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 47
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AMES S. BOYD is the owner and occupant of a well-tilled farm on section 28. Juliet Township. A visitor to the pleasant estate would find upon it a full line of excellent. improvements which include all necessary and con- venient buildings. fences, fruit, etc., and would at once conelude that the owner possesses an energetic spirit, industrious and prudent habits, and an in- telligent appreciation of the needs of the home. Such a conclusion would be in no sense amiss, and a personal acquaintance with Mr. Boyd would de- velop the further frets that his intelligence and en- terprise are not expended upon his own home. but lead him to participate in movements for the good of the community and display in behalf of his fel- low-citizens a large amount of public spirit.
Two line Irish families are represented by the subject of this sketch, his parents having been of old County Antrim stock. Thomas and Elizabeth Boyd were married and first settled in their native county, whence they emigrated to America in 1850. taking up their abode in the Keystone State. In 1864, they came to this county, and some time afterward died at the residence of our subject. Their family comprised four sons and four daugh- ters, of whom James S, was the seventh in order
of birth. The maternal grandmother of our sub- jeet was Mary MeKeen, a native of County Antrim, who lived to be nearly one hundred years of age. She belonged to the sturdy old Presbyterian stock, which a few centuries ago left Scotland on account of religious persecutions, and settled in the North of Ireland, whence many of their descendants have come to America and are numbered among the bes' citizens of our free soil. Mary MeKeen had a brother Thomas, who in the eighteenth century became a citizen of the Colonies and received : captain's commission from Gen. George Washing- ton. Subsequently Andrew Jackson bestowed upon him a colonel's commission. His last vote was cast for dames Buchanan in the old court house in Easton. Pa .. that was built by King George in 1751. The MeKeens were second cousins to the poet James Montgomery.
In County Antrim, Ireland, July 22, 1836, James S. Boyd first saw the light of day, His native country was his home until April 18, 1852, when he came to America and taking up his residence in Northampton County, Pa., attended school two and a half years. He then learned the trade of a tinsmith in l'tica. N. Y .. and then coming to ,Joliet, was employed by W. S. Brooks four years. . He then became foreman for W. F. Barrett, filling that position eight years, after which he re-entered the employ of Mr. Brooks and for about eight years acted as a salesman of agricultural implements for that gentleman.
Mr. Boyd has traveled for four different firms as a salesman and was also engaged with his brother, T. C. Boyd. in the plumbing business in Chicago. lle settled on the farm where he now lives, in March, 1868, and for some time has devoted himself entirely to agricultural work. In this employment he simply carries out the motto which epitomizes his earlier efforts in other lines of business-" what is worth doing is worth doing well."
On May 6, 1861, in Fairfield, Herkimer County, N. Y., the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subjeet and Miss Mary E., daughter of James and Nellie ( Peacock ) Young. The bride was born in the town in which her marriage took place, March 28, 1810, and is the tenth in a family con- sisting of eight sons and three daughters. Like
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her husband she has in her veins the blood of old families from Northern Ireland, her parents having been natives of County Antrim, whence they emi- grated to America in an early day. After having lived many years in Herkimer County, N. Y., they came to the Prairie State, locating in Stephenson County, where both breathed their last.
Mrs. Boyd possesses the natural abilities of the race from which she sprung. and has had them strengthened and developed by careful home train- ing and good educational advantages. She is there- fore a woman of ripe intelligence, well skilled in useful domestic arts and titted for a sphere of use- fulness. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has carefully instilled into her children the principles of right living. Her family includes the following living children : Alexander C .. Mar- garet W .. Estella M .. Nellie J., J. Harry, Elizabeth, Fred C., Mary M., Lee E. and Belle C. L. One child is deceased. Estella MI. is now the wife of Charles Scharf. of Joliet.
In polities Mr. Boyd is a strong Republican, firmly convinced that the principles of that party are best fitted to the needs of American citizens, and ever ready to support them with his ballot and his en- deavors to convince others that his views are eor- rect. He has held the office of School Director. in which his intelligence and good judgment have benefited the schools. His reputation is one of which any man might well be proud. providing, as in his case, the character is equal to the opinions of men.
MASA RICHARDSON. This venerable gentleman has for many years been asso- ciated with the farmers and stock-growers who have been instrumental in the up- building of the thriving farming township of Wes- ley. Associating himself with the pioneers of the county in 1856, while aiding them in the work of developing its resources, he has acquired a com- fortable property. and now, as the shadows of a long and busy life are falling around him. he can take his ease, free from the cares and burdens that he bore in the heat of the day, in his cozy home in
the enjoyment of the companionship of her who assisted him in fitting it up and who is still the home-maker and devoted helper.
The father of our subject, William II. Richard- son, was a native and a farmer of Vermont. Ilis mother, whose maiden name was Mary Starke. and who was a niece of Gen. Starke of Revolutionary fame, was also a native of that State, and there she and her husband spent their entire lives.
The subject of this biographical review was the only child, and he was born June 23, 1805, among the pleasant hills of Vermont. Hle received his education in the common schools, and at the youth- ful age of twelve years began to care for himself. He worked out by the month for others until he was twenty-three years old, and then began his independent existence as a farmer on his own ac- count, buying at that time a farm in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Ile operated it until 1856, and then rightly thinking that he could do better still on the rich virgin soil of Illinois, he came to this county and settled on the farm where he has since made his home. The land. comprising one hinn- dred and seventy acres, ten of which was in timber. was already under cultivation when he purchased it, and he has since added many improvements, making it a valuable estate, with its neat, well- kept buildings. productive fields and general ap- pearance of good management.
Mr. Richardson and Miss Martha Goodwin united their lives and fortunes in August, 1828, and have had a peaceful and happy wedded life of more than three-score years. Mrs. Richardson's parents were Joseph and Olive (Hatsell) Goodwin. natives respectively of New Hampshire and Ver- mont. They married and settled in New York State, where they resided until death closed their mortal career, she dying in 1828, and he dying some years afterward. They had a family of nine children, two of whom are now living. Mrs. Richardson was born November 15. 1810, in New York. She is the mother of nine children, six of whom are now living-William, Levi, Hiram, Al- fred, Mary and Franklin, William, a lawyer, married Addis Westeott, and they make their home in Kan- kaker City, and have one child; Levi, a resident of Iroquois, married Laura Co-ett, and they have three
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children; Hiram is a lawyer in Kankakee; Mary is the wife of Henry Kahler. of Florence Town- ship, and they have eight children. Their son Lewis and daughter Olive are deceased. the former dying in Dakota. One son, Joseph W .. gave up his life for his country in the late war. He was First-Lieutenant in the Thirty-ninth Ilinois It- fantry. was a brave and efficient officer, and his death. November 17. 1861. of typhoid fever. at Williamsport, Md .. where he lies buried. was a loss to the service. Two of their sons manage the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have led useful lives. whose record entitles them to the great respect and affection in which they are held by all. In their labors they have not been too busy to be unmind- ful of their duties to others, and in their thought- ful kindness they have offen extended help and sympathy to the needy and afflicted. Mr. Rich- ardson has been School Director for years. and for twenty three years has acted as Justice of the Peace. He has taken but little part in politics, but the last few years has given his support to the Republican party.
HARLES CLEMENT WILCOX. City and Town Clerk of Joliet, was born June 2. 1861, being a son of Edmund and Sarah M. (Green) Wilcox. On another page of this volume will be found a biographical notice of his father, from which the ancestry may be learned. Suffice it say in this connection that no more hon- orable family is known in Joliet than that from which our subject sprang. Young Wilcox was educated in the Joliet High School, and began his business career at the age of eighteen years. finding his first employment with G. Monroe & sons, whole- sale and retail grocers, with whom he remained two years. The three succeeding years he spent in connection with Wilcox Brothers. dealers in Fuim- ber, and while in this connection he established a trade in carriages. from which has grown a deposi- tory whose attractions draw a colossal trade.
In 1884 Mr. Wilcox became a member of the firm of Smith & Wilcox. jobbers in oil. For a
brief period the energetic young man was wito a Chicago firm. He was then brought before the people as a candidate for Collector of Internal Revenue, and after a vigorous contest. in which his opponents were some of the most popular men in the district. he received the votes which placed him in office. At the end of two years he turned over his books to his successor with an unsurpassed record for efficiency and honesty in the duties con- nected with His public trust. In the spring of 1889 he was deeted City and Town ( Hrk against a strong opposition. his majority being two hun- dred and eighty-four. In the city his majority was five hundred. The spring election of 1x90 found him so strongly intrenched in the confidence of the people that no opposition was offered to his re-election as Town ( hrk.
The handsome West Side residence of Mr. Wil- cox is presided over by a charming lady of high culture sand estimable character. She was formerly known as Miss Ida M. Weeks, is a daughter of (vorge Weeks. E-q .. of this city. and a nicee of Judge Weeks. She became the wife of our subject in the fall of 18>2. the fruit of the union being a beautiful daughter. now about fifteen months oldl. who has been christened Evaleen. Mr. Wilcox is a Democrat of the best type, and a total ab-tainer from intoxicants of all kinds. He abounds with life and energy, and bids fair to reach a >till higher place in business and political circles than that to which he has already attained.
D AVID FRY. The line farming country em. braced in Wheatland Township has ever been an attraction to the eye of the solid. prac- tical farmer and stock-raiser. and fortunate is he considered who owns one of the rich. finely ini- proved farms that may be seen on every hand. The subject of this biographical review is the fort. imate owner of one of these. his fire farm lying on section 27.
Mr. Fry is a native of Wayne County. Ohio. born December 7, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and ( atherine Fry. Ili, mother departed this life in
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the month of February, 1886, at a ripe old age. Ilis father is now in his seventy-fourth year. Both he and his wife were natives of Pennsylvania, and were pioneers of this county, coming here in 1853. They became early settlers of Wheatland Town- ship. Six children were born of their marriage, of whom the following four are living: Jacob, Zach- ariah, Martin and David. Mr. Fry is a sturdy sup- porter of the Democratic party, and religiously, he is connected with the Lutheran Church as one of its most faithful members. He has sought in whatever way he could to advance the moral, edu- cational and material interests of the township. lle is a man of some education and has a good command of both the English and German lan- guages.
David Fry. of this sketeb, was scarcely three years of age when his parents brought him to this county, and here he was reared and educated, at- tending the local district school in Wheatland. He has devoted his time principally to agricultural pursuits, and occupies an honorable place among the farmers and stock-raisers of the community.
Mr. Fry was married the first time, in 1871, to Miss Amelia Fraunhoof. The maiden name of his present wife to whom he was united December 19, 1873, was Maria Bupp. Of their pleasant wedded life five children have been born : Katie M., George J., Martin, William and Samuel D.
Our subject possesses many sterling traits of character that make him worthy of the esteem that is aecorded him as a man and a citizen. He is in- dustrious, shrewd and thrifty, and has managed his affairs wisely so that he now has a goodly bit of property. In him the Democratic party finds a a zealous follower. Religiously, he is identified with the Lutheran Church as one of its leading members.
ACOB SOLTERMAN. If a man's true character may be determined by the opinion of those around him, that of Mr. Solterman is irreproachable. By his habits of indus- try and prudence he has built up a good home for himself and family and acquired a competenee for
his deelining years. He is progressive in his ideas, liberal and public-spirited, and is blest with an in- telligent family, his wife being a most estimable and worthy lady and his children unusually bright and interesting. In noting his surroundings and the respeet in which he is held in this community, it must be admitted that he is in the possession of a large share of all that makes life desirable.
A native of the Province of Alsace, then be- longing to France, but now to Germany, Mr. Sol- terman was born October 15, 1820, and is the elder of two children, the offspring of Joseph and Anna M. (Gertzler) Solterman, who were likewise natives of that Province. They emigrated to Amer- ica about 1828, and settled in Erie County, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their days. Jacob lived with his parents until 1838 and then sought his fortune in the Prairie State, settling on the canal, and being employed on the canal for about three years. Later, he engaged in farming near Palos. Ill., where he made his home until 1850. The California gold excitement then drew him to the Pacific Coast, and locating there, he was engaged in mining for about seven years.
Upon coming back to Illinois, Mr. Solterman commeneed farming on the land which he had pur- chased in 1853, returning in the meantime partly for this purpose and partly with the objeet of tak- ing unto himself a wife and helpmate. This latter was accomplished January 3, that year, the bride being Miss Mary E .. daughter of Richard and Jane M. ( Wilson) McCalaughary. Afterward he returned to California, where he remained until 1857, then came back to Homer Township and gave his undivided attention to the development of his farm. This comprises two hundred and fif- teen acres of good land, which through the careful management of the proprietor has become valu- able.
To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born nine children, viz: Jane, who died at the age of nine and one-half years; Charles 11., Delos C., Matthew S., Mary E., Melissa, Catherine A .; Jacob, who died when abont two years old, and Clara F. Mr. Solterman affiliates with the Deno- cratie party. He does not seek public office, but prefers to confine his attention to his farming in-
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Ruby yours EL Strins
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terests, avoiding the responsibilities of office, al- though he is ever ready to give his time and attention to those projects calculated for the gen- eral good of the community.
Mrs. Solterman was born in Onondaga County, N. Y . August 5. 1:33. Her parents were also me- tives of that State. The father died in Palos, III .. about 1855. The mother subsequently came to Homer Township. where her death took place in 1858.
E LIAS L. STEVENS. The rural districts of Illinois are dotted with attractive home -. which in architectural design. neat and tasteful surroundings, and thrifty management are models of comfort and homelikeness. One of this class is located just outside the limits of the flour- ishing city of Johet, and was for some years the home of the recently deccased Elias L. Stevens. I That gentleman. as a contractor and builder, was capable of designing a dwelling which combined an attractive exterior and a convenient interior, while his wife possessed the housewifely skill and prudence without parsimoniousness, that insured to its inmates all the comforts of life in a true home.
The natal day of Mr. Stevens was April 28, 1828. and his birthplace Saratoga County, N. Y. When about twelve years of age he went to Mas- sachusetts. in which State he grew to manhood. and completed his education. In Sturbridge he wooed and won for his wife Miss Pamelia Childs, of that place, where their marriage was celebrated. he having first made her acquaintance in Holyoke. Mass. where he learned his trade. In a short time however, they removed to Wisconsin, locating in the vicinity of Kilbourne, where Mr. Stevens en- gaged in farming. The breaking out of the Civil War. roused him from the peaceful pursuits of that occupation to a desire to assist in upholling the I'nion, and he left his home for a life ou the tented liekl.
the hardships of campaign life and the separation from those he loved. When his services were no longer needed by his country in contest with her enemies. be returned to his home and to civil life. Ere long he removed to the Prairie State, some time being spent in Morris and Henry, and then a settlement being made in Joliet.
A residence was erected by Mr. Stevens on Un- ion Street, which was his home for several years, and until his removal to the beautiful place before mentioned, outside the city limits. Ile engaged as a contractor on the Rock Island Railroad; after- ward taking other contracts and continued in that line of business until his death. Ile erected sey- oral blocks in doliet, among them being the Ste- vens Block on Chicago Street. Besides attending to many large contracts on the Rock Island Road, Mr. Stevens found time to attend to a few large contracts for masonry on other railroads. In the fall of 1883. in partnership with George Alexander, of Blue Island. he contracted to build seven im- mense piers for a bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville, Ky .. for the Chicago, Louisville & New Albany Railroad Company. The average height of the piers was one hundred and fifteen feet, and it required seventeen thousand cubic yards of solid masonry. The great floods in the spring of 1881 interfered with the work somewhat, but in 1885 it was completed. The cost of the masonry alone was $300,000. Subsequently Mr. Stevens had large contracts for changing the tracks and rebuilding the bridges on the Rock Island Road. These con- traets extended from the main line to many branches. and cost the company nearly half a mil- lion dollars. He secured the respect and esteem of his neighbors and fellow-citizens, his dealings with mankind ever being honorable and straight- forward. and his personal habits such as to entitle him to their good opinion. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the B. M. A., of Joliet. The loss which his own family suffered when he was called hence. September 11, 1889, can only be estimated by those who have had a similar be- reavement.
The name of Elias L. Stevens was placed upon the muster-roll of Company E. Twelfth Wisconsin Mrs. Pamelia Stevens died at their home in Jol- iet. in March. 1876. leaving a daughter, JJessie F. Infantry, and until the cruel war was over he served faithfully and gallantly. patiently enduring , who is the wife of A. C. Dillman. In 1880, the
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widower contracted a second alliance, celebrating, in Joliet, his marriage to Mrs. Frances Learnard, a sister of his first wife. This lady was born in Stur- bridge, Mass .. and was married, in Brookfield, to Water Learnard, who was also a native of the old Bay State. The union resulted in the birth of one son. Guy M., who is now a book-keeper for the Joliet Stone Company. In 1876. Mrs. Learnard left her Eastern home, and a few years later be- came the wife of our subject. to whom she bore one son, Roland E. Mrs. Stevens still ocenpies the home in which her lately deceased husband died. She possesses more than ordinary intelli- gence, is amiable and companionable, and in the management of household and business affairs dis- plays the prudence which might be expected of one born and bred in New England. She has many friends, in whose companionship she finds relief from the sorrows and cares of life, though her chief delight is in the rearing of her young son. and the society of the oldler members of her fam- ily.
A portrait of the late Mr. Stevens appears in connection with this sketch.
ILLIAM STELLWAGEN. One of the most attractive locations in Green Garden Township is occupied by the farm of the gentleman above named. The mistaken townsman who believes that country life is devoid of attrac- tions will and conclusive proof to the contrary on this estate, which is beautiful to behold, the source of a fine income. and the scene of a happy home life.
Philip Stellwagen, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and a shoemaker by trade, came to America in 1840. He found employment in the Keystone State and practiced frugality until he had saved money enough to bring his family to this country. when he returned to his native land for them. Again crossing the broad Atlantic, he lo- cated in Wilkesbarre, Pa .. in 1842, and spent two years at his trade. He then started out to buy land in the West. thinking to make Wisconsin his
future home, but when he reached Northern Illi- nois he was so well pleased with the country that he determined to locate here. His journey had been made with a team and he had, therefore, been able to form wise conclusions regarding the coun- try through which he passed.
Buying eighty acres of Government land in Frankfort Township, this county, Mr. Stellwagen put up a log house and, as fast as possible, made other improvements on the place. He was success- ful in the new career in which he had embarked and accumulated two hundred and forty aeres, which he operated until his death, November 20, 1889, when he was nearly eighty five years old. He was strong in his belief in the principles of Democracy, and was an equally devoted member of the Evan- gelical Church. He was twice married, his first wife being Emily Jacob, a native of Hesse-Darm- stadt, who died in Frankfort Township in 1846. She was the mother of four children, viz: Mathias, who died in 1888; Jacob, whose home is in South Englewood, Cook County; William, of whom we write; and Philip, a harness-maker at Mokena. The second marriage of Philip Stellwagen resulted in the birth of two sons-Henry and Adam, both now deceased.
The gentleman whose life history forms the subject of these brief paragraphs was born in HIesse-Darmstadt, Germany, December 13, 1838. Ile has no recollection of the land of his birth, as he left it in the spring of 1842, sailing with his parents from Bremen to the United States. Eleven weeks were spent upon the ocean, but the tedious -. ness of the voyage made no impression upon the little lad. During the two years in which the fam- ily remained in Pennsylvania he spent some little time in school. The journey to their Western home being made with teams and the party camp- ing out every night, it was almost a 'continual pic- nie to the boy, who enjoyed the out door life and continual change of scene as only careless child- hood can. In crossing the mountains eight days were consumed in making the ascent, and seven weeks of travel covered eleven hundred miles on their journey.
The new home was in the midst of a wild prai- rie, twelve miles from the nearest house, and deer
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and wolves were abundant and rattlesnakes plenti- ful. Our subject hunted some and was carly set to work on the farm, also attending school as soon as one was opened in the old fashioned log school- house which was at that time the temple of learn- ing. He learned to drive oxen, five yoke of which were attached to the breaking plow, and by means of which also goods were hauled to and from Chi- cago and Joliet. which were the market towns.
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