USA > Illinois > Kendall County > Genealogical and biographical record of Kendall and Will Counties, Illinois : containing biographies of well known citizens of the past and present > Part 29
USA > Illinois > Will County > Genealogical and biographical record of Kendall and Will Counties, Illinois : containing biographies of well known citizens of the past and present > Part 29
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One of the most noticeable improvements on
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the farm is the barn, built in 1897. This is a substantial structure, 46x96 feet in dimensions, with twenty-two-foot posts and drop siding, equipped with modern conveniences, and built in such a manner as to be well adapted for the stor- age of large quantities of grain. In every respect the barn is fitted for the purposes to which it is devoted. The building was put up to replace a barn that had been destroyed by fire and that con- tained, at the time of the fire, seventy-five tons of hay, thirty tons of straw, four thousand bushels of oats and three head of horses. For some years Mr. Hatch has given considerable attention to the buying and selling of cattle, buying through- out the surrounding country and shipping in car- load lots to the Chicago market. To operate his land, eleven head of horses and three hired men are employed, and during busy seasons this force of assistants is increased.
Politically Mr. Hatch is a Republican and fra- ternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His first marriage took place Octo- ber 17, 1890, and united him with Jennie Maude, daugliter of Wallace Bartlett, of Little Rock. This lady died in March, 1894, leaving a daugh- ter, Neva Pearl. The present wife of Mr. Hatch, whom he married in June, 1896, was Hattie Jef- One child blesses this union, a son, Howard Smith Hatch, who was born May 14, 1897.
ILLIAM ISAAC HATCH, highway com- missioner of Little Rock Township and a well-known young farmer of Kendall County, is a native of this locality and was born September 20, 1871, on a farm that was occupied by his father, James S. Hatch. After the man- ner of farmer boys he alternated attendance at school with work on a farin during the years of his boyhood. He assisted his grandfather, Isaac Hatch, on the latter's farm and in early life ac- quired a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. Having a natural liking for the oc- cupation, he selected farming for his calling in life, and already he has made more than ordinary success in the work.
When twenty-one years of age Mr. Hatch settled upon the farm where he now resides, one- half mile south of the village of Little Rock. He started with three hundred and seven acres, but, having been successful, he has added to his property and now owns four hundred acres. Both as a stock and grain-raiser he has been prosperous. A goodly number of Durham milch cows may be seen on his farm, and lie has found the dairy business a valuable adjunct to the ordinary farm pursuits. At the time of purchas- ing the farm a neat farm house stood on it, but the building was less comfortable than Mr. Hatch desired, and he has therefore remodeled and enlarged it, making of it a cozy homestead.
As a citizen Mr. Hatch shows an interest in every enterprise for the prosperity of his town- ship and county. When informed of any new movement he studies its advantages carefully, and, on becoming fully convinced of its worth, gives his influence to it unreservedly. He is therefore a valuable citizen. The Republican party receives his vote, both in local and gen- eral elections. Besides the office of highway commissioner which he now holds, he is also serving as a member of the board of school di- rectors, and, through these two positions, he ferson, daughter of Thomas Jefferson, of Plano. . has been able to promote the interests of the roads and schools of this township.
The marriage of Mr. Hatch, January 7, 1893, united him with Lizzie, daughter of Robert Davis, of Big Rock. They are the parents of a son and daughter, Bernice and Merle.
ALTER STOWELL, a pioneer of 1831 in Illinois and of 1834 in Kendall County, was born in Connecticut August 25, 1789. He grew to manhood and married in that state, and, after the death of his first wife, moved to Ohio, where he again married. In the spring of 1831, accompanied by a Mr. Butterfield and family, he started for the west, traveling by ox-team and the customary prairie schooner. His companions remained in Indiana, but the Stowells pushed on, and in June, 1831, reached the straggling houses
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around Fort Dearborn, then dignified as a village. in Manchester, Winnebago County, Ill., January It was finally decided to locate on the Dupage River, about five miles from the present site of Naperville, and there Mr. Stowell engaged in farming for a period of three years. A carpenter by trade, he erected a double log house on the road from Ottawa to Chicago, established a stage house or tavern and later became postmaster. He erected the first mill in that region, which was run by horse power. During the Black Hawk war, while his family was at Fort Dearborn, he was a sergeant in the Naperville Guards.
In 1834 Mr. Stowell removed to Kendall County, buying a claim of some six hundred acres in Big Grove Township. This tract had been somewhat improved, and in a log cabin al- ready built he lived with his family until 1837. He then settled in Newark, where he built the first hotel in the village. As the hostelry was on the route of Walker's stage line, then the prin- cipal means of communication with Chicago, his business increased so rapidly that in 1840 he erected another building, larger than the first. The original structure has since been moved across the street and is still used as a hotel. For many years he conducted the stage-house and postoffice, his land in time embracing most of the present site of Newark. As a Democrat he also took a leading part in local politics and was es- teemed one of the most prominent citizens of Kendall County. His second wife, who was Susan (Butler) Stowell, died May 19, 1846, and about five years thereafter he settled at Fulton, investing in town property there, while retaining his interests in Newark. In 1855 he married Cornelia McLain.
In religion Walter Stowell was a firm defender of spiritualism, and he led an exemplary life. In 1818 he joined the Masonic Order at Harpensfield, Ashtabula County, Ohio, and for fifty-eight years thereafter was identified with the fraternity. It was quite fitting, therefore, that heshould have been buried, at Fulton, with all the honors due his long standing in the order. He passed away there April 10, 1876.
20, 1892; Walter A., whose death occurred at Fulton, Ill., in December, 1899; Phoebe, wife of George D. Barrows, of Kendall County; Sally, who died at the age of thirteen years; Eliza, who married James Grant and died at Fulton in 1855; Jolın L. and Millie L. (twins), the former being a resident of Gay's Mills, Wis. (for many years a lawyer, justice of the peace, etc.), and thie lat- ter (the wife of Hiram Powers) died at Aurora, Il1 , in 1898; Susan, who married Henry Stowell, settled in Santa Marie, Cal., during the early '50s and died there in September, 1891; and Josephine, who died in childhood.
EORGE DUNBAR BARROWS. In point of years of residence in Kendall County there are few men whose record equals that 5 of Mr. Barrows. Here he has made his home since 1837, when he was a youth of eighteen years. He has witnessed the development of the county and has borne his part in promoting its prosperity. With his wife, who came to the county in 1834 and is therefore an earlier pioneer than he, he shares the esteem and regard of a large circle of old-time friends and associates.
In Westmoreland, Cheshire County, N. H., Mr. Barrows was born December 1, 1819, a son of Elijah and Serephina (Daggett) Barrows. He well remembers the long and hard trip across the country from New York. Nor has he forgotten the appearance of Newark when the family reached the settlement. The hamlet was a mere cluster of a few insignificant houses. The sur- roundings were those of the frontier, and the pioneer had no easy task before him in attempt- ing to clear and cultivate a farm. Vet that was the task to which lie and his father set themselves. He had no educational advantages. Thie knowl- edge lie possesses has been acquired by observa- tion and reading.
June 16, 1839, Mr. Barrows married Phoebe County, Ohio, March 24, 1822, and was one of
The children born to the second marriage of Stowell, who was born in Perry, Ashtabula Mr. Stowell were as follows: Calvin M., who died
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the seven children of Walter and Susan (Butler) Stowell, who settled in Kendall County in 1834. At the time of her marriage she was seventeen years of age, and was fitted, by her childhood experiences, to become the wife of a pioneer farmer. She is a woman of far more than ordi- nary ability. Kindness of heart is one of her most noticeable traits. In all of her husband's labors she has been a most valuable helper. Throughout the locality of her home her name is a synonym for all that is noble and true. For sixty-six years she has watched the transforma- tion of this section of the state from a wild coun- try to a highly cultivated region, and, at the age of seventy-eight, retains her brightness and strength of mind, as well as activity of body, to a remarkable degree.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrows began their married life on a part of the claim originally made by Elijah Barrows. They then removed to Newark to assist Mr. Stowell, and, after an absence of two years, returned to the old homestead, where they resided until 1873. At that time they again located on the Stowell farm, which was their home until September, 1897, when they removed to Newark. Their son, Elmer E., now carries on the farm. During his active life Mr. Barrows gave his attention more to mechanical work than to farming. He was a superior carpenter, stone mason, plasterer and painter. He painted the first houses thus honored in both Newark and Millington, also the old hotel erected by Mr. Stowell in the former place and the residence of the late Fletcher Misner, of Millington. It will be recalled by the pioneers of Kendall County that Mr. Barrows was one of the few violinists of his locality, and no pioneer has forgotten with what constancy his services were in demand for a dozen miles around.
Of the nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Barrows three died in infancy. Allison S., who was a soldier in the Civil war, married Anna E. Wil- sey; both he and his wife are dead, leaving one son, Frank D. Horace D., the fifth in order of birth, is an architect, carpenter and builder in Newark. George resides with his parents. Walter A., of Chicago, is an inventor. Carrie
E., the wife of Henry Johnson, died in Chicago September 28, 1880. As stated, Elmer E. oper- ates the home farm. His wife was formerly Miss Ella Lutyen, of Whiteside County, Il1.
LIJAH BARROWS, deceased, who was a pioneer of Kendall County, was born in New Hampshire and from that state, in his youth, went to the front as a fifer in the war of 1812. In early manhood he went from Cheshire County, N. H., to Allegany County, N. Y., where he remained from 1822 to 1836. In com- pany with another family he then started for the Fox River valley of Illinois, some of his friends having preceded him hither and sent back en- couraging reports of the country. Progress by ox-teams was slow, so that the party was obliged to spend the winter (1836-37) at Niles, Mich. He was by trade a carpenter and joiner, and, pre- vious to his departure for the west, had been proprietor of a large sash and door factory on the Genesee River. He was therefore well fitted for making his way in a new and progressive settle- ment. In January, 1837, he left Niles and started on the remainder of his journey, and ar- rived at Newark, Ill., February 5. The place was then a small settlement, consisting of one store, two blacksmith's shops and half a dozen houses. Of the people then residing in Newark all are dead but Mrs. Mary A. (Jones) Newton, who married Ami Newton, for years sheriff of Kendall County. She was then a little girl, making her home with her stepfather, George B. Hollenback, the merchant of Newark. The second oldest survivor of Newark is George D. Barrows, the second son of Elijah Barrows, and who at the time the family came here was a youth of eighteen.
Mr. Barrows bought a claim of six hundred acres in what was then LaSalle County. How- ever, when Kendall County was formed and an accurate survey made, it was found that he had a title to only two hundred and fifty or three hundred acres. Although he began the improve- ment of his property, circumstances seemed
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against him, and he finally relinquished his land to his children, with whom he made his home until his death, in 1885. In the early days he accomplished much in the building line, and is still remembered by the old settlers of Kendall County for his skill in all kinds of wood work. By his marriage to Serephina Daggett he had three children: Horace, who died in Kendall County in 1893; George D., whose sketch ap- pears in this work; and Thaddeus, who died in Sandwich, Ill.
OHN AINSLEY BELL. No more worthy representative of the progressive and thriving farmers of Kendall County can be found than John A. Bell, whose name appears at the liead of this biographical sketch, his fine farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, lying in Seward Township, being one of the best in regard to its appointments and improvements of any in the locality. A native of Chicago, Ill., he was born January 13, 1859, a son of James Bell.
James Bell was born April 23, 1822, in Glass- lough, County Monaghan, Ireland, the son of William and Patience (Carl) Bell, both life-long residents of the Emerald Isle. In 1843 he married Susan Ferguson, who was born in March, 1822, in Scotland, but was taken by her parents to County Monaghan in infancy. Mrs. Ferguson was there killed by a runaway team, and Susan, then but four years old, was brought up by an aunt. Very soon after their marriage the young couple emigrated to America, arriving in New York City in August, 1844, with but seventy- five cents at their command. James Bell soon found employment with a Mr. Sawyer, a plumber, with whom he remained eleven years. Coming to Chicago in 1855, he located as a plumber at No. 143 Wells street, where he met with great success, continuing there until 1868, when, on account of failing health, lie decided to change liis occupation to that of farmer. He had there built up a good business, during the last three years of his stay having had the contract for keeping in repair the pipes controlled by the city
water works, employing from two hundred to three hundred men. His residence while there was at No. 43 Wisconsin street, near Lincoln Park, where he owned three lots, besides which hie owned eighteen lots on Seventy-fifth street, near Fifth avenue, all of which are now in the possession of his heirs.
Before entirely closing out his Chicago busi- ness, Mr. Bell came to Kendall County on an investigating tour, and here, on sections 21 and 22, of Seward Township, he bought a tract of land containing six hundred and ten acres, which are now included in the farms of his sons, William A. Bell and John A. Bell, paying therefor $35 an acre. The first year after locating on this farm with his family he stocked it with a good grade of cattle, and was engaged to a considerable extent in raising, feeding, buying and shipping stock, dividing his time between the farm and the city, where he was busy in closing out his plumbing interests. He subsequently devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pur- suits, including stock raising, until his sons were old enough to assume the management of the estate, when, in the spring of 1886, he retired to Minooka, where he resided until his death. He was an active and influential citizen in both the city and the country, but always refused public office except in connection with educational mat- ters, in which he rendered valuable service. Progressive and enterprising, he erected a tile factory on his farm in 1882, and while living there carried on an extensive business in the manufacture of tile, it being afterwards con- tinued by his sons until 1891. He was one of the organizers and directors of the Lisbon Home Mutual Insurance Company, and was active in the organization and support of the grange movement for the benefit of the agriculturists.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. James Bell nine children were born, as follows: Annie J., wife of J. S. Watson, M. D., of Minooka; Caroline S., wife of Alexander Bell, of Minooka; Emma P., of Minooka; Lottie, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Maggie, who died when fourteen years old; Jane, who died at the age of four years; William A., a prominent farmer and
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stockman, residing on a portion of the old home- office, by which action the district was deprived of a most efficient factor in its educational interests.
stead; John A., the subject of this sketch; and James J., of Chicago. Mrs. Bell died in Minooka, September 9, 1889.
John A. Bell lived in Chicago until ten years old, and has since resided on the home farm. After leaving the city he continued his studies at the district schools, completing his education in the Morris high school. After reaching his majority he remained on the home farm, assisting in its management until the death of his father, and when the division of the estate was made, he came into possession of the two hundred and twenty-five acres of the homestead on which he has lived since coming to this township. By the exercise of his native ability and his good busi- ness capacity he has rendered it one of the finest properties in this vicinity, now having the rich land under cultivation, with many improve- ments of an excellent character. For the past ten years he has rented his farming land, and has devoted his attention to stock raising, feeding and dealing, carrying on an extensive and profit- able business in this line of industry.
January 13, 1886, Mr. Bell married Helen Hall, who was born in Oswego, Ill., February 12, 1863, a daughter of David and Paulina R. (Wagner) Hall. Two children have been born of their union: Charlotte Duffy was born Feb- ruary 28, 1887, and died March 2, 1887, and James Hall, named for his two grandfathers, was born May 6, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Bell are both active inembers of society, and their attrac- tive and hospitable home is ever open to their numerous friends and acquaintances. Both are consistent members of the First Congregational Church of Seward, and both are officially con- nected with the Gregg Home Forum, No. 1311. Although Mr. Bell has strenuously avoided all public office, he did serve on the school board thirteen years, when he was succeeded by Mrs. Bell, who by reason of her four years' experience as a teacher in the schools of Yorkville and Aurora was especially qualified for the position. She has the distinction of being the first woman elected to the school board of Seward, but after serving faithfully three years she declined further
HARLES WILLIAM BANKS. During an early period in the settlement of New Eng- land the Banks family came from England and settled in Maine, with the history of which state subsequent generations were identified. A visitor to the home of Mr. Banks in Kendall County may see among his pictures a large oil painting, which shows his grandfather and grand- mother in the costume of their day, and her ele- gance of attire would indicate the social standing of the family as very high.
Mr. Banks was born April 13, 1837, at Saco, York County, Me., where his father, William P. Banks, owned a hotel. He was educated in the public schools. In 1856 he became an employe in a cotton factory, and there continued until 1884, when he removed to Illinois and identified himself with a cotton mill at Aurora. Eleven years later, desiring to enter an occupation that would enable him to spend his time out of doors, he severed his connection with the mill and bought a farm in Fox Township, Kendall Coun- ty. This place consists of one hundred and sixty-four acres, of which one hundred and twen- ty-five are under the plow. Most of the work on the farm is done by hired help, Mr. Banks giving his attention only to its supervision. He is engaged in raising cattle, and buys and feeds for the market, and also has a large number of swine on his farm. At this writing he is engaged to some extent in the dairy business, and sends milk to the creamery at Yorkville.
Politically Mr. Banks is a Democrat. He is interested in educational work, and holds a posi- tion on the school board of his district. While in the east he was an officer in the Congrega- tional Church, but has not been so active since coming to Illinois. His first wife died in Maine, leaving no children. While in Aurora he mar- ried Miss Frederica Hippe, of that city. They have two children, Deborah and Elsie.
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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FOSSE BROTHERS.
OSSE BROTHERS, general merchants of Newark, are among the leading young busi- ness men of Kendall County, the firm con- sisting of Lewis O. and Andrew O. Fosse. Their father, Ole L. Fosse, was born at Fosse, in Ber- gen Stift, Norway, August 10, 1839, and came to America during the first year of the Civil war. He enlisted October 17, 1861, in Com- pany H, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Throughout the war he served chiefly as wagon- master. In battle, on the 17th of May, 1864, he received two musket balls in his hip and thigh, one of which he carried to the day of his death. His brothers, Stephen L. and Andrew Fosse, en- listed at the same time as he, and the latter was killed in the battle of Murfreesboro on the last day of the year 1862.
After an honorable service in the war Mr. Fosse was discharged, February 13, 1865. With Stephen L. Fosse, his brother, he settled in Chi- cago, where he established and developed the so- called "tailor's express." This consists in the transportation of goods from the merchant to the working tailors and the return of the manufac- tured clothing. The business now conducted by I. L. Fosse (who succeeded the founders) em- ploys ten wagons and is steadily increasing. Mr. Fosse continued in the line mentioned until 1876, when he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Lisbon Township, and, although he made this his home, gave his attention to the buying and shipping of live stock from various points along the Rock Island and Burlington railroads. For five years, or until his death, he
was known as one of the most extensive dealers in live stock in that region. His death occurred June 6, 1881, from an attack of rheumatism, which he endured with rare fortitude for a period of thirteen weeks. He was interred in Helmar cemetery, with the honors due his character. Politically he was an influential Republican, but would never accept office. He was a member of the North Prairie Lutheran Church, and lived a moral, upright life, in keeping with his religions professions. In his worldly undertakings he was enterprising and successful.
The marriage of Mr. Fosse united him with Anna Lee, who was born in Oppeland, Norway, December 3, 1849, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Lee. She continued to reside on the farm for some years after his death, but removed to Newark in December, 1899, purchasing a home there, in which she now resides. Of her seven children, five survive, namely: LewisO .; Lizzie, who resides with her mother; Andrew O .; Benjamin, a student in Beloit College, Wis- consin, now preparing for the legal profession; and Marie, who is connected with the business owned by her brothersin Newark. Two, named Lizzie and Marie (Ist), died in childhood.
Lewis O. Fosse was born in Chicago, Ill., March 27, 1870; was reared on the home farm in Lisbon Township, and was educated in the common schools, at Naperville College and the Metropolitan Business College of Chicago. For about two years he was a bookkeeper in the em- ploy of a Chicago firm and of his uncle, I. L. Fosse, who, as stated, had succeeded his father
13
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in business. He then engaged in general mer- chandising at Millbrook, Il1., his partners being O. B. Larson and C. S. Williams. The firm continued in business two years, when Mr. Lar- son purchased the interests of his associates and Mr. Fosse remained with him over three years in a clerical capacity. In September, 1898, the firm of Fosse Brothers was formed, and our sub- ject removed to Newark. Politically he is an ac- tive Republican, and is at present a member of the returning board. As trustee and treasurer he is officially connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Newark, and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school, in which his wife is a teacher and untiring worker. He is a charter member of Millbrook Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, but is now affiliated with Newark Camp, No. 963. His marriage took place September 7, 1898, and united liim with Edna R. Bullard, who was born in Millbrook, a daughter of Edward and Mary (Morse) Bullard.
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