USA > Illinois > Kane County > Commemorative portrait and biographical record of Kane and Kendall Counties, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographicalsketches of prominent and representative citizens of Kane and Kendall Counties, together with portraits and biographies of the presidents of the United States > Part 85
USA > Illinois > Kendall County > Commemorative portrait and biographical record of Kane and Kendall Counties, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographicalsketches of prominent and representative citizens of Kane and Kendall Counties, together with portraits and biographies of the presidents of the United States > Part 85
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H ON. H. T. ROCKWELL, the present popu- lar and efficient mayor of the city of St. Charles, is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., born September 13, 1835, a son of David J. and Ruth Keeler Rockwell, of Connecti- cut and New York, respectively. They were de- voted members of the Methodist Episcopal Churchı, in which David J. Rockwell for many years was elder, steward, class leader, and was also active in Sunday-school work, in which he had the cordial co-operation of his wife. H. T. Rockwell's edu- cation was obtained at the schools of his vicinity and the high school at Akron, N. Y. In 1855 he migrated westward, and came almost direct to Blackberry Township, Kane County, making his home in that locality for several years, engaging in agricultural pursuits in summer, and teaching school winters. In the year 1863 he changed his residence to the city of St. Charles, and soon afterward established his present insurance and real estate business, which his promptness and energy has made a success from its commencement.
Mr. Rockwell has held positions of honor and trust, such as alderman, assessor, etc., and in 1872 was elected circuit clerk of Kane County, serving for four years. He is at the present time mayor of the city of St. Charles; is also chair- man of the county board of supervisors, and is an influential factor in the councils of the Republican party in his county and district. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, was four years worship- ful master, and is a member of St. Charles Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F.
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Mr. Rockwell and Mary A. Stone were married April 18, 1860, in the city of St. Charles, Ill., of which town she was a native, born November 21, 1843, daughter of Amos and Caroline Blood Stone, who were early settlers in St. Charles, coming from Massachusetts, their native State, to Illinois, about the year 1840. Amos Stone was favorably known as one of the strong, influential, public- spirited citizens of St. Charles, who contributed materially to the general welfare of the place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell were born the fol lowing named children: Frank, a druggist in St. Charles, who was for three years principal of the East Side High School of that place; Hattie B., a graduate of the High School, is with her parents. In April, 1871, the family circle was broken by the death of Mrs. Mary A. Rockwell. She had for years been a member of the Congregational Church. January 15, 1872, Mr. Rockwell was married to Emma C. Osgood, born July 14, 1846, in Vermont. Her parents became residents of St. Charles in 1864, where the father died the follow- ing year.
E LIAS MYERS, the subject of this bio- graphical sketch, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1828. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Myers who came west in 1844, and located in Will County, Ill, where the father died in 1845. Elias worked at farming in Will County until 1853, when he went to Califor- nia, where he was successful in mining operations for a few years. Returning to Illinois, he pur- chased land in Wheatland Township, Will County, where he was a successful farmer for several years. He married there Miss Sarah Johnson, who died February 13, 1883, leaving a family of three sons and two daughters. The sons, Burton H., Wal- lace and William, are all substantial farmers of Wheatland Township; Edith L. and Pearly P. are at home. Mr. Myers has ever been to the front in support of measures advancing the interests of his locality. He served as supervisor of his township and on the school board of his district. During the late Civil War he gave liberally of his means for the support of the Union cause. He has been a
successful man in business, and besides his large farm of 160 acres in Wheatland Township has 681 acres in Hancock County, Iowa, and good city property in Aurora, all the result of his own accumulations. His wife, Saralı, was born in Cas- tleton, Vt., and came west with her father, Hiram Johnson, who settled in Wheatland Township, Will Co., Ill., in 1844.
A LEXANDER V. SILL, one of the old and well-known citizens of St. Charles, and for twenty years postmaster of the placc, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., April 29, 1807. His parents, Moses and Sarah (Belord) Sill, natives of Connecticut, removed to New York State in an early day. Alexander V. left home and began life for himself when very young; he learned the gunsmith's trade at Elmira, N. Y.
In 1827 he married Miss Angelica E. Van Vost, who was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., October 5, 1807. daughter of Caleb and Hannah (Vrooman) VanVost, natives of New York, who came of patriotic stock. Her grandfather served as a commissary in the War of the Revolution, and was in the battle of Saratoga. He lived to be over one hundred and five years old.
In 1841 Mr. and Mrs. Sill came to St. Charles, spent two years on a farm, and have since resided in the village. Mr. Sill was appointed postmaster under Lincoln's administration, and held the office for twenty years; also served as justice of the peace and probate judge. Of the eight children born to them six are now living: George, Robert T., Henry, Julia, Lydia and Sarah.
T HOMAS J. BROWN, a native of Forfar, Scotland, was born July 17, 1835, a son of David and Helen (Shepherd) Brown, natives of the same locality in Scotland. The father was born January 1, 1800, at Forfar, and, being left an orphan, he was thrown upon his own resources at the tender age of ten years. He struggled successfully through boyhood, picking up his education as he went along, and when twenty-one years old he had made his way so suc-
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cessfully as to become at that time a cattle dealer, which business he followed for ten years.
In the year 1829 he was united in wedlock with Helen Shepherd, and in 1841 he came with his family direct to Kane County from Scotland, and made his selection of 320 acres of farm land in Section 29, Virgil Township. Six of his ten chil- dren are still living, and are all respected citizens of Kane County. He was actively engaged in managing his farm until 1870, when he retired from the more active pursuits of life. March 16, 1878, the gentle wife and beloved mother peace- fully passed away. Mr. Brown is surrounded by his children in this the afternoon of his long and useful life, greatly respected in the community and in the enjoyment of all those things that lend such a charm to old age. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity; politically, he is in sym- pathy with the Democratic party.
Thomas J. Brown came to this country with his parents in 1841, and was reared on his father's farm, receiving the advantages of the public schools, with one year's attendance at an academy. He remained with his parents until 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and served four years in the army. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Antie- tam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and several minor engagements. He was honorably discharged in 1865, and returned to the farm, where he spent two years. In 1871, in partner- ship with his brother-in-law, C. E. Smiley, he opened a store at Maple Park, where they kept a full line of drugs and groceries, Mr. Smiley retir- ing in December, 1886.
January 3, 1877, Mr. Brown married Miss Eila C., daughter of Rev. J. F. Lathrop. They have five children, born as follows: Glen, born April 6, 1878; Neil, born June 6, 1880; Bessie, born November 2, 1882; Florence, born November 6, 1884, and Paul, born December 1, 1886.
Mr. Brown served his township one year as collector, and the corporation of Maple Park as trustee for six years. He takes an active interest in general affairs; politically, affiliating with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic
Lodge, No. 139, at Sycamore. He is a man of shrewd observation, sound judgment, and is a representative citizen of his community.
W ILLIAM M. SMITH, who has hardly yet reached the prime of life, and who is widely known and esteemed for his many excellent · qualities, was born on his father's farm, in Venango County, Penn., April 23, 1843. He has followed the vocation of farming, and his thrift, industry and integrity have made him one of the most substantial and honored citi- zens of his township. His father, Charles Smith, married Jane, a daughter of John and Betsey McClelland. Charles Smith came to Kane County in 1845, and settled on Section 1, Burlington Township, purchasing 160 acres, to which he sub- sequently added, until at the time of his death, October 14, 1869, he owned 378 acres. widow still survives him.
His
William M. Smith remained upon his father's farm until eighteen years of age, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Infantry, serving two years and ten months, and participat- ing in the battle of Beardstown, where his regi- ment was opposed by Morgan's guerrillas, and at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864; at the latter battle his brother was wounded, and William M. returned with him to Illinois. Upon his return to the army he reported to Gen. Thomas, at Louisville, Ky., and was assigned to the One Hundred and Four- teenth United States Colored Troops, as second lieutenant, which position he held ten months, and then resigned. He then returned to his home in Illinois, and took a commercial course in Aurora, after which he engaged in farming. In 1869 he went to Pennsylvania and engaged in prospecting for oil, with fair success. Being called home by his father's illness, he did not return to the oil regions, but entered upon farming.
January 5, 1870, Mr. Smith married Esther C., a daughter of David Sholes, and a native of Burlington Township, born April 20, 1852. She spent her childhood with her parents, and received such an education as could be obtained at the dis- trict school and at the Academy of Elgin; previous
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to her marriage, she taught school one term. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Smith and his young bride went to McLean County, Ill., where they engaged in farming three years, and, returning to Kane County, Mr. Smith dealt in stock ten years, buy- ing cattle throughout this and adjoining counties; he now owns and cultivates 419 acres of land, and his wife has 200 acres in her own right. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children: Alice J., Jolin, Fred and Lydia Ernestine.
Mr. Smith has served his township as well as his country; he was elected school director, serv- ing four terms, and has also been highway com- missioner, serving in the latter capacity six years. He is a member of Potter Post, G. A. R., at Sycamore, Ill. The family attend the services of the Methodist Church.
M ICHAEL MURRY is one of the well-to do farmers of Elgin Township. His residence is on Section 19, is shaded by a natural grove, and has a barn 52x36 feet, built at a cost of $1,000. This choice dairy farm of 135 acres is well drained and cultivated, and finely stocked with horses and cattle, among which is a herd of twenty-five cows. Its fields are watered by five natural springs. He was born in Hampshire, Kane Co., Ill., May 22, 1855, his parents being Michael and Mary (Kalanghar) Murry, natives of Ireland. They came to America in 1854, and set- tled in Hampshire, Kane County, where they bought forty acres, and added to it until they liad 160. The father was a consistent Catholic, and a hearty supporter of the Democratic party.
Michael spent his boyhood on the farm, and received a good education. Upon reaching his majority he rented land for two years, then went to Elgin, where he followed teaming for a business. April 4, 1883, he married Mary (McCoy) Higgins, widow of Patrick Higgins, and a daughter of John McCoy, of St. Charles. Shortly after their mar- riage they repaired to their present home. Mrs. Murry was born in Ireland in 1855, and her parents brought her to America in 1856; they are now residents of St. Charles Township, where they have a farm of 120 acres. She spent her youth on
her father's farm, and received a good common- school education. February 12, 1871, she was united in marriage with Patrick Higgins, and to them were born three children: Mary, born May 7, 1875; Edward, born June 15, 1877; and John, born September 9, 1879. Mr. Higgins died Feb- ruary 8, 1881, and his widow then removed to Elgin, where she resided until her marriage with Mr. Murry. Mr. and Mrs. Murry have two chil- dren: Daniel, born January 18, 1884; and Agnes, born September 27, 1886.
W ILLIAM H. WILSON. Prominent among the early settlers of Kane County was the late Hiram Wilson. A native of New Hampshire, he came to Illinois in 1839, and settled on Section 8, Elgin Township; bought a small farm, and by energy and industry added to it until he had 300 acres. He married Eliza- beth J. Kimball, daughter of Joseph Kimball, of Kane County, and to them were born five children: Melvin (deceased); Joseph A., now of Nevada; Mary I., now Mrs. Charles Salisbury, of Elgin; Susan C., now Mrs. C. J. Cole, of Elgin; and William H., of Elgin Township. The mother of this family died October 2, 1855, the father August 2, 1885.
William H. Wilson was born in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill., February 13, 1848, and during his early life he received a good education. When he be- came of age he rented his father's farm, and las always made the homestead his residence. Upon his father's death he came into possession of the farm, and now owns 250 acres, comprising one of the finest farms in the township, in soil and as re- gards location; and it is all in a high state of cul- tivation, tile drained and supplied with an abund- ance of living water. Mr. Wilson has seventy- five cows, and a good stock of horses. There are on the farm two good houses, one built in 1886, of modern style of farm house, three large barns, a carriage house, cribs, etc. Mr. Wilson is not a politician, but takes an interest in matters relative to the public good, and is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He has served as school director two years. December 27, 1871, he was
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married to Harriet E., daughter of S. W. Kings- ley, of Barrington, Cook Co., Ill., and they have four children, as follows: Addie M., born in March, 1873; Mabel E., born July 2, 1880; Fred H., born September 12, 1881; and Leroy K., born September 4, 1883.
OSEPH BURTON, one of the oldest mer- chants in Batavia, where he settled in 1852, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 3, 1817. Upon first locating in Batavia Mr. Burton established himself in the market business, upon a capital of $150. That line of trade he continued for ten years, adding a stock of groceries about 1858, and about 1864 opening out also a line of dry-goods. In 1877 he connected the mer- chant tailoring business with his establishment, and has enjoyed a growing and prosperous trade.
Mr. Burton was married in 1839, and has eleven children living. The fact that he has never held an office of any kind is very good evidence that he has not been a seeker after official distinc- tion. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Swedenborgian Church.
E BENEZER DANFORD. Among the meu who have achieved success by their own efforts is Ebenezer Danford. He was born near Concord, N. H., March, 23, 1814, and is a son of Ebenezer and Hepsibeth (DuFur) Dan- ford. On the paternal side he comes of old Puri- tan stock, while on the maternal side he is of French extraction. His maternal grandfather came to America as a volunteer under La Fayette, and served through the War of the Revolution.
When Ebenezer Danford was twenty-four years of age (in 1838), his parents came to Illi- nois and settled at Geneva, Kane County, where they lived until their death. When he had at- tained his seventeenth year Ebenezer was ap- prenticed, at Lowell, Mass., to the trade of machinist, at which he worked for five years. Then he moved to Boston, Mass., where he was em- ployed by the Adams Printing Press Manufactur- ing Company until 1837, in which year he engaged
with the Hudson River Locomotive Company, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., with whom he stayed for two years, when he too immigrated to Geneva, where he and his brother began the manufacture of furniture. Later they erected a machine shop on the east side of the river, and also constructed the first mill race there. They likewise engaged in the manufacture of wagons and a variety of imple- ments. While engaged in this business Mr. Dun- ford invented a mowing machine, which is said to have been the first successful grass-cutting ma- chine ever invented. He has a gold medal, awarded in 1852 by the Chicago Mechanics Insti- tute, for the best mower, besides many diplomas, etc. He is also the inventor of the celebrated Danford Super-heated Steam Generator, a patent car axle, and other articles.
January 20, 1846, Mr. Danford was married to Permelia A. Howard, who was born in New York State in 1826, and is a daughter of David and Ella (Irwin) Howard, who came to Illinois in 1836, and were among the early settlers of Geneva, where Mr. Howard was interested in the erection of a mill. Mr. and Mrs. Danford are the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, viz: Ralph D., a druggist in Geneva; Clara A., wife of Peter Loucks, of Aurora; Jessie, a talented musician; Jennie, living with her parents; and Fred, a machinist, in Aurora. Mr. Danford is a Republican in politics, and has been president of the town board of Geneva. Heis a F. & A. M.
0 LE M. TOMLE. This gentleman presents a striking instance of what steady perse- verance and strict application to business can accomplish. When first arriving in Chicago thirty-three years ago he possessed but three shillings; now he owns a handsome four- story stone block, known as the " Tomle Block," on Wilson Street, Batavia, erected by him in 1876, in addition to his present extensive business as dealer in furniture, carpets, undertaker's goods, etc. He is a native of Norway, born October 28, 1827, son of Ole J. and Mary Tomle.
Immigrating to America in 1853, Ole M. landed at New York, thence came west and located
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at Milwaukee, where he worked at his trade, that of eabinet-maker, till 1854, in which year he moved to Batavia, and here for a period of two years followed carpentering. He then embarked in his present business, in which he has met with much success. In 1853 he married Johanna Carina Anderson, also a native of Norway, born in 1825, and by her has one ehild, Oliene Mary, wife of Thomas Snow, of Batavia. The mother died in 1874, a member of the Lutheran Church, and in 1879 Mr. Tomle wedded Gertrude Jacobson, born in Norway in 1842. By this union there are three children: Anna G., Samuel M. and Frank G. Mr. and Mrs. Tomle are both members of the Lutheran Church; in politics he is a Republican, with Prohibition proelivities.
HEODORE S. HAWLEY was born in Cana- joharie. Montgomery Co., N. Y., July 4, 1815. His aneestors eame from England in the seventeenth century, his grandfather being Daniel Hawley. His parents were Asahel and Lavina (Parde) Hawley (former a hatter by trade), prominent and influential church people in their day, the father being a deaeon in the Presbyterian Chureh.
Theodore S. Hawley was reared in his native village, where he received a good education. When sixteen years of age he learned the trade of watchmaker, at which he worked eight years. In 1839 he came to Illinois, and settled in Lake County, where he bought 240 acres of land and lived several years, subsequently residing in Algon- quin, MeHenry County, one year. From there he removed to Rome, Jefferson County, Wis., and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits until 1862, when he came to Batavia, Kane County, and lived about three years. In 1865 he removed to Bur- lington Township, and purchased 100 acres of land, where he has sinee lived. He was appointed postmaster in East Burlington under President Johnson, and held that office four years; he has served as sehool director nine years. He takes a deep interest in public affairs, and is an enthusias- tic Republiean.
December 26, 1847, Mr. Hawley married Sarah
Cramp, daughter of William and Sarah (Martin) Cramp, and born in Sussex, England, March 20, 1826. Her father, a farmer by oceupation, eame to America in 1829, and located in Oneida County, N. Y., where he lived until 1847; then moved to Illinois, and settled in Algonquin, McHenry County. Mrs. Hawley spent the portion of her life previous to her marriage with her parents, and received a common-school education. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have seven children, as follows: Mar- cus A., a farmer in Plato Township, born Deeem- ber 7, 1848; Helen L., born September 9, 1850, who first married B. Elithorpe (sinee deceased), and now is the wife of Edwin Johnson, of Blue Mounds, Linn Co., Kas. ; Anna E., born February 28, 1852, who became the wife of Griffin Con- ner, of Plato Township; Sarah E., born March 23, 1855. died April 16, 1855; Emily H., born May 13, 1858, wife of Henry Buzzell, a farmer of Boone County, Ill. ; Cora E., born April 3, 1861, married August C. Berg, a farmer, of Belvidere, Ill .; Arvin T., born October 5, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have eighteen grandehildren and one great-grand- child, three of whom bear the family name.
OHN H. MILLER. This eitizen of Batavia is of German and Englishi extraction, and a native of Canada. He was born September 15, 1854, a son of Peter G. and Mary A. (Alexander) Miller, natives of New England (where the former was a contractor), whenee they moved to Canada. During the War of the Rebellion Peter G. Miller enlisted in the Eighth Regiment I. V. C., and at the battle of Malvern Hill had three horses shot under him, the last one falling on and disabling him. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post.
When John H. was one year old the family eame to Kane County, Ill., where the father fol- lowed farming, and the lad received a common sehool education. When about fifteen years of age he commenced work with the U.S. Wind Engine & Pump Company, Batavia, as an engineer, attend- ing to business iu the summer time and sehool in the winter, taking also a coures of instruetion in draughting in Chieago. By elose application to
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business he was from time to time promoted from one position to another, until he reached his present responsible post of assistant superintendent for the company.
February 17, 1877, Mr. Miller became united in marriage with Maggie J. Updyke, born in Chi- cago, Ill., March 4, 1858, and one child has blessed their union-George L., born May 27, 1883. In politics Mr. Miller is a Democrat; he has served as president of the town board.
HARLES W. SISSON, blacksmith, of Big Rock, was born in 1846, in McHenry Coun- ty, Ill., a son of Allen and Laura Ann (Wisner) Sisson, natives of New York State, the former a son of Holden Sisson. The father of Holden was thrice married, and had the follow- ing named children: Holden, Ellen (wife of O. M. Hayden, in Black Hawk County, Iowa), Clara (afterward Mrs. McDonald, whose husband was a member of the Canadian Parliament), Mrs. Lyons (also of Black Hawk County, Iowa), Wallace (mar- ricd, and a resident of Iowa), and another daugh- ter, the wife of a physician in Canada. Holden Sisson came to Illinois, and took up his residence in Will County. Upon the breaking out of the Black Hawk War he was given the captaincy of a company, in which capacity he served throughout those troublous times. He died about the year 1879. Allen Sisson was an early settler of Mc- Henry County, where for many years he was engaged in farming. He now lives, retired, in Marengo, Ill. By his first marriage he had eight children, of whom the following named are now living: Charles W .; Frank H., married, in Big Rock Township; Florence B., wife of Charles Sears, in Boone County, Ill .; Myrtie, a school- teacher in McHenry County.
Charles W. Sisson, when eighteen years of age, enlisted in the Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Cav- alry, under the command of Col. Beveridge, serv- ing two years-during the first year without a single day off duty, but during the second his health failed. He was mustered out in February, 1865, and returned home to McHenry County, where for nearly two years he was on the invalid
list. In 1869 he commenced blacksmithing, but, on account of impaired health, abandoned it, and went East, where for two years he was employed on the N. Y. & E. R. R., and for a short time on the B., N. Y. & P. R. R. By the advice of his physician Mr. Sisson, in March, 1880, took a trip to Dakota, but, owing to the severity of the climate, returned in the fall of the same year to Illinois, and embarked in his present blacksmithing busi- ness in the village of Big Rock.
September 16, 1873, Mr. Sisson married Amelia Burgess, a native of New York State, and a dangh- ter of Boswell Burgess, for many years a captain on the lakes. The result of this union is one son- Allen B .- born September 29, 1879. In politics Mr. Sisson is a Republican, voting, as he says, "just as he shot in the army."
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