USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns : educational, religious, civil, military, and political history : portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, also a condensed History of Illinois > Part 25
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to take charge, as Principal, of the Richmond, Ill., public schools. Hc resigned this place in 1861 and became associate editor and proprietor of the Elkliorn (Wis.) Independent with Frank Leland, afterward U. S. Consul to Hamilton, Canada. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, and served during his term of enlistment as Second Lieutenant. Sell- ing his newspaper interest he opened a drug store in Elkhorn in 1866, and then began the study of medicine. Five years later he returned to Richmond and again had charge of the public schools for one year. In 1874 he graduated M. D. from Rush Medical College, being the valedictorian of his class. Soon after he began the practice of medicine at Richmond, where he still resides, enjoy- ing a large practice and holding the position of U. S. Examining Surgeon for Pensioners, to which he was appointed soon after graduating.
But it is as a man of letters that Dr. Bennett lias won his greatest laurels. When a mere lad he began contributing verse to news- papers and from that time onward he lias been a voluminous writer; but as his work has been mainly for the daily and weekly press of the country, it is largely lost amid the inass of similar work from tens of thousands of writers. During his residence in Elkhorn he became associated with J. P. Webster, the musical composer, then best known to the world as the author of the famous song "Lorena." For several years they published together numerous songs in the form of sheet music, many of which became very popular. During this time they published three musical works- "The Beatitudes," a Sabbath-school cantata; "The Cantata of the Great Rebellion," and "The Signet Ring," a book to which Mr. Bennett contributed nearly a hundred original hymns. The "Sweet Bye and Bye " was first published in the "Signet Ring." This hymn alone entitles the author to an enduring place among the poets of our land. The following extracts from a newspaper article written by Dr. Bennett explains the origin of this beautiful song :
" Mr. Webster, like many musicians, was of an exceedingly ner- vous and sensitive nature and subject to periods of depression in which he looked upon the dark side of all things in life. On such an occasion he came into my office. Walking to the stove, he turned his back to me without speaking. I was at my desk, writing. Presently, I turned to him and said, 'Webster, what is the inatter now?' 'It is no matter,' he replied, 'it will
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be all right bye and bye!' The idea of the hymn came to me like a flash of sunlight, and I replied, 'The sweet bye and bye! Why would not that make a good hymn?' 'May be it would,' said he indifferently. Turning to my desk, I penned the words of the hymn as fast as I could write. In the meantime two friends came in. I handed the hymn to Mr. Webster. As he read it his eye kindled and his whole demeanor changed. Stepping to the desk, he began writing the notes. Presently he requested his violin to be handed to him and he played the melody. In a few moments more he had the four parts of the chorus jotted down. I think it was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before the two friends who had called, Mr. Webster and myself were singing the hymn in the same form in which it after- ward appeared in the 'Signet Ring.'
" While we were singing, Mr. R. R. Crosby, now a resident of Richmond, Ill., came in, and after listening a while, with tears in his eyes, uttered the prediction, 'That hymn is immortal!' I think it was sung in public shortly after, for within two weeks almost every child on the streets was singing it."
We need not comment upon the world-wide renown which this hymn has gained. It is now published in numerous collections of sacred music in America, is translated into various foreign tongues and sung in every land beneath the sun. A beautiful Chinese translation of the hymn hangs in the Doctor's office.
DR. SAMUEL R. WARD was born on the island of Ceylon, Aug. 7, 1842. His father, Dr. Nathan Ward, was a missionary physician, sent by the American Board of Foreign Missions, in 1833, to the island of Ceylon, where he remained until 1847. The elder Dr. Ward was born in New Hampshire in 1804, and graduated from the Maine Medical School, Brunswick, Me., about 1831. He began practice in Dover, N. H., where he remained two years before going to India. In India, besides practicing medicine, he edited a newspaper styled the "Morning Star," taught in a theological seminary, and translated several English works into the Tamel language. After returning to his native land, he practiced his profession in Burlington, Vt., for six years, then engaged in preaching the gospel as a Congregationalist. After following this work for about six years, he decided to return to his former field of labor. He died at sea, when three weeks out from Boston, Nov. 24, 1860, and his remains received an ocean burial. His widow continued the journey, and labored five years as a mission- 18
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ary in India. She returned to her native land in 1865, and died in New York in the same year. Dr. S. R. Ward received his early education in Vermont, attending the Misisquoi Valley Academy, the St. Johnsbury Academy, and the Burlington High School. He entered the University of Vermont in 1860, and graduated in 1864. He then went to Washington, D. C., and read medicine under Dr. H. B. Trist. He graduated from the medical department of Georgetown College, in March, 1868, then went to St. Louis and spent several months in the city hospitals. The next year he spent in New Hampshire, reviewing his studies. In 1870 he entered upon the practice of his profession in Chicago, removing thence to Richmond, his present home, in 1874. He was married May 9, 1871, to Miss Annah F. Fisher, daughter of L. G. Fisher, of Chicago. They have two children living and three deceased. Dr. Ward has served as President of the village board and in other local offices.
HEBRON.
Dr. Royal Sykes, from Vermont, located in the western part of the town of Hebron in 1848, and resided and practiced here until 1876, when he removed to Chicago, where he died in 1878.
Dr. J. H. Giddings was the first physician in the village of Hebron, where he settled about 1858. He went into the army during the war and remained in Hebron but a short time after his return.
In the fall of 1865 Dr. E. O. Gratton, from New York, settled in this village, where he still practices. Dr. J. M. Mansfield prac- ticed here from 1876 to 1880. He was succeeded by Dr. H. R. Cheesbro, who remained a little over two years, removing in the fall of 1883. Dr. Alfred Turner came in November, 1883, and still resides here. Hebron has also a lady physician, Dr. Catha- rine Slater.
DR. E. O. GRATTON, subject of this sketeli, was born in Sandy Creek, Oneida Co., N. Y., May 24, 1824; his mother died Sept. 10, 1827, and with his father lie moved to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., February, 1828, where he received his education. The study of medicine, surgery and care of the sick was always foremost in his mind. The first case ever attended by him was James McGowan, an Irishman who was taken withi pleurisy, and chose him as his physician; he carried him through successfully, though only sixteen years of age. At the age of twenty-one years he married
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Caroline Walton and cominenced farming in Mansfield, Cattarau- gus County, where they lived until 1860. During this time five children were born-Fred E., Christina A., Sidney A., Lydia A. and Rosina. In March, 1860, leaving his family with Mrs. Furness, Mrs. Gratton's mother, he, with Charles C. Hull, emigrated to Coles County, Ill., where he bought an interest in a large farm with a determination to make that a business, and in the fall sent for his faniily. It being so near the breaking out of the Rebellion, this enterprise was a failure, and the 7th of August, 1862, he went to Chicago in company with George Galloway, and they on the 8th of August enlisted in Company B, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry. The first duty performed was to treat the first man taken sick in the regiment. He drilled three times in the com- pany and then was assigned to the regimental hospital, where he remained doing all kinds of duty from nurse to physician and surgeon. In the summer of 1863, after the surrender of Vicks- burg, came a call to him from the officers of the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment (colored) to take the position as Surgeon of that regi- ment. He positively refused, but by an order from General Grant he was detached from his regiment and assigned to duty as Surgeon pro tem. He reported to headquarters of said regiment, and the same time put in application for relief, and after thirty- days of hard work his application was returned approved by General Grant. During the stay with said regiment he had to prescribe for from 185 to 450 patients each day. After returning to his regiment he liad to take the position of Assistant-Surgeon, some times having all the work to do in the medical department. After the war closed, in the fall of 1865, he came to Chicago to take a course of lectures in Rush Medical College, and on Jan. 27, 1866, came to Hebron and began the practice of medicine and surgery. In October, 1866, he sent for his family who were in Western New York. They joined him Oct. 17, in Hebron, where they have since lived. Gertie H., the youngest daughter, was born June 6, 1871. The practice has been successful. He ex- pects to remain and continue the practice of medicine, surgery and the sale of drugs, usually kept in a country drug store.
GREENWOOD.
The first physician in this town was Dr. McCay, who remained about a year. He was succeeded by Dr. White who died here after about two years' practice. Dr. Ballinger came next and
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remained about a year. Then came Dr. Hart, who still remains.
DR. WM. B. HART was born in Burgeon, Genesee Co., N. Y., Jan. 4, 1812, and was the third of a family of five children. His father, Timothy F. Hart, was a shoemaker by trade. Dr. Hart's boyhood was passed in his native county where he received an academic education and learned his father's trade. He followed shoemaking until twenty-six years of age. He engaged in the study of medicine under Dr. J. J. Treat, and in 1849 graduated from the Buffalo, N. Y., Medical College. Beginning his practice with his preceptor in the city of Rochester, he continued there one year, removing thence to Woodstock, Ill., where for five years he had a large and successful practice. He then removed to Green- wood, where he has since resided, sustaining an excellent reputa- tion as a physician and enjoying the respect of the entire com- munity. Dr. Hart was married in 1838 to Miss Phoebe M. Dewey, daughter of David S. Dewey, of Brockport, N. Y. They have had four children. Three sons are living and one daughter is deceased. Mary A. died at the age of six years. Henry P. is a farmer and resides in thie State. He was a private in Company H, Ninety- fifth Regiment : Illinois Volunteers, and rose from that grade to the rank of Captain in the second year of his service. William C. is a farmer, residing in Colorado. Charles V. is an engineer on the Union Pacific Railway in Wyoming Territory.
FRANKLINVILLE.
About 1842 Dr. Mesick, now of Marengo, began the practice of medicine at Franklinville, within the present town of Seneca. Some two years later he had a rival in the person of Dr. Cool, now of Chi- cago. Both left a short time afterward. Later came Dr. Clayton, . who remained only about a year. Franklinville has had no resi- dent physician for several years.
HARTLAND.
Dr. Bennett was the only physician that ever settled in this town. He removed here nearly thirty years ago, and resided here until recently. He is now in Woodstock.
ALGONQUIN.
Dr. David Burton was the first physician in this place. He came in 1844 and practiced until his death.
He was succeeded by Dr. H. G. Terwillager, then by Dr. Reed,
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in 1850, who remained about five years. Then came Drs. A. Hedger, Winslow and Hunt, Johnston, Wm. Winchester, Bentley and Hait, most of whom remained but for short periods. Dr. Young was the next physician. About 1860 Dr. Dean settled here. He was accidentally drowned while skating not long after- ward. Dr. Wm. A. Nason next settled here and still remains. Among others who have come since Dr. Nason and remained for a short time have been Drs. Robinson, Hill and D. H. Merrill.
DR. DAVID BURTON, deceased, practiced in Algonquin from 1841 until his death in 1850. He was universally esteemed. He was well skilled in his profession and a fine scholar. He was of Eng- lish descent and was the adopted son of R. R. Sherwood, of Algon- quin. He was educated in the seminary at Nunda and graduated at Geneva College.
HARVARD.
The first physician who located in this place was Dr. H. W. Johnson, who came about 1856 and practiced until his death, a period of twelve years or more.
Dr. H. W. Richardson came next and remained a few years. He removed to Chicago, and thence to Lena, Ill., where he now resides.
Dr. A. C. Bingham came next and is still practicing here. About the same time with Dr. Bingham came Dr. D. A. Wade, who remained but a short time.
The present practitioners are Drs. A. C. Bingham, H. T. Wood- ward, C. M. Johnson and Charles Goddard.
HORACE W. JOHNSON, M. D., deceased, was the first physician of Harvard. When he first came to the county, in 1856, the site of Harvard was a corn-field. Judge Ayers was the only man living in the village proper. Dr. Johnson was born in New York City, Dec. 16, 1810, the eldest of three children of Jacob and Maria (Johnson) Johnson. He was educated in New York, and gradu- ated from the old Rutger College, his preceptor being Valentine Mart. He practiced his profession in New York City till twenty- six years of age. In 1836 he came West and located in Kenosha, Wis., remaining there till his removal to Harvard. From that date till his death, Feb. 24, 1871, he was one of the leading physi- cians of the county. He was married Nov. 6, 1842, in Bloomfield, Wis., to Adaline A. La Tour, a native of New York City, born Aug. 27, 1823, a daughter of James and Christina Kipp) La Tour.
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They had a family of four sons and two daughters; but one is living -Col. M. Johnson, M. D., of Harvard. Mrs. Johnson's grand- father, Anthony W. La Tour, eame to America from France with La- fayette, and was subsequently an offieer in the Revolutionary war. During Lafayette's visit he rode in the carriage with him, being the only one then living that came over with him during the war. Her parents came West in the spring of 1841, and settled in Wal- worth County, Wis.
NUNDA.
The first physician who located here was Dr. Frazier, who re- mained but a short time. Next eame Dr. Horn, whe remained until the spring of 1884, when he removed to Hammond, Ind. Dr. Launier came in 1879, and left in 1882. The present practitioners are Dr. Ballou and Dr. Watson.
C. C. WATSON, M. D., was born in Ontario, Canada, June 13, 1850, a son of Hugh and Nancy (Best) Watson, natives of Penn- sylvania. His mother died in Canada in 1854, and his father in Missouri in 1858. His grandfathers, James Watson and James Best, were both natives of Pennsylvania and heroes of the Rev- olutionary war. When a boy C. C. Watson lived on a farm and had the benefit of the public school in the winter. He then taught for a time, and subsequently entered the medical depart- ment of Ann Arbor University, Mieh. He remained there a year and then came to Illinois and worked on a farm and attended sehool till 1875, when he began reading medicine with Dr. Best, of Arlington, Cook County, remaining with him three years, and in the spring of 1878 graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago. He immediately located in Nunda where he has built up a fine practice. Dr. Watson was married in September, 1879, to Lottie, daughter of Orin Mansfield, of Nunda, Ill. They have one son -- Hugh. In his political views Dr. Watson is a Re- publican.
ALDEN.
Dr. D. S. MeGonigle was the first settled physician in this town. He came in 1845, and remained only a year or two. Dr. Allen C. Bingham resided and practiced here from 1857 to 1865, leading a sueeessful professional career. In 1868 and 1869 Dr. D. C. Gil- bert was located here. Dr. Woodwortli eame in 1870, and re- mained about a year. From 1874 to 1881 Dr. A. S. Munson was
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in practice herc. He sold out to Dr. G. Ballenger, who is the present medical practitioner.
MARENGO.
Dr. T. W. Stull practiced at Marengo several years, and died in that place May 8, 1879. The Maringo Republican said of him :
" We are pained, this week, to record the death of Dr. Theodore W. Stull. * * * The cause of his death was consumption. His age was forty-six years. He leaves a wife and three little girls to mourn the loss of a faithful, devoted husband and father. Though comparatively a young man, he was one of the old citizens of our town, has always been identified with our interests, and held a warm place in the hearts of all who knew him. In all the walks of life-as a citizen, soldier, physician and Christian man-lie was exemplary and influential."
JOHN W. GREEN, M. D., is a native of Greenfield, Huron Co., Ohio, born June 23, 1822, the fourth son and youngest of eight children of John and Mary (Ackley) Green. His father was a Methodist minister, and died in Huron County at the age of forty- six years. His mother died in Cleveland, Ohio, aged seventy-five years. Their family all lived till maturity; but one daughter and a son are now living. John W. Green spent his early days on a farm but obtained a good education by attending school during the winter months. When twenty-two years of age he began the study of medi- cine with Prof. Daniel Meeker, of La Porte, Ind., and remained with him three years. He attended four terms at the Indiana Medical College, La Porte, Ind. (now located at Indianapolis), and gradua- ted in the spring of 1848. One year previous to his graduation (in 1847) he located in Pleasant Grove, which name has since been changed to Marengo, Ill., where he has built up a good prac- tice. He is one of the oldest physicians in the county, and has gained a reputation second to none. He was married March 7, 1849, to Louisa Babcock, eldest daughter of Enoch Babcock. In April, 1863, he was commissioned Surgeon of the Ninety- fifth Illinois Infantry and mastered in May 6, 1863. He served two years and four months, and the greater part of the time had charge of the brigade. In February, 1865, lie was detailed to take charge of the Third Division Field Hospital, Sixteenth Army Corps. Dr. Green is a member of the Fox River Medical Asso- ciation and the Masonic fraternity. He has three daughters. Mary married W. B. Waters, commission merchant of Chicago.
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Adell married Robert E. Strahorn, Vice-President and General Manager of Idaho and Oregon Land Improvement Co. Hattie is a student in Woman's Medical College, Chicago.
S. C. WERNHAM, M. D., is the only physician of Riley Town- ship. He was born in New York City, in 1846, a son of James and Margaret (Mckenzie) Wernham, his father a native of Eng- land and his mother of New York City, of Scotch descent. James Wernham was eight years old when he came to the United States. He lived in New York till 1854, and then came to Illinois and bought 200 acres of land in Riley Township, McHenry County. In July, 1856, his family came to the county but remained only a year. They returned to New York, but two years later came again to McHenry County. The father died in Marengo in 1876 and the mother in 1878. S. C. Wernham was educated in the schools of New York City and Marengo. In 1870 he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. W. Green, of Marengo, and afterward at- tended Rush Medical College, gradnating in the spring of 1874. He located in Marengo where he had a successful practice ten years. In connection with his profession he has engaged exten- sively in agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of 260 acres, all well improved. He was married in June, 1872, to Emma Titus, danghter of W. J. Titus. They have had four children- James M., Spencer C., George F. and Mattie E. The eldest is deceased. Politically Dr. Wernham is a Republican. He is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. Mrs. Wernham is a member of the Presbyterian church.
EDWARD L. SHELDON, M. D., was born in Dorr Township, McHenry Co., Ill., Feb. 22, 1846, a son of Allen Sheldon, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., who settled in Dorr Township in 1840. He was reared on his father's farm, attending the public schools in his boyhood, and subsequently Todd's Seminary in Woodstock, and Wheaton College. In 1871 he attended the Eclectic Medical In- stitute at Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jan. 28, 1873, graduated from Bennett Medical College, Chicago, Ill. He located at Union, Feb. 10, 1873, and has now a good practice. He is a hard student, loves his profession and has been a successful practitioner. Dr. Sheldon was married April 9, 1873, to Emma E. Clark, daugliter of Deacon A. H. Clark, who settled in Marengo in 1854. They have three children-Ernest A., Mary B. and Anna E.
FREDERICK L. NUTT, M. D., was born in Tioga County, N. Y., in 1852, a son of Morris and Mary E. Nutt, his father of Scotch and
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his mother of French descent. In 1855 his parents moved to Illi- nois, and settled in Winnebago County, where he was reared. His education was obtained in the Rockford schools. After leav- ing school he taught three years. In 1874 he began the study of medicine with Dr. D. E. Foote, of Belvidere, and was with him four summers. His first course of lectures were at the Chicago Medical College, in the fall of 1875. He took his second course at the same college in the winter of 1877-'78, and graduated March 5, 1878. The same month lie located in Marengo, and became asso- ciated with Dr. J. W. Green, and has been successful in his prac- tice. He was married December, 1878, to Jeannette M., daughter of William and Jeannette (Robertson) Shepherd, of Rockford, Ill. Dr. Nutt is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M .; Lansing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., and the A. O. U. W. Politi- cally he is a Republican.
C. C. MILLER, M. D., was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., June 10, 1831, a son of Dr. Johnson and Phoebe (Roadman) Miller, his father a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His early life was spent in school. He graduated from Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1853, and soon after commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Sheridan, of Johns- ton, Pa. He graduated from the medical department of the Michigan University, Ann Arbor, in 1856, and the same year located in Marengo, where he practiced a year. He was obliged to abandon his practice on account of his health, and taught school till the spring of 1878. He had charge of the public schools of Marengo six years. Since leaving the school-room he has given his attention to bee culture. He has 300 colonies and is the most extensive apiarist in the county. He has served as President of the Northwestern and Secretary of the National Beekecpers' Association. Dr. Miller was married in 1857 to Mrs. Helen M. White, a native of Massachusetts, a daughter of Clin- ton and Nancy Cannon. To them were born two children-Chas. C. and Katie. The latter died in infancy. Mrs. Miller died in March, 1880. November, 1881, Dr. Miller married Sidney, daughter of John and Margaret Wilson. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
PHYSICIANS OF CORAL TOWNSHIP.
Dr. G. Hungerford was the first physician of this township. He came from New York State in 1853, and practiced in the country
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about three and one-half years, when he moved to Union Village, where lie practiced twenty-two years, and then moved to Tennessee, where he is engaged in the land business. Dr. A. McWright came in 1855. Dr. Suitor came in the spring of '56, and remained but one year. Dr. Snow came to the township in 1858. Dr. Elvin Briggs came in 1840, and remained in practice till his death, in 1881. Dr. E. L. Sheldon came to Union in 1875, and still re- mains in practice, being the only physician of the place. In 1883 came Dr. Griffith, but remained only a short time.
PHYSICIANS OF HUNTLEY.
Dr. Ainsworth was the first physician to settle in Huntley. He came in 1852, and a few years afterward died of cholera while at- tending a stranger, who came to the place with that disease. Following him came Dr. John Garrison, who, with a partner by the name of Trough, practiced only a short time, when Garrison died, it being in the fall of 1857, and in 1858 Dr. Trough died. While Garrison & Trough were in practice a Dr. Cale located in Huntley, but remained only a short time. Next came Dr. Perry, who practiced till his death, which occurred in 1872. During Perry's practice Dr. Rodman came, and moved to Darien in 1857. Dr. R. Turner came about the year 1860, and practiced till 1882, when he died. Dr. A. Griffith came in 1871, and practiced till 1883, when he moved to Marengo, where he is now in practice. Dr. Chas. E. Cook came to Huntley in 1880, and is the only practicing physician in the place at present. Dr. Cook was born in Seneca Township, McHenry Co., Ill., Jan. 27, 1853. Received his education in Jennings Seminary, Aurora, Ill. Graduated in 1880 at the Chicago Medical College, and came to Huntley the same spring.
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