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 22
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The gentleman of whom we write derives his sterling qualities from honorable Scotch ancestors, combining traits which the friends of his deceased parents well remember in them. His father was William Ferguson, and his mother Elizabeth Doig.
sister of Thomas Doig, whose sketch appears in this volume. They were born in the land which has given to the world a Bruce, a Burns, and many heroes of sword and pen. After their marriage they emigrated to America, settling in New Lenox Township, this county, about 1833. They were therefore numbered among the early settlers, and shared in the labors which have resulted in the present prosperity and high development of this county. They continued to live in New Lenox Township until the death of Mr. Ferguson, which occurred in May, 1862. Ilis widow breathed her last in Chicago, in August, 1871.
The parental family consisted of four daughters and five sons, he of whom we write being the fifth in order of birth. His early years were spent at the home in this county and in Chicago, his edu- cation being obtained in the common schools. He was lirst married, January 10, 1878, to Miss Sadie, daughter of Sylvanus and Mary (Doxtader) Lynk. The wedding took place in New Lenox Township, in which the bride was born, and where she died after a brief married life, passing away December 10, 1879. She left an infant son, William L. The second marriage of Mr. Ferguson took place at the residence of the Hon. Dwight Haven, October 19, 1881. The bride was Miss Nellie L., daughter of Dwight and Helen L. (Savage) Haven, and was born in New Lenox Township. November 2, 1853. Her parental and ancestral history is given in the sketch of her father, found elsewhere in this vol- ume.
Mr. Ferguson has served efficiently as School Director, as an official and as a private citizen manifesting a deep interest in the cause of educa- tion. In politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Fergu- son is a member of the Episcopal Church. Growing to maturity amid the most favorable surroundings, slie developed into a lady of pleasing manners, more than average intelligence, and a knowledge of both useful and ornamental arts, which fitted her for any sphere in life and causes her not only to be cherished by her companion as his choicest blessing, but to make friends wherever she is known. Mr. Ferguson is likewise one of whom good is spoken, affording the biographical writer a pleasant task in inditing his life history.
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ULIUS S. HOLMES. Among the prominent citizens of Will County, considerable men- tion belongs to the gentleman whose por- trait is shown on the opposite page, and who has been a life-long resident of New Lenox Township. In his native place he has acquired a reputation for integrity and perseverance, and wherever known is highly respected. When still a small child he was orphaned by the death of his father, who was a farmer in New Lenox Township. Our subject was therefore carly thrown upon his own resources, and though at present only in the prime of life has by his own efforts made himself independent. To such men as he, America owes her high standing among other older countries, and to the efforts which such citizens as he have made, Will Connty may justly attribute the development of her limitless resources. !
The gentleman of whom this sketch is written is a son of the late Asher Holmes and his wife, Eliza Ann Elmore. Both were born in Sherburne, Che- nango County, N. Y., the father on September 28, 1797, and the mother on September 22, 1805. In their native county they made their first home after marriage, subsequently removing to Chautau- qua County. and in 1832 returning to that in which they were born. In the spring of 1835 they turned their footsteps westward, and coming to Will County, Ill., made a settlement on section 22, New Lenox Township. llere the father was engaged in farming until his death, January 24, 1854. The widowed mother continued to live on the old homestead until her death, which occurred June 5, 1880. They had six children-James E., My- ron l'., Eliza A., Orsamus, Lydia and Julius S. Eliza, who was the wife of Thomas Stolp, died in Nebraska in May, 1873.
The natal day of our subject was August 30, 1848, and his birthplace the old homestead on which he grew to manhood and continued to live until the spring of 1890. Ile was educated in the . common schools, and by the use of the means which are open to all who desire knowledge, he has added to the knowledge obtained at school the broader education which can only be gained by a mature mind and a practical application of theories in contact with mankind. After having pursued
an agricultural life until the date before mentioned. Mr. Holmes rented his farm and removed to New Lenox Village. He is now giving his attention to the grain trade, his principal place of business being Manhattan, although he is also a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, His business ability is undisputed, and has been made use of by his fellow-citizens, who have called upon him to fill . official stations of various natures.
The marriage of Mr. Holmes was celebrated in New Lenox Township. January 21, 1871, his bride being Miss Sophie, youngest child of Abraham and lane ( Wood ) Willis. Mrs. Holmes was born in New Jersey, August 14, 1852, but grew to womanhood in this county, to which her parents came in 1861. They were natives of the Empire State and the parents of nine children. The mother died in Wenona, Marshall County, III., February 28, 1886; Mr. Willis is yet living. Mrs. Holmes possesses an estimable Christian character, and has the knowledge of domestic arts and social accomplishments which make her home a happy one and give her popularity among her acquaintances. She has borne twelve children. named respective- ly : Raynor E., Arthur W., Laura E., Herbert 11., Bessie J., Eva M., Mamie E., Ethel J., Mattie A., Olive 1., Sophie L. and Julius W. Eva M. and Olive I. are deceased.
Mr. Ilolmes has ever taken an active interest in pohties, and is numbered in the Republican ranks. Ile has held the office of School Trustee for twelve ยท years, and has also been School Director. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has held the offices of Steward and Trustee, positions of financial im- portance, for which his business talents and deep interest in the work of the church well qualified him.
ILLIAM GOODSON has for a period of twenty years pursned his farming opera- tions in Plainfield Township, and is counted one of the most substantial residents of the place. lle is a native of Leicestershire, England, born De- cember 11, 1831. His father, John Goodson, was
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born in the same shire and was there reared to agricultural pursuits, and always earned his living tilling the soil, spending his entire life in his native land. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lucy Howell, and she was born in Rutland, England. She came to America in 1869, and now makes her home with her children, she having attained the age of eighty-one years. There were eleven children born to the parents of our subject. eight of whom were reared to maturity as follows: George, William, Samnel. Thomas. llenry, John, Richard and Robert, all of whom came to America. except Richard, and settled in different parts of the country.
lle of whom we write went to work on the farm at an early age and earned his own living. The wages were low and the chances of securing a home in his native land were almost nil, and he deter- mined to see what life held forh im in America, and on the 29th of October. 1856, accompanied by his bride, set sail from Liverpool in the good ship "Cultivator." and on the 29th of November landed in New York. From there he and his wife pro- ceeded to Orange County, N. Y., where they found themselves penniless and among strangers. Our subject with characteristic self reliance immediately set about finding employment, and soon obtained work upon a farm. Ile resided there until Angust, 1856, and then went with his family to St. Clair County. Mich., and there was engaged in a saw- mill until 1859. In that year he again started westward, and coming as far as Illinois resumed his oll employment as a farm hand in Canton, Fulton County. In 1864 he went to Kendall County. Having prudently saved his earnings he was enabled to be more independent, and com- menced farming on his own account, renting land. lle carried on his farming operations in that man- ner for six years, and then bought eighty acres of land, which is included in his present farm in Plain- field Township. This was scarcely at all improved, and a rude shanty on the place was the only build- ing. Since then he has been much prospered, and has brought about great changes on bis place, hav- ing erected a good set of frame buildings, planted fruit and shade trees, fenced the land and now has it under admirable cultivation. He has been so
successful that he has added to his estate, and now has one hundred and eighty-six and one-third acres of fine farming land. all lying in a body and con- stituting as productive and well-improved a farm as is to be found in the locality.
In 1856 Mr. Goodson was happily married to Miss Sarah Broom, a native of Rutland, England, and a daughter of John Broom. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, nine living, namely: Mary A., Lucy. Lillie, Amelia, Edward, Charles, Ernest, Herbert and Eva. The deceased were llannah and William II. Mr. Good- son's career as a farmer, since he took up his resi- dence in this place, proves him to be a shrewd, practical, industrions man, and the honorable. up- right life that he has always led entitles him to be called a trustworthy man and a good citizen, and he and his family are well respected in this com- munity.
OIN W. DOWNEY. The legal fraternity of Will County numbers among its most painstaking and promising members him with whose name we introduce this notice. Ile is yet young in years, having been born April 3, 1860, and his childhood home was in Norman Township, Grundy County, this State. Ilis par- ents were John and Mary (O'Halloran ) Downey, who were natives of, County Tipperary, Ireland.
The father of our subject came to America in 1849, and in 1851 was married to Miss O'llallo- ran, in LaSalle County, this State. They settled upon a farm, and there were born to them six chil- dren. five sons and one daughter. One son, Ed- ward, died at the age of twenty-six years. The others, with the exception of our subject, are re- siding in Grundy County. John W., who was the fourth in order of birth, spent his boyhood on the farm, assisting in its labors, and attending, mostly during the winter season, the common school. He was of studious habits, improving his leisure hours by reading and study, and after leaving school occupied himself as a teacher, which is the usual stepping stone to other professions. He was desirous, however, of advancing his education,
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and in the summer of 1882 entered the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., which he attended three terms.
Mr. Downey, having resolved upon following the profession of law, came, in the spring of 1885. to Joliet, and entered the office of Ilaley & O'Don- nell, where he closely applied himself to the study of the best legal works until December following. when he was admitted to the bar. He remained with his preceptors one year, then opened a law office, and has since confined himself to the prac- tice of his profession. Ile was elected City Attor- ney in April, 1889, for a term of two years. Politically, Mr. Downey atliliates with the Demo- cratie party, and in religion he adheres to the Catholic faith of his forefathers. Socially, he be- longs to the Independent Order of Foresters. lle gives his whole time to the duties of his profession, and is rapidly acquiring a substantial footing therein.
ENRY C. CULLOM. The real-estate and insurance business of Joliet and vicinity finds a lively representative in Mr. Cullom, who with his partner. James W. Patterson. has a well-equipped office on Chicago Street. Hle embarked in these enterprises in the fall of 1888, writing fire, life and accident policies. He is a native of Illinois and was born in Tazewell County, I April 1, 1839, to Richard N. and Betsey Elizabeth (Coffey) Cullom.
The parents of our subject were natives respect- ively of Tennessee and North Carolina, and met in Kentucky, where they were married. In the fall of 1830 they emigrated to Illinois, and the father thereafter occupied himself at farming in Tazewell County, Ill. The mother passed away in Decem- ber, 1868. The household circle numbered five sons and six daughters, of whom the subject of this notice was the youngest. Five of these are living.
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The subject of this notice lived in his native county until reaching man's estate-in fact eight years after reaching his majority. The most of
this time was employed in farm pursuits. Ilis education was such as was afforded by the common school, and he acquired those habits of industry and economy which have followed him through life. In 1868 he repaired to Springfield, III., and engaged in the mercantile business until 1871. Then, going to Southeastern Nevada. he entered the employ of the Government as Indian Agent, and was in that region and Indian Territory about eighteen months.
At the expiration of this time we find Mr. Cul- lom on a farm in Lawrence County, IH. Later he took a contract from the penitentiary in Joliet, to manufacture hosiery and clothing, and occu- pied himself at that industry for a period of twelve years. Then, selling out, he embarked in his present business. lle was married October 29, 1861, to Miss Anna M. Kingman. Mrs. Cullom was born May 16. 1841, and like her husband is a native of Tazewell County, this State. Their union has resulted in the birth of four sons and four daughters, seven of whom remain under the par- ental roof. The second daughter, Jennie N., is the wife of Edward C. Barrett, of Joliet. Mr. Cullom cast his first Presidential vote for Lin- coln, and in politics, continues a stanch supporter of the Republican party. Ile is an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
REDERICK A. LUTHER. Probably a ma- jority of the farmers of Wilmington Town- ship are men well-to-do, and of that class who have been the architects of their own fortunes. Among them may be properly mentioned the sub- ject of this notice, who is comparatively young in years, and who is a native of this State, born in Kankakee County, March 28, 1855. Ile is the rep- resentative of a substantial old family of New England ancestry, the son of Charles and Lucy (Holland ) Luther, who were natives of Vermont.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were Jabez and Elizabeth (Parkman) Luther, the former of whom was a son of Caleb and Rebecca (Brown)
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Luther. Caleb was the son of JJabez and Alse Lu- ther, who were natives of Massachusetts, and Jabez was a son of Caleb and Mary Luther, natives of the New England States. Caleb was a son of Samuel and Sarah, likewise natives of New England, and Samuel was the son of Samuel. Sr., and Mary Lu- ther. Samuel, Sr., was the son of Capt. John S. Luther, a seafaring man and commander of a mer- chant vessel. The latter was killed by the Indians on the Delaware River, in 1615; he was of German descent, but born in Ireland.
Some of the early members of the Luther family were men of note in New England, and exercised no nnimportant influence in their communities. Grandfather Jabez Luther was a merchant in Cor- nish, N. II., for many years. Ile lost both his arms by the premature discharge of a cannon, on the 4th of July, 1805. Charles Luther, the father of our subject, was born in Pittsford, Rutland County. Vt., June 30, 1819, and spent the first twelve years of his life there. He was married there, in 1844, and in 1849 set his face westward, coming to Illi- nois and settling on a farm in Kankakee County. He lived there until 1865, then removed to Wil- mington Township, this county, where he still lives.
The mother of our subject, also a native of the Green Mountain State, was born in Stockbridge, Windsor County, to Jonathan and Mary ( Ranney ) Ilolland. The latter were also natives of Vermont, where they spent their entire lives. To Charles and Lucy Luther there were born three children only, viz. : Julius J., Charles W. ; and Frederick A., of this sketch. The latter is the only surviving mem- ber of the family. Julins J. was in Chicago sev- eral years prior to his death. He was a man of fine business qualifications and considerable means, and for several years was the owner and superintend- ent of the Brink Express Company.
Frederick A. Luther has been a resident of this county since 1865. He has followed farming all his life, and owns one hundred and sixty aeres of land, comprising a well-improved farm lying about one and one-half miles northwest of Wilmington. lle has a fine residence. with substantial outbuild- ings, an ample supply of farm machinery, and all the other appliances for prosecuting his calling in
a profitable and successful manner. In addition to general agriculture he is considerably interested in blooded horses, of which he is enabled to exhibit some fine specimens. He makes of farming and stock-raising an art and a science, and by reading and observation keeps bimself thoroughly posted as to the best methods employed in connection therewith.
One of the most important events in the life of Mr. Luther was the occasion of his marriage, Sep- tember 7, 1877, with Miss Mary E. Thomas, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Wil- mington. Mrs. Luther was born January 10, 1856, in England, to Henry and Mary ( Lester) Thomas, who were likewise natives of England, and with whom she came to America when a child nine years of age. They settled in this county; the father is deceased, and the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Luther are the parents of two sons -- Charles 1. and John HI. Both parents and sons belong to the New Jerusalem Church, and our subject, po- litically, affiliates with the Democratic party.
AVID L. CHRISTIAN occupies a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 13, Peotone Township, which is sufficiently large to afford a comfortable maintenance. IIe has, however, obtained what is better than silver or gold, a good name and the respect of his fellow- men. Ile has been a leader on the side of moral- ity when it took high moral courage to announce his beliefs and uplift the standard of right and justice in the community.
Our subject was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., September 6, 1821, and is the oldest child of Da- vid and Jane ( Wolverton) Christian. The father was born in 1795, and the mother April 26, 1804, both in the Empire State, where their marriage also took place, the date of that event being Jan- nary 15, 1822. The wife breathed her last Au- gust 26, 1833, after having borne three children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. Two years after her death the father removed to Mich- igan, sojourning but four years. ere settling in
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DuPage County, Ill., on a farm which he con- tinued to occupy until overtaken by death, in 1815. HIe married for his second wife Mrs. Christianna Ketchum, ner Churchill, who still sur- vives. This union was blest by the birth of two children.
The gentleman of whom we write received a common-school education in New York and Mich- igan, his youthful days being passed in the ordinary manner of a farmer's son. Being the eldest child, he had charge of his father's busi- ness for a few years prior to the latter's death, and for a short time after. He took up the High School studies in the old Chicago Academy, fitted himself for teaching and found employment in the district schools of DuPage County, for three winters. In the intervals of his professional work he was employed on the construction of the Ill- inois & Michigan Central Railroad, from Kensing- ton to Chicago. During a part of three seasons, in 1852-53-51, he was occupied under a contract for fencing the road, and some of the fence is still standing near Madison, after thirty-seven years.
In the fall of 1851, Mr. Christian returned to the old home, remaining thereon until the spring of 1858, when he located in the village of Peo- tone, Will County. In the spring of 1867 he re- moved to the farm where he has since resided. It consisted of two hundred and forty acres of good land, wholly unimproved at the time of his purebase. IIe erected upon it, in 1867, a good residence, which cost $2,500, the accompanying barns and other outbuildings, and placed the en- tire acreage under good cultivation. When he be- gan life for himself Mr. Christian was nearly empty-handed, 8250 being his share of his father's estate. He has an interest in the old homestead in DuPage County.
On October 23, 1851, Mr. Christian was united in marriage with Miss Clara, daughter of Samuel and Judith (Elliott) Page, natives of New Ilamp- shire. Mr. and Mrs. Page removed to Ilinois in 1839, settling in Kane County, where the husband died in 1840, his widow surviving until 1863. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are now living, and Mrs. Christian was the | to State and Congressional conventions. Before
fifth in order of birth. Iler natal day was March 28, 1833, and her native State New Hampshire. She attended a seleet school in DuPage County, Ill., enriching her mind with useful knowledge and mental culture. A womanly woman, her quiet dignity is felt in every circle that she enters, and she has stood side by side with her husband in moral and Christian endeavors.
To Mr. and Mrs. Christian six children have been born, as follows: Walter, September 22, 1852: Ella, February 27. 1851; Mary, October 1, 1856; David Warren, November 6, 1859; Sarah F., March 17, 1863; Clara Jenny, May 30, 1866. They have received more than common-school ed- ucations. and Warren and ('lara have taught in this county. More than one of the family are es- pecially gifted in intellect and possess musical and other talents. The three eldest children are deceased. Ella passed away November 11, 1879, leaving a host of friends to honor her memory. Her especial talent was for musie, and she excelled in organ playing, also succeeding wonderfully as a teacher. With a strong intellect and a noble heart, she bore a share in the good works instituted throughout the vicinity, and became greatly loved. She was the leader of the music in the church where the family attended, and promoted its in- terests very largely. She was the wife of John II. Brayton.
Two of the surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Christian are living in homes of their own. David W., a merchant in Kankakee, III., married Cora .J. Palmer, and has one child, David Palmer. Sarah F. is the wife of 11. Anson Harsh, of Normal Park, Cook County, and they have one child, Clara.
Mr. Christian has been School Director in Dis- triet No. 6, also Township Trustee of Schools, Township Treasurer of Schools, Supervisor of Peo- tone Township and Justice of the Peace. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and at the beginning of his political experience was a strong Abolitionist. For twenty -five years he has been identified with the Republican party, for which lie has acted as Township Representative, in con- ventions, probably a greater number of times than any other man here. He has also been a delegate
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the war he was connected with the "underground railroad," and during the war he was also a mem- ber of the Union League.
For about five years Mr. Christian was the only man in the village of Peotone who would speak out in behalf of temperance, liquor being at that time sold there without license. So frank had he been in expressing his views, and so ardently had he labored against the liquor interest, that he was at one time threatend by mob violence, but good counsel finally prevailed and he was not molested. Both he and his wife formerly belonged to the Good Templars' organization and held office therein.
The entire Christian family belong to the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and take an active part in the work of the denomination, especially in the Sunday-school and music. The son Warren has ever been connected with the choir, his fine bass voice adding volume and depth to the lighter tones of his sisters and others. Mr. Christian took part in the initiatory steps to seeure preaching of the Gospel, and a place of worship in the village of Peotone. He is Trustee, Steward and Class Leader; he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school in Peotone twenty-three years continuously, and held the same position elsewhere. At present he teaches the Bible class. Mrs. Christian has had a class for about twenty-two years continuously, and the children have also been teachers. The influence exerted by such a father and mother is beyond calculation, and when extended by the sons and daughters the benefit to mankind is boundless, giving reason for the approval of all who feel an interest in the advancement of humanity.
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