USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 7
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Realizing the boys of today are the men of tomorrow, Mr. Wilson always felt a deep inter- est in young people, especially young men, :otur of whom attribute much of their success In Me to his kindness and personal influence. Among these is Dr. Chauncey E. Tennant, a prominent young physician and surgeon of Den- ver, Colo., who, coming from his boyhood home in St. Louis, spent many summers with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson on their farm. Dr. Tennant, learning of Mr. Wilson's serious illness, came to spend a week with him. During this time Mr. Wilson's health improved, and, by the ad- vice of the attending physician, Dr. Howard Burns, October 1, 1912, Dr. Tennant accom- panied Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to the Bailey Sana-
torium at Lincoln, Neb. Mr. Wilson had been in failing health for about two years, but he seemed to improve, and it was hoped by seek- ing a warmer climate his life might be pro- longed, but he passed away, from an attack of heart failure, October 25, 1912, at 4.50 P. M. Dr. Tennant, although obliged to return to his busy life, was in constant communication with Dr. Bailey who, knowing his ability, valued his counsel. Dr. Tenbaut gave to Mr. Wilson the tender care and anxious solicitude of a son, returning to Lincoln three days prior to Mr. Wilson's death, he accompanied Mrs. Wilson on her sad journey home. The funeral was held at the late residence on Maple avenue, October 28, at two o'clock P. M., services being conducted by Rev. W. R. Shirey of the Pres- byterian Church. A large number of relatives and friends were present and the services were very impressive. The body was gently laid to rest in the city cemetery by the loving hands of noplicws.
Since the death of Albon Eldred Wilson, the Carrollton Mausoleum has been built and the body of Mr. Wilson placed in the Wilson Apartment of the same.
Mrs. Wilson survives, and mourns the loss of an affectionate and devoted husband. Mr. Wilson left a large circle of relatives and friends. In the final distribution of his prop- erty Mr. Wilson gave $10,000 for charitable and benevolent purposes. lle is gone, but his works live on. The influence of his useful life, so unassuming. so beautiful and fragrant with love and beneficence, falls like a gracious bene- diction on all who knew him. Earth is poorer and Heaven is richer by his death. What a memory to cherish, and what a reward must await such a life. Truly, one of God's faithful stewards.
CHARLES CARROLL BOYLES.
The man who can reorganize and build up definite relationships with others in his com- munity is a benefactor, whether he labors as a professional man or as one in whom business interests are centered. Progress, aggressive- ness, knowledge of men and events, are all needed in the life journey. Charles Carroll Boyles, of Winnetka, belongs to that class which, having made a long and successful trip through life, is now enjoying leisure, well earned. Ile is one of the early dry goods
merchants of Chicago, for some years retired from the scene of his former activities, and now living in comfort at Winnetka.
Charles Carroll Boyles was born near Mont- pelier, Vt., October 9, 1833, a son of Samuel and Mary L. (Barnes) Boyles, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New Hampshire. These parents moved from Ver- mont to New Hampshire when their son Charles was about two years old, and there at school age he began his education in the public school
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of his district. At home until eighteen years of age, he then went to Salem, Mass., and found employment in a dry goods store, al- though prior to that, in spite of his tender years, he had served as assistant postmaster, being sworn into office before being of legal age. Leaving Salem in 1854, he went to Charles- ton, S. C., employed there in a dry goods store until 1857, at which time he first came to Chi- cago. Strange as it appears today, he, not satis- fied with the business outlook among a pop- ulation of 75,000, went on to cities farther west, finally establishing himself in a dry goods business in partnership with Charles Gossage at Davenport, Iowa. This partnership was of short duration, for a year later Mr. Gossage received an offer from his old em- ployer, Charles W. DeLand, of Charleston, S. C., who had bought the old-established store of William Lee, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and he be- came a partner in that business. Mr. Boyles purchased the interest of Mr. Gossage and con- tinued at Davenport for several years. Messrs. DeLand and Gossage sending for him, Mr. Boyles went to Cincinnati before the Civil war, and took charge of the office, afterwards be- coming general manager of the business. In the fail of 1803 he returned to Chicago with Mr. Gossage, who had bought an interest in the store of W. M. Ross & Co., formerly Ross & Foster, then the largest store in the West, tak- ing charge of the office and finances. This store failed in July, 1871, and Mr. Ross retired, the firm becoming Charles Gossage & Company, Mr. Boyles taking a half interest. In October, 1871, the store was totally destroyed by the terrible
fire, at that time it being located at Nos. 106, 10S and 110 State street. The insurance on the goods just paid the debts, leaving Mr. Boyles and his partner nothing. They had good credit, however, for their excellent records were known, and within three weeks their business reopened at No. 235 West Madison street with ample credit in New York. For three years they remained at that location, and then re- established themselves at their old numbers on State and Washington streets in a building that had been erected by Potter Palmer. They were the first merchants to establish a business on State street, also the first after the fire. This firm continued to do business at that location until 1883, in which year Mr. Gossage died, and Mr. Boyles soon after sold to Carson, Pirie & Company and retired from active business life. Soon after he retired he moved to Lake Geneva, where he made his home for thirty years, but a couple of years ago he came to Winnetka, where he now lives.
On October 12, 1864, Mr. Boyles married Miss Hannah Dickinson, a daughter of Albert F. and Ann Eliza (Anthony) Dickinson, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. She was born at Curtisville, Mass., February 8, 1838, and belonged to the first graduating class of the old Dearborn Seminary of Chicago.
A man of sterling principles, Mr. Boyles suc- ceeded, and not only received his share of the material things of this world, but also has won and steadfastly retained the friendship and ap- preciation of those who know him. Charitable in word and deed, he has made many lives brighter through his generosity.
SHEA SMITH.
In the great throng of individuals that daily surges through the busy streets of the city of Chicago, may be found representatives of al- most every section of the country, and as they gaze with natural wonder and admiration. on the huge business structures and note the evi- dences of comfort, wealth, culture, education and civic expenditure on every side, many, no doubt, ask the question of how all this remarka- ble development and solid advancement has been brought about in so short a time. The answer is that it is because here have arisen men like the late Shea Smith, men who have wrought with courage under early handicaps, who have built from the bottom with persisting patience. who have possessed the broad outlook
of enlightened understanding and have loved their city and been just to its demands while struggling to found securely their own business enterprises. Such men deserve to be remem- bered and their life histories carry lessons of incalculable benefit to a younger generation. Shea Smith was the founder of the firm of Shea Smith & Co., large manufacturing sta- tioners, Chicago. He was born at Sandusky City. Ohio, July 26, 1850, and was a son of Robert A. and Priscilla ( Barker) Smith. Dur- ing his later years the father was interested largely in real estate.
Until he was ten years old Shea Smith at- tended the public schools of Sandusky City and for three years afterward was a student at
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Toronto, Canada, and still later was a pupil in a school at Watseka, Ill. It was probably a boyish desire to see something of the world for himself, or a youthful spirit of adventure, that led him then to sever home ties and assume life's responsibilities for himself. He came to Chicago and as a newsboy provided for his necessities for a time and then shipped as a cabin boy on a schooner plying on Lake Michi- gan. Finding himself not particularly well equipped for a sailor's life, he soon found oppor- tunity to run away and ere long once more reached Chicago, with which city he was ever afterward identified. He had natural leanings and these found expression by his seeking a position iu a printer's shop and he remained to learn the business and finally embarked in the same himself. Success did not attend him in his initial enterprise and he met with several defeats before he found himself beyond the fear of failure and on the high road to the success which subsequently became his. In 1871 he ex- panded his printing business and thereafter included binding and the manufacturing and · handling of stationery, under the firm style of Shea Smith & Co. The company was incorpo- rated in 1984 under the same name, Mr. Smith being the head and front of the business at the beginning and continuing until his death, April 1, 1907. He was gifted with inventive genius and became widely known in this line first through his invention of the "Impression Book," which is a device, now in general use, for the copying of letters for filing. His com- pany manufactures this, together with numer- ous other clever and popular devices in the same line and also does a wholesale and jobbing as well as a retail business. The high standing of this great business house is a testimonial to the industry, courage and perseverance of Mr. Smith, who fairly won the title of one of the "business builders" of Chicago.
Although personally a man of peace, Mr. Smith was interested in miltary affairs and for a number of years was prominent in the Illinois National Guard. He enlisted in the First In- fantry on October 6, 1875, and was made first lieutenant on September 4, 1877; was promoted captain on February 14, 1879, and was made major of the First Regiment on October 4, 18SŁ He resigned his commission as major on July 9, 1885, and was appointed adjutant on Decem- ber 7, 1885, resigning on October 24, 1588. He was elected to the Veteran Corps of the First Infantry on June 4, 1880. From an early ancestor he inherited, perhaps, his military spirit and surely the right to be enrolled as a member of the Sons of the American Revolu- tion, being a member of the Chicago Chapter of the same.
On September 17, 1874, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Eunice M. Clark, of Chicago, a daughter of Jonathan and Alice Clark, both natives of England. Jonathan Clark was formerly a very prominent building contractor in Chicago and as such erected a large number of the older structures in what is known as the "loop." The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Arthur Clark, who was born December 9, 1877; Harold Conger, who was born September 21, 1590, died in infancy; Una Gwendolin, who was born April 13, 1SS5; Alice Roselva, who was born March 28, 1SSS; and Lester Shea, who was born May 6, 1802.
Through the medium of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, Mr. Smith distributed much quiet benevolence. He was socially inclined and a welcome and companion- able member of such distinctive organizations as the Union League, Press, Chicago Yacht and the South Shore Country clubs.
CHARLES HENRY SMITH.
That "self-made man" is a very trite expres- sion is due to the fact that so few men do gain truly notable success, solely through their own efforts. When someone does thus break through the stereotyped bonds of mediocrity, the novelty and surprise in the situation occa- sion comment. While opportunity does not smile at all men with equal favor, he who steps forward and firmly clasps her hand, who has
grit enough to hang on while she switles himn. sometimes clear of firm foot-holds, through the scurrying crowds of frenzied money-seekers, will most likely be guided to the goal of h's ambition. This ability to recognize opfertunit ;. no matter what her disguise, and the effective willingness to fight his way through any oh stacle, are the two most salient characteristics of the man we call "self-made."
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Charles Henry Smith was born at Camden, New York, October 2, 1856. His parents were Alfred and Caroline (Pond) Smith, both natives of Camden, where the father died when the child was but three years of age, having been a farmer, and it was with him, in this work, that the son obtained his first instruc- tions along economic lines. When the lad was fourteen years old, his mother took him to Chicago with her, and here they made their permanent home. Charles attended the public schools near his home, on the west side of the city, and, while he was enrolled, made excel- lent progress. Before finishing the entire course, however, he withdrew from school and took a position in a gentlemen's furnishing store, where he remained for about two years. He then entered the employ of Murray & Nel- son, commission merchants, continuing with' them for fifteen years, but finally left in order to accept a higher position, with Hepburn, Smith & Co. Still later he became a trader for the firm of Lamson Brothers, which position he held until 1911, when he retired and devoted his energies to his private interests. Mr. Smith was the owner of considerable land in Bruns- wick County, N. C., and his connection there led him, in 1910, to compile and copyright a map of the county. This was the first map ever made of that particular district. Aside from his land holdings in the South, Mr. Smith was the owner of a number of strictly modern apartments in Chicago, the total value of which is very considerable. Mr. Smith had started In business as a clerk, on a very low salary ; and the independence he enjoyed in the later years of his life was due solely to his undaunted determination to succeed and his wise discrimi- nation in the choice of enterprise.
Charles Henry Smith was married in the Episcopal church, at Racine, on September 4, 1878, to Miss Nettie Ilarding, of Racine, Wis.,
who was a daughter of Joseph and Kate ( Fox) Ilarding. They were natives of England and New York, respectively, and they married and came west to settle in Waukesha, Wis., before the Civil war. At the outbreak of the Rebel- lion, Joseph Harding enlisted and served through the war, in a Wisconsin regiment. Some time after the conclusion of hostilities he died, and his wife died in 1802, and the daughter, Nettie, went to Racine, Wis., to live with an aunt. Her one brother, Harry Alexus Harding, who was connected with the United States Goverment in some experimental work, in 1913, accepted a position at the University of Illinois. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, all of whom are now living in Chicago: Theresa Catherine, who is now Mrs. A. C. Harper ; Elizabeth Pond, who is the wife of O. A. Chandler of Chicago; and S. Knox Smith, who is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade. The Smiths are members of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Smith, prior to his death, was vestryman, junior warden, and treasurer of the local church and, in addition lent much valuable assistance in remodeling the church edifice. He gave much time and sup- port to various charitable work, and was one of those to help organize the Associated Charities. In politics, it was Mr. Smith's custom to cast his vote with the Republican party. For over thirty years he had been a member of the Board of Trade. Mr. Smith died, August 13, 1912, at his residence, No. 5625 Kenmore Ave- nue. The funeral services were held from the Church of the Atonement, and his earthly re- mains were laid to rest in Rosehill Cemetery. In life, he was a man whose mental and social attainments not only made him admirable but universally well liked as well. His qualifica- tions as a man of business were of the sort that evolve success despite discouragement.
ALBERT TRACY LAY.
The history of a nation is undoubtedly a record of the lives and accomplishments of its leading men, and if this be true, still more so is it of any industry. No concern can rise higher than its dominating officials, for upon their energy, sense of values, business connec- tious and wise and sound policies, is it built and expanded. One of the sound and conserva- tive institutions of Chicago is the Chamber of Commerce Safety Vault Company, of which
Albert Tracy Lay is president. Mr. Lay is one of the men who through a long and honorable career in Chicago, and association here with the most representative of the city's men, has proven himself worthy of all trust reposed in him, and able to discharge any duty imposed upon him, no matter how onerous.
Mr. Lay is a native of Batavia, N. Y., and was born June 18, 1825, a son of George W. and Olive (Foote) Lay. After passing through
Charffwith
صالكف ارة
مج بجودة الصور الروايتان
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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
the public schools of his native place, Mr. Lay bezan to display those qualities which were later to raise him to a high position, and be- came self-supporting. Like many young men of ambitious ideas, he was not satisfied with his home town restrictions, where he could not dis- ceru any future for his talents, and so he left it and came to Chicago. His choice was a wise one, for at that time this city was beginning to stretch out and develop from a country town Into what it has become, the second city in the United States. Upon his arrival at Chicago in 1-49, when then a young man of twenty-four years, he embarked in a lumber business, and continued his associations with this branch of trade until 1SSS. The firm at first held the natse of Hannah, Lay and Company, but later
L'or sixty-five years Mr. Lay has been a resi- doant of beautiful Highland Park, one of the most desirable suburbs of Chicago, and is one of its ploteers. During the same number of years he has been identified with the business interests of Chicago, and throughout his entire carrer he has always maintained a high stan- dard and unflinching methods of business. Never during all of these years can it be justly said that he ever profited through the misfortune
of others, for his life has been too sincere to admit of his defrauding that be might gain. He has been spared to sce Chiengo develop in a way that he never imagined, even in his most sanguine thoughts, and may well take pride that he has borne no light part in this advance- ment. It was his intention upon coming here from the East, to introduce as far as possible the methods from the older cities, into the grow- ing one of the Middle West, that he deemed best fitted for existing conditions, and be has seen them adopted and improved upon. In business life he has always followed constructive meth- ods and the weight of his character and the strength of his influence have aided in bringing others to his policy.
Mr. Lay was married at Batavia, N. Y., Feb- was incorporated under the caption of the - ruary 20, 1855, to Miss Catherine Smith, and to Hannah and Lay Company, of which Mr. Lay was president for a number of years. He was also vice-president of the Hannah and Lay Mer- cantile Company, and of the Traverse City (Michigan) State Bank. In December, 190+, Mr. Lay was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce Safety Vault Company, owners of the Chamber of Commerce building, and is now aflag that position with the competent fidelity v !het has always distinguished him.
this union were born two children: Olive, who became the wife of C. A. H. MeCauley ; and Katherine, who married R. F. Clinch. Mr. Lay is very fond of out-door diversions and of flowers, and his home grounds are beautiful with blossoms in their season. Prominent in the social life of the city, Mr. Lay entertains hospitably, and his home gives forth good cheer. He is connected with the Union League, Church and Builders clubs, is a member of the Chicago Horticultural Society, and belongs to the Epis- copal church. Politically he manifests his alle- gianee to the Republican party, but takes no active part in politics, aside from voting for the men and measures which in his mind will prove most beneficial to the majority. Widely known, conceded to be a man of ripened judgment, re- fined tastes, and sagacious counsel, Mr. Lay is sought by many, and his friendship is prized be- yond that of most men.
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WILLIAM PATRICK JOHNSON.
Trained faculties and an enlightened under- standing gained through long association with a certain line of endeavor, in these modern days, contribute materially not only to individual suc- cess, but towards the growth and development of gigantic enterprises. The late William Pat- rick Johnson was a man who rose from a humble position to those of great responsibility ; who administered carefully and well the affairs of concerns whose operations affected thousands. Not only did he become one of the towering figures in railroad history, but he also con- tributed much towards the advancement of several manufacturing houses, and his name
will always be synonymous with dignified capa- bility and sterling integrity. Mr. Johnson was born at Schenectady, N. Y., June 22, 1834, a son of Alfred A. and Sarah ( Richards) Johnson.
Growing up in his native city, William P. Johnson was given such educational advantages as were offered by the public schools, which he attended until eighteen years old, at which time he engaged with the Rutland Railroad, and continued in its employ for a period of two years. His experience with this road decided his future for him, and he came to Chicago determined to devote himself to railroad work. For the first six months after his arrival, be
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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
was with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and then, in 1855, he associated bim- self with the Illinois Central Railroad, So marked was his ability that he was promoted until he was general passenger agent for the road, holding that important position until June, 1880, when he left the Illinois Central Railroad to become general passenger agent for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Rail- road, and so remained for seven years. At the expiration of that period he became interested in the Chicago Indicator Company, which manu- factured automatic lights for the interior of street cars, which were designed to post the name of each successive crossing as it was approached, a very convenient device for the accommodation of the patrons of the street cars. Three years later, Mr. Johnson was in business with W. P. Williams of Chicago. With the organization of the National Surface Cattle Guards Company, he breame its executive head and so continued until his retirement ten years prior to his demise. This latter company manu- factured sharp-pointed guards to be placed be- tween the railroad tracks at country crossings to prevent the wandering of cattle across the road's right of way. Mr. Johnson's activities were not confined to the actual duties of his offices, for he was a man quick to see possibili- ties and act upon them. During his association with the Illinois Central Railroad he realized
the need for a suburban service, and established and perfected it. During the Columbian Expo- sition, he was one of its commissioners, and was enthusiastic in his work in its behalf. A man of quiet disposition, he yet possessed much force of character and determination in carry- ing out his plans according to what he deemed right and best. The family cherishes handsome - silver services presented to him in appreciation of his efforts in their behalf, by both the Illinois Central and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroads, at the time he retired from each company.
On September 4, 1861, Mr. Johnson was mar- ried to Miss Clara Getchell of Waterville, Mo., a daughter of Otis and Elizabeth (Gray) Getchell. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, namely : Edith G., Maude E. and Florence E. The life history of Mr. Johnson is completed. Finis is written across the page of his endeavors, but the work he accomplished will live for all eternity for it was done for the good of humanity, and was untinged by selfish- ness or undue desire for personal advancement. It is such men as he who prove that the only way is the right way, and bring into their every- day life the faith they profess in their religious connections. Mr. Johnson was ever earnest in his adherence to the teachings of the Presby- terian church.
JAMES O. MASON.
The record of the accomplishments of some men in the brief span of their life's period, reads like a romance. Without knowledge of all the conditions, it seems almost impossible that one man could climb so high, or find the time to superintend the details of as many con- cerns, and yet there are a large number of energetie business men who are of inestimable value to their communities because of the in- terest they excite in financial and industrial circles, which is a healthy stimulus to trade. One of the men who was connected with many of the leading financial and business enterprises of Aurora, and who became one of its most influential citizens, was the late James O. Mason. Mr. Mason was born in Fort Ann, Washington County, N. Y., February 6, 1846, & son of Orvin T. and Sarah A. (Otis) Mason. The former was born at the same place as his son and there learned wagonmaking. Ile came of an old and honored English family, founded
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