USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 2nd ed. > Part 76
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Settling in Lemont, Mr. Farnsworth began working at the carpenter's trade in the employ of others, but after six months began business for himself and spent the ensuing two years in that line. In the spring of 1885, foreseeing the growth and development of Russell, Kansas, he returned to that place and formed a partnership with J. A. Householder. For nearly four years they were the leading contractors and builders in that town. After the subsidence of the " boom " in the West, Mr. Farnsworth returned to Lemont and resumed
573
RICHARD APPLEYARD.
contracting, to which he devoted himself till 1891, when he became assistant division superintend- ent for the Western Stone Company; but six months later, seeing a favorable opportunity to engage in agreeable business, he bought out J. S. Luther & Son and engaged in the lumber trade, which he has since successfully followed.
He is of a social disposition and is a genial compan- ion, yet fond of study, and withal a thinker. He is a member of the Knights of Pythiias and the Ancient Order of United Workmien. While by no means an office-seeker, or even a politician, he takes more than an ordinary interest in politics and votes a straight Republican ticket.
RICHARD APPLEYARD.
LDER RICHARD APPLEYARD was for many years one of the most useful and in- fluential citizens of Northfield Township. He was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, and his death occurred in Chicago, on the 16th of October, 1892, at the age of seventy-five years. His father, who also bore the given name of Richard, was a Yorkshire farmer. He died in 1836, and in the year 1849 his widow, Mrs. Rachel (Beaver) Appleyard, came with her three sons and one daughter to America. They arrived in Northfield on the 13th of June, and soon after settled on a farm in that township, where Mrs. Appleyard spent her remaining days, departing his life on the Ist of December, 1866. Besides Richard, her children were: Thomas, who died in 1876; William, who now resides in Odebolt, Iowa; and Martha Ann, who is the wife of Joseph Co- croft, and makes her home in California.
Richard Appleyard, whose name heads this record, was reared upon the old homestead in the usual manner of farmer lads, and during the greater part of his business career carried on agricultural pursuits in order to obtain a liveli- hood. Though the educational advantages which he received in his youth were limited, he was an extensive reader, and devoted much time to the study of Scripture, becoming thoroughly con- versant with the Bible, much of which he could quote readily. At an early age he united with the sect known as Disciples of Christ, and be- came profoundly interested in the doctrines of
that church and in doing all in his power to pro- mulgate the teachings of the Gospel. After his removal to Northfield Township, he began preaclı- ing to his neighbors, and organized the society which built a church in the present village of Oak Glen, and continued to hold regular religious services therein for more than thirty years.
In the mean time Mr. Appleyard supported his family by cultivating his farm, refusing to receive any financial compensation for his ministerial services. He labored because of his deep interest in the work and not for any pecuniary benefit. He likewise strenuously declined any fees tendered him for officiating at weddings or funerals, thus giving no one an opportunity to question the sin- cerity of his motives. He labored on untiringly, and his example is one well worthy of emulation.
For a companion and helpmate on life's jour- ney, Mr. Appleyard chose Miss Hannah Wood- worth, who was also a native of Halifax, Eng- land, and by their union was born a family of six children, who, in order of birthi, are as fol- lows: Fannie, now the wife of John Dewes; Eliza, wife of William Dewes; Frank C. and Edwin H., both of whom are living in Chicago; Jennie, now the wife of William Ellis, a resident of Chicago; and Henry Brougham, who is engaged in mer- cantile pursuits at Oak Glen. The mother of this family still resides in Chicago, whither she removed with her husband in 1890.
In this brief notice we have attempted to por- tray only some of the more important events in
574
G. S. BAKER.
the career of one of Cook County's most worthy pioneers, whose whole life is replete with evi- dences of his desire to bring "peace and good- will on earth." The influence of his noble life
will be long felt in the community where most of his years were spent, and his example is one to which his posterity may ever point with pride.
GEORGE S. BAKER.
G EORGE S. BAKER, an attorney-at-law, who occupies an office in the Commercial Bank Building in Chicago, and makes his home in Evanston, has been engaged in legal practice since 1886. He was admitted to the Bar in 1880, but did not enter upon the work of the profession until six years later, when he entered into part- nership with Edwin F. Abbott, with whom he still does business. The firm has won a high reputation, which is well deserved, and enjoys a liberal patronage.
Mr. Baker was born in Bedford Parish, Devon- shire, England, January 15, 1851, and is a son of Charies and Eliza (Dymond) Baker. In 1856, the parents emigrated with their family to Amer- ica, locating upon a farm near Flint, Mich. Our subject was then only five years of age. The family still resides upon that farm, and there George was reared to manhood. He acquired an excellent education. After attending the public schools of the neighborhood, he entered the High School of Flint, and afterwards became a student in the University of Michigan, in 1870, grad- uating therefrom in 1876. He did not attend regularly, his course being interrupted by teach- ing. In that way he secured the means to pay his tuition and meet his other expenses. After being employed as a teacher in the High School of Saginaw, Mich., he again entered the univer- sity, took a two-years course in one year, and by earnest study and close application he successfully passed the examinations with the highest honor, and received one year extra in both French and German. The same day of his graduation he purchased a copy of Blackstone, and at once be-
gan reading law. He also resumed teaching at Paw Paw, Mich., where he remained for three years, when he entered the Law School of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and upon examination was ad- mitted to the senior class. He received his de- gree in May, 1880, and was admitted to practice in Columbus, Ohio.
On the 3d of July, 1879, in Paw Paw, Mich., Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Em- ily C. Andrews, a graduate of the State Univer- sity, of 1875, and a daughter of Dr. Josiah An- drews, a prominent physician of Van Buren County, Mich. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born six children, namely: Josiah A., Rob- ert D., Mary E., Alice L., Roger O. and Lewis. Mr. Baker is a member of the Emanuel Method- ist Episcopal Church, in which he serves as Stew- ard.
On leaving the law school, our subject came to Chicago, and opened a law office, but after about four months he accepted an offer as teacher in McGregor, Iowa. He received a telegram in- quiring if he would take the position, and, con- cluding to do so, he spent two years at that place. Before completing his second year there, a posi- tion was tendered him at Evanston, and for four years he was Superintendent of Public Schools in this place. At length he resigned his position and opened a law office in Chicago.
In politics, Mr. Baker is a Republican, and in 1888 was elected on that ticket to the Thirty- sixth General Assembly of Illinois. He served as a member of the Judiciary Committee, and the Committee on Education, and was the only new member who served on the Committee on Rules.
575
C. P. JOHNSON.
From 1889 until 1892 he served as Village At- torney of Evanston, and in the spring of 1893 was elected City Attorney for two years. While a member of the Legislature, he acted as Chair- man of the Committee on Building, Loan and Homestead Associations, to which he gave con- siderable attention. In his practice he makes a specialty of corporation and real-estate law. He
is thoroughly a self-made and self-educated man. He started out in life for himself at the age of six- teen years, filled with the determination to suc- ceed. He has mastered the situation, and has worked his way up to a position of prominence. Socially, he is a Knight Templar Mason, and also belongs to the Business Men's Association, and the Evanston Club.
C. PORTER JOHNSON.
D PORTER JOHNSON, who has been promi- nent in the political history of Illinois, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the State, makes his home in Chicago. He was born in State Line City, Vermillion County, Ill., August 15, 1866, and is a son of Joseph Simpson and Matilda (Kemper) Johnson, who were na- tives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively.
Our subject acquired his education in Lee's Academy, of Coles County, Ill., and, wishing to enter the legal profession, he began the study of law with W. A. Young, of Terre Haute, Ind. Previously, while working on a farm in Coles County, he had borrowed a law book of Horace Clark, of Matoon, and in reading that volume gained his first knowledge of the science. In 1887 he was admitted to the Bar of Illinois, after having been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Indiana in May, 1886. He was then but twenty years of age, but thorough prepara- tion had made him well fitted for the work he had undertaken. In 1890 he was elected Town At- torney of Lake Township, Cook County, and in 1892 was tendered the nomination for Congress.
On the 21st of August, 1889, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Derelle West, daugh- ter of Capt. Pleasant West, of Georgetown, Ill., a retired merchant and farmer. Mrs. Johnson is a lady of culture and refinement. She was grad- uated from the Chicago Female Academy in 1887, where her time had been devoted to the study of
music and painting. The young couple have a wide acquaintance in this community and are held in the highest regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Johnson takes a very active interest in civic societies, and is connected with various or- ganizations of the kind. He belongs to Dear- born Lodge No. 310, A. F. & A. M .; La Fay- ette Chapter No. 2, R. A. M .; Palestine Council No. 66, R. & S. M .; Chevalier Bayard Com- mandery No. 52, K. T .; Oriental Consistory, S. P. R. S., Thirty-second Degree; and Medina Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also holds mem- bership with Magnolia Lodge, K. P., and the In- dependent Order of Foresters, the Odd Fellows, the Iroquois Club, the Cook County Marching Club, Harvard Club, White Chapel Club, Chicago Hussars, Royal Arcanum and B. P. O. Elks.
In his practice, Mr. Johnson makes a specialty of corporation law. His skill and ability have rapidly won him a liberal patronage, and gained him a place among the leading practitioners of the community. He is also a rising politician, and in 1892 he was elected State Senator for the Second Senatorial District. It was the first time his district ever went Democratic. He was made a member of the committee appointed by the caucus of the Democratic majority in the Senate to make up the standing committees of the Senate, and was a member of the Judiciary and many other leading committees, being Chairman of the Com-
576
C. P. JOHNSON.
mittees on Elections, Enrolled and Engrossed Bills, and Joint Committee on Enrolled and En- grossed Bills.
When the news of the death of James G. Blaine was received, a resolution was passed in the Sen- ate which indicated that the loss of this great statesman was deeply felt in their midst, and also embodicd the sympathy they felt for tlie be- reaved family. When the resolutions were under consideration by the Senate, Mr. Johnson, in terms eloquent and feeling, spoke of the deceased. It was a masterly effort, and has already found a place on the pages of history. He said: "MR. PRESIDENT:
"A spirit goes into eternity with every tick of the clock. Life is as brief as a flower. It is as quick as a dazzling meteor. To-morrow is unknown to us. We are constantly in the shadow of mys- teries. The rich and poor, the high and low, the strong in mind and vigorous in health, are all alike, the weak and helpless, victims of the king of death. He comes at the meridian of day, or in the dark gloom of the night. Prosperity and plenty may be our constant companions, yet we possess nothing that is a shield that can ward off this mighty foe. The symbol of power and au- thority may be in your hand, but the power of king and ruler are helpless in the presence of that mysterious and relentless foe that brings all men to a common fate. Death reckons not place or power. He chooses his subjects from all classes. The poor find in death a friend; the rich, perliaps, a foe. For, 'there is none so rich he must not die; and none so poor he cannot find a grave.'
"But, Mr. President, the grave is not the end of man. This life is but enlarged by death. The weary soul casts off its burden and the liberated spirit finds peace in the presence of its God; for it is written, 'this mortal shall put on immortality.' The influences of our lives do not terminate with death; and the good we do survives as an endur- ing monument, to be cherished by coming gener- ations-a living inspiration to those who follow; for, if it were not so, how pitiful, indeed, would be our existence. But as the stars are bright and beautiful, diamonds in the firmament, brighten- ing the pathway of the children of men, so are
the lives of those who have gone before to those who follow them. Each is an actor in an un- conscious drama of human life, and we could not, if we would, destroy the influences of our lives.
"Mr. President, these thoughts are suggested by the resolutions we are now considering. Many are the names of great men that adorn and em- bellish the history of our country, but none shine forth in brighter effulgence than the name of James G. Blaine, one of the foremost statesmen of this, the greatest century of human history. Elo- quent in speech, vast in resources, he was the acknowledged leader of his party; dictating its policy, he was its greatest defender. In the art of state-craft, few men were his equal, none his superior. He shaped and moulded legislation, and determined the policy of administrations. He enriched and ennobled the history of his country, and his life-work is a great and inspiring legacy, the property of mankind. He charmed men to his side, and by the superior strength of his char- acter, held them with a friendship as strong as steel. Hated by many, and equally feared by those who hated him, he was loved by friends with a devotion unparalleled. Men followed where he led, as did the armies of France their in- trepid leader, Napoleon. Great in victory, he was still greater in defeat, and from the north and the south, from the east and the west, from every section and class will come the tribute: ‘He was a great man.'
"He was a tall tree in the forest of American manhood. He is a standard by which other men will be measured. Fearless in the discharge of his duty, he regarded not the criticisms of his ene- mies. History will justly accord to him a high place among the great men of the republic. The influence of his life will live as a 'bright and shining light even unto the other day,' where history and prophecy will cease, and the brighter dawn of a spiritual reality will appear, to never fade. He loved his country and its institutions, and he devoted the activities of his brain to the good of his fellows. His achievements demon- strated the magnificent possibilities of American institutions, for, unaided and alone, he reached the highest plane of American manhood, Broad
577
BERNHARD MOOS.
in mind and generous in heart, lie was the ideal American. 'He was a great man, a command- ing man, a manly man, a man.'
"But, Mr. President, as an actor in the great drama of American politics he has played well his part, and leaves an imperishable monument that will outlive the memories of kings and presidents. He died in the zenith of his power and influence, loved and revered by a grateful people. Silently
and patiently he awaited the summons of his God, and peacefully fell asleep, surrounded by those he loved, in the sight of the capitol of our nation, where he achieved the greatest victories of his life.
"Mr. President, one of the greatest names of American history will be the matchless name of JAMES G. BLAINE."
BERNHARD MOOS.
ERNHARD MOOS, who is engaged in the wholesale, retail and jobbing business as a dealer in fine cigars and tobacco, has car- ried on operations along this line since 1865, and the firm of J. & B. Moos is now enjoying a fine trade. The life record of our subject is as fol- lows: He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in the year 1843, and is a son of Joseph Moos, who was also born in the same country. Bern- hard acquired his education in his native land and learned book-keeping, to which work he de- voted his energies for some years, being em- ployed in a number of the large business houses of the Fatherland.
In 1861, when eighteen years of age, Mr. Moos determined to try his fortune in America, and emigrated to the United States. On landing from the steamer at New York, he at once started for Chicago, where he secured a position as book- keeper in Lazarus Silverman's bank. There he continued for four years, when, in 1865, with the capital which he had acquired through industry, economy and diligence, he embarked in business for himself as a dealer in cigars. He was first lo- cated at the corner of Randolph Street and Fifth Avenue, but in the great fire of 1871 his store was destroyed. Ten days later he had re-estab- . lished himself in business at the corner of Madi- son and Canal Streets, thus displaying the enter- prise which is numbered among his chief charac-
teristics. In 1873 he removed to the Sherman House, where he continued for eight years, when, in 1881, he came to liis present location at No. 95 Randolph Street. Here he has since contin- ued, having one of the finest houses in the city.
The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Moos was in her maidenhood Miss Carrie Berlizhiemer. Their marriage was celebrated in 1866, and they have two children, a son and daughter; Jo- seph, who was born in 1867, and is now asso- ciated with his father in business; and Mrs. H. Rieser, wife of H. Rieser, manager of a large slaughter-house of this city. The family has long resided in Chicago, and its members are widely known.
The Republican party finds in Mr. Moos a stal- wart supporter, and of the Masonic fraternity he is an honored member. He has taken all of the degrees of that order, and his opinions are con- sidered authority on all matters pertaining there- to. He also belongs to the American Historical Society. Mr. Moos has ever been an extensive reader, and has a most broad and liberal educa- tion. He possesses a fine library, in which are inany rare and choice volumes. In 1887 lie was appointed by Mayor Roche one of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library, was re-appointed by Mayor Cregier, and again in 1893 by Carter H. Harrison. He has thus filled the position for about seven years. He lias been instrumental in
578
M. L. STAPLES.
the building of the new library, as he is the Chair- man of the Building Committee, and devotes two hours of his time daily, unrequited, to the over-
sight of the institution. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and patron. and one ever ready to advance its best interests.
MASON L. STAPLES.
ASON L. STAPLES is a farmer and dairy- man, residing on section 14, Palatine Town- ship, Cook County. He is a man of up- right character and sterling worth, who has the confidence and esteem of all and well deserves representation in this volume. He is numbered among the native sons of Cook County, his birth having occurred in Palatine Township, on the Ioth of December, 1854. His parents, Lyman and Mary (Sutherland) Staples, were both na- tives of Vermont, and in the Green Mountain State resided until after their marriage. They became the parents of a family of two sons and two daughters, all of whom reached mature years. The eldest, Emily, is the wife of John Wilson, a substantial farmer and business man of Palatine. Francelia is the wife of A. H. Foskett, of Chicago. Merritt A. was married and became a farmer of Fayette County, Iowa, where his death occurred. The youngest of the family is Mason L. of this sketch. In 1837, the father removed Westward and became one of the honored pioneer settlers of Cook County, Ill., where he joined his brother- in-law, Mason Sutherland, who had settled here two years previous. At the time Mr. Staples made his settlement, the nearest house to the east was eleven miles, and Chicago was then but a village, while the greater part of the county was but a swamp. He made a claim, and when the land came into the market entered it from the Government. To clearing and improving this tract he at once turned his attention, and at length the task of opening up a farm of three hundred and twenty acres was completed. For about half a century he successfully cultivated that land. He then rented his farm and removed to Palatine,
where the last years of his life were spent in re- tirement. His deatlı occurred December 16, 1890, at the advanced age of seventy-four years, and he was laid to rest in Palatine Cemetery, wliere a neat monument has been erected to his memory. He voted with the Republican party and took quite an active part in local politics. For several years he served as Supervisor, and was Highway Commissioner for a-quarter of a century. Ever true to public and private trusts, hie thereby won the confidence and good-will of the entire community. His wife still survives him and is yet living in Palatine.
Upon the home farmn, Mason Staples spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and the district schools of the neighborhood afforded him his ed- ucational privileges. He remained with his father, aiding in the labor of the homestead, and when he had attained liis majority assumed its management. On his father's death he succeeded to the ownership, thus securing two hundred and forty acres of highly cultivated and improved land. In the fall of 1889, he purchased a tract of land of forty acres, adjoining the corporation limits of Palatine, and, settling thereon, made it a valuable and desirable place. He built a substantial resi- dence and made other good improvements. Both places have flowing wells and are thus supplied with good water. Our subject now devotes his time and attention to the dairy business, and for this purpose keeps on hand about forty cows. He also raises grain and hay to some extent, and by their sale adds not a little to his income.
On the 10th of November, 1876, Mr. Staples was united in marriage in Palatine Township, with Miss Clarentine E. Waters, daughter of
579
WASHINGTON VAN HORN.
Benjamin Waters, one of the early settlers of the county. Their married life was of short duration, she having died June 27, 1878. For many years Mr. Staples remained a widower, but April 4, 1889, he was united in matrimony with Miss Alice E. Lambert, granddaughter of Granville Pech, one of the first settlers of Schaumburgh.
Mr. Staples lias managed liis business affairs
in an able manner, and his practical and progress- ive spirit has gained for him a comfortable com- petence. In politics, he has been identified with the Republican party since becoming a voter. He is now serving his second term as Highway Commissioner, and is an efficient and capable of- ficer.
WASHINGTON VAN HORN.
ASHINGTON VAN HORN is a resident of Ravenswood. A life of industry, crowned with its legitimate fruitage-success-offers an incentive to all to walk in its pathways. Such a life has been that of Mr. Van Horn, and mnuch merited success has been his share. He now has a comfortable home, supplied with many of the luxuries of life, a fitting sequel to earnest, con- stant effort.
Our subject was born in Montgomery County, Pa., February 22, 1840, and is a son of Joseph and Susan (Bryan) Van Horn, natives of Penn- sylvania. The Van Horns were an honored fam- ily in the Keystone State, and the grandfather, Joseph Van Horn, was a wealthy and influential citizen of Berks County. At the age of sixteen years Washington left the East and emigrated to Chicago, where he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade under Kerwin & Darling. With that firin he remained two years, and then worked on what was known as "the red mill," on Canal Street, for a year. He was employed by C. T. Boggs until Ft. Sumter was fired upon.
Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Van Horn responded to the first call for troops, be- lieving it would be a very easy matter to quell the Rebellion. He enlisted April 19, 1861, in Company A, Runsey's Rifles, which afterwards became Company A, Twelfth Illinois Infantry. His service was with the Army of the Tennessee, Sixteenth Army Corps. He has an unsullied
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