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 34
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The subject of this biographical notice was born in Lexington, Ohio, JJanuary 14. 184t. Ile is the eighth in a family of five sons and four daughters, born to Daniel 11. and Phila (Beaverstock ) Dyer. natives of Vermont, and is the only survivor ex- cept his sister, Mrs. Phila M. Watson, of lowa City, lowa. Until thirteen years of age he was with his parents in his native village, after which he accom- panied them to Callaway County, Mo., where his father followed farming. The lad was educated in the common schools and, his father having lost his Missouri property, in his youth began working by the month in lowa. He continued his labors on a farm there until the winter of 1860, when he taught school near Plainfield, III. In 1862, he entered the Commissary Department of the army at Pilot Knob, Mo., under his uncle, Col. George Dyer.
Six months later young Dyer went to Farming- ton, Mo., and raised a company of Union refugees, whom he accompanied to St. Louis, joining Frank P. Blair's brigade as a Second Lieutenant. They were sent to join Sherman, and took part in the en- gagement at Chickasaw Bayou, where the Union forces were sadly defeated. They then went to Arkansas Post, where the tide turned and they captured all the artillery. After wintering at Mil- liken's Bend, where a portion of their time was spent in digging the canal in the vain endeavor to make the Mississippi run up hill, they were sent to
Vicksburg and bore an active part in the siege of that city. There Mr. Dyer acted as Captain. Prior to this he had been made an aide on Gen. Carr's staff, with the rank of Lieutenant, but had deelined the appointment because the boys had insisted that as he had started out with them he should remain in their company. The next prominent point at which the young soldier was found was Jackson, Miss., after the capture of which he took part in other conflicts, among them being the noted engage- ment at Lookout Mountain, where many of our brave boys fought above the clouds. Following this came the battles at Ringgold, Dallas, Peach Tree Creek and Big Shanty. Breaking down in health while en route to Atlanta, Captain Dyer was discharged September 4, 1864. on a surgeon's cer- tificate of disability.
The succeeding two years were spent by Mr. Dyer in recovering his health, and he then engaged in the hardware business in Chicago, continning it a year. He then went to lowa, where in the town of Atalissa, September 12, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda M., daughter of Thomas Lewis. The same year he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he received the appointment of Deputy City Collector, the place being secured for him by Gov. Fletcher, and held a little over a year. On account of his wife's health they re- turned to Jowa, where he was engaged in the mer- cantile business until 1875, at which time he removed to Joliet. Ilis wife was removed by death June 29, 1870, leaving one child, George L., who is now with his father. Since coming to Joliet Mr. Dyer has followed the dry-goods business.
On May 6. 1873, Mr. Dyer contracted a second matrimonial alliance, taking for his companion Miss Juliette Hardy, with whom he lived happily until December 27, 1876, when she breathed her last. She was a daughter of Otis Hardy, of Joliet. The union was blessed by the birth of one child, Florence J. On April 10, 1878, Mr. Dyer was again married, his bride being Miss Amelia A. Hardy, who has borne him two children, now liv- ing-Emma Phila and Marion A.
The first Presidential ballot of Mr. Dyer was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and his allegiance has has always been given to the Republican party. In
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Rov. Pl. Dunne
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the infancy of that politieal organization his father and brothers desired to vote for Gen. Fremont, but dare not do so in the section of Missouri in which they lived. Mr. Dyer belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
ATRICK W. DUNNE. Pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Joliet, although comparatively young holds a high position in the ranks of the Catholic priesthood as one who is do- ing much to advance the interests of the church in various ways. To him are due the great improve- ments around the edifice in which his charge meets. Personally he is a genial, whole-souled man, very companionable. and not only dearly loved by his people but highly respected by the community in general for his good qualities of mind and heart. His intellect has been thoroughly cultured and his mind is stored with learning. In charitable work he is over ready to lend a helping hand and the members of his own charge are treated with the greatest consideration regarding their physical needs, as well as the wants of their souls.
Father Dunne is of mixed ancestry, his father, Edward Dunne, having been a native of Ireland, and bis mother, Mary Finn, of Prince Edward Is land. Edward Dunne came to Prince Edward Is- land in 1819. and 1851 went to Watertown, Wis .. where he built the first church and first bridge in that place, the latter being over the Rock River. He had been reared to carpentering, his six broth- ers following the same trade or combining it with ship-carpentering. The seven Dunne brothers came to America, and two-William and Patrick- are now living in Chicago. The youngest brother, Dennis, was a man of wide reputation and high character, who became Vicar General of the Chi- cago Diocese. He departed his life in 1868. The father of our subject died in Joliet, July 2, 1888. Ilis last work was remodeling St. Patrick's Church, for which he had drawn all the plans and specifica- tions and which he personally superintended. Ilis widow is still living, making her home in Chicago,
where a number of her children reside. To Edward and Mary Dunne nine daughters and six sons were born, ten of the number being yet ahve. These all live in Chicago except Patrick and his sister Catherine who is with him in Joliet.
The subject of this sketch was born in Water- town, Wis., March 1, 1852. His education was begun in the College of the Christian Brothers in Chicago. In the spring of 1868, he entered St. Charles College, at Ellicott City, Md., from which institution he was graduated in 1874. Owing to sickness his studies were abandoned for a year, af- ter which he renewed them in St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore. In that institution he remained four and a half years, completing the line of studies which fitted him to enter the priesthood. On De- cember 22. 1879, he was ordained and sent to St. Patrick's Church. Chicago, where he arrived two days later, celebrating his first mass at midnight of that same day. Father Donne became the Assis- tant Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Joliet, Feb- ruary 13, 1880, retaining that position until January 29, 1886, when he was appointed to that which he now fills. Here he became the successor of Father Walter Power, who died January 27, and whose pastorate had extended through seven- teen years.
In 1889. the Golden Jubilee of St. Patrick's Church was celebrated, the event being the grand- est that Joliet had ever seen in connection with Catholic church work. The occasion was one that will long be remembered, not only by those who adhere to the Catholic faith but by all who wit- nessed it. The Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by Bishop Burke, of Cheyenne, and Arch-bishop Riordan, of San Francisco, the latter a cousin of Father Dunne, delivered the sermon.
A lithographie portrait of Father Dunne appears in connection with his biographical sketch.
REDERICK HASEMAN. Among the young farmers of the county a high place is meri- ted by the gentleman above named, who successfully operates a tract of land in Washington
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Township. This estate comprises two hundred acres of excellent land under careful and intelli- gent tillage, and has been the home of our subject from his infancy. For six years he has been the owner of the farm that was purchased by his father in a raw state, and by him and his sons brought to a fine condition of improvement and cultivation. The work begun by the parent is ably continued by the son, who is intelligent, industrious and thrifty. lic was born near Eagle Lake, in this township, August 12, 1862, and is the youngest child of his parents and the only one born in Amer- ica. He was but a year old when he came to his present home, where he grew to manhood, was educated and began his own career.
The father of our subjeet is John Ilaseman, who was born in Shambourg, Leipsic, Germany, JJanu- ary 25, 1811. He married the daughter of a neigh- boring family-Miss Mary Pauls-who like him- self had been reared under the care of excellent parents. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Haseman lived on a farm in the Fatherland until after the birth of seven children. They then set sail for America, leaving Bremerhaven, May 1. 1860, and landing in New York City twenty-three days later. The family came to Chicago, Il., and thence to Eagle Lake, this county, where they rented a farm, upon which they lived for three years, and where our subject first saw the light of day.
In 1863 the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 8, Washington Township, the next year adding an eighty-acre tract adjoin. ing. Upon this he put up good buildings, reclaim- ing the land from its primitive state and making a comfortable home in which to spend his declining years. lle is still living, making his home with our subject, and is smart and active for one of his years. Ile lost his companion in March, 1881, she being then sixty years old. She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, and conscien- tiously endeavored to fulfil the duties which de- volved upon her as wife, mother and member of society. Her husband belongs to the same church, and he too has endeavored to act well his part in life.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Hase .
man we note the following: Anna married Henry Walker, and died at the birth of her first child; Henry married Sophia Meyer, and died leaving four children ; Carolina became the wife of Will- iam Meyer, and died leaving four children ; John, Jr., who is now living on a farm in Will Township, this county, married Louisa Winsenburg; Engel is the wife of Charles Lange, a farmer in Washington Township; Mary is the wife of William Voltner, and they occupy a farm in Lake County, Ind .; Sophia married George Apking, who is a farmer in Crete Township this county ; Fred is the young- est son and child.
The latter married Mary Thurner, who was born in Eagle Lake Village, December 18, 1862. She received a good education, and acquired an excel- lent knowledge of the domestic arts and the kindly offices in which womanhood excels. She is the mother of four children, namely : Lena, Alvina, Albert and Authy. She and her husband belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Haseman, of this notice, is a sound Republican, as are his father and brothers.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were John O. and Engel ( Nieders) Haseman, who spent their entire lives in Germany. They were consis- tent members of the Lutheran Church. The hus- band was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that occupation from his youth until his death, which oceurred when he was about sixty-three years of age.
OIIN FAHRNER, M.D., a rising young physician and surgeon of Joliet, obtained his medienl education in Chicago, Ill., in the Bennett Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882. Immediately afterward he entered upon the practice of his profession in Joliet, where he is rapidly building up an extensive business. He obtained likewise an excellent liter- ary and classical education, with the Benedictines of Chicago. He is a member of the Illinois Eelec. tic Medical Society. Close application to his studies while he had the opportunity, made him thoroughly acquainted with the duties of his chosen .
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calling, while he keeps himself posted upon the methods which are constantly being brought to the attention of the profession.
Dr. Fahrner was born on the other side of the Atlantic, in the town of Marienbad, Austria, Feb- ruary 11, 1854, and is the son of Dr. Valentine and Mary Ann (Tauber) Fahrner, who were of German birth and ancestry. Valentine Fahrner, also a practicing physician of good repute, followed his profession in his native land several years, then came to America, in 1851, locating first in Chicago. lle followed his profession there until 1868, then returned to his native land. Finally he came back to America and located at Mokena, Ill .. where he sojourned two years. In 1871 he took up his resi- dence in Joliet, and followed his practice in this city until his death, July 7, 1879. The wife and mother had preceded her husband to the silent land, her death occurring May 28, 1873. They were the parents of three children only-our sub- ject and his sister, Mrs. Lehner. of this county ; Anna died aged twelve years.
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Dr. Fahrner was married December 28, 1875, in Joliet. to Miss Magdalena Kachelhoffer. Mrs. Fahrner was born in Joliet, and by her union with our subject there have been born seven children, viz .: John, Pins. Angela. Walter, Alphonse, Char- lotte and Frederick. Their home is at No. 609 North Nicholson Street. Dr. Fahrner has his office at No. 200 North Center Street.
Politically, the Doctor is a sterling Democrat. and he and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church.
UDGE SOLOMON SIMMONS, No citizen of Plainfield has read more extensively, thought more deeply, or is better posted than the gentleman above named. His judg- ment is keen, and after onee arriving at a conclu- sion he is very positive, and only serious thought and study of pros and cons will change his ideas. Frank and open-hearted, all know the meaning of his words and actions and respect him accordingly. lle is liberal in his religious belief, has never even
touched tobacco with his fingers and has always been an ardent advocate of temperance and a be- liever in prohibition, although not a third party man.
Judge Simmons was born in Claverick, Colum- bia County, N. Y., March 18, 1812, and is a son of Solomon and Rebecer ( Murray) Simmons. The father was born in Germany, January 31. 1762, and was one of nine sons and daughters born to William Simmons and his wife. The grandparents of our subject came to America about the time of the Revolutionary War, and the grandfather died in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, N. Y., at the great age of one hundred and five years. He owned a tract of land there on which he had been engaged in farming and to the same pursuit his son Solo- mon was reared.
The father of our subject was in his teens when he came to America with his parents, and in the Empire State when forty years of age he was mar- ried. llis first purchase of real estate was a farm of one hundred and twenty acres at Rhinebeck and upon this estate he settled after his marriage. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres in Colum- bia County but lost it by a defective title. He continued to reside in Dutchess County until 1826, when he removed to Penfield, Monroe County, making that his place of abode until he was re- moved from the toils and cares of earth in Sep- tember, 1831.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Simmons comprised tive children, viz: Daniel and Jacob (twins). Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Solomon, the sub- jeet of this sketch. The mother married the second time and spent the latter years of her life in Pen- field, breathing her last there in January, 1833. ller father, John Murray, served in the Revolu- tionary War and died in the service ; he is believed to have been born in Ireland.
The gentleman of whom we write was fourteen years old when his father removed to Monroe County. N. Y., and there he began working on a farm at 85 per month. When sixteen years old he became a driver on the Erie Canal, following the tow path six months. For five years he con- tinued in the employ of the canal company. soon being placed in charge of a boat. In 1833 he went
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to Ohio and bought a tract of timber land in Geauga County, near Bainbridge. There be built a log house ; he began cutting down the trees, grub- bing out the stumps and otherwise preparing the soil for cultivation. During the year he cleared quite a tract, after which he sold the place and bought another which already had quite a large clearing upon it.
In 1836 Mr. Simmons began boating on the Ohio C'anal, but after following that occupation two seasons again turned his attention to the improve- ment of a farm. In 1839 he explored the north- ern part of Illinois. purchased eighty aeres in Kane County and a claim to eighty more of Gov- ernment land. It was his intention to remove hither that fall, but money due him coukl not be collected. and other misfortunes happening, he sold the land and remained in Ohio until 1815. Then, with his wife and children, he started westward, making an overland journey to Ilinois, arriving at Plainfield September 19. Hle purchased a tract of wild land in DuPage Township and two years later eighty acres of improved land near Wheatland. To this estate he added until it amounted to two hundred and forty acres. This he operated until 1863, when he sold it, purchasing another farm which consisted of one hundred and ninety -two aeres and cost $50 per acre. This valuable piece ; of property was his home until 1880, when he sold it and took up his abode in Plainfield.
It will thus be seen that the persevering efforts of Judge Simmons resulted in the accumulation of a comfortable fortune and the ease to which he is entitled is made possible by his finances. For a time he followed in the footsteps of his father and voted the Democratie ticket, but on removing to Illinois he joined the anti-slavery forces and has been a Republican since the formation of the party. Hle has filled various offices of trust, and in every position has acted wisely and well. In 1853 he was elected County Judge, in which capacity he served one term. For six years he represented Wheatland Township on the County Board of Supervisors. In 1862 Gov. Yates appointed him enrolling officer for Will County, and President Lincoln subse- quently appointed him to a similar position for the Sixth Congressional District where he superin- |
tended the draft. In looking back over a long life, Judge Simmons would no doubt see where lie has made mistakes, . s who can not, but he would have the pleasure of realizing that his aim has ever been toward that which is noble and that the ex- ample of his life is one worthy to be followed.
On January 6, 1833, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Judge Simmons and Miss Mary, danghter of Tifnay and Mary (Griswold) Nettle- ton. Mrs. Simmons was born in Penfield Township, Monroe County, N. Y., possessed many virtues and made a happy home for her husband and children until called from them to the land beyond. She breathed her last April 28, 1886, deeply regretted by a host of friends. She had borne her husband ten children, whose record is as follows: Oliver is now living in Petrolia, Canada; Andrew, in Plain- field Township. this county; Henry E. was born January 20, 1850, and died in Kansas City in 1883, Solomon W. is living in Joliet; Olive, the second chill, died in 1810 when but two years okl; Mahala died in 1858; Mary married George Pickel (see sketch); Rosetta is the wife of C. 11. Carson, M. D., of Kansas City; Louisa, wife of C. W. Cropsey, Kansas City; Laura was the wife of Willis Brainard, of Fairbury, Neb. She is deceased.
AMUEL FEWTRELL. Many of the mas- ter mechanics who give tone and solidity to the manufacturing industries of our country were born, reared, and educated in their special pursuits, in busy England. Among the number of such, Samuel Fewtrell, Superintend- ent of the rail department of the Illinois Steel Works is a notable example. Beginning at the early age of nine years in a rolling mill in his na- tive land, and continuing for forty years, step by step advancing in his chosen vocation, he has passed through varied experiences. His busy life is well worth recording and should inspire others to more persistent effort. To have a pur- pose in life and to work for its attainment is half the battle.
Samuel Fewtrell was born April 20, 1837, and
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is a son of Joseph Fewtrell, a miner who was en- gaged at different times in iron, stone and coal mines. On the 15th of November, in the year of 1858, in a large chapel in Wolverhampton, Eng- land, he was united in marriage with Ann Biddle, who has shared his joys and reverses, his home and its cheer. To them have been born eight children, six of whom are living. The oldest, who was christened Tom, is engaged in the steel works with his father. Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Hewlett, Mrs. El- len 1. McCormick, Jessie Edith, Ada Florence and William Henry, are the other surviving members of the family circle.
In the year 1871, attracted as thousands of others have been. by the wonderful stories of America's resources, possibilities and rich promises to the in- dustrions. Mr. Fewtrell came hither, locating first at Elmira. N. Y. Vividly does he remember his landing in New York among strangers, with but twenty-five cents in his pocket and seeking a new home with strange associations. He expended the small sum which he possessed for stamps and paper to acquaint those left behind with the fact of his safe arrival, and making his way to Elmira, he at once began the course of perseverance that has ever marked his life. A few months thereafter we find him in Lockport, N. Y., and March, 1873, in .Joliet, 111.
When he arrived in this city Mr. Fewtrell had $7 in his pocket and a freight bill of $17 confront- ing him. lle resolutely went to work as helping heater in the old iron mill. When the mill shut. down in 1874. he went to California, where he re- mained about a year, and thence to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked a few months in the Tudor mills. Ile next returned to Joliet, but in 1877 went to Colorado, where he assisted in starting a mill at Pueblo, known as Fox's mill. He spent a few months in the mining district, where he was in- trodured to many new phases of life and learned a different vocabulary from that to which he had been accustomed. Paradoxical as is the thought, he can now refer with pleasure to many unpleasant experiences through which he passed.
While in England Mr. Fewtrell was never far- ther than forty miles from his home. but once breathing the free air of America. he imbibed its
spirit of restlessness to the full and in his travels we can trace him south as far New Orleans, north to North Dakota. and west to the Pacific, and once on a visit back to sunny England. His wife partaking the same spirit has three times crossed the briny deep, each time taking with her four children. Al- though in his native land Mr. Fewtrell had received wages of $1 per day and in New York he received but $2.25. yet he preferred the new home and has never regretted becoming an American citizen.
Mr. Fewtrell is a Republican in politics and so- cially a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is an carnest, energetic citizen, whose life affords a bright example of what may be won by persistent, patient effort.
n ICHOLAS YONKER. One of the finest farms in Florence Township is that owned and occupied by the gentleman above named who has high standing as a man of per- sonal worth and abundant means. The estate is thoroughly improved, the buildings being unex- velled in the township,and the two hundred and forty acres of land made productive by the best means known to modern husbandmen. It affords pleas- ure to note these facts as the result of persistent zealand unflagging industry on the part of Mr. Yon- ker, who was a poor boy. getting his start in life by working on a farm by the month. When he landed in this State in 1851, he had but $9; now he is numbered among the wealthy agriculturists of the county.
The stock from which Mr. Yonker traces his de- scent was German and the family had resided in Switzerland for generations. In that famed coun- try he was born February 2, 1833, his parents be- ing Nicholas and Mary ( Marte) Yonker, who spent their entire lives in that, their native land. They were the parents of six children named respect- ively: Nicholas, Benedict, Elizabeth, Mary. Anna Mary and Anna.
The subject of this notice was reared in his na- tive land, which he left on becoming of age, to try his fortune in the United States. Coming to Illi-
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nois he spent two and a half years in Mokena, this county, after which he returned to the land of his birth. Ten months later he came again to America and spent the following year in Wilmington, this county. Ilis next place of residence was Milton Township, where he labored five years, going thence to Peotone Township for a sojourn of two years. In 1866 he made settlement on section 14, Florence Township, where he still lives surrounded by the comforts to which his industry entitles him.
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