History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 41

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

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In the midst of active and responsible busi- ness duties Mr. Bailey has found time to devote to public interests and yet has always preferred to render public service as a private citizen with- out recourse to office holding as a measure to promote the general good. His influence and efforts, however, are always on the side of de- velopment, improvement and municipal honor and his labors have been a tangible element in many plans that have been of direct and immedi- ate serviceableness in the welfare of Streator and the county at large. He has attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry, belonging to Streator lodge, No. 607, A. F. & A. M .; Streator chapter, No. 168, R. A. M .; and Streator commandery, No. 10, K. T. While without aspiration for office he has always been a stanch advocate of the republican party.

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Mr. Bailey was married on the 18th of Jan- uary, 1879, to Miss Laurett Benson, of Streator, a daughter of Sylvanus H. and Laurett (How- ard) Benson, whose ancestors were among the early settlers in and near Blackstone, Massachu- setts. Their daughter, Edith Laurett, born Jan- uary 19, 1881, completed her education in Lasell Seminary in Auburndale, Massachusetts. Mrs. Bailey passed away July 3, 1883, and on the 23d of October, 1884, Mr. Bailey married Gertrude Canfield, of Streator, who in the paternal line is a direct descendant of the Canfield family of New Milford, Connecticut, and the Ten Broecks, who were among the early Knickerbockers that settled New York, while on the maternal side she is descended from the Luthers of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and the Stouts of New Jersey. Mrs. Bailey is a lady of culture and refinement who presides with gracious hospitality over her pleasant and attractive home. She belongs to the Daughters of the American Revolution, the local chapter of the Eastern Star, the Callere Club and other societies in Streator and both Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have a circle of friends which in extent is at once indicative of their personal worth and prominence. As a representative of commercial and financial interests Mr. Bailey stands foremost among the business men of Streator and no citizen is more thoroughly repre- sentative or more devoted to the promotion of her welfare. He is one of the most progressive and public-spirited men here and his means and influence have been used unsparingly in advanc- ing enterprising industries and improvements in this city which is now one of the most flourish- ing towns of northern Illinois. Without osten- tation or display but through the capable per- formance of each day's duty in this work-a-day world he has advanced to a place where his in- fluence and activity are potent factors, not alone for individual success but also for public progress.

RICHARD COOK JORDAN.

Honored and respected by all, there is no citi- zen in Ottawa who holds a more enviable posi- tion than R. C. Jordan, who is today at the head of the extensive hardware business, which was established by his father-in-law, the late John Manley in 1840. Through his progressive spirit, strong determination and enterprise Mr. Jordan has kept in touch with the progress which is typical of business life at the present age and moreover has maintained an unassailable repu- tation for straightforward dealing. Other inter- ests as well have gained him place among the

leading residents here. He is found as a co- operant factor in many measures for the general good and his labors of a practical nature have been far-reaching and beneficial.

Richard Cook Jordan was born in Hudson, New York, where his father, Allen Jordan, en- gaged in the practice of law for many years and was a prominent citizen, serving at one time as mayor of the city. In his youth R. C. Jor- dan became a student in a school in Brooklyn, New York, and he entered upon his busi- ness career as an employe of his uncle, John C. Cook, a member of the firm of Bruce & Cook, importers of metals in New York city. Follow- ing the removal of his parents to Kendall county, Illinois. Mr. Jordan left the Empire state and joined them in the middle west, where his sum- mer months were devoted to farm labor, while in the winter seasons he engaged in teaching school, entering upon the active work of that profession when seventeen years of age. His identification with the business interests of Ottawa dates from 1861, at which time he came to this city to accept a clerkship in the hardware store owned by John Manley, one of the leading merchants of this sec- tion of the state at an early day. The building now occupied by Mr. Jordan, three stories in height and extending through from Main to Mill street, is one of the notable buildings in the county and in addition to the main structure there is a large annex. The building is liter- ally "built upon a rock," to accomplish which the heavy walls are in some portions built from a point seventeen feet below the basement floor. The structure was erected for the purpose of holding iron and is probably the strongest build- ing in the city or county. In the middle of the nineteenth century Manley's store was a notable landmark and was well known for fifty miles around Ottawa, and its proprietor was a most popular man of strict integrity and honor, pos- sessing a genial nature and kindly disposition that made him a favorite with the business com- munity and the entire pioneer settlement. Mr. Jordan entered his employ and has since been connected with the business except for the period of his active service in the Civil war, when the dismemberment of the Union was threatened by the secession of the south.

He put aside all commercial and personal con- siderations and offered his aid to his government, becoming first sergeant of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, with which he did active duty in the south, mak- ing a creditable military record. For eight years he occupied the position of cashier in the National City Bank of Ottawa and in 1879 was admitted to a partnership in the hardware business under the firm style of Manley & Jordan, this relation

R. C. JORDAN.

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being maintained for ten years, or until the death of Mr. Manley. He was then alone in business for about a year, at the end of which time C. H. Hamilton was admitted to a partnership and the store was carried on under the firm style of Jordan & Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton re- tired in January, 1899, since which time Mr. Jordan has been sole proprietor. The business in one of the extensive commercial enterprises of the city and the house has ever borne an unas- sailable reputation. The safe, conservative yet progressive methods of the founder have been continued by Mr. Jordan, who is wide-awake and an enterprising business man, who has based his efforts upon the rules which govern strict indus- try. He has also placed his faith in the old and time-tried maxims such as "there is no excel- lence without labor" and "honesty is the best policy."

Mr. Jordan is the champion of reform and improvements in Ottawa along all lines con- tributing to its material, social, intellectual, moral and political welfare. In the recently instituted movement for Ottawa's development he was a leading factor and addressed a number of public meetings held at the Armory concerning the city, its needs and its possibillities. He is an earnest and fluent speaker and though his business life has kept him from the public platform he never- theless has displayed considerable oratorical pow- er on different occasions and it is known that he has wielded a wide and practical influence for good. He is now a prominent member of the Ottawa Development Association, is also presi- dent of the Ottawa Chautauqua Association and has served as a member of the board of educa- tion. His political views are not bound by party ties. He was an advocate of the single gold standard, twice a delegate to the Indianapolis Gold convention and believes in tariff for revenue only. It is undoubtedly true that he might have held any public office within the gift of his fellow townsmen had he so desired but he has reso- lutely refused to become a candidate. He has, however, been grand commander of Seth C. Earl post, No. 156, G. A. R .; president of La Salle County Old Settlers' Association ; several times a delegate to the Illinois Waterways Convention, and at all times an advocate of any movement or measure that tends to advance the best interests of his city and county. He has gained a host of warm friends, whose high and sincere regard, recognizing his genuine worth, he fully possesses. While inclined at all times to be safely conserva- tive he yet holds many advanced ideas on questions of education and govermental policy.

He was a faithful soldier, yet he displayed no greater loyalty then than he has ever in his sup- port of American institutions and his condemna- tion of political intrigue. With him principle is ever above party and purity in municipal affairs above personal interest.

JAMES T. WALSH.

As a business man and leader in political cir- cles James T. Walsh is well known in Ottawa and La Salle county and over his official record and business career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, as he has been actu- ated by honorable principles and worthy motives. His devotion to the public good stands as an un- questioned fact in his career and many tangible evidences of his public service can be cited. A native of Ireland, he was born in Coolkerough, Listowel, County Kerry, on the 8th of March, 1849, a son of Thomas and Catherine Walsh, who were also natives of that country. In their family were nine children, namely : William, Jerry, Cornelius, John, Thomas, Patrick, Hanora and Mary.

James T. Walsh was early trained to habits of industry and economy, for his parents, though not in 'affluent circumstances, were people of high respectability, who recognized the value and worth of character. He remained in his native land until twenty years of age, when, attracted by the business possibilities and opportunities of the new world, he sailed for America, arriving in New York in 1869. He spent some time in the eastern metropolis and then came to La Salle county, since which time he has been interested in business life here and at the present writing is proprietor of a grocery store which has a lib- eral patronage, owing to his straightforward dealing, the neat and attractive appearance of his place and his earnest desire to please his cus- tomers. His trade has constantly grown and de- veloped and the business returns to him a grati- fying financial income.

In 1873, in Syracuse, New York, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Walsh, an old schoolmate. Four children were born unto them, three sons and a daughter. Two sons, Michael and Thomas, are now in charge of the grocery business, for Mr. Walsh has practically retired from its management. The daughter, Catherine, is at home, while the other son, Wil- liam, is now a partner in the Donohue Live Stock Company, owners of large ranching interests, controlling thirty-six thousand acres of land near

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White Sulphur Springs, Montana. William Walsh is a cousin of Mr. Donohue and the busi- ness interests of the firm in the west are ex- tensive.

In 1889, Mr. Walsh derived great pleasure from a visit to his old home in Ireland, renewing the acquaintances of his youth and visiting many scenes which were familiar to him in boyhood days. He returned to his native land for another visit July 14, 1906. He is a member of the An- cient Order of United Workmen. A stanch dem- ocrat in his political views, Mr. Walsh has for some years been a recognized leader in the local ranks of his party and has been called to various public offices. In 1898 he was elected alderman, representing the fifth ward of Ottawa in the city council, and he is still filling that position and is again spoken of as a candidate. His serv- ice on the board of aldermen has been very ef- fective in promoting the best interests of the city and he stands for reform and improvement and for retrenchment in expenses as far as is com- mensurate with good government and public progress. He has also been assistant supervisor for eight years, but resigned that office in the spring of 1905. Mr. Walsh has never been dis- appointed in the hope that led him to come to America, for in this country he has not only met with business success but has gained a good home and many warm friends. He found here that the accident of birth or nationality has little or noth- ing to do with a man's success, but that indi- vidual merit will win recognition and that ad- vancement comes in reward for persistency of purpose and honorable dealing. It is these qual- ities which have made him one of the leading merchants of the city and now enable him largely to live retired in the enjoyment of the fruits that former toil have brought to him.

SAMUEL RICHOLSON.

Samuel Richolson, deceased, was for many years one of the most prominent attorneys of Ottawa. He made a study of railroad law and was a leading representative of that department of jurisprudence in northern Illinois, standing high in the ranks of the legal fraternity in La Salle county. He was born at Holderman's Grove, then in this county but now in Kendall county, March 25, 1841, and spent his early days upon a farm in that vicinity, later taking up the trade of a painter. His education was mainly acquired in the public schools and also at Fowler Institute in Aurora.

Coming to Ottawa in 1868, Mr. Richolson commenced the study of law under the direction of Judge Charles Blanchard and applied himself assiduously to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence for a year, when he was admitted to the bar. In 1870 he entered into partnership with H. K. Boyle, a talented young man, and the same year the firm of Dickey, Boyle & Richol- son was formed, Colonel T. Lyle Dickey being admitted to a partnership. This relation contin- ued until Mr. Boyle was obliged to go to Califor- nia for his health. The firm of Dicky & Richol- son had a continuous existence until Colonel Dickey removed to Chicago, after which Mr. Richolson practiced alone much of the time, with the exception of a short period when he was associated with W. L. Seeley. At the time of his death, which occurred June 24, 1906, he was in partnership with his son, Harold L. Richolson, under the firm name of Richolson & Richolson. For a long period he was considered one of the ablest members of the La Salle county bar and had an important and extensive practice. As a railroad attorney he led in this section of the state and he had most comprehensive and accurate knowledge of this department of juris- prudence. He was remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepared his cases. In no instance was his reading ever confined to the limitation of the questions at issue ; it went beyond and compassed every contingency. His logical grasp of facts and principles and the law applicable to them was another potent element in his success and a remarkable clearness of impression, a practical and precise diction enabled him to make others understand not only the salient points of his arguments but his every fine gradation of mean- ing was accounted one of the most conspicuous gifts and accomplishments.

In early manhood Mr. Richolson was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Blair, who died four years later. He was again married on the 17th of November, 1870, his second union being with Miss Marietta Meehan, who with a daughter and son still survives him. The children are Mrs. Paul Salambier, of New York city; and Harold L. Richolson, city attorney at Ottawa.

Aside from his profession Mr. Richolson was most prominent in public affairs relating to the welfare and progress of his city and his efforts were a tangible factor in movements that resulted most beneficially for Ottawa. He was three times honored with the mayoralty and gave to the city a progressive, yet economical administration. He was at the head of the board of directors of the public library for seven years and for three years was its president. The fact that Samuel Richol-

Same Nicholson

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son gave his endorsement to a public measure was an indication to many that such a measure was worthy of general support and his influence was a potent element for good along those lines which promote the material and intellectual progress and uphold the political and legal status.

RIGHT REV. THOMAS KEATING.

Right Rev. Thomas S. Keating, who for eight- een years has labored in behalf of the Catholic church in Ottawa, was born December 21, 1846. He attended the public schools at Morris, Illinois, and the Columbus school in this city and after- ward spent four years as a student in St. Mary's College in Perry county, Missouri, from which institution he was graduated. Having determined to become an active representative of the priest- hood, his studies were afterward directed in lines that would prepare him for his holy calling. He matriculated in the University of St. Mary's of the Lake at Chicago and was there graduated with the class of 1865. He afterward spent two years as a student in Rev. Dr. McMullen's Cleri- cal Seminary and afterward attended Mount St. Mary's College at Emmettsburg, Maryland, the oldest seminary in the United States. He re- mained there as a student for three years and was graduated in 1870.

Father Keating was assigned to active duty in the pro-cathedral in Chicago as assistant to Rev. Terry and remained there until 1873. He was ordained a priest in the old St. Columba church at Ottawa, August 19, 1870, by the Right Rev. Dr. Foley, bishop of Chicago. He was for one year pastor of St. Rosa's church at Wilmington and organized a branch church at Braidwood, which had previously been without church or pastor. He was then sent to St. Mary's church at El Paso, Woodford county, Illinois, where he re- mained for six years. He did great good in his ministry there and erected a boys' parochial school, also established missions at Eureka and Minonk and succeeded in paying off the church debt. In 1880 he took charge of the parish at Champaign and Rantoul mission, continuing his work for eight years, during which time he erected a large nunnery for the Sisters of Notre Dame of Milwaukee and collected twelve thou- sand dollars for a new church. He also built a church at Penfield.

In April, 1888, Dean Keating came to St. Co- lumba's Catholic church of Ottawa, in which he had been ordained to the priesthood, and has since been its pastor. During this period he has ac-

complished much of great importance and has been advanced to his present high ecclesiastical position. A contemporary biographer has said : "St. Columba's, of which Dean Keating is pas- tor, is one of the finest church edifices in Ottawa and was erected at a cost of fifty-two thousand dollars. A fine, mellow-toned pipe organ was built for this church and is pronounced by the best musicians to be an instrument wonderful in its depth of volume and perfection of tone. Father Keating has endeared himself to the peo- ple of the parish and gained the esteem of the entire community by his wisdom and by the noble qualities which are his characteristics. In 1888 he was appointed dean of the diocese of Peoria, Illinois, and the work accomplished by 'him since then is a record in which he may feel a pardonable pride. The greater part of the church debt has been lifted; St. Xavier's Acad- emy, costing some sixty-two thousand dollars, completed ; the boys' school established and new building erected; the new deanery completed, at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars ; and the cem- etery enlarged and improved. These are some of the visible results of his work, but of the good accomplished by him as the wise adviser and spir- itual director of the people who shall speak? His influence has been far-reaching and lasting, caus- ing him to be regarded with affectionate rever- ence. On August 19, 1905, Dean Keating cele- . brated his silver jubilee of twenty-five years in the service of the church. He is now an irre- movable pastor and one of the best known and respected citizens of La Salle county."

CHARLES E. SPENCER.

Charles E. Spencer, living in Marseilles, is numbered among the early settlers of La Salle county, dating his residence here from 1854. He was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, Sep- tember 18, 1845, a son of E. T. Spencer, whose birth occurred near Utica, New York, in 1817. There the father was reared and educated, and when a young man he came to the middle west, settling in Van Buren county, Michigan, where he cleared and developed a farm. He was married there to Mary .\. Dole, a native of Vermont, in which state her girlhood days were passed and her education was obtained. Subsequently she engaged in teaching school in Michigan. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Spencer resided in the Wolverine state until 1854, when they removed to Illinois, settling in La Salle county in what is now Miller township. There

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Mr. Spencer began to cultivate and improve his land. A number of years later he took up his abode in Marseilles and spent his last years in the village, passing away here in 1894, having survived his wife for only a few months. In the family were six sons and a daughter, of whom five of the sons and the daughter are yet living.

Charles E. Spencer remained a resident of his native state for eight years and then accompanied his parents on their removal to this county. He had good school advantages, supplementing his public-school course by study in Lombard Uni- versity at Galesburg, Illinois. He was a teacher for a number of years during the winter seasons, while in the summer months he followed farm labor. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority, and then began farm- ing on his own account. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Amanda E. States, whom he wedded in Miller township in 1868. She is a native of Ohio, where she spent her girlhood and for some years she was successfully engaged in teaching in La Salle county. Following his marriage Mr. Spencer took up his abode upon a partially improved farm belonging to his father, on which was a log house, and there the young couple began their domestic life, making it their home for a few years. Mr. Spencer began with one hundred and sixty acres of land. He later built a good house, barns and cribs, made a deep well on his place, putting in a wind pump, fenced and tiled his land, set out an orchard and in fact carried on the work of development in most energetic manner and in accordance with mod- ern ideas of agricultural progress. He also raised and fed stock and continued actively in farming until 1893, when he removed to Mar- seilles, renting his farm for some time. Following the death of his parents he resided again upon the farm for two years, after which he returned to the city. He had cared for his parents in their declining years, rendering them every filial attention possible.

Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have become the parents of three children : Burton C., who is now living on the home farm and is married and has two children, Glen and Lois; Fred L., of East Ot- tawa, who is married and has a daughter, Gracie ; and Clara May, the wife of Dr. L. C. Butterfield, of Marseilles, by whom she has one son, Spencer Irving. In his political views Mr. Spencer has always been a republican, thoroughly in sympa- thy with the principles and policy of the party. He cast his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant in 1868, and has never wavered in his allegiance to its presidential candidates since

that time. While living in Miller township he served as clerk, was also township school treas- urer and collector and for nine consecutive years acted as supervisor. He served as chairman of the committee to settle with the county clerk and also acted on numerous other committees of importance, one being the special committee having in charge the heating of the courthouse. He also served for two terms as assessor in Mar- seilles and is filling the office at the present time. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to the county and district conventions and his opin- ions carry weight in the local councils of his party, because his devotion to the general good is above question and his allegiance to his party a known fact in his life record. For fifty- two years he has lived in La Salle county, in- terested in its growth and its progress and as a useful and enterprising citizen is well known. He certainly merits the rest which has been vouchsafed to him and which he is now enjoying and it is with pleasure we present to our readers this history of his life.

WILLIAM H. HINEBAUGH.

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History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 41

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855 Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286