History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II, Part 32

Author: Joslyn, R. Waite (Rodolphus Waite), b. 1866
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 958

USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 32

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On the 17th of August, 1882, Mr. Seamans was married to Miss Nellie C. Donavan, a daughter of Daniel and Eleanor ( O'Connor) Donavan. There are three children of that union, Myrtle L., Ethel E. and Solemnus D., Jr. The daughters are graduates of the East Aurora high school. The parents attend the People's church and politically Mr. Seamans is independent. The family residence is at No. 42 South Fourth street, where he has built a mod- ern dwelling, and he also owns other residence property in the city. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. A man of great natural ability, his success in business from the beginning of his residence in Aurora has been uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in schools and in books he must essen- tially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character; and this is what Mr. Seamans has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a per- sistent purpose and has gained a most satisfactory reward. His life is exem- plary in many respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, or which are matters of civic virtue and civic pride.

FREDERICK HANSEN.

Frederick Hansen, a prosperous agriculturist residing in Burlington township, was born in the province of Pommern, Germany, on the 21st of June, 1865, and in the year 1883 emigrated to America. His marriage was celebrated in 1890 and for six years thereafter he resided in Plato, but for the past twelve years has made his home in Burlington. Throughout his active business career he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, first pur- chasing eighty acres known as the Festus Eaton farm and subsequently adding more land by additional purchase until his farm now comprises one hundred and eleven acres. He has brought the place under a high state of development and improvement, erected an attractive and commodious resi- dence and remodeled many of the other buildings on the property. The fields annually return golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them, and in addition to the work of general farming he also conducts a dairy, owning twenty cows and shipping milk to Chicago. He raises about twenty head of young stock annually, his herd being com- posed largely of graded Holsteins, and also raises a few colts each year. Through the careful management of his interests he has gained a gratifying and well deserved measure of success and at the same time has won the regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact by reason of his straightforward and reliable business methods.

On the 31st of January, 1890, Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Swift, whose birth occurred in St. Charles township, March 3.

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1874. Their children are as follows: Minnie L., born May 18. 1891 : John C., whose natal day was February 12. 1893; Willie C., who was born Novem- ber 30, 1896; Fred J .. May 13, 1899; Henry August, February 7, 1902; Charley A .. August 4, 1904: and Mary A., September 28, 1906. All the children were born in Burlington township with the exception of Minnie. L. and John C., whose place of nativity is Plato township.

Mr. Hansen gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, while fraternally he is connected with the Modern Wood- men of America. He is also a devoted member of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. Leaving his native land when a young man of eighteen years with the hope of more rapidly attaining the goal of success in the new world, he has here worked earnestly and persistently as the years have passed by and is now numbered among the prosperous and enterprising citizens of the community.

FREDERICK WILLIAM WORST.

Frederick William Worst occupies a creditable and enviable position in the business circles of Aurora, where his ability as an architect is manifest in many of the substantial and attractive structures of the city. His life more- over proves that

"The man who wins is the man who works. The man who toils while the next man shirks."

His birth occurred in Elkhart. Indiana, on the 11th of August, 1867. his parents being Charles H. and Nannie ( Manning ) Worst, the latter a native of Indiana and the former of Michigan. In the year 1869 they removed from Elkhart, Indiana, to Aurora, where the father followed the carpenter's trade, continuing in business here until his life's labors were ended in death in 1901.

Frederick William Worst was educated in the East Aurora public schools. passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1887. He then commenced the study of architecture in the office of J. E. Minott, of Aurora, and one secret of his success undoubtedly lies in the fact that he has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose. concentrating his energies upon the profession which at the outset of his career he determined to make his life work. After qualifying for activity in this line he formed a partnership in 1894 with J. E. Minott under the firm style of Minott & Worst. The association was continued until January. 1898. after which Mr. Worst was alone until 1903. when he admitted R. S. Shep- ardson to a partnership and the firm style of Worst & Shepardson has since been well known in the business circles of Aurora. That Mr. Worst is a most competent architect is indicated in some of the finest buildings of Aurora, which have been designed and constructed by him. These include St. Mary's school, the Finch & McCulloch Printing Company, building the Marion Ave- nue Baptist church and the First Congregational church. That his fame as an architect has spread abroad is indicated by the fact that he was the archi-

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tect and builder of the State Bank of Geneva, the Elburn Bank, the bank at Hinckley, the Faber Brothers Hotel of Mendota, the Congregational church at Princeton and many other substantial structures which constitute a pleas- ing feature in the landscape owing to their attractive style of architecture. Mr. Worst has worked on over six hundred important contracts, including many beautiful residences. He also built the Emanuel Lutheran church of Aurora and is most proficient in architectural lines, keeping in touch with the advancement of the profession through reading and research. He belongs to the Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and is an associate member of the main organization-the American Institute of Architects.

In 1906 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Worst and Miss Mary W. Grenelle, a native of Nebraska. They have many warm friends in Aurora, their sterling characteristics gaining for them high regard. Mr. Worst belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Although not an office seeker, he is interested in the public welfare and has served as alderman from the fourth ward. He pre- fers, however, to do his public service as a private citizen, knowing that there are many opportunities whereby he may promote the general welfare, and his influence at all times upholds the political and legal status of the community and stands for those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

PRESTON A. KEEFE.

Numbered among the successful business men of Maple Park is Preston A. Keefe, who is conducting a livery barn and is also engaged in the real- estate business, handling Canada lands. He is a native son of this city, born September 7, 1889. His father, Cullen Keefe, was a native of Sackville, New Brunswick, born October 9. 1838. At the age of five years he was brought by his parents to Kane county, the family home being established on a farm in Virgil township, for which the father paid two dollars and a half per acre. Cullen Keefe acquired his education in the district schools of this county, and when the Civil war was inaugurated, offered his services to the govern- ment. On the 14th of August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He took part in the battle at Vicksburg, serving under Generals Grant and Sherman. He was taken ill with yellow fever, and for six weeks was confined in a hospital in that city. He was mustered out in Chicago, after which he returned to Virgil township and engaged in farming, which he followed for several years. He then disposed of his land and took up his abode in Maple Park, where for thirty-five years he was engaged in the grain, coal and live-stock business. He was a stanch republican and for five years filled the office of collector of Virgil township. His fraternal relations were with the Masons. He was united in marriage to Miss Ella J. White, who was born in West Cassett, Maine, and the children born to this marriage were: Frank A. Keefe, who

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for nine years filled the office of postmaster in Maple Park and took a very active part in the political life of that city, but is now deceased; Francis, who has also departed this life : and Ella Fern.

Preston A. Keefe was reared in Maple Park and attended the public schools to the age of seventeen years, when he entered the Metropolitan Busi- ness College of Chicago, continuing there for one year. He then returned to his home in Maple Park and assisted his father in the conduct of a grain, coal and live-stock business, in which they continued for many years, or until 1907, when they sold their business interests and Preston A. Keefe then engaged in the conduct of a livery, feed and sales barn. This is located one block from Main street and is well equipped, for he keeps on hand good horses and vehicles, which he hires to the public, and he also buys and sells horses, being an excellent judge of the noble steed. In connection with his barn he also conducts a bowling alley, his building being sixty by seventy-five feet and lighted by electricity. In addition to this he also does a real estate busi- ness, handling mostly Canada lands. He has made a close study of property values and is therefore meeting with good success in this undertaking.

Preston A. Keefe was married to Miss Lula Bennett, who was also born in Maple Park, and whose parents are now deceased, their remains being interred in the cemetery at this place. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Keefe has been blessed with two little sons: Cullen Wesley, who was born January 28, 1902; and Stanley A., born January 27, 1908.

Mr. Keefe has always given his support to the republican party, and for four years filled the office of collector of Virgil township. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting all busi- ness matters carefully and successfully, and today he finds a place among the prominent business men of this section of Kane county.

A. V. GREENMAN.

A. V. Greenman, superintendent of schools of Aurora, holds to a high standard in his profession, and under his guidance the system of public instruction here has been much improved in various ways. Von Humboldt said, "Whatever we want to see introduced into the life of a nation must first be introduced into the schools"; and Professor Greenman works right along that line, believing with Kant, that "the object of education is to train each individual to reach the highest perfection possible for him." Professor Green- man has devoted his entire life to educational work since ceasing to be a student and entering upon the task of providing for his own livelihood. He was born in Leonardsville, New York, July 3, 1852. a son of J. V. and Euretta G. (Esterbrook) Greenman. His father was a native of the Empire state. was of English lineage, and on leaving New York removed westward to Wis- consin in 1855. settling at Milton. There he remained until his death, which occurred in 1863.

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Professor Greenman was but a lad of three summers at the time of the removal to Wisconsin, and was but eleven years of age at his father's death. He pursued his education in the public schools and in the college at Milton, after which he took up the profession of teaching in the district schools of Wisconsin. He afterward spent four years as a teacher at Davis Junction, Illinois, and four years in Creston, Illinois. He was also connected with the public schools of Rochelle, Illinois, for six years, and in 1890 came to Aurora as superintendent of the West Aurora schools. It will be seen that each change has been a forward step in his professional career. He is a man of wide experience and ability and under his guidance has brought the schools up to a high state of proficiency. The methods of instruction are practical and it is his aim always that the work done will be a preparation for the responsible duties of life that follow the work of the schoolroom. The growth of the schools is also indicated by the fact that when he came to Aurora there were but eighteen teachers, and today there are thirty-five, while the high school attendance has been increased from eighty to two hundred and sixty.

Professor Greenman was married to Miss Katherine Calkins, a native of the state of New York, and they have one daughter, Ella M. They hold membership in the Congregational church and occupy an enviable position in social circles. For a number of years Professor Greenman has been a mem- ber of the State Teachers Association, and has been honored with its presi- dency. He has always worked toward high ideals in his profession, and his ability in this direction and his personal characteristics have won for him the high respect and sincere regard of the great majority of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

LEONARD S. TAYLOR, M. D.

Prominent among the medical fraternity of Elgin was Dr. Leonard S. Taylor, whose success in his chosen calling was widely acknowledged. gain- ing for him an excellent practice. He was born in Elgin on the 7th of Octo- ber, 1867, a son of James and Rachel Taylor, and during his boyhood culti- vated a love for books which grew with the passing years. He was, however, always ready to take part in the pastimes and games of his associates. He attended the public schools of Elgin, where he studiously applied himself, and after his graduation entered the employ of the Elgin National Watch Com- pany. During his evenings he generally assisted his father in the shoe store, of which the latter was proprietor.

Desiring to become a physician he worked with that end in view and took up the study of medicine, industriously applying himself when his work for the day was over. He saved his money and at length was able to enter Bennett Medical College, Chicago, in the fall of 1887. On the completion of the regular course he was graduated with honors in March, 1891, and was honored with an appointment as interne at Cook County Hospital. His work during the eighteen months of his connection with that hospital was highly

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complimented by one who knew him at that time, and on the completion of his hospital course, October 1. 1892, he returned to Elgin, where he opened an office and continued in general practice until his death. He gained a wide reputation as a successful surgeon, giving special attention to abdominal work, surgical gynecology. He also performed many operations on the kidneys and met with most excellent results.

The Doctor took an active interest in medical societies, being a promi- nent member of the Elgin Physicians Club, the Fox River Valley and the Illinois State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. He was faithful in attendance at the meetings and contributed generously in scientific discussion.

In 1902 Dr. Taylor married Miss Ruth A. Leslie, who was born in Freeport, Illinois, and is a daughter of Philip and Amanda (Sheetz) Leslie, of Elgin. Three children blessed this union, namely: Helen. Jeanette and Laura.

In his fraternal relations Dr. Taylor was a prominent Mason. He was one of the leading and influential members of the English Lutheran church of Elgin, being chairman of the finance and building committees at the time the Holy Trinity church was built, so that this beautiful structure really stands as a monument to his untiring zeal and labor. He was liberal in his contributions to church and charitable work, and in his death, which occurred August 5, 1907, Elgin realized that it had lost a most valued and honored citizen.

F. A. RUSSELL.

F. A. Russell, conducting a prosperous insurance agency in Elgin, is one of Kane county's native sons. There is no surer proof of the attractive- ness of this district as a place of residence than the fact that so many of the native sons have remained within the borders of the county, feeling that its opportunities and advantages were equal if not superior to those which could be secured elsewhere. Mr. Russell in his insurance business has secured a good clientage, writing a large amount of business annually, and previously he was closely identified with farming interests of the locality.

He was born on the 30th of August, 1861, his parents being Ira N. and Charlotte (Sherburne) Russell, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. He pursued his education in the Elgin Academy, from which he was graduated in 1881. He was reared upon a farm in Plato township and when not busy with his text-books worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He continued in farming until 1902 and as the years passed brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, carefully managing his business interests, his capable control and unfaltering enterprise bringing him a creditable suc- cess in that undertaking. He is still interested in farming, being the owner of two hundred acres of fine land in Plato township which he has rented to

F. A. RUSSELL

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tenants. In 1902 he left the farm and removed to Elgin, where he estab- lished his insurance office. He represents the Old Connecticut of Hartford and the Queen Insurance Company of America. He also handles real estate to some extent and his business interests, carefully managed, have placed him with the men of affluence in the county.

On the 26th of September, 1882, Mr. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Lenora A. Lathrop, a native of Kane county, and unto them have been born three sons: Glen L., Ira N. and Harry L. In his fraternal relations Mr. Russell is connected with the Elks and the Woodmen, while politically his allegiance is given to the republican party. While he has never sought nor desired office for himself, he has always been public spirited in matters relating to the general welfare and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He has, however, preferred to devote his energies to his private business affairs rather than to hold office and is widely known and respected for his enterprise and his reliability.

ARCHIE G. SYLVESTER.

Archie G. Sylvester, foreman of the coach department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad shops at Aurora, was born at Irving Park, a suburb of Chicago, March 20, 1874, his parents being Lewis and Celinda (Moreau) Sylvester, both of whom were natives of New York, the former born at White Hall and the latter at Plattsburgh. Lewis Sylvester was a son of Frank Sylvester, who was a native of Canada and was of French descent. The grandfather learned and followed the cabinet makers' trade, and in early life removed to Chicago. Soon afterward he came to Aurora and for many years was in the employ of the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Later he worked for his son Lewis and died in Aurora when about seventy-four years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Harriet La Voy, died when past middle life. They had a family of two sons and one daughter.

The maternal grandfather of Archie G. Sylvester was Peter DuPlesy Moreau, likewise a native of Canada and of French lineage. He learned the shoemaker's trade and at an early day came to Aurora, being employed at Joseph Reising's place and afterward by Reising & Simmons for forty-seven years. He died in Aurora at an advanced age, while his widow, Mrs. Eliza- beth (De Foe) Moreau, is still living at the age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of fourteen children, including Celinda Moreau, who became the wife of Lewis Sylvester.

The latter is a contractor and builder who was reared to manhood in Aurora and in early life engaged in farming. When but fourteen years of age he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry at Sycamore. He served throughout the period of hostilities as a private, and was in all of the principal engagements under Sherman, whom he also accompanied on the celebrated march to the

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sea. After the war he returned to Aurora, and has since been identified with the carpenter's trade and building interests to the present time. He has been a general contractor for over twenty years, erecting hundreds of important buildings of Aurora and the adjacent district, and throughout the entire period has maintained an unassailable reputation because of his fidelity to the terms of a contract, as well as his expert workmanship. He and his wife are members of the New England Congregational church. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. In matters of citizenship he has ever been progressive and as loyal to his country as when he followed the stars and stripes upon south- ern battlefields. Unto him and his wife have been born three sons, Edmund, Archie G. and Frank Moreau, all of Aurora.

Archie G. Sylvester was reared in this city and attended the public and high schools. After leaving school he started out to learn the carpenter's trade. In June, 1896, he entered the employ of the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in their shops at Aurora and has been rapidly promoted in recognition of his ability. In 1900 he was made foreman of the coach shops and has since continued in this position, the duties of which he discharges in a most capable manner. He is an expert workman, thoroughly understanding building interests in every department, and is thus well quali- fied to superintend the labors of those who serve under him.

On the 19th of February, 1901, Mr. Sylvester was married to Miss Anna Margaret Bauman, a daughter of August and Catharine (Weber) Bauman. Mrs. Sylvester was born and reared in Aurora, where her parents located about 1865. She is an elocutionist of much more than local note, having read before the public for a number of years in this and other cities. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children. Ellsworth Archie. Evelyn Anna and Marion Elizabeth.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester are members of the New England Congre- gational church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, Mr. Sylvester belongs to Waubonsie Lodge, No. 45, I. O. O. F .. to Charle- of the church. Both he and his wife are prominently known socially. and the hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Sylvester belongs to Waubansie Lodge. No. 45. I. O. O. F., to Charle- magne Lodge, No. 245. K. P., the Yeomen of America, the Sons of Veterans and the Spanish War Veterans. He has always been interested in military affairs and prior to the Spanish-American war was captain of Battery B of the Light Artillery. He was also captain of the Sons of Veterans' Camp of Aurora, was first lieutenant of the Aurora Rifles. When war broke out with Spain he joined the American army as a member of Company D. Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of corporal. He served during General Miles' invasion of Porto Rico and after the return of the troops he was appointed captain of Company D. Third Illinois Infantry, which position he continued to fill until a recent date. when he resigned.

In politics Mr. Sylvester has always been a stalwart republican. is a prominent and active worker in the ranks of the party, and for the past six years has been a member of the county central committee. He is also super-

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visor and is now serving for the second term. One of the salient characteris- tics in the life of Mr. Sylvester is his loyalty to the trust reposed in him. This has been manifest in civic office, in official positions, in military life, and in his business relations, and it has won for him the unqualified respect and regard of those who know him. He is a representative of an old family of Kane county, but it is his personal worth which has won him the enviable place which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellowmen, while his busi- ness capacity has gained him his present responsible position in industrial circles.

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History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II, Part 32

Author: Joslyn, R. Waite (Rodolphus Waite), b. 1866 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 958

Author: Joslyn, R. Waite (Rodolphus Waite), b. 1866
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 958