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 39
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Settling on the land east of Joliet, Mr. Cagwin began in earnest to build the sawmill, which was soon completed and in running order. Such mills being few in this section at that date. made sawmill- ing a lucrative business to those who were engaged in it. Mr. Cagwin did well, and in a short time was able to pay for all his land and purchase sev- eral lots in Joliet. He operated the mill until about 1839, when his excellent judgment and discrimination were recognized by his election to the position of Judge of Probate, which office he held four years. During that time he lived in the city, where he built several stores and other edi- tires, and in various way displayed his public spirit. The first warehouse in Will County was erected by him during his term of office, it being the one now owned by E. Bush. Joliet was the home of Mr. Cagwin until October, 1886, when he removed to his present residence cast of the city limits on section 11. Joliet Township. The land which he occupies consists of ninety-three acres,
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valued at $500 per acre, and on it is a full line of excellent buildings adapted to various purposes, the family residence being a model of rural archi . tecture. For a long term of years Mr. Cagwin was engaged in buying and shipping grain, and he is to day extensively known as the veteran grain dealer of this section.
The marriage of the Hon. Mr. Cagwin was cele- brated at Brockport, N. Y., many years ago, his bride being Miss Hannah Seribner, a native of Poultney. Vt. She is a worthy woman, possessing more than ordinary intelligence and an excellent Christian character. She has borne her husband ten children, eight of whom are living-Merritt is a farmer in Lockport Township; Helen is the widow of the late Dr. Elvis Harwood; Sarah was first married to a Mr. Hibbard, and is now the widow of the late Dr. Barrett, of Jackson Town- ship; Thomas is a resident of Milwaukee. Wis .; IJamden lives in Joliet; Rose is the wife of Burt Briggs; Nancy is still with her parents; Abijah resides in Ft. Smith, Ark.
Mr. Cagwin's first Presidential ballot was east for Andrew Jackson, and he has ever been a stanch Democrat. He has held several important public . positions, having been the incumbent of various city offices. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar. Both he and his wife belong to the I'niversalist Church.
E HIELDT. Among the respected enterpris- ing farmers of Washington Township, the name of our subject deserves mention as . that of one who in a comparatively short time has accumulated a line property and secured a good position among the substantial men of the county. lle owns and occupies two hundred acres of fertile land on section 27, and thereon has erected a full line of excellent farm buildings, including every convenient and necessary structure. Industrious and zealous in whatever he undertakes, upright in all the relations of life, and manifesting an intelli- gent interest in the advancement of the section in which he has made his home, Mr. Heldt is highly respected by his fellow-cftizens.
The parents of our subject were Christopher and Stenia lleldt. natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, in which Province their ten children were also borns. Two sons and six daughters lived to ac- company their parents to America, to whose shores they set sail from Hamburg in May, 1856. Their passage was secured on the sailing-vessel "Ore- gon," which made a landing in New York City after a voyage of seven weeks and four days. The family soon afterward came to Chicago, and then located in Du Page County. They were very poor and at first had a hard time to get along, but they were industrious and determined, and soon their labors were rewarded by their ability to rent land, on which they made a good living. The parents were members of the Lutheran Church. and not only led upright lives, but endeavored to instill into the hearts of their children the principles of right living. The mother died in Du Page County, in September, 1864, when upwards of three-score and ten years of age. The be- reaved husband came to Will County some months later, and died at the home of his son, William, in Washington Township, in 1868. He was seventy- five years old.
The natal day of our subject was January 20, 1842. In his native land he obtained the educa- tion which Germany ensures to all her sons, and labored with other members of the family as his growing strength would permit. After the re moval to America, he settled with the others in Du Page County, Ill., remaining there until 1868. In the meantime he had passed his majority and had taken unto himself a companion in life, with whom he established his home in Will County on eighty aeres, which forms a part of his present homestead. To this he added according to his abil- ity. until the landed estate reached two hundred aeres and all was placed in a fine condition.
For nine years Mr. Heldt served as Road Com- missioner. giving general satisfaction to the travel- ing public, and particularly to the agriculturists. His political adherence is given to the Republican party. He and the members of his family belong to the Lutheran Church.
The lady with whom Mr. Heldt was united in marriage in Du Page County, bore the maiden
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name of Lucetta Stedt. She was born in Mecklen- burg, Germany, January 8. 18 13. and was fourteen years old when her parents came to this country. She remained with them in York Center Town- ship, Du Page County, until her marriage. She is a woman of intelligence and genuine worth, who looks well to the ways of her household and en- deavors to faithfully discharge every duty. ( A full history of the family of which she is a member will be found in the biography of William Stedt. ) Mr. and Mrs. Heldt have had eleven children and mourn the loss of Rosetta, Sophia, and an infant unnamed. The survivors are: William. a farmer in Washington Township, who married Emma Blevening: Amelia. wife of Henry C. Hausen, whose home is a farm in Crete Township; Charles. Emma. Fred, Ernst. Louis and Robert, who are yet at home.
BLISS SHAW, M. D. The regular school of medicine acknowledges one of its most able followers in the person of Dr. Shaw, one of the prominent physicians of doliet, who has a finely equipped office in the Barber Building, and who enjoys an extensive and Incra- tive business. Ile located in the city in 1884, and gives his entire attention to the duties of his pro- fession. From 1881 until 1888 he held the otlice of Coroner.
A native of this county Dr. Shaw was born in Joliet, December 1, 1860, and was the son of John K. Shaw. a native of New York City. The latter was reared in the great metropolis, and was mar- ried to Miss Martha, daughter of John J. Flack, one of the early settlers of this county. The wed- ding took place in Joliet, but the young couple returned East afterward, and Mr. Shaw was con- nected with the Michigan Central Railroad for a number of years. Ile died. however. when com- paratively a young man, and before the recollection of his son, J. Bliss.
his parents, and was reared by his maternal grand- father, John J. Flack, a native of Oswego County, N. Y. Grandfather Flack came to Illinois in 1840, and for many years was a resident of Joliet, where his death took place in 1876.
Dr. Shaw was a child of two years when he was brought to this county by his mother, and pursued his first studies in the eity schools. At an early age he began seriously to think of adopting the medical profession, and entered upon his studies under the preceptorship of Dr. M. B. Campbell. Ile took his first course of lectures at the Chicago Homeopathie College, subsequently attended and was graduated in the class of 1884, from the Chi- eago Medical College, the latter being connected with the Northwestern University.
Soon after locating in Joliet the Doctor was elected County Coroner, obtaining the highest number of votes of any candidate on the Repub- lean ticket at that election. This fact is sufficient indication of his standing and popularity in the county. He has thus far made for himself a fine record, and has the wishes of hosts of friends for his continued success. lle has a fine library, to which he is steadily adding, and wherein he spends his leisure time, keeping himself thoroughly posted upon the latest methods of practice, while in a literary point of view, he is more than ordinarily proficient, being the master of French, and having a good understanding of the German tongue.
After being graduated Dr. Shaw crossed the At- lantic and spent seven mouths in the city of Paris, devoting himself to the study of surgery, together with venereal diseases and diseases of the eye and var. of which he makes a specialty. Ile there ob- tained instruction from some of the finest practi- tioners at the French Capital. among them being the noted Galezowski. U'pon returning to his na- tive land he spent a year in the Michael Reese Hos. pital. Chicago. In Paris he had charge of one of the wards in the Hotel Dieu, the largest hospital in the city.
Dr. Shaw was wedded. February 5, 1885. at the bride's home in West Union, Iowa, to Miss Lida B. Hammond1. This lady was born in JJoliet, and is the daughter of King J. and Julia B. Hammond.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Shaw re- turned to her father's home in Joliet, where she still lives. She was subsequently married to Har- vey Downey. Our subjeet was the only child of , who were natives of New York, but are now resi-
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dents of West I'nion, lowa. Two bright children have been born of this union, a son and daughter -Arthur B. and Laura H. The Doctor, politi- cally, gives his support to the Republican party. 1
but meddles very little with public affairs, con- scientiously devoting his attention to the duties of his profession. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
1
HARLES FRANCIS PINNEO, one of the energetic grocers of doliet, is a native of Will County, having been born in Reed's Grove, November 18, 1851. As a farmer's boy he grew up with an anxiety for other and more con- . genial pursuits, which were realized upon his father leaving farm life and removing to Elwood, where he remained until his death in the spring of 1879. Our subject on leaving the farm went to Verona, IH., and engaged in the hotel business. where he remained until coming to Joliet in 1881, where he first accepted a subordinate position, which in 1883 was exchanged for the proprietorship of the busi- ness he yet maintains.
First class in all its appointments, the grocery of Mr. Pinneo is a model and his business is a thriving one. It is conducted according to the most honorable methods, and with a high degree of energy and tact, and the patrons of the estab- lishment are sure of courteous treatment and square dealing. Politically, Mr. Pinneo is a Republican, as was his father before him. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, endeavors to make his daily walk and conversation consistent with his Christian profession. and so wins the re- spect of those about him.
Mr. Pinneo has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss Mary A. Grant. Their marriage was celebrated Christmas Day. 1872. and they lived happily together until January 16, 1887, when death removed the wife and mother. Three chil- dren had blessed the union, only one of whom, Amy G., is now living. The present wife of Mr. Pinneo was formerly Mrs. Loretta Thornburg, an
estimable woman of intelligence and good breed- ing, who looks well to the ways of her household, while not neglecting the social duties and the so- ciety of her many friends.
The father of our subject was Charles Pinneo, a native of Nova Scotia, whose natal day was March 26, 1808. He was a man of pronounced convictions, an ardent worker in the cause of tem- perance. a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most excellent citizen. He died April 27, 1879, lamented by a host of friends. His wife, Mary E., also died at Elwood. her demise occuring March 3, 1888; she was born in Nova Scotia, August 4, 1812. To her and her husband eleven children were born, whose record is as follows: William Simmons is deceased ; George Davenport lives in Oakland, Cal .; John Baxter, in Will County ; Mrs. Julia A. Elderkin, in Montana; Mrs. Prudence Maria Shiffer, in Joliet ; Mary Sophia, Sophronia Eliza, Andrew Wilson and Charles Albert are dead; Mrs. Sophronia Olivia Childs, now a widow, lives in Joliet; Charles Fran- cis is the youngest member of the family. The paternal grandparents of our subject were John D. and Elizabeth Pinneo, also natives of Nova Scotia.
G RIFFIN MARSHALL. The subject of this notice is a son of the late well-known George Marshall, who was one of the pio- neer settlers of this county, coming hither when a young man and before his marriage. Ile was a na- tive of New York State, as was also his wife, Mar- garet A. Paddock. The Paddock family likewise came to Illinois at an early day, and the parents of our subject were married in this county. They settled on section 1, New Lenox Township, but in 1850 the father, seized with the California gold fever, repaired to the Pacific Slope. He started on his return home by the ocean route, died on board ship, and was consigned to a watery grave. The mother is still living, and makes her home in New Lenox Township.
To the parents of our subject there was born a family of seven children, of whom Griffin was the
Thomas Ferris
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fifth. He first opened his eyes to the light at the homestead in New Lenox Township, November 30, 1816. Ile was a mere child at the time of his father's death, and remained with his mother at the old homestead until approaching manhood, in fact has here spent all his life with the exception of six months when he was in the army. He was bred to farming pursuits, and has made these his chief oc- cupation in life. lle owns a part of the old home- stead, his share being about one hundred aeres. The land under careful cultivation is very fertile, and the buildings, without making any pretention to elegance, form a safe shelter for the little family.
When a man of twenty-six years Mr. Marshall was married, December 21, 1872, in Joliet, to Miss Lucy JJ. Fry. She was born in Joliet, and is a daughter of John and Sarah ( Edmunds) Fry, who were natives of Pennsylvania and New York, and are now deceased. This union has resulted in the birth of five children. namely: Edward. Jesse, Maggie, Louisa and Chester. They form a bright and interesting group, all remaining under the home roof.
Mr. Marshall has always taken an active interest in politics, and gives his uniform support to the Republican party. His estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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D ANIEL FERRISS. It is a blessing which comes not to all, to have parents of whom their children may be proud and of whom they may justly speak as models after which to shape their own lives. The subject of this sketch has the most intense filial feeling, and allades to his parents in terms of reverent affection that proves them to have been worthy of his heart's best love.
The father of our subjeet was Thomas Ferriss, born in Washington County. N. Y., in 1789, and son of a surveyor who mysteriously disappeared on one of his trips and was never again heard from. Thomas Ferriss enlisted in the War of 1812 and during a part of the conflict acted as a teamster.
On July 1, 1813, at the bride's home in Pennsylva- nia he married Miss Desire Lake who was born in Wilkesbarre, in 1790. She was the daughter of Daniel Lake, a Revolutionary soldier who lived to be more than four-score and ten years okl. The Lake family was noted for the longevity of most of the members.
About 1818, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ferriss took up their abode in Washington County, N. Y., whence they removed to Jefferson County a few years later and from there to St. Lawrence County. On September 11, 1839. the faithful wife and mother elosed her eyes in death, leaving behind her the memory of wise counsels which have left their impress during all the years that have passed since her voice became silent.
In 1814, Thomas Ferriss and his family came to Illinois, locating in Lake County. Five years later they removed to Wesley Township, this county, renting a farm which was the home until 1851. One year after their settlement upon it the father crossed the plains to California attracted by the re- ports of the successful search for precious metal, and daring the four years which followed he was able to save $1,800 in gold. He then returned to the Prairie State and located on the farm now or- cupied by our subject, and there he closed his eyes in death May 25, 1875. Ilis son Daniel had prom- ised the mother upon her deathbed that he would always look after his father, and right well did he keep his promise, bearing the burden which would have been too heavy for the father's shouklers and becoming to him a staff in his declining years.
The parental family comprised ten children, four of whom are now living. David, who is now sey- enty-six years of age. lives in Michigan; Mrs. Rachel Gates is residing in Minnesota, at the age of seventy-four years; Julia, born June 23, 1822, and unmarried, keeps house for our subject, whose home comfort she looks after with tender solici- tude.
Daniel Ferriss was born January 20, 1819, in Washington County, N. Y., and even in childhood learned lessons of hard labor. When not yet ten years old he drove a three-horse team all summer. While the family lived in St. Lawrence County he worked in the brass furnaces and forge. His
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school advantages were very meagre but his native intelligence and the knowledge which can be gleaned through reading and observation, have taken the place of the education which was denied him.
After the family removed to the Prairle State our subject worked on the farm, assisting his fa- father to pay an indebtedness of $30, which hung over their heads when they reached here, and after- ward improving their own estate, in the payment of which he bore a part. The land which they purchased was nearly devoid of improvements and to the energy and perseverance of our subject its present condition is due. Ilis labors are particu- larly commendable as he has for many a year la- bored single-handed in a literal sense. While running a threshing machine, October 21, 1848, his left arm was drawn into the cylinder and torn off at the elbow. He suffered amputation without the use of anasthetics or allowing anyone to hold him, exhibiting fortitude extremely rare.
The one hundred and forty-seven acres on sec- tion 27, which comprise the estate of Mr. Ferriss, are adorned by a good stone residence, a full line of substantial ontbuildings and various fruit and shade trees. Neatness and order prevail every- where and it is hard to believe that such a variety of work can be thoroughly accomplished with the use of but one arm. and that even chopping, crad- ling of grain, and similar work has been done by M1. Ferriss since he suffered the loss of his limb.
Mr. Ferriss and his sister are honest, God-fear- ing people, whose lives are spent in consistent endeavor to carry out the Goklen Rule and honor the name which they bear. They have never been members of any church, although they lean toward the Universalist denomination, but give their coun- tenance and support to the good work of various congregations. Mr. Ferriss served as Constable of the township for six years. Otherwise he has con- stantly refused to holl office. lle is a friend to Masonry, his father having been a member of the fraternity. He has always taken a lively interest in the political issues of the day and since the or- ganization of the Republican party, has been a firm supporter of it. Prior to that time he had been a Democrat, His father was of the Universalist
faith and this no doubt is one reason why our sub- ject and his sister favor that church. They are entitled to the respect of those about them and re- ceive their dne measure.
On another page of the ALBUM is presented a lithographie portrait of the late Thomas Ferriss.
EDGE DAVID WILLARD. Years after a stone alone remains to tell the story of their lives, the memories of some will be cherished by the generations who follow them, and upon whose lives their efforts have left a lasting impress. There is none so humble but that he exerts some control over those about him, and the influence of a man of great mental and physical activity can only be measured when time shall be no more. One of the landmarks of Will County, and one who during his prime has taken a very prominent part in local affairs, is the subject of this review, who has now practically retired to his farm on section 4, Wesley Township.
The gentleman of whom we write was born June 13, 1818, in Alleghany County, N. Y., being the second child of Daniel and Elizabeth (Sanders) Willard, from whom he inherited sturdy qualities. His father was born in the old Bay State, in 1787, becoming a resident of Washington County, N. Y .. when a young man. There, in 1815, he married a native of Ft. Edwards, the young couple removing during the same year to Alleghany County. Dan- iel Willard was a farmer, and during the War of 1812 had taken up arms in his country's defense. Ile lived to the advanced age of ninety years. one month and nine days, breathing his last October 21. 1877. Ilis faithful companion survived him a few months, dying July 26, 1878. She also was of ripe age, having been born April 22, 1794.
Our subject was the fortunate recipient of good educational advantages, and made a specialty of algebra and field surveying. Being reared on a farm he took some part in agricultural labors, and during his early years taught school in the winter season. Before he had attained his majority he was put on the ticket as School Inspector, but was
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not elected until the following year, when he was a second time nominated. He was afterward elected Constable and Town Collector for three successive years, and still later was the successful candidate for Justice of the Peace, leaving home, however, before the term of office began.
When twenty-one years old Mr. Willard at odd times engaged in the lumber business on the Alle- gany River. His first experience was as a raftsman, a position which required a keen eye, quick wit and physical activity. He frequently walked from Pittsburg, Pa., to his home, a distance of two hun- dred miles, there being no means of transit other than this. In the spring of 1814 Mr. Willard took a companion, with whom he came at once to Illi- nois, settling on a traet of unimproved land. It comprised the eighty acres on which he is now passing his days in peace and pleasantness. He built a small house which, in 1857, was replaced by the present cozy home, and which was gradually surrounded with the various improvements which a good farmer considers necessary for the success- ful prosecution of his work, and the comfort of himself and family.
The vocation to which he turned his attention as a means of support was not allowed to engross the attention of Mr. Willard, whose fitness for office was soon recognized by his fellow-citizens, who demanded his services. In 1816 he was given the position of Township School Treasurer, and continued therein for years. Two years later he was elected Justice of the Peace, and in this office he served until 1865. As Township Supervisor and Chairman of the Board he also officiated for years, his service in the latter capacity having ex- tended over the period of the Civil War. He had to assess the citizens for the first money raised to send the township quota for defraying expenses of the army, and many friends were lost by this action. His personal feelings. however. did not deter him from the exercise of his judgment. and the integrity with which he managed the affair was afterward overwhelmingly endorsed.
In 1865 Mr. Willard was elected Judge of the County Court for a term of four years, and being re-elected, in 1869, he continued to serve until 1873. Hle removed his family to JJoliet and made
that city his home during his second term. His striet honor, acute judgment of character, and de- cisive opinions regarding right and justice, were called into play while seated upon the bench, and the record which he made is one upon which he can look back with pride, knowing that his worst enemy can find no just ground for condemnation of his course. Judge Willard was first identified with the Whig party, and after its disintegration en- listed in the Republican ranks. His first Presiden- tial ballot was cast for Gen. W. H. Harrison. and his last for Gen. Benjamin Harrison, the descend- ant of the hero of Tippecanoe.
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