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 20
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is in a good state of cultivation and the home farm is supplied with neat and substantial build- ings.
The marriage of Thomas Larkin and Miss Ellen Goss was celebrated at the bride's home in Joliet in the year 1859. Mrs. Larkin was born in County Queens, Ireland, about 1840, and is the daughter of Anthony and Catherine (Downy) Goss who were likewise natives of that county, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a farmer by occupation and the parental fam- ily comprised six children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Larkin there have been born five children, all living and named respectively, Edward, Mary, Thomas, Bernard and Agnes. Mary is the wife of Frank McManus and they live in Lockport Township. Mr. Larkin, politically is a pronounced Democrat, well informed, progressive in his ideas and possessing more than ordinary in- telligence. He has served as School Director in his district and Overseer of Highways. Both he and his estimable wife belong to the Catholie Church. Mr. Larkin before making permanent settlement crossed the Mississippi into Missouri, but not liking the country returned and he thinks there is no section which in all respects is equal to the Prairie State.
NDREW J. LINEBARGER. Probably no section of country has advanced more rapidly than that of Northern Illinois and this has been wholly owing to the character of the men who first made settlement here, They encountered many difficulties during the first years of their sojourn in the Prairie State, but they came equipped, not so much with worldly goods as the spirit of resolution and perseverance which admitted no such word as "fail." They battled with the elements of a new soil, the inconvenience of rude farming implements and imperfect transportation of their produce, and have lived to see prosperity smiling upon their labors.
He with whose name we introduce this sketch deserves more than a passing mention in noting
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the early settlers of Will County. He is the son of one of its most worthy pioneers and was born at his father's old homestead in Jackson Township. January 7, 1834. His father, Henry Linebarger, was a native of North Carolina while his mother who bore the maiden name of Nancy Hougham, was a native of Ohio. Henry Linebarger came to Illinois in the fall of 1832, accompanied by his brother George, then went back to Indiana, and in the spring of 1833, returned to Will County, where he spent the following summer and in the fall of the year went back to Park County, Ind., for his family. They settled on section 21, Jack- son Township, in the month of November, at a time when the country was very thinly settled and there they continued to live until called from their earthly labors. The father died September 8. 1812, when comparatively a young man. The . mother survived her husband for the long period of thirty-five years, remaining a widow, and de- parted this life April 22. 1877.
To the parents of our subject there was born a family of seven children, of whom Andrew .J., was the third. He has been a life long resident of Jackson Township and obtained his education mostly in the log schoolhouse in the neighbor- hood of his father's farm. After the latter's death he remained with his mother until his mar- riage. This interesting and important event occurred April 30, 1856, at JJoliet, Ill., the bride being Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Frances (Hildebrand) Phillips. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Linebarger settled upon the land which they now own and occupy, and which comprises four hundred and thirty five broad aeres on section 20. Here they have since made their home. The household circle was completed by the birth of three children, the eldest of whom, a son, Lewis H., is a banker in Peotone, this State; Laura is unmarried and remains with her parents; Emma J., is the wife of J. R. Mccleery, of Oxford, lowa.
The parents of Mrs. Linebarger were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. Upon emigrating to America they settled in Mad- ison County, N. Y., where the mother died in April 1881, and the father in October, 1888. Their
family consisted of eight children, of whom Mrs. Linebarger was the next to the eldest. She like- wise is a native of the Fatherland and was born January 1. 1831. She was a child of twelve years when coming to America with her par- ents and was reared to womanhood in Madison County, N. Y. She has been the true helpmate of her husband in all his worthy undertakings and has assisted him materially in the accumulation of their property.
The Linebarger farm is one of the most valuable in Will County, being improved with good build- ings, fruit and shade trees and all the other appur- (enances required by the progressive and indus- trious agriculturist. Mr. Linebarger keeps himself posted upon modern methods of agriculture and avails himself of the most approved machinery in the cultivation of his land. It is devoted largely to grain raising, while Mr. Linebarger gives due attention to the breeding of good grades of live stock. He is conservative in politics, usually giv- ing his support to the Democratic party. He has never been an ollice-seeker, preferring to give his time and attention to his farm and his family and is looked upon as a peaceable and law-abiding citi- zen who has contributed his full quota to the gen- eral welfare of the community. Our subject was the first white child born in Jackson Township.
LEXANDER V. PATTERSON. Among the leading enterprises of Joliet may be mentioned the livery business of Mr. Pat- terson, which is carried on in that sys- tematic manner which indicates in a marked degree his adaptation to this calling. Prompt and courteous in the treatment of his customers and a straightforward man in all the relations of life, he occupies an enviable position, both in business and social circles.
The subject of this notice traces his aneestry to one of the best nationalities on the face of the globe-the Scotch-Irish, from which have emanated qualities that on both continents have constituted a large portion of their bone and sinew. Andrew
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Patterson, the father of our subject, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, but was of Scotch ances- try. The mother bore the maiden name of Eliza Varner. She was also a native of County Tyrone and of aneestry similar to that of her husband. They spent their childood and youth near the place of their birth, where they were married and where they still live, the father engaged in agricul- tural pursuits.
To the parents of our subject there was born a family of ten children, nine of whom are living and making their homes, five in the United States and four in Europe. Alexander V., the fourth in order of birth, is a native of the same place as his par- ents, and born in County Tyrone, October 16, 1862. He remained with them until approaching the twentieth year of his age, and then, believing that he could better himself in the United States, left the old roof-tree April 26, 1882, embarking for the promised land. Landing in New York City on the 2d of May following, he came directly to Illinois, locating in loliet, and for six months thereafter was in the employ of his uncle, T. Il. Patterson. At the expiration of this time he en- gaged as a fireman with the Michigan Central Railroad Company, remaining thus occupied about three years. The Joliet Steel Company next claimed his services, and he remained with this company until October, 1888.
Having now the wherewithal to embark in busi- ness on his own account. Mr. Patterson secured a goodly number of horses and vehicles, establishing himself on Ottawa Street, occupying Nos. 208 and 210. Ilis stables are equipped with modern con- yeniences and patronized liberally by the best people of Joliet and vicinity. About the time of starting his business. Mr. Patterson also formed matrimonial and domestic ties, being wedded, Oc- tober 2, 1888, to Miss Minnie M., daughter of the late John and Melinde (Hareth) Stock. The young couple established themselves in a song home on Oneida Street, and are now the proud parents of a little daughter, Linda L., who was born October 12, 1889.
Mrs. Patterson was born in August, 1868, in ,loliet, of parents who were both natives of Ger- many. They emigrated to America in 1854 and
settled in Troy Township, where the father en- gaged in farming. Mr. Stock died in March, 1881, in Joliet. The mother had passed away ten years prior to the decease of her husband, her death taking place at Joliet , May 5, 1871. There was born to them a family of four children, of whom Mrs. Patterson was next to the youngest.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Patterson, who was born in Scotland and who spent his last days in Ireland. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane Hawley. She also was of Scotch birth and ancestry. They were married in Scotland, whenee they removed to Ireland, where Grandfather Patterson engaged in farming. On the maternal side of the house Grandfather Alexander Verner was a man of note in his day and a Colonel in the British army. He married Susan Rankin. Both were natives of Scotland, whence they removed to Ireland and died in County Tyrone.
I'pon becoming a voting citizen, Mr. Patterson identified himself with the Republican party, of whose principles he is a warm supporter. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good stand- ing of the Central Presbyterian Church, of Joliet. They have started out in the journey of life under favorable auspices and with the good wishes of hosts of friends.
OUIS METTERHAUSEN, publisher of Das Volksblatt, is conducting the only German paper in Will County. It is a journal largely patronized by the German residents of Will County, being well edited and devoted to local interests while expounding in a clear and decided manner the principles of the best interests of the people, independent of any political party.
The subject of this notice was born ,January 21, 1840. in the town of Gilten, Hanover, and lived there until a young man of twenty-five years, ac- quiring a good education, and following the profes- sion of a teacher. In October, 1865, he emigrated to the United States and first located in Naperville, Ill. Subsequently he was in Detroit, Mich., Cleve-
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land, Ohio, Chicago and Beecher, Ill. prior to lo- eating in Joliet where he settled in October, 1889, at which time he moved Das Volksblatt from Beeeher where it had been established in May, 1882. At Beecher, he was a prominent man, hold- ing the offices of Postmaster and School Treasurer and Trustee. When first loeating at Beecher in 1869, he established himself as a general merchant and conducted the store in connection with other business until his removal.
Mr. Metterhausen was married May 6, 1871, to Miss Minnie Klusmeyer at Beecher, Ill., and they are now the parents of three bright children -- Carl, born April 6, 1872; Charlotte, February 9, 1876, and Emil, March 31, 1881. Mrs. Metter- hausen is likewise a native of Germany and born in the Province of Hanover. November 6, 1853. She came to America with her parents when a young girl of fourteen years. They settled in Washington Township, this county; the father is deceased and the mother resides in Chicago.
COBIAS FAIS. Through the efforts of such men as Tobias Fahs, the prairie lands of Peotone Township, that once were covered with the rank growth of coarse grasses and brilliant wild flowers, have become the fertile fields, fruitful orchards and velvety lawns of an advanced civili- zation. The farm which is the home of our sub- ject lies on seetion 14. and is furnished with all needful buildings and the other improvements which indicate to the passer-by that it is under the control of a man of industry, good judgment and taste.
The Fahis family is of Swiss stock, and has been represented in America for several generations. In Maryland, Abraham Fals, the father of our subject, was born and made his home during his entire life. Ile was a whitesmith by trade. Ile married Elizabeth Siess, a native of the same State, daughter of George Siess, a blacksmith, who in later life became a large farmer and the owner of several farms. Abraham Fahs died in 1813, and the widow subse-
quently married Conrad Willhide. She died in 1832, and Mr. Willhide in 1839. The fruit of her first marriage was four children, all now deceased except our subjeet. Her second marriage was also blessed by the birth of four children, of whom one is deceased.
The subject of this biographical review was born September 2, 1811, in Frederick County, Md. He attended a subscription school about two months in the winter season, and even in boyhood had to work very hard on his stepfather's farm. His ex- periences were the ordinary ones of a farmer's hoy, and his time and labor were given to bis stepfather until he was nineteen years of age. He then bought some mountain land, and worked in the timber, getting out bark, posts and cooper's stuff for five or six years. In 1841 he removed to Perry County, Pa., where his brother had a large tannery, working there eight years as a finisher of leather, and dur- ing the last two years tending a store of his brother.
The health of Mr. Fahs became somewhat im- paired, and he was obliged to return to farm labor, as better suited to his constitution. He operated a farm in Pennsylvania until 1856, then came to Illi- nois, settling in Knox County, but sojourned there but a year. He then came into Will County, pur- chased a farm on seetion 14, and began his labors as one of the pioneer farmers of the township. The section was put thinly settled, and although the country is level, he could see but two houses from his home. llis farm was all raw land, which he placed in good condition, retaining it in his pos- session until some three years since, Since that time he has made his home with his son, Corne- lins 1.
Mr. Fahs was fortunate in his choice of a life companion, securing for his wife Miss Araminta Willyard, oldlest child of Peter and Elizabeth ( Miller) Willyard, natives of Maryland. Miss Araminta was born in Frederick County, Septem- ber 22, 1812, receiving a common- school education and a training in useful accomplishments and good principles from her worthy parents. Of the seven brothers and sisters who once composed the family circle, she and two others are all that now survive.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Fahs was celebrated
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April 3, 1833, and ten children have come to bless their happy home. Those who have been reared to mature years are Harriet S., wife of Christ. Schryer, their home being one mile south of Peo- tone, and their family including five children; James A., who married Ruth E. Winslow, has one child, and lives at Hinckley; Elizabeth, widow of August Chase, has one child; Julia. wife of John Gloss. and mother of seven children, their home being in Carbondale, Kan .; Maria, wife of the Rev. Joseph J. Tobias, of Chicago, and mother of two children; the Rev. David W., who married Jennie Kerr. lives at LeMars, lowa. and has three children; Cornelius and Amelia, who are still single and at home.
Cornelius Fahs displays marked talent as an artist, doing beautiful work in free-hand drawing, without instruction, and also painting in oil and water colors exceedingly well. lIe has taken two painting lessons from the artist Bigelow, of Chicago. Many specimens of his work adorn the walls of the home, and afford pleasure to his parents and many friends. All of the brothers and sisters have received a good common school education and take advantage of the means afforded by the press to add to their store of knowledge and keep pace with the world.
Mr. and Mrs. Fabs, their children and their sons- in-law and daughters-in-law belong to the Presby- terian Church. The only exception is the Rev. J. J. Tobias, who is identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. All are actively interested in the Sunday-school, in which the father has been a teacher. Ile is an Elder in the church. lle has been School Director and School Trustee for many years, manifesting the interest in the cause of edu- cation which would naturally be expected of a gentleman as intelligent as he. The first school in this locality was on his farm, the first teacher being Ruth E. Winslow, now Mrs. J. A. Fahs. The Rev. J. J. Tobias was also a teacher in the same school.
Mr. Fahs was elected Township Supervisor, serv- ing in that oflice two terms. Ile has always been strongly on the side of temperance, and has be- longed to a temperance society. In polities he has been a Whig, a Know-Nothing and a Republican.
During the Civil War he was a warm advocate of the Union cause. supporting it very liberally with money as well as with his personal influence. He helped to organize the first church in this neighbor- hood, and was one of the charter members. His religion is not put on as a Sunday garment, but is a clothing for every-day life; his tastes are refined, his mind aglow with intelligence, and take him all in all, he is one who may well be taken as a model citizen and man.
E DWARD JARMAN is managing his farming interests in DuPage Township with satis- factory results. Hle is a native of Wales, born August 24, 1846, and on his father's side coming of a well-known old family of exclusively Welsh origin. Ilis parents, Edward and Martha Jarman were likewise natives of that country. He was but a year old when his father died. His mother survived her husband several years; her death occurring after our subject had been in America for a long time. Ile was the youngest of four children and was reared in his native land by his mother's brothers, making his home with them, more or less until he came to this country. His father was a farmer and he was bred to that pur- suit.
Starting out in life with no capital excepting his physical and mental endowments, in 1867, thinking that he could better his condition in this great Republie, he took passage for this country at Liv- erpool and. after a voyage of thirteen and one-half days, first set foot on these shores in the great me- tropolis of the country. Rightly believing that his best chances for carrying on his calling as a farmer were in Illinois, he came directly to this State. He began his life here by working out for others and was thus engaged for seven years. For more than two years he was in the employ of Renben Smith, and afterward worked for Jonathan Royce about four years, and for nearly three years farmed that gentleman's place on shares. After that for five years he farmed on shares in Wheatland Township, and in 1882 came to this township to
Edmund Hilegs
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take up his residence. He loeated first on section 7, made his abode there two years and then settled on his present farm on section 19. Ile has more than one hundred and ninety-three acres of land. of which one hundred and three aeres comprise the home farm. This is already under excellent culti- vation and yields, in repayment for his hard labors, fine harvests. It supplied with suitable buildings and Mr. Jarman has good machinery to carry on his farm work.
By his marriage, November 15, 1873, with Miss Mary A. Campbell, a native of Ireland, our subject secured the co-operation of a cheerful helper and active worker. Three children, Gertie, Mary and Lulu. have blessed their marriage to them.
As we have seen, Mr. Jarman has had his own way to make in the world, and that he has done well so far is evinced by the condition of his es. tata. lle possesses a fair share of energy, acumen and thrift, and a knack of working to the best ad- vantage, and these, with other attributes, have contributed to his prosperity. lle is a man of intelligence, is well posted in general affairs, and manifests proper public spirit. Ile has done good service as School Director. He interests himself sufficiently in the politics of his adopted country to take sides with the Republican party.
E DMUND WILCOX. For a period of thir- teen years 'Squire Wilcox has otticiated as Justice of the Peace in Joliet, being elected to this office in the spring of 1877, and serving continuously by re-elections since that time. Ile was elected each time by an almost unanimous vote, and at the last election received all but fifty of the ballots cast. One year he received twenty- three hundred out of about twenty-four hundred votes cast. Although a pronounced Democrat, his name was on all the tickets of all parties and these facts indicate his popularity among the peo- ple of this county. Ile keeps one of the neatest dockets ever opened, there being searcely a blot on all the pages on which he has entered records for the last thirteen years. Socially and in business
circles he is a universal favorite, being of genial and obliging disposition, and making friends where ever lie goes.
The subject of this notice was born September 18, 1816, in Onondaga County, N. Y., and is thus approaching the seventy-fourth year of his age. IIe is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of Loammi and Hannab ( Paddock ) Wilcox, who were natives respectively of Connecticut and Washington County, N. Y. The father was a farmer by occupation and met an accidental death in Onondaga County in 1836, at the age of tifty years. The parental household consisted of four children, of whom Edmund was the second born. His younger brother, Harvey, of Los Gatos, C'al., is now deceased; Cordelia W., Mrs. Clement, re- sides in Joliet; Caroline, the wife of Dr. Wilson, died in her native county ; Loammi Wilcox was a carpenter by trade, which he followed, however, but a few years, finally engaging in the more con- genial occupations of farm life. The Wilcox fam- ily was an old and prominent one in New England.
The distriet sebool afforded Mr. Wilcox his early education and later he entered llamilton College at Clinton, N. Y., from which he was graduated in 1835. The following year he came to Joliet, and for thirty years thereafter was engaged in the dry- goods business, being part of the time associated in partership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Clement. Hle has always signalized himself as a progressive and public-spirited citizen and for ten years was President of the Gas Company, superintending the construction of their building and being otherwise prominent in its management, and for a number of years was a prominent member of the City Council. In making the journey hither from New York State he traveled overland by team, sometimes in a wagon and sometimes on a sled, it being in winter, and accompanied by three other young men: IIe thus had a full experience of pioneer life and has been the interested witness of the transformation of this section of the country from a wilderness into the abode of a civilized and prosperous people.
After becoming a resident of Joliet Mr. Wilcox was married March 26, 1845, to Miss Sarah M .. daughter of Joseph and Electa (Chauncey) Green. The parents of Mrs. Wilcox came to this State
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from Washington County, N. Y., settling in Me- Henry County. During his younger years Mr. Green engaged in merchandising, but after coming to Illinois, turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. Mr. and Mrs. Green spent their last years in Blue Island, Cook County. Mrs. Wilcox was born July 23, 1825, in Washington County, N. Y., and remained a member of her father's household until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there was born a family of seven children, three of whom died in infancy: Alvin C. who died May 11, 1873, leaving one child, now the wife of II. E. Porter, of Joliet; William G., is Cashier of the First National Bank; Frederick C. is engaged as a lumber dealer, manager and partner of the firm of Wilcox Bros. ; Charles C. is the City Clerk of Joliet, Mrs. Sarah M. Wilcox departed this life at her home in Joliet, March 12, 1890. at the age of sixty-four years.
The long period during which Mr. Wilcox has resided in Will County has made him well known to the citizens, who will therefore welcome his por- trait as a valued addition to the ALBUM.
ALTER PADDOCK, a pioneer of fifty-two years standing, established himself as a resident of Homer Township, this county. in February, 1838, and he has since resided within its limits. The country was then in wide contrast to its present condition and no man has looked with warmer interest upon its progress and develop- ment than he with whose name we introduce this sketch. Ile has had a full experience of life in the early days and by his industry and his good quali- ties as a citizen, has contributed his full quota to the growth and progress of his adopted township. No man in the township has made for himself a better record and none are held in higher esteem.
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The subject of this notice was the fifth in a fam- ily of fourteen children, the offspring of Jonathan and Mercy ( Weaver> Paddock, and was born in Camillus, Onondaga County, N. Y., August 19, 1817. He remained a resident of his native county until a youth of eighteen years and afterward lived in Cayuga County two years. Then, in February,
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