USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 15
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On Oct. 27, 1887, John William Barwell was married to Harriet Frances Porter of Wau- kegan, a daughter of Captain Henry F. and Ilar- riet (Whittaker) Porter. Captain Porter was born at Dummerston, Windham County, Vt., June 17, 1823. In 1833, he shipped on the schooner Bolivar, at Cleveland, Ohio, as a cabin boy. When this vessel touched at Waukegan, he left it, and made it his home, although he con- tinued to engage in the lake and river trade until 1850, becoming, in time captain of his own vessel. During the Civil war, he served from 1863-65 as enrolling officer for the Union army. Later he became a merchant, and for years was thus engaged, although he retired in 1895. In
polities, he was a Republican. His fraternal affiliations were with the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Barwell died January 21, 1915. She was very active in church and charitable work, and was a member of the Lake County Humane Society. She was sincerely mourved by all who had the honor of knowing her. She exerted a strong in- fluence for good in her community, and was a lady of the most beautiful traits of character. Like her husband, she was interested in country life and enjoyed their attractive rural home on the Beach road near Waukegan.
Mr. Barwell was a director and president of the Lake County Tuborenlosis Institute in 1910. Although elected aiderman from the Third Ward of Waukegan, in 1908, he did not qualify, but he gave four years' service as a member of the Civil Service Cominission of Waukegan, to which he was appointed in 1910. A consistent member of Christ Episcopal Church, he served it as vestryman for twelve years, and in 1914 was elected Junior Warden. For years he has been a member of the Lake County Humane Society, the American Geographical Society, the Chicago Geographical Society; is a director of the Waukegan Young Men's Christian Association; is a life member of the American Association for Judicial Settlement of International Disputes; is a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, and of the Illinois Athletic Club. In politics he is a Republican. .
A man of profound convictions, Mr. Barwell has put into concrete form some of his ideas relative to the controversies arising between scientists and those who believe in divine revela- tion. These he has embodied in a scholarly pamphlet entitled "Science and Revelation, An Outcome of the Creeds." If space permitted, it would be interesting to quote this remarkable document in full, but perhaps some idea of its scope may be obtained from the closing para- graphs which embody Mr. Barwell's simple creed :
"A belief in a Being or Perfected Humanity, the Divine Human, of whom Science is the mind. and Revelation the heart, whom we represent on earth, in whom we live, who lives in us, in life eternal."
"That the object of our existence is a per- fected Humanity here and hereafter and that we must constantly strive to improve ourselves to that end."
John W. Barwill
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CHARLES KEEFER.
America, where total democracy is supposed to reign and where no lines of distinction are drawn other than those of relative, proved ability, has long attracted the ambitious youths of foreign countries. In making their home here they find their dreams of earnest labor well repaid, come true and their immigration is of mutual advantage. A fair example of the case in hand is found in Charles Keefer, who nineteen years old, and, relying on his own resources, did not only secure a mere sustenance, came to New York from Germany when he was but made living worth while and, in the years of his prime, laid preparations for years of retirement. He fought a good fight, and his life story is interesting.
Charles Keefer was born December 20, 184S, at Unterturkheim, Wittenburg, Germany, a son of Christian and Regina ( Hahn) Keefer, owners of stone quarries in the vicinity of their home. He was the eighth of twelve children in order of birth. While his parents, who are now de- ceased, did not themselves come to America, they sanctioned Charles' leaving, which took place in March, 1867. On the fifteenth of the month, he arrived in New York City, and there he remained for the space of one year, going then to Burlington, Iowa, and occupying his time as a painter. When he was twenty-four years old he came to Chicago, and, after the great fire of 1871, entered the grocery business in partnership with Ernest Huber, locating on North avenue. Subsequently they undertook a more high-class grocery at the corner of Web- ster and Lincoln avenues, and received satis- factory returns therefrom for two years when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Keefer disposed of the property. On September 22. 1875, he opened another grocery at the corner of State and Division streets, and here he was engaged for fifteen consecutive years, at the close of which time the success he had gained amply justitied his retirement from active con- mercial life. Back in 1880 he had built a four- story apartment building at No. 1160 North State
street and another at No. 5 West Division street, which provided a steady income for him during the remainder of his life, and which are now contributing to the support of his widow. Mr. Keefer had always enjoyed traveling and was fortunate enough to be able to indulge him- self in this matter and made four trips back to his old home in Germany, going in 1885, 1894, 1807, and 1902. The trip made in 1885 was in the company of George P. Schert, a dear friend for over thirty years. Companionship made the visits very enjoyable, and in 1902 Mr. Keefer took his wife and daughter to the Fatherland with him. All the success Mr. Keefer enjoyed and all the privileges he was permitted, he earned through the application of well-consid- ered thought and grit, for, although he eventu- ally inherited a part of his father's estate. he was essentially a self-made man. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., Apollo Encampment No. 165. for thirty-five years. He also was con- nected with the Schwabenverein, a charitable society, for twenty-five years, and was long identified with the German Lutheran church. Politically his affiliation was with the Repub- lican party.
Charles Keefor was married to Miss Marie Kurtz of Shakopee, Minn., in 1874. To this union there were no children. Mr. Keefer was married a second time, May 21, 1878, to Miss Lizzie Kurtz, a sister of his former wife, who had died in 1877, who, of a family of twelve children, was third in order of birth. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keefer: Charles William, Walter Edward and Lillian Minnie, all of whom now live in Chicago.
Mr. Keefer died October 16, 1910, and his body was interred in Graceland Cemetery. His life was a splendid example of the accomplish- ments of devout purpose. With scarcely any cash assets to begin his career in America he sought opportunity and met success. He was .the type of man that is worthy of honor in any land.
ISAAC NEGUS.
It was at a time when development and prog- ress were largely in the future, that Isaac Negus came to Rock Island, Ill. He had already dem- onstrated business ability and shown foresight in furthering enterprises in several sections
where he had a tentative home, but it was not until he came to Rock Island that he permitted his progressive ideas full development which re- sulted in the founding and solid upbuilding of many of the important commercial concerns of
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today. Like many another thoroughly success- ful man, he began at the bottom of the ladder and while his brain was busy and his ambition keenly alive, he worked with his hands and, to his credit, was never ashamed of those early days of industry.
Isaac Negus was born December 31, 1790, at Fabius, Onondaga County, N. Y. There he at- tended the common schools and then became self supporting. When the opportunity was of- fered, he, in partnership with James Sangler, took a $150,000 contract as part of the construc- tion work of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In 1820 he became engaged in a mercantile busi- ness, going to Chicago and then to Galena. In the latter place he became interested in a gen- eral store and in various building enterprises. Mr. Negus came to Rock Island October 8, 1844, and immediately became a factor in the city's commercial life and laid the corner stone not only of his own fortune, but through his enter- prise and financial backing, assured the stability and success of a large number of the enterprises which have contributed to Rock Island's busi- ness supremacy. He was one of the founders of the banking house of Osborn, Negus & Co., or- ganizers of the Rock Island Bank, the pioneer banking institution of the city. Ile was one of the organizers and part owner of the city's first street car system; was a large stockholder in the Rock Island Watch Company ; was heavily interested in the Rock Island Stove Company, and promoted many other city commercial con- cerns.
In the early part of 1876, Mr. Negus built the new Rock Island House, on the site of the for- mer hotel, which he had owned, also erected the Negus Block in the heart of the city's business section and invested in many acres of farm land in Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties, with rare foresight purchasing when he could
secure it for from $10 to $20 an acre. Much of this property still remains in the possession of the family. When he built his spacious resi- dence, it was the handsomest private house in the city, modern in all its appointments and equipped with every appliance for comfort and the demands of social life. In this beautiful home he enjoyed many years of happy domestic life. He was widely known and was the friend and associate of many of the prominent men of his day in this section and at one time was president of the Old Settlers Association. He was known favorably by river men as formerly he had been owner and commander of one of the river vessels. Mr. Negus died November 27, 1883.
Mr. Negus was married November 18, 1839, to Miss Jerusha Waldo, of Stafford Springs, Conn., and they had three children born to them : Charles W., William O. and Annie Steward, William Osborn being the only survivor.
William Osborn Negus was born May 11, 1549, at Rock Island. He was educated at Rock Island and there completed the high school course. Having a natural bent toward mechan- ics, he became an engineer and for ten years was on the river in this capacity, one of considerable responsibility and distinction in those days. He retired from river life in order to assume the responsibility of managing his father's exten- sive business interests and under his charge they . all have prospered. About 1800 he took charge of the Rock Island House and personally con- ducted it for ten years. In 1913 he entirely re- modeled the hotel building, making it one of the finest hostelries in the country. It contains 84 sleeping rooms, three large cafes and every other equipment and accommodation found in modern hotels in any part of the country. Mr. Negus is unmarried.
LYMAN WARE.
Chicago is justly notable for the skill, learn- ing and high character of the men and women who make up its medical practitioners and the profession here numbers among its members those whose scientific attainments are far be- yond the ordinary. Among those well known here for a half century is Dr. Lyman Ware, whose career is typical of modern advancement, his having been a broad field of medical service.
Lyman Ware was born at Granville, Putnam County, Ill., November 11, 1841. His parents
were Ralph and Lucinda A. (Clarke) Ware, who were among the pioneers of Illinois, having set- tled in this state in the early '30s. In his native place the youth had academic advan- tages and later he attended the University of Michigan. During 1863-64 he served in the Civil war, in the One Hundred and Thirty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as hospital steward. The experiences of the battle-ground and the field hospital, terrible as they were at that time, did not turn the young man from
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Lyman Ware
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his determination to perfect his knowledge of medicine and enter into practice; on the other hand, it probably strengthened his resolve and urged on his ambition. Accordingly he matrien- lated at the Northwestern University and was graduated from that institution in 1866 with the degree of M. D. Later he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1868 received the degree of M. D. from that institution.
At the time Dr. Ware was a medical student, it was not lawful for medical colleges in gen- eral to study anatomy by the dissecting of the human body ; and yet, not to be well acquainted with the intricacies of the human organization was also a professional crime. After Dr. Ware had 'entered into active practice, he, in asso- ciation with the late Dr. John Woodward (then of the marine service, U. S. A.) and the late Dr. Henry P. Merriman, were largely instru- mental in securing the passage of a law giving medical colleges facilities and privileges in this connection not before accorded them, which resulted in a highly advanced knowledge and efficiency in surgical practice.
In April, 1868. Dr. Ware established himself in the practice of his profession in Chicago, and continued as a general practitioner, confining himself to internal medicine until 1874, when he went abroad, where he remained for about two years in special preparation for the treatment of diseases of the eye, to which special line of
practice he has since limited himself. He has displayed capability along educational lines and in the practice of medicine and ocular surgery has shown bis thorough familiarity not only with oid methods hat with the new that are constantly being discovered and tested. His professional service has ever been discharged with a conscientious sense of professional obli- gatien, always remembering that he belongs to a body set apart, one that more than any other is helpful to humanity.
In June, 1877, in the city of Chicago, Dr. Ware was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Law, and they have three children : Hildegarde, Edith and Elizabeth. The family home at No. 4424 Drexel Boulevard is in a choice location and it is often the scene of pleasant social functions.
As a man of enlightened understanding and civie pride, Dr. Ware takes an interest in all worthy public movements, but is no politician. He votes with the Republican party. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society and the Chi- cago Ophthalmological and Otological Society. He has translated, by permission, Dr. Fred von Arld's 'Clinical Disease of the Eye," which has proved most valuable in the study and treatment of diseases of that organ, The per- sona' impression given by Dr. Ware is quieting and satisfying, inspiring confidence and com- manding respect.
JOSIAH STILES.
Sometimes the greatest prosperity of a popu- lous city depends upon specific industries for which its location may particularly favor it, manufacturing building up one section, ship- ping another, the cultivation of the vine or the growing fruits or mining contributing to a third, all of these bringing wealth and inde- pendence. Who has not heard of Chicago and of her great captains of industry? With future transportation lines, with her miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and with a rich agricultural country to draw upon, keen, shrewd, far-seeing men early saw this an ad- vantageous point for large business enterprises and this became the home of the packing in- dustry. The Chicago stockyards have been heard of all over the world and foreigners traveling in the United States, usually are not satisfied until they are visited, impressions be- ing carried away with them of an undreamed
of business perfection and vastness. Almost all of the great founders have passed away and to each the country has accorded a large measure of grateful remembrance, for they were a sturdy class of men, who, while they sought fortune for themselves, have always been credited with personal honesty and busi- ness integrity. And such a man was the late Josiah Stiles, one of the last survivors of the old group, whose death occurred at his resi- dence, No. 4841 Madison avenue, Chicago, on March 26, 1913.
Josiah Stiles was born at Millbury, Worcester County, Mass., January 2, 1828, a son of Ver- non and Lucy (Goddard) Stiles. His parents came of Revolutionary stock and were natives of Grafton, Mass. Josiah Stiles was afforded educational advantages which included attend- ance at Woodstock Academy, near Thompson, Conn., after which he taught school at Wood-
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stock and long afterward would sometimes re- late amusing incidents that occurred while he was, according to custom, "boarding around." Another incident of his youthful days which he frequently mentioned was of making a trip to Boston and hearing Daniel Webster make a speech, the impression produced never being forgotten.
In 1850, Mr. Stiles came to the west, a family removal being probable, and went into business with his father at Racine, Wis. From there, ten years later, he went to Sabula, Iowa, where, with his brother, Perley G. Stiles, he established a packing business, and from there came to Chicago. Still in association with his brother, who remained as manager of the Sa- bula plant, in Chicago Mr. Stiles established the firm of Stiles, Goldie & McMahon at the . stockyards. In 1SS2 the Sabula plant was sold and the Chicago company dissolved but shortly afterward the firm of Jones & Stiles entered the packing business at the yards and continued aggressive in the business until it sold out to the International Packing Company, 1895 being the year. Mr. Stiles then retired from the packing business but his retirement was of comparatively short duration as, with his with- drawal one of the men of soundest judgment had been removed from the industry, and the International Packing Company wisely secured his return and elected him president of the corporation. His name and influence had the desired steadying effect. He was long a factor in this business, his experience leading from
small beginnings to one that gave employment to thousands and saw his product distributed to every nation on earth. He possessed many characteristics credited particularly to New England-industry, frugalits and clear sighted- noss. He was one of the carly and long a most active member of the Chicago Board of Trade, and for a time served as its president and in recognition of his valuable interest the board presented kim with an honorary guest ticket, a particular mark of appreciation.
On April 23, 1850, Mr. Stiles was married to Miss Lucy Nichols, a daughter of Capt. George I. and Mary (Alton) Nichols, of Thompson, Con. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiles: George Nichols, who died in 1007, and Lney Goddard. Miss Lucy Stiles is a lady whose charities are many and she is greatly interested in settlement work. The family are members of Christ's Reformed Episcopal Church, of which Bishop Charles Edward Chener has charge. Although never particularly active in politics, Mr. Stiles was nominally a Republi- can but frequently used his own judgment in supporting candidates for office. He was a trustee of the Old People's Home, and for some time president of the board of trustees and con- tributed generously to the Glenwood Industrial School for Boys. At one time he was much interested in the Old Central Church. He was identified fraternally with the Masons and was one of the promoters and early members of the Chicago and Calumet clubs.
SIMEON W. KING.
Hon. Simeon W. King. United States Commis- sioner, attorney-at-law, and notary public, has been a publie figure in Illinois for many years, and his name is honorably linked with the en- during fame of Abraham Lincoln, his friend and associate, and on the 7th of October, 1864. when he was two months over twenty-two years old, was appointed by him to the Federal Bench, a life position. He is also the only commissioner of deeds at Chicago, for all the states and ter- ritories, British Provinces, Europe, China, Japan, Nicaragua and all parts of the world, also is commissioner of the United States Court of Claims at Washington, District of Columbia. He was born in what is called King's Section, in Morgan County, Ohio, August 18, 1842, a son of Hiram Rogers and Deborah (Woodrow) King. The father was born in Lancaster
County, Pa., and the mother in Cecil County, Md. They were members of the Society of Friends and the youth was reared in a home of quiet simplicity under the watchful and so- licitous care of true Christian parents. During his earlier years he attended school at Wilming- ton, Del .. and afterward spent four years as a student in the T. Clarkson Taylor's Academy at Wilmington, Del., where he was graduated with honors. He first came to Chicago, when a young man, but soon returned to the East in order to prepare for a medical career, and with this intention entered the Baltimore Medical College. Afterward, finding his inclina- tious lay more in the direction of the law, Mr. King returned to Chicago, in 1858, and entered the Union College of Law, from which he was graduated April 3, 1563, and immediately en-
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tered into practice. He was first connected as a law clerk with the offices of Goodrich, Farwell and Smith, at that time the leading law firm of the city, and it was here that the oppor- tunity came to him to make the acquaintance of Abraham Lincoln, an acquaintance that ripened into warm personal mutual regard and love, and on the part of Mr. King to an admira tion and devotion that is yet shown in his fidel- ity to Mr. Lincoln's memory. Just at that time Mr. Lincoln was deep in the campaign with Stephen A. Douglas as his opponent for the office of United States Senator, and made his Chicago headquarters at the office of the above named law firm.
It was about this time that Mr. King received his appointment as Commissioner of Deeds from all the governors of all the states and terri- . tories, and from all foreign countries; by the president of the United States was appointed a commissioner of the Alabama Claims, and also commissioner of Deeds for the District of Columbia. When but twenty-two years of age, Mr. King was appointed United States Commis- sioner by the Hon. Judge Thomas Drummond on the advice and by the direction of President Lincoln, on October 7, 1864; reappointed by Hon. Peter S. Grosseup, July 1, 1897: reap- pointed by Hon. Christian C. Kohlsaat, March 80, 1900; and by Hon. Judges Kenesaw M. Lan- dis and George A. Carpenter; reappointed March 27, 1904, March 30, 190S, and April 2. 1912, his present term not expiring until April 2, 1916. Now for over half a century, at Chi- cago, Ill., Judge King has served continuously as United States Commissioner in and for the Northern District of Illinois, while he has also continually been reappointed commissioner of deeds. Originally the office of United States Commissioner in and for the Northern District of Illinois was for life, but a law passed June 30, 1890, limited the period of appointment to four years. Nevertheless, Mr. King has been continued in office for judicial recognition and appreciation has been his and the feeling is general that his place can never be. nor should be, given to another, during his lifetime. The Federal Judges Landis and Carpenter feel that Mr. King was appointed by President Lincoln for life and that they propose to keep him in for life, for he is an honest, good and capable judge.
In his political affiliation Judge King has al- ways been a Republican and in all the national campaigns since the one that was made in the
interests of Abraham Lincoln he has materially aided the work of the Republican National Cow- mittee, and in 1596 was associated with Theo- dore Roosevelt in campaign work in Michigan, speaking all through that state for the elec- tion of President William McKinley, and has also spoken in other states of the United States from Minnesota to Massachusetts, and all through the South. He is an eloquent speaker and each year has more invitations to deliver addresses on Lincoln's birthday, February 12, and at other times, than he can possibly accept, and when it is made known that he will speak in memory of Lincoln, a large audience always awaits him, and there is not a building large enough to hold the crowds to hear him. He not only gives addresses on Lincoln in the city of Chicago, and in the State of Illinois, and the United States, but receives invitations to speak in foreign countries on the life of his best and dearest friend, Abraham Lincoln, whom he knew personally and well for over two years before he became president. Judge King was in the Republican convention at Chicago, when he was first nominated for the presidency, and he is also the only surviving pallbearer of that Christian and great American citizen, whom he feels is the greatest the United States has ever produced, or ever will. In speaking of President Lincoln, Judge King often regrets that he knew J. Wilkes Booth, who lived at Chicago. He states that upon one occasion Mr. Booth mentioned the killing of Mr. Lincoln, and three months later the country was shocked by the news that this hitherto obscure actor of strong Southern sympathies, had sprung into notice through the horror of his shooting of the President. The facts of this lamentable event are known to every school child in the United States if not in the world. Judge King also knew Boston Corbett, who captured Booth, and who shot him. Although half a century has passed since the funeral of President Lin- coln, the events are as clear to Judge King as though they had happened yesterday. As he was one of those selected to bear the beloved remains to Springfield, Ill., he recalls more read- ily the grier of the people of Chicago and Spring- field, and his own feelings when the martyred President was laid to rest, in the city where so many of his useful years had been spent, and when this sad rite was performed there was scarcely a word spoken and everybody was in tears.
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