USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed. > Part 62
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478
J. Q. WHITE.
is now living. He resides in Urichsville, Ohio, and is a carriage-maker by trade.
Jolın Q. White acquired his education in the common schools, and under his father's direction. At the age of seventeen he learned the trade of carriage-making, and then went into business in an adjoining town, where he remained until 1861, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the Ninety-eighth Ohio Infantry. He served for about two years, mostly in Ken- tucky and Tennessee, and was then incapacitated by a sunstroke, which so affected his heart that he was unfit for further duty and was honorably discharged. Shortly after his return home he re- moved to Winterset, Iowa, on account of his wife's health. During his residence there, in con- nection with other duties, he was Justice of the Peace, during the years 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1869.
Mr. White was first married in 1851, his union being with Ann Fredenberg, who was born in Ohio, and was of German descent. Her death occurred in Iowa, in 1864, and in 1870 Mr. White came to Chicago, arriving in this city on the 7th of April. For his second wife he chose Mary E. Mayo, who was born in Hampden, Penob- scot, Me., April 28, 1836. Her grandparents came from Cape Cod, Mass., and were of Eng- lish descent. Her parents were natives of Hamp- den, Me. Her father was a farmer, and died in his native city in 1866. In political sentiment, he was a Republican, and in religious belief botlı he and liis wife were Methodists. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Mayo came to Chicago and lived with her daughter, Mrs. White, who, when twenty-eight years of age, came to the West and secured a position as a teacher in the schools of Chicago. She began teaching in Maine at the early age of sixteen years. Her marriage to Mr. White was celebrated September 28, 1866.
On his arrival in this city, Mr. White began working at his trade of carriage-making, which he followed for about two years, after which he began working as a contractor and builder, and during the remainder of his life was thus em- ployed. He was very prominent in Grand Army circles, and on the night of his death was elected
to the highest position in the order, with one ex- ception. In early life he was a stanch Abolition- ist, and when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, lie immediately joined its ranks. He made many speeches in support of his party, especially in Ohio, and was ever one of its earnest advocates. He was also a strong temperance man, and was always found on the side of right and order.
By his first wife Mr. White had seven children, but four died in infancy. Mary Eliza, the wife of Harry C. Ashenfelter, now resides in Spokane Falls; and Joseph and Rodney are deceased. By the second marriage of Mr. White were born two children. Emily Horton is deceased. Clifford Nor- ris, a patent lawyer and draftsman, whose office is located in the Monadnock Building, of Chicago, was born August 25, 1871, and married Edna Horn, a native of Chicago. E. H., who was born February 1, 1868, was a young lady of literary tastes and graduated from the High School of this city. In the winter of 1889 she was stricken with pneumonia, and on the 3d of December passed away. With Mrs. White resides her mother, Mrs. Emily H. Mayo, who was born in Hampden, Me., February 21, 1804. Her ninety years rest lightly upon her, and she still enjoys good health. She vividly remembers many incidents of her childhood. In 1814, she was in the town of Hampden during the battle when the English chased the United States ship "Adams" up the Penobscot River to the city, where Commodore Morris burned the ship in order to keep it from the English, who took possession of the town for a few days. A battle then occurred in front of Mrs. Mayo's home, in which two Englishmen and one American were killed. Mrs. Mayo has nine brothers and sisters now living. Tlie five sisters are all over eighty years of age, and the ages of the four brothers range from seventy-six to eighty-eight years. They are all still actively engaged in business. Mrs. White is a highly respected lady who has many warm friends in this community. She still resides at the pleasant home left by her husband, No 3945 Langley Avenue.
COL. E. D. SWAIN
Photo'd by W. J. Root
479
E. D. SWAIN.
EDGAR DENMAN SWAIN, D. D. S.
DGAR DENMAN SWAIN, D. D. S., is en- gaged in the practice of dentistry at the corner of Randolph and State Streets, Chi- cago, and is prominent in both professional and military circles. He was born in Westford, Vt., in August, 1836, and is a son of Dr. Marcus and Charlotte (Woodbury) Swain. On the paternal side he is of Scotch lineage, and on the maternal side is of English descent. The father became a resident of Oshkosh, Wis., in 1857, and during the war he was appointed Surgeon of the Wis- consin Penitentiary at Waupun. About 1878, he removed to Englewood, Ill., and thence to Glen- coe, where his death occurred at the age of sev- enty-nine. His wife died in Waupun, Wis. In their family were four sons and two daughters: Edgar D. of this sketch; Dr. Oliver D., a resi- dent of Chicago; Marcus W., who was killed in a railroad accident in 1862; George A., who died of typhoid fever in the army in the summer of 1863; and Alice M. and Charlotte, both living.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, and then left home, going to Wor- cester, Mass., where he worked in a machine- shop. He afterward removed to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where, in 1855, he began the study of den- tistry. Two years later he became a resident of Wisconsin and began practice in Oshkosh. Sub- sequently he was engaged in the prosecution of his profession in Aurora, Ill., and in Batavia, Il1.
Mr. Swain watched with interest the progress of events which preceded the Civil War, and after the South had attacked Ft. Sumter, he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union. He raised a company, and on the 22d of July, 1861,
became Captain of Company I, Forty-second Illi- nois Infantry. He was afterward promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, in October, 1863, and in 1865 was placed in command of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. He served until the close of the war, and took part in many important engagements, including the Fremont campaign in Missouri. His was the first regiment to enter Columbus, Ky., and with his company he took part in the siege of Island No. 10, being largely instrumental in its capture. Under the command of Gen. Polk, he then went to Hamburg, Tenn., and aided in the capture of Corinth. The following summer he was employed in guarding railroads, and in the fall was ordered to report to Gen. Buell, of Nashville, remaining with the command of Gen. Negley in possession of that city during Bragg and Buell's Kentucky campaign. After the cessation of hostilities his regiment was ordered to Texas for duty. Dr. Swain was finally mustered out in Springfield, Il1., on the 12th of January, 1866. He was wounded in the left knee at New Hope Church, Ga., and for three months his injury would not permit him to engage in active service, but he saw nearly all of the important campaigns of the war west of the Alleghany Mountains, and was in twenty-seven engagements.
Dr. Swain's connection with military affairs has since continued, and in army circles he is a leader. In 1877, he became Major of the First Regiment Illinois National Guards, and took part in suppressing the railroad riots of that year. In August he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in December, 1877, was promoted to the rank of Colonel, in which capacity lie served for four years,
480
WILLIAM HAHNE.
when he resigned. He has long been a promi- nent member of the Grand Army of the Re- public, served for three years as Commander of George H. Thomas Post, and for two years was Commander of the Department of Illinois. He has also served as Senior Vice-Commander in Chief of the National Encampment, and is a mem- ber of the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
After the war, Dr. Swain began the practice of dentistry in Chicago, and for a time was associated with Dr. Cushing, and afterward with Dr. Noble. Since 1870 he has been alone in practice, and now finds little time for other pursuits. He is an accomplished microscopist and has given much time to the investigation of histology. He was
President of the Chicago Dental Society in 1874 and of the Illinois State Dental Society in 1875. He was also Secretary of the latter for two terms, and was Secretary of the Chicago Octontological Society. At present he is Dean of the dental department in the Northwestern University. The degree of D. D. S. was conferred upon him by the Ohio Dental College in March, 1883.
Dr. Swain was married in 1869 to Miss Clara Smith, who was born in Kane County, Ill., and is a daughter of Benjamin Smith, one of the pio- neers of Chicago. The Doctor is a close observer and careful student, thorough and industrious in all undertakings, and has steadily risen in his profession until he is numbered among the lead- ing dentists of the city.
WILLIAM HAHNE.
ILLIAM HAHNE, a well-known citizen and dealer in agricultural implements in Mattison, Cook County, was born in Han- over, Germany, February 2, 1834, and is one of six children, namely: Emma, Henry, Mary, Frederick Diedrich, William and Louis. Their parents, Diedrich and Marie (Biermann) Hahne, were also natives of Germany. The father died when our subject was about seven years of age, leaving quite an estate to the eldest son, Henry, who was to care for and educate the other mem- bers of the family. With his younger brothers and sisters, therefore, he left his native land and set sail for the New World, landing in Chicago on the 2d of October, 1850.
William Hahne acquired his education in the public schools of Germany. At the age of six- teen he was apprenticed for three years to Will- iam Wayman, a wagon and carriage maker of Chicago. After learning his trade, he worked for John Borman and Mr. Whitbeck, both of
Chicago. In 1858 he embarked in business for himself in Elk Grove, Cook County, where he carried on operations as a wagon and carriage- maker until 1862. In that year he came to Mat- tison and continued in the same business, to which in a short time he added a complete line of agri- cultural implements and farm machinery. About the year 1882, on account of failing health, he abandoned wagon and carriage making, but still carries on the other lines, and is now enjoying a prosperous trade, which is the sure reward of un- tiring energy and straightforward business prin- ciples.
Mr. Hahne was married in the summer of 1858 to Sophia L. Shumacher, daughter of John Shu- macher, a native of Germany. She was born in the same country in 1836. Their children are: John Frederick Henry, who was born in Elk Grove, Cook County, Ill., June 11, 1859, and died January 23, 1865; Dora Maria Berthe, who was born in Elk Grove, Cook County, Ill., Septem-
1
481
NORMAN REXFORD.
ber 21, 1860, and is now the wife of William H. Depke, a grocer of Danville, Ill .; Henrietta D. Marie Enuna, born in Elk Grove April 18, 1862, the wife of Fred Utermark, proprietor of the Mat- tison House, of Mattison, Cook County, Ill .; Marie Caroline, who was born in Mattison, and is the wife of Henry Tueachman, a cigar manu- facturer of Chicago Heights; Willemine Dorethea Mathilda, who was born in Mattison, March 11, 1866, and is the wife of Frank Kort, a baker of Dalton, Ill .; Diedrich William F., who was born in Mattison, November 12, 1867, and is a grocer of Danville, Ill .; Henry Carl George, who was born January 18, 1870, and died October 12, 1880; H. Gus Louis, who was born January 23, 1873, and died December 18, 1874; Caroline Marie Sophia, born in Mattison, February 3, 1874; Anna Sophia Dorthe, born October 23, 1876; and Amanda Marie W. C., born in Matti- son, January 12, 1883. The last three are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Hahne are members of the Ger- man Lutheran Church, and have educated their children in that faith, and have also given them a thorough English education. Mr. Hahne has ever been a liberal contributor to the support of the church. His education was acquired in the schools of the Fatherland when quite young, but
although he never attended the public schools after coming to America, by observation and close application, he has acquired a good knowledge of English. He is an ardent supporter of our pub- lic-school system, and his influence has been thrown into every educational movement. To him more than to any other citizen of Mattison is the public indebted for ten monthis school in each year, not only in the public, but also in the paro- chial schools. As Director or Township Treas- urer, he lias served almost continuously since his arrival in Rich Township.
On the 22d of October, 1856, Mr. Hahne re- ceived his naturalization papers, and in the fol- lowing November he cast his first vote. He has always been a stanch Republican, holding firmly to the principles upon which the organization of this party was based. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for the long period of twenty- five years, that of Notary Public for twelve years, and President of the Village Board of Trustees for four years. To the performance of his duties he has brought an intelligent mind and the right idea of the practicability of a movement. He is true to every trust, and his public and private life are alike above reproach. Happy in a promis- ing family, he has become the possessor of a rep- utation for unsullied integrity of character.
NORMAN REXFORD.
ORMAN REXFORD, deceased, the first permanent settler of Blue Island, and for many years one of its most prominent citi- zens, will be long remembered among the pioneers of northern Illinois for his hospitality and kindly manner. Mr. Rexford was born in Charlotte, Vt., June 4, 1802, and died at Blue Island, March 28, 1883. He was a son of Benajah and Zeruia (Squire) Rexford, who had six children: Ste-
phen, Norman, Isabel (Mrs. Fayette Dickson), Heber S., Elsie Ann (Mrs. Cooley) and Ruth, who died in childhood. Benajah Rexford was born in Wallingford, Conn., June 23, 1780, and died at Westfield, N. Y., March 25, 1862. His second wife, Roxana Ayer, of Stanstead, Conn., bore lıim six children: Wilder A., Betsy L. (Mrs. Daniel Morse), Olive H. (Mrs. Isaac Relf), Louisa A. (Mrs. Thaddeus Ayer), So-
482
NORMAN REXFORD.
phronia H. (Mrs. L. Harmon) and Thomas Ayer.
Benajah Rexford represented the fifth genera- tion of his family in America, being descended from Arthur Rexford, an English ship-master, who was married at New Haven, Conn., Septem- ber 3, 1702, to Elizabeth Stevens. Their eldest son was also named Arthur, and his first wife, Jemima, bore him eight children, one of whom, named Benjamin, served in the Continental army. He married Esther Hall, and they had eleven children, the eldest, Benjamin, being also a Rev- olutionary soldier. The latter married Catherine Rice, and Benajah was the eldest of their six children.
Norman Rexford removed while a young mall to Ripley, Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he was married, January 10, 1828, to Julia Wattles, daughter of Chandler and Diana (Murray) Wat- tles. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Rexford re- moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., and thence, in 1835, he drove by team to Chicago, arriving on the 5th day of June. He first located at Bachelor's Grove, Cook County, where his brother Stephen had preceded him in 1833. A few months later, Norman Rexford located at Long Wood, near the north end of "the island," where he kept tavern in a log cabin of four rooms. In November, 1836, he removed to the present village of Blue Island. A small log cabin had been erected the previous year by a man named Courtney. This was a rude structure, only 12x15 feet, without floor, and was the only building within the present limits of the village. Mr. Rexford proceeded to build a hewed frame building for a hotel. This was sided with boards drawn by team from Pine Creek, Ind., over one hundred miles distant, the lumber cost- ing $40 per thousand. The building stood on the east side of Western Avenue, at the top of the bluff, on or near the site of the present post-office. As the country was rapidly filling up with emigrants, this hotel was well patronized. It was after- wards enlarged, and continued to be a landmark until 1858, when it was destroyed by fire. It was known as the Blue Island House. Many a social gathering was held therein, and many of the pio- neers of Chicago and other points twenty or thirty
miles distant often drove thither to trip "the light fantastic" upon its floor. The fun was frequently continued until morning, many of the guests re- maining to breakfast before departing for their homes. In the spring of the year the prairie roads were often almost impassable. It was cus- tomary with Mr. Rexford to hang beacon lights in the upper windows of the house on dark nights, as a guide to all belated travelers who might be struggling through the mire or the severe storms of winter.
In 1838, a postoffice was established at Blue Island, and Mr. Rexford served as Postmaster for a number of years, during which time his son Fayette carried the mail on horseback from Chi- cago to Buncombe, Il1., a distance of ninety miles, making weekly trips. Letter postage was twen- ty-five cents, and nearly every house along the sparsely-settled route was a postoffice. In 1852, Mr. Rexford sold out the hotel and removed to a farm adjoining the village, where the balance of his days were spent. Most of the farm is now in- cluded in the village, and it has appreciated in value to an extent little dreamed of by him at the time of his purchase. Mrs. Julia Rexford still resides at Blue Island, at the venerable age of eighty-four years. The following is a record of their children: Fayette D. is proprietor of the Centralia House at Centralia, Ill .; Laura A., who became the wife of A. B. Kyle, of Englewood, is now deceased; Clarissa C. is now Mrs. H. H. Massey, of Blue Island; Norman B. is a well- known citizen of that place; Mary D. died in childhood; Julia married James B. Massey, and is now deceased; Susan Mary is deceased; Elizabeth P. died in childhood; and Heber Squire became a prominent citizen of Blue Island, where his death occurred in 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. Rexford were active members of the Universalist Church, and were interested in many benevolent and charitable works. Seldom was a man turned away from their door for want of food or money, although their generosity was sometimes imposed upon. Mr. Rexford never engaged in litigation, or wished to see others do so. It is said that at one time, after trying in vain to adjust a quarrel between two of his neigh-
483
WILLIAM HAMILTON.
bors, he paid the amount in dispute out of his own pocket, rather than see them engage in a lawsuit. In early life he was an active Democrat, but af- terwards became a Republican. A stanch adher-
ent of every progressive movement, it may be truly said that Blue Island owes much of its pres- ent prosperity to the example of public spirit, forethought and enterprise set by Mr. Rexford.
WILLIAM HAMILTON.
ILLIAM HAMILTON, who resides in Bre- men Township, where he is living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves, was born in Ballymolin, County Down, Ireland, in April, 1808, and is a son of John and Mary Ann Hamilton, both of whom spent their entire lives on the Emerald Isle, reaching a very advanced age, the father living to be one hundred and four years old, and his wife to be eighty-six. The year 1822 witnessed the arrival of William Hamilton in this country. He lived for nine years in New York City, where he learned the plasterer's trade, and also engaged in making slate roofs. In 1838 he came West and took up his residence in Bremen Township, Cook County, then an undeveloped and unsettled region. The Indians occupied lands adjoining, and for several years he had only two white neigh- bors for miles around. The family lived in a log cabin, and went through all the experiences of frontier life. In 1850 Mr. Hamilton built the present family homestead, in which he has since lived. He has been a successful farmer and man of business, and increased his landed possessions from eighty to three hundred and twenty acres. As an investment, he early bought city lots in Blue Island, which he subsequently sold at a fine profit, and later made very successful investments in Hyde Park property, which is now owned by his children. In 1879 he retired from active life, and at that time apportioned his property among his children. He is now spending his declining years on the old homestead with his son John, and, al-
though he has reached the advanced age of eigh- ty-six, he still enjoys excellent health. He is one of the honored pioneers of the county, and by all who know him is held in high regard. Since fourteen years of age he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his life has been in harmony with his profession.
In 1837 William Hamilton was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Ann Kelley, of New York City. Her death occurred in December, 1887, at the age of seventy-five years. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are yet liv- ing: William, a resident of Hyde Park; Mary Jane, wife of W. A. Briggs, of Hyde Park; Margaret, wife of John P. Roberson, of Hyde Park; and John, who owns the old homestead in Bremen Township. The fourth child, James G., lost a limb in front of Richmond, Va., in October, 1864, while serving in Company G, Thirty-ninth Illinois Regiment. He died May 7, 1885, aged forty-one years.
John Hamilton was born on the home farm, July 27, 1842. During his boyhood he attended the public schools and Hillsdale (Mich.) College. In 1864, having completed his education, he returned home, and since that time has de- voted his energies to his extensive farming inter- ests. Since 1879 he has liad charge of two hun- dred and forty acres of good land, comprising one of the most valuable farins in this section of Illi- nois, and for the past sixteen years he has made a specialty of the dairy business. He keeps on hand about fifty cows, and has met with excellent
484
JOHN McELDOWNEY.
sticcess in that enterprise. He also raises some fine horses, and is recognized as one of the lead- ing farmers and stock-dealers of this locality.
On the 16th of November, 1882, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Miss Alma G. Lucas, daughter of George and Barbara (Drummond) Lucas, whose family numbers five children, the others being Margaret, wife of W. Hulet, of Bre- men Township; Robert and Arthur, well-known farmers; and Clara L., wife of Dexter Minard, who is represented elsewhere in this work. The father, George Lucas, was a native of the Buck- eye State, but during his boyhood left his Ohio inet with good success. home, and has since resided in Illinois. By oc-
cupation, he is a farmer. His wife is a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and a daughter of James and Margaret (McMartin) Drummond.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born three children, Margaret Florence, Emily Clara and John Emerson, and all are still under the parental roof. In his political views, Mr. Hamilton is a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, and has served as School Trustee of Bremen Town- ship, but has never sought political preferment, desiring rather to give his entire time and atten- tion to his business interests, in which he has
JOHN McELDOWNEY.
OHN McELDOWNEY, one of the honored pioneers of Cook County, has for almost sixty years resided on the site of Chicago Heights, although it was long years after his ar- rival that the town sprang into existence. The history of Cook County as a frontier settlement is well known to him, and the experiences of the pioneer form a part of his record. He was born in Ireland, on the IIth of October, 1811. His father, John McEldowney, and his grandfather, who also bore the name of John, likewise were natives of the Emerald Isle. The mother, who in her inaidenhood was Martha Caldwell, was born in Ireland, and was a daughter of James and Jane (Moorhead) Caldwell. Mr. McEldowney, the father, was a farmer, and followed that occupation throughout his entire life. In 1832, lie crossed the Atlantic to Canada, and in 1836 came to Cook County, Ill., where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring on the 20th of January, 1875. With the Presbyterian Church he held inember- ship. His wife was called to lier final rest March 5, 1861. They were married in 1810, and became
the parents of nine children, namely: John of this sketch; Jane, who was born January 21, 1814, became the wife of Robert Wallace, and died in 1874; James, who was born May 4, 1816, has followed farming throughout his life, and now re- sides in Chicago Heights; Ann, who married John Hughes, and died May 4, 1888; Thomas, born De- cember 1, 1820, a retired farmer living in Chicago; Rosana, born May 28, 1822, and who died May 17, 1845, being the first one interred in Bloom Ceme- tery; Catherine J., born June 15, 1824, the wife of Stewart B. Eakem; Martha, who was born Jan- uary 21, 1827, became the wife of John W. Mor- rison, a minister of Bloom for twenty-five years, and died on the 2d of May, 1894; and Elizabetlı, born July 10, 1829, deceased, wife of john Miller.
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