USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 82
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hundred acres in Sugar Grove township. During the last six years he has cultivated this big farm with eminent success and large profit to himself and the owner, and has also carried on an extensive and remunerative business Illinois Regiment, working as a blacksmith. He took part in the battle of in feeding livestock for the market.
On December 24, 1896, he married Miss Erma Agnes Thompson, of Aurora, a daughter of David T. and Catherine (Houtz) Thompson, natives of Pennsylvania, where the mother died when the daughter was but two years old. The father is now living at Tower City, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Chapman was born December 8, 1880. The other children of the fam- ily numbered six : Walter Scott, who is a resident of Kankakee, Illinois; William, who died some years ago; David P., who lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Ulysses Schuyler, a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota; Harry Snyder, whose home is at Hiteman, Iowa; and Nettie May, the wife of Walter Shockley of Aurora.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have five children: Earl Penman, who was born May 31, 1898; Elmer Thompson, whose life began June 7, 1899; Harry Schuyler, who was born August 27, 1902; Dorothy Helen, who was born June 28, 1904; and Mildred, who came into the world February 10, 1908. Their mother came to Illinois with one of her brothers at the age of fourteen and had her home with him in Streator until 1895, when she moved to Aurora.
Mr. Chapman supports the principles and policies of the republican party in national politics. In local affairs he looks to the good of the township and its people, helping to choose good men to administer the local government and doing all he can to promote every worthy movement for progress and improvement. His is a noteworthy example to others, especially young men, for it is a luminous and radiant illustration of what can be achieved by industry, energy and perseverance in this country, where nature has done everything for the human race and only asks the price of her boun- ties for their generous bestowal. He is an upright and worthy man whom all classes of the people hold in high respect and a leading citizen of the township in which he lives.
JOHN H. POGUE.
Among the soldiers of Kane county who valiantly fought for the pres- ervation of the Union during the dark days of the Rebellion was numbered John H. Pogue, who answered to the last roll call on the 14th of November, 1894. He was born in New York state on the Ist day of May, 1843, and in 1855 came to Elgin. Feeling that his country needed his service, he en- listed at St. Charles, Kane county, in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry for three years, and served under Generals Farnsworth. Logan and McClellan, taking part in all of the important engagements in which his command participated. He was also with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and was always found at his post of duty, fighting bravely for the stars and stripes and
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the cause they represented. Although never wounded he contracted a cold in the army and never fully recovered his health. At one time he was inade prisoner and was taken to Andersonville, where he spent but one night, however, when he with a dozen comrades made their escape by digging under the walls of the building. Fortunately he was not recaptured.
On being discharged from the service at the close of the war, Mr. Pogue returned to Elgin, where he spent four or five years, and at the end of that time went to Iowa, which was his home for two years. It was in Illinois that he was married December 22. 1869. the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Shedden, a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Young) Shedden, of Illinois. There were four children born of this union, namely : Effie Jane, a resident of Elgin, who is now the widow of Walter Seymour. who died in 1897. at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving one son, William; Viola, who died at Balltown, Missouri, at the age of six years; Chloe W .. who is the wife of John James, of Elgin, and they have one child. Henry; and Elmer Robert, the youngest of the family, who is also a resident of Elgin.
Mr. Pogue removed from Iowa to Kansas, where he spent six years and subsequently made his home in Missouri for eight years. During a part of this time he followed farming, that being his occupation during life, but ill health prevented him from doing much hard labor. He spent some time in the Soldiers Home at Leavenworth. Kansas, but died at Fremont. Iowa. He was a faithful supporter of the republican party and he was always found as true to his country's interests in days of peace as in time of war.
JOHN M. RAYMOND.
John M. Raymond, senior partner of the firm of Raymond & Newhall, has gained a position of distinction at the Kane county bar through earnest application and unfaltering devotion to the interests of his clients. He was born in Bristol, Kendall county, Illinois. December 24. 1858, and is a repre- sentative of one of the old colonial families, which was founded in America by three brothers who came from England and landed at Plymouth Rock in 1635. Zenos Martin Raymond, grandfather of our subject. was a native of Massachusetts and for many years followed farming in New England. He served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812 anad died in 1820 as the result of exposure sustained during his military service. His wife, Mrs. Clarissa (Ryder) Raymond, long surviving him, reached the advanced age of ninety-four years. Their family numbered two sons, Charles H. and Granville C. The former, the father of John M. Raymond, was born in Massachusetts and also carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was but four years of age at the time of his father's death, and when a youth of fourteen started out in business life on his own account, working in a nail mill. He was thus engaged until 1841, when, attracted by the opportunities of the new, but growing west, he made his way to Illinois and cast in his lot
JOHN M. RAYMOND
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with the pioneers of Kendall county. Only a few settlements had been made within its borders, and the work of civilization and improvement had scarcely been begun. Mr. Raymond built a log cabin, and there in true pioneer style began life in the West, but as the years passed he prospered in his under- takings and eventually the little home was replaced by a fine and commodious residence. As he saw opportunity for judicious investment he added to his property until he had accumulated seven hundred acres, being one of the large landowners of the county. He served as supervisor for twenty-one years, and during most of that time acted as chairman of the board. His long continuance in office is unmistakable proof of his fidelity and his devo- tion to the public good. He married Lydia Burrell, a daughter of Joseph Burrell, who was a native of Massachusetts and of English lineage. Her father was a seaman and owned a vessel, sailing to all the principal ports of the world. He lived to the age of seventy-six years and reared a large family.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Raymond were born seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Jacob L., who died in 1903, at the age of fifty-nine years; Clara, the wife of John Eccles, of Bristol, Illinois ; Charles H., Jr., also of Bristol; Lizzie R., the wife of A. H. Barnes, a resident of Eagle Grove, Iowa; Martin Z., who makes his home in Stamford, Nebraska ; John M., of Aurora, Illinois, and George B., who resides on the old home- stead in Bristol. The father died on the old home farm February 28, 1904, at the age of eighty-eight years, while his wife passed away in 1889, at the age of sixty-six years. Both were members of the Methodist church and their personal worth gained them a most enviable position in public regard.
John M. Raymond spent his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farm lads of the period and locality. He attended the district schools in his early boyhood anad was afterward graduated under Professor F. H. Hall, at Sugar Grove Normal, an industrial school, in 1880. He then took up educational work and for seven years engaged in teaching, being principal of the schools at St. Charles, Illinois, for four years. Not content with his own intellectual attainment he had during that period attended the law department of the University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1884. The same year he was admitted to the bar and since 1889 he has engaged continuously in practice in Aurora, being widely recognized here as one of the most able attorneys of the Kane county bar, with a large and distinctively representative clientage. In 1902 he admitted to a partnership John K. New- hall, and has since practiced under the firm name of Raymond & Newhall. Mr. Raymond deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for, leaving home at the age of sixteen years, he has since been dependent upon his own resources for his educational opportunities and the success that he has achieved. Through farm labor and teaching he provided the funds necessary for professional training, and since becoming a member of the bar he has displayed the same thoroughness which characterized him in the acquirement of his education. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law, and that it should be the purpose of the bar to assist the court in arriving at justice. He is not unknown in business circles, being one of the directors of
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the First National Bank, of Aurora, and its attorney. His property interests include five hundred and ten acres of valuable farming land in Kendall county, of which four hundred and ten acres join the old homestead. and to the development and improvement of this farm he gives his personal supervision. He has engaged quite extensively in breeding and raising fine Hereford cattle, and his success as an agriculturist alone would entitle him to more than passing notice.
On the 13th of January, 1887. Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Frances R. Kennedy. a daughter of Orrin and Mary ( Finney) Kennedy. They now have two children, Mary M. and Lydia B., the latter a student in the high school. The former is a graduate of the high school at Aurora and is now attending Ferry Hall at Lake Forest, Illinois.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Raymond attend the People's church and are promi- nent socially in the city of their residence. They reside at No. 177 Downer place, where Mr. Raymond erected a fine modern residence in 1903. it being one of the most beautiful homes of the city. Fraternally he is connected with Aurora Lodge, No. 254. A. F. & A. M .; Aurora Chapter, R. A. M., and Aurora Commandery, No. 22. K. T. He is likewise a thirty-second degree Mason and belongs to Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Chicago. and is connected with Aurora Lodge. No. 705. B. P. O. E., of which he was the first exalted ruler. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party, with which he has affiliated since casting his first presiden- tial vote for James A. Garfield. Always interested in community affairs. he served as mayor of the city from 1903 until 1905, and gave a public-spirited, business-like administration, characterized by various needed reforms and improvements. Among the prominent, energetic and successful residents of Aurora he is numbered, and in the midst of complex and important personal interests he has found time to devote to the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted city.
EDWARD J. BAKER.
Among the residents of St. Charles who have taken a very active and prominent part in public affairs is Edward J. Baker, who has made his home here throughout life, for he was born in St. Charles on the 30th of Septem- ber. 1868. His father was Edward Baker, a native of New York, who came to this state when young and located in Kane county. During his boyhood our subject attended the wist side school of St. Charles, his first teacher being Belle Kelly. He continued a pupil in the public schools until nineteen years of age and later pursued a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton Busi- ness College in St. Louis for one year.
Early in life Mr. Baker became familiar with agricultural pursuits, being partially reared on a farm, but on leaving school he turned his attention to commercial pursuits and for a time clerked in a hardware store in St. Charles. Subsequently he became a member of the St. Charles Mercantile
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Company, with which he was connected for one year. At the end of that time he was appointed inspector of grain and railroad and warehouse con- missioner by Governor John R. Tanner, and continued to fill that position in a most creditable and acceptable manner for ten years, serving under Governors Tanner, Yates and Deneen until July. 1907, when he resigned. Since then he has not actively engaged in any occupation but continues to make his home in St. Charles.
Mr. Baker was married in that city in December, 1889, to Miss Harriet Rockwell, a daughter of H. T. Rockwell, of St. Charles, and to them has been born one son, Henry R., now in school. Fraternally Mr. Baker affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America and politically is identified with the republican party, taking a very influential part in public affairs as a recognized leader of his party in Kane county.
HENRY PIGNEY.
Henry Pigney, who has been engaged as a blacksmith and wood worker throughout his entire life, is now making his home in Maple Park, where he is conducting a good business. He is a native of England, born Novem- ber 3. 1838. His parents were Nicholas and Jane (Kershew) Pigney, who were likewise natives of the mother country. where the father worked as a blacksmith for many years. He was prominent in the political life of his locality and for several years filled the office of constable of Westmore- land. He lived to the very advanced age of ninety years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Pigney numbered five children, the brothers and sisters of our subject being: John, who was formerly engaged in black- smithing but is now living retired in Oregon; Sarah; Mark K., who has passed away ; and Ann.
Henry Pigney spent his boyhood and youth in his native country and attended school to the age of eleven years. At that early age he started out to make his own way in the world, being employed at farm labor during the succeeding four years. He then entered his father's blacksmith shop and under his supervision learned the trades of a blacksmith and wood worker. In 1860, having heard favorable reports concerning the advantages to be enjoyed in the new world, he set sail for the United States and upon reach- ing American shores at once made his way to Kalamazoo. Michigan, where he followed his trades for two years. He then came to Illinois, opening a shop in Troy Grove, where he made his home for one year. He then went to Bellevue, Michigan, where he followed his trade until 1867. in which year he once more came to this state and lived in Vienna for sixteen years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Maple Park, making this place his home from 1881 until 1885. He then decided to try his fortune in South Dakota and accordingly made his way to that state, working at his trade there for seven and a half years. In 1892 he once more returned to Maple Park and made a permanent location. Here he erected the shop in
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which he now conducts business, this being supplied with all modern machinery. He is an expert workman in his line and his trade has now grown to such proportions that he employs two assistants, his being the only enter- prise of this character in the city. He has met with success in his undertakings and has accumulated quite a handsome competency.
In 1862 he put aside all business and personal considerations, enlisting in the Civil war as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Fourth parents spent their entire lives. He came to America in early manhood, and Hartsville, Tennessee, and after three years' service was mustered out in 1865.
Mr. Pigney was married on the 3d of January, 1862, to Miss Lusina McConnell, who was born near Youngstown, Ohio, and is one of a family of three sons and three daughters. her brothers and sisters being: William H. and Fred L., who are stockmen of South Dakota; Ella J., who is de- ceased; Minnie S., the wife of John J. Perkins, who follows farming near Sugar Grove; and Frank L., who makes his home in South Dakota.
Mr. Pigney gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party and is a public-spirited citizen. He has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill some local offices, having served for a number of years in the office of justice of the peace. He is also a school director and is acting as president of the city board. He is a Mason, belonging to Syca- more Lodge, No. 134; Sycamore Chapter, No. 49; Sycamore Commandery, No. 15; and Medina Temple at Chicago. He is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. On all public questions where the best interests of the city are involved he is always to be found on the right side and there is no mistaking his position on any matter of public moment. He is highly respected in Maple Park and the surrounding country and all who know him have for him the highest regard.
OSCAR E. JOHNSON.
Oscar E. johnson, a successful farmer and dairyman of Blackberry township, was born in Sweden, August 15, 1876, his parents being John and Magdaline (Lundgren) Johnson. The father is a farmer by occupation and still resides in Sweden, having served his country in the regular army. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran church. The subject of this review is the only one of his father's family who has established his home in the United States, and Huldah, Gustava, Ruth and Ture Johnson still reside in Sweden.
Oscar E. Johnson attended the schools of his native country until twelve years of age, and subsequently assisted his father in the work of the home farm. When seventeen years of age he emigrated to America, taking up his abode near Lily Lake, Kane county, where he worked as a farm hand for nine years. In 1898 he returned to the land of his nativity, where he remained for eleven months, on the expiration of which period
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he again made his way to the United States, locating near New Britain, Connecticut. There he was employed by P. F. Corbin as assistant in iron works, and subsequently removed to Hartford, Connecticut, where he se- cured employment in the electric vehicle shops. Afterward coming to Elburn, Illinois, he has since carried on farming, meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his undertakings. In addition to the work of the fields he conducts quite an extensive dairy, and as both branches of his business return to him a most substantial income, he is widely recog- nized as one of the successful and enterprising citizens of the community.
At Elburn, Illinois, occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Hilma Paulison, who was born in Sweden, December 2, 1878. Two chil- dren were born to this union: Ture, who has passed away; and Ruth Johnson, whose birth occurred January 17, 1907. Mr. Johnson possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the prosperous and progressive residents of Kane county.
WILLIAM M. SMITH.
On a large and fruitful farm of four hundred and nineteen acres of well improved land in Burlington township, firmly established in the good will of the people around him, and occupying an honorable post as a citizen of influence, William M. Smith would seem to be above the reach of ill fortune. He is an energetic and progressive farmer and, in addition, conducts a large and profitable dairy business.
Mr. Smith was born April 23, 1846, in Venango county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Charles and Jane ( McClelland) Smith, who were also born in Pennsylvania. They came to Illinois in 1848 and located in Burling- ton, where most of their children were born. These were nine in number, William's brothers and sisters being: John M., now a retired farmer in Kansas; Anna, Lydia, Mary, George and Charles H., all deceased; Eliza, the wife of E. C. Keys ; and Margaret, the wife of E. W. Dickerson, a retired farmer living at Hampshire, Kane county.
William M. Smith attended the country school until he was seventeen years old. He then enlisted in defense of the Union for the Civil war, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Infantry, in which he served three years and saw some stirring times. He was under command of the late President Benjamin Harrison, with whom he was well acquainted, and also marched with Sherman to the sea. He suffered no disaster in the war himself but had a brother killed at Resaca, Georgia. Mr. Smith was a lieutenant in his company but resigned after the fall of Richmond.
After returning home he attended the seminary at Aurora, Illinois, and some time later was graduated from the Northwestern Business College. Beginning life for himself once more amid the peaceful pursuits of industrial
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activity, he went to the oil fields of Pennsylvania and later herded wild cattle for a time. He finally sold his stock and returned to Kane county, locating in Burlington township. Here he has lived ever since, extensively engaged in farming and taking his part in the duties of citizenship. For a number of years he has served acceptably as school director, and in other ways has contributed to the progress and improvement of the township.
On January 5. 1870, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Esther C. Sholes, who was born in Burlington township. this county, April 13, 1852, and is the daughter of a prominent farmer of the township. Four children have been born to them: Alice J .. the wife of Harry Carlisle, a resident of New York city, who is employed in a condensed milk factory; John D., a Burlington township farmer; Fred S., also a farmer in Burling- ton township and now the township assessor; and Lydia A., the wife of C. B. Oakley, who resides in Hampshire, Illinois.
Following the call to duty throughout all his years, whether it led him to the sanguinary conflict of Civil war, into the wild life of the oil regions, or through the calm and quiet agricultural life, and meeting its demands in every place with ready responsiveness. Mr. Smith has been an example to the youth of the country and his influence has been potent in stimulating them to the same course wherever he has been known. His record is appreciated by all who have knowledge of it. and by the people of his home locality he is accounted worthy of high respect and the deference due to demonstrated merit.
JOHN REISING.
John Reising, well known as one who for many years figured prominently in commercial circles in Aurora. is now enjoying a well-earned rest. living in honorable retirement from active business, save his management of his in- vested interests. In his commercial career he made that steady progress which results from experience and intelligently applied energy. He was born in Waddenheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, near Worms. Germany. November 13. 1831. His parents were Michael and Eva Reising, natives of Germany, where the father died in 1837. The mother afterward married .Adam Ochsenschlager and came with him to America. She had five sons by her first marriage and Mr. Ochsenschlager had eight sons, and all but one of this family, comprising the parents and thirteen sons, settled in Kane county, where the sons all became substantial business men and honored and respected citizens. The brothers of John Reising were: Joseph R., who died in 1892; Frank, who is still living retired in Aurora; Valentine, a twin brother of Frank, now deceased ; and Leonard, a resident of Aurora.
Jolin Reising acquired his education by attending the village schools until seventeen years of age, when he came to America and settled at Cleveland, Ohio. While spending a year in that city he learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his two older brothers. The larger opportunities of the
JOHN REISING
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growing middle west attracted him and caused his removal to the Mississippi valley. He visited relatives in Kane county in 1849 and then proceeded to St. Louis, from which point he went by boat to Ottawa, Illinois. There he worked at the carpenter's trade for one year and in June, 1851, he returned to Kane county, but on the 4th of April, 1852, he started for the gold fields of Cali- fornia, accompanied by his brother Joseph. They traveled with two yoke of oxen and wagons. After a month they reached Council Bluffs, which at that time did not contain over two dozen houses, while the inhabitants were mostly Mormons, who were largely engaged in trading and in making exchange of commodities between the settlers from the far east and the Mormon colony in Utah. Mr. Reising and his brother found so many emigrants at Council Bluffs waiting to be ferried across the Missouri river it was ten days before they could get their turn to be taken across the stream. They proceeded on their westward journey, largely following the Platte river until they reached Fort Laramie, Wyoming, where they halted to rest for a few days. They then continued on their way over the Rocky mountains, and because of a scarcity of feed and water along the trail to California were obliged to change their course and went to Oregon. There Mr. Reising worked for a few months at the carpenter's trade. Later he proceeded to Jacksonville, Oregon, and pros- pected for gold at Jackson creek. He continued to work at gulch and placer mining until 1854, when in the month of May he started on the return trip. It had required four months to make the journey when he came to the west. On the return he boarded a steamer that sailed from San Francisco to Panama. A railroad had been constructed across the isthmus for a distance of twenty- five miles and he paid twelve dollars and a half for the privilege of riding on it. From that point he rode twenty-five miles on horseback to the eastern coast and took passage on a steamer at Aspinwall for Philadelphia, whence he returned by rail to Aurora.
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