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 49
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To Mr. and Mrs. Barns ten children have been born, of whom George Julian, Rosalia, Grace, Nathaniel JJr., Lizzie. John and Blanche are yet
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living ; Emily A., Isaac and Edward are deceased. In politics Mr. Barns is a Democrat and to the party of his choiee he never fails to give his vote and personal influence. He has held the offices of School Director and Assistant Supervisor. faith- fully discharging the duties imposed upon him, and manifesting a deep interest in the public welfare. As a good farmer. a reliable citizen, and an honor- able man. he is regarded with respect by his fellow- men, particularly in this section where so many years of his life have been spent and where he is so well known.
C HARLES RUGE. Although the life of a farmer may be devoid of the excitement and many of the hazards of city life, it is a field for the exercise of as high a degree of tact, keen- ness of judgment, and foresight as any pursuit in which man can engage. The sight of "green things growing," which he has sown and cultivated. af- fords a pleasurable sensation, to which is added the knowledge that sustenance is at hand whatever limits may be furnished by "corners" of speculators, to the price the agriculturist receives for that which has cost him so much labor.
The gentleman with whose name this sketeh is introduced is a Prussian by birth and aneestry. His father, Christ Ruge, died at the age of sixty years from overwork while cradling grain, the sad event occurring when our subject was nine years of age. The widowed mother, formerly Miss Christina Trouf. followed her son to America four years after his arrival on the shores of the New World, and died in Chicago, Ill., at the age of eighty-three years. She belonged to the Lutheran Church.
The natal day of Charles Ruge was September 2, 1829. and he is the youngest of the four chil- dren. comprising the parental family. He was reared and educated in his native land of Prussia, and when twenty-four years old left it to seek : broader field for his energies in the United States. Hle took passage at Hamburg on the "New Doner." a sailing-vessel, which anchored in New York Har
bor, after an ocean voyage of five weeks and three days. lle at ovce came to Chicago, IL., where he landed 85 in debt, but filled with the determined spirit which has secured for him a comfortable fortune.
Mr. Ruge secured work in Dn Page County as a farm laborer, and four years after his arrival there took a companion and set up housekeeping on rented property. Ile farmed as a renter five years in Bloomingdale Township, after which he removed to Will County, and purchasing one hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Washington Township, began his well-directed efforts to scure a home and fortune. By subsequent purchase he added eighty acres to his landed estate, which is located on sections 35 and 36, and now has two good sets of buildings npon it. His efforts were ably seeonded by his wife, and with her assistance and that of the family in later years, Mr. Ruge has succeeded in making a fine farm. His pleasant dwelling is situated on section 35, and is supplied with an abundance of good cheer.
The lady who presides over the domestic econ- omy bore the name of Minnie Zerzov. She was born in Prussia, April 9, 1810, and is a daughter of Fred and Fredricka (Wagner) Zerzov, who were natives of the same Kingdom as the daugh- ter. The father served his country as a soldier for some time, and died when but thirty-five years of age from disease contracted while in the army. Mrs. Ruge, who was the youngest child, was a year old at the time of her father's decease. She oh- tained a good education prior to her eighteenth year. when she bade adieu to her native land and set forth alone to gain a maintenance in America. Leaving Hamburg in November, 1857. she landed in New York City after a long sea voyage on the "Louis Napoleon," and at once came to Chicago and secured employment as a domestic.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruge are the parents of thirteen children, whose record is as follows: Henry, Rob- ert and John died in childhood; Charles, who mar- ried Carrie Grabe, is a clerk in a grocery store in Chicago; Eva is the wife of Herman Hack, who lives on a farm in Iroquois County; Herman. who operates a part of his father's farm, married Anna Meyer; Bertha married Henry Meyer and they
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live on a farm in Lake County, Ind .; William clerks in a drygoods store in Chicago, his wife having borne the maiden name of Dora Meyer; Alvina is the wife of Otto Knuth, a machinist in Chicago; Emma and Minnie, twins, also live in Chicago; Ilenry and Amel are at home.
In his political views and in the casting of his vote Mr. Ruge is strictly independent. Ile and his wife belong to the Evangelical Church of North America, They have the respect of their acquaint- ances for the industry and good principles which have characterized their lives and the kindliness they manifest toward mankind.
ONRAD C. BRAUN, now deceased, was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main. Germany. January 17, 1835, and in his native land was reared to manhood. From his father he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed umil he came to America in 1856. His first sojourn was made in Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained but a short time ere removing to Milwaukee, Wis., in which city he was employed at the marble works about a year. He then came to Joliet. IH .. where he continued the same occupation for a time as an employe and then engaged in the marble business on his own account. following it about ten years- He next became foreman in the stone shops at the penitentiary. holling the position four years.
We next find Mr. Braun in the employ of the Solar Stove Works for two years as an ornamental pattern maker. Ilis next enterprise was the pur- chase of the Chicago House and the employment of his faculties as the landlord of that hostelry which he conducted four years. He then bought a tract of land just east of Joliet upon which he started a grapery. From that time until his death, which occurred May 2, 1888, he was engaged in vinienlt- ure. le met with a marked degree of success in the business to which he devoted his later years and owned one of the most beautiful graperies to be seen in a large extent of territory. It affords a charming feature in the landscape during the summer season and when the vines are loaded
with their rich fruit. It is near Oakwood Cemetery, on land well adapted for the purpose, and pleasantly located.
The first wife of Mr. Braun was Helen, daughter of Andrew Smith. She was the mother of three children but one of whom is living. This is a son, George C., who is engaged in the marble business in St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. IIelen Braun died in Joliet, May 18, 1864. Mr. Braun contracted a second matrimonial alliance, marrying Miss Catherine Bactelmuller who died in Joliet, October 1, 1864.
Mr. Braun was again married, in Joliet, the ceremony taking place December 8, 1864, and the bride being Mrs. Antonia (Sartori) Mutz. This lady was born in Baden, Germany, on New Year's Day, 1829, and at the time of her marriage to our subject, was the widow of Hugo Mutz. Her first marriage resulted in the birth of five children, the only one now living being Josephine, who is the wife of William Kuhn. To her second husband Mrs. Braun bore three chiklren-Rudolph L., Net- tie M., and Conrad M .; Nettie is now the wife of Christian Pasold. Since the death of Mr. Braun the widow and ber eldest son have taken charge of . the place, and are successfully carrying on the en - terprise begun by our subject.
b ARMAN DEUTSCUMAN. There are many rural homes in Will County so attractive that they clearly disprove the idea held by some residents of cities, that farm life is surrounded only by what is rude, uncultivated and unpleasing. The estate of the gentleman who is the subject of this brief sketch, is one of these well regulated farms, upon which a complete line of im- provements is to be seen, the buildings being first class in style and construction, and sutticiently numerous to fill all the wants of the owner. The home farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Jackson Township, and another quarter section in the same township is owned by Mr. Deutschman.
The natal day of the subject of this sketch was February 25, 1851, his birthplace was the Empire
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of Germany. In the spring of 1865, he crossed the Atlantic and joined his father, William Dentsebman, in Illinois. The father had come to this country in 1855, and lived in Joliet and Jackson Townships, in the latter of which he departed this life in 1875. Ilis son Harman remained with him until his death, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and gaining in intelligence and ability year by year.
in the fall of 1870, our subject led to the byme- neal altar Miss Sarah, daughter of Abraham Gock- ley, of Jackson Township, whose biography occupies another page in this Amury. The bride was born in Lancaster County, Pa., September 25, 1853. and was well educated and reared to useful habits and with the best of principles. She belongs to the German Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Deutschman have eight children living, namely: Clara. Franklin A .. Ella. Anna. Wallace J., Minnie, Josephine and Viola. They lost a son, Aaron, in his infancy. Mr. Deutschman has not sought offi- cial honors but is ever ready to cast his vote in the interests of the Democratic party. He has served as School Director. Ile has so conducted himself as to win respect as a citizen. neighbor and private individual.
TITEY itii
F
OSEPH HUNTER. Sr, is one of the oldest settlers of Frankfort Township, the owner of a large landed estate and an extensive agriculturist. . His home farm is the south- east quarter of section 13, on which is a fine large residence and other substantial and commodious buildings, among them being a windmill and tank, and a barn 72x100 feet, which is capable of hokdl- ing three hundred tons of hay. Mr. Hunter owns six hundred and forty acres in this township, all well fenced and supplied with tenant houses, feed yards, orchards, and all improvements which char- acterize the estates of enterprising farmers. In Cook County he owns three hundred and twenty acres. and his entire landed estate is tillable except forty acres of timber land.
Mr. Hunter was born in County Donegal, Ire- land, near Ramelton, December 23, 1817. and
reared on the parental farm with but limited com- mon-school advantages. He remained at home un- til nineteen years of age and then going into Scot- land on a visit was offered a situation in the custom house at Glasgow. His father, however, advised him to emigrate to America and he made preparations to do so. In May, 1837, he left Londonderry on the sailer "Regatia" a slow vessel which occupied eight weeks in crossing the Atlan- tic. Young Hunter was sick during the entire voy- age. Ile landed in Quebec and remained in Can- ada a few months, working on a farm. He was not pleased with the country as it was too heavily tim- bered to suit his taste and the same fall he made a trip to Illinois.
Accompanied by his brother ,John, he crossed to Detroit, Mich., on a boat, then went on foot to St. Joseph, whence he crossed the lake to Chicago. Thence they traveled on foot to the Yankee set- tlement near Lockport, this county, which is now in the Township of Homer. The young men had about $100 in gold, and had to change a $5 piece every morning to pay the bill at the inn. The change they received was "wild cat" money which others refused to take and when our subject reached Will County he was virtually empty handed.
Young Hunter had learned something of the mason's trade in his native land and he found employment at it for a time and then engaged on a farm by the month. The best hands received but $120 a year for farm work. In 1840, he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land at $1.25 per acre and located upon it six years later. Ile put up a log house shaping the logs himself and completing the structure. being only able to get one man to help him raise it. He was the first settler upon the prairie within a radius of many miles. Ile had taken cattle in payment for farm work so that he had a good herd and he let men take care of them on various terms. Ile killed some and sokl beef among the few settlers and also disposed of some of the animals alive.
Mr. Ilunter broke prairie with oxen attached to a clumsy plow, and the soil being tongh and the implement unwieldly, six yoke were necessary. The cattle fattened readily on the prairie grass
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and grain grew well on the newly-broken soil. The latter was hauled to Chicago, a distance of thirty miles, the trip consuming two days. During those early years, large herds of deer were to be seen in this vicinity and wolves were numerous. often fol- lowing Mr. Hunter in his journeys. Unlike the most of the early settlers. he did not engage in hunting but devoted himself exclusively to his ag- ricultural pursuits in which he was very success- ful. He added to his real estate from time to time, paying $50 per acre for some eight hundred acres of that which he now owns.
The estate of Mr. Hunter is managed systemati- cally, two hundred and fifty acres being devoted to oats. three hundred to corn, and three hundred to hay and pasture. He raises full blooded Short- horn cattle of all grades, keeping about two hundred head. He feeds three or four car loads of cattle be- sides, and raises about as many car loads of logs per year. He has the largest horse ranche in the township and has been quite successful with draft horses and roadsters. He has about fifty head of the latter and raises about twelve colts per an- num.
The marriage of Mr. Hunter and Miss Jane Gamble took place at the bride's home in Jo Day- iess County. near Hanover. in June. 1846. The bride was born in County Donegal, Ireland, No- vember 10, 1810, being a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Malsced) Gamble. Mr. Gamble was a farmer who died in the Emerald Isle whence his widow emigrated to America with her family in 1832. They left Londonderry on the sailer "Crainge" and after a voyage of five weeks, landed at New Castle and took up their residence in Phil- adelphia. In 1837. they came down the Ohio River to its junction with the Mississippi and thence up the latter river to Galena, Ill., going from there to Hanover, Jo Daviess County, by wagon; there Mrs. Gamble remained until her death. She belonged to the Presbyterian Church and reared her family with fine principles and useful habits. Her sons, Samuel. Joseph and James are now deceased, and Daniel is living in .Jo Daviess County. Mrs. Hunter is the only daughter.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter has been
blest by the birth of three sons, of whom the first- born, James, died when twenty-one years old. Joseph Jr. is at home assisting in the farm labors; Daniel G. is married and living on the adjoining section.
Joseph Hunter. Sr. has been School Director nearly every since he came to this section. Ile was Supervisor of Frankfort Township, for two years, and at the last election received every vote in the township except one. He was Com- missioner of Highways seven years, has served on grand and petit juries, as a delegate to political county conventions and a member of the County Central Committee. He is a true-blue Republican and at an early date identified himself with the anti-slavery movement, his being one of the three votes cast in the town of Hlomer for James G. Birney. Ile mantained his belief amid the scoffs and taunts of many, but finally had the satisfac- tion of seeing his cause triumphant. Ilis religious faith is expressed by the Presbyterian creed and he is identified with the church at Bloom, Cook County. He was formerly Elder of the society at Frankfort. He has helped to build the school- house and has borne his part in every movement which would increase the material, intellectual and moral welfare of the community, and has made many friends by his agreeable manners, thrifty and energetic habits, and upright life.
HARLES HI. SUTPHEN. This veteran of eighty-four years bears the distinction of being one of the oldest citizens of this State, to which he came as early as 1831. He was born in Cherry Valley. Otsego County, N. Y., February 15. 1806, and is the son of Gilbert and Mary (Hig- inbotham) Sutphen. the former of whom was a Captain in the War of 1812 and died two days after a battle, from exposure and over-exertion.
The father of our subject was likewise born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., where he was married to a maiden of his own village. The earlier progenitors had been residents of New Jersey. Charles H., our subject, grew to manhood in his native town,
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and completed his education in the Academy. HIav- ing influential friends in the I'nited States army, he was given a position in the General Paymaster's office. under Gen. Townsend, of Boston, and in that city he was married to Miss Dowe. Finally, de- eiding upon seeking his fortune in the Far West. he came to La Salle County, this State, in 1831. | and entering a large tract of Government land. engaged for some years in the live-stock business.
Selling out finally his interests in La Salle County, Mr. Sutphen came to Joliet, and since 1871 has lived retired from active labor. Mrs. Sutphen de- parted this life at her home in La Salle County, in 1870. The living children of Mr. Sutphen are: Al- bert, who took kindly to his books and is now princi- pal of an academy in California: Charles is a resi- dent of Santa Cruz. Cal. ; George E. is a practicing attorney, of Aurora, IH .; Frederick is engaged as a merchant at that place: William is living in the State of Washington; Jane is deceased. Mr. Sut- phen's children received excellent educational ad- vantages, and hold good positions in society.
Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Jackson and gives his unqualified support to the Democratie party. He has held most of the town- ship offices, serving as Supervisor and Clerk, also a> County Treasurer and Recorder. In religion he is a Universalist, belonging to that church in Joliet. He has accumulated a comfortable prop- erty and employs his time in looking after it.
EREMIAII A. KINSELLA, a native of Ill- inois. is one of the leading farmers of this section of the State, and is extensively en- gaged in stock-raising, owning two large and valuable farms, one in this and one in Grundy County, be making his home on his estate in Troy Township. He was born in the township of Dres- den, Grundy County, June 7, 1858, his birthplace being but a few miles from where he now lives in Will County. His parents were James and Eliza (Kinsella) Kinsella. They came to Illinois in 1543, when the canal was being built. and Mr. Kinsella, with his father, Andrew Kinsella, made contracts
to assist in its construction, and the State still owes them for part of their work. At the time the serip which was issued to them in payment was good for nothing only to secure them public land, and as they already owned thirteen hundred acres they did not care for more and allowed the serip to go to waste, or be destroyed, as it had no special value. After their death our subject made fruit- less efforts to collect the sum owing them, which amounted to $20.000.
The mother of our subject died when he was but four years of age, and his father died a year lafer. Thus. unfortunately deprived of his par- ents, he fell to the kindly care of his uncle, Garrett Kinsella, his mother's brother, who reared and edu- cated him as his own, and at the time of his death left him his beautiful and valuable farm of six hundred and twenty-two acres, in addition to the homestead in Grundy County, of three hundred and fifty-six acres which he inherited from his father. Ilis uncle died in 1880, leaving behind him a name and memory that will ever be revered in this county, where he was so well known. Hle Was a man of more than ordinary ability and busi- ness tact and accumulated a goodly amount of property. He was greatly respected by his neigh- bors, and although he cared but little for public life, still he took an active part in the manage- ment of local affairs, and was Supervisor for sev- eral terms. He was a leading man among the Democrats of this vicinity.
Our subject was reared in Minooka and there laid the basis of a solid education, being a bright and active scholar. At the early age of twelve years he was admitted to Manhattan College, from which he was graduated with honor in 1876, after after having pursued a fine course of study. After the completion of his education he returned to Troy to live with his uncle. He received from him a careful training in the management of the prop- erty which he was to inherit, and has since become one of the foremost stock-raisers in the county, making a specialty of buying and feeding cattle, devoting the large amount of grain he raises wholly to that purpose. He ships his stock to the Chicago market, and often ships as many as nine car-loads a season. He rents his father's homestead
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to good advantage and derives a fine income from that and the proceeds of the other estate.
Mr. Kinsella was married March 9, 1886, to Miss Kate C., daughter of John and Mary (Carroll) Smith. Her father was a native of Lockport, N. Y., and a son of Thomas Smith. Our subject and his wife have two children-Norine and Evelyn. Mr. Kinsella is a Democrat in politics, and a Catholic in religion, being a valued member of St. Mary's Church, in Minooka. Ile is a frank, open-hearted man, contributing generously to the support of the church and anything that will benefit the public, besides being liberal in the use of his money for charitable and other purposes. Inheriting a large property, he has shown himself to be fully equal to its management, bringing to its work a well-trained and cultured mind, and by sagacious and system- atie methods has greatly improved its value.
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R OBERT S. WASHBURN owns and occupies a fine farm .on section 30, Peotone Town- ship, and an adjoining tract on section 31. The land is under thorough cultivation and it needs but a glance to assure a visitor that the years which Mr. Washburn has spent in tilling the soil have given him a thorough knowledge of the de- tails of that occupation. His hard service in the I'nion Army has left its effects upon his system and he is afflicted somewhat with rheumatism and other ailments, but still attends to his farm and bears his part in local affairs.
Mr. Washburn is the only survivor of three children born to Seth and Louisa ( Hewitt) Washi- burn, who died during his childhood. He was born in Cook County forty-six years ago, came to Will County when about ten years old and became a resident of Wilton Township. He was thrown upon his own resources at a tender age, had very limited schooling and has always worked on a farm. When nineteen years old bis spirit was roused by the attempts against the life of the Union and he enlisted in Company HI, Twelfth Cavalry. The regiment was equipped at St. Louis and sent to New Orleans. thence took part in the Red River expedition under
Gen. Banks. The marches, skirmishes and battles of that expedition are recorded in history, but only those who took part can fully realize the gallantry and endurance of the boys in blue. After that expedition the company was stationed at Donelson- ville, doing picket duty.
In August, 1864, a squad of four men was sent to carry a dispatch to another fort on the Misssis- sippi River, a day's ride from their station. They were surprised by the enemy, one man wounded, two captured and the fourth made his escape. Mr. Washburn was one of those taken prisoner, and after spending two weeks at Bayou La Fourche, La., was marched through to Tyler, Tex., and there placed in prison. At one time there was about eleven hundred Union soldiers imprisoned there, and a pound of beef, nearly all bone, and a quart of corn meal constituted a day's rations. There was a dead line and Mr. Washburn has seen men shot down there. When guarded by regular Con- federate soldiers, prisoners received fair treatment, but when militia and boys were their watchmen they were often mistreated. Mr. Washburn was afflicted with scurvy nearly all the time he was in prison and still suffers from its effects.
Mr. Washburn was released from prison in June, 1865, went to New Orleans, and thence to Baton Rouge where his regiment was encamped. He then came North on a thirty days' furlough, after which he returned to his regiment, joined Gen. Custer's command, went back into Texas and remained un- til .lune, 1866. Hle then returned to Springfield, Ill., where he was mustered out and honorably dis charged. During his term of service he had been promoted to the rank of Corporal and won a good record for faithful and gallant conduct.
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