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 51
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
AMES DOUGLAS BROWN, as his given name would partially indicate, traces his ancestry back to a family that has been historie for centuries. The Douglas name figures largely in Scotch as well as in American history. The origin of the family, their original coat of arms, and early achievements, are wrapped in mystery although many traditions are extant, some of which doubtless have solid foundation in fact. Efforts have been made by members of the family in recent years to snatch from oblivion and gather from traditionary and legendary lore, all that is worthy of preservation. Such efforts have resulted in a work, liberally subscribed for by many who boast the Douglas blood, which shows the connection of our subject and his family with the name by direct lineage.
James D .. Brown was born in Raymertown, Rensselaer County, N. Y., March 12, 1826, and received his academical education in the Lyman Cross Academy in Troy. Ile completed the course of study at the carly age of sixteen years when he engaged in the drug business with an uncle at Lansingburg. The business has now en- gaged his attention for over forty years. In 1846 he came to Joliet, Ill., and established himself in that line of trade, in which he is still interested. In 1869 he associated with himself a brother, J.
-
457
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPINICAL ALBUM.
II., since deceased. and more recently his sons. Horace Il. and Eugene C. Both of the young men are graduates in pharmacy, Eugene C. having completed a course of study in the Chicago Col- lege of Pharmacy in 1881. and Horace in 1885.
The trade of the firm above mentioned is an old and firmly established one and patrons of the estab -. lishment are sure to receive reliable drugs. to have prescriptions carefully compounded, and to be treated with due courtesy and honor. The family is numbered among the best class of citizens, being earnest, enterprising, and reliable in their duty as members of the community, honorable in all their relations in life, and possessing the intelligence, culture and excellent character that win the respeet of their fellow citizens.
ANIEL C. MASON. Among the estates of Will County which present an appear- ance of comfort and home-likeness, none are more attractive than one which oceu- pies a portion of section 5, Joliet Township, and is the home of Daniel Mason and his good wife. Without having any pretensions to elegance, every- thing about the place bespeaks good taste, pros- perity, and a care which is as far removed from parsimonionsness as from a reckless disregard of appearances and results. The dwelling is a pleas- ant one, set in the midst of surroundings which are quite in keeping with the neatness and order which prevail under its roof. It is conveniently near to the city of Joliet, affording to its in- mates the best of the enjoyments which are to be found in city life, while avoiding the confusion, restricted quarters, and dust of the town. Mr. Mason is now living a retired life and renting his estate, which originally comprised two hundred and fifty acres and bears all needful struc. tures for the carrying on of farm work.
The old Bay State has the honor of being the birthplace of the parents of our subject, who in their early life dwelt in Cheshire, Berkshire County. In the pleasant New England village Ar- nold Mason and Merey Coman had opened their
eyes to the light and spent their school days, be- coming thoroughly acquainted with each other's disposition and character, and having their early friendship ripened into a regard which led them to unite their lives and fortunes. After their mar- riage they settled in New Hartford, near l'tica, N. Y., where they spent their happy wedded life and reared a large family. Thirteen children were born to them, eleven living to mature years.
The subject of this biographical notice is the seventh child born to his parents, his natal day having been January 12, 1811. He grew to man- hood in New Hartford, remaining under the pa- rental roof until he was about twenty-one years okl, in the meantime having acquired such a knowledge of the ordinary branches of study as afforded him a good equipment in business. I'pon leaving the home of his boyhood he went to New Jersey to work on the Delaware & Rariton Canal under his father, who had a contract for building a portion of that highway. After working there a year, he joined his father in a contract for excavating through Bergen Hill for the old New Jersey Cen- tral Railroad, and also the contract for digging the Morris Canal from there to Jersey City.
After the completion of these contracts, father and son took one for building two sections of the Croton Water Works, at New York City. The senior Mr. Mason was one of the three contractors that built the well-known High Bridge over the Halem River. After completing his work on the water works, our subject returned to his native place. near which he engaged in farming. remain- ing there until the fall of 1869, when he removed to his present home where he continued his agri- cultural labors for some time. Honest industry, persevering efforts, and prudent management, have been crowned with success in the career of Mr. Ma- son, whose efforts have been ably seconded by his companion, whose housewifely ability and wise economy have prevented the expenditures from reaching a figure beyond what could be well af- forded, and has thus been instrumental in the av- cinnulation of their comfortable means.
On April 16, 1811, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Cornelia II. Kellogg, who was born and reared in the town
158
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
which was the early home of her husband, and to whose union the same words will apply which are suited to the marriage of his parents, Mrs. Mason is the second in a family consisting of two sons and two daughters. born to Truman and Melinda (Marsh) Kellogg, both of whom were natives of Oneida County, N. Y., in which they died. Mr. Kellogg was a farmer and the family were of the Quaker faith. Mrs. Mason opened her eyes to the light June 8. 1824. Blessed by nature with many fine qualities, her character was strengthened and de- veloped by careful training, and she is to-day a fine type of the gentlewoman with motherly qualities. Her happy union has been blessed by the birth of two children-Truman A. and Cornelia M. The latter is now a widow, having married Stephen Alanson Sherwood, who died in April, 1876, leav- ing two children-Arthur M. and Louis A., who with their mother are making their home on the estate with Mr. and Mrs. Mason.
Although reared in the Quaker faith, Mrs. Ma son is now a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. Mr. Mason is independent in his political views, giving his ballot to the candidate whom he thinks best qualified to carry out the measures in which his judgment concurs. It would be hard to find a man more highly respected or more desery- ing of the good opinion of his fellow. men than he, and it affords the biographical writer pleasure to insert this account of his life and that of his wife.
OSEPH BARTHIELME. The thrifty Ger- man American element of loliet Township finds a worthy representative in the subject of this notice, who owns and occupies a well-tilled farm on section 5. Here he has pursued the even tenor of his way since 1885. making a specialty of minding his own concerns and living at peace among his neighbors. Mr. Barthelme is a native of this county and was born in the city of Joliet. May 6, 1857, to Joseph and Mary ( Wiles) Barthehne, who were natives of the Province of Alsace, formerly of France but now of Germany. The parents came to America with their respective
families at an early age and were married in Joliet, after which the father, for a time, ran a boat on the canal and later was variously employed until securing land and engaging in agricultural pursuits. Ile farmed for a period of twenty years and then retiring from active labor, made his home in Joliet where his death took place April 4, 1883. The mother is still living making her home in Joliet. There was born to her and her husband a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, ten of whom are living and of whom Joseph was the fourth in order of birth.
Mr. Barthelme lived with his parents until reach- ing manhoodl and when they removed to Joliet he settled on the farm owned by his mother, in Joliet Township. He is now successfully cultivating seventy acres where he has good buildings and other improvements. Ile was married November 22. 1882, to Miss Mary, daughter of John and Margaret Flynn, who were natives of County Cork, Ireland, where the father spent his entire life, dying in 1870. The mother subsequently came to America and is now a resident of Iowa City, Iowa. The parental family consisted of five sons and three daughters of whom Mrs. Barthelme was the third in order of birth. She is a native of County Cork. Ireland, and was born May 22, 1859. She was eighteen years old when coming to America and has been a true helpmate to her husband, keeping her house in order and practicing the industry and economy which have so much to do in the happ :- ness and prosperity of a home. The household virele comprises three bright children, viz .: Joseph E., Margaret II. and John W. Mr. Barthelme votes with the Democratic party and both he and his estimable wife are prominently connected with the Catholic Church, attending services at Joliet.
AMES E. HOLMES. In speaking of the public-spirited citizens of New Lenox Town- ship. the life and labors of this gentleman should by no means be omitted. He is the owner and occupant of an estate on section 22, which forms a home of comfort and good taste,
159
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.
such as might well satisfy any but the most ambi- tions of men. The farm comprises one hundred and forty fertile acres on which excellent buildings have been erected and other appropriate improve- ments made, and the agricultural labor to which Mr. Holmes has given his attention for over forty years, is conducted according to the most improved efforts. Nearly the entire life of this gentleman has been spent in this county, to which he came with his parents in his eighth year. The history of his progenitors may be found in the sketch of 1. S. Hlohues, which occupies another page in this ALBUM.
The gentleman of whom we write was the first born in a family of six children. His natal day was June 25, 1827, and his birthplace in Chautauqua County, N. Y. His parents becoming early settlers of Will County, Ill., he grew to manhood in New Lenox Township, which he has made his home from boyhood. After passing his school days he followed carpentering and blacksmithing for seven- teen years, having a general repair shop. The most of the time he carried on this work on his farm although for a time his shop was in Spencer. About t865, he abandoned the trades and gave his attention exclusively to farm labors for his personal avocation.
On December, 18, 1850. in New Lenox Town- ship. Mr. Holmes was united in marriage with Miss Susan S. Elsworth, who survived only until April 15. 1853. She bore two children-Levi A., who died when about twelve years old, and Rosetta .J., who died in infaney. Mr. Holmes contracted a second matrimonial alliance JJanuary 8. 1851. the ceremony being performed at Mokena, and the bride being Miss Mary E. Stittler. This lady was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 29, 1838, being the only child of Jacob and Cynthia (Anway) Stitller. Her father died in the Buckeye State about 1840, and the mother still lives. Mrs. Holmes possesses a large amount of intelligence. pleasing manners, and a noble Christian character, and the duties which devolve upon her as wife, mother and neighbor are cheerfully and carefully performed. She has borne her husband four chil- dren: Rosella, who died in infancy; Delia J., wife of Isaac M. Gillett. Jr. ; William R. ; and George E.
The ability of Mr. Holmes and his excellent character are recognized by his fellow men who have desired his services in various positions of local trust. He has served as Township Clerk, Highway Commissioner, and School Director, serv- ing ten years as an incumbent of the last position. He was Postmaster at Spencer from 1856 until the spring of 1889, continuously. His political adher- ence is given to the Democratic party. Mrs. Holmes is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which her husband also attends.
RANK W. SCUTT, Secretary of the Joliet. Wheel Company, and also of the Joliet Barb Wire Company, is numbered among the active business men of the city and has for many years been identified with its leading inter- ests. lle is the offspring of an old and highly re- spected family and the only child of the well-known II. B. Seutt, who came to this county about 1862. Ile was born May 29, 1868, and acquired an excel- lene education, completing his studies at Phillips' Academy in Andover, Mass.
After leaving the Academy Mr. Seutt returned to his native city and in company with his father became identified with the Barb Wire Company, of which he was soon made the Secretary in order to assist his father who was suffering from ill health. It was not long before he virtually assumed the whole management of the business, which is now being gradually closed out. In 1889, in company with R. G. Surbridge of Chicago, he organized the .Joliet Wheel Company, which was incorporated in December, 1889, with a capital of $25,000. F. W. Schroeder was elected President, F. W. Sentt, Se- cretary, and R. G. Surbridge, Superintendent. They are already giving employment to fifty men and expect before the close of the season ( 1890) to re- quire the services of one hundred men.
Mr. Scutt was recently elected a Director of the Pioneer & Commonwealth Insurance Company, of Chicago. He is also a Director of the Young Men's Christian Association, of JJoliet, and a Trustee
160
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of the First Presbyterian Church. He was mar- ried May 8, 1889, to Miss Mary A. Payne, of Stony Point, N. Y. They have one son, born May 11, 1890, named Harrold Benjamin. This lady was born November 15, 1869, at Astoria, Long Island, and is the daughter of the Hon. A. T. Payne. The father is a prominent and successful attorney, of Brooklyn. He was at one time Corporation Coun- sel of Long Island City and a Representative to the General Assembly of New York State, at Al. bany. Mrs. Seutt was given a good education at Rockland College, Nyack. N. Y., then completing her studies at the Delaware Literary Institute, Frank- lin, Delaware County, N. Y.
1
Iliram B. Seutt, the father of our subject, was born November 11, 1812, in Delaware County, N. Y., and came to this county about 1862, becoming the employe of Charles Ward, who operated a planing- mill. After the outbreak of the Civil War he en- tered the Union Army as a member of the Second Illinois Light Artillery. For valiant services he was, near the close of the war, promoted to a Cap- tainey, but did not receive his commission until after his return home.
Mr. Sentt, about 1868, engaged as a traveling salesman for the Geneva (N. Y.) Nursery, and was thus occupied until 1871. Then returning to the West he was instrumental in establishing the first barb wire business in Joliet, associating himself in partnership with William Watkins, under the firm name of Seutt & Watkins. Later the Joliet Wire Fence Company was organized, of which Mr. Scutt was made President. The most successful enter- prise in which he engaged, however, was as a mem- ber of the firm of HI. B. Sentt & Co., which included James R. Ashley, and engaged in the manufacture of wire in the Joliet Penitentiary, and gave om- ployment to one hundred and fifty men. The com- pany sokl out in 1881 to Messrs. Oliver Bros. & Phillips, of Pittsburg, l'a., who now continue the business under the firm name of 11. B. Seult & Co., ( limited).
The father of our subject was not engaged in any business for a year afterward but not being content in idleness, organized the Joliet Barb Wire Company, of which he was made President. In 1881 he put up a handsome residence, the finest in
the city, and pleasantly located on North Broad- way. He was the first man to introduce the electric light in the city. as President of the Citizens' Elec- tric Light Company. He never aspired to political honors.
Hiram B. Scutt received a good education and during his early manhood employed himself in teaching school. He left home about 1861, coming to Illinois and locating on a farm in DeKalb County. He was married in 1866, to Miss Adalaide Ward. This lady was born in 1842, in Rutland, Vt., and whose parents spent their last years in Vermont. She is still living, making her home in loliet. Of ber union with Mr. Scutt there were born two children, F. W., the subject of this sketch, and Grace, who died in infancy. Mr. Scutt de- parted this life at Lake Geneva, Wis., July 29, 1889, his death being caused by paresis-an over- straining of the mental faculties. He was thor- oughly respected by his neighbors and business associates, and during the last Presidential election was quite prominent as having championed the cause of free trade as adopted by the Democracy. Prior to this he had been a stanch Republican.
P ETER BERSCHEID. This young gentleman is of Prussian ancestry, representing a fam- ily of good standing in the old country. llis parents, Bernard and Susan ( Zahrn ) Berscheid emigrated from Prussia to America in 1853, locat- ing at Lockport, Ill., where Mr. Berscheid carried on milling operations. The family included eleven children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third in order of birth. lle opened his eyes to the light in Mendota, May 9, 1859. After obtaining a good education in the common schools he started ont in life as a barber in Joliet, continuing in that business about four years.
Mr. Berscheid then engaged as an engineer in the Fire Department, remaining in the service three years, but in 1881, entering the Sehring Brewing Co. in the capacity of engineer of their extensive brewery. There he has since continued to labor satisfactorily, discharging the duties de-
yours Truly Geo Van Duzer
Mrs Elimina Mr. Van Durer
165
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
volving upon him and winning commendation from his employers. He has already represented the Third Ward in the City Council two terms, and for the third time was elected in the spring of 1 890, running on this occasion without opposition. Po. litically he is a pronounced Democrat. In religion he is a Catholic, holding membership in St. Aloy- sius Society.
At the home of the bride December 28. 1882. the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Louisa Erb. an estimable lady of German deseent, domestic virtues, and a similar faith with himself. Their happy union has been blessed by the birth of two children, named respectively : Allia and Bernard Roland.
G EORGE VAN DUSER. This fine old gen- tleman and his equally estimable wife, whose portraits appear on the opposite pages, are numbered among the early settlers ot this county, who came hither when the country presented a widely different appearance from that of to-day. They hore with their neighbors the usual toils and hardships of pioneer life, and have made for them- selves a good record morally. socially and finan- cially. They commenced their wedded life together with moderate means and by the exercise of un- flagging industry have made for themselves a home and a competence, and are now passing down the sunset hill of life in the midst of peace and plenty, enjoying the comforts which they have so justly earned. together with the unqualified esteem and confidence of those around them. They have a pleasant home and much that makes life desirable.
In noting the early history of the Van Duser family, we find that the father of our subject was one John Van Duser, who was born in Johnstown. Montgomery County, N. Y., February 3, 1772. He spent his early life amid the quiet scenes of the country, obtaining a common-school education and becoming familiar with farm pursuits. When ready to establish a home of his own. he was wedded to Miss Catherine Bingham. a maiden of his own township, and who was born October 26. 1785.
The parents of our subject for a time after their marriage lived in Madison County, N. Y., but in 1>37 decided to seek their fortunes in what was then the Far West. and came to this county in .lune, that year. The father secured a tract of land in New Lenox Township, where he engaged success- fully in farming, building up a comfortable home- stead. where he and his estimable partner spent the remainder of their days. The mother passed away August 25. 1852. John Van Duser departed this life April 21, 1860. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and there was born to them a family of eleven children, George Van Duser being the only one surviving.
The subject of this sketch was the sixth child of his parents, and was born July 19, 1817, in Lenox, Madison County, N. Y. He there spent the days of his boyhood and youth until 1836, then starting out for himself. made his way westward, arriving in Chicago in the fall of the year, and sojourned there until the following June, He then came to this county, and selecting his future location, com- mencent the development of a farm, which has since been his home. He was married at Joliet, Novem- ber 25, 1810, to Miss Elmina, daughter of the llon. Nathaniel and Aesah ( Wheeler) Mellen. The young people commeneed their wedded life together at the homestead which they now own and occupy. and have labored faithfully together in the build- ing up of a home for themselves and their chil- dren.
The father of Mrs. Van Duser was born in Farm- ingham. Mass., January 1, 1791. while his good wife was born in Connecticut, November 27, 1791. After marriage they settled in Bennington County, Vi ... but finally decided to seek their fortunes in the West, and emigrated to what is now Kankakee County, this State, arriving here in October, 1838. Mr. Mellen selected a tract of land along the Kan- kakee River, where he opened up a good farm, and there with his estimable partner spent the remain- der of his days. Mr. Mellen died March 27, 1866, The mother survived her husband for a period of nine years, her death taking place October 27, 1875. They were Universalists in religious belief and honest and upright people, who gained the esteem of all around them. Nathaniel Mellen was a prom-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
inent man in the town of Winhall. Bennington County, Vt., where he served as Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk and Selectman. He fairly earned his title of Honorable by serving several terms in the State Legislature in Vermont.
Mr. and Mrs. Mellen were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Van Duser was the second born, and first opened her eyes to the light in Bennington County, Vt., May 30, 1818. She obtained her education in the common schools, and remained a member of the parental household until her marriage. Her family, as did that of her parents, numbered also seven children. The eldest. a daughter, Emily A., is the widow of John Wid- bey ; Elmina A. married Joshna Barrett; George Jerome is married, and is a resident of Franklin County. lowa; Gilbert M. lives in Wilson County, Kan .; Eddie II. remains at home with his parents ; Flora (). is the wife of Frank Gorham. of Monona County, Jowa; Ida E. died when twelve years old.
Mr. Van Duser is the only survivor of his father's large family. Ile has always been content to fol- low agricultural pursuits, and has a well-tilled farm of ninety-three acres, which yields him a comfort- able income, and upon which he has made good im- provements. Ilis honored father was the first Supervisor of New Lenox Township, to which he gave its name in honor of Lenox, Madison County, N. Y., where he had formerly lived. While a resi- dent of the Empire State. he held the office of Jus- tive of the Peace for the long period of sixteen years in succession.
R OBERT FERGUSON, deceased, was a pio- neer of Will County, and as one who ma- terially contributed to develop its rich ag- ricultural resources, and as an early settler of Plainfield Township, where he built up for himself and family a desirable home, he is well worthy of representation in this BIOGRAPHICAL AL- itM. County Derry, Ireland. was the birthplace of our subject, and also of his father, who bore the same name. he being of Scotch antecedents. The latter was a trader, dealer in linen fabrics, and
in 1840 he emigrated to this country and located in Easton, Pa. Ile resided there for two years and then came to Will County, and spent the re- mainder of his life at the home of our subject, dy- ing in March, 1884, at the advanced age of eighty- eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy McDougall, preceded him in death many years, dying in Easton, Pa., in 1852. They had but one son, our subject, and one daughter, Mary A., who married John W. Johnson and lives in Will County.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.