USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 10
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Martin Conrad was born in Oneida County, N. Y., January 20, 1844, a son of Nicholas and Mary K. (Paul) Conrad. He came to Chicago,
when a young man and grew up in this city during the period of its greatest development. His education was obtained in the public schools, and Lake Forest ( Illinois) University, graduating from the law department of that institution. Since becoming identified with the Peter Schuttler Company and their predeces- sors, Mr. Conrad has filled the position of at- torney and general agent. He is also a director and a member of the advisory board, and has proven himself a careful and valuable coun- selor. He is a man of broad information along many lines, and besides his connection with the Peter Schuttler Company, is the author of many valuable books and monographs, and for many years has been actively and officially iden- tified with some of the state's most prominent institutions.
As a member of the Illinois State Board of Agriculture since 1878, Mr. Conrad has filled the position of president or vice-president al- most continuously since he became identified with that institution, and. as evidence of his fidelity and valuable services, he has again been recently elected vice-president. As trustee of the University of Illinois for two years he filled that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public, and in the discharge of his duties his competency and fidelity could never be questioned. Among his more notable publications are "Forestry and Profit," "Hints on the Law of Contracts," and "Agency and Bailments." These books are unique, carefully written and are valuable additions to any library. Mr. Conrad served as a private in the Civil war in Company C. Thirteenth Wisconsin
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Infantry. After his discharge in June, 1865, he returned to Chicago and again entered civil life.
Mr. Conrad was united in marriage at Ra- cine, Wis., in 1877, with Mrs. Frances A. Os- born, of Chicago, a woman of many admirable traits of character, and they reside at the Hotel Sherman, in this city. Though quiet and unos- tentatious in manner, Mr. Conrad has many warm friends, and those who know him well recognize in him a man of substantial worth whose judgment is sound and sagacity keen. Few men are better informed on important is- sues of the day and few enjoy a higher social standing. In private life he is genial and whole-souled, a delightful host and always a
welcome guest, and under all circumstances he measures up to the highest standards which mark the individual a serviceable factor in the world's work for advancement. He is a member of the Elks fraternity and a member of the George H. Thomas Post, No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Conrad is a man who has never, in the slightest degree, overstepped the absolute bounds of justice, and it cannot be said of him that he ever sought to benefit by the misfortune of others. Ilis humane sym- pathy and charities have brought men to him in the ties of strong friendship, and his record is proof of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
WILLIAM FLETCHER KENAGA.
William Fletcher Kenaga was born December 6, 1835, near Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, and died November 21, 1912, at Kankakee, Illi- nois. He was a son of Benjamin B. and Minerva H. Kenaga, and grandson of Christopher Kenaga. Benjamin B. Kenaga was a wealthy and influen- tial citizen who owned one of the finest farms and rural homes in his county. While he never held public office, he was important in his com- munity, and a factor in the Methodist church. He was the first agriculturist in the county to substitute higher wages to threshers in place of the old system of low wages and the usual dole of whisky. A man of integrity and high char- acter, he was honored and esteemed in his neighborhood. His wife was the daughter of Rev. Samuel and Ann (Smith) Hitt, the former being a Methodist minister during early days at Urbana, Ohio, where Mrs. Minerva II. Kenaga was reared and educated.
Upon the death of Benjamin B. Kenaga, at Janesville, Wis., the family moved, in 1856, to Kankakee County, Ill., where William F. Kenaga and his brothers operated what is now known as the Enos farm, thus continuing until his en- listment in July, 1862, in Company I, Seventy- sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served in all the battles in which his command partici- pated, with the exception of the siege of Vicks- burg, at which time he was on detached duty, and was with his regiment uninterruptedly from his enlistment until April 9, 1565, the day which witnessed the surrender of General Lee to Gen- eral Grant. Upon this same day, Mr. Kenaga .was wounded in the right leg below the knee, and a few minutes later was struck by a minie-
ball in the left ankle, the bone being shattered. He was then in command of Company K, of his regiment, in the assault upon Fort Blakeley, the outer defense of Mobile, Ala. It was told by his comrades that after falling, he rose to his knees and waving his sword, shouted to his men to rush on and not stop till the garrison was captured. From the field he was taken to New Orleans, where he was held three days, and then, receiving a leave of absence, arrived at Kanka- kee, April 23, 1865, reaching his destination un- conscious, and remaining so the greater part of the time until June. In the meanwhile, on May 2, 1865, his left leg was amputated. His suffer- ings had been long and intense, and it was not until late in August, 1865, that he was able to get about on crutches.
For some time after locating at Kankakee, Mr. Kenega was interested in a grain business with bis brother, Samuel C., but after being elected county clerk of Kankakee County, in the fall of 1865, by the entire vote of the county regardless of party, he devoted much of his time to the duties of his office, holding it until 1894, in which year he was made pension attor- ney and afterward engaged in a probate and insurance business. In addition to other inter- ests, Mr. Kenaga became a stockholder in 1874, in the button factory at Kankakee.
In 1866 Mr. Kenaga was married to Miss Annie Sinclair, who was born in 1532 near Geneseo, Livingston County, N. Y., a daughter of John and Margaret (Campbell) Sinclair. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kenaga : William Christopher, Katharine Jean-" ette, and Arthur Sinclair. William C. Kenaga
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was graduated from the University of Michigan and is now manager of Ad-Art Service, of the Scripps-McRae newspaper advertising syndicate of Cleveland, Ohio. He married Elnora Cole, In 1901, and they have two children : William Sinclair Kenaga, born March 29, 1903; and Ar- thur Cole Kenaga, born November 29, 1911. Katharine Jeanette, the second child of Mr. Kenaga's first marriage, was graduated with the degree of A. B., from Lake Forest University and with the degree of A. M. from Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Mass., and is now an in- structor in the history department of the Poly- technic High school of Pasadena, Cal. Arthur Sinclair Kenaga, third child of the first mar- riage of Mr. Kenaga, was graduated from the I'niversity of Michigan and from Rush Medical College, Chicago, and for eight years was in an artive practice at Herscher, Ill., following which he moved to Kankakee, Ill., where he continued In practice until his death, February 26, 1909. Quoting from a contemporary record of Dr. Kenaga, the following gives a true estimate of hls character. "He had a master mind and his professional skill was above the average. He was recognized by his professional brethren as . tw of the Lost physicians in the county, if not of the state. Every man, woman and child in "a part of the county was his friend and his drath causes universal mourning here. Always courteous, always friendly and outspoken, he wielded a strong influence on those with whom he came in contact. His presence in the sick room was an inspiration and many a patient has turned towards recovery simply by the courage he seemed to inspire. He had a brilliant mind and was a master in his profession. His friends loved him for his unvarying cheerfulness, his kindness of heart, his unfailing courtesy, and thoughtfulness for others."
Mrs. Annie Sinclair Kenaga died in 1879 at the age of forty-two years, firm in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Ken- aga's second marriage united him with Miss Nettie M. Sinclair, who enjoyed the distinction of being the first woman county superintendent of schools in the State of Illi- nois, having been appointed to the position by the board of supervisors to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Fred W. Beecher. After serving one full term, to which she was later elected, she declined renomination, her marriage following soon afterward. She re- ceived her education in the college at Geneseo, N. Y. Two children were born of Mr. Kenaga's
second marriage : Mary L., who is Mrs. Frank Gardiner, and Annie Margaret, who is Mrs. Grant Clapperton. The former resides at Chi- cago, Mr. Gardiner being a member of the edi- torial staff of the Chicago Herald; while the latter lives at Kankakee, Mr. Clapperton being the agent for the Chicago, Indiana & Southern Railroad of that city.
During his lifetime Mr. Kenaga served both as deacon and elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Kankakee, to which he and both wives belonged. He was identified with leading fra- ternal orders, being a member of Kankakee Lodge No. 389, A. F. & A. M .; Iloward Lodge No. 218, I. O. O. F .; Kings Forest Camp, M. W. A .; Whipple Post, G. A. R. No. 414 ; Loyal Legion of the United States, Commandery of Illinois ; was a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, of the Grove City Commandery, and of Whipple Post, and held many offices at different times. From 1892 to 1893 he served as vice-commander of the Department of Illinois, G. A. R., and, in fact, from the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, took an active part in its work and maintenance. Mr. Kenaga was one of the leaders in the movement which resulted in the erection of a soldiers' monument in the court- house square at Kankakee. In 1570 he served as chairman of the finance committee having in charge the first commemoration of Decoration Day at Kankakee, and held the same important office in 1885. He not only did much of the work attendant upon the erection of the soldiers' monument at Kankakee, as mentioned before, but was on several of the committees which had in charge the dedicatory services in 1887. An- other act of his which deserves special mention was that of securing marble headstones over the last resting places of the old soldiers. Al- though a law allowing such stones to be placed at the government expense was passed in 1895, no successful efforts were made relative to Kankakee's soldier dead, until the matter was taken in hand by Mr. Kenaga, who carried it through to a successful completion.
Politically he was a Republican, and for years was chairman of the Kankakee County Republi- can Central Committee. From 1901 to 1911, he served as president of the Cemetery Association. In 1896, he was made president of the board of education of Kankakee, and was a member of the board for many years, a portion of the time being its secretary. In 1903, he was candi- date for mayor of Kankakee, but was defeated by the liquor element.
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In commenting on the death of Mr. Kenaga, the Kankakee Republican said, in part, as fol- lows: "The death of Mr. Kenaga marks the passing of one of Kankakee's foremost citizens. While for the past few years he has been in re- tirement, for many years he was one of the in- fluential men of the county. Ilis political strength was so in evidence that on many occa- sions when he sought office, there was no oppo- sition. He was a man of integrity and honor."
The Kankakee Democrat said: "Out of re- spect for the memory of William F. Kenaga, for twenty-four years county clerk, the office of the county clerk was closed this afternoon during the hour of the funeral and the county court adjourned for the day."
The Kankakee Gazette said of him:
"William F. Kenaga was one of Nature's noblemen. His kindly disposition drew all men to him and his largeness of heart and helping hand extended to all who appealed to him made him warm friends without number. Identified from the earliest days of this city and com. munity with all that was best, he leaves a record for well doing that few men approach and none will excel. His death will come as a personal loss to a circle of friends rarely secured to a man, and his life which was a benediction to those who remain, will always be a sweet mem- ory and inspiration to them."
One who knew and loved him, said of this truly good man: "He was honest to a fault, and so honorable in his dealings that his word was never disputed or his conduct questioned. He was modest and adverse to ostentation and publicity, and sought only the kindest and high- est in everything. He was thoughtful for others and never purposely wounded or criticised.
Generous and broad, such men are not easily forgotten. It is a heritage of gracious person- ality that is more to be treasured than riches or spectacular charities or fame." He was al- ways helping others financially, although be asked little in return. At his death, many or- ganizations and fraternities united in paying tribute to his memory by resolutions and at- tendance at the funeral. A most beautiful and touching memorial address was delivered at the funeral service at the First Presbyterian Church on November 27, 1912, and no more fitting end to his biography can be given than the closing remarks of a clergyman, a man who knew well and thereby truly honored Mr. Kenaga,
"Is it any wonder that we all mourn the loss of this good man today, and feel that his like we shall. not soon see again? I cannot close without this brief word of application. Oh, fel- low citizens, members of this church and con- gregation, behold and see the end that awaits us all! And when it comes to the parting of the ways what is worth while as we look back on the way God has led us, or forward to the great eternity which awaits us-what but personal allegiance to God, to country, to home and to church such as was manifest in the life and career of our beloved elder, friend and fellow citizen? What shall avail you and me when the end comes if we are not like him to merit ap- proval on earth in some such words as these : 'He was a good man and after he had served his own generation, by the will of God, he fell asleep.' And from the lips of our Lord and Master in Heaven: 'Well done, good and faith- ful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' "
MARVIN A. FARR.
Without the efforts of the real estate men of any community, it would be impossible for it to attain any prominence, and if this is true of the smaller cities, it is all the more so regard- ing such a center of industrial and commercial activity as Chicago. During the past half cen- tury, its growth has been phenomenal, and its progress has been marked by a series of brilliant efforts on the part of the men who have de- voted themselves to exploiting its advantages in every respect, thus inducing the investment of capital, and the selection of the city as a permanent place of residence. Among those who have achieved more than passing prom-
inence as a handler of realty is Marvin A. Farr, whose record, as an alert and reliable operator in this field, is stainless and enviable. That he stands well with his business associates is a further proof of his ability and integrity, and he is proud of the friendship of many of the leading men of the city. Marvin A. Farr was born in Essex County, N. Y., in 1852, a son of George W. and Esther (Day) Farr, and scion of one of the old representative Massachusetts families, as he is a direct descendant of George Farr, who, with his brother, Thomas, settled in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629. The line of descent is through both Thomas and George
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(1), Stephen (2), Stephen (3), Stephen (+), Stephen (3), Randall (6) and George W. (7). On the maternal side Marvin A. Farr is de- scended from Anthony Day, who came to Gloucester, Mass., in 1635. The lineage runs as follows: Anthony (1), Nathaniel (2), Ben- jamin (3), Jonathan (4), Jonathan (3), and Bezallel (6), Mrs. Farr having been a daugh- ter of Bezaliel and Celinda (Day) Day. The ancestors of Mr. Farr in all branches were among the earliest settlers in this country, hav- ing emigrated in the seventeenth century. George W. Farr, the father of Marvin A. Farr, came west in the fifties, and located at Grand Rapids, Mich., where he engaged in the lumuber and mer- cantile business. His death occurred there in 1563, when he was fifty-five years old. His wife dled several years ago, aged eighty-three years.
Marvin A. Farr received his early educational training principally in private schools, and at Carroll College, Waukesha, Wis., supplementing these Instructions by private lessons and exten- sive traveling in the United States and Europe. After being graduated from Carroll College in 1871 he began his business experiences as an employe of H. H. Porter and James B. Good- tuau of Chicago, who were then engaged in a real estate and lumber business. Later he be- (smur A member of the firm of James B. Good- than & Co., and in 1892 he embarked in a real estate business for himself. He was also man- ager of the West Chicago Land Company, oper- ating extensively in subdivisions of west side suburban property. For over thirty-five years
he has been actively engaged in the realty busi- ness at Chicago, specializing on handling subur- ban and manufacturing properties. He has long been a member of the Chicago Real Estate Board, and has served as its president. While devoting himself to real estate, he has found time to become interested along other lines, and is now a director of the Chicago Title & Trust Company, and is connected with several corpo- rations. He is an active member of the Chi- cago Association of Commerce and is a member of the Chicago Plan Commission. His social con- nections are with the Union League, Midlothian . Country and Kenwood clubs, in all of which he has filled various offices, and was president of the last named club for two years. In pol- itics he is a Republican. In religious faith he belongs to the Kenwood Evangelical Church.
In 1SSG Mr. Farr was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Camp, a daughter of the late Isaac N. Camp of Chicago. They have two children: Newton Camp, who was graduated from Cornell University as a civil engineer, and is now engaged with his father in the real estate business; and Barbara, who is still at home. Mr. Farr has offices in the Marquette building, while his family residence is at No. 4737 Wood- lawn avenue, where he and his family entertain their many friends. A man of broad ideas, Mr. Farr holds his friendships and leuds his ald to those measures looking towards a further development of the city where his influence has been so potent a factor for many years.
MILTON B. TITUS.
For fifteen years Dr. Milton B. Titus has figured prominently in the medical profession of Chicago, and has maintained throughout his career a high standard of ethics and honorable principles. A man of skill and capability, he has risen in his profession and has deservedly won the position he holds among his fellow physicians. Born at Treadwell, N. Y., April 9. 1858, Dr. Titus is a son of Lewis F. and Lois R. (Smith) Titus, who, after the birth of their SOL, moved to Steuben County, N. Y., and became prosperous farming people. Coming of excellent American stock, they were worthy of every consideration, and stood high in the esti- mation of their fellow citizens. Lewis F. Titus died in 1863, when forty-seven years old, but his wife survived him many years, dying in December, 1001.
Milton B. Titus grew up on a farm where he was taught habits of thrift and industry which he has never forgotten, and developed his physical forces in healthful work. During this formative period he attended both private and public schools, in Delaware and Steuben coun- ties, N. Y., while later he entered Corning Free Academy, at Corning, N. Y., from which he was graduated as valedictorian, in 1876. In order to earn money sufficient to carry him through medical college, this ambitious young man began clerking in a store at Blossburg, thus continuing until 1879. In that year he began the study of medicine, matriculating in the medical department of the University of New York, from which he was graduated in 1881. his standing in a class of 220 being such that he
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received a cash prize of $300, but one other in the class having as high a standing.
Having prepared himself, Dr. Titus began an active practice of medicine at Allentown, N. Y., where he remained for seven years and during that period was president of the Allegany County Medical Society. In 1888, he moved to Whitesville, N. Y., where he continued in practice until 1898, but in that year came to Chicago, where he found a gratifying apprecia- tion of his talents. He maintains an office at No. 1065 W. Madison street, not having changed his address since locating in Chicago. During this time he has won recognition as a well trained and able member of his profes- sion, and is thoroughly abreast of the progress made in medical science. Dr. Titus has dis- played a dignified capability along educational lines, but he feels that his professional inter- ests and duties are paramount in his life. His membership with the Chicago Medical Society and the American Medical Association is a source of benefit and pleasure to him.
Dr. Titus was married October 18, 1882, to Miss Jessie S. Sheffield, a daughter of George and Hannah Palmer (Weed) Sheffield, and they have had two sons: George S., and Mil-
ton B., Jr. George S. Titus was born October 28, 1884, and married Miss Manuelite Gott- schalk, a daughter of Dr. Louis Gottschalk, of Newark, N. J., being now a resident of Min- neapolis, Minn. Milton B., Jr., was born De- cember 7, 1901. Dr. Titus belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the fam- ily are also members. The Masonic fraternity holds his membership, he having joined the order at Wellsville, N. Y. The Titus family residence is at No. 112 North California ave- nue, and is the hospitable center of a cultured circle, which is entertained with quiet elegance. Mrs. Titus is well known in the social life of the city, and takes an active and helpful part in charitable work. She is a descendant of old New England stock, members of which figured prominently during the Colonial epoch of this country, the family having been founded in America in 1618. Her ancestral line is traced back to George Dennison of Revolutionary fame, who served as a member of a Rhode Island regiment, and later as a member of the General Assembly of that state. In both the paternal and maternal lines she is eligible to membership with the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution and the Colonial Dames.
WILLIAM GORDON SWANNELL.
In the death of William Gordon Swannell, which occurred April 20, 1892, the city of Kankakee lost a man who had ever shown him- self reliable and capable in the marts of com- merce and trade, and patriotic and publie-spir- ited as a citizen. His long and industrious ca- reer brought him financial independence and social prestige, and at his death he left his family the priceless heritage of an honorable and honored name. Mr. Swannell was born at Chateris, Cambridgeshire, England, October 11, 1823, and was a son of John and Temperance (Gordon) Swannell. Not long after the birth of Mr. Swanuell, his father made removal to St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, England, where the mother passed away in 1$29, and in 1830, the family went to London, where Mr. Swannell received his introduction to business affairs in assisting his father and brothers in the man- agement of a dry goods establishment. When the father died the younger mien disposed of their interests in England and came to the United States, and William G. first located in Kaukakee in 1548. For a few years he was engaged in teaching in the country schools
in and about Momence, his first winter term being in Beebe Township. From 1851 to 1853 he kept a general store in Momence, but in the latter year disposed of his interests and re- moved to Kankakee and erected the first busi- ness building on the south side of Court street, occupying it as a drug store, and later opened a second establishment of like nature on East avenue. Ile retired from that business to establish the Commercial Bank and erected its building in 1871. He disposed of his holdings therein some years later, and went to Waldron. Ill., where he engaged in the manufacture of wrapping paper, and through able management made a success of a business that had all but failed under its former owners. Mr. Swannell was a heavy builder in Kankakee, and erected a large per cent of the earlier buildings in the city. He was associated with most of the en- terprises and improvements which have ma- terially aided the city, and with others secured the building of the Kankakee & Indiana Rail- road, now a part of the Big Four system, which has been of such great value to Kankakee. Dur- ing the troublesome days of the Civil war, Mr.
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