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 24
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The young man, who, since his father's death, has had charge of the Robinson homestead, was born in Channahon Township, February 20, 1855. lle was educated in the schools in Will County and grew to manhood in possession of a goodly store of practical knowledge which, taken in eon- nection with his natural inclination toward all that is progressive and enterprising, has brought him rapidly to the front in the business enterprises in
which he is engaged. The homestead comprises eighty acres on which are excellent improvements and its appearance shows that it is ably managed and remunerative.
Mr. Robinson is also engaged in the Fire Insur- ance business, representing the Home Company of New York, and he also represents the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company of Detroit. He is thoroughly adapted to this work, having an acute and almost instantaneous judgment of human na- ture, and a persistence in presenting his eanse that is kept from being disagreeable by affable manners and good conversational powers. In all business transactions he is eareful yet enterprising, while he ranks high among the public-spirited citizens, being one of the most foremost in all meritorious enter- prises. Ile is an active member of the Riebard Street Methodist Episcopal Church of Joliet, and in both city and country is well and favorably known for his private character and his business ability.
An important step in the life of Mr. Robinson was taken June 16, 1886, when at the bride's home in Joliet Township he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie IT. Lawrence. She is a well educated and amiable lady, a native of this county, and one well caleulated to fill her place at the head of household affairs. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two children, Jay and Aliee.
OSES BOWE occupies an important place among the leading farmers and stock-rais- ers of Will Township, who have contributed to raise it to its present prosperous condi- tion, and have thus materially advanced the inter- ests of the county. Mr. Bowe is of Irish birth and parentage, born in County Wexford, town of Ball- clay, June 22, 1835, a son of John and Annastatia Bowe. They had five children, namely: Mary. Ellen, Elizabeth, Moses and John P., all of whom grew to maturity, and Ellen and Mary married and reared families.
Onr subjeet spent the early years of his boyhood in the land of his nativity, coming to the United
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States with his uncle, Philip Bowe, in 1815, who located in Pennsylvania. In 1852, Mr. Bowe came to Chicago, where he lived two years, working in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1854 he came to Monee, where he was connected with the same railway till about 1881. Ile then took up farming for a living and located on the one linndred and sixty-nine acres which he had purchased here in 1864, and on which he had made various improvements. He now has his place in an excellent condition, provided with suitable build- ings, and the land well tilled. Ile gives much attention to stock-raising and bas a fine herd of thoroughbred Short-horns. Our subject has ac- quired this property by the exercise of his keen foresight and practical ability.
May 6, 1860, Mr. Bowe took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Hanora Hurley. She is a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Green) Ilurley. They were the parents of five children: Ellen, John, Mary, Catherine, Hanora, all of whom came to America, with the exception of the oldest. all mar- rying and rearing families, excepting John. The latter was an officer in the Federal Army. serving as Sergeant during the late war, and was killed in the battle of Lookout Mountain. Mary was the first to come to the United States, taking up her residence in Glens Fall, N. Y., in 1847, and then subsequently removing to Chicago. Mrs. Bowe eame to the l'nited States in 1852 and has ever since been a resident of Illinois. Of her happy wedded life with our subject the following children have been born : Philip S., John J., Michael M., Will- iam M., and Agnes. William died at the age of seventeen.
We have seen that our subject is a self-made man, and we may add, what seems to be the uni versal testimony of the entire community, that he is a strietly honorable, straightforward man, a most desirable citizen and in his domestie relations is all that a considerate husband and wise father should be. Ile interests himself in public, social and reli- gious matters and bears a prominent part in the civic life of county and township, having been elected Supervisor to represent the township of Will on the County Board for five years without
opposition, which fact speaks well for his popularity and ability. In politics he is a decided Democrat. Religiously he and his wife are esteemed members of the Reformed Church.
AVID S. HENNEBERRY occupies one of the fine tracts of land of which Wesley Town- ship boasts so many, being joint proprietor with his brother John. It consists of two hundred and seventy fertile aeres on seetion 21, on which both crops and stock are raised. The fields pro- duce abundantly under the intelligent manage- ment to which they are subject, and the most care- less eye will discern that the stock is in excellent condition. The Messrs. Henneberry are single, but their pleasant home is presided over by their sister Jenny, who surrounds them with all the home comfort which they desire.
In County Tipperary, Ireland. David Henne- berry and Bridget Reeves were born. They be- came man and wife, and have reared a family of seven children, viz: David: John and Annie (twins), Jenny, Christopher, Mary and Agnes. The parents eame to America in 1849, making their first settlement in DuPage County, Ill. They removed thence to Grundy County, and a few years later to Marshall County, where they so- journed but a short time. Returning to Grundy County they resided therein until 1883, when they took up their abode on a farm on section 2, Wes- ley Township. Will County, where they still live.
The subject of our sketch first opened his eyes to the light of day December 31, 1857, in Grundy County. He was educated in the district schools, and began life for himself when seventeen years old by hiring out on a farm. He worked as a farm hand two years, then in 1876 with his brother bought the place which they now occupy and oper- ate. Being still young in years, they have plenty of time before them in which to reach a high posi- tion among the farmers of the county. and to add to their already comfortable possessions.
Mr. Henneberry is now serving his fourth term as Supervisor of Wesley Township, and his con-
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tinuance in office indicates the opinion that is held by his fellow-citizens of his good judgment and zeal. For three years he held the office of Road Commissioner of the district. The Republican ticket is always voted by him, and he has ever been active in political work, both as one of the rank and file of the party, and as a delegate to county and congressional conventions. He has the ready speech and quick intelligence of the race from which he descends, is respected as his good qualities deserve, and like other members of his family. is a devont member of the Catholic Church.
1 ANIEL PATTERSON. In the annals of Wheatland Township, the name of this gen- tleman occupies an honorable place as one of its efficient pioneers who has given practical aid in making it one of the finest farming regions in this section of the county. By steady toil and excel. lent management he has acquired a valuable prop- erty since he came to Illinois forty years ago, and he and his brother own a large tract of land, all lying in a body, and in a tine state of cultivation and exceedingly well improved.
Our subject is a native of Dumfrieshire, Scot . land, born October 13, 1828. His parents were John and Jane Patterson, also natives of that country. He was reared in the land of his birth on a farm, and received a fair education. Ambi- tious to see something more of the world and to build up a home for himself, he emigrated to Amer- ica in 1850, taking passage at Liverpool on a sail vessel. Hle encountered a heavy storm at sea which lasted nearly a week, but at last, after a voy- age of thirty-seven days, landed in safety in New York City. From there he came directly to this county, and for a time made his home with his brother Mungo. He finally settled on his present farm on section 10, in which he owns a half inter- est, his brother ,James, who lives with him, being the proprietor of the remainder. This is one of the largest farms in this vicinity, and is well pro vided with substantial buildings, modern machin- ery and everything to operate it to advantage.
When he and his brother first took possession of it it was in a wild condition, and by their united labors they have made it what it is to-day. Their farm is well stocked, as they pay much attention to that branch of business. When they began farming here Lockport was their grain market, and grain was shipped to Chicago from that place by canal. Almost the entire growth of this section of Illinois has taken place under their eyes, and they have ably assisted in placing this county where it is to-day, among the foremost agricultural counties in the State.
The maiden name of Mr. Patterson's wife was Jane Williamson, and she is also of Scottish birth. He has found m her a true helpmate, one who is devoted to the interests of her family, and by her patient toil has been a factor in bringing about his prosperity. They have had ten children, of whom the following are living: William, Robert, Mar- garet, John, Mary, Grace, Laura and Frank.
Mr. Patterson's life has been one of industrious toil, guided by discretion, prudence and sound common sense, that have placed him among the moneyed men of Wheatland. He has always dis- played the qualities which mark a good citizen, is loyal to his adopted country, and gives his alleg- iance to the Republican party. A man of earnest views and strong principles, he is a firm temperance advocate. He has interested himself in forward- ing the educational advantages of the township as School Director, which oflice he still holds.
6 HOMAS DOIG. New Lenox Township prob . ably has not a more enterprising, liberal or publie-spirited man within its limits than he with whose name we initiate this sketch. He is a life-long farmer by occupation, but notwithstand- ing the cares and labors involved in looking prop- erly after a large tract of land, he has always taken time to keep himself informed in regard to the various enterprises calculated to benefit his com- munity, and to these has given his uniform sup- port. His well-tilled fields yield abundantly the choicest crops of Northern Ilinois, and he culti.
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vates them with the latest improved machinery' He has a neat and substantial farm dwelling, and the various outbuildings required for the proper prosecution of his calling.
Thomas Doig traces his ancestry to one of the best nationalities on the face of the globe, being the son of Andrew Doig, who was born September 21, 1797, on the river Tay, in the city of Dundee. in Forfarshire, Scotland. The latter when reach- ing manhood married Miss Isabella Fife, a native of his own shire, the wedding occurring in October, 1805. at Dundee. The father set out for America in 1830, and located at Philadelphia, Pa., where he was joined by his family two years later, and they lived there several years. Ile followed his trade of a stoneentter, was a skilled workman, and was employed in the erection of Girard College, the Exchange Building, and other important edifices in the city of Brotherly Love.
Early in the 'IOs the parents of our subject removed to Washington, D. C., where Andrew Doig continued his former business, also being con- cerned in the erection of various public buildings, including the postoffice, and he put up the self- supporting hanging stairs, a piece of architecture difficult to accomplish, and which has been gazed upon by admiring thousands. He was also em- ployed on the Capitol Building and other import. ant structures, remaining there until 1817. That year he decided to seek his fortunes in the West, and coming to Will County settled in llomer Town- ship, and securing a tract of land changed his occupation to that of a farmer. He built up a com- fortable home and lived there until after the death of the mother, who passed away May 1, 1861. Mr. Doig survived his estimable partner for a period of twenty-six years, departing this life at the home of his son Alexander, on Maple Street, New Lenox Township. February 17, 1887.
To the parents of our subject there was born a family of ten children. of whom the record is as follows: Mary Ann died in Philadelphia in girl- hood; Elizabeth became the wife of William Fer- guson and died in Chicago, III .; Thomas resides on Maple Street in New Lenox Township; Andrew is a miller by trade and lives in Mellenry County; 1
lessie died in Philadelphia when quite young;
.lames is farming in the State of Kansas; Isabella is the wife of Stanton Lynk. of New Lenox Town- ship; William died at Hadley, in Homer Township, when a youth of sixteen years; Alexander is farm- ing in New Lenox Township; John II. prosecutes agriculture in the same township.
The subject of this notice was the third child of his parents and is also a native of Dundee, Sent- land, born March 3, 1826. lle came to America with his mother in 1832, and at the early age of twelve years started out to earn his own living, being employed in a butcher shop in Philadelphia until a youth of eighteen. Ile then accompanied the family to Washington, D. C., where he was employed at bricklaying three years. We next find him in Baltimore, Md., where he was similarly employed until 1849. In the fall of that year he came to this county, locating in Homer Township, but in 1850 joined the caravan moving toward the Pacific Slope, and until January, 1853, was en- gaged in hunting for the yellow ore. He was fairly successful, but decided to return to Homer Town- ship. and a year later settled on Maple Street in New Lenox Township. In May, 1851, he removed to his present farm, where he has since resided and given his entire attention to its improvement and cultivation. He has one hundred and seventy -two acres of good land with modern improvements.
Thomas Doig was married in Chicago, Ill., May 5. 185t. to Mrs. Ann M. (Lynk ) Van Duser. This lady was born in Columbia Township, N. Y., No- vember 17, 1820, and is a daughter of Z. W. and Sallie ( Harder) Lynk, mention of whom is made in the sketch of Stanton Lynk, on another page in this Amery. Her first husband was Gilbert Van Duser, who died on Maple Street, New Lenox Township, April 2, 1853. Of this union there were born two children : Sarah ('., the wife of Alex- ander Doig, of New Lenox Township, and John I. who died here in April. 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. Doig are the parents of four chil- dren, viz: Isabella, who died in childhood; Annie, the wife of George L. Francis, of New Lenox Township; Irene, who died young, and Thomas .l., who is farming in New Lenox Township. Mr. Doig is a stanch Democrat, politically, and has taken an active part in the councils of his party,
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hokling various positions of trust and responsibil- ity, and representing his township in the County Board of Supervisors. Mrs. Doig is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family hold a good social position in the com- munity, and are contributing their full quota toward the promotion of its best interests.
ILLIAM GEORGE JACKSON. Proba- bly no business man in the city of Joliet is more shrewd, careful and persistent in his operations, or displays a greater vigor in his undertakings than the above-named gentleman, who withal is modest and conscientious in his deal- ings. A few years ago he abandoned the occupa- tion in which he had previously been engaged, to embark as a furniture dealer, which he thought would be a more congenial and money-making business. Hle has been well repaid for the change, his present enterprise reaching a trade of $20,000 per year.
Mr. Jackson is of English ancestry and parent- age, and belongs to a family which for five genera- tions had followed the same business. In 1841 his parents, W. S. and Frances M. (logbin) Jack- son, left the mother country to make a home in America. They located at Utica, N. Y., where our subject was born, October 27, 1851, being one of three sons and one daughter who comprised the parental honseliokl. The father was a first-class butcher and did a large market business. Young Jackson finished a commercial course of study at the age of twenty-two years, and being ready to embark in business for himself followed the foot- steps of his ancestors, thinking it a rut from which he could not escape.
In 1878 Mr. Jackson determined to seek a home farther west than his native State, and after trav- eling around considerably decided upon Joliet as his future location. He went into .l. J. Culver's meat market, but in the latter part of August. 1879, started a similar business for himself in the build- ing next door to the First National Bank, where he remained until the Board of Trade building was
erected on North Ottawa Street. Into that he moved. continuing to prosper. and soon afterward buying a splendid home just outside the city limits.
It took many hard knocks to bring about the prosperity which is so easily mentioned, and it was not without some misgivings that in 1884 Mr. Jack- son abandoned the block to engage in his new enterprise. On the Ist of September be rented the entire second floor of the Board of Trade Block, and with this and his market store-room he bloomed ont with a first-class furniture repository. The many friends he had made in his old business nat- urally elung to him in the new, and a deserved success has been his.
On April 20, 1876, at the home of the bride in New Hartford, N. Y., the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Maggie E. Craig. This lady is a daughter of James Craig, was the recipient of careful home training and ex- cellent educational advantages, and her cultured mind, refined manners and fine character fit her for the positions of wife and mother, and member of society. She has borne her husband three children, named respectively: George Elliott, born Septem- ber 18, 1878, Clarence Mason, born October 20, 1580, and Cleora W., born February 4, 1884. Mr. Jackson is a Republican. Ile belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity, to the Knights of Pythias. and to several insurance societies.
OUIS WENBERG was born in the southern part of Sweden in 1856, and grew to man- hood in his native land, engaging in the occupations of a farmer and stonemason. At the age of twenty-four years, in company with his mother and four brothers, he embarked at Gutten- berg and ere long landed in New York. They came West at once, locating in Joliet, where our subject resumed his trade of a stonemason and his brothers engaged as quarrymen, Two years later the Wenberg brothers and a brother-in-law formed a co-partnership under the style of Wenberg & Co., and having bought three aeres of land on Maple
yours Truly Gro, 16 Campbell
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Street, embarked in the business of quarrying. Business grew rapidly, and by 1889 they had trans- aeted a trade which reached the value of $16,000, The firm of Wenberg & Co. was dissolved in 1890, Alfred Wenberg and his brother-in-law taking the department of contracting and masonry, and Louis. our subjeet, continuing the quarry business alone.
Of the four brothers of our subject two are now deceased. Frank was born in 1818 and died in 1886; Peter was born in 1850 and died in 1884, leaving two children, whose home is with his mother. This estimable lady was born in 1821, and is now living in Joliet with her grandchildren. She is noted for her excellence of character, and is regarded with loving respect by hosts of friends. ller husband died in Sweden in 1878. The mother and sons were preceded to Amerien by a sister of our subject. Ida Louisa, who married Charles E. Swerberg in 1881, and died in 1885, leaving one child.
Louis Wenberg was married in 1883 to Miss Lottie Soderland, a native of Sweden, who came to America in 1882. To them have been born two children: Albert, aged five years, and Laura, aged ten months, whose childish beauty and bright ways are a constant delight to their parents. Mr. Wenberg has risen by his own industry and judgment to an honorable place, and is highly respected for his integrity and social qualities. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wenberg belong to the Swedish Baptist Church.
G EORGE M. CAMPBELL, Secretary, Treas- urer and General Manager of the Joliet Stone Company, is one of that class of men who have been instrumental in advancing the ma- terial interests of the city. A residence of nearly twenty-eight years, during which he has made for himself a good record, both in social and business circles, has fully established him in the esteem and confidence of all who know him. With the excep- tion of three years, one of which was spent in the South, and two at his old home in New England. he has been a continuous resident of Joliet since April. 1862.
The native place of our subject was in I'nity,
Waldo County, Me., and the date of his birth Jau- uary 5, 1848. lle is the son of John B. and Mar- garet W. (Norton) Campbell, the former of whom was a native of Montville, Me. The father of our subject, grew to mature years in his native town, and at an early age went to sea and followed a sailor's life for four years, in the meantime be- coming first mate of a vessel. Ile then learned the trade of a carpenter, and finally became expert as an architect and a skilled mechanic. After mar- riage he moved to Medford, Mass., and thereafter lived in several places in the Bay State'until 1857, employing himself as an artisan. That year he resolved to seek the far west and removed with his family across the Mississippi to Lynn County, Iowa, settling at a point sixty-five miles beyond a railroad. He still continued at his trade and took the lead in the building interests of that section of the Hawkeye State, putting up some of the best structures in the surrounding country, including Central City. At that place he built the first church and schoolhouse and left the marks of his handiwork upon various other important strue- tures, remaining there until 1862.
In the spring of 1862, Mr. Campbell returned East as far as JJoliet, Ill., where he followed his trade one year, and then on account of an accident which erippled one of his hands, he turned his attention to portrait painting, taking up the art readily and becoming very proficient. He subse- quently returned to lowa, where he lives at a pleas- ant country seat, called "The Pines," situated two miles east of the capitol building at Des Moines. Ile was first identified with the Whig party, and is now a stanch Republican and one of the leading men of his county.
The parental family of our subject consisted of three children. the youngest of whom died in in- fancy. The survivors are George M., our subject, and Susan E., now the wife of Gurdon Fox, of Des Moines, lowa. The mother is likewise living. She was born January 16, 1827, while the father was born September 15, 1822. Mrs. Campbell was in her girlhood Miss Margaret W. Norton. She was born near Bucks Harbor, Me .. in what is now the town of Brooksville, in the same house under whose roof her father first opened his eyes to the
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light. though at the time of his birth the place formed a part of the State of Massachusetts.
George M. Campbell pursued his early studies in the Joliet schools and completed them in the Eng- lish and Classical Institute at Springfiell. Mass .. where he spent two years. Hle then occupied him- self as a teacher in Tennessee at the foot of Lone Mountain for five months. We next find him in Joliet, where he followed the trade of a carpenter. which he had learned from his father, and he soon commanded journeyman's pay. While at school he had taken a commercial course and became fitted for an accountant and now occupied himself in this capacity from July, 1867, until May, 1875.
The next move of Mr. Campbell was to embark in business for himself, having as his partner, Mr. George Il. Monroe. In 1875, the JJoliet Stone Company was formed and incorporated two years later with Mr. Monroe as President and Mr. Camp- bell as Secretary and Treasurer. The latter also became interested in the Crescent Stone Company, Joliet, and is at present one of its Directors. Ile is also engaged in real estate to a certain extent.
Mr. Campbell has always been an active worker in the Republican party but with the exception of serving as Assistant Supervisor of Joliet, he has declined to assume the responsibilities of office. Ile was married December 25. 1873, to Miss Elizabeth R., daughter of the Hon. Henry Snapp. Mr. Snapp in former years was a noted attorney and repre- sented this district in Congress. He is now living retired from the active duties of life in San Jose. Cal. Mrs. Campbell was born in Joliet, this county, August 25, 1851, and obtained her education in the common schools. She possesses considerable musi- cal talent and perfected herself in this accomplish- ment in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have two children, Jessie M. and Ida A. Our subject and his estimable wife are members of the Univer- salist Church.
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