Portrait and biographical album of Will County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 18

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Brothers
Number of Pages: 802

USA > Illinois > Will County > Portrait and biographical album of Will County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 18

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OHIN CANN stands among the leaders of the stock-raising and farming interests of Will Township, where he owns a farm which in point of cultivation and general improve- ment is scarcely surpassed by any in the neighbor- hood. Mr. Cann was born and bred in England, Tavistock Parish, Devonshire. being his native place, and April 30, 1851. the date of his birth. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth ( White) Cann,

were also natives of that place. During some period of his life his father moved to Plymouth, England, where he had a position on the police force. lle was a farmer and butcher by occupa- tion. He was the father of six children, of whom four grew to maturity, namely: Salina, now de- ceased; John; George (living in England), and Samuel Il. The mother, who died in her native land, was a devoted Christian, and a member of the Church of England. The father came to the United States in September, 1875, and made his home with his children. Ile was one of a family of three sons and three daughters, of whom he was the only one who ever came to the United States. The names of his brothers and sisters were Joseph, John, Elizabeth, Julianna, and Mary. Our sub- jeet's mother was a daughter of John White, who had three sons and three daughters: John, who lives in Iowa, and Mary, wife of James Joslyn, of Kansas, being the only members of the family to come to this country.

lohn Cann, of this sketch, passed his boyhood and youth in his English home, receiving his edu- cation in the local schools. In the month of April, 1860, in the dawning of a vigorous, manly man- hood, he embarked for America to begin life anew on this soil, accompanying thither his cousin. George Berry. For awhile after landing on these shores he lived near Niagara Falls. In April, 187], he re- moved to Peotone, and worked on a farm there, and was also employed at one time in Chicago, till 1876. In that year he located on his present farm, and two years later he began his independent ex- istence as proprietor and manager of a farm of his own, buying this of its former owner and from its rich harvest fields he reaps a good income. It is pleasantly located on section 8, and its one hundred and sixty acres are in a fine state of cultivation. lle does a good general farming business and for the past six years he has been paying particular at- tention to raising Short-horn cattle.

To the wife who has materially assisted him in making their cosy home and looks so carefully to the comfort of the household, Mr. Cann was united in marriage August 21, 1872. Mrs. Cann's maiden name was Amelia Ahlborn, and she was born in New York City, July 31, 1856, to William and

yours Truly William Dougall. M.K.

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Amelia ( Epson ) Ahlborn, who came from Germany to Monee in 1855, and located on a farm, where the father subsequently died. His widow now ro- sides in Peotone. Of the three children born to her, two are living. Amelia and Henry. She has married a second time, taking as her husband Henry Raphof. by whom she has one child, George. The wedded life of our subject and his estimable wife has been blessed by the eight children born to them: George, William, Herbert, Clarence, Thomas and Richard. Two of their children died, one in in- fancy and one at ten years.

The years that have passed away since our sub- jeet landed in this country have been fraught with much care and labor, but every obstacle has been steadily conquered by a quiet determination to turn everything to his advantage as far as practicable, and by wise economy and thrifty management he has placed himself in an honorable position among his fellow-townsmen, he having increased the small capital of $5 with which he landed in this country. to a comfortable competence. He is al- ways interested in the welfare of his adopted town- ship. and has aided in its material and moral elevation. At one time he served as Road Com- missioner, working faithfully to improve the local highways. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church and identifies herself with all its good work.

ILLIAM DOUGALL, M. D. On the op- posite page appears a lithographie portrait of Dr. Dougall, whose long residence in Will County, together with his active participation in all worthy measures for the development of the resources of the community, has made him promi- nent both socially and in the ranks of the profession. llis life has been such as to shed an added lustre on a good old name, and he inherits those substan- tial traits of character which have rendered the Scotch famous amid a galaxy of nations. It has been said that there are two kinds of education, one which is received at school, and the other, more

important, which we give ourselves. Dr. Dougall was fortunate in gaining each kind of training, and as a result his character has been rounded out and developed, while he has acquired those habits of perseverance and energy, which are so essential to success in any profession.

Our subject, who was the fifth son of John and Margaret (Houstoun) Dougall, was born at Under- wood, Paisley, Scotland, March 1, 1812. His father, who was a leading cotton spinner in the west of Scotland, came with his family to this country in 1858, and purchased a farm near New Haven, Ind. On this homestead he died December 28. 1874. hay- ing reached the ripe age of seventy five years. His life was characterized by sincere piety, nneompro- mising rectitude, and by social qualities-which se- eured for him the love and esteem of his neighbors. The mother of Dr. Dougall was born January 1, 1801, in the village and parish of Houstoun, Ren- frewshire, Scotland, and was descended from a French-fluguenot family who left France at the time of the massacre of St. Bartholomew. She survived her husband several years, dying .tune 17, 1888. The family included twelve children, eight of whom survive. These are Mrs. David MeGre- gor, of Manchester, England; Mrs. John Hadden, of Milwaukee, Wis .; James, of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Glasgow, Scotland; Allan II., of Ft. Wayne, Ind. ; David, of Georgetown. British Guiana, South America; Mrs. Dr. M. F. Williamson, and our subject of JJoliet, Ill .; and Mrs. I. F. Beuret, of Antwerp, Ohio.

The family are truly cosmopolitan. Of the four who are deceased, one is buried in Scotland, one in England, one in America and one in China. The widow of the eldest son lives in London, England; some of the grandchildren live in Lisbon, Portugal; and in China are to be found a son-in-law, grand- daughter, and three great-grandchildren. These are the family of a beloved daughter. Isabelle F. Williamson, who after thirty years spent in the mis- sion field of China, died, and was buried in August. 1886, in the field which she had selected for her life work. Her memory survives her, perpetuated as it is by numerous translations and a widely known and celebrated work entitled "Oll High- ways in China." Such is the family to which the

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subject of this sketch belongs and he is a worthy representative of a good old stock.

William Dougall was educated at the High School at Glasgow, an institution founded in the twelfth century. Here he finished his preparations for the study of medicine, upon which he was about to enter, when the change of circumstance and loca- tion by reason of his father's emigration to America, compelled him to relinquish for a time his pro- jeeted career. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War he quickly responded to the call for troops, and on lune 1, 1861, enlisted in Company C. Fif- teenth Indiana Infantry, at Ft. Wayne. Ile served with his command in every engagement, sustaining severe wounds at the battle of Stone River, Tenn. On October I, 1863, having passed the "regular" examination he was commissioned Captain in the Thirteenth United States Colored Infantry, in which capacity he acted, often with an independent com- mand, until the close of the war, when he resigned. Ilis brother, Allan Honsioun Dougall, was also a Captain and Adjutant of the Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry.

On his return from the field William Dongall took up his medical studies, subsequently taking the regular medieal course in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and remaining there dur- ing 1866-'67. On March 4. 1868, he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Chicago Medical College. and on the first of the following month began the practice of his profession at Le- mont, Cook County, III. Hle was married October 1, 1872, to Miss Cassie Walker, daughter of Edwin Walker, of Lemont, and then removed to Joliet, where he now resides. Ilere he has followed his profession with great success and has especially dis- tinguished himself by his skill in surgical cases. Ile takes a laudable interest in the advancement of his profession, in which he has secured a leading position.

Dr. Dougall is now President of the Board of Examining Surgeons for pensions at Joliet, and also President of the Will County Medical Society. In 1875, being an ardent Republican he was Chairman of the County Central Committee. As an organizer he possesses elements of success and is capable of ably assisting in the party work. In 1879 he was

appointed Postmaster at Joliet, a position which he held until 1883. At present he is Commander of Bartleson Post, No. 6, G. A. R. He is a gentleman of scholarly tastes and ripe culture. and is active in the promotion of all efforts for the material and social advancement of the community in which he lives.

OHN O. PIEPENBRINK. Among the pros- perous farmers of Crete Township he with whose name we introduce this sketch, holds no unimportant position. He has been suc- cessful as a tiller of the soil and has made a specialty of stock-raising. for which purpose he has one of the finest bodies of land within the township, this being located near the town limits and comprising seventy-three acres on section 16, and thirty-two acres on section 2, adjoining. The land is very fertile and improved with good buildings and has been occupied by Mr. Piepenbrink since the fall of 1878.

With the exception of eighteen months which he spent in the city of Joliet, Mr. Piepenbrink has been a resident of Crete Township since a child three years of age. He was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, January 5, 1847, and when three years old accompanied his parents. John and Sophia (Willie) Piepenbrink to the United States, they set- tling in Crete Township, where they are still living. The father purchased land, where with the aid of his estimable wife, they built up a good homestead which they still own and occupy. John O. was reared to habits of industry, becoming fully fami- liar with the various pursuits of farm life and re- maining with his parents until setting about the establishment of a home of his own.

With the above-mentioned object in view, Mr. Piepenbrink was married April 5, 1875, at the bride's home in Crete Township to Miss Dora Or- kenberg. This lady is a native of the same prov- inee in Germany as her husband and was born January 8, 1850. She likewise was a child of three years when her parents came to America, and they settled in Crete Township, where the father-im- proved a farm and where both parents spent the

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remainder of their days. Both were past seventy- four years of age, the mother surviving her husband but a short time. They were most excellent and worthy people and members in good standing of the Lutheran Church.

To our subjeet and his estimable wife there have been born four children, viz .: William O., Eda D., Albert F. and Martin J. Mr. and Mrs. Piepenbrink belong to the Lutheran Church at Crete and hold no secondary position among the leading people of their township. Mr. Piepenbrink, politically, affil- iates with the Republican party and has held the various local offices. Hle is one of the Directors · of the Crete Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. a member of the Finance Committee and has been no unimportant factor in contributing to its success.

RED SENHOLTZ. A well-improved farm of one hundred acres located on see- tion 3, Washington Township, has been the life-long home of the gentleman above named, who now owns this part of the parental estate. He was born June 19, 1862, and was educated in the com- mon schools of the neighborhood. He is well in- formed on general topics as well as in the work to which he has given his attention as a life labor. He is successfully condueting the vocation of a general farmer, keeping up the improvements on the home- stead, and displaying many of the qualities which led his father to success in the same field of labor.

The chosen companion of Mr. Senholtz was known in her maidenhood as Miss Minnie Wehrmann. She was born in the same township as her husband, Jan- uary 19. 1868, and reared and educated here under the oversight of worthy parents who had removed hence from Germany at an early day. They im- proved a farm which they still make their home. The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Senholtz has been blest by the birth of one child. Amel. Mr. Senholtz is a Republican and both he and his wife have good standing in the Lutheran Church.

The father of him of whom we write was Fred Senholtz. Sr., who was born in Germany and there reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1848, when

about of age, he came to the United States and journeying from the coast to Chicago found em- ployment in that vicinity for some time. In Cook County he was married to Miss Augusta Trube, who was born in the Fatherland and when a young woman crossed the Atlantic, living in Chicago until her marriage. The young. couple soon came to Will County and securing one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Washington Township, made that their home during the balance of their lives.

The estate was increased to two hundred and eighty acres and placed under excellent improve- ment and cultivation. There three sons and three daughters were born to the worthy couple, the sub- ject of this union being the second son and child. But one of the fraternal band has been called from time to eternity. The mother breathed her last in 1875, when past fifty years of age. She was a life- long member of the Lutheran Church, had been an efficient companion and a devoted mother. The father lived to the age of sixty-four years, dying June 28, 1886. He left the reputation of a good citizen, a hardworking man and a consistent mem - ber of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Republican.

RANCIS L. KERCHEVAL. This gentle- man is one of the leading young men of New Lenox Township, a position to which his intelligence. business energy and good charge- ter fairly entitle him. His father was the late James C. Kercheval, who was born in Preble County. Ohio. August 10. 1816. llis mother was Anna Roundtree, who was born in North Carolina, January 5, 1820. The Roundtree family removed from North Carolina to Indiana about the year 1825, settling near Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, at which place the parents of our subjeet were married in the year 1841.

* At that time James C. Kercheval was a resident of New Lenox Township, having come to Will County in the fall of 1830. He was, therefore. one of the very earliest settlers in the county, and as such deserves grateful remembrance for his assist-

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ance in the early work of development to which the residents of the county are indebted for their beautiful estates and the many comforts and con- venienees which surround them. lle brought his bride to this township, making a home on Maple Street, where years of happy wedded life were spent and a useful career pursued by both husband and wife. Mr. Kercheval breathed his last Feb- mary 6, 1873, after having secured the esteem of those about him. His widow survived until Feb . uary 7, 1888, when she too entered into rest, leav- ing behind her a record of good deeds and kind words which affords a pleasing remembrance to all who love ] her.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Kercheval in- cluded twelve children, two of whom died in in- fancy. The record of those who lived to grow up is as follows; Mary J. became the wife of Francis Granger and died in New Lenox Township, in Oc- tober, 1882; Charles E. resides near the city of Joliet; Sarah E. is the wife of II. C. Larsh, of Crawfordsville, Ind. ; Martha 1. is the wife of Dr. James McCann, of Normal, this State; Annie E. is the widow of Elvis D. Lynk, who died in the vil- lage of New Lenox, in July, 1879; Margaret died when twelve years old; Winfield S. lives in Joliet Township; Francis L., of whom we write, and Frances F. are twins; Albert R. lives in Joliet Township.

The subject of this sketeh was born in New Lenox Township, November 17, 1859, and with the exception of one year that township has been his home during his entire life. He was educated in the township schools and in the city of Joliet. becoming well-versed in practical knowledge and laying the foundation for his present fund of infor- mation. Ile was engaged in mercantile business in the village of New Lenox for two and a half years and was also employed as a clerk there for about two years. With this exception he has fol- lowed farming. The estate on which he lives con- sists of one hundred acres on section 5, which was the old homestead of his father. The buildings which stand upon it are well built and adequate, the dwelling being especially noticeable for its substantial and comfortable appearance and the taste which is manifested in its surroundings. Va-

rious other improvements have been made upon the farm which is conducted according to the most improved methods, Mr. Kercheval showing him- self an able agriculturist.

The many sterling qualities of Miss Emma F. Lynk won the regard of Mr. Kercheval, who was prospered in his wooing, winning that lady's con- sent to be his wife. Their marriage rites were celebrated in Joliet, May, 26, 1880, and happiness has followed their union. Mrs. Kercheval is the younger of two children born to Tunis and Lydia A. (Ilartshorn) Lynk, the other child having died in infancy. Mr. Tunis Lynk was a native of New York, and his wife, formerly Lydia A. Hartshorn. was born in the State of Vermont. Her mother died in New Lenox Township, January 15, 1877. and her father is now living in Lawtey, Bradford County, Fla. Mrs. Kercheval was born May 18, 1861, in the township which is still her home. She is the mother of two sons-Frank C. and James F.

Mr. Kercheval is a member of the Republican party. His townsmen have shown their confidence in his worth of character and good judgment by electing him to the office of Township Assessor, which position he has now held for five years. Mrs. Kercheval is a member of the Episcopal Church, which her husband also attends. Both are popu- lar members of society and well-spoken of on all sides.

FG REDERICK C. WILCOX. Although but little more than thirty years of age, the above-named gentleman holds a prominent place among the business men of JJoliet, and among her most public-spirited and enterprising citizens. Ile is the manager of the immense business of the Wilcox Bros'. Lumber Yards, and of the Carriage Repository which has been added to the former business, and has place in social orders and public responsibilities. Probably no man of his years in the city that contains so many fine business men, can boast of an equal record in worldly affairs and popular esteem.

The natal day of Frederick Wilcox was March 29, 1858, and his birthplace the city in which he

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yet makes his home. His father, Edmund Wilcox, is an old settler and well-known resident here, be- ing one of three or four who have lived here fifty two years. His biography will appear on another page of this volume. The lad was educated here, and after completing his studies was engaged as a clerk in the hardware store of Brooks & Co., from the age of eighteen until his majority, when he went to Russell County, Kan. There he remained some two and a half years, returning to Joliet in August, 1881.

At that time our subject, with his brother Will- iam G. Wilcox, bought the entire lumber business of the firm of Mason & Plants. Ere long the brother, who was teller in the First National Bank. was elected cashier to take the place made vacant by the death of the former incumbent, and our subject became sole manager of the lumber busi ness. Ile has carried it on successfully, and now has the largest yard and trade in the city. In May. 1889, he purchased the wholesale yards of T. A. Mason, at the Michigan Central Yards, and has carried on both departments of the business since.

In 1887 Mr. Wilcox erected a carriage reposi- itory, and undertook the control of that enterprise also. He has recently been elected Secretary and Treasurer of the Swan Carriage Company, a cor- porate body that was organized not long since and located in this city, the object being to do a whole- sale jobbing business, Of this company he was one of the organizers. The enterprises in which he is engaged call for much wisdom and tact in controlling and guiding the men employed, but the manager seems to be atno loss to do this, and to push forward both so as to insure their increase. Nor do these affairs prevent him from taking part in other enterprises of a less personal character.

Mr. Wilcox has held various official stations in societies and civic bodies. Ile was Worshipful Master of Matteson Lodge. No. 175. A. F. d. A. M .. in 1878-79; and is now Eminent Commander of Joliet Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. He was Master of the Blue Lodge at the time of the conclave in Washington, and took with him to that city his entire corps of officers. His lodge was honored with an invitation to confer and exem- plify the third degree at Alexandria, Va .. in which

lodge Gen. Washington belonged, and over which he presided eight successive years. Mr. Wilcox therefore occupied the same chair, conferring the degree in the presence of three hundred of the most distinguished Masons of the United States. He is one of the originators of the Joliet Masonic Asso- ciation, an institution gotten up for the purpose of building a Masonic Temple in the city. Its present capital is $60,000, and Mr. Wilcox is Treas- urer and Director, as well as a member of the building committee. The intention is to erect a building on the North side of Jefferson Street, east of the Chiengo & Alton tracks, which will be the largest and finest edifice in the city.

Mr. Wilcox is also now a member of the Board of Education, and President of the Union Club, a large and fine organization, numbering in its men- bership the best elements of Joliet society. He is likewise President of the Joliet Improvement Com- pany, a syndicate of property owners, organized in 1888, he being one of the originators. Ile votos with the Democratic party. As can be seen by the brief mention above, Mr. Wilcox is a busy man, manifesting his capability in a highly successful business career, in the aid of his fellow-men in their efforts to upbuild the city and improve its society and material appearance, and tilling a leading place in the community. He is educated in a broad and liberal sense, and possesses upright principles of life.

ON. FRI OSGOOD. Among the settlers of June, 1836, came the subject of this notice who located in Joliet and began the practice of law, being among the first attorneys of the embryo city-his competitors being Messrs. Newkirk, Henderson, Boardman and Wilson. Mr. Osgood in addition to his law practice in due time engaged in private banking at which he continued until 1862.

In the meantime, having been recognized as a valued addition to the community, Mr. Osgood was elected to various offices and finally to the Legislature, being elected to the State Senate in which he served from 1851 to 1860. He was then

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nominated by the Democracy as a member of Congress from this district but was defeated by Owen Lovejoy. Subsequently he lived the life of a private citizen, attending to his law practice un- til his death which occurred February 8, 1871. From the time of locating in Joliet his home had been at the corner of Jefferson and Eastern Aven- ues, where he lived comfortably and surrounded himself and his family with many of the luxuries of life. He left five children at the time of his death all of whom are living: having had eight chil- dren in all. Julia became the wife of Charles Scott of Cincinnati and died of cholera in St. Louis, Mo. in 1867. at the early age of twenty-two years; Alpha M. died when six years old; Occar died aged about six months. The surviving sons are Augustus A., Algernon S. and Henry R., all resi- dents of Chicago. Virginia A. is the wife of George S. House, a prominent attorney of Joliet; Emma Aldrich married Charles Seymour of Ba- tavia. N. Y., and they are living in Oakland. Cal.

On January 1, 1839, the subject of this notice was united in marriage with Miss Caroline V., daughter of Fenner and Emoline ( Wade) Aldrich. Mr. Aldrich was born in Massachusetts in 1803, and was a son of one of the earliest families of the Bay State. The paternal grandfather, David Aldrich, married Miss Mary Capron, and removed to Pennsylvania where he took up a large traet of land in the vicinity of Harper, Susquehanna County. There he and his good wife spent the remainder of their days. llis children later re- moved to Northern Illinois, but one son, Levi, went in 1852, to California. The mother of Mrs. Osgood bore the maiden name of Emoline Wade; she was born in Connecticut and was the daughter of Sylvanus and Mary (Chace) Wade, the for- mer of whom served as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War.

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Portrait and biographical album of Will County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 18

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Brothers Number of Pages: 802

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Brothers
Number of Pages: 802