country.
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