USA > Illinois > Will County > Past and present of Will County, Illinois, V. 2 > Part 33
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JOHN B. GURNEY.
John B. Gurney, a farmer and breeder and raiser of live stock, in which connection he has attained more than local reputation, was born in Jackson township, Will county, Illinois, Jannary 18, 1866. His parents were Edward and Melissa (Buss) Gurney. The father was born in Glou- cestershire, England, April 2, 1834, and died in Wilmington, July 4. 1892, while his wife, who was born September 18, 1842, still survives him. He came to this country in 1843 with his parents, the voyage being made upon a sailing vessel which was six weeks in crossing the Atlantic. The fam- ily landed at New York city and by canal and the Hudson river proceeded to Buffalo, thence by boat to Chicago and on by train to Channahon township. Will county. Edward Gurney lost his
parents, William and Ruth Gurney, soon after their arrival in the new world. They left a fam- ily of six children, three sons and three daughters. Being thus left an orphan, Edward Gurney made his home with Nial N. Osborn for a number of years and began farming for himself on section 17, Florence township. Later he purchased land in Wilton and Jackson townships. He improved his farm in Jackson township and the year in which he was married-1859-he built a frame house upon that place. With the breaking plow he turned the sod and transformed the wild land into richly cultivated fields. Wild game in those days was plenty, including deer, turkeys, geese and ducks. There were also many wolves in the district and all of the evidences of frontier life could here be seen. Mr. Gurney continued farm- ing for a considerable period and for five or six years was engaged in the grain trade at Elwood, Illinois. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Florence township, but afterward sold the property and then purchased one hundred acres for forty dollars per acre. Later he purchased one hundred acres more at sixty dollars per acre. In 1892 he built a house in Wilmington, where his last days were passed. He was a worthy and honored pion- eer settler who aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development and upbuilding of the county. He served as school director for many years, was justice of the peace and highway commissioner. His political alle- giance was given to the whig party in early life and he afterward became a stanch republican. He was a man of many excellent traits of character, esteemed for his genuine personal worth. The fam- ily numbered five children, three sons and two daughters: Edgar G., who died in 1900, at the age of thirty-nine years: Frances L., the wife of Frank Althouse, a resident of Oregon, Illinois; John B., of this review; Frank W., who is living on the old homestead in Jackson township; and Ruth A., the wife of J. W. Herriott of Chicago. Mrs. Herriott is secretary of the King's Daugh- ters in Chicago and a delegate to the convention at Wheeling, West Virginia.
John B. Gurney, whose name introduces this record, pursued his early education in the district schools and afterward had the advantage of a course in the Bloomington ( Illinois) Business Col- lege. He was reared to farm life, early becom-
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ing familiar with all the duties and labors inci- stalwart friend. His political allegiance was dent to the development of the fields and the pro- given to the republican party and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. duction of crops. When twenty-three years of age he started out upon an independent business career and has always followed farming and stock- raising, at first operating eighty acres of land, which he cultivated for two years. Later he and his brother Frank farmed two hundred acres for two years. In 1892 he was married and afterward farmed two hundred acres on his own account until 1904, when he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so that he is today the owner of a valuable farming property of three hundred and sixty acres. He built an addition to the old homestead in 1897 and built a fine barn in 1905. He is a breeder of full blooded Shrop- shire sheep, also buys and feeds sheep. having a thousand head upon his farm at the present time. He is likewise a breeder of Percheron horses and is the joint owner of the full blooded French Per- cheron stallion Jasmin, register number 48414 in the French book, and in the American register number 31367. He likewise breeds full blooded Poland China hogs and also White Holland tur- keys. His stock-raising interests are extensive and he is one of the well known and successful repre- sentatives of this line of business in Will county.
On the 17th of August, 1892, Mr. Gurney was married to Miss Beatrice Wayne, at old Perth. New York. She was born near that place May 28, 1868, and is a daughter of John and Angeline (Brower) Wayne. The father was born in Eng- land, January 13, 1828, and died February 17. 1896, at old Perth, Fulton county, New York. His wife, who was born September 12, 1830, died at Amsterdam, Montgomery county, New York, Aug- ust 26, 1905. In their family were twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, of whom eight are now living: Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Shipman ; Anna E., the wife of G. W. Filmore; Frances, who married Eugene Simpkins; George B .; Cath- erine, the wife of Burnside McCord; Ida, the wife of J. W. McIntyre; Mrs. Gurney; and Grace D., the wife of Charles Fox. The father, John Wayne, was a glove manufacturer at Gloversville, New York, for a number of years, but spent his last years as a farmer. He was a lover of fine horses and owned some splendid specimens of the noble steed. He served as sehool director for many years and the cause of education found in him a
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gurney have been born five children : Marjorie M., Edward B., George W., Archibald J. and Olive G. Mr. and Mrs. Gurney are prominent and faithful members of the Pres- byterian church at Wilmington, with which he has been identified since 1891, while for the past twelve years he has served as elder and as one of its trustees. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school at the present time and does all in his power to promote the growth of the church and extend its influence. Mr. Gurney is strictly temperate, never having tasted liquor in his life. He is a member of River camp, No. 124, M. W. A., at Wilmington. He has served as school treas- urer for a number of years and was elected school director in the spring of 1906. He is deeply in- terested in all that pertains to publie progress and his aid and co-operation can always be counted upon to assist in measures for the publie good. His life has been actuated by high and honorable prin- ciples and his business career has been character- ized by laudable ambition and watchfulness of all details and indications pointing to success. In all of his dealings he has been strictly reliable, so that his is an honored name in business cireles.
DR. J. W. GOODRICH.
Dr. J. W. Goodrich has made his home in Peo- tone for the past eighteen years and has been successfully engaged in the practice of veterin- ary surgery, being numbered among the foremost representatives of the profession in this part of the state. He was born in Maine, March 10, 1854, a son of Noah and Julia (Wheeler) Good- rich, both natives of the Pine Tree state, where the father is still engaged in farming in Goodrich, the village having been named in his honor. Their family numbered seven children, of whom three are now deceased, while three make their home in Maine, and J. W. is the only one who ever came to the west.
Dr. Goodrich was reared to farm life, being assigned to the various duties of the fields as his
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age and strength permitted. Ile acquired his lit- erary education in the common schools of his na- tive state, while at the age of nineteen years he entered the American Veterinary College, at New York city, and was a student there for two and a half years. He then located for practice at Fort Fairfield, Maine, and later spent two years in Memphis, Tennessee, from which state he came to Peotone, where he has been located for the past eighteen years as a licensed veterinary. Dnr- ing this time he has built up a large and lucrative practice, and although a spell of sickness has dis- abled him from performing the actual labors con- nected with the profession, he is still called upon to make professional visits to prescribe, while he leaves the work to others. He keeps in touch with the most modern methods of practice through reading and investigation and is thoroughly con- versant with the most scientific principles which underlie the profession, and his success is well merited.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Dr. Goodrich and Miss Adassa Fell, who was born in Canada, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Rainsthorp) Fell, who were natives of England, whence they emigrated to Canada and about forty years ago settled in Green Garden township, Will county, but both are now deceased. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born two sons and two daugh- ters, Noah, Anna Estelle, Frank and Elizabeth, all of whom are still under the parental roof.
In politics Dr. Goodrich is a socialist. The family attend and support the Methodist Episco- pal church. The Doctor is a broad reader, keeping well informed not only on the progress which is continually being made in his profession, but also with the current and political events of the day. He and his family are prominent in social cir- eles and occupy a nice home on West Corning avenue in Peotone.
JOSEPH A. KELLY.
The county of Tyrone, Freland, has contributed some eminent citizens to the American common- wealth, including A. T. Stewart, New York's merchant prince; Eugene Kelly. a banker, who established an institution facilitating honest and
legitimate trade transactions from the Empire state to California ; General James Shield, the patriot and soldier senator from two states of the Union. Edward Kelly, a brother of Eugene Kelly, the New York banker, although he did not attain such na- tional prominence, was, however, liberally en- dowed by nature with superior talents and his sons were equally blessed with those qualities which win success in whatever line of activity they may put forth their efforts. These sons are the Hon. Thomas J. Kelly, four times mayor of Joliet : and Joseph A. Kelly, the subject of this review, now retired from active business in the enjoyment of the reward of his years of unfaltering industry.
Joseph A. Kelly was born in Trellick, County Tyrone, Ireland, and in childhood was brought to America by his parents, Edward and Rose (Curran) Kelly, with whom he took up his abode in Jackson township, Will county, Illinois. After studying for a time in a local school his education was continued in Notre Dame University, where he remained as a student for six years, being graduated in 1863. ITe then embarked in the dry-goods business and for some years was in partnership with Dan Hendricks. Later, how- ever, he bought an interest in a business owned by his brother and the enterprise was then con- ducted under the firm name of Kelly Brothers, their store being located on Jefferson street. They received a liberal partronage and the business prospered, Joseph A. Kelly continuing actively in its management until 1878, when he sold out to his brother and returned to the old homestead. He then gave his attention to general farming and the stoek business.
In the year of 1888. John A. Kelly removed to Harper county, Kansas, where he purchased a ranch six miles from Corwin, placing four thous- and acres under fence. This land is admirably adapted for stock-raising and over one thousand head of cattle are cared for on the ranch and are marketed in Kansas City. Over six hundred acres are planted in corn and other crops to provide winter feed. The buildings are especially adapted for the several purposes to which they are used and in fact the ranch is a model property of its kind. every equipment and facility being provided for the successful conduct of the business. Mr. Kelly also owns another ranch of four thousand acres one mile north of Corwin. lying along the
SLOUP
JOSEPH A. KELLY.
MRS. JOSEPH A. KELLY.
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Little Sandy and this is also well stocked with cat- tle. The "K" ranches, as they are called, are the largest in Harper county. In addition to these he owns three-quarters of a section across the line in Oklahoma. In 1899 Mr. Kelly retired from active business and now makes his home at No. 111 South Center street in Joliet, where he is enjoy- ing a well merited rest.
In early life Mr. Kelly was an active member of the Joliet fire department and for twenty-seven years he has been associated with the Joliet Sharp- shooters' Association. At state and national tour- naments he has frequently received the first prize and at the first United States Sharpshooters' match in Jones Woods, New York, he won one of the of the first prizes, while at the Centennial in Phila- delphia in 1876 he received a medal. Ile is still an honored member of the association.
Mr. Kelly's marriage with Miss Maria Eliza- beth Hendricks, of Rockford, Illinois, was a most happy and fortunate event in his life. She was one of a family of seven children, the eldest of whom, Miles Hendricks, was killed by the Indians when crossing the plains to California in 1849. Her brother, D. P. Hendricks, ex-city attorney of Joliet, is now engaged in the practice of law in Chicago. Thomas A. Hendricks, formerly a drug- gist and hospital steward of Company D, Nine- teenth Illinois Infantry, during the Civil war, is now a farmer in Oklahoma. J. C. Hendricks, who was a legal practitioner of Chicago, died in that city in 1906. B. L. Hendricks, also a resi- dent of Chicago, died the same year. Mrs. Mar- garet Nugent, her only sister died on the 15th of February, 1907. Mrs. Maria E. Kelly completes the family. Her father, Thomas Hendricks, was a contractor and builder who came from New York state to Illinois in 1843. Her mother, Mrs. Margaret Hendricks, was a daughter of Daniel Quigley and was born in Athlone, Ireland, in December, 1817, crossing the Atlantic in 1834, after which she became the wife of Mr. Hendricks in Syracuse, New York. Their children were reared in Joliet, save that the family spent five years in Rockford, where they were living at the time of Mrs. Kelly's birth. Mrs. Hendricks was greatly admired during her long life for her many estimable qualities, and she enjoyed excellent health up to within a few months prior to her death, which occurred early in 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have become the parents of six children : Eugene and Edward have charge 0. the Kansas ranches and are extensively en- gaged in the cattle business there. Marie and Catherine are at home. Leo, a graduate of Notre Dame University, is now a qualified physician and surgeon, who at the present time is interne in the the city hospital on Blackwell's Island, New York. This position is one of incalculable value to the ambitions young man, for in this connection he is brought in contract with the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the world in the treat- ment of very complicated cases, as well as in diffi- cult operations and in important experiments. The youngest member of the Kelly family is Mar- garet, now the wife of Dr. Charles Romaine Curtiss, of Joliet. The Kelly home is situated on South Center street and is a beautiful residence in the midst of one of the finest districts of the city. The home is noted for its warm-hearted and gracious hospitality, their many friends re- ceiving there a cordial welcome. Mr. Kelly has long figured as one of the most prominent resi- dents of Joliet, being honored not alone for the splendid success he has achieved but also for the straightforward and honorable business methods that he has ever followed.
PHILIP C. BORN.
Philip C. Born, who was connected with the in- dustrial interests of Joliet from 1878 until the time of his death, was of German birth. The place of his nativity was Minsterapple, Germany, and his natal day August 16, 1836. He was only six years of age when brought to America by his parents, who located in Pennsylvania. There he resided until 1855, when he became a resident of Grand Mound, Iowa, and in 1878 he removed from that state to Illinois, after which he con- tinned his residence in Joliet. He was here first employed in a lumberyard, of which he later be- came superintendent, occupying that position for fifteen years. He then engaged in business on his own account in the River block, but later suffered severe losses through fire. Subsequent to that time he worked for the Bates Machine Company,
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with which he continued until his death, on the 26th of April, 1891.
While living in Grand Mound, lowa, Mr. Born was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Eggleston, a native of Essex, New York. They became the parents of six children: Charles A., who is now in New York ; Cornelia C .; Tillie M .; George R .; Mary E. : and Sarah A.
Mr. Born was identified with the Baptist de- nomination and was very prominent in church work, doing all in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the church. He also belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America and his politi- cal allegiance was given to the republican party. His life was characterized by high and manly principles and worthy purposes, his Christian faith being manifest in his daily conduct. He was char- itable in his opinions of others, reliable and trust- worthy at all times and his name was honored by all who knew him.
ROYAL D. CORBIN.
Royal D. Corbin, numbered among the younger representatives of agricultural interests of Will county, is operating the old Corbin homestead farm, which comprises three hundred acres of well improved land. The family was founded in Will county in August, 1854, when the paternal grandparents, Peter and Eunice Corbin, who were natives of the Green Mountain state, settled at Elwood. They made the journey on the first train which ran over the St. Louis, Alton & Chicago Railroad, now the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis. This was a freight train, which also carried their household effects, and as yet there was no station at Elwood. The grandfather purchased eighty acres of wild and unimproved land in Florence township, to which he later added a second eighty- acre tract, and thus became one of the pioneer settlers of this portion of the state. His family numbered three sons and three daughters, of whom Peter Corbin, of Elwood, is the only surviving member,
Royal S. Corbin, the father of our subject, was a youth of twenty years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Will county, having
been born at Grand Isle, Vermont, in 1834. He assisted his father in the development of a new farm, and upon starting out upon an independent business career purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which he added from time to time as his finan- cial resources permitted, until he became possessed of three hundred acres, this constituting the fine property which is now being operated by the son. Here the father made many substantial improve- ments, built a fine residence, which is surrounded by many shade trees, of his planting. He likewise set out many fruit trees, which yield rich crops in their season. He was a breeder of Durham cat- tle, horses, and Chester White and Duroc Jersey hogs. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Jukes, and was a native of New York state, hav- ing been born in 1844. Their marriage was cele- brated in Joliet, June 21. 1860, and their union was blessed with eight children, of whom seven still survive: Mary E., the wife of George Wal- dron; Frederick: H., who wedded Henrietta Mo- sel : Ara L., who wedded Elizabeth Roderick : Grace B., the wife of Lawrence Miller; Bernice G., now the wife of Arthur D. Jackson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Royal D., the subject of this review ; and Janet E., who re- sides on the homestead farm, and who is now act- ing as housekeeper for her brother. The father was a very public-spirited man and filled a num- ber of public offices of honor and trust, serving as supervisor of his township for several years, while he also filled the office of school director. He gave his early political allegiance to the whig party, but after the organization of the new re- publican party supported its principles. He lived an honest and upright life, was a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor and friend, so that his death, which occurred October 1, 1905, was the occasion of deep regret to all with whom he had been associated. He was seventy-one years of age when called from this life, while his wife, who passed away October 10, 1902, was fifty-eight.
Royal D. Corbin is a native son of Florence township, having here been born September 23. 1881. During the period of his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the operation of the old homestead farm, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the public schools. He was trained to the best methods of carrying on agricultural pursuits, so that at his father's death
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he was well fitted for assuming the large respon- sibilities of the operation of the homestead prop- erty. His sister, Janet E., also resides on the farm and acts as her brother's housekeeper.
In addition to general agricultural pursuits, Mr. Corbin is also engaged in breeding Berkshire and Duroc Jersey hogs, and in connection with his brother-in-law, Arthur D. Jackson, breeds Norman horses, having some fine animals on his place.
Mr. Corbin has followed in the political foot- steps of his father, giving his loyal support to the republican party. He belongs to Union Grange, No. 1725. Having been born on the farm which has been his home continuously to the present time, the place has become endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood and youth, as well as those of later manhood. He is well known in the community as an energetic, enterprising young man and is popular with a wide circle of friends.
WILLIAM LANGEBARTELS.
William Langebartels, who is engaged success- fully in general farming on section 10, Will town- ship, was born in Crete township. this county, in 1864. His father, August Langebartels, was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States in 1858, settling in Washington township, Will county, and worked as a farm hand by the month for about four years and then bought a yoke of oxen and a plow, after which he rented a tract of land in the eastern part of Washington township and engaged in farming on his own account. Through industry and frugality he was enabled in the course of time to purchase land and after a number of years cultivated his own property in Monee township. He removed from Monee township to Will township and bought a farm on section 10, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land, now owned and occupied by his son William. While in his native country he served for fifteen years in the German army, in which he attained official rank. After coming to America he supported the republican party and he held membership in the German Lutheran church. He married Sophia Willharm, who was born in Germany and died in 1891, at the age of sixty years. She came to the United States in the
'60s with a sister Mary, who married a Mr. Schroe- der of Chicago. They joined a brother, Henry Willharm, who had come to America, and settled in Crete township, Will county, Illinois, in 1854. 'This brother lived with Mr. Langebartels until his death. March 9, 1907, at the age of eighty-nine years. The mother of our subject was also a mem- ber of the German Lutheran church. The father survived her for about three years and died in 1894, at the age of seventy-three. In their fam- ily were four children : Henry, who died in child- hood; William; Sophia, the wife of Henry Rust, of Will township; and Mary, the wife of Louis Kessler, of Chicago.
William Langebartels was reared upon the home farm and attended the country schools. He early became familiar with the work that falls to the lot of the farmer and in 1891 began business on his own account, purchasing the farm on which he now lives on section 10, Will township. He has prospered in his work here and his labors have been well directed.
In 1891, Mr. Langebartels was married to Miss Lizzie Dralle, who was born in Peotone township in 1870, a daughter of Fred and Henrietta (Den- eke) Dralle, who came to Illinois at an early date and settled upon a farm in Peotone township. The mother is now deceased, while the father is living retired in Peotone. Mr. and Mrs. Langebartels have become the parents of four children, namely : Clara ; Fred; William; and Emil I. The father and mother are members of the German Lutheran church and Mr. Langebartels lias been indepen- dent in politics, but has never sought office. He has served, however, as school trustee and is now school director. His life has been quietly passed in farm work and those who know him recognize his good qualities and extend to him favorable regard.
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