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 41
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1886. at the age of seventy-three years ; the mother died in Hays City. Kan., March 3, 1890, at the age of seventy-nine.
The subject of this notice spent his boyhood days in his native county, and from the age of ten to seventeen was employed in a woolen fae- tory. He then served an apprenticeship at house painting and paper hanging. In the meantime, however, he kept steadily in view his desire and determination to acquire a thorough education, and now commenced in earnest to put his resolution into practice. When nineteen years old he began to prepare for college under the instruction of Pro- fessors Sawyer and E. G. Cobb, with each of whom he remained one year.
In 1857 young Lewis became a student of Am- herst College, wherein he took the full course and was gradunited in 1861. For one year afterward he was employed as a teacher in the academy at Ithaca, N. Y. The Civil War now being in progress, he deemed it his duty to lay aside his personal plans and interests, and entered the Union service. September 27, 1862, as Captain of Com- pany C, One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York Infantry. In July. 1863, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and after com- commanding his regiment in this capacity ten months, was presented. in November. 1864, with the commission of Colonel. He remained in the army until the close of the war. and was mustered out in July, 1865. He was present at many im- portant battles, including the sieges of Suffolk and Charleston, in 1863. the battles of fohn's Island, Honey Hill, Deveaux Neck, James Island and in several skirmishes. Although experiencing some hairbreadth escapes, he was neither wounded nor captured, being permitted to return home in safety.
Soon after leaving the army Col. Lewis entered the I'nion Theological Seminary in New York City, from which he was graduated in 1868. Then, as one of a band of nine home missionaries, he re- paired to the Western frontier, and soon organ- ized a church of six members in Humboldt. Kan .. of which he continued the pastor seven years. In the meantime he had charge of all the Home Mis- sionary work in that section. the Presbytery in-
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cluding Indian Territory. He was called from that field of labor to take charge of the Presbyter- ian Church in Howell. Mich, where he remained until coming to Joliet.
The marriage of the Rev. James Lewis and Miss Mary Coe Farrand, was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in Detroit, Mich., November 17, 1869. Mrs. Lewis was born in Hudson, Ohio, August 16. 1842. and was the eldest child of Jacob S. and Olive C. Farrand. She became the mother of four sons and one daughter, and departed this life at her home in Joliet, December 3, 1889. The sons of Mr. Lewis are named respectively: Jacob Farrand, James Lang, Alexander and William Mather. They are all at home with their father. The only daughter, Olive Farrand, died at the age of seventeen months.
Mrs. Mary Coe ( Farrand ) Lewis was a lady of rare loveliness of character, and proved to her husband an invaluable assistant in his struggles and Jabors in the Master's vineyard. She was reared with the best advantages of education and amid the choicest endearments of society and home. She went bravely with her husband into a new country. cheerfully leaving the luxuries to which she had been accustomed, and by a modest and humble demeanor sought with all her influence to win souls to Christ. She constantly kept in view the work to which her husband was devoted, and in all ways sought to commend herself and his minis- try to the good opinion of all with whom she came in contact. The manner in which she accom- plished this was fully attested by the great influence which she exerted, and the love and reverence in which she was held by all.
Two of the most revered pastors who ever worked among Joliet people. or preached to Joliet congregations, repaired from their respective charges to the scene of their former labors to add their testimony to the beauty of character which had so impressed all who ever enjoyed the personal acquaintance of Mrs. Lewis. Probably there had never gathered in Central Church an audience im- pressed with a deeper or more tender sentiment than that which gathered to render its tribute of respect to the memory of a lovely Christian woman. After the usual opening exercises of song and
prayer, the Rev. A. H. Dean, D.D., of Monmouth, Ill., former pastor of the Central Church and an early friend of Mrs. Lewis, delivered an eloquent and beautiful tribute to her memory. The Rev. J. W. Conley, a clergyman of the Baptist Church. and who had known Mrs. Lewis intimately during the years of her residence in Joliet, paid a fitting tribute to her virtues, high Christian character and efficient service in the Master's cause.
Mrs. Lewis was possessed of rare conversational powers, and many love to remember the words of encouragement spoken to them by her during seasons of depression, and when they most needed the counsel of a disinterested friend. She was warmly attached to her husband, her children and her home, and in addition to the duties connected therewith. she still found time for a vast amount of work in all departments of the church. In October. 1884, she united with other ladies in or- ganizing the Woman's Home Mission Society of Chicago Presbytery, of which she was chosen Recording Secretary. At its annual meeting in 1885, she was elected Corresponding Secretary, and held that office until her death, in addition to doing her full share of work as a member of the Executive Committee.
Multitudes attended the obsequies of Mrs. Lewis, but not from curiosity. Iler mortal remains were borne to rest in the city of her youth, and old and young mingled their tears over her grave. She desired there should be no floral or other display at her funeral, but the sincere sorrow manifested upon the occasion was a' nobler tribute to her memory than anything of a perishable nature.
Mr. Lewis was a delegate from the church of this country to the established Church of Scotland, in 1873, in the General Assembly held in Edin- burgh. In 1878 he was one of the Board of Visi- tors at West Point, appointed by President Hayes, and he delivered the address in behalf of the Board to the graduating class. Ile is a member of the Grand Army of the Repubhe, and a Trustee of Knox College at Galesburg, Ill. As a speaker, Mr. Lewis is clear, forcible and logical, hokling the attention of his audience, and presenting his sub- ject in a concise and lucid manner, crothed in choice language.
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We present to the readers of this volume a lithographie portrait of the Rev. James Lewis. Hle has been permitted to accomplish a large amount of useful work, and it is hoped that he may yet see many years in his chosen field of labor.
OHN BRINCKERIIOFF. The well-regu- lated homestead of Mr. Brinckerhoff, and which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of prime land on section 31, stands as a worthy monument to his thrift and industry. The fields are neatly laid off with substantial fene- ing. the buildings are convenient and in modern style of architecture, while the latest improved machinery is employed in the cultivation of the sot. The proprietor is looked upon as one of the most public-spirited and progressive men of the township. the friend of morality and education. and who has given especial attention to the train- ing and education of his children. He commenced in life dependent mainly upon his own resources. and the necessity which compelled him to adopt habits of prudence and industry has proved to him invaluable all through life.
The subject of this notice was born at his father's farm near Albany, N. Y., May 15, 1836, and was but two years old when his parents came to this county. They located in Homer Town- ship. where he grew to man's estate, becoming familiar with the various employments of farm life and acquiring a practical education in the common school. With the exception of two years spent in the grocery business in Chicago. he has followed farming all his life. After reaching his majority he was married in New Lenox Township. August 19. 1858, to Miss Rebecca Breckenridge. This lady was born in Canada. December 7. 1839, and is a daughter of John and Margaret ( Eaton) Breckenridge, who were natives respectively of Canada and Scotland. The mother died in Cook County, in 1882. Mr. Breckenridge is still living. making his home in Cook County.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brinckerhoff there has been born a family of seven children: The two eldest
sons-Clarence E., of Chicago, Ill., and George E., in Oakland. Cal .- are successful practicing physicians; Martin S. is farming in Lockport Township, this county; John J. is pursuing his studies in the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor; Howard H., Gertrude R. and Elmer E. re- main at home with their parents. Mr. Brincker- hoff, politically. is independent, giving his support to principles rather than men. He keeps himself thoroughly posted upon current events, and will at once be recognized as a man of more than or- dinary intelligence, and with whom an hour may always be spent in a pleasant and profitable manner.
The father of our subject was Martin B. Brinck- erhoff, also a native of Albany, N. Y., and who married Miss Eliza. sister of George Van Duser, of New Lenox Township. this county. After mar- riage the parents settled on a farm near Albany, whence they came to this county in 1838, settling in Homer Township on the farm now owned and occupied by our subjeet. There they spent the remainder of their days, the mother dying in 1873, and the father April 30. 1889. The parental household consisted of seven children. of whom John was the fifth in order of birth. Two of the others are living. The family forms a part of the highly respectable clement of this section.
ARVIS C. THOMPSON. The Thompson family. who have been residents of Joliet since 1865, occupy no unimportant position among its leading citizens. John Thomp- son. the father of our subject, departed this life June 13. 1860. His mother. Mrs. Ann ( Miller) Thompson, now stands at the head of a noted family, foremost of whom is her son. Bishop Ilugh Miller Thompson, of the Episcopal Church in Mississippi. She was born in County Derry, Ire- land, in 1812, where she was reared and married. She came to the I'nited States with her family in 1836. they locating first in Essex County, N. J .. where Mr. Thompson operated as a contractor and builder, and where they lived until 1814. Thence
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they removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where the father followed his occupation and died, as before stated, June 13, 1860, leaving a family of seven children. Five of these are still living, viz .: Hugh M., Will- iam G., Jobn R .. Rufus F. and Jarvis C. Thomas J. served in the Union Army during the Civil War. and met death on the battlefield of Stone River.
Mrs. Thompson after the death of her husband came, in 1865, to Joliet, where she has since re- sided. Jarvis C., our subjeet, was born in Cleve- land. Ohio, February 26, 1852, and was thus a lad of thirteen years when the family came to Illinois. He attended the public schools of Cleveland, and later was a student at Nashota, Wis., having a private tutor. When completing his studies he returned to Joliet, and engaged with Messrs. King & Truby, in the lumber trade. Subsequently he was with King & Bishop. He next entered thie employ of the William A. Wood Reaper & Mower Company, having charge of their lumber-yard at Youngstown, Ohio, and was in the employ of this firm three years. Prior to this time he had been a car reporter in the employ of the Michigan Cen- tral Railroad. After returning from Ohio he re- engaged with Jolin Lyons, with whom he still re- mains. Ile votes with the Democratie party. Ilugh Miller Thompson, the brother of our sub- ject. is a self-educated man-one who started out in life dependent upon his own resources. Hle studied theology at Nashota, Wis., and was first placed in charge of a parish at Madison. Later he was the pastor of churches at Milwaukee and Chi- cago, being in the latter city Rector of St. James. Ile remained there until the great fire, when all his property was destroyed.
Bishop Thompson later went to New York City and other places, and succeeded in raising a large sum for the rebuilding of his church in Chicago, which now stands at the corner of Huron and Cass Streets. This completed, he received a call to Christ's Church in New York City, where he remained a number of years. Thence he went to New Orleans as Rector of Trinity Church, where he remained until elected Assistant Bishop. Sub- sequently he was elected Bishop of Mississippi. and is now familiarly known as the Right Rever-
end Ilugh Miller Thompson, and bears a fine reputation as a Christian gentleman and a scholar of rare attainments. Ile was married to Miss Anna W. Hinsdale, sister of Robert G. Hinsdale, formerly President of Hobart College, New York. They have four children, the eldest of whom is a Chaplain in the United States Navy at Mares Island.
William G. Thompson is an architect by pro- fession, and engaged in business at Mt. Vernon, Ill .; John R. is a planter, making his headquar- ters, especially in summer time, at Horse Cove, N. C .; Rufus F. is engaged as a contractor, builder and architect at Youngstown, Ohio. The sons, like their parents. were reared in the doctrines of the Episcopal Church. JJarvis C., our subject, is a member of Christ's Church, Surplice Choir of forty male voices, one among the finest body of singers in the United States.
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AMES KEIR. Our countryis indebted to the lands across the sea for many worthy citi- zens, and a high place should be accorded the Scotch, who are ever industrions. frugal and strictly honest. The sturdy virtues seem highly de- veloped in all dwellers in mountainons regions and it is easy to trace a comparison between the rugged hills and the men who inhabit them. The Scotch character not only possesses these sterner traits, but is adorned with domestic virtues, as the land- seape is by the blossoms of the heather and gorse, and the devotion to home and kindred is frequently so strongly manifested as to cause thoughtless re- marks regarding the "clannishness" of the Scotch. Clannish they may be in their love for those of their own blood, but this does not prevent their appreciation of and love for all that is worthy in those about them, and their manifestation of kind- ness of heart to all in need.
The subject of this sketch is a fine representative of the race which has produced a Bruce, a Wallace and a Burns, and a worthy descendant of two good families. Ilis father, Alexander Keir, left his na- tive land in 1852 to make a home in America, be-
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ing followed in a few months by his wife, who had borne the maiden name of Catherine McNeil. Two years were spent by them in New York City where their son was already residing, and they then came to Illinois. Settlement being made on a farm in Joliet Township, this county, they spent the re- mainder of their days here. Their family consisted of twelve children, the subject of this sketch being the second.
The natal day of James Keir was April 27. 1830, and his birthplace, Perthshire, Scotland. Ile grew to manhood there, improving his time by gaining information which would lit him for usefulness and a knowledge of work which would be avail- able in his future life. In the spring of 1851 he crossed the briny deep and, landing in New York. found employment as a stone-entter. In that city he remained until 1851, when with his father's family he came West. finding employment for five years in Chicago at the same occupation in which he had previously been engaged. He then settled on the homestead in this county, where he has since resided, giving his attention to farming.
Beginning in life without means Mr. Keir has se- cured a competency, now owning two hundred and eighty acres in Joliet Township, two hundred acres in Jackson Township, and four hundred and fifty acres in Manhattan Township. The home farm is made attractive by an excellent set of farm build- ings, including every necessary and convenient ar- rangement which will further the work of the estate and add to the comfort of the occupants. The other land owned by Mr. Keir is also well improved and valuable. The possession of a large amount of real estate is one of the best monuments to the zeal and thrift of our subject, whose life affords a strik- ing example of the success which may be won by persistence.
Mr. Keir chose for his companion in life a lady of his own land and name, and amid the scenery of Scotland in September. 1861. he was united in marriage with Ellen Keir. who shared his fortunes until June 20, 1876, when she was called from time to eternity. Mrs. Keir was a notable housewife. an affectionate and devoted mother, and a wife whose price was far above rubies. She bore her husband seven children, all yet living but George, the
youngest, who died in infancy. Agnes is now the wife of Charles Richards; Alexander is a farmer in Jackson Township; Catherine is the wife of Robert Morrison, of Joliet; Ellen, James and David, yet remain under the parental roof.
The office of School Director has been held by Mr. Keir, his work therein having been acceptable to the patrons of the school and creditable to him- self. In polities he generally aets with the Repub- liean party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife, and he carries out in his daily life the principles of his faith, winning respcet and gaining good will.
ILLIS A. STRAIGHT, proprietor of the tile mill at Manhattan, is numbered among the most enterprising members of the com- munity. Ile is doing an excellent business in the sale of drain tile, manufacturing all sizes from three to eighteen inches, and shipping to all stations along the Wabash Railroads, and selling to home trade. He keeps eighteen or twenty men con- stantly employed, and getting out seven or eight thousand tile per day. Ile has large dry-houses, and four kilns, at least three of which are taxed to their full capacity each week.
Grandfather Straight was a farmer in New York, whence he removed to Livingston County, Il., at an early day, continuing his former occupation. llis career has been a successful one and he at one time owned two farms. He is now living in Fair- bury and he and his trusted companion are the only inmates of their home, being able to do their own work, although the one is eighty-seven and the other eighty-tive years old.
In the family of the couple above mentioned was a son, Rufus C .. who was born in the Empire State and who came to Will County, Il., from the East. For two years he was engaged in the service of his uncle. Daniel Cropsy. of Plainfield, after which he bought land in McLean County and devoted a few years to agricultural pursuits there. Selling his estate he bought other farm lands near Fairbury.
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Livingston County, and was so successful as to acquire some eight hundred acres from a beginning that was made with $150. Ile first engaged in farming and stock-raising, and then embarked in the tile business which proved successful. From 1877 until 1883 he ran a tile mill and also bought and shipped stock. In politics he is a Republican. IIe has been a member of the School Board for years. lle is now occupying a fine residence in Fairbury and at the age of fifty-seven years is able to enjoy the comforts of ease and plenty. secured by his former industry.
The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Miss Fransina Abbey. She was born in Cora, Pa .. and is the daughter of a farmer who died in the Keystone State. She is a noble woman, a member of the Presbyterian Church, a devoted wife and mother and a kindly neighbor. She has borne her husband eight children, namely : Willis A., Lee S., Lizzie, Nellie M., Guy II., Stella, who are now living; Lena, who died at the age of ten years and an infant who died unnamed. All the living members of the family are at home except our subject and Lee, who is in the tile business at El Paso.
The subject of this brief biographical notice was born in MeLean County, near the large and noted Sullivan farm, August 5, 1859. Ile was reared in Livingston County, obtaining his fundamental instruction in the district schools and further having the excellent advantages furnished by the Fairbury High School. Like most lads whose home is in the country, he was early set to work on the farm and acquired an understanding of agricul- ture. He remained at home until of age and then began life for himself by going to Chicago and finding employment in the paint and oil store of B. F. Fitch. After remaining there some eighteen months he returned to Livingston County and with his brother Lee carried on the large tile factory at home for a year, their labors proving quite suc- cessful.
On January 1, 1883. the brothers eame to Man- hattan, purchased twenty acres of land and set about the construction of a tile mill, preparatory to embarking in manufacturing here. It required 810,000 to start their business, which they carried
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on in partnership until 1886, when our subject bought out his brother's interest and the latter opened a similar establishment in El Paso. Our subject has since continved the business alone and such has been his enterprise and business tact that he has increased the capacity of the establishment, which now makes from three to eighteen inch tiles, which was not formerly done. Besides his town property, Mr. Straight owns eighty acres of improved land in Livingston County, which is rented.
On October 25, 1885, the interesting ceremony was performed which transformed Miss Nellie M. Jones into Mrs. W. A. Straight. The bride was born in Buchanan County, Mo., July 6, 1864. and was educated at Mokena and Normal Park. this State, becoming a highly intelligent and cul- tured woman. Her father W. D. Jones, was for- merly engaged in farming in Frankfort Township, this county, but is now living in Wetmore, Kan. He is an old Californian miner and was also at one time engaged in the lumber and sawmill business. To Mr. and Mrs. Straight one child has been born, an interesting little maiden called Natalie.
Mr. Straight was President of the Village Board of Trustees one year, and with the exception of a twelvemonth has been a member of that body since the incorporation of the village. llis political adherence is given to the Republican party. He is looked upon with respect by his fellow-men, as an honorable citizen and kindly man. while the love- able disposition and pleasing manners of his wife win many friends.
LFRED NASH, M. D. A residence of over ten years in the city of Joliet, during which he has conducted a successful practice, has fully established Dr. Nash in the esteem and confidence of the people. He took up his resi- dence here in 1879, and was at onee recognized as a valued addition to the community. Ile is & mem- ber of the American Public Health Association, the American Medical Society and the State and county societies, and at one period was President of the
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latter. lle was also prominent in the Medical So- ciety of Michigan prior to his removal hither. Politically, he is a pronounced Republican, a mem . ber of the Grand Army of the Republic and a pil- lar of the Presbyterian Church. In business and social circles he stands second to no man in his community.
The Province of Ontario, Canada, was the early tramping ground of Dr. Nash and where his birth took place August 12, 1828. Thomas and Hannah (Swetman) Nash, his parents. were natives of Eng- land. and crossed the Atlantic in 1820, locating in Kingston. Canada. The father occupied himself as a merchant and with his estimable wife is now de- ceased, he dying in 1837 and the mother in 1815. The household circle ineluded eight children, seven of whom are living, one dying in infancy.
Dr. Nash started out in life equipped with athorough education. obtained in the college and Normal School at Toronto, and finally, in 1854, entered the famous Oberlin College in Ohio. Not content with the acquirements hitherto gained, he next repaired to Aun Arbor anl entered the Michigan State I'ni- versity, from the medical department of which he was graduated in 1856. Hle made good use of his time and commenced the regular practice of his profession at Wyandotte. Mich .. continuing there until after the outbreak of the Civil War.
In July, 1861, Dr. Nash entered the army as As- sistant Surgeon under the commission of Gov. Blair. He was with the First Michigan Cavalry until Jan- uary, 1863, and was then promoted as a Surgeon of the Ninth Cavalry in which he served until re- ceiving his honorable discharge by order of the Board appointed to examine these invalid officers. in December, 1861, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon leaving the army he located at once in Lapeer, Mich., where he followed his profession outil com- ing to this county in 1879.
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