USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 6
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Doctor Casely attended the common and high schools of Marengo, the University of Illinois at Champaign, Ill., and was graduated from the Chicago Medical College in 1885. Immediately thereafter he estab- lished himself in a general practice at Marengo, where he has since resided, with the exception of ten years spent at Chicago, where he was appointed by Mayor Harrison, the elder, examining surgeon of the police department. Doctor Casely is a member of the MeHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. In politics, he is a Republican, but has 'never sought publicity, having preferred to give his time and attention to his profes- sion. Fraternally, he is a Mason.
In 1886 Doctor Casely was married to Miss Rachel Pringle, a daughter of Patterson Pringle, a member of one of the pioneer families of MeHenry County. The first Mrs. Casely died in 1900. In 1903 Doctor Casely
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was married (second) to Miss Emma C. Lane, a daughter of Frederick Lane, well known in McHenry County affairs. Doctor Casely has two children, namely: Robert E. and William E. The family belong to the Presbyterian church. Doctor Casely takes a deep interest in anything pertaining to the advancement of his community. His office and residence are on East Washington Street, Marengo, in the heart of the city, a few doors from the main street.
PROF. JOHN W. CASTELO.
Prof. John W. Castelo, superintendent of the Huntley school, and one of the eminent educators of MeHenry County, is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. He was born at Toledo, Ill., August 15, 1880, one of the five children of his parents, Calvin B. and Lizzie (Walker) Castelo. Calvin B. Castelo was a contractor and was engaged in that line until his death, which occurred in 1917.
John W. Castelo attended the common and high schools, and then prepared himself for his profession of teaching by courses at the Val- paraiso University, and the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Ill. In 1900 he began teaching in his native city, going thence to Oxford, Iowa, as superintendent of its school. From 1910 to 1914 he was county superintendent of schools of Cumberland County, Ill., and then was at the Chicago University studying law. From 1915 to 1918 he was superintendent of the schools of Roanoke, Ill., and in the latter year he was called to take charge of the Huntley school.
In 1915 Professor Castelo was married to Miss Manda Walker, a daughter of Charles E. Walker, of Chicago, and they have two children: John W., who was born July 19, 1916, and Shirley May, who was born April 18, 1919. Mrs. Castelo is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He belongs to Toledo Lodge No. 834, A. F. & A. M., and he also is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. A man of studious habits and possessing a natural talent for imparting knowledge to others, he has made his efforts in the educational field count for much, and is highly appreciated by all who know him.
ROLLO GUY CHAMBERLIN.
Rollo Guy Chamberlin, D. D. S., mayor of West MeHenry, one of the leading men of McHenry County, is the exponent of the best element
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in this section, and a man of high principles and upright living. He was born in Michigan, January 13, 1874, a son of Nathan and Jane (Craver) Chamberlin, the former of whom was a farmer of Michigan, and died in 1900.
Rollo Guy Chamberlin attended the common and high schools, and was graduated from the latter in 1902, and then took a course in dentistry at the Illinois Dental College at Chicago. Following his completion of this course, he located at West McHenry, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, and he has here built up a large and constantly increasing practice. In political faith he is a Republican, and in 1917 was elected mayor of West MeHenry by a large majority, running ahead of his ticket because of his personal popularity.
On September 8, 1900, Doctor Chamberlin was married to Miss Fannie Densmore, a daughter of James A. Densmore, and they have the following children: Greeta M., Louise, and Rollo D. Doctor and Mrs. Chamberlin belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He maintains membership with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife belong to the Eastern Star.
THOMAS CHARLES.
Thomas Charles, one of the highly esteemed men of Woodstock, is now retired, but was formerly one of the energetic farmers of McHenry County. He was born in Pembrookshire, Wales, October 9, 1844, a son of David J. and Mary Ann Charles, of Welsh ancestry. In 1853 they came to the United States, sailing from Liverpool, England, landing at New York City after a very stormy passage of seven weeks on the water. In 1867 Thomas Charles came to McHenry County and worked, making butter and cheese, for Robert Stewart in Hebron Township until 1870, having learned this trade in New York state. Mr. Charles then went with Henry Mead, proprietor of a creamery, and in 1872 took charge of the Richmond factory which he operated for John McConnell, Peter Whitney, Doctor Bennett and others.
In 1873 Thomas Charles was married to Mary E. Stewart, of Hebron Township, a daughter of Robert S. and Susan Stewart, and then began farming, renting land for six years in Hebron Township. He also ran a dairy to produce milk. Mrs. Charles died in August, 1878. In 1881, Mr. Charles was married (second) to Emma Murphy of Greenwood
HAMILTON MERRIAM
MARY L. MERRIAM
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Township, a daughter of Owen J. and Emma C. Murphy of the same township. After his second marriage, Mr. Charles bought a farm, com- prising 138 acres of land, in Seneca Township, five miles west of Wood- stock, on the Marengo road. After remaining on that property for two years he traded it for property belonging to his father-in-law, Mr. Murphy, who continued to live with him, Mrs. Murphy having died. This farm comprised 232 acres and was located five miles north of Woodstock, on the Greenwood road. Mr. Murphy, who had been one of the pioneers of the county, died there in 1892, aged seventy-eight years. He came to the county from Virginia and obtained his farm from the government. After Mr. Charles secured this property he erected new buildings and made many improvements, and lived on it until when in 1913, he retired to Woodstock. He specialized on dairy- ing, milking over twenty cows. As his attention was fully occupied with his farm, Mr. Charles never cared to enter public life.
By his first marriage Mr. Charles had a son, Robert S., who is managing his father's farm. The children born of Mr. Charles' second marriage are as follows: Paul L., who went to Winnipeg, Canada, in young manhood; Fred, who is on the old homestead; and Emma O., who is doing office work, lives at home. Mrs. Charles is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church which her parents were instrumental in establishing in their vicinity. Mr. Charles is a straight Republican, but acts independently when he deems it best to do so. He and his family stand very high in MeHenry and deserve the confidence dis- played in them, for they are fine people.
EUGENE L. CHURCH.
Eugene L. Church, one of the substantial residents of Harvard, has been an important factor in the industrial life of the city. He was born in Walworth County, Wis., eight miles north of Harvard, May 10, 1850, a son of Cyrus and Emily (Russell) Church, natives of Connecticut and Ohio, respectively, who were married in Wisconsin, to which state their families had come in 1836. Cyrus Church and his wife spent their lives on their Wisconsin farm, where he died at the age of eighty-two years. In addition to their son, Eugene L., they had a daughter, now Mrs. J. D. Clark of Harvard.
Eugene L. Church was reared on his father's farm and was given an
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academic course. For some years after reaching maturity he traveled on the road, but in 1878, come to Harvard to continue the manufacture of several patents, among them a hog carrier for use in barns, which he had commenced at Rockford, Ill., two years previously. At different times he had partners, and continued his business until 1900. Ile man- ufactured in addition to his carrier, hog tools, and was very successful, dealing with retailers. In 1882 he secured an interest in a flour-mill, but sold it, preferring to devote his attention to his manufacturing. However, during the time he was connected with the mill he had it remodeled, and the new-process machinery installed. During 1SS1 he built his present residence which is one of the show places of Harvard. Mr. Church owns the double brick block which bears his name and also the site of his former factory, having sold his plant in 1900. At present he is giving some attention to the conduct of his wife's farm in Wis- consin. Politically he is a Republican, has represented his ward in the city council, and has been on the school board for twenty-one years, during which period the schools were remodeled and modernized.
In 1879 Mr. Church was united in marriage with Anna Hall of Wal- worth County, Wis., member of one of the pioneer families of that region. She owns the farm her grandfather entered from the govern- ment many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Church have three daughters, namely: Ethel and Eloise, both of whom are at home; and Lucy, who is a teacher, who, after teaching for five years at Fergus Falls, Minn., is now principal of the high school of Geneva, IHl. She is a graduate of Beloit College, and a lady of unusual intellectual endowments, whose success in her chosen field is a source of gratification to her parents.
LAWRENCE S. CHURCH.
Page 132.
PHILANDER W. CLARK.
Philander W. Clark, now deceased, was for many years one of the leading agriculturalists of Greenwood. Township and a man of high standing in MeHenry County. He was born in New York state, June
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20, 1838, but came to Greenwood Township in 1860. Mr. Clark was married to Rebecca J. Matthews, also a native of New York state, July 5, 1839, who survives him, and lives on their farm in Greenwood Township, being now over eighty years of age. They had the following children: Clinton H .; Minnie E., who is Mrs. George W. Mactsberger; Frank, who now operates the home farm, Lutie E., who is Mrs. M. Thomas; Matie M., who is the widow of Phil S. Harrison; Clyde C., who is with his brother Frank, is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He married Maude Abbott, who was born in McHenry County, June S, 1879, a daughter of T. A. and Julia (Ryder) Abbott, natives of Illinois. George Abbott, Mrs. Clyde Clark's paternal grand- father, came to Illinois from New York state in 1845. Clyde Clark and his wife have the following children: Alice May, born February 15, 1911; Leta, born December 13, 1912; Gordon, born April 5, 1915; and Eleanor, born July 30, 1917.
The farm on which Mrs. Clark and her two sons are still residing is located on section 26, and contains 120 acres of as fine land as can be found in MeHenry County. The family is one of the most highly esteemed in this section, and its members are important people in the county.
SAMUEL D. CLARK.
Samuel D. Clark, one of the progressive business men of Hebron, · is successfully engaged in purveying choice meats and groceries and enjoys a wide-extended trade from the people of Hebron and its vicinity. He was born in Wisconsin, August 22, 1851, one of the five children of his parents, Osias and Lydia (Graves) Clark. Osias Clark was born in New York state, but later moved to Wisconsin, all of his active life devoting himself to farming. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Samuel D. Clark was reared on his father's farm, and attended the local schools. He was engaged in farming for a time, and then learned the butchering trade, and followed it until in 1898, when he came to Hebron and opened his present market. Later, he branched out, and now handles a choice line of fancy and staple groceries, his stock aggre- gating $3,000.
In 1872 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Elizabeth Robinson, a daughter of Thomas Robinson, and they have three children, namely: William D., who is associated with his father in business; Byron W.,
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who is engaged in business in California; and Kate, who is the wife of Montgomery Householder, of Hebron. Mr. Clark and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican. Recognized as the leading merchant of Hebron, Mr. Clark enjoys a patronage from the very best people of the city, who have implicit confidence in him and his judgment, and rely upon him for high grade foodstuffs, knowing that his prices will be as low as consistent with their quality, and that his service is at all times uniformly excellent.
NATHAN B. CLAWSON.
Nathan B. Clawson, junior member of the well known lumber and feed firm of Baldock & Clawson of Alden, is one of the successful business men of MeHenry County, and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this region. He was born in Wisconsin, a son of George T. and Amanda M. (Ifelm) Clawson. Nathan B. Clawson attended the com- mon schools, and in 1910, he formed his present connection, his partner being Jay L. Baldock. This business house, which is one of the largest of its kind in this locality, was founded by John Baldock in 1890, and operated by him until 1910, when he sold to the present firm, the mem- bers being his son and son-in-law, respectively. The firm deals exten- sively in lumber, coal and feed, the annual sales aggregating $50,000.
On October 24, 1894, Mr. Clawson was united in marriage with Miss Jessie M. Baldock, a daughter of John Baldock. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson became the parents of the following children: George, who was born September 18, 1895, died January 2, 190S; Eugene, who was born May 10, 1905, died July 23, 1905; and Frank, who was born June 27, 1906.
In politics Mr. Clawson is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to Hebron Lodge, A. F. & A. M. One of the alert business men of Alden, Mr. Clawson deserves the prosperity which has attended him, and is de- servedly numbered among the representative men of the county.
JOHN F. CLAXTON.
John F. Claxton, proprietor of the "Woodland Dairy Farm," located one mile east of the city of MeHenry, is one of the progressive agricul-
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turalists of MeHenry County. He was born in Nunda Township, three miles south of McHenry, November 11, 1857, a son of John and Maria (Page) Claxton, the latter being a daughter of Joseph Page, sister of William Page and aunt of Charles E. Page, and a native of County Kent, England. A sketch of the Page family is given elsewhere in this work. John Claxton was born in the County of Norfolk, England, August 14, 1815, and when he was eighteen years old came to the United States, landing at Boston, Mass., making the trip in a sailing vessel that took seventy-two days on the water. He later worked in a mill in Oneida County, N. Y., remaining with one company for fifteen years, but received such small wages that he decided to seek better opportunities, and coming to Illinois, rented land in McHenry County for a year, and then bought seventy acres of land in Nunda Township, all of which was then raw prairie. After four years on it, he exchanged that farm for 160 acres, taking possession of it in 1862. On the place were an old house and barn, and before he moved to it, he erected portion of the present residence. IIe died on this farm, October 6, 1885, his widow surviving him until October 26, 1892, he being sixty-nine years old at the time of death, and she seventy-six. Five years prior to his death John Claxton was kicked by a horse, and he never fully recovered. He and his wife had the following children: Mary, who is the widow of Charles H. Parks, lives at McHenry; William, who died during the Civil war, while a member of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, after a year's service, being then but eigh- teen years of age; Emma, who is the widow of William H. Mudget of Chicago; and John F., whose name heads this review.
John F. Claxton took charge of the homestead when his father was injured, and when he died, bought the interest of the other heirs in the farm. Since then he has bought the old Wilson farm of 200 acres adjoin- ing his original farm on the east, so that he now owns and operates 360 acres of very valuable land. The present residence, which was built by his father, was remodeled by him in 1911, and he put in hot and cold water, electric lights and other modern improvements. He enlarged his barn and built two silos and a dairy barn to accommodate his herd of forty-five thoroughbred cattle and his registered bull. He also has a fine drove of Poland-China hogs. Mr. Claxton is a stalwart Republican, but aside from serving on the board of education, has not sought political honors. As a member of that body, he has rendered very efficient service for sixteen years, for twelve of them being con- nected with the MeHenry district.
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On January 18, 1882, Mr. Claxton was united in marriage with Mercy E. Fryer, a sister of the first wife of Charles L. Page of. McHenry, and a daughter of James and Julia Fryer, natives of County Kent and London, England, who came to the United States and landed at New York City, where their daughter was born. In 1856 they came west to Illinois, and located in MeHenry County. In 1886 or 1887, Mr. and Mrs. Fryer went to Dakota, where both died, leaving two daughters, Mrs. Claxton and Mrs. Page in MeHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Claxton became the parents of the following children: William, who was graduated from the McHenry High School, is living at home; Pearl and Ruby, both of whom attended the MeHenry High School, are at. home; and the former is a teacher in that school, having been connected with it for some time ; and Lelah, who was graduated from the same school as her brother. The family all attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Claxton belongs to the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. His three daughters belong to the Eastern Star. He is one of the most representative men of the county, and all of his operations are carried on intelligently and capably. His family is a charming one, and their influence on their community cannot help but be of an elevating and inspiring nature.
JAMES R. CLEARY.
James R. Cleary, postmaster of Marengo, and one of the most sub- stantial and highly respected men of McHenry County, is an extensive owner of choice McHenry County farm land. He was born at Marengo, May 24, 1860, one of the six children of his parents, Cornelius and Catherine (Hartnett) Cleary. Cornelius Cleary was born in Ireland, but came to the United States in 1848, and after some time spent in New York state, came west to MeHenry County, and located in Marengo, where he died in 1886.
James R. Cleary attended the common and high schools of Marengo, and was reared on a farm. He was engaged in farming until 1892, when he branched out into a stock business and followed it until he was appointed by President Wilson, postmaster of Marengo, September 1, 1915. He has under his supervision three people, and the post office is admirably conducted by him.
On November 15, 1913, Mr. Cleary was married to Miss Delia M.
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Green, a daughter of James Green, and they have two sons, James G., who was born September 28, 1915, and William J., who was born July 27, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Cleary are devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. Ile belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen. Politically, he is a staunch Democrat, and has given the administration a loyal support, especially during the late war. For one term he served Marengo as alderman from his ward, and he is properly regarded as one of the leaders in his party. In addi- tion to other interests, Mr. Cleary owns two farms in Marengo Town- ship, comprising 237 acres of fine land.
WILLIAM CLEARY.
William Cleary, who was formerly one of the most successful farmers of McHenry County, is now living in comfortable retirement at Marengo, where he is numbered among the most desirable citizens of that village. He was born in the northwestern part of Marengo Township, April 20, 1858, a son of Cornelius and Catherine (Hartnett) Cleary, a sketch of whom is to be found elsewhere in this work.
William Cleary grew up on the home farm of his father, and when his father died he bought the interest of the other heirs to the homestead, which he has since conducted in partnership with his brother James. After they secured the farm they erected new buildings, and made other improvements. A drainage district passes through the farm by means of which 100 acres have been reclaimed. The brothers lived in one house for a time, but later sold 120 acres of the farm and erected a new set of buildings. For years they were engaged in dairying, and built a creamery on the farm which was operated as a co-operative concern, but they later became butter producers themselves and so continued for two or three years. Later they sold their milk to Bordens, and had from thirty to forty cows in their herd. In 1894 William Cleary left the farm and came to Marengo, but continues his interest in his farm and keeps up its improvements. He has never cared to enter public life, devoting himself to his own affairs, but at the same time he takes an intelligent interest in civie matters, and wants to have everything done which will advance his community. In his political views he is a Democrat. Mr. Cleary has never married, and he and his sister, Ellen, who was born December 2, 1852, live together, she acting as his house-
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keeper. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Marengo holds his member- ship, and he is doubly attached to it as his parents were among the original members of the parish, and he also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and Foresters. The Cleary family is a very highly respected one in this region, and William Cleary is an admirable representative of the sturdy characteristics of his parents, who are still well remembered in this locality where for years they were leading factors.
J. EDWARD COFFEY.
J. Edward Coffey, a prosperous farmer of Greenwood Township, owns and operates 160 acres of valuable land on section S. He was born in Greenwood Township, May 9, 1865, a son of Thomas and Mary (Clarissy) Coffey, the former born in Ireland, and the latter in Massa- chusetts. When he was fourteen years old, Thomas Coffey was brought to the United States by his parents and they located in Wisconsin and became farming people of that state. In 1864, Thomas Coffey located on a farm in Greenwood Township, MelIenry County, about one-half a mile north of the farm now owned by his son, J. Edward Coffey, and there he lived until his death in 190S, when he was seventy-four years old. His widow survives, being now over seventy years old. They had ten children, six of whom survive. The homestead farm of Thomas Coffey contained 380 acres, and he owned another farm of 120 aeres, and all of it he placed under cultivation.
J. Edward Coffey was reared on this homestead, and attended the schools of his native township. In 1896, he was married to Maggie Halloran, born in Alden Township, this county. They have two sons, Gilbert and Paul. Since he moved on his present farm, Mr. Coffey has devoted himself to general farming, and his property is one of the best in the township. He and his wife belong to the Catholic Church. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. A practical farmer, he has made his work count for much, and deserves his reputation of being a sound business man and excellent citizen.
AMOS COGSWELL.
Page 135.
Jemiller-
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ALSON J. COLE.
Alson J. Cole, president of the Hebron State Bank, and owner of 320 acres of very valuable land in Hebron Township, is one of the most prominent men of McHenry County. He was born in Stephentown, New York, February 2, 1863, one of the three children of Dr. Melvin J. and Mary A. (Whitman) Cole. Melvin J. Cole was a physician and farmer, who was born in Massachusetts, but later moved to New York, and thence to MeHenry County, where he located at Hebron. Ile died at Hebron, October 9, 1900. His widow survived him until January, 1905, when she, too, passed away.
Alson J. Cole was reared on a farm, and attended the schools of Hebron Township. After reaching his majority, he embraced farming as his life work, and has always been interested in agricultural matters, although he has been engaged along other lines as well, for ten years conducting one of the leading mercantile establishments of Hebron, and now being largely interested in the Hebron Bank, of which he is president, which office he has held since 1906.
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