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 55
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RS. LUCY HAWES, widow of William Ilawes, and a highly esteemed resident of Du Page Township, is a daughter of well- known pioneers of this county, her parents, Nathaniel and Jane (Cousin) Welch, having been early settlers of this township. Her father was a native of New York State and of Irish descent, while her mother was of German deseent. The early years of their married life were passed in Ohio among its pioneers. In 1836 the father came to this county and for a time worked on the Illi-
nois and Michigan Canal, and then farmed as a renter for two years, and at the expiration of that time purchased eighty acres of land, upon which Mrs. Ilawes now makes her home, In 1837 his wife and family joined him here and located on this property, he having erected a large log house, in which they lived for a number of years. He subsequently built the residence in which Mrs. Hawes lives, with the exception of the kitchen, which was erected at a later date. Ilis land, which he had bought directly from the Government, paying therefor 81.25 per acre, was in a wild con- dition, and his was the pioneer task to prepare it for cultivation. Well did he do his work, and in time had here a good, well-tilled farm, with all the desirable improvements. Here his mortal career was brought to a close by death, May 28, 1867, at which time one of our most worthy pioneers passed away. lle had served as Township Road Commis- sioner, and had aided in whatsoever way he could the advancement of his adopted township, whose development from its primitive condition he had watched with pride and pleasure. In his political views he was a strong Democrat. He began life with practically no means, hut at his death he was comfortably well off. He was the father of cleven children, who grew to maturity, and seven of them are still living: Ophelia, wife of Robert Goudy, of Du Page Township; Eliza, wife of Asa Park, of Nebraska; Julia, residing in Will County ; Mrs. llawes; Benjamin, a resident of Lemont Cook County; Anna M., wife of Edward Horsley, of Lockport Township.
Mrs. Hawes was reared to womanhood in this county, and was carefully trained in all the duties that go to make a good housekeeper. She received her education in the district schools of the county. On July 3, 1858, her marriage with William Hawes was duly solemnized, and proved of mutual benefit.
William Hawes was a native of England, born December 8, 1830, and was a son of William and Ann (Porter) Hawes, his parents being likewise natives of England. In 1851 he accompanied them to this country, and coming to Chicago, resided there a number of years. He was engaged mostly in teaming, and by constant attention to his busi- ness accumulated a comfortable sum, and in 1873
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retired with his wife to this farm on section 29, Du Page Township, to make his permanent home. He then devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits, and nnder his careful management the farm of one hundred and three aeres was greatly improved. Here his busy and useful life was rounded to completion May 29, 1887, thus dying before old age had overtaken him. In his death Du Page Township sustained a loss, as he had iden- tified himself with its progress and had aided in advaneing its growth. He had served acceptably as a School Director. In his political views he was a sound Demoerat. Coming to this country with little or no capital, by years of industry and elose application to his work he succeeded in acquiring a comfortable competence. His wedded life with our subject was blessed by the birth of two sons, Charles R. and William II.
Mrs. Hawes was of great assistance to her hus- band in his work, and is now enjoying the compe- tence she helped him to secure. She is a woman of much capacity, is kind in heart and manner. cheer- fully giving assistance where needed and charitably inelined towards all, a worthy type of the pioneer daughters of Du Page Township, who were import- ant instruments in its upbuilding.
OIIN HACK. In the southeastern part of the town of Beecher is a thriving mercantile establishment owned and operated by the above-named gentleman, who began this enterprise in 1878. The building is a good one and a well-selected stock of general merchandise is kept within it. Mr. Hack has been quite successful in his business career and has become well known to the residents of this vicinity as one from whom they are sure of honorable dealing and courteous treat- ment. From an honored ancestry he inherits many sterling qualities, while from worthy parents he received excellent home training.
defense of the Union during the late war, and the other members of the household band are living in Illinois. The parents were Gotlieb and Sophia ( Re- kopf ) Hack, the former being a small farmer in their native duchy. There they lived until 1864, when they accompanied their son, our subject, to Amer- iea, living with him during the remainder of their dives. The father died in Washington Township. this county, in 1875, having passed his four-score years of age. The mother survived some years, breathing her last in Beecher when quite old. Both belonged to the Lutheran Church.
After receiving a good education under the laws of his native land. young laek learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed so long as he lived in that country. Having been led to believe that a better field for his energies would be opened to him in the New World, he crossed the Atlantic, as before stated, and coming direct to the Prairie State began agricultural work on a farm in Wash- ington Township. this county. In 1865 he took possession of another farm, which was in almost a raw state and which he placed under excellent im- provement. It consisted of one hundred and sixty aeres on sections 26 and 35, and under his efficient control became valuable and attractive. Ile con- tinued his agricultural labors for there nearly a decade and then embarked in the business which he is still conducting so successfully.
At the bride's home in Mecklenburg, Mr. Hack was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Luth, an estimable lady who was born in the same town as her husband. Her natal day was October 12. 1828, and her parents, Joachin and Sophia (Schoder) Luth, who lived and died in Mecklenburg. Both were members of the Lutheran Church and lived to a good old age. The father was occupied in farming. Mrs. Hack is the only daughter and has four brothers, all still living in the Fatherland. Mr. and Mrs. Hack remained in the land of their birth for some years after their marriage, finally setting sail from Hamburg on the steamer "Saxony," from which they landed in New York. They have had eight children. live of whom were born in Germany. William. William C. and Theodore died in early life; Herman married Eva Ruge and lives
Mr. lack was born in Schwerin, Mecklenburg, Germany. September 1, 1825, being the first-born in a family of four sons and one daughter. One son is now living in Germany, one gave his life in | on a farm in Ash Grove Township. Iroquois County;
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Henry married Mary Bielfeldt and is now running the Bielfeldt House at Beecher: Carl A. resides in the same place, being a member of the firm of C. Bielfeldt & Co., whose business is sinking tubular wells; Frank is a clerk in his father's store. resid- ing under the parental roof; Emma L. is still at home, and she also assists her parents in the store. The entire family belong to the Lutheran Church and are looked upon with regard by all who know them. Mr. Hack has served as Postmaster for a time. His political influence and vote is given to the Republican party.
R OBERT PATTERSON, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Du Page Township, owning and managing a choice farm on section 7, is one of the native-born eiti- zens of this State, who, since attaining manhood, has been closely connected with its growth and progress, materially, socially and morally.
Our subjeet was born in Du Page County, No- vember 18, 1844, and is a son of Mungo and Agnes (Clow) Patterson. The father is, and has long been, a prominent resident of Wheatland Township. Both he and his wife came from Scotland in the year 1837, and lived for several years in New York. In 1811 they came to Du Page County, this State, and in 1845 removed to Will County and were among the early settlers of Wheatland Township. The father purchased a traet of raw prairie land on which a squatter had previously settled and had attempted some improve- ment, plowing a small patch of the land. Mr. Pat- terson located thereon and immediately entered upon the hard task of redeeming the land from a state of nature, and in the years that followed he evolved a farm that is considered one of the finest in that vicinity, and here he now, in his seventy- fifth year, makes his home, surrounded by all the comforts of life. When he came to this country he was a poor man, and it is only by years of toil well directed and by the shrewd management of his affairs that he has placed himself in good circumstances. In the early days of the settlement
of the country he suffered the privations and hard- ships common to the pioneer settlers of the State. The country, in a wild condition, had no good roads at first, and he used to draw his grain to the market in Chicago over the wild prairies where there were no highways of travel. lle has never cared for publie office although he has served on " the School Board and has always interested him- self in politics, being a sturdy supporter of the Republican party. Ile is in his religious belief a firm believer in the doctrine of Presbyterianism, - and has for many years been identified with the church of that faith in Du Page Township, as one of its most zealous members. In the death of his amiable wife, in 1890, he sustained a severe loss. as she had ever been a helpmate in the truest sense of the word. By their marriage they became the parents of seven children, of whom the follow- ing five survive: John, a resident of Benton County, Ind .; Robert ; William, living in Du Page Township; Sarah, wife of Robert Wightman, of Wheatland Township; and Adam, also a resident of Wheatland Township. The names of those de- ceased are Agnes and Helen.
Robert Patterson, of this biography, was reared to man's estate in Will County, and was a witness of much of its pioncer growth. His early eduea- tion was conducted in the district school of Wheat- land Township. He did not enjoy the advantages that the youth of to-day have, but by reading and observation has beeome a well-informed man. lle has for many years actively engaged in farming and stock-raising on his present beautiful farm. This comprises one hundred and forty acres of land, finely tilled and under excellent improvement in every respect, its buildings being of a neat and substantial order, and the machinery for carrying on agricultural operations of the most approved kind.
In his marriage with Elizabeth Sinton, Mareb 31, 1866. he secured the choice blessing of a good wife, who contributes to hiis comfort and has been a factor in the attainment of his prosperity. She is a native of Scotland and a daughter of Robert and Mary (Diekson) Linton. By their union they have six children: Isabelle, the widow of Joseph G. Emery; Robert, Ruth, Mungo, Will-
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iam and Ida. Since taking up his abode in Du Page Township our subject has placed himself among its most prominent citizens and has thoroughly identified himself with its highest interests, cordi. ally supporting all feasible schemes for its advance- ment. lle served as Justice of the Peace for five years. making a good record in that office. Ile is identified with the Presbyterian Church as one of its leading members, and officiates as Eller, and also serves as Treasurer of the church. A strong temperance man, he favors the Prohibition party in politics. As a farmer, he has shown good abil- ity in the management of his affairs; as a citizen, he is animated with true publie spirit; as a neigh- bor, he is friendly and helpful; as a husband, he is thoughtful and attentive; and as a father he is wise and loving, and is, in all respects, a manly, straightforward, upright man.
S AMUEL B. FRASER. In this gentleman Wheatland Township has one of its leading farmers and stock-raisers, and one of its most efficient civic officials. Ile is a native of Sullivan County, N. Y., born September 21, 1832, to Robert and Elizabeth (Brown) Fraser. His parents were natives of the North of Ireland, and emigrated to this country early in the present century. His father took part in the War of 1812 as a soklier in the American Army.
Our subject was reared in his native State till 1847, when he accompanied his parents and other members of the family to this county. While in Chicago on their way, the father and children were sadly bereaved by the death of the mother. The father settled in Plainfield Township, among its early pioneers, and there died in 1857. Of his married life eleven children were born, of whom the following survive: Thomas B., living in Man itoba; Elizabeth. wife of James II. Smiley, of this county; Samuel B .; Harvey R., residing in Den- ver. Col .; Louisa C .. living in this county. The re- maining years of the boyhood of our subject were passed on his father's farm in l'lainfield, he having, as it were, grown up with the county.
evived his education partly in New York and partly in the district schools of Illinois, for a time attending a private subscription school at Plainfield. After his marriage Mr. Fraser farmed in Lockport Township for several years, but in 1865 he came to Wheatland to make his perma- nent home here. Possessing much energy and en- terprise he has placed himself amongst our most able and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of the county, his farm being as well improved, as well cultivated and as well stocked as any in the neighborhood. It comprises two hundred and forty acres of land, whose fertility and produc- tiveness are scarcely surpassed, and from its rich harvest he derives an ample income.
Our subject has here a cozy home replete with all the comforts, and to her who has so substan tially aided him in its establishment, he was united in marriage February 17, 1858. The maiden name of the wife of our subject was Ann A. Brown, and she was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., March 3, 1832, being a daughter of the late James and Mary Brown. Her mother now makes her home in Plainfield. Ill. The husband was a na- tive of the north of Ireland. By their union Mr. and Mrs. Fraser have had six children, of whom two are now living: Herbert A., a student in the college at Evanston, Il .; and Ernest J. An other- wise happy wedded life has been shadowed by the death of four of their children: Thornton R., Frank, Gillian and Harry.
Mr. and Mrs. Fraser are people of high repute in this community, and are greatly esteemed for the true worth of their character. Mr. Fraser is a man of excellent habits, is careful and conscien- tious in his dealings with others. and so has won the confidence of all with whom he comes in con- taet. Ile is a hard and constant worker. exercising much practical ability and sound sagacity in the pursuit of his calling. and is highly deserving of the prosperity that has followed his labors. He is a strong Prohibitionist in his political sentiments, and never fails to give his hearty support to the candidates of that party. He is one of the leading members of the United Presbyterian Church at Wheatland. and for a number of years has officiated He re- | as an Elder, For many years he has been School
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Director of his district, and has actively aided in forwarding its educational interests. lle has been serving in the important office of Township Road Commissioner, for many years, and has been a prominent factor in the great improvement in the highways of travel in this township.
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W ILLIAM DINGLEY. In the employ of the Joliet Branch of the linois Steel Com- pany's works are many skilled in the var. ious departments of labor. To this class belongs William Dingley, day foreman in the converting works, and whose honest. earnest labors have been rewarded by a responsible and remunerative posi- tion, the confidenee of his employers, and the esteem of his fellow-men.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch is the only son of William and Harriet A. (Kimball) Dingley, the paternal family being of Scotch origin, William, Sr., was a foreman in the shoe making business in his eastern home, but upon coming West, which he did in 1858. he exchanged his former occupation for the more congenial busi- ness of raising and racing horses. For thirty years he was a well-known and respected citizen of Illi- nois. Ile was a cousin of Representative Dingley. He died in Joliet, January 21. 1888. Ilis wife had long preceded him to the other world, having died at Mount Blue, Me., November 5, 1856.
William Dingley, Jr., opened his eyes to the light in Cochituate, Mass., October 29, 1849, and after the death of his mother lived with his grandparents until he had attained his twelfth year. He then went to work for a firm in Chicago in the boot and shoe business, but coming to Joliet the same year he tound employment with Firman Mack. in the same line of industry. In that business he con- tinned to labor here and in Chicago until 1876, when he entered the employ of the Joliet Iron and Steel Company.
Beginning as a laborer on the lowest round of the ladder. Mr. Dingley by virtue of close application to business, combined with a natmal aptitude, rose step by step to the position of foreman in the con-
verting works, which place be attained in 1885, and has since held. Politically, he is a most ardent Republican. He has a decided taste for music and in its gratifieation finds a large measure of enjoy- ment. He is a member of the well-known Orpheus Glee Club.
Realizing that it is not good for man to live alone Mr. Dingley wooed and won for his wife Miss Sarah Alexander, of Lockport, with whom he was united in marriage June 25, 1881. James L. Alexander, the father of the bride, was one of the early settlers of this county, whence he came from Wayne County. N. Y., in 1857. He took contracts on the Illinois and Michigan Canal, first on the see- tion at Kankakee and subsequently in other locali- ties. Ile was a well-read, thorough going business man, and enjoyed the respect of his neighbors in a marked degree. He died December 29, 1876. Ilis daughter, Mrs. Dingley, received good advantages in the way of education and home training, and has made such use of them as fairly entitles her to a place among the more intelligent, useful, and honored members of the community.
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ENNIS L. HOGAN. In the village of Spen- cer may be found a general mercantile es- tablishment, which is under the control of the young gentleman above mentioned. Although the business is still in its infancy, having been es- tablished in December, 1889, the young proprietor is already having excellent patronage, as his stock is well selected and his dealing honorable and courteous. The life of our subject has been passed in New Lenox Township, where his eyes opened to the light of day December 15. 1861. Ile re- ceived a good education and excellent home train- ing, and bids fair to become a man of note in the community.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch comes of honorable Irish lineage, both of his parents having been born on the Emerald Isle. Ilis mother, formerly Miss Mary MeCabe, is a native of Dublin. Dennis HIogan and his wife ; came to America a number of years ago, settling
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in New Lenox Township, this county, at quite an carly day. They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this biographical notice is the third in order of birth. The husband and father breathed his last in March, 1887, but the widowed mother still survives.
C APT. JAMES MILLER, Superintendent of the machine department of the General Ma- chine Manufactory of E. R. Brainard & Co .. was formerly chief engineer of the Illinois State Penitentiary, and has seen a service of twenty-two years in this line of business. He is a man highly spoken of by those who have known him long and well. and needs no further introduction to the people of Will County.
Capt. Miller comes from one of the best nation- alities on the face of the globe, having been born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, the date thereof being March 11. 1828. He received a practical educa- t'on in the schools of his native shire, and when of suitable years, commenced an apprenticeship at marine engine building on the Clyde. After he- coming master of the business, he, in 1853, when a young man of twenty-five years, determined to seek his fortunes in America. Upon crossing the Atlantic, he first located in Sharon, Pa., and estab- lished a foundry and machine shop, which he con- dueted successfully until about 1857. Believing then that he could better his condition in the far- ther West, he came to this State and established a similar business at Morris, Grundy County.
After the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Miller, who had become strongly attached to the institu- tions of his adopted country. determined to assist in the preservation of the Union, and raised a com- pany called the Mechanics Fusileers. He repaired with them to Camp Douglas. Chicago, but met with a great disappointment on account of their services not being required. They were accordingly mus- tered out, but Mr. Miller. going to Cairo. enlisted in the navy and was assigned to the Mississippi Squadron. Soon afterward, on account of his evi. dent understanding of the business and his fidelity
to his duty. he was promoted from fireman to chief engineer, and held this position for three years. participating in many of the engagements which followed. and making for himself a fine reeord in connection therewith.
Mr. Miller continued in the service until the close of the war, and then being given an honorable dis- missal, returned to Morris, IN., and resumed his old business. Ile now enjoyed the reputation of being a first-class machinist, and a year later re- ceived the appointment of chief engineer of the Illinois State Penitentiary, a position which he held for the long period of twenty-two years and until 1889. lle then became Superintendent of the E. R. Brainard & Co, machine shops, a position which he has since held. lle assisted in organizing the People's Loan & Homestead Association, in which he is a Director, and he is also a Director of the Joliet Press Company. and is connected with various other important enterprises.
Capt. Miller was married, in 1857. in Scotland to Miss Elizabeth A. Miller. a distant relative. The wife of Capt. Miller is also a native of Scotland, and was born in 1828. They are the parents of five children, viz .: James, Edwin, Frank, Maggie, the wife of A. W. Smith, of Channahon Township, and Lillie. The children of Capt. Miller have re- ceived excellent schoof advantages, and have be- come fitted for their proper position in life. The family residence is properly located in the east part of the city, among whose people they count their friends by the score.
On another page of this work the reader will notice a portrait of Capt. Miller, who is conceded to be one of Will County's representative citizens.
G EORGE LAMBERT. Among the citizens of DuPage Township who have retired from arduous labors and are enjoying the fruits of former industry in a beautiful home, is George Lambert, whose life presents a picture of perseverance and uprightness. llis home farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, and his entire landed estate comprises two
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hundred and sixty aeres. He had no financial start in life other than the means to reach Amer- ica, therefore his comfortable circumstances result from his own endeavors.
The eyes of our subject opened to the light of of day in Lincolnshire, England, July 1, 1827. lle is the third child of William and Elizabeth (Scoflin ) Lambert, was reared to farming and from about ten years of age was hired out on a farm, working by the year in that way until he emigrated to America. In England he had practically no educational advantages and his intelligence is the result of natural talent and self endeavor. When he determined to seek a home in the United States he embarked on the sailer ".lacob E. Westerfield." which left Liverpool early in May, 1851. Cross- ing the Atlantic to New York, the voyage was continued via the Hudson River, Erie Canal and Great Lakes to Chicago, whence the Illinois and Michigan Canal was the water-way to Lockport.
The first work done by Mr. Lambert was dig- ging a cellar for George R. Dyer, of DuPage Township, and the winter was spent at his home. The following spring work was seeured on the farm of Leander llamlin, in Plainfield Township, and there our subjeet remained three or four years. lle then purchased eighty acres of land in the same township, upon which he lived a number of years, removing from it to his present home farm. Here he has erected all the fine buildings that mark the estate, and otherwise made of it what it is to-day, a well-regulated and valuable farm.
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