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 30
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While abroad Mr. Campbell purchased five full- blooded Clydesdale horses and an leeland pony, which he brought with him to America. Soon after his return he rented the home farm and an adjoining tract, and with his brother began the operation of the same. They have all the modern conveniences in the way of buildings, use the lat- est improved farm machinery, and devote them- selves with unremitting zeal to the work they have in hand. About one hundred and ninety aeres are planted, principally with corn and oats, and the balance is used as pasture and haying ground. They employ four teams in their farm labors, and in addition to their specialty raise a good grade of cattle and hogs.
The Campbell Bros. now have about twenty-five head of graded horses on their place, while their full-blooded equines include three mares and two stallions. Mabel Eden is a beautiful bay five years old; Betsey is three, and Florence two. These were imported by themselves, as was Sir Burt, a three-year old, registered as No. 600. Prince
Revensworth, also an imported animal, is eight years old, and registered as No. 1700. The Camp- bell Bros. imported Red Moss Chief, who is now owned by their brother in lowa.
Neither member of the firm is married, but they have an efficient housekeeper in their sister. James is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Joliet, and both are held in excellent repute in that city, and wherever they are known. James is a Demo- crat, while Alexander is independent in politics.
6 HIOMAS J. KIRK, whose pleasant home in in Florence Township, is a native of Janes- ville, Wis. and was born Inly 18, 1854. His parents, James and Elizabeth ( Forsythe) Kirk, were born in the Emerald Isle and married in Ogdens- burgh, N. Y., whence they removed to Janesville. In 1860 they changed their place of abode to Will County, Il., locating on a farm in Florence Town- ship, where both subsequently died. The elder Kirk was a cooper by trade and also a farmer. The family consisted of six children-Mary J. now wife of Joseph Whalen, a Dakota farmer; our sub- ject ; Elizabeth, still unmarried ; Andrew, James and William, farmers in this county. two of them hav- ing homes in the same township.
The gentleman of whom we write was reared in this township from about his sixth year, and has followed farming since youth. lle owns eighty acres of fertile land, which is carefully and intelli- gently tilled and bears adequate improvements. At. present the attention of Mr. Kirk is divided be- tween his agricultural work, threshing and well drilling. Ile stands well in the estimation of his fellowmen, being reliable and energetic in his bus- iness affairs, kindly in social and domestic life, and useful as a citizen of the county and State.
Mr. Kirk has served five years as Collector of Florence Township and is now acting for the sec- ond term in the capacity of Assessor. His politi- cal atliliation is with the Democrat party. The order and attractiveness of his home are due to the housewifely skill and pleasing qualities of his wife who bore the maiden name of Fannie Jackson. She
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was born in Florence Township, August 1, 1855, to Charles and Ellen (Cating) Jackson. and be- eame the wife of our subject January 7, 1880. Four charming daughters have come to bless the union. They are named respectively : Laura E., Ethel B., Alice and Elinor.
AMIES C. WEESE. The building interests of Joliet would be but poorly represented in this volume did not its pages contain mention of J. C. Weese, who has been en- gaged as an architect and builder for many years. In this city he has designed and built many of the best residences, among them being the dwellings of HI. B. Seutt, M. Calmer, Dr. Raynor, and others. Ile has also done much work in Morris, Aurora, Yorkville, and other places. He is a practical ear- penter and architect, whose knowledge has not been picked up but was acquired under competent masters and improved by practical labor in both lines.
The Weese family is of German extraction, the grandfather of our subject having been born in the Fatherland. His father, John Marens Weese and Laura Howell were born in Canada, and after their marriage lived for many years. To them were born thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living, the subject of this sketch being the second. The others are: William, a blacksmith and carriage builder in Plattville, Kendall County; Mrs. Catherine Morden and Mrs. Victoria Lazier, twins; Elias N .. whose home is at Minooka, Grundy County; Lorain C. and Wellington, deceased; Mrs. Laura Hurd; Walter; Mrs. Chloe Pierce; and Adeline and John, twins, the latter of whom re- sides in Chicago; Adeline. the first, is deceased.
In County Hastings, Province of Ontario, ou August 30. 1812, the subject of this sketch was born. His father being a farmer, his early life was spent amid rural surroundings, and until the age of fifteen years he shared. as a boy could, in various agricultural labors in the intervals of his school life. He then served his time as a carpen- ter's apprentice, working at that trade exclusively | ity, trusting in faith that in due time the reward
for seven years. He next devoted himself to archi- tecture, which he learned in the city of New York, for a period of ten years, and since that time has been designing and building. In 1871 he came to Joliet, which has been his home during most of the years since that date. He now occupies an at- tractive residence at No. 105, Second Avenue, whose internal arrangements are a model of house- wifely skill.
On January 22,1872, the rites of wedlock were eel- ebrated between our subject and Miss Kittie Farley, a resident of Leland, LaSalle County, Ill. The bride is the daughter of the Rev. A. and Mary (Anderson) Farley, the father having been a min- ister in the United Brethren Church. During the cholera scourge. which decimated so many neigli- borhoods, in 1852, Mr. and Mrs. Farley were stricken down with the dread disease, dying within a week of each other. Their daughter was reared by an aunt, and under her loving care grew to womanhood, a noble and refined young lady fitted for any sphere in life.
Mr. and Mrs. Weese are childless, but have an adopted daughter. Mrs. Weese is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Weese is a true blue Republican, whose first Presi- dential ballot was east for Rutherford B. Hayes, and who has followed that vote with a steady adherence to the party which he then chose. A reliable citi- zen, an intelligent and upright man, he is regarded with respect by his fellow-citizens. his wife sharing in their esteem.
ARTIN H. DEMMOND. To pay the trib- ute of honor and respect to those pio- neers who went in advance of civilization and hewed a path for the approach of man, is always a pleasant duty. Their self-denial has given us the comforts of life: their perseverance laid the foundations of our large cities and thriv- ing towns. They planted the seed, knowing that they would not live to enjoy the ripened fruit. They worked not for themselves, but for poster-
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of their patient efforts would be realized. The gentleman whose name introduces this biographi- cal review is numbered among the worthy pio. neers of Will County. and though long since passed from the busy scenes of life, yet, like the good man of old, "his works do follow him."
A native of Massachusetts, Mr. Demmond was born March 4, 1803. but early in life removed to Oneida County, N. Y., then located in Herki- mer County, where he grew to manhood. He spent the years of his youth in the usual manner. and by study and observation gradually acquired a busi- ness education. which he used successfully in after life. After being firmly established in the dry- goods business, he set up his own household, plac- ing at its head an estimable lady who hore the maiden name of Sophia Murray. Mrs. Demmond was born July 26, 1801, in Petersburg, N. Y., whence when she was still quite young her father removed to Cayuga and later to Sharon. After a brief residence there, they went to Whitesboro, Oneida County, and there she grew to woman- hood. After the death of her father, John Mur- ray, she went to live in Frankfort, Herkimer County, N. Y., where she met Mr. Demmond and with him was united in the holy bonds of matri- mony April 10, 1831. In that place they began their married life.
In October, 1834, Mr. Demmond elosed out his business in Frankfort and having resolved upon removing to the promising West, came to Illinois and, settling in Joliet, engaged in the mercantile business. With far-seeing prudence be bought eighty acres of land lying west of the river, and platted Demmond's addition. His business enter- prise soon Jed him into building, and several blocks which still stand were erected by him. He became the owner of a number of fine farms and in the later years of his life was interested in the raising of fine eattle. Ilis busy, useful and she- cessful life came to a close during the cholera epi- demie of 1854; he died July 18, of that dread disease after an illness of but twelve hours. His remains were first interred at the old homestead but were afterward removed to Oak wood Cemetery. lle was a Democrat until slavery became a party issue. when his views on that subject led him to
join the Whig party. Mr. Demmond was very charitable, but performed his deeds of kindness in a quiet way, not letting his left hand know what his right hand did.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Demmond closed out his business. which left her'in possession of ample means. Her mother came to live with her and died at her home. Her household now consists of her sister. Mrs. Eliza Foltz, a daughter of the latter, Mrs. Lafavour, and nephew, Will Lafavour. The latter, a rising young artist, has made a trip through Europe in pursuit of his studies and in search of health. They are numbered among the oldest and most influential families of the city and occupies a spacions residence on Broadway, sur- rounded by ease and luxury. Mr. and Mrs. Dem- mond were not blessed by children, but a niece. Miss Catherine Murray, was a member of their household from her youth until her marriage to C'ol. Bartleson, who was killed during the late Civil War. She afterwards, became the wife of Rush Casselberry, of Chicago. A portrait of the late Mr. Demmond is presented in connection with this sketch.
G EORGE LIVERMORE VANCE. One of the most elegant business blocks of Joliet stands as a monument to the industry and energy of Mr. Vance, who erected it in 1888, and utilizes all of it for the sale of furniture and other articles in that line. Ile is one of the leading busi- ness men of the city, occupying a good position, socially and financially. Ile is of stanch New England stock, a Vermonter by birth, first opening his eyes to the light in Caledonia County, Groton Township, March 13, 1840. llis immediate pro- genitors were Aaron and Lucinda (Tucker) Vanee, who were likewise natives of the Green Mountain State. They traced their ancestry to England.
Aaron Vance, in addition to being engaged as a boot and shoe dealer, also carried on farming. The parental household included eight children, all of whom are living and of whom the subject of this notice was the eldest born. David E. is a prac-
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ticing attorney of Winona, Minn .; William A. is the postmaster at llouston, that State; Albert N. is merchandising in Decorah, Iowa; Nicholas W. is a banker in Wolsey, S. D. : Naney A., Mrs. Dyer, is the wife of a merchant in Houston, Minn. ; Abby. Mrs. Calvin Vance, is a resident of Money Creek. that State. and Aaron E. lives in Joliet. The par- ents celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding May 3. 1888, at their home in Money Creek, Minn. The occasion was one of general rejoicing. and at which were convened a large number of relatives and friends.
Mr. Vance was reared to manhood in his native State. acquiring a good education, and upon ap- proaching manhood engaged in teaching district schools four years. Later he went to Rutland and was occupied in the boot and shoe business two years. We next find him in the United States Treasury department at Washington. D. C., where he held a clerkship from 1864 to 1870. During this time he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law. and was graduated from the Columbia in the law department, and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the District of Columbia.
Deciding now upon seeking his fortunes in the West. Mr. Vance emigrated to Minnesota and was engaged in the mercantile business at Money Creek until January 1. 1873. During that year he came to Joliet and established himself in the furniture trade, which he has prosecuted successfully and thereby accumulated a competency. Politically, he is a pronounced Republican, and while in Min- nesota served as Postmaster and Justice of the Peace.
While sojourning at the national capital Mr. Vance formed the acquaintance of Miss E. K. Fow- ler, and the mutual attachment which followed resulted in their marriage May 30, 1868. Of this union there were born two children: George A .. teller of the Will County Bank, and Grace Fow- ler. who is attending the High School at Winona. Minn. Mrs. Vance was a native of Virginia, and departed this life at her home in Joliet, November 6. 1873. Mr. Vance on the 19th of July, 1877. contracted a second marriage with Miss lennie, daughter of William and Keziah Lewis. This lady was born March 18, 1813. in England, and
spent her early years in a comparatively unevent- ful manner under the home roof, acquiring a good education in the common schools. Of her union with our subject there have been born two chil- dren. one deceased. Beulah A. the survivor. So- cially, Mr. Vance is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar, is Prelate therein and also belongs to the Royal Arcanum. For three years he was President of the Young Men's Christ- ian Association, and is now its Vice President. Ilis religious views coincide with the doctrines of the Baptist Church. He is President of the Will County Sunday-school Association, and takes an active interest in the religious training of the young. The various enterprises calculated for the good of the community receive his cordial and uniform support. He has been for some time con- nected with the Will County Bank, in which he now holds the office of Vice-President.
LBERT L. GRANGER. There is proba- bly not within the limits of Homer Town- ship a more thorough or substantial farmer than Mr. Granger, who is successfully operating two hundred and eighty acres of choice land on section 32. lle has good improvements. including a substantial brick residence, which with its appurtenances forms a very attractive and inviting home. In addition to general agriculture he makes a specialty of heavy draft horses and highly. bred roadsters, and is conducting this de- partment of his business in a manner which indi- entes his thorough knowledge of it and his pride in it. As a member of the community he is held in high esteem.
Mr. Granger was born at his present home in Homer Township, September 20. 1813. and there spent his boyhood and youth in attending the dis- triet school; later. Knox College at Galesburg. III., and the military academies at Fulton, Il., and Phil- adelphia. Pa. He was married at St. Johnsbury. Vt .. . July 17, 1873. to Miss Georgiana. daughter of Horace B. Jones, of Victory. Vt. Mrs. Granger was born in St. Johnsbury. December 10, 1848.
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IIer parents were natives of Vermont, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Granger are the foster parents of three children-Gertrude R., Lottie K. and Albert L.
Mr. Granger. politically, is an active Republi- can, and takes a deep interest in public affairs. During the late Civil War he enlisted in Feb- ruary, 1863, in Company F. Eighth Ilinois Cav- alry, and in October following was promoted to a First Lieutenancy in the Twenty-ninth United States Colored Troops, serving in that capacity until November, 1865. He went all through the Appomattox Campaign, was present at the siege of Petersburg, and also had the satisfaction of wit- nessing the surrender of Lee.
The father of our subject was Maj. Alanson Granger, a native of Cortland County, N. Y., born in the town of Preble. November 18, 1802. He was there reared to manhood and was married at Trux- ton. that county. June 8, 1826, to Miss Mary Perry. The latter was born in Truxton, Novem- ber 25, 1809, and after marriage the young people settled in Homer, N. Y., where they remained until 1833. That year he emigrated to Illinois and located a tract of land on section 32, in Homer Township, this county. and had the honor of nam. ing the township after his native place. He was joined by his wife the following year, and they continued to live on the same farm the remainder of their lives. Mr. Granger departed hence Oeto- ber 7. 1874. The mother survived her husband for nearly fifteen years, her death taking place July 7. 1889. Mr. Granger held the office of Township Supervisor several terms, and was a man thoroughly respected among his neighbors. The parental houschokl included eight children, three of whom are living, named respectively: Helen M., wife of Wesley D. Jones; Alvan P., of Denver, Colo .; and the subject of this sketch.
E DWARD P. & HENRY S. LYON. The Iledge Lawn Stock Farm is a noticeable feature in the landscape of Washington Township, and is well known to stockmen as a place where Hereford cattle are made a specialty.
The estate is located on section 31, and consists of two hundred and forty acres of well-improved land, supplied with excellent buildings, which in- elude everything necessary for the convenience and comfort of the owners, and the housing of the stock and erops which they raise. The subjects of this sketch are associated in partnership, and the two have been carrying on their affairs jointly for more than fifteen years. The farm which they operate was purchased by their father, Caleb Lyon, in 1853, and was the family home until the death of the father in August, 1881.
The Lyons come of an old New Jersey family of IInguenot stock, In Elizabethtown, Caleb Lyon was born in 1808, but was still a child when his father, Caleb Lyon, Sr., removed to Schenectady County, N. Y. The latter was a stage-coach and. carriage maker, and was a pioneer in his business. Ile lived to be more than four-score years old. He had married Martha Lyon, a distant relative, who also died in the Empire State, at the age of fifty- eight years. They belonged to the Presbyterian Church, as did all of the old stock.
The father of our subject was reared in the Em- pire State, and under the tuition of his father learned the trade of a carriage and stagecoach maker. Ile married Miss Jeanette Mansfield, and they continued to reside in the Empire State until 1850. in the fall of which they came West and lo- cated in the city of Chicago. There the father followed his trade for a time, finally putting his family on the Will County farm, but himself con- tinning his employment in Chicago for some time longer. Ile belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and he and his wife were charter members of a society in Will Township, this county, which they assisted in organizing. They were the parents of four sons and one daughter.
Leverett M., one of the members of the parental household, gave his life to his country, being killed by a rebel gunshot at the battle of Chicka- manga, September 19, 1863. He had served for some time as a member of Company II, One Hun- dredth Illinois Infantry, and held the rank of Corporal at the time of his decease. His superior officers were Capt. Goddard and Col. Bartleson. Hle was twenty-four years old when his life was
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cut short by the civil contest. The living mem- bers of the family are: William C., Edward P., Henry S. and Amelia A. William married Mar- garet Buck, and lives in Coffey County, Kan., where he is engaged in farming; llenry S. mar- ried Miss Margaret Crawford, of New York. and has one child, Robert C .; Amelia remains with her mother and her brother, Edward P.
Mrs. Caleb Lyon, who still survives and is now an active old lady eighty-one years of age, lives with her son, Edward P. She was born in Scho- harie County, N. Y., June 14, 1809, being a daughter of Leverett and Sarah (Sanford) Mans- field, who were natives of New Haven, Conn. In the city of their birth Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield grew to maturity and were married, going at once to Sehoharie County, N. Y .. where Mr. Mansfield took up the occupation of a merchant, hotel-keeper and farmer in the village of Esperance. In later life he and his family removed to Illinois, making their home in Princeville, Peoria County. There he and his wife died within a few days of each other. the one being eighty-one and the other sev- enty-nine years of age. They had been members of the Presbyterian Church from carly life.
Edward P. Lyon. of this brief sketeh, was born in the Empire State. July 18. 1842, but has spent the greater part of his life on the farm which he now operates. Ile married Miss Lottie Rose, the wedding ceremony being celebrated at Beecher, October 18, 1879. Mrs. Lyon was reared in this State, and was graduated from the institution at Normal. For some years she was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Chicago. She was deeply interested in educational and literary mat- ters and in all that was elevating and refining. A good mother and a loving wife. she was sincerely mourned by her household and many friends when she was removed by death, December 29, 1885, at the age of thirty-six years. She was the mother of three children-Mary M .. Edward R. and Lever- ett .S.
Mr. Lyon has been for some time associated with the Congregational Church, of which his wife was also a member. Ile and all his brothers vote and work for the cause of temperance. Mr. Lyon is not an office-seeker, but is ever ready to look after
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the interests of his party in local matters and is an able worker in the ranks. lle is respected as he deserves for his general intelligence, his zeal in the work to which he has devoted himself, and the uprightness of his character.
NDRUS A. INGERSOLL. This name is prominent among those of the public- spirited citizens of Homer Township. as one who has always taken an active part in the promotion of its best interests. Judging from his home surroundings he is more than or- dinarily intelligent, industrious and enterprising, having good buildings on his farm, and all the other appliances for the successful prosecution of agriculture. lle has been a School Director in his distriet for the long period of twenty-four years, and most of the time for twenty-five years past has officiated as Overseer of Highways. He takes an active part in political affairs, giving his uniform support to the Republican party.
Mr. Ingersoll is a native of this county, and was born in Plainfield Township, November 20, 1839. In the spring of 1810, his parents removed to Ilo . mer Township, where the father secured a farm on section 9, and where Andrus A. was reared to man's estate. Ilis education was obtained principally in the common school-, while his habit of reading and observation have conspired to make him a thor- oughly-informed man, with progressive ideas, and an acquaintance with most of the topics of the day under general discussion. Hle chose farming for his vocation, and with the exception of the time spent in the army, has followed this his entire life.
During the second year of the Civil War Mr. Ingersoll enlisted in the Union service, August 6, 1862. in Company G, One Hundredth Illinois In- fantry, and served until June 30, 1865, being mus- tered out on that day. Ile remained with the regiment until November 6, 1862, when he was de- tailed for detached service as an artificer. being thus occupied until October 8, 1861. He was then transferred by General Order No. 108. of the War Department, to the First United States Veteran
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Volunteer Engineer Corps, with which he served until receiving his honorable discharge. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tenu., with the rank of First Sergeant. Upon one occasion while gathering timber in the swamps to be used at Ft. Negley. he was disabled by a shot from the enemy from which. however, he soon recovered.
I'pon leaving the army Mr. Ingersoll returned to Homer Township and resumed farming. He has one hundred and sixty-three acres of good land. upon which he has erected substantial buildings, and gathered around himself and his family all the comforts of life. He was married March 28. 1866. in Orland. Cook County. this State, to Mi-s Fanny M .. daughter of Ichabod and Ann E. (Reynolds) Myrick. Mr. Myrick was a farmer by occupation and died at Morgan Park. IN., August 17, 1872. The mother is still living, making her home at Morgan Park.
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