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 29
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W ILLIAM CALHOUN. This great, Republic owes a larger debt than she can ever pay to the loyal citizen-soldiers who rallied to her defence in the darkest hours of the Rebellion, and heroically fought and suffered, and never laid down their arms till the glorious Stars and Stripes once more waved over a free and undivided country. A> a representative of those heroes it pleases us to give this brief life record of William Calhoun, who with several of his brothers did honorable service in the Union army during the late war. Our sub- jeet is a farmer in Custer Township, owning and managing a good farm on section 20.
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rant for his good services. The mother of our sub- ject was Mary (Hoyt) Calhoun, a native of Ohio,
She was married to the father of our subject in that State, and removed to Michigan at an early day of its settlement. They came to Illinois in 1853, and located on the farm now belonging to our subject. and there spent the remainder of their days, he dying in 1855, and she April 19, 1878. They were the parents of twelve children, all sons but one, eight of whom are now living.
The one of whom we write was the sixth child in order of birth, and was born in the month of January, 1836. Ilis educational advantages were very meagre, and consisted of a short attendance in the district school. Ile was carly called upon to assist his father in the farm work, and after the latter's death took tender care of his mother as long as she lived, and did not marry until after her death.
After the breaking out of the war our subject watched its course with patriotic interest, and as soon as possible offered his services to his country, enlisting August 12, 1862, in Company F, Seventy . sixth Illinois Infantry, and served faithfully till August 12, 1865. Ile took part in many battles, and his officers always found him to be an efficient and trustworthy soldier. Ile was in the battle of Mobile, Ala., and participated in a large num- ber of severe skirmishes. He served under Gens. Steele, Crocker, Thomas, McPherson, Grant and Sherman. In December, 1862, Mr. Calhoun was sick in the hospital for a short time, and was then sent to the convalescent camp at Memphis, Tenn. From the hospital there he was sent to St. Louis Hospital, in which he remained till after the siege of Vicksburg. Hle then rejoined his regiment, and while it was on a raid from Natchez he received a sunstroke, which was very severe in its effects, and for eighteen months he was almost blind, and he lost the entire use of his left car, and could scarcely hear with his right one. Notwithstanding his ter- rible condition he never left his regiment all through his sickness, and was finally discharged with it after the close of the war, at Galveston, Tex.
The Calhoun family was well represented in the
Abner Calhoun, the father of our subject, was a farmer, and a native of New York. Ile was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, and received a land war2 } army, as beside our subject three of his brothers did valuable service in the defence of their eoun- try's honor-Ransford, Henry and Albert. The
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last named sacrificed his life for the old flag. Hle was a youth of seventeen years when he en- listed in the same company and regiment as our vibject, and in 1864 he received injuries from which he died at his home soon after at the age of nine- teen, and his body now lies in the cemetery at C'us- ter Park. llis brother, Henry J., enlisted in the same regiment and company at the age of twenty years, and did brave service on many a hard-fought battlefield. He endured the hardships and priva- tions of a soldier's life without a murmur, and is still suffering from a knee which was injured while in the army. le is forty-eight years of age, and in the prime of life has acquired a competence on his farm in Plymouth County, Iowa. He is mar- ried and has a fine family of four children.
After retiring from the army Mr. Calhoun quietly resumed farming operations on his farm in Custer Township. He has labored assiduously to place its one hundred and twenty acres under the best of cultivation. and now has it well improved, and supplied with neat buildings, and everything nec- essary for operating it to good advantage.
December 21. 1883. Mr. Calhoun took an impor- tant step in life, which has contributed greatly to his comfort and happiness, as on that date he was married to Miss Ellen A. Bray. ller father, Dom- iniek Bray. is an old soldier, and is now suffering from the effects of his faithful service white in the army. Hle and his wife have a comfortable home near Jamestown, Cloud County, Kan. Mrs. Cal- houn is a native of this State, born in Kankakee County, where she received an excellent com- mon-school education. The pleasant home cir- ele of our subject and his wife is completed by three children -- Frank B., William Wesley and JJes- sie b.
Mr. Calhoun is a man of sterling, self-respecting character, well-balanced mind, and his whole career ha- shown him to be a patriotic, trustworthy citi- zen, deserving of all confidence and regard. He concerns himself in the welfare of this township. where he has made his home since boyhood, and when he has been called to office has, by his faith- ful and efficient attention to the doties thus devolving upon him, materially forwarded its inter- ests. Ile is Director of this school district, and has
held this position for the last fourteen years, and he has also been Pathnaster. Ile is a member of Bowen Post. G. A. R., at Wilmington. He is a sturdy supporter of the Republican party, and always votes for its candidates. He began life for himself empty handed, and has attained his present good circumstances by persistent and well directed toil.
ICHAEL J. CUNNINGHAM. It is sel- dom that a young man reaches a more prominent station than that held by the above-named gentleman, or exhibits so many intellectual and business qualities at so early an age, Mr. Cunningham, although not yet thirty years old, is Mayor of Manhattan and one of its most popular business men, and added to this he has a record of usefulness in pedagogical work, both as teacher and institute worker. He is shrewd and energetic in the prosecution of whatever he undertakes, has mental ability of no mean order, and is full of publie spirit and interest in the pro- gress of the country.
Even a brief record of the lives of his parents will sutlice to show that Mr. Cunningham is the inheritor of many of the qualities which give him prominence in the community and that he would he unworthy of his parentage were he not enter- prising and zealous. His father. James Cunning- ham, was born in County Longford, Ireland, and became a machinist. He emigrated to America and for some time worked at his trade in Poughkeepsie. N. Y. In 1857, he located in this county, for live years operating a farm in the northern part of this township. He then purchased one hundred and sixty aeres of raw land in New Lenox Township, placed it under good improvement and successfully operated it until 1871, when, he was taken sick. After three years of invalidism, be closed his eyes to carthly scenes, leaving his farm'encumbered somewhat by a mortgage.
With wonderful taet and good management, Mrs. Cunningham succeeded by the aid of her children in clearing their home from indebtedness and in so conducting their affairs as to be able to secure
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Western lands also. She now owns two hundred and forty acres near Marysville, Kan., and retains pos- session of the farm in this county which is now rented, but upon which she resided until 1889. She now lives with our subject and her daughter, Katie L. Like her husband, she was born in Ireland, County Kilkenny having been her birthplace. She bore the maiden name of Bridget Ring and is a daughter of Thomas Ring, who, although a farmer, was a graduate of the Latin School of Dublin. She is a sister of the Rev. Patrick Ring, of St. Louis, prominent in the Catholic Church, and with whom she came to America, stopping in the Empire State where she was married to Mr. Cunningham. Both she and her husband have been active members of the Roman Catholic Church and Mr. Cunningham was a Democrat.
The family of which our subject is the sixth member includes also Matthew, foreman for the Nebraska City Packing House; Thomas, a man of leisure, who is traveling a great part of the time; Richard, Mayor of Summerfield, Kan., and engaged in the agricultural implement business; Martin, deceased; Mary E .. wife of Nelson Lynx, partner of our subject; Katie L .; and Maggie E., now Mrs. Nugent, of Wilton Township.
The grandfather of our subject was James Cun- ningham, who followed agricultural pursuits in the Emerald Isle, and who bore a very active part in the Irish Rebellion. Some seven years before his death he had a paralytic stroke, and from that time he suffered more or less.
The natal day of our subject was April 11, 1862, and his birthplace, the township in which he is now so popular. He was reared in New Lenox Town- ship and prior to his seventeenth year attended the district schools. He then entered the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., and after completing the scientific course, was graduated in 1881. llc adopted the profession of teaching. the first two years of his professional labor being given to the schools in Spencer. He then accepted the Princi- palship of the New Lenox graded school, retaining the position three years and during the time taking an active part in the work of the county institutes, and in other ways advancing the cause of educa- tion. His services were requested at New Lenox
the fourth year, but he resigned the position to which he had been elected in order to embark in mercantile pursuits.
Forming a partnership with Nelson Lynx, of Spencer, Mr. Cunningham began the sale of general merchandise in a rented building in Manhattan. The stock was new and well selected, the proprie- tors pleasant and courteous, and success attended their efforts. In the fall of 1889 they put up a new store building, 24x72 feet in dimensions, and increased their stoek which is now the largest as- sortment of general merchandise in town. Mr. Cunningham also does a large business for the Home Insurance Company, of New York, and at- tends to the renting of the home farm and his brother's estate.
During 1889 Mr. Cunningham was Village Clerk and in 1890 he was elected Mayor without exertion on his part. This fact is indicative of his popu- larity and the reputation which he has. Ile is an active Democrat and has been a delegate to county and State conventions. Ile belongs to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church' of Joliet.
ALTER B. STEWART, M.D., Ph.C., junior partner of the firm of Curtis & Stewart, is one of the younger members of the medical profession of this county, and lo- cated in Joliet May 1, 1888, Ile was born in Wilmington, this county, February 13, 1866, and is the son of J. W. Stewart, one of the early set- tlers of this region and now a leading banker of Wilmington. The mother bore the maiden name of Lettie Whitten. The parental family consisted of four chikchen.
Dr. Stewart obtained his preliminary education in the schools of his native place, and completed his studies in Champaign College in 1885, receiv- ing the degree of P'h.C. Soon afterward he com. meneed the reading of medicine under the instrue- tion of Dr. Curtis, his partner, with whom he continued until entering a course of lectures at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of '88.
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Soon afterward he was appointed House Surgeon of St. Joseph's Hospital, which position he still holds. He makes a specialty of surgery, and has already attained considerable reputation in this branch of the practice, having rare opportunities for study and observation in connection with his duties at the hospital. This institution accommo dates over fifty patients, and aside from this Dr. Stewart is building up quite an extensive private practice. His skill and ability are acknowledged facts among the people who have sought his ser- vices, and it is predicted that in the near future he is destined to make for himself a reputation as a physician and surgeon of no mean acquirements. He is unmarried. Politically, he is a Republican.
+ T'GUST BOEIL, as a farmer of large experience. great capability, sagacious and far-seeing, and prudent in the manage- ment of his affairs, is considered one of the most successful of the well to-do agriculturists who are active in pushing forward the material interests of Will County in general, and of Monee Township in particular. Associating himself with the pioneers of this region, he has tilled the soil to some purpose during the three or more decades that he has lived here, as is shown by the fine ap- pearance of his well-appointed and well- stocked farm, with its neat buildings and well-tilled fields. While doing a general farming business. Mr. Bocht has paid special attention to rearing horses the last seventeen years, and for six years has been a breeder of thorough-bred English Shire horses, and now has a fine herd, among them being some that are imported.
August Bochl is of foreign birth, born in Pros .. sia, Germany, August 13. 1835. His parents. Christian and Christina ( Weigand) Bochl, were natives of the same place as himself. They had three children -- Christina, Wilhelmena and August. While our subject was scarcely more than a babe, he had the misfortune to lose his good mother, who died in 1838. His father married again, Freder- icka Cacker becoming his wife, by whom he had
the following seven children: Louisa, Catherine, Christian, George, William, Henry and Frederick. The father was a manufacturer of cloth in his native country, but abandoned that business when he came to the United States in 1857, accompa- nied by his family with the exception of the eldest daughter. He settled on forty acres of land on section 15, Monee Township, where his earthly pilgrimage came to an end in 1863, at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife survived him until 1885, when she too passed away.
The subject of this biographical review passed the early years of his life in his native Germany, and there received a substantial education. He worked for his father in the old country, and after coming here spent his first six months at employment for which he was paid $12 a month. He subsequently began lite on his own account, and in 1859 purchased eighty acres of the land where he now lives for $1,000. At different times he has added to this, first a tract of twenty aeres, then one of eighty acres, and subsequently one of forty acres, paying $5 an aere for the timber land. This, by incessant toil, he now has well cultivated, and has all the necessary improvements and ap- pointments to make it one of the best-equipped farms in the township.
Mr. Boehl has not been unaided in his labors, but has had the cheerful co-operation of a capable wife, to whom he was married in the month of May, 1858. Nine children have been born to them, namely: Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Dierchas; Edward, a resident of Minne- sota; August, Arthur, Charles, George, Louis. Lilly and Mary.
Our subject has always honored industry in word and deed, and hence he has done well in his hfe work. A man of roundabout common-sense, wise and careful in the management of his affairs, his fellow-citizens, appreciating these character- istics and his general trustworthiness, have called him to the responsible office of Supervisor, and he represented his township on the County Board for three terms, and has used his influence to promote the best interests of the public. In politics, he favors by voice and vote the Repub- lican party, he having been a member of that
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organization since he cast his first ballot for Lin- coln. Ile and his wife are among the most es- teemed members of the United Presbyterian Church, and their every-day lives are guided by their religious principles.
D WIGHT C. HAVEN. Among the younger members of the Joliet bar, none are more de- serving of honorable mention than Dwight C. Haven, who was born in New Lenox, May 10, 1863. The Havens trace their history back to the days when the "Mayflower" was plowing the waters of the mighty deep. In one of her later trips she brought a progenitor of the family to America. The grandfather of our subject was Samuel Haven, who came with his family to this county in 1835, from Chautauqua County, N. Y. He and his sons were very pronounced, outspoken Abolitionists, and particularly was this true of the father.
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The parents of our subject were Dwight and Lizzie (Craig) Haven, the mother being a native of Dublin, Ireland, although of Seotch parentage. Of the live children born to them one is dead. The living are : Samuel Rush Haven of Joliet; Edith A., and Bertha A., who are yet at home, and he of whom we write. The father was School Commis- sioner for Will County, from 1865 to 1868, and the llaven family was one of prominence among the early settlers.
The early life of our subject was passed in his native place, his boyhood being marked with no eventful incident. Being ambitious for the acquire- ment of knowledge he was sent to the Illinois I'ni- versity at Champaign, from which institution he was graduated in the class of '83. In the military department of the University he received from the Governor of Illinois the commission of a Captain (Brevet) of the Ilinois National Guards, for his proficiency in military tactics. He has since taken a great interest in the National Guards and is now Captain and Adjutant of the Fourth Infantry Regi- ment. He served through two strikes in which the troops were called out, in the years 1885 and 1889.
After his graduation young Haven adopted the
profession of teaching, which is an almost universal stepping stone to other professional work, his knowl- edge being made useful as an instructor at his own home. lle began reading law in the office of Hill & Dibell in 1884, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. He at once began practice in connection with the Ilon. Charles A. Ilill, M. C., who was one of his preceptors, the firm name being Ilill & Haven. It was changed in January, 1881, to that of Ilill, llaven & Thll, upon the admission of Alfred M. Ilill, son of Capt. Ilill, as a partner.
In social circles Mr. Haven stands high, his eour- teous manners, intellectual culture, and good habits entitling him to esteem. He is a Knight Templar and member of the Independent Order of Red Men. In politics he is a Republican and is President of the Joliet Lincoln Club. He was married April 3, 1890, to Miss Marian Robinson, of Minneapolis, Minn.
P (. HALEY. This gentleman, although still a young man, has a fine reputation as a mem- ber of the legal profession and a citizen of whose worth no one is in doubt. Ile was born in Saranac, Clinton County, N. Y., March 17, 1849, and with his parents came to Will County. Ill., in 1851. He attended the public schools and added to his store of learning by a course of study in the University of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Ind. He then read law with T. L. Breckenridge, of loliet, and took a complete law course in the University, at Ann Arbor, Mich., from which he was graduated in 1871.
The same year Mr. Haley was admitted to the bar and immediately began practice soon having a large and lucrative business. He is a clear thinker, a close student into the details of a case, a logical pleader and has the keen wit and commanding presence that go far to secure the attention of coun- selors and jury men. His ability attracted attention and he was elected City Attorney, and he has also served on the Common Conneil. Such is his fitness fur office that no one questions his services. It was natural that he should be selected as the standard bearer for his party in political battles and he has
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been the nominee for Member of Congress twice in succession in the Eighth District, nearly overcom- ing a Republican majority of six thousand and lacking but one hundred and seventy eight votes of election.
It is but natural to conclude that in choosing a companion in life Mr. laley would seek for a lady with cultured mind and manners. and a character of nobility. Such was the case, and among the members of a prominent family of this city he found the woman he desired as his wife. This was Miss Mary A. D'Arey, and they were united in marriage December 1, 1875. Mrs. Haley is no less popular than her husband and the home over which she presides is a frequent gathering place for the enltured and accomplished friends they possess.
C AMPBELL BROS. This firm comprises James and Alexander Campbell, two of the most enterprising young citizens of Man- hattan Township, who operate two hundred and forty aeres on section 13. this being their mother's farm. and forty acres adjoining, and whose spec. ialty is breeding full- blooded Clydesdale horses. They have as much money invested in imported equines as any firm in the township. and a lover of horse flesh would be much pleased with the fine animals to be seen on their place. They are also doing a successful farm business. their erops being equal to any in the neighborhood in quality and amount per acre.
A brief space devoted to the more immediate ancestors of the Campbell Bros, will not be amiss. as in this way an insight may be gained into the character which they inherit, and a reason found for their success. Their paternal grandfather. John Campbell, was a native of Scotland, wherein he followed the trade of a mason until his death. also serving for a time in the English army. Ilis son John was born in Blerathel, Scotland, learned the trade of the father, and in 1851, while still in- married, came to America. After working at his trade in New York City for some time he went South. sojourning during various periods in Ala-
bama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and other Southern States. Ile finally made His way to Joliet, Il., where he continued his former pursuits, among the jobs in which he assisted being the Warden's house at the penitentiary. He also worked at his trade in Chicago, although making his home still in Joliet.
About 1859 this gentleman removed to the country, and some two years later left Joliet Town- ship to take possession of one hundred acres of raw land, which forms a part of the present Camp- bell farm. Immediately after his purchase he be- gan making improvements. hiring help to run the farm while he continued to work at his trade in the two cities before mentioned. He proved a suc- cessful manager and overseer, added to his landed estate, and at the time of his death owned two hundred aeres. Hle breathed his last March is, 1886, when sixty-four years old. For years he did efficient service as School Director. He belonged to the Republican party, and to the Presbyterian Church.
The mother of the Campbell Bros, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and is a daughter of Sandy Kier, who came to America in 1851. Her father was a mason, who like the gentleman who became his son in-law, worked at his trade in New York City, and afterward in Joliet and Chicago, making his home in the former place. He invested in land, and eventually became a large farmer. (See sketch of James Kier. ) His daughter Grace was rearel in Scotland, and was a young lady when she crossed the Atlantic, not long after which she became the wife of John Campbell. She is now living in Hamilton County, lowa, with her chil- dren. She has borne eight sons and daughters, as follows: Kate. now Mrs. McLaughlin, of Hamil- ton County, lowa; John. a farmer in the same county : Charles, who died in Will County; James and Alexander. of this sketch; Eliza. who lives with the two brothers just named; Maggie is de- ceased ; and Archie is attending the High School at ,Joliet.
James Campbell opened his eyes to the light of day May 1, 1863, on the farm which is his present home. Ile was reared upon it. and educated in the district schools, remaining under the parental roof
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until the death of his father, in 1886. He then rented a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Manhattan Township, from his uncle, James Kier, and operated the same until the spring of 1889, when he formed a connection with his brother and returned to his former home.
Alexander Campbell was also born on this farm August 3. 1865. He enjoyed the privileges af- forded in the common schools. and remained upon the farm with his mother until September, 1888, receiving wages for his services after he had reached his majority. He then made a journey to Scotland, for the double purpose of improving his health, and buying Clydesdale horses for himself and brother James. Going to New York City he embarked on the Cunard steamer "Umbria," Sep- tember 15, and six and a half days later landed in Liverpool. Going to Glasgow he made that city his headquarters while traveling somewhat in the land from which his ancestors came, visiting the former homes of his parents, ete. HIe sailed from Glasgow November 10, on the steamer "Grecian," stopping at llalifax twenty-four hours, and arriv: ing in Philadelphia November 29, whenee he canm. directly home.
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