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 32
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Mr. Theiler in former years served two terms as Alderman, and is highly spoken of in the Fifth Ward. He and his family belong to St. John's C'atholie Church. His honesty and square dealing in all transactions with his fellow-men, his kindli- ness in domestic life, and his social characteristics, gain for him the respect of his acquaintances and an excellent reputation in business circles.
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stanch New England aneestry, a native Vermonter, and was born in Benson, that State, August 3, 1822.
John and Emma ( Perry ) Barber, the immediate progenitors of the subject of this notice, were na- tives of Connecticut, and descended from Puritan stock, their ancestors being among the early Col- onists. The mother was a cousin of Commodore Perry, who distinguished himself in the battle of Lake Erie. John Barber was a life-long farmer, and the parental household included seven children, who reached mature years, and three who died in infancy or early childhood.
Royal, our subject, was the second born. In 1831, when he was a lad of nine years, a party of John Barber's neighbors came to the West on a prospecting tour, and sent back such glowing ac- counts of this section of country that Mr. Barber was led to join them the following year. In the autumn of that year the party chartered a canal boat at Whitehall. N. Y., and a week later reached Buffalo, where they took passage on the steamer ".Henry Clay" for Detroit. There they boarded the schooner "Austerlitz," which in one week reached Chicago or near there, anchoring, however, outside of the bar about three miles from shore. The party and the schooner's cargo were thence all transported to the shore in the yawl boats. The steamer which conveyed Gen. Scott's troops to Chicago, in 1832, is said to have been the first craft of its kind which had struck that port.
Landing near Ft. Dearborn the party encount- ered various thrilling ineidents. When attempting to cross the sand bar the yawl grounded, and the sailors jumping out got it off quickly and then jumped in again in readiness for the next wave. The " Austerlitz" was bound for St. Joseph. La- ter the yawl boat was stranded upon the bar at the mouth of that stream, overturned and the Captain and most of his crew were drowned.
R OYAL E. BARBER. Among the veteran lawyers of loliet Mr. Barber stands a promi- nent figure, and has made for himself a fine record during an uninterrupted practice of nearly forty-five years. He possesses in a marked degree the talents and application requisite to suc . At the time John Barber landed in Chicago, the only buildings were a few log houses and Ft. Dearborn was enclosed with a log stockade. There was one frame building which had been erected that summer by J. H. Kinzie, with lumber which he had hauled from a sawmill at Plainfield, this cess, and numbers among his clientage a large por- tion of the solid residents of this county. During his long career in the profession he has disposed of a large number of intricate cases. and there are few points in common law which he is not able to han- dle in an adroit and skillful manner. lle is of , county. The original plat of the village of Chi-
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cago, lying between what is now State and Canal Streets, Madison and Kinzie, was laid ont that sum- mer. The agent besought John Barber to buy a town lot, and took him out to what he said was Lake Street, and showed him a lot eighty feet front, and two hundred feet deep, which he offered for $50. Mr. Barber stepped on to a bog, shook himself, and the earth trembled all around him. lle therefore replied that he was "not going to sink any 850 in that mnd hole."
John Barber now hired a team of horses and a double wagon, and gathering together his family and some goods, forded the south branch of the Chicago River. and struck off across the prairie for Naperville, where some of his acquaintances had settled. lle made his selection of a farm at what later was named Barber's Corners, this county, and in February. 1833, moved his family into a log house, where the children were reared, and where he and his wife both died. Mrs Barber departed this life May 1, 1874. Mr. Barber passed away in the winter of 1877. Soon after coming to this county he contracted rheumatism, which rendered him an invalid many years. This was the result of exposure during the cold winters, when engaged in getting out rails for his fences.
The subject of this notice remained on the farm until he found that the labor of harvesting, which was then all done by hand. made him ill every year. So. deciding to abandon farm life, in 1845, he came to Joliet. and became the Deputy Clerk of several courts, discharging the duties of these in connection with the study of law. until his election in 1852, as Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex-offi- cio Recorder. At the completion of his term he compiled the first set of abstracts of records, and then entered upon the regular practice of law, which he has since pursued. With the assistance of clerks he managed the abstract department until selling out to his son, January 1. 1889. In 1876- 77 he was Mayor of Joliet, and as School Inspector he performed much labor in behalf of education. holding this office nine years. In 1887-88 he erected the Barber Building, one of the most ele- gant structures in the city of Joliet.
Mr. Barber was first married. April 24, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Ellen Crowley. This lady died of
cholera in 1850. Mr. Barber contracted a second marriage. November 7, 1854, with Miss Frances Cornelia House. Of this union there were born five children, one of whom died at the age of three years. There are now living two sons and two daughters. The eldest daughter, Miss Alice Still- man Barber, is engaged in a mission seminary at Beirut, Syria. whither she went in the fall of 1885. Before she had acquired command of the Arabie tongue she was left in charge of the institution for two years. Edward M., the eldest son, is now in the State of New York; William C. is engaged in the abstract business in Joliet; the younger daughter, Emma F., is the only child remaining under the pa- rental roof.
ACOB J. HARTONG is carrying on agri- culture very advantageously in Plainfield Township, where he owns a farm, which for fertility and productiveness is classed among the best in this locality. Ilis skill and experience in practical farming have proved of inestimable value to him since coming to this county, and he has done exceptionally well since purchasing his pres- ent farm, and is one of our substantial moneyed men.
Our subject was born in Green Township, Stark County, Ohio, August 25, 1830, his father being an early pioneer of that section of the country. Jacob Hartong was a native of Pennsylvania, his father, grandfather of our subject, also having been born in that State, of German parentage. Ile was a farmer and spent his entire life there. The father of our subject was left an orphan when quite young, and was reared by his elder brother, Philip. He was bred to farming pursuits, and also learned the trade of a weaver. He was married in the Keystone State to Elizabeth Drich, a native of that State. After the birth of five of their children they removed to the wilds of Ohio to build up a new home in that part of Stark County, now in- cluded in Summit County. Mr. Hartong bought a tract of land in the primeval forests of that region. and built a log cabin which afterward became the birthplace of our subject. There were but few
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settlements in that part of the State, Indians still lingered around their old haunts, and the wolf and the deer, besides other kinds of wild game, often ran by the door of their pioneer home. They lived in the most primitive manner, the mother cooking their food before the fire in the rude fireplace, and making the cloth for their clothes, spinning the flax and wool with her own hands. In the years that followed hard labor was Mr. Hartong's lot, but he thereby improved a desirable farm, which he made his home until he elosed his eyes in death. llis wife too passed away to the life beyond from the old homestead. They reared a large family of children, seven sons and five daugh- ters, to good and useful lives.
The subject of whom we write was the eighth child in order of birth, and was reared and edu- cated in his native town. He resided with his par- ents until his twenty-first year, and then married and established a home of his own, and for four years managed his father's property. During that time he bought a farm in Jackson Township, Stark County, and operated it for two years, when he sold it and then lived on his father's farm until 1861. lle then left Ohio, to take up his abode in this State, as he was much impressed with the many advantages offered to young men of enterprise and ability, to pursue farming with financial success in the rich farming country of Will County. After coming here he bought a farm on section 15, Plainfield Township, where he resided until 1868. Selling that place, his next purchase was in Man- hattan Township, where he dwelt the succeeding thirteen years. Disposing of that place at a good profit, he bought the farm he now owns and occu- pies, which comprises one hundred and forty-four acres of land under excellent tillage, and supplied with a substantial set of buildings and all needed improvements. In 1890 he bought a desirable residence in the village, to which he intends to remove in the spring of 1891.
In 1850, Jacob Hartong and Mary Beard were united in matrimony. She was a native of Summit County, Ohio, and a daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth Beard, natives of Virginia, and early settlers of Summit County. After a pleasant wedded life of ten years, death deprived him of her compan-
ionship, and their four children-Mary E., Martha A. and two since deceased-of a good mother. Mr. HIartong was married to his present estimable wife in 1861, and by their marriage they have four children now living-William H., Elias G., Charles V. and Martin F. Mrs. Hartong's maiden name was Magdalina Gardner, and she was born in Wit- tenburg, Germany, daughter of Martin and Hen- rietta Dewey Gardner, also natives of Germany. Mrs. Hartong came to America with her parents when she was five years old. They located in Cleveland, and later came to Illinois, in April, 1862, and settled in Lockport Township, where Mr. Gardner bought a farm. They resided there some years, and then removed to Joliet, where the father died, the mother dying in Lockport Town- ship.
Mr. Hartong's life has been guided by principles of honor and integrity. and he is a man of un- spotted character. lle is well dowered with firm- ness and stability, which attributes, together with forethought and persistent labor, have been in- strumental in bringing about his present prosper- ous circumstances. Hle and his wife are members of the Evangelical Assocation. They are not of those who "hide their light under a bushel," and in the selfish striving for gain forget their duty to others. but they are ever kind and thoughtful in their relations with all about them, and no one is rendier to extend sympathy or help to those in distress than they. Mr. Ilartong interests himself in the political situation of the day, and sides with the Republican party.
N ILLIAM A. STRONG. One would not live in Joliet long, without becoming ae- quainted with the part that has been played by Mr. Strong in the progress of this thriving municipality. As an able member of a prominent business firm, as the improver of city real estate, as a member of corporations and as a public official be has deserved and won the esteem of his fellow-men for his uprightness, ability and success. No greater proof could be given of the confidence reposed in
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him than is shown in the number of estates that have been left in his hands for settlement. Among these were the Bissell, the Moore, the Curry and the Steel, while others are still held in trust by him.
The parents of our subject were .I. C. Strong, a native of Northampton, Mass., and A. C. Wood- worth, a native of New York State. In the latter State he was born in 1828. his birthplace being the town of Waterloo. He attended the public schools, obtaining a good education, and learned in his uncle, W. A. Strong's store, the habits and methods of successful business men. In the hardware trade, to which he had grown up, he was engaged in his native place from 1815 to 1850, when his uncle sold out and came to Illinois. He became a part- ner with his uncle, W. A. Strong, in Joliet, the firm name being W. A. Strong & Co. until 1855. when a new co-partnership was formed with Messrs. Brooks and Barrett, and the style became Strong & Co. The business was continued under different firm names, but always as a prosperous institution until 1865.
Mr. Strong, of this notice. then retired to become President of the Joliet Gas Company, in which position he still continues, and through his good judgment the success of the corporation was as- sured.
Mr. Strong had faith in the growth of the city to which he had come, and purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which he laid out as a subdivision. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the city, and a residence in Glenwood is con- sidered very desirable. The executive and busi- ness qualities of Mr. Strong were called into requi- sition by his fellow-citizens, who elected him to the Mayoralty and to the City Council. in both of which positions he made a good record. He is now a Director in the National Bank, and he was for a few years engaged in the quarry business.
In 1855, at the bride's home in Rochester, N. Y., Mr. Strong was united in marriage with Miss Char- lotte A., daughter of Judge Buell, one of the build- ers of the Erie Canal. Mrs. Strong is universally praised by those who knew her. She was strong in her convictions and steadfast in her purposes, yet possessed rare modesty and sweetness of dispo-
sition, was charitable without display, and withal, a devoted Christian. This peerless woman died in Thomasville, Ga., March 20. 1889. She had borne her husband four children.
One daughter, Mrs. Budlong, died in January, 1885, leaving a child, Alice, whose home is with Grandpa Strong. Two sons are in business and one daughter at home. The Episcopal Church contains a splendid memorial to the deceased daugh- ter. To that church Mr. Strong belongs, and of it his wife was a member. In a handsome and spa- cious dwelling overlooking the city, he of whom we write is spending his time in deserved ease, atlu- ence and honor,
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OUIN M. SWAGGART. A large portion of the business interests of Joliet is in the hands of its young and enterprising men, among whom Mr. Swiggart occupies a posi- tion in the front rank. Ile commenced compara- tively without means. dependent upon his own resources, and about 1884 embarked in the grocery trade, locating at the northeastern corner of Easton Avenue and Cass Street. He has been in business at this point about six years and occupies a fine large double store in the I'nion Block, with two street fronts, and in which he has a fine and well- selected stock of staple and fancy goods. He owns a one-third interest in this block. He gives his close attention to his business and has a fair out- look for the future.
A native of Scottsville, Mo., our subject was born January 22, 1850, and is the son of John J. and Mary (Fulk) Swiggart, who were natives of fowa and are now deceased. He spent his boyhood and youth in Hamburg, Iowa, acquiring a practical education in the common schools. He came to Joliet in 1875, and for eight years thereafter was in the employ of the Joliet Steel Company. In the meantime he was recognized as a valued addition to the community, and after filling various other positions of trust and responsibility was, in 1884, elected Town and City Collector on the Repub- liean ticket.
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At the close of his term of office Mr. Swiggart established himself in the grocery trade on the southwest corner of Cass Street and Easton Ave- que, and by a course of fair dealing and courteous treatment of his customers, his business increased to such an extent that he was obliged to move into more commodious quarters. Then, in partnership with George Monroe and William MeDermont, he purchased the ground occupied by the Union Block, upon which they built, and of which they still re- tain ownership. Ile now has the largest grocery in the city, building it up from first principles by his own exertions. He is a favorite both in social and business eireles, a member of the Masonic fra . ternity, having attained to the Chapter degree, be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. In the latter he occu- pies the position of Treasurer.
Mr. Swiggart was for a time Vice President of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers of the Fourth District, and President of the Trade and Labor Council, but thought best to resign these positions upon going into business. Mr. Swiggart. on the 23d of September, 1875, was wedded to Miss Isaphine Crouch, who at that time was a resident of Thurman, lowa. Mrs. Swig- gart was born January 21, 1851, and is the daugh- ter of Hiram Crouch and wife, who are now deceased. The young couple immediately after their wedding came to Joliet, of which they have since been residents.
John JI. Swiggart, the father of our subject, was born in Ohio, where he was reared to man's estate and married. Thence he removed to Missouri, and from there to Towa, locating in Hamburg, where he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their days.
G EORGE NAPOLEON POMEROY. A stroll through the prominent streets of Joliet reveals the fact that it contains many busi- ness houses of fine appearance, well stocked with the best goods and evidently the centers of a flour. ishing trade. Such is the furniture store of the
firm of Rocky & Pomeroy, which was established in 1887, and which is now doing a business of $9,000 per year. The career of the junior mem- ber of the firm has been marked with a determina- tion and persistence that could scarcely fail to win success. While working for others he was faithful to the interests of his employers, and in serving others he learned how to be a master. Ilis busi- ness is conducted according to honorable princi- ples of square dealing, which, combined with the courteous treatment received by the patrons of the establishment, redounds to his credit throughout the community, and brings custom.
The natal day of our subject was November 5, 1855, and his birthplace Bay City, Mich. ITis parents were William and Charlotte (Sherman) Pomeroy, and the father was a millwright by trade. He was originally from the Green Mountain State. In the family were seven children, all still living but William, who was drowned in the Saginaw River. The others are: Mrs. Dr. Nash: C. II., of Bay City, Mich; Mrs. John Jenkins, of Detroit; David and Daniel, (twins), the one living in De- troit and the other farming in Shiawassee County. Mich .; and the subject of this sketch.
The gentleman of whom we write passed his boyhood upon a farm near Howell. Mich., his father being at that time the keeper of a tavern at what was known as the Three Corners. Pomeroy's Hotel became a popular and well-known place of rendezvous for those engaged in the lumber trade. The family removed from the farm to Ann Arbor, where our subject attended school four or five years. When the father died, February 22, 1874, the family became scattered and George went to Lansing, doing whatever offered in the way of work. Subsequently, after spending a short time in Grand Rapids, he worked on a farm for a time, then realizing the highest ambition of his boyhood by entering a shop as a clerk.
After eleven months of this work Mr. Pomeroy became foreman of a bakery and confectionery shop in Bay City, which he left to take a position in a cracker factory that had been purchased by his brother (. Il., and C. C. Whitney. With them he remained three years. attending to the shipping, buying, and similar details of the business. In
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1884 he was called to Joliet by a telegram announe- in the University of St. Mary of the Lake. When ing the expected death of his mother. llis first , fourteen years of age he was sent to Rome, Italy, where he entered the Propaganda College, remain-
labor in this eity was in a conservatory, his em- ployer being A. R. Sparr. Hle next entered the | ing there ten years, graduating with high honors employ of George Monroe & Son, first working on a building they were ereeting, and then becoming assistant shipping clerk for the firm. He next learned the upholstering trade of E. F. Etmyre. for whom he worked nearly a year, leaving him to establish a business of his own in Kankakee. There he remained but eighteen months ere returning to Joliet to continue the upholstering business here.
In Miss Jennie Rocky, Mr. Pomeroy found united the qualities of mind and heart, the pleasing manners, and useful accomplishments which won his deep regard and aroused in his breast the desire to make her his wife. His wooing proved success- ful, and on September 26. 1885, the young couple were united in marriage. Mr. Pomeroy is a mem- ber of the society know as the Modern Woodmen of America. Ile is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, having full fellowship in that religious organization.
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R EV. JAMES J. MCGOVERN. D. D. The record of the life of this gentleman, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, affords a striking illustration of the results of force and decision of purpose in a man, as well as of the power which an energetic and honorable character exercises upon the lives of others. From boyhood he has unceasingly applied himself to the gaining of knowledge and, as a consequence, is highly eul- tured and wiekls a large influence both from the pulpit and with the pen. Although he has been a resident of Lockport only about ten years. he is nevertheless inseparably associated with the most important religious enterprises of Will County m the ranks of the Catholic Church.
Chicago was the native place of Father McGovern and there he was born March 25, 1839. He spent his boyhood in his native city, being among the first pupils attending the Dearborn publie school, on Madison Street, and afterward studying classics
and earning the title of Doctor of Divinity. On his return to Chicago he was appointed Vice-Presi- dent of the University of St. Mary of the Lake, and Rector of the Theological Seminary connected with that institution. When the university ceased to exist he went to Fulton, Ill., where he began the career of upbuilding for which he has since become noted. His efforts secured the erection of a beauti- ful church and residence, but the energetic priest did not long enjoy the fruits of his labor in that city.
The next location of Father McGovern was Bloomington, Ill., where the large church building which had been in course of construction was de- molished by a cyclone April 24. 1868. He took holl of affairs with the characteristic energy which had led to his being sent to this field of labor, and not only rebuilt the church edifice, but also erected a residence and started a boys' parochial school which has since become an educational power in that city. When the new See of Peoria was formed he returned to his native diocese and took charge of the church in Rock Island. IL .. filling the place of the Rev. Joseph P. Roles, who went on a tup to the Iloly Land. While occupying the tempor- ary vacancy he was instrumental in the erection of churches at Edgington and Pre-emption, Mercer County.
In 1875, Father MeGovern was sent to Lake Forest, Lake County, where he built a church and parsonage and reorganized the parish, so that on his departure to another field of labor he had one of the most flourishing churches in the diocese. Lockport became his home in 1880, and here he has again founded a school which is rapidly gaining in numerical strength and reputation. Ile has the second largest church in Will County, a fine parish residence that he bought for the church, a devoted people, and his influence is unbounded.
Rev. Dr. McGovern is a man of deep theological knowledge, classical information and literary taste, and has pleasant ways which gain good will and prepossess strangers in his favor. As an author
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he has gained wide repute, the chief work which he has written being the life of Bishop McMullen, of Davenport, lowa, which ranks high among bio- graphical writings. ile has always been a liberal contributor to the publie and Catholic press, and many to whom his voice is unfamiliar know him well through his writings.
F6 RANKLIN P. FREY. Among the younger business men of Joliet, honorable mention should be given to the above-named gen- tleman, who has been identified with the coal busi- ness for a number of years and who has been prospered in his worldly affairs by reason of his square dealing, excellent judgment, and wise man- agement. Ile does a business of from 88,000 to $10,000 a year.
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