History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Part 229

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 875

USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time > Part 229

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Joseph Vial, the original settler and proprietor of this hostelry, came to Cook County in the fall of 1833. and located at this place in the spring of 1834, where he resided until his death in the fall of 1852, his wife, Mrs. Louisa Smith Vial dying in 1856. When he arrived in the township there was one house at Lyons, the Polks house near there, Elijah Wentworth, Jr., at Flag Creek and the Laughtons and Forbes at Bourbon Springs, Mr. Vial's family, when he settled in Lyons precinct, con- sisted of Samuel, Martha, Robert and Nathaniel. The latter was murdered on the road from Lyons to Chicago in 1858. Mr. Vial was appointed Postmaster in 1836, a short time subsequent to which he resigned the position; at the time the stages changed their route to the road past Elijah Wentworth's, at which place the post-office then was. Upon the route again being changed, he was re-commissioned and held the position until shortly before his death, when N. Starr Carrington was commissioned, and he held it until its discontinuance. Mr. Vial was Justice of the Peace for four years.

Robert Vial was born at Chester, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1824, and came to Lyons with his father Joseph. He has a farm, which includes the old homestead, of two hundred and seventy acres, and has pursued the occupation of farmer since attaining his majority. He was married to Miss Mary R. Ketchum, and has the following children: Mary, Robert, Edmond, Frederick K., Eugene, Robert C. and Alice M. Mr. Vial has been Supervisor and School Treasurer for a number of years.

Near Mr. Vial's house is the district school taught by William E. Jayne, who has been the preceptor there for thirteen years. Upon the division of the school district, this school was established, as was the one farther south, now taught by Miss McCord.

Upon Flag Creek also there is a German settlement of petty landholders who peacefully till the soil and enjoy a community of language and interests, having a church wherein the Gospel is preached in German.

On the Joliet road, opposite James D. Beckett's handsome farm, is the Congregational church, of which Mr. McCord is the pastor. It is situated about three

miles south of Western Springs, and is a neat and pretty edifice. Near by there stands an old Methodist church, that has been sold by the denomination, and purchased by three or four farmers, who use it as a hall for meet- ings, etc.

Also contiguous to the Congregational church is the farm and residence of Thomas Cook, also a little white, frame house that he built and occupied for one night in order to enable his children to attend the school in the district in which his little house was, and in which his principal residence was. Thomas Cook was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1800, the son of John and Lydia (Pearson) Cook. He came to Chicago in June, 1832, and there engaged in teaming with a horse and cart; the cart he purchased of Newberry & Dole in 1833, and has the old cart still. Three years afterward, he had so increased his business that he engaged in general team- ing, and extended his business, making trips to Spring- field and Galena, Ill., Mineral Point, Wis., and Detroit, Mich. During one of these trips he hauled a load of leather for Ulysses S. Grant, at Galena, for which he alleges he was not paid, wherefore he has never voted for U. S. Grant. In 1850, he purchased the farm where he now resides, and in addition thereto he owns five hundred acres in the township and six hundred and forty acres in Mason County, and some valuable pro- perty in Chicago. In 1848, he married Miss Mary Queen, daughter of Michael and Mary Queen. They have five'children-Thomas, Mary, Ellen F., Elizabeth J. and John A.

All through the region down to Willow Springs there are well-cultivated farms and the rolling prairie smiles with the presence of hundreds of peaceful, happy homes ; while, by means of the schools stationed at easily accessible points in the various districts, the chil- dren are taught the way of knowledge; pursuit of which, with the physique engendered by a farmer's life, enables the lowliest American to aspire to the highest office with hopes of success.

WILLOW SPRINGS.

This postal hamlet is situated seventeen and one- half miles from Chicago, upon the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis and the Chicago, St. Louis & South-Western railroads, and upon the banks of the Desplaines River and the canal. It derives its name from the fact that from beneath a willow a bountiful spring leapt into the air, sparkling and flashing with its wealth of carbonic acid gas. The oldest settler of the country around this location is Mrs. George Wallace Beebe, an account of whose settlement appears in the Willow Springs' article of Palos Township. Mrs. Weed, the mother-in-law of Elijah Wentworth, "old geese," lived near here. An iron-bridge was recently erected over the canal at this point ; this, and the ice-houses of A. S. Piper & Co., on Willow Springs lake (an enlargement and widening of the Desplaines River), are the noteworthy features of the hamlet. The post-office is managed by J. H. Banks, Postmaster, who also has a saloon and general store. The other stores and the blacksmith shops across the road are in the township of Palos. In the summer- time there is an island in the Desplaines River that is frequented by large picnic parties, who make excursions upon the train and bring multitudinous kegs of beer with them, and encamping upon this island, have an open air beer and lunch symposium, with such music as may be brought by the fauns and dryads of these nine- teenth century saturnalias.

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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY.

LYONS TOWNSHIP BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOHN H. BANKS, grocer and Postmaster, Willow Springs, was born in Maine in 1842, son of Edmund and Catharine Banks. Hle came to Cook County in 1858 and located in Lemont Town- ship, where he was engaged in farming for twenty years, worked on the canal for five, and then peddled goods for three years. In 1879 he moved to Willow Springs and established his present business, which consists of a foll line of groceries. Ife was ap. pointed Postmaster in 1879, and this office he now holds. lie married in 1880 Miss Jane Furgoose, daughter of John and Eliza Furgoose. They have two children, Richard and Eliza.

JAMES D. BECKETT, importer and dealer in horses, 377 and 379 Randolph Street, Chicago, was born in Great Britain in 1830, son of Philip and Anna Beckett. Coming to Cook County In 1855, he located in Chicago, and for two years was engaged in shipping live stock to Chicago. He established a sale stable in the spring of 1857, and deals in street car and draught horses, and in imported Norman and English bred draught horses, He im- ported fifty-five in 1883. During the war Mr. Beckett furnished 38,000 horses for the army. The aggregate value of horses sold in 18So, was $1,250,000. Ile purchased a farm in Lyons Township in 1871, which aow contains 300 acres, which he uses for hay and stock farm. During the year 1883 he sold and delivered 1,000 tons of loose hay in Chicago, at an average price of $14 per ton. besides what he osed for his stock. He keeps a small herd of short-horned cattle. Mr. Beckett lias made extensive improve. ments on his farm. Ile has built barns and stables for 100 head of stock, and a very fine residence, situated in a beautiful grove of ash, hiekory, oak, and black walnut trees, making it one of the most delightful residences in the country. In 1865 he married Miss Georgiana Beach, daughter of Hezekiah and Adalaide (Brown) Beach, They have three children, Mary E., Florence and James B. Mrs. Beckett was born In Westchester County, N. Y .. in 1843.

MRS. JANE BEEBE, of Willow Springs, was born in Mon. treal in 1818, daughter of James Ferguson and Jane McLane Fer. guson. She was married in 1833 to George Beebe and in 1837 they came to Illinois, Mr. Beebe was an extensive contractor on the lilinois & Michigan Canal, working at times 300 men. In 1840 he located on the farm where Mrs. Beebe now resides, and which contains eighty aeres. His death cceurred in 1864. They had seven children, five now living-William, Thomas G., Adeline, Ar- abeila and George W. Thomas G. was born in f.yons Township in 1843, and at the age of twenty-one learned the trade of Iron molder. lfe has been engaged in engineering for three years; wax Town Collector of lyons Township for one year. In October, 1879. he was appointed agent of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad at Willow Springs. Ile Is a member of the I. O. O. F. and resides at the old homestead with his mother. George W. was born in Lyons Township in 1945, and married in 188t, Miss ffar- riet A. Spear, danghter of John and Matilda (Adams) Spear. They have one child Ethel Mi.

ROBERT P. BIELBY, farmer, P. O. Willow Springs, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1535, son of Robert and Julia (Willis) Bielby, who came to Cook County in 1850 and located on a farm in Lyons Township. Out of a family of eight children four survive-Thomas, Agnes, Isane, and the subject of this sketch. Ilis mother died in 1870. at the age of sixty-one; his father is living, at sixty eight years of age. Mr. Bielly, on attaining his majority, engaged in farming, which pursuit he has since followed. He owns eighty eight acres of land, and makes a specialty of raising pota -* oes. In 1839 he married Miss Rose Evans, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Hooper) Evans. They have five ciuldren-Freder- ick, Sherman, Joseph, Estella and florace G. Mrs. Bielby is a member of the M. E. Church, of which Mr. Bielby was chorister, trustee, steward and class leader for a number of years, Ile was Collector of Lyons in 1854, and in 1855 Assessor. He was again eleeted Assessor in 1878, and re-elected in 1879 by a unanimons vote. He has been School Director for twenty four years. He has been actively interested in political matters, and was one of the organizers of the Republican party in Lyons Township. Hle now holds the position of Independent, but acts with the Demo- erats. Isaac, youngest son of Robert and Julia Bielby, was born in Oneida County in 1844, and married in 1869 Miss Christie Wilson, daughter of George and Mary Wilson. They have five children-George, Irving. Bertie, Edith and lienry. They are members of the Congregational Church, Mr. Bielby is a member of the school board, and has served for five years. He resides on the old homestead. which contains 114 acres.

NATHAN STARR CARRINGTON, farmer, P. O. Hins. dale, DuPage County, was born in Middletown, Conn., December 12. 18t6, son of Henry and Susan (starr) Carrington. The father was born in March, 1781, son of Edward and Sasan (Wittlesy) Carrington; the mother was born in April, 1782, daughter of Na-

than and Polly (Pomeroy) Starr; they were married in January. 1806, and had seven eltildren, three now living-Susan M. Mary S. and Nathan Starr Carrington. His father came to Cook County in 1835, accompanied by his son Henry, who entered a piece of land near Holderman's Grove. Mr. Carrington remained in Chi- eago until the spring of 1836, when he returned to Connecteut for the purpose of arranging his business for a permanent location in Cook County. In the fall of that year he returned to Chicago with Nathan S., the subject of this sketch, and was engaged in a brok- erage and banking business with E. K. Hubbard until the fall of 1837, when he cameto his farm In Lyons Township, where Na- than S. Carrington now resides, then containing 320 acres, now 230, with a wood lot of 165. in 1843 he again returned to Middle- town, Conn., where he accepted the position of secretary and treas- urer of the Middleton Savings bank He remained in Middletown, Conn., until his death, which occurred in 1871, at the age of ninety yeats. Mrs. Carrington died in 1825, aged forty-four years, N. S. Carrington was in Connecticut from 1838 to 1849. when he re. Turned and located on the farm purchased by his father. In 1841 he married Miss Laura Butler. They have bad eight children, su living-Susan, Elizabeth, Mary, William, Laura and Edward. They are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Carring. ton has been Commissioner of Ilighways, school trustee and schoul director for about fifteen years. fle is Justice of the Peace, elected to fill a vacancy, and was fostmaster ol Lyonsville Post-Office from 1864 to 1879. The log house built by Morse, who made the claim in 1834. Is still standing.

WILLIAM CRONIN, farmer, P. O. Mount Forest, was born In the county of Cork, Ireland, in 1815, son of William and Mary t'ronin. fle came to America in 1836, and to Cook County In 1845. In 1847 he parchased his present farm, which contains 1554( acres. Ife married in 1848 Miss Mary O'Shea, daughter of William and Margret O'Shea, Mr. and Mrs. O'Shea are among theearly settlers of Cook County, and resided in Lyons Towathip until their deaths, the father in 1854, aged sixty, and the mother in 1872, aged eighty-four years. William and Mary Cronin have had eleven children, nine now living-John, William, Bridget, Mary, Margaret, Michael. Nellie, Joseph and Peter. Mr. Cronia has been Assessor of the town of Lyons for two years, collector one, and school director for twenty years. Before settling on bis farm he was engaged as contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Cansl, and on various railroads.

WILLIAM I. CRONIN, merchant, P. O. Mt. Forest, was born in Kane County, Ill., in 1851, son of William and Mary Cro- nin. In infancy he came to Cook County with his parents, where he has since resided. On attaining his majority he learned teleg- raphy, and followed this occupation for five years, In the spring of 1877 he established his present business at Mt. Forest. He owns the store, 22x42 feet, two stories and basement, with an ell 18x20. Ife carries a full line of general merchandise ; his bust- ness has increased about 100 per cent since its establishment. Mr. Cronin was appointed Postmaster at Mt. Forrest in 1881, and bad served four years previons to that time as Deputy Postmaster. lie has been Clerk of Lyons Township for one term. Mr. Cronin has a telegraph and express office in connection with his store.

JOSEPH EVANS, farmer, P. O. LaGrange, was born in En- gland in 1800, son of Joseph and Jane Evans. ffe eame to Cook County in 1838, and located in the township of Lyons, on the farm where he now resides, which contains 256 seres. In 1837 he msr. ried Miss Anna Maria Diment, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth Diment, natives of England. Mrs, Evans was born in Devonshire, England, in 1818. They have had nine children, eight now living -Rosa, Richard, Joseph, Jane, Maria, Louisa, Frank and James- Mrs. Evans is a member of the M. E. Church, Mr. Evans of the Dissenters of England. Mr. Evnns has been Town Clerk, Assessor and School Director for several terms. Frank and John are at home, and now mansge the old homestead. The others are mat. ried, one living in Lyons, two in Chicago, one in Missouri, one in Indians, and one in LaGrange.

GEORGE M. FOX, M. D., LaGrange, was born In Rutland County. Vt., in 1829, son of Marvin and Amy (Andrus) Fox. His parents were early settlers in DuPage County, where they now te- side, his father at the age of eighty-nine and his mother seventy- eight years of age. Dr. Fox was educated at the Castleton Medi- cal College of Castleton, Vt., from which he graduated in the class 1851. fle came to Cook County in the fall of that year and com. menced the practice of his profession in Lyons Township, and has been in constant practice in Cook County from that time. His practice extends over an area of twelve miles. Ife married in 1856 Miss Harriet Frances White, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth White. Mrs. Fox died in 1860, leaving two children, Harriet E. and Mary F. Ifis second marriage was in 1863. to Jane Michie, danghter of James and Margaret Michie. Mrs. Fox was born in Lyons Township in 1838. Her parents were among the first set- tlers, and lived in the township until their deaths, her mother's in

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HISTORY OF LYONS.

1873, at the age of sixty-three, her father's in 1876, at sixty-eight years of age. Dr. and Mrs. Fox have five children-Margaret A .. Jeannie. Laura, Jessie and Charles Marvin.

AMASA GKOVER, farmer, P. O. LaGrange, was born in Wind- sor County, Vt., in 1809, son of Thomas and Mary (Davis) Grover. lle came to Cook County in January. 1850, and located on the farm where he now resides, which contains sixty-seven acres. Ile married in 1846 Mrs. llarriet E. Grover, daughter of Jessie and Mary A. (Taylor) Graves, who was born in Vermont, but moved to Cortland County, N. Y., with her parents when an infant. They have six children-1.aura M., Rufus H., Mary. Jexsie, Amasa and llarriet F. They are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Grover has been school trustee and director for a number of years, Amasa, Jr., resides at home with his parents, and carries on the farm ; Harriet E. is also at home ; Jessie is a teacher ; the remain- ing children are married.

JOHN L, HENRY, faimer, P. O. Western Springs, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1827. son of John and Elizabeth(Lamond) Henry, Coming to Cook County in 1854, he located in Lyons Township on a farm, and has been a resident of Cook County from that time. In 1957 he moved to Chicago, where he was for nine. teen years engaged in the lumber business, and also interested in a planing mill and box factory. In 1874 he returned to Lyons Township and purchased the farm where he now re-ides. Ile owns 400 acres, and is engaged in stock-raising. keeping about sixty head of cattle. Mr. Ilenry married, in April, 1852, Miss Margaret Adams, daughter of William and Margaret (Wilson) Adams. Mrs. Henry died in 1862, leaving one child, William, and in October, 1864, he married Miss Ann Sloan, daughter of James and Jane (Guthrie) Sloan, MIrs. Ilenry ched in September, 1983, leaving three sons-James, John and Robert. Mr. llenry is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

MISS EMILY A. KELLOGG, of Mount Forest, was born in Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1848. daughter of Rev. Iliram H. and Mary G. (Chandler) Kellogg. ller father was educated at llamilion College, from which he graduated in 1922, and from Att- burn Theological Seminary in 1826. In the latter year he was or. da ned tothe ministry, and from that time his life work was preaching the Gospel, and as an educator. lle was the founder of the Clin- ton Domestic Seminary in 1833, of which he was president for eight years. This was the first institution of its kind, and nfter it Mi. Ilolyoke was modeled. Mr. Kellogg was the first president of Knox College, elected in 1Sat, and held that position four years, and during that time he visited Great Britain in the interests of that College. Ile was an intimate friend and co-worker with Gerrit Smith in the early days of the abolition agitation. Mr. Kel- logg was a champion of right and a friend of the oppressed. lle was pastor of the Union Church of Galesburg for two years, alter his connection with Knox College ceased, following which he re- turned to Clinton and took charge of the Seminary for three years. lle then devoted lumself to pastoral work. lle was for thiee years secretary of the Home Mission Board of the Presbyterian Church, for the Northwest, and subsequently was, for ten years, pastor of churches in Iowa. In 1878 hecame to Mount Forest, JI1., and established the Forest Home School. Ile purchased the hotel which had been erected by the Monnt Forest Land Company at an expense of about $10,000. a fine three-story structure. 40x40 feet, with addition 1 5×25, with capacity for accommodating thirty guests, besides the room occupied by the school. The school was opened in 1575. Before he had been enabled to carry out his plans Mr. Kellogg was stricken down by the hand of death, in January, 188t. and the burden devolved upon Miss Emily A. Kellogg, under whose management the schon] has continued. The hotel is pleasant and attractive; ite beautiful Iceation, surrounded by forest trees, makes it as a place of resort all that its name implies, a "Forest Ilmne."

SAMUEL B. MUNSON, manufacturer of stove castings, Chi- cago, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1839, son of Samuel B. and Hannah S. Munson, and was brought up in his native city. llis father came to Chicago in 1871 and established himself in the iron business. He died at Mount Forest, Cook County, in April. tsSo, at the age of seventy-four. Il's wife died in Cincinnati in 1861. In 1873 Samuel K. Martin, II. W. Fowler, Henry S. Dietrich, Ed- ward S. Jenison and Samuel B. Munson came to Mount Forest, and hought 300 acres of land, which they subdivided into lots and hlocks. "In the following year they erected the hotel now occupied by the Misses Kellogg, at a cost of $10,000. Mr. Munson built a fine residence the same year. Each ol the original members of the Mount Forest Land Company built fine residences. They spent $100 000 in the purchase of the land and the erection of buildings during the first twelve months. In :360 Mr. Munson married Miss Annie Schauble. daughter of Mathias and Barbara Schauble. They have two children, Emma and Jessie. Mr. Mun. son is a member of the Masonic fraternity. A. F. & A. M., Royal Arch and Sir Knight.

JOHN MURPHY, farmer, P. O. LaGrange, was born in

Carlow, Ireland, in April, t817, and located in Chicago, where he engaged in the ship supply and grocery business. After following this business until 1866, he removed to the farm on which he now resides, containing 135 acres. He married in 1856 Miss Mary McBride, daughter of Cornelius and Kntie McBride. They have had two children, John and Mary. John graduated from Ann Arbor, Mich., in the class of 1882, in the literary course, and is now studying law with Lyman & Jackson, Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Catholic Church of Lyons. Mr. Murphy was very instrumental in the building of the church of which he is a member. lle has been school duector for nine years.

GEORGE W. SAVAGE, farmer, P. O. Western Springs, was born in Canada in 1834, son of David and Lucretia Savage, who came to Cook County in 1843. and located in Chicago. Thence they re- moved to Orland Township, where they both died the same night. the father at fifty-four and the mother at forty-eight years of age. Dr. Cornelius Mineham, who was residing in the same house, left very soon after their death, taking with him the youngest child, a boy of two years, and several hundred dollars were missing at the same time belonging to Mr. Savage. They never have been heard from since. Mr. Savage follows agricultural pursuits, and has a farm of 160 acres, In 1957 he married Miss Mary E. Ward, daughter of Alfred and Lucina Ward. They have six children-Augusta A .. Adelia, Frances M., Harvey, Willis and George. Mr. Savage ia school trustee of the town, and Ilighway Commissioner. Ile is trustee of the Athenaeum. a public hall used for town and other public purposes. Ile has been school director for about nine years.

JOSEPHI STEPHENSON, farmer, P. O. Willow Springs, was born in Leicestershire, England, in 18t1, son of Robert and Ann Stephenson. Robert Stephenson was in the war of the Revolution. Joseph Stephenson came to Chicago in 1851, and remained three years, engaged at his trade, brick laying. Ile purchased a lot and built a residence, and in 1854 he purchased the farm where he now resides, which contains eighty acres, and has followed farming as an occupation since that time. Ile married in 1835 Miss Martha Newby, born in Dover, county of Kent, England, In 1814, and daughter of William and Ann Newhy. They have had nine chil- dren, seven now living-Robert, Martha, Lillie, George, Joseph, Thomas and Mary (twins). Mr. Stephenson has been highway overseer and school director. He served in the war of the Rebel. lion, enlisting in Company 11, 127th Ilinois Infantiy. Ile partici- pated in the battles of Chicka-aw Bavou, Askansas Post, Milliken Rend, Jackson, the battle and siege of Vicksburg, Juka, Miss., Look- out Mountain, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Franklin, Buzzard's Roost, Resacn, Jonesboro, Dallas, Atlanta, and other engagements of his command, being discharged at Atlanta for disability. In the fall of t$64 Lieutenant llenry Newhy, nephew of Mr. Stephen- son, in the same regiment and company, was killed at the battle of Vicksburg. Robert Stephenson, son of Joseph Stephenson, served in the army ; was in Ratiery B, 1st Illinois Light Artillery, enlisted in 1864. and served until the close of the war.

MRS. C. STURTEVANT. LaGrange, was born in Hudson. N. Y., in 1823, daughter of James H. and Hannah Cassady, who came to Cook County in 1837 and Incated in Chicago, where the father died in 1863. at the age of seventy years, and the mother in 1852 at fifty-two years of age. Mrs. Sturtevant was married in 1843 to Noah Sturtevant. They resided in Chicago, where Mr. Sturte- vant was engaged in the stone and lime business. Subsequently he was proprietor of a stone quarry, with office in Chicago. His death occurred in 1862, al the age of forty-two years, leaving five children, four now living-Ellen B., Noah G., Laura H. and Catharine A. Mr. Sturtevant was one of the Water Commissioners nf Chicago with O Lunt and G. W. Dole, and was Supervisor of the West Division for two terms ; also Street Commissioner. Mrs. Sturte. vant is a member of the Centenary M. E. Church of Chicago. She came to LaGrange in 1875, but still owns property in Chicago, where she resiled for many years.

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History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Part 229

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas Number of Pages: 875

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 875