USA > Illinois > Will County > Past and present of Will County, Illinois, V. 2 > Part 50
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In 1851 Timothy Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Ann Kelly, who was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in the year 1834, and became a resident of Joliet in 1850. She still survives her husband and lives at the old home with her son, Robert T. The husband and father died on the 16th of May, 1814, and in his demise the county mourned the loss of one of its prominent and representative men. He lived in the county at a time when it was possible to know almost every citizen within its borders and his activity in business and his prominence in political cireles made him not only one of the best known but also one of the most respected residents of Will county. He was among those who aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development and progress of this portion of the state and his name will long he honored as one of its founders and promoters.
Robert T. Kelly, the son of this early pioneer, was born in Joliet in 1856. In 1879 he was elect- ed town clerk and in 1880 was chosen city elerk, holding both offices and discharging the duties of the joint position so efficiently that he was con- tinned in that service by re-election for more than a decade. Soon after retiring from the offices he helped to organize the Joliet National Bank, one of the most successful and flourishing financial in- stitutions in the state, of which he is now cashier. Ile has studied closely the questions of finance and banking and in his present position has won the respect and confidence of the entire community as
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well as the patrons of the institution. He is as- sociated with the leading benevolent organizations of the city and in all movements for the public good is to be found in the front ranks. His name is synonymous with advancement, and progress may well be termed the keynote of his character. He is a worthy successor of his father, who was one of the earliest among the pioneers of Will county.
ARDIE B. SHINABARGER.
Ardie B. Shinabarger, engaged in general mer- chandising at Custer Park, was born in Valparaiso, Porter county, Indiana, July 25, 1871, and ac- quired his education there while spending his boy- hood days in the home of his parents, Jacob and Sophronia (Bailey) Shinabarger. The father was born in Ohio and died March 22, 1893, at the age of sixty-two years, while his wife was born near Plymouth. Marshall county, Indiana, and passed away November 14, 1906, at the age of sixty-three years. Her last days were spent in the vicinity of her birth place, while Mr. Shinabarger departed this life near Westfield, Indiana. For many years he followed agricultural pursuits in Porter county, that state. His political support was given to the republican party and his religious faith was indi- cated by his membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church. In the family were eleven children, of whom the folowing are now living: Reuben, who married Tillie Veckhuss; Emma, the wife of Robert Forbes; Carrie, the wife of Frank Smith ; Owen : Jennie, the wife of Burt Adams; Ardie B .; Jacob H., who married Grace Philips : Arthur G .: and Ambrose W.
After spending his boyhood days in his parents' home Mr. Shinabarger entered upon his business career as an electrical engineer. He was first em- ployed by the Postal Telegraph Company in 1889, working at different times in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. He was with the Kenosha (Wisconsin) Gas & Electric Company from 1893 until 1897 and then removed to Chicago, after which he became an employe of the Chicago Com- monwealth Electric Company. He was with this company until 1904, when he removed to Custer Park, Will county, and established his general mer-
cantile store, which he is now conducting, carry- ing a well selected line of goods and thus meeting the demands of a general trade. His earnest de- sire to please his customers and his reasonable prices are strong elements in the success which has attended him in his mercantile venture.
Mr. Shinabarger was married on the 18th of April, 1898, to Miss Etta Senger, who was born in Madison, Wisconsin, July 15, 1878, and is a daughter of John H. and Hannah (Lamp) Senger. The father was born in Louisville, Kentucky, No- vember 18, 1853, and was a paper-hanger hy trade. He held membership in the German Lutheran church and died in that faith January 22, 1898. His wife, who was born in Watertown Wisconsin, March 13. 1853, still survives and is now living in Madison Wisconsin. Of their family of six children five are now living, namely: Mrs. Shina- barger : Helen. the wife of Arthur Utter, of Madi- son, Wisconsin : Eugene; Isabelle ; and Irene. The second child. Theodore, died at the age of twenty- one years.
Mr. Shinaharger exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party and in the spring of 1906 was elected supervisor of Custer township, which position he is now filling. He belongs to Princeton lodge, No. 464, K. P., of Chicago. He is a young man of enterprise and strong determination and realiz- ing that genuine and honorable success is always built upon the foundation of earnest, persistent labor, he is seeking his prosperity in that way.
HENRY G. SCHUESSLER, M. D.
Dr. Henry G. Schuessler is numbered among the younger representatives of the medical fraternity in Joliet but his years have seemed no bar to his progress. He was born in Ellisville, Missouri, March 2, 1875, and is a son of the Rev. August Schuessler, a minister of the German Lutheran church, well known in this city. His mother bore the maiden name of Geneva Williams and is now living in Joliet.
Dr. Schuessler was a student in the German parochial school in Joliet and in the Lutheran Seminary of Fort Wayne, Indiana, preparatory to entering upon the active work of the ministry.
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He served as a clergyman from 1888 until 1892 and for two years thereafter was connected with the drug business in Joliet. From 1894 until 1898 he was a student in the University of Illi- nois, being connected with its medical department, which is located in Chicago. Following his gradu- ation in the latter year he returned to Joliet, where he has since actively engaged in practice. His patronage has constantly grown and he remains a student of the profession, keeping in touch with the advancement of modern thought in the line of medical and surgical practice through the perusal of leading medical journals.
Dr. Schuessler was married in this city, Deeem- ber 27, 1899, to Miss Minnie Wunderlich and they have two children, Leona and Ruth.
JOHN KILLEY.
John Killey is numbered among the retired farmers of Wesley township, Will county, owning a well improved tract of one hundred and ninety acres, from which he derives an income sufficient to provide himself and wife with all the comforts of life, so that they are now enabled to spend the evening of their days in honorable retirement.
Mr. Killey is a native of England, having been born on the Isle of Man, April 2, 1825, and when two years of age he was brought to this country by his parents, William and Mary (Conley ) Killey. both of whom were born on the Isle of Man, the former in March, 1793, and the latter in 1795. In 1827 they took passage on an old-time sailing ves- sel bound for the United States, and after a voyage covering eight weeks finally landed at New York city, whence the father made his way with his fam- ily to a farm near Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until 1839, when he came to Will county, Illinois, and bought three forty-acre tracts of land on section 6, Wesley township. There was still much government land near his farm which had as yet never been placed upon the market, few set- tlements having been made in this county at the time of his arrival, and deer and other wild game were still to be seen roaming over the prairies and through the forests. The father gave his political support to the whig party, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist
Episcopal church. Both the father and mother passed away in Wesley township many years ago, the former in 1872, when he was in his seventy- ninth year. Of their family of five children three still survive, as follows: William, a resident of Missouri; Margaret, the widow of Hiram Rich, also residing in that state; and John, of this review.
As above stated, Mr. Killey was only two years of age when he was brought by his parents to the new world, and was a youth of fourteen when the family home was established in Will county, and here he has continued to reside to the present time, covering a period of almost seven decades. He was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of that early period, being assigned to the various duties of the fields as his age and strength permitted. He gave his father the benefit of his services on the home farm until he attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he entered from the government. He has since added to his original holdings until he is now in possession of a tract of one hundred and ninety acres, which has been brought under a high state of cultivation. He has placed all of the improvements which are here seen, including a fine home which he erected in 1884, and which is surrounded by many fine shade trees of his own planting. There are also many substantial outbuildings on the farm and everything is kept in a neat and attractive appear- ance, so that his farm constitutes one of the valu- able and productive properties of this section of the state. Mr. Killey was actively identified with agricultural interests until 1899, when, having ac- cumulated a goodly competence, he retired from the more arduous duties of a business career and his place is being operated by his son, although he still gives personal supervision to his business affairs and retains his residence on the farm.
Mr. Killey has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Jane Schoonmaker, who was born in the state of New York. By this union there is one son, George W., who is operating the home farm in Wesley township. Mr. Killey was married a second time to Mrs. Maria Singleton, nee Butler, their marriage being celebrated Do- cember 28, 1870. She was born March 13, 1834, at Danby, Tompkins county, New York, a daughter of Harry and Fannie (Huntington) Butler, the
MR. AND MRS. JOHN KILLEY.
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former born in Cherry Valley of the Empire state, and the latter in Greene county, that state. Re- moving from their native state they located in Wilmington township, Will county, Illinois, the year of their arrival being 1851. Mr. Butler fol- lowed farming both in the east and subsequent to his removal to this county, and both passed away here, the father's death occurring July 6, 1875, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight, while the mother died at the age of fifty-nine years. The family numbered nine children but only two are now living, the brother of Mrs. Killey being John, a resident of Braidwood, Illinois. The father gave his political support to the whig party, and both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Killey was John Huntington, who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, while his brother Samuel was one of the signers of the constitution of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Killey have one daughter. Mary, the wife of Charles M. Linton, a resident of Joliet. Mrs. Killey was first married in 1861 to John Singleton, a native of England, and that union was blessed with two children but both are now deceased.
Mr. Killey is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and for a number of years he served as school director, but aside from this he has never held public office. For a long period Le was connected with agricultural interests in Wesley township but his diligence in former years now enables him to live in well earned case. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and he and his wife are prominent and highly respected old settlers of this portions of the state.
JAMES SMITH.
For over a quarter of a century the name of James Smith has been synonymous in Joliet with high class work in contracting and for the faithful performance of every duty that devolves upon him in this connection. Mr. Smith came to America in 1880 from county Durham, England, where he learned the trade of a bricklayer and mason and was skilled in all branches of the builder's art when he came to the new world. His labors need
no further encomiums than are indicated in the splendid structures which he has erected, including the American Wire works, the Joliet & Rockdale buildings and various other important structures throughout the city. The Refractory works at Rockdale, one of the largest brick buildings of modern times, is numbered among his recent mam- moth achievements. The new building of the Joliet Pure Ice Company was completed by Mr. Smith in March of the present year (190?) in addi- tion to the industrial plants in Joliet and its sub- urbs, together with various public buildings which he has erected and which are splendid evidences of his genius and skillful workmanship. They stand as monuments to his labor and enterprise, at once placing him with the foremost contractors of this part of the state.
Mr. Smith possesses a beautiful home at No. 201 Raynor boulevard, where with his wife and youngest daughter, Ivan Lillian, he enjoys all the comforts of an ideal home. ITis two sons, like the father, are practical tradesmen and assist him in superintending the many and varied contracts entrusted to his care. Fred W. Smith, the elder son, was married seven years ago to Miss Nellie Ball, a popular young lady of this city, and has two children : Gladys C. Smith, six years of age; and Maurice Gilbert Smith, now four years of age. They own a brick business block on John street adjoining the boulevard, where the wife in his absence superintends a grocery and meat market business. Walter Smith, the second son, who owns a nice home at No. 102 Raynor avenue, is also hap- pily married, his union being with Miss Alice Leopold. The eldest daughter of the family, Miss Pearl Smith, was married three years ago to Charles Limbacher, superintendent of the Joliet Stove works, and unto them has been born a son, Raymond Charles. The younger daughter, Ivan Lillian Smith, is an entertaining and popular young lady, who aids her parents in extending the hospitality of their attractive home to their many friends and neighbors.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith spend the winter months at Los Angeles, California, their interests being su- pervised and safeguarded by the family during their absence. For the year 1907 Mr. Smith has a number of important contracts in connection with railroads and the building of factories. He is justly accounted one of the foremost builders of
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Joliet and his business has long since become very Bank was organized in 1850 Mr. McDougal was extensive and profitable. There is no contractor or employer of labor who is held in higher esteem by his workmen, for Mr. Smith is always solicitous as to the welfare of those in his employ, pays good living wages and is consequently respected and honored by all branches of organized labor. Of social nature, he is a leading member of the Com- mercial Club and a member of several friendly and benevolent organizations.
ROBERT L. ALLEN.
Robert L. Allen, who died at his home in Joliet, January 12, 1902, was for many years one of Joliet's most prominent citizens. He was a son of Edmund and Elizabeth (Shoemaker) Allen and was born in Joliet, December 14, 1842. His father was a native of Broome county, New York, where his birth occurred May 21, 1814. Ile ac- quired an excellent education in the schools of his native county and in 1835, on attaining his ma- jority, made his way westward to Joliet, then a little village of but small commercial or indus- trial importance. He, however, took his place as a prominent business man in the town and for many years figured in connection with its publie inter- ests. In 1842 he married Miss Elizabeth Shoe- maker, a native of New York, and in 1844 they removed to Wilmington, which was thereafter their home. Mrs. Allen died October 20, 1854, and Mr. Allen on the 10th of January, 1892.
Robert L. Allen was educated in the schools of Wilmington and upon arriving at years of matur- ity he entered into partnership with his father in the lumber trade, in which he continued for ten years. In 1878 he removed to Joliet and em- barked in the ice business, thus becoming a factor in commercial cireles in the county seat. For several years he was engaged in the crockery trade, meeting with good success in that venture.
In the fall of 1869 Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide G. MeDougal, the daughter of James T. MeDongal, for many years one of the most prominent and substantial citi- zens of Joliet, who was postmaster of the town during the administration of Presidents Taylor and Fillmore. When the old Merchants & Drovers
elected its cashier, a position which he ably filled with the utmost fidelity until his death, which oc- curred on the 19th of May, 1862.
Mr. Allen was well known and prominent in po- litical circles as a stalwart advocate of democratic principles. In 1884, when Mr. Cleveland was elected president, he was appointed postmaster of Joliet, a position which he held for four years, and in 1892, when John P. Altgeld was elected governor of the state, Mr. Allen was appointed warden of the penitentiary, an office he also filled for four years, when he retired, while later he re- ceived the appointment of general manager of the Economy Light & Power Company, retaining that position up to the time of his death.
At his demise Mr. Allen left beside his wife two children : Edmund L., of Joliet; and James, a teller in a Decatur bank. He was also survived by his brother, Edmund A. Allen, of the E. A. Allen Lumber Company of Chicago, and a sister, Miss Elizabeth Allen, of Wilmington. Robert L. Allen was prominent both in political and business eir- eles in Joliet for many years. He was an active leader in the democratic party and a most excellent manager in all he undertook. A man of the strictest honor and fidelity, he retained in an emi- nent degree the confidence and esteem of all. His management of the penitentiary was highly ap- proved by all the officials, while his service in the many years in which he controlled the interests of the Economy Light & Power Company can hardly be equaled for efficiency, capability and faithful- ness.
MICHAEL NICKEL.
Michael Nickel, a farmer, born April 28, 1880. in Channahon township, within whose borders he still carries on agricultural pursuits, is the young- est of the three children of Henry Nickel. One son, Joseph Nickel. is now living in Troy township. The father was born in Germany, January 13, 1821, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that country, coming to America about 1850. He settled in Channahon township, where he fol- lowed farming until his death, which occurred in 1899. when he was seventy-eight years of age. His
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wife is still living on the old homestead, at the age of eighty-six years, her birth having occurred on the 3d of January, 1821.
Michael Nickel was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, early beginning work in the fields and aiding more and more largely in the cultiva- tion of the crops and the care of the stock as his years and strength increased. He acquired his education in the common schools, and after put- ting aside his text-books gave his entire attention to the farm work. As the years have passed he has prospered in his undertakings and is now the owner of one hundred and eighty and a half acres of land on section 1, Channahon township. It is a good property, well cultivated and supplied with the modern machinery which facilitates farm work.
On the 16th of April, 1894, Mr. Nickel was mar- ried to Miss Caroline Brookman, who was the youngest of the nine children of Frederick and Mary (Soukey) Brookman, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America in 1872 and the father began farming in Channahon township, where he continued the work of tilling the soil until his death, which occurred on the 4th of Jan- uary, 1906. His widow is still living on the farm in Troy township. Mrs. Nickel's brothers and sisters are : Henry, who resides in Manhattan town- ship; William, Mrs. Mary Nickel, Herman and Fred, all living in Troy township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nickel have been born seven children, of whom six are living : Lewis, Albert, Ervin, Linda, Fred and Edna, all with their parents on the family homestead, which is situated on section 1, Channahon township. Mr. Nickel gives his political support to the democracy, but does not seek or desire office, preferring to give his time and attention to his farming interests, where- with he is providing a good living for his family.
JAMES BRUCE.
On the pages of Will county's history James Bruce deserves especial mention, for he was the pioneer stone quarryman of this part of the state and instituted an industry which has been of un- told importance and value to Will county. In fact. it has been the chief source of revenue to the
county and Mr. Bruce deserves much credit for what he accomplished in the way of developing the natural resources of the county in this line.
A native of Aberdower, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, he was born on the 11th of October, 1823. His early life was devoted to the millwright business in his native town and, attracted by the opportu- nities of the new world, he came to America in 1844, landing at Quebec, Canada, on the 10th of October of that year. It was his determination, however, to make his home in the United States and a few days later he arrived in Joliet, where he secured employment with the firm of Norton & Company, of Lockport, as a millwright. He re- mained with that house for a short time and after- ward was employed on the Illinois and Michigan canal, which was then being constructed. For two years he served as foreman in that connection and subsequently embarked in the business of quarrying stone, being one of the first to become cognizant of the fact that this district contained rich deposits of stone. He at once began the de- velopment of a quarry and continued in the busi- ness up to the time of his death. In fact he was conducting two quarries at that time, one being at Romeo and the other at Drummond. He wrought along modern business lines and in the growth of the industry with which he was con- nected displayed a spirit of enterprise and sound judgment that proved a strong element in his suc- cess. He owned a large stone quarry just east of the penitentiary, which is now owned by his estate and operated by his son, Robert C. Bruce. He was also the owner of the land upon which the peni- tentiary has been built and sold the site for that purpose.
James Bruce was twice married. On the 12th of July. 1852, in Homer, Illinois, he wedded Miss Jane Stephen, and they became the parents of three children : William J., a contractor living in Joliet; Belle, the wife of George Stephens of Milburn, Illinois ; and Margaret, the wife of John A. Jamieson, of Marseilles. The mother died early in the '60s and later Mr. Bruce was mar- ried, on the 12th of December, 1868, in Joliet, to Miss Jane Stephen, a cousin of his former wife. There were three sons of this marriage: Eben S., who is engaged in the wholesale ice business in Joliet ; James E., who is a grain and coal merchant at Marseilles, Illinois; and Robert C., a coal and
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stone merchant at Joliet, now managing the coal interests and quarries connected with the estate.
As the years passed by the father prospered in his business undertakings. He possessed un- ahating energy and unfaltering diligence and steadily he worked his way upward to success, care- fully utilizing the opportunities and the means at hand. He would never accept political lionors, content to do public service as a private citizen. On the contrary he wished to devote his attention to his business affairs and in this way he acquired handsome industrial and commercial interests that enabled him to leave his family in very comfort- able circumstances. He died December 13, 1898, respected by all who knew him, for in every rela- tion of life his actions were manly and sincere. He was reliable in business, progressive in citi- zenship and faithful in his friendships, and his memory is yet revered by many with whom he came in contact.
MRS. ALICE BROWN.
Mrs. Alice Brown was born in Newark, Ken- dall county, Illinois, January 17, 1856. Her father, Patrick Dawson, was a native of County Limerick, Ireland, born in 1809, and passed away in this state in 1865. He was a stone-mason by trade, but in later years took up farm work and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. Mrs. Brown's mother was Bridget (Wex- ted) Dawson, who was born in County Limerick, Ireland, where she was married. Coming to the new world, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson settled first in Ottawa, Illinois, where he worked at the stone- mason's trade for five years. He then removed with his family to Newark, Illinois. He had nine children, namely : John, Mary, Margaret, Edward, Ilenry, Michael, Bridget and Alice, and lost one child in infancy.
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