Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed., Part 61

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

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WADE ERRETT.

ADE ERRETT, the popular editor of the Blue Island Standard, was born in Alle- gheny City, Pa., on the 24th of July, 1850, and is a son of John W. and Eliza A. (McGary) Errett. The former was a native of New York City, and his father, Henry Errett, was a Scotch- Irishman, who married an English lady. The mother of our subject was born near Burlington, Vt., but her father was a native of the Emerald Isle.

By trade John W. Errett was a printer, but in later life became a minister of the Christian Church. His brother, Rev. Isaac Errett, was one of the most renowned preachers of that faith, and established the Christian Standard of Cincin- nati, which he published for many years. The father of our subject was in charge of several churches through the Western Reserve, and be- came a warmı personal friend of James A. Gar- field, whose funeral sermon was preached by Isaac Errett. The year 1861 witnessed the ar-

rival of John W. Errett in Illinois. He located in Monmouth, and afterward purchased a farm in Henry County, but his last days were passed in Columbus, Iowa, where his death occurred Sep- tember 15, 1871, at the age of fifty years. His brother, Hon. Russell Errett, was for many years editor of the Pittsburgh Commercial, and for three terms represented his district in Congress.

Wade Errett was the fourth in a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living. He acquired his educa- tion in the public schools, and in 1867 left home, going to Pittsburgh, where he learned the printer's trade in a book and job office, the same in which his father had learned the business. He after- ward worked in the office of the Pittsburgh Com- mercial, edited and controlled by his uncle, and in 1877 he emigrated westward. Locating in Galva, he purchased an interest in the News at that place. Subsequently, he came to Chicago and became traveling agent for the Chicago

471

F. H. SICKEL.

Newspaper Union, continuing with that company in different capacities until 1890, when he came to Blue Island and bought an interest in the Standard, of this place, becoming a member of the firm of Errett & Volp. Under their able management this paper has become one of the fixed institutions of the village, and receives a liberal support from the citizens of this locality.

On the 19th of October, 1882, Mr. Errett mar- ried Miss Lydia Lennora Kelsey, daughter of Norton and Elizabeth L. Kelsey, of Galva. To them have been born six children, namely: Al-

bert Wilbert, Wade, Clyde, Irene, and Lennora and Edwin, twins. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, and the children are still under the parental roof.

Mr. Errett is a member of the Odd Fellows' society, is an independent thinker and writer, and is an accommodating and genial gentleman, who wins friends wherever he goes. He takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and is recognized as one of its valued citizens.

FERDINAND HENRY SICKEL.

. ERDINAND HENRY SICKEL, proprietor of the Calumet Steam Laundry of Blue Island, was born in Chicago, on the 13th of March, 1864, and is a sou of Henry and Ernstine (Zam- mauck) Sickel, early settlers of that city and na- tives of Germany. In 1853, the father came to America with his parents, Diedrich and Christina Sickel. The former died of cholera, during the ravages of that scourge in 1854. He had been a prosperous farmer in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and was highly educated, being well versed in seven languages. Meeting with some financial reverses he came to America with the hope of retrieving his lost possessions, and soon after arriving in Chicago was engaged on the Staats-Zeitung. The family of Diedrich Sickel numbered five sons and three daughters. The eldest were Henry and Charles, twins. The latter, a cattle and horse dealer, was killed by an engine at the Union Stock Yards in 1887. August, deceased, was a con- tractor and dealer in paints. Theodore and Otto were for many years successful market-gardeners in Lake View, and are now well-known real-estate dealers. Julia is the wife of Frederick Hoffman, of Chicago. Caroline is the wife of Fred Kack,

of Chicago. Fredricka completes the family. The mother died in Chicago in 1884, at the age of seveuty-five years. She was noted for her in- dustry and energetic efforts to better the condition of her family.

Henry Sickel, father of the gentleman whose name heads this record, was about nineteen years of age when the family came to Chicago. For some time he worked as a newsboy, carrying the Staats- Zeitung. He was employed in an ice business, and at intervals assisted his mother in a market- garden which she carried ou at Halsted Street and Center Avenue. In 1861 he was employed in building a distillery at Clybourn Place Bridge, and when it was finished obtained employment therein. His faithful and efficient services soon attracted the attention of his employer, and he was promoted to a better position, eventually becoming head book- keeper of the concern, in which capacity he served until November, 1892, when he was prostrated by a stroke of paralysis, from which he has never fully recovered. He has always been a man of regular habits and strict integrity, serving the interests of his employer rather than his own. He has always been a steadfast Republican, and has been a del-

472

J. P. PAXTON.

egate to State and local conventions, and was once the nominee of that party for Alderman in his ward.

Mrs. Ernstine Sickel came to America from Sommerfeldt, Saxony, in 1856 with her parents, Christian and Elizabeth Zammauck. Her mother is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. To Henry and Ernstine Sickel were born five children: Emma, wife of Henry Plinke, of Dundee, Ill .; F. Henry, of this sketch; William, who went to Leadville, Colo., in 1888, and has never been heard front since; Agnes and Ella.

Ferdinand Henry Sickel graduated from the Newbury public school at the age of sixteen, af- ter which lie attended the Chicago Central High School for a time. He then began sign-painting and decorating, but the business proved injurious to his health, and in 1886 he went to California, where he worked on a fruit ranch for a time. La- ter he engaged in a tea and coffee store in San

Diego, and subsequently carried on a branch store for the same firm at Santa Barbara. He was employed as hotel clerk in the West for a time, but in 1891 returned to Chicago and became as- sistant book-keeper with his father. After the illness of the latter he was made head book-keeper, and thus served until July, 1893, when, desiring to engage in business for himself, he resigned his position and purchased the laundry in Blue Island which he still conducts.

Mr. Sickel was reared in the German Lutheran Church, with which his parents are still members. He belongs to Columbia Council No. 7, R. L., and in politics is a supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party. Having inherited the industrious habits and honorable principles which distinguished his progenitors, and possessing the true American spirit of prog- ress and originality, he is rapidly achieving the success which his efforts richly merit.

JAMES P. PAXTON.

C AMES P. PAXTON, a retired farmer of Eola, Il1., is a native of Fountain County, Ind. He was born in the year 1831, and is the youngest of twelve children. His parents, Thomp- son and Cynthia (Potts) Paxton, were natives of North Carolina. Thompson Paxton was born January 23, 1783; his wife, Cynthia Potts, Jan- uary 16, 1790. They were married March 6, 1816. Four years before their marriage Mr. Paxton served as a soldier under Gen. Jackson, in the war with the Creek Indians. A brother, Col. James Paxton, served as a soldier, and died in the battle of New Orleans.

Soon after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pax- ton, they moved north to Maury County, Tenn. Here he worked a small farm in connection with the cabinet-shop which he owned.

Having made a good beginning in life, and de- siring to get as far away from slavery as possible, lie determined to push his way still further north; so in 1830, he and his family moved to Fountain County, Ind., and there carried on farming on a larger scale until 1834, when he went to Du- Page County (at that time included in Cook County) I11., and there made a claim to a tract of land, probably over six hundred acres, and the next year brought his wife and children and settled at this place, with a log cabin for their first palatial residence in Illinois. In a few years he built a substantial frame house. In 1874 his son, James P., moved this structure off, and erected a larger frame house of modern design.

Thompson Paxton was Colonizationist in his views on the negro question, and also a strong

473

EDWARD WILSON.

Abolitionist. He was the only man in Cook County that voted for James G. Birney, tlie anti- slavery candidate. Mr. Paxton kept a station of the famous Underground Railroad, and frequently assisted in effecting the escape of slaves. His house was a place of public worship, and for years was open every Sunday for Sunday-school. The first Congregationalist Church of Batavia was organized at his home, althoughi he was a strict Presbyterian until his latter days, when he united with the Christian Church of Batavia.

Mrs. Paxton died March 19, 1853, and from that time on till his death, September 12, 1859, Mr. Paxton made his home with his youngest son, James.

Our subject was reared on his present farm, and received a common-school education. At the age of nineteen he took charge of the home- stead, and has managed it ever since. His father deeded him one hundred and eighty acres of land, and after his death James paid the other heirs a sum of money for their interest in the homestead. Since then he has bought about two hundred

acres more. He deeded a portion of his farm to lıis eldest son, and now owns about two hundred and sixty-five acres, located six miles northeast of Aurora.

Mr. Paxton has been thrice married. His present wife was Miss Nettie M. Olmsted, a na- tive of Canada. She moved with her parents to Kendall County, Ill., in 1856. They were mar- ried in Aurora, March 26, 1868. By the first marriage there is one child living, Frederick E. By the present marriage there are four children: Nellie L., wife of L. S. Hill; Edward S., Jae E. and Roy N.

Mr. Paxton is a Republican in politics, and has served as Assessor and School Director. He belongs to the Big Woods Church of Christ, which is undenominational in principle, but Con- gregational in form. His first wife, Emeline McFarren, was a native of Whitehall, N. Y., and came to DuPage County with her parents. They lived in Bloomingdale Township. She was mar- ried July 5, 1856, and died October 31, 1859.

EDWARD WILSON.

DWARD WILSON, a leading farmer of six months he was employed on a farm in that Worth Township, residing on section 7, is locality, and then rented land in York Township, Du Page County, and sent for his parents and the other members of the family. both widely and favorably known in Cook County. A native of the Emerald Isle, he was born near the city of Omagh, County Tyrone, Accordingly they embarked for the New World, but the vessel in which they took passage was shipwrecked and obliged to return to Belfast, so they did not arrive in the United States until June, 1854. In 1859, they purchased a farm in Palos Township, Cook County, but after paying $800 thereon they abandoned it. In 1861, they purchased forty acres of land in Worth Town- ship for $15 per acre, and this tract is still owned by our subject, although he has extended the December 26, 1836. His parents, Robert and Susan (Graham) Wilson, were both of Scotch descent. Upon his father's farm he spent his boyhood days, and in the common schools ac- quired his education. At the age of seventeen he left home and came to America. For a few weeks he remained in New York City, working in a spice and coffee mill, and on the 3d of July, 1853, he arrived at Downer's Grove, Ill. For

474

ANDREW BURGLAND.

boundaries of the farm from time to time by ad- ditional purchase. Robert Wilson here spent his remaining days, his death occurring on the 17th of June, 1865, at the age of sixty-seven years and three months. His wife never recovered from the shock and exposure incident to shipwreck, and died in Du Page County, December 26, 1854, at the age of fifty-two years. Both were members of the primitive Methodist Church. Their fam- ily numbered four children: Eliza Jane, who came with her brother Edward to America and is now living at Englewood; Edward of this sketch; Johnson, a prominent farmer of Worth Town- ship; and Charles, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Homer Township, Will County.

Edward Wilson still resides on the old home- stead and now owns three hundred and ninety acres of rich and arable land. The once wild prairies were transformed into rich and fertile fields, and excellent improvements have been made, until the place has become one of the model farms of the community. A part of the land lies in Palos Township, and thereon are raised hay, potatoes and grain. In addition to his farm in Cook County, he also owns land in Will County.

On the 28th of December, 1869, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Magdalene Lendrum, daughter of James and Magdalene

Lendrum, of County Tyrone, Ireland. Mrs. Wilson was born at Dromore, Ireland. Six chil- dren were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, namely: Edward Lendrum, at home; Eliza Jane, who died at the age of seventeen; Magdalene, who died at the age of fifteen; Susan Maria, who died at the age of twelve; Robert James, at home; and Sarah F., who died in in- fancy. The other three children now deceased passed away within a week of one another, all being stricken with diptheria.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are num- bered among the highly-respected citizens of the community. In politics he is a Republican. He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lin- coln, and has since supported the party with which he now affiliates. He has served as Road Com- missioner and filled other offices in Worth Town- ship, yet he has never aspired to political prefer- ment. When he arrived in Chicago, Mr. Wil- son paid out the last dollar he possessed to a teamster for carrying himself and sister to Down- er's Grove, but is now one of the most substantial citizens of Worth Township. His success is due to temperance, industry, frugality and good judg- ment, and his prosperity is certainly well deserved.

ANDREW BURGLAND.

A NDREW BURGLAND, who is engaged in the manufacture of packing pails in West Pullman, as a member of the firm of Burg- land & Shead, was born in Jonkoping County, Sweden, on the 28th of March, 1846, and is a son of John and Anna Christine Burgland. He was reared upon the old homestead farm, spending the days of his boyhood and youth midst play and work. During the summer months he aided in

the labors of the field, and in the other depart- ments of farm work, while in the winter season he attended the public schools, receiving a fair edu- cation. He lived in his native land until twenty- two years of age, when, in 1868, he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the New World. He first took up his residence in Moline, Ill., where he sought and obtained a position in a pail factory, being thus employed for six years. On

475

W. R. LIBBY.

the expiration of that period he went to Bay City: Mich., where he engaged in the same business. Six years later we find him in Defiance, Ohio, where he established a pail factory in company with F. J. Shead, his present partner, carrying it on for eleven years.

In January, 1894, Mr. Burgland came to West Pullnan, and on the formation of the firm of Burg- land & Shead established the pail factory, which is now numbered among the leading industries of this place. About one hundred workmen are employed in the shops in West Pullman, and they also have a branch factory at Cairo, Ill., where employment is given to thirty men. The capac- ity of the former is thirty-five hundred pails per day, and they enjoy a well-established business, having an extensive trade, which is constantly in- creasing.

Mr. Burgland resides at Hyde Park. He was married in 1871 to Ellen Nelson, a native of Swe- den, and to them have been born four children who are yet living, all daughters, namely: Ellen Julia, Anna, Belle and Maud. One son, Andrew, died in infancy. The parents of our subject came to America in 1867, and located in Moline, Ill., where they still reside. For fifty years they have traveled life's journey together, and on the 24th

of June, 1894, the worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding. They had a family of five sons, of whom Andrew is the eldest; Swan is engaged in business in Moline; Oscar is a lumber contract- or of northern Michigan; Otto is engaged in the jewelry business in Osawatomie, Kan .; and Au- gust is a jeweler of Osage City, Kan.

Mr. Burgland of this sketch was reared in the Lutheran Church, but at present is connected with no religious organization. He is quite a prominent Mason, and belongs to Defiance Com- mandery, K. T .; Lake Erie Consistory of Cleve- land, Ohio; and the Order of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership with the Royal Ar- canum and the National Union. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republi- can party, and although he is not a politician he is actively interested in the growth and develop- ment of his party. He began life in America as a common laborer, but before leaving Moline he was receiving the highest wages paid in the pail factory at that place and has steadily worked his way upward, until he is now at the head of a large factory. He has made the most of his opportun- ities in life and may truly be called a self-made man.

REV. WENTWORTH ROSCOE LIBBY.

EV. WENTWORTH ROSCOE LIBBY, pastor of the Universalist Church of Blue Is- land, is well known in the ministry, especially of his own denomination, and is now recognized as a leading citizen of this community. He was born in Mohanas, in the Parish of St. Stephen, Charlotte County, New Brunswick, on the 4th of May, 1852, and is a son of Ellis and Abbie (Tut- tle ) Libby, the former a native of New Brunswick, and the latter of Maine. The family is of Eng-

lish origin, and was founded on American soil by John Libby, who came from England about 1630, settling on Richmonds Island, now in Cumberland County, Me. He became one of thé leading planters of that locality. His birth occurred in 1602, and he became the father of a family of eight sons and four daughters. His descendants in direct line were Anthony; Jacob, who was born in Hampton, N. H .; Samuel, born in Rye, N. H .; Jacob, born in Epsom, N. H .; Jacob, a native of

476

C. B. LANE.

St. Stephen, New Brunswick; and Ellis, the father of our subject. The second Jacob served in the Revolutionary War and became one of the orig- inal proprietors of the town of Machias, Me. He afterward became one of the first settlers of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The third Jacob was a farmer and luniberman, as was his son Ellis. The latter died in New Brunswick in February, 1879. His widow still survives him, and is living in Fairfield, Me. She is a daughter of Reuben and Polly (Kendall) Tuttle. Mrs. Tut- tle was descended from one of two brothers, Thomas and Aquilla Chase, who emigrated from Cornwall, England, to America, locating in Hamp- ton, N. H. Those in direct descent from the lat- ter were Thomas, Roger and Stephen. The last- nanied had a daughter who became the wife of Gen. William Kendall, of Fairfield, Me.

Wentworth R. Libby, whose name heads this record, acquired his early education in the public schools and in the preparatory school in Wilbra- ham Academy of Massachusetts. He thence went to Tufts College, from which he was graduated in 1892. Four years previous he was graduated

from Tufts Divinity School of Medford, Mass., and in 1891, while in college, was ordained as a minister of the Universalist Church. He won the degrees of A. B. and B. D., and having practical- ly completed his course of study in 1891, he ac- cepted the pastorate of the First Universalist Church of Blue Island, his present cliarge.

On the IIth of May, 1880, Mr. Libby was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Moore, daughter of George and Charlotte Moore, of Moore's Mills, New Brunswick. Their union has been blessed with one child, Marion Kendall, born May 2, 1888. Mr. Libby is a member of the Manufacturers' and Mechanics' Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F., of Lewiston, Me .; Rabboni Lodge No. 150, A. F. & A. M., of Lewiston; and Elm Chap- ter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Blue Island, Il1. He is a thorough student, and an earnest and attractive speaker, his sermons being logical and ably delivered. His present church has been his only charge, and during the three years which he has here passed he has won the respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

CHARLES BAXTER LANE.

HARLES BAXTER LANE, a prominent farmer of Worth Township and a representa- tive of one of the honored pioneer fam- ilies of Cook County, was born near Bombay, Washington County, N. Y., October 26, 1831, and was a son of De Witt and Amy (Baxter) Lane, both of whom were natives of the Empire State. The grandparents were Joseph and Amanda Lane, the former a Scotchman by birth, while the latter was a native of the Emerald Isle.

In the spring of 1834 the family started west- ward, and on a sailing-vessel made the journey around the Lakes to Cook County. They took

up their residence on section 13, in Worth Town- ship, building a log cabin, in which they lived for some time. A few years later they removed to "Lane's Island," in the same township, where was erected another log house and a blacksmith shop, in which Joseph Lane carried on black- smithing until his death, which occurred in 1839, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife survived him about fourteen years. De Witt Lane was called to the home beyond May 28, 1852, at the age of forty-six years, six months and seventeen days, and his wife died in 1849, aged thirty-four years. He became the owner of a large and val-

477

J. Q. WHITE.

uable farın, and also bought and sold numerous tracts of land. For several years he dealt in live stock, and carried on quite an extensive business for those days. He was a valued and highly re- spected citizen, and his loss was deeply mourned throughout the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lane were born four children, namely: Cliarles B .; Stephen Mede, who died in childhood; Theo- dora A., wife of Isaac Mason, of Chicago; and Mary, wife of Almon Schimmerhorn, of Florida.

Mr. Lane of this sketch received little school- ing but that obtained in the school of experience. He was only three years old when brought to Cook County by his parents, and amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared to manhood, becoming familiar with all the hardships and trials of pioneer life. Upon his father's death he took charge of the old homestead farm, which he still owns. Under his careful management it has been thoroughly tilled and improved, and the rich and fertile fields now yield to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He breeds some fine horses and Jersey cows, and altogether has one of the finest places in the township.

Mr. Lane has been twice married. He first wed- ded Julia Sturtevant, who died a few years later, April 6, 1864, aged twenty-eight years and sev- enteen days, leaving three children: Charles De

Witt, now of Denver, Colo .; and Stephen M. and Hiramı F., both of Chicago. For his second wife Mr. Lane chose Isabella Moss, daughter of Thomas Moss, an early settler of Bachelor's Grove. Mrs. Isabella Lane was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. Her father was born in England and her mother in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are the parents of five living sons: Thomas William, Joseph Levi, John Gilbert, George Elmer and Jesse Eli. The first son, also named Thomas William, died at the age of eighteen months and eleven days.

In his political views, Mr. Lane has always been a Republican since casting his first Presiden- tial vote for John C. Fremont. He is a pleasant gentleman, whose home is noted for its hospi- tality, and having spent almost his entire life in Cook County, he is here both widely and favora- bly known. When he first came to the West, the Indians were far more numerous than the white settlers of Cook County, and the work of progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun. All kinds of game were very plentiful, and Mr. Lane was a successful hunter and trapper. Chicago contained only two hardware stores, and other business in proportion. An honored pioneer and leading agriculturist, no one is more deserving of repre- sentation in this volume than Charles Baxter Lane.

JOHN QUINCY WHITE.

OHN QUINCY WHITE was a native of born in Virginia, February 2, 1801, acquired his Ohio, born in Columbiana County on the education in that State, and during the greater part of his life engaged in teaching school. He was a man of broad and cultured mind, and was very successful as a teacher. In his family were twelve children, namely: Rhoda, Mary, John, Sarah, Pleasant, William, Amanda, Luther, Thomas, Ruth, Martha and Eliza. The last died at the age of twelve years. Only Thomas 7th of April, 1828. The family was proba- bly of Irish descent. The paternal grandfather lived in Virginia for some time, and in 1820 re- moved from the Old Dominion to the Buckeye State. He took with him a number of slaves, to whom he gave their freedom after reaching Ohio. Thomas White, the father of our subject, was

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed., Part 61

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