USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 74
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Their daughter Jane, as stated, became the wife of Lorenzo John Lam- son, and they began their domestic life upon the farm in Big Rock township, which was their place of residence throughout their remaining years. Prior to his marriage Mr. Lamson had made considerable advance in a financial way, for as the years went by he had prospered in his undertak- ings. When he came to the west in 1836 his cash capital on reaching Chicago was but fifty cents, and yet with that sum of money he could have purchased two acres of land where the federal building now stands. It was a swamp and was considered of practically no value. He did not tarry on the site of the future western metropolis, however, but made his way to Kane county and through his remaining days was one of the substantial farmers of Big Rock township. His first home was a log cabin, but in the course of years he erected a frame residence, to which he took his bride at the time of their marriage. It contained four rooms and in that home they reared their
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family. As years passed, however, he added many modern and substantial improvements to his farm and greatly extended its boundaries until at the time of his death he owned two hundred and seventy acres. He passed away April 11. 1889, and for several years was survived by his wife, who died February 27, 1895. He had lived to see Kane county become a pop- ulous and prosperous district. lacking none of the advantages of modern civilization, and he deserved much credit in that he won success and also from the fact that he took an important part in developing the country along substantial lines.
When the father passed away the family home came into the possession of his four sons, three of whom still own the farm: Lorenzo John Lamson. the eldest, was born on this farm December 12. 1856, while the birth of Dale Elliott Lamson occurred July 13. 1858. They were reared in the usual manner of farm lads and early became familiar with the work of the fields. so that when they took charge of the property they had broad, practical experience to assist them in carrying out the various departments of the farm work. They are well known as raisers of grain and stock, and have a splendidly improved property. They use the most modern machinery to facilitate the work in the fields and as the years have passed by they have become recognized as among the most progressive agriculturists of the com- munity. In 1881 the father had erected a handsome and commodious residence and also later built a large octagonal barn, which is eighty-four feet in diameter. Under it is a big basement for feeding cattle and the barn will also shelter twelve head of horses and three hundred and twenty tons of hay. As stated. this property is now in possession of the three surviving sons of the former Lorenzo John Lamson: Lorenzo John. Dale Elliott and Arthur William. Another son, Lionel, was killed while work- ing on the place April 24. 1903. his death resulting from an accident oc- casioned by a runaway team which was hitched to a pulverizer. He was then in his forty-third year. The remaining sons are all men of good busi- ness ability and the able management which they have displayed in their farm duties is manifest in the splendid appearance of their place. They are lovers of fine stock and are breeders of Hereford cattle. Poland China hogs and Dorset horn sheep. They also handle both draft and coach horses and raise pure bred poultry, including Wyandotte chickens. Embden geese. bronze turkeys and Pekin ducks.
In community affairs the Lamson brothers have become well known as supporters of many progressive measures. Lorenzo John Lamson has filled the office of road commissioner and has also been school director. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Big Rock Creamery Company. has been a director since its establishment in 1891 and for three years was its secretary. He is likewise one of the directors of the Farmers' Elevator Company at Hinckley, Illinois. Dale Lamson filled the office of assessor of Big Rock township for eight years and both brothers give their political support to the republican party. They are also members of the Modern Woodmen camp and are Yeomen of Big Rock, while with the Mystic Workers of Hinckley they are likewise connected. The community num-
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A. W. LAMSON AND FAMILY
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bers them among the representative citizens and leading business men and they enjoy in large measure the good will and friendship of those with whom they come in contact in this community, in which their entire lives have been passed.
ARTHUR WILLIAM LAMSON.
Arthur William Lamson, connected with the farming interests of Big Rock township, was born February 4, 1860, on the old Lamson home- stead. He was the third son of Lorenzo John Lamson, a pioneer settler of Kane county. His ancestry is distinctively American in both its lineal and collateral lines. He is a descendant of William Lamson, who was a native of Massachusetts, although the place of his birth is unknown. The first records place him in Ipswich in 1637 and he died in 1658. His son, Joseph Lamson, was born in October, 1658, presumably at Ipswich, and died at Charlestown, Massachusetts, August 27, 1722. He was the father of Caleb Lamson, whose birth occurred at Malden, Massachusetts, June 12, 1697, and who was married November 24, 1720, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, while his death occurred February 9, 1760. His son, John Lamson, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born June 10, 1732. The place of his birth is unknown, but he died at Woburn, Massachusetts, January 12, 1776, which fact is taken from an epitaph on his tombstone in Woburn's first burying-ground, the inscription being, "Here lies the body of Mr. John Lamson, late of Charlestown, who departed this life January 12, 1776, aged forty-three years." The grandfather of Arthur W. Lamson was Lorenzo J. Lamson, who was born May 7. 1773, and was married July 23, ISII, to Sally Elliott.
Their son, Lorenzo John Lamson, was born near Bunker Hill monu- ment in Charlestown, Massachusetts, September 9, 1816. He was twenty years of age when he arrived in Kane county on the Ist of October, 1836, and settled on section 7. Big Rock township. This was a frontier district in which the work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government at one dollar and a quarter per acre and developed a farm on which he spent his remaining days, increasing its size as he prospered with the pass- ing years. In December. 1855, in Aurora, he married Jane Dale, a native of Durham county, England, the wedding ceremony being performed by an Episcopal clergyman. With his new bride he immediately established a home on the farm that remained their abiding place until death. Mr. Lamson built first a little log house which he occupied until about the time of his marriage, when he erected a frame dwelling of four rooms and therein reared his family of four sons. Success attended his efforts as the years passed and in 1881 he built the commodious frame dwelling and a large octagonal shaped barn, which still remain. The latter is yet the largest barn in Big Rock township and one of the most extensive in Kane county,
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being eighty-four feet in diameter. It holds three hundred and twenty tons of hay, with room for twelve head of horses on the main floor, while a very large basement is used for feeding the cattle. As his financial resources permitted he added to his original claim and at the time of his death his farm comprised two hundred and seventy acres. The three surviving sons now own the farm and since the death of the father have further extended its boundaries. The father died April 11. 1889, while his wife passed away February 27, 1895.
She was a daughter of Thomas and AAnn ( Stoddard) Dale. Her father was born at Eagle Cliff. Yorkshire, England. August 13. 1786, and her mother's birth occurred at Houghton-le-Spring. in Durham, England. April 19. 1794. They were married in November, 1812, and unto them were born fifteen children, including Mrs. Lamson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lamson occupied a prominent place in the regard of their fellow citizens and were numbered among the worthy pioneer residents of the county. Mr. Lamson assisted in the organization of Big Rock township, and was the first town clerk. He also served as road commissioner and school trustee, while for twenty-one years he was a school director and did much to promote the cause of public education in his township which, in his death, lost one of its most influential and valued citizens.
The sons of Lorenzo J. and Jane Lamson are: Lorenzo John, jr .. who was born December 12, 1856; Dale Elliott, born fuly 13, 1858; Arthur William, of this review; and Lionel Lincoln, born December 4 1861. On the 24th of December, 1903, our subject and his brother Lionel Lincoln were working in a field, each with a four-horse team hitched to a pulverizer. The team driven by Lionel took fright and ran away. He was unable to control them and fell before the pulverizer, being instantly killed.
The life of Arthur W. Lamson has been quietly passed in general agri- cultural pursuits. He was reared to the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His practical experience well qualified him for the duties which have de- volved upon him since he attained his majority, and in his farming operations he has displayed progressive and enterprising methods. He is associated with his two brothers in the conduct and management of the home farm. which they have enlarged and improved, but our subject and his wife now reside about three-quarters of a mile west of the old homestead, where they located in March, 1908.
Mr. Lamson was married April 2, 1902, to Miss Mary F. Harrison. who was born in Whittington, England. December 26, 1874, a daughter of John and Mary ( Froggart) Harrison. Her parents were also natives of England and were married at Whittington, near Chesterfield. Derbyshire, March 30, 1874. Mrs. Lamson was ten years of age when her father came to America and settled at Staunton, Macoupin county, Illinois, his family joining him a few months later. Subsequently they removed to Virgil, Kane county, and in 1887 became residents of Blackberry town- ship. Here Mrs. Lamson attended school but completed her education at the Normal School in Dixon, Illinois. From 1895 until 1905 the Harrison
LAMSON HOMESTEAD
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family made their home in Campton township and from there removed to St. Charles, where the parents are now living. For many years Mr. Harrison was foreman of a coal mine in England but now devotes his attention to farming. The first horse he ever owned was purchased in 1892 and since that time he has followed agricultural pursuits.
In the family of John and Mary (Froggart) Harrison are the fol- lowing children: Alice, born September 18, 1876, is deceased; Abel, born January 6, 1879, at Stairfoot, England, has also passed away; Amy, born March 16, 1881, at Stairfoot, is the wife of George Moulding, of Sugar Grove township ; Mark Seth, born July 14, 1883, at West Cornforth, County Durham, England, married Minnie Middlestedt, and lives at Elgin, Illinois; Mabel Agnes, born October 21, 1885, in Campton, this county, lives at home: Esther, born February 19, 1888, in Campton, is with her parents; Katy Cora May, born at Campton, May 1, 1890, is also at home; Clara Emma, the youngest of the family, was born February 28, 1902, in Black- berry township. On the 30th of November, 1893, the eldest daughter, Mary Harrison, became the wife of James Jones and one child, Clarence Harrison Jones, was born, April 8, 1895, in Aurora, and now lives with his mother and stepfather. Mrs. Jones was divorced at Geneva, Illinois, May 29, 1899, and on the 2d of April. 1902, became the wife of A. W. Lamson. They have one child, Jane Anne Mary, born September 30. 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Lamson are engaged in the pursuit of farm life and he is putting forth every effort to improve and increase the fertility and produc- tiveness of his fine place. He is of a retiring disposition, but a man of genuine worth and is highly respected by his neighbors and all who know him.
Thomas Harrison, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Lamson, was born November 19, 1826, in Toft, Lincolnshire, England, of which place his wife was also a native. She bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Moles and was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Smith) Moles, who were married January 15, 1827, at Rippingale, England. Joseph Moles was nearly one hundred years of age at the time of his death. His wife departed this life November 27, 1849. The mother of Joseph Moles was Mary Witherell, who died March 1I, 1857. at the age of eighty-seven years. In 1869 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harrison removed to Kirby-Underwood, England, where he died August 24, 1891, and his wife, who was born April 14, 1829, passed away September 14, 1898. They were the parents of eleven children.
The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Lamson were George and Emma (Slack) Froggart, in whose family were fourteen children. They were natives of Carvel, Derbyshire, England, where they continued to live until the death of Mrs. Froggart, February 16, 1895, when she was fifty-seven years of age. Mr. Froggart has since made his home with his children in Wakefield, Derbyshire. He is a son of Alexander and Mary (Hawkins) Froggart. His father died March 14, 1872, at the age of seventy years, and his mother December 21, 1872. at the age of sixty-three. She was one of five children, four girls and one boy. Her brother, Thomas Hawkins, married and lived in Edenser, England, but afterward removed with his family to Australia. For two years after locating there his relatives in Eng-
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land heard from him, and then as no news came from him it is supposed that he was killed by the wild tribes inhabiting that country. Mary ( Slack) Frog- gart was a daughter of Job and Catherine ( Hicks) Slack, who were the parents of thirteen children and adopted three children of his brother. Job Slack died October 15. 1890. at the age of eighty-seven years, and his wife passed away November 6, 1889, at the age of seventy-eight years.
J. G. ELBERT.
J. G. Elbert is conducting a successful business in the line of horseshoe- ing, general blacksmithing and wagon repairing in Elgin. He is a native of the neighboring state of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in New Mun- ster, September 23, 1866, his parents being Joseph and Dora (Suer) Elbert, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to this country in the '50s and worked at the Clipperthy Falls in Wisconsin in the winter time, while in the summer seasons he rafted logs down the Mississippi river to St. Louis. On the return trips to the lumber camps he traveled part of the time by stage but also had to walk part of the distance. This was during the early period of development in the middle west, when hardships and dangers formed the lot of the lumberman as he penetrated into the forest and cut the timbers, which were then taken to the market. Mr. Elbert was engaged in business in that way for about seven years, when, having accumulated some capital through his industry, perseverance and economy, he turned his atten- tion to farming in Kenosha county, Wisconsin. There he resided for a num- ber of years, devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and eventually he acquired a handsome competence that enabled him to spend the last fifteen years of his life in well earned and honorable retirement in the town of New Munster. He passed away September 1, 1906, while his wife died February 17, 1895. They had a family of six children, four of whom are yet living.
J. G. Elbert was educated in the public schools of his native county, spending his boyhood and youth upon the farm, and when not busy with his text-books his time was largely given to the work of the fields. At the age of nineteen years he began learning the blacksmith's trade with Simon Bopp. of New Munster, Wisconsin, and after serving a two years' apprenticeship went to Kenosha, that state. Later he went to Iowa, where two of his broth- ers were engaged in farming, but not being pleased with that state he came to Illinois in 1890, locating in Elgin, where he worked in the watch factory for a short time. Not finding this employment as congenial as blacksmithing. he resumed work at his trade in the employ of W. M. Andrews, with whom he continued for six years. The careful husbanding of his resources during that period at length jusified him in engaging in business on his own account at his present location at No. 172 Brook street. He worked for nine months in the watch factory when he first came to Elgin, but with the exception of that period has given his attention entirely to blacksmithing and kindred inter-
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ests during his residence here. He has now built up a fine business in horseshoeing, general blacksmithing, rubber tiring and wagon repairing, the extent of his trade necessitating his employing three men.
On the 2d of June, 1891, Mr. Elbert was married to Miss Carrie M. Bopp of New Munster, Wisconsin, and they now have one daughter, Helen Lucille. Mr. Elbert belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees and the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political allegiance is given the republican party and in 1906 he was elected alderman from the second ward for a term of two years, during which time he served as chairman of the claim committee and also as a member of the committees on finance, sidewalks and health. In 1908 he was again elected to that office without opposition. He has taken an active and helpful interest in doing things for the good and welfare of the city, and Elgin recognizes in him a resident who is unselfishly devoted to her upbuild- ing.
JOHN INGHAM.
John Ingham, one of the most prominent stock-raisers of Kane county, is living on a farm of three hundred and fifty-nine acres in Sugar Grove township which was the place of his birth and throughout his entire life he has been connected with agricultural pursuits. He was born October 19, 1854, and is a grandson of Captain Joseph Ingham, who was a native of the Bermuda Islands. He resided, however, for many years in New York, where he owned a large tract of land, which had originally been granted to Baron Steuben for his services in the war of the Revolution.
John Ingham of this review is a son of Samuel S. Ingham, for many years one of the prominent and influential farmers of this community. He came to Kane county when the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun within its borders and established his home in Sugar Grove township. He served as the first assessor of that township and held the office many years. He was born on the Bermuda Islands, May 24, 1801, and was there reared to manhood. After he arrived at maturity he removed to Oneida county, New York. He became well known in connection with the New York State Militia and remained a resident of the east until 1839, when, attracted by the opportunities of the new and growing west. he came to Illinois and remained a resident of Sugar Grove township, Kane county, throughout his remaining days. As the years passed he converted a tract of raw land into rich and productive fields, added to his possessions as his financial resources increased and became one of the leading and influential citizens of his com- munity. He died March 17. 1864, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for all who knew him respected him for his genuine worth.
In early manhood Samuel S. Ingham married Miss Nancy Owens. who was of Welsh lineage. Her father died when his children were small so that little is known concerning the history of that family. She was born in Steu- ben, Oneida county. New York, January 16, 1822. and passed away in
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Aurora. July 2, 1879, at the age of fifty-seven years. Both she and her hus- band were members of and earnest workers in the Universalist church. They had five children who reached adult age: Joseph. Squire U., John O., Mrs. Adeline C. Spencer, and Hattie, who died when sixteen years of age. The eldest son, who died in September, 1907, was joint owner with John Ingham in the old home farm.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John Ingham in his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that devolve upon the agriculturist. His careful home training, however, well qualified him to take charge of the farm in later years and in due course of time this property became the possession of himself and his brother Joseph. It is still undivided and Joseph's share is owned by his widow. The place is a tract of land of three hundred and fifty-nine acres and the soil is rich and productive, respond- ing readily to the care and cultivation which is bestowed upon it. It is regarded as one of the model farms of the county, its buildings are modern and well kept, the stock is of high grades and the machinery used is of the latest improved patterns. Mr. Ingham is most practical in all that he under- takes and in addition to tilling the soil he is one of the largest stock-feeders of Sugar Grove township. Both branches of his business are proving profita- ble and he is accounted one of the successful farmers of this part of the state.
On the 13th of February, 1883. John Ingham was married to Miss Catherine C. Cook, of Aurora, a daughter of Henry C. Cook, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Ingham was born in Aurora, September 9. 1860, attended the public schools of the city and after her graduation from the East Aurora high school became a student in Jennings Seminary. She was also a suc- cessful teacher in the Aurora schools for a number of years, and is a lady of broad knowledge and culture who has many friends in this county.
Mr. Ingham is a member of Aurora Lodge, K. P., and also of the Elks lodge of that city, while his political allegiance is given to the repub- lican party. He has been frequently solicited to become a candidate for public office but has steadily declined. feeling that his business interests have required his entire time and attention. His work is of an important character and in its management he displays keen discrimination as well as unfaltering industry, thus gaining the prosperity which he is now enjoying.
JAMES McWETHY.
James McWethy, deceased, was well known in Aurora by reason of the activity he displayed in business, his loyalty in citizenship and his com- mendable personal traits of character as manifest in his relations with his fellowmen. He was born in Leroy, New York, in 1846, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the Empire state. acquiring his education there through the medium of the public schools. When about twenty years of age he came west to Illinois and first went to Rockford to teach in the
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country schools of the vicinity of that city for a short period, when he engaged in the insurance business with the Rockford Insurance Company. Later he came to Aurora and here began business in the farm insurance line. in which he continued until his death. He secured a good clientage in this direction, writing a large amount of business annually, and was recognized as one of the reliable representatives of insurance in this part of the state.
On the 12th of July, 1877, Mr. McWethy was married to Miss Caroline Fowler Somarindyck, a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Slater) Somarindyck, both of whom were natives of New York, and there resided for many years, Mrs. McWethy, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, being reared in Poughkeepsie. In the year 1871 Mr. Somarindyck removed westward to Aurora and for some years engaged in the drygoods business here. He afterward lived retired for a few years enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He passed away about 1894 and his wife, surviving him until 1897, was just seventy years of age at the time of her demise. In their family were three sons and three daughters, namely: John, a resident of Aurora; James , who makes his home in Chicago; Caroline, now Mrs. McWethy; Cornelia, who practiced medicine in Chicago and was the wife of Eugene Stettler but is now deceased; Mrs. Augusta Marr, of Aurora ; and George, of Los Angeles, California.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McWethy was blessed with four chil- dren, two sons and two daughters. Anna is the wife of Frank Gibson, a resident of Seattle, Washington; Augustus has succeeded his father in the insurance business. Daniel and Elizabeth are yet in school. The death of the husband and father occurred on the 19th of December, 1902. He and his wife and two eldest children are members of the Congregational church. Mr. McWethy continued a resident of Aurora for about a third of a century and was well known here. He possessed a social, genial nature and had many friends who sacredly cherish his memory. He was always considerate of others, manifested deference for the opinions of those with whom he came in contact, was kindly in spirit, generous in action and, above all, was a devoted husband and father.
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