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 58
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Mr. Huston contracted matrimonial ties February 6, 1872, being wedded to Miss Emma A., daughter of William and Augustine Blanchard. Mrs. Huston was born December 22, 1845, in Geneva. IN. She received careful parental training and remained under the home roof until her marriage. Of this union there have been born four children, viz:
Maud J., Charles E., William B., and Jessie O. Mr. Huston is prominently connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the American Legion of Honor, in the latter of which he has been the State Treasurer for the past six years. It is hardly necessary to state that politically, he is a sound Republican.
He has been partially reimbursed for the loss of his limb by the granting of a monthly pension from the Government.
LONZO B. SILARP. The firm of A. B. Sharp & Co., occupies a prominent posi- tion among the business and industrial in- terests of Joliet, and is engaged in the manufacture of paints, oils, varnishes, axle grease, etc. The senior member of the firm, of whom we here present a sketch, has been engaged in this business since 1871. Hle commenced in a modest manner and gradually added to his facilities and the variety of articles manufactured, making all house. railroad and fenee wire brands of paint, Excelsior Axle Grease, Harness Alabastine, and enjoys a trade of $100.000 annually. He thinks, however, of retiring from business in the near fu- ture, and spending his declining years in the ease and comfort which he has so justly earned. lle has a fine plant, the lot comprising one hundred and sixty-six feet front on Ottawa Street, running back to Canal and connecting with Jackson at the upper bridge. He is the owner of other valuable property in the city, including a fine home at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Clinton Street, one of the finest residence localities of the city, and which is valued at $10,000.
A nativeof Windom. Conn., Mr. Sharp was born four miles from the noted frog pond of that re- gion, July 28, 1823. Ilis parents were Elder Elias and Fanny Sharp, the former of whom was a na- tive of Vermont. Elias Sharp when a young man went to Connecticut, as a minister of the Christian Church, and became an eloquent pulpit orator. He married Miss Fanny, daughter of Benjamin
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Gardner, a seafaring man, and they lived in Con- necticut until their son, Alonzo B., had reached his majority, and they spent their last years in Lockport, N. Y.
Mr. Sharp attended the common schools of his native place. He lived in New London, Conn., five years, then came West as far as Logansport. Ind., where he was engaged five years in the gro- cery business. Next he removed to a farm in Kendall County, across the line from Plainhekl, and from there went to Montana at the time of the gold excitement. After a year's absence he returned via the Platte and Yellowstone Rivers, Virginia City and Salt Lake, paying 8300 stage fare from the Mormon metropolis to Atchison, Kan., and being seventeen days and nights on the road. much of the time delayed by snow. Ile sue- ceeded fairly well in the mines, but decided that that experience would suflice as far as the wild West was concerned. He then came to Joliet. Il. Mr. Sharp engaged in butchering, and filled five contracts with the Illinois State Penitentiary in a satisfactory manner, and was thus occupied about ten years. In 1871 he established his present en- terprise, which has likewise netted him ample re- turns. lle is looked upon in business circles as a fair-minded man, square in his dealings and one whose word may be considered as good as his bond.
Mr. Sharp was first married, in 1846. to Miss Sarah 1. Brown, daughter of Maj. Brown, a sol- dier in the War of 1812. Of this union there was born one child, Eugene D., who is in business with his father; the mother died when this boy was a lad of twelve years. Mr. Sharp then mar- ried her younger sister, Miss Emily M., and there were born to them three chikiren. only one of whom is living. viz .: Lina. who is the wife of Charles P. Barstow, of Boston, Mass., and they have two children. Eugene married Miss Sarah Noble and is the father of five children.
Elias Sharp came to the West about Is60, and became interested in lands and fine wool sheep. Hle also engaged extensively in the nursery busi- ness at Lockport. N. Y., prior to this, and during the panic of 1837 lost probably $10,000. He had been obliged to abandon the ministry on account
of ill-health. He lived to the advanced age of eighty.two years, and died about 1876 in Lock- port. N. Y. The wife and mother survived him four years and was about eighty-four years okl at the time of her decease.
Dr. Sharp obtained his title during the reign of the epizootie, in 1871, having been especially successful in treating this disease, which made such havoc among the horses. He has three brothers living, namely, M. G., Lovando and C. A. The three carry on the nursery business at Lockport. N. Y., and have one of the largest fruit-evaporating establishments in the Empire State, with a capacity of six hundred bushels per day.
HARLES CURTIS. It has been well said that our schools are the hope of our country " and all who desire the perpetua- tion of the national life and the fulfillment of its glorious promise as the center of the highest civil- ization, recognize the fact that the educators of our land are clothed with a high responsibility and that those in whose care the young are placed shoukl be selected with judgment. Prof. Curtis is one to whom his fellow men look up as an instructor capable not only of guiding youth in the ascent of the hill of knowledge, but of leading them by ex- ample and precept toward moral and upright lives. His own mind has been well disciplined and is a storehouse of knowledge, while the moral and spiritual qualities have been strengthened and developed as years have passed by.
Prof. Curtis was born in Orange County. Vt .. and in the Green Mountain State his parents, Francis and Julia ( Richardson) Curtis, also first saw the light of day. Ilis mother died when he was quite young, but his father is still living. The educational privileges bestowed upon the lad were excellent, and after an attendance at the public schools he entered Barrie Academy from which he was graduated with high honors in 1875. The same year he came to Ilinois, and locating in Chenoa, began his career as a pedagogue. After a successful experience of six years he was elected
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Principal and Superintendent of the High School in Odell. in which place he remained four years. Ile was elected for another year but resigned, being chosen Superintendent of Schools at Lockport and entered upon the duties of that position in Septem- ber, 1886.
Prof. Curtis has graded the schools of this place, introduced a curriculum that is well suited to the practical demands of the age, and has established the custom of holding graduating exercises and awarding diplomas to those whose thoroughness entitles them to that honor. The schools have steadily grown in attendance until they are models in their way, and have become a power for good which proves the high executive talent and strong personal influence of their Superintendent. Ile gives a fair share of credit for these good results to his subordinates, recognizing that in their co-oper- ation there is a strong factor to accomplish good.
The wife of Prof. Curtis is a native of the Green Mountain State, a member of an excellent family, and bore the maiden name of Hattie M. Lord. She was educated in Barrie Academy and is a lady of fine culture and a consistent Christian character. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curtis belong to the Congrega- tional Church and the former takes an active part in the labors of both church and Sunday-school. HIe belongs to the social order of Modern Wood- men, and and to the Masonic fraternity. llis in- fluence is not confined to those who are under his instruction and guidance, but is felt throughout the community as that of an educated man always is when exerted in behalf of true civilization.
OIIN KILLEY. In a county that contains so many finely improved farms and beauti- ful rural dwellings, it is hard to claim pre- eminence for any, but certainly any trav- eler through Wesley Township would at first glance decide that that of the subject of this sketch held a conspienous place. The landed estate comprises two hundred and fifty-seven acres on section 6, all under careful tillage and supplied with excellent improvements. The fine residence was erected, in
1884, at a cost of $3,000, and with its attractive rural surroundings, is represented on another page. It is furnished with all the modern conveniences, and gives evidence in its adornment and air of neatness and comfort that its interior is presided over by a capable and tasteful housewife. Mr. Kil- ley began his residence in this township at a very early age and at a period which was antedated by few now living. For many years he has held an honored place among the citizens and proved him- self worthy of their esteem.
Going back a few generations in the paternal line we find James Killey. a farmer, and following him his son William Killey, a seaman. The next in the direct line was another William Killey, the father of our subject, who, like those before men- tioned, was born on the Isle of Man, the date of his birth being 1793. lle married Mary Cowley, who was born, in 1795, on the same island, their marriage rites being celebrated in 1818. The worthy couple continued to reside in the land of their nativity until 1827, when they emigrated to America, making their first settlement on a farm near Cleveland, Ohio. There they remained until 1839, at which time they removed to Will County, Ill., settling on the farm now occupied by our sub- ject. There they both laid down the burdens of life. the mother breathing her last in 1861, and the father in 1873. Their family comprised nine chil- dren, three of whom are now living. Some of the paternal relatives resided in Boston, Mass., pre- vions to the Revolutionary War, and one cousin belonged to the English Army twenty-one years. The family is of Celtic origin.
The subject of this biographical notice was the third in the parental family and was born April 2, 1825, on the Isle of Man. He was therefore still in his early childhood when America became the family home, and in this country he received a good com- mon-school education. He remained with his par- ents, caring for them until their death, and having charge of the farm from eighteen years of age. Since the farm which he now occupies was pur- chased, he has never resided elsewhere. The first residence was a log house, built in 1834 by the man of whom the Killeys bought. The farm was a timbered one and had but ten aeres cleared when
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CANAL BOATS
RESIDENCE OF LORENZO A . STRONG, SEC. 11. LOCKPORT TP. WILL CO. ILL.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN KILLEY, SEC. 6. WESLEY TP. WILL CO. ILL.
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they took possession. Mr. Killey has added nearly all the improvements which the place now bears. Ile still carries on the farm himself, devoting his attention to general farming. both crop- and stock being of good grades and sufficient in quantity and number to afford all the comforis and many of the luxuries of life.
At the home of the bride, November 15. 1865, MI. Killey was united in marriage with Miss Jane Schoonmaker, daughter of Peter and Harriet. (Kortright) Schoonmaker. The parents of Mrs. Killey were natives of New York. and bad six children, but one of whom is now living. The parents are now deceased. Mrs. Killey was born December 7, 1837. and died October 15. ESGA, leaving one child, a son, George W. This son has attended selvet school at Wilmington, is well edu- cated, and exhibits many of the sterling qualities which afford good ground for parental pride, and give the promise of extended usefulness.
A second marriage was contracted by Mr. Kit- ley, December 25. 1870, his bride being Mrs. Ma- ria Singleton, ner Butler, a native of the Empire State and a woman of many virtues. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, a daugh- ter. Mary.
The first newspaper ever read by Mr. Killey was the Cleveland Herald, now numbered among the things of the past. Ile has always taken an active interest in politics and, having first been a Whig, almost as a matter of course became a member of the Republican party when the old organization was abandoned. Ilis fellow-citizens have enjoyed the benefit of his intelligence and energy as Rond Commissioner, and Director on the local School Board. He was baptized in the Episcopal Church, but his membership therein does not prevent him from taking a cordial interest in the good work which is being done by other religious bodies.
Le ORENZO A. STRONG owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres in Lockport Township, to which he came in March, 1876. His possessions are the result of his
own industry and good judgment, and his commo- dious residence with its surroundings is represented by a lithographie view elsewhere in this volume. He is engaged in the business of general farming and dairying. conducting his worldly affairs with the same prudence which has heretofore charac- terized his successful career, and in his personal life perpetuating the strict integrity and devotion to principles which he has inherited from honorable ancestry.
Mr. Strong is a descendant in the seventh gene- ration of Elder John Strong. of Taunton. England, who came from the mother country in the ship "Mary and John," which landed at Nantasket, Miss., May 30, 1630, His immediate progenitors were Amasa Strong. born in Hawley, Mass .. Feb- ruary 27. 1814, and buey ( Fuller) Durkee, dangh- ter of Martin Durkee, of Brimfield, whose natal day was July 1, 1821.
The birth of our subject took place in Clari- don, Geauga County, Ohio, December 8, 1811, and he remained with his parents until twenty-two Years of age. He then began life for himself as a farmer, continuing his peaceful pursuits until Au- gust 23, 1861, when he enlisted in the One Hun - dred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry. He was enrolled at Sandusky in Company I. under Capt. McDonald, and with his comrades did duty on Johnstoa's Island under Col. Hill, Commander of that post. Mr. Strong faithfully discharged the duties which were set before him until after the close of the war. receiving his discharge July 17. 1865. He then returned to his native State and to the pursuits in which he had formerly been en- gaged. changing his location after some years, and since March 2. of the Centennial year. being numbered among the residents of Will County. IH.
The estimable lady who became the wife of our subject, and under whose care his dwelling place is a home of comfort and enjoyment, bore the maiden name of Mary E. Ryder. She was born in Rochester, N. Y., and during her maidenhood lived in Branch County. Mich .. and later in the Prairie State. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Royal Walter, who was born July 28, 1889, and bids fair to perpetuate the
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sturdy qualities of his long line of ancestry. The Strong family has been characterized by deep re- ligious convictions, and he of whom we write is as steadfast in his determination to do what he thinks right. as any who have preceded him.
OHN B. PINNEO takes a prominent place among the farmers and stock-raisers of Troy Township and is no unimportant factor in advancing those interests in this county. He is a Nova Scotian by birth.born October 26, 1836, to Charles and Mary E. (Baxter) Pinneo. The Baxters were a prominent family in Nova Scotia, of English origin, and Baxter's Harbor was named for them. John Baxter, the maternal grand- father of our subject. was a son of Dr. Baxter, a prominent physician of England and later of Nova Scotia. The father of our subject was born in the United States, his mother going from Nova Scotia after the death of her husband. The parents of our subject came to this State in 1844 with him and located in the town of Jackson, which at that time was called Reed's Grove, they coming to this county, with six children. in a wagon from Chicago, and here they made their home until called to a higher by death, the father dying in 1879 and the mother surviving until 1888, when she, too. passed away.
The son of whom we write was reared to manhood in Jackson and. displaying a taste for mechanics, he was set to learn the trades of a carpenter and wagon-maker, which he followed for a number of years in Elwood, this county, and then turned his attention to farming. His farm in Troy Township comprises three hundred acres of valuable land. one hundred and sixty of which he uses for pastur- age, as he pays much attention to the raising of stock of good grades.
Mr. Pinneo has been twice married. the maiden name of his first wife being Kate Conklin, and to them were born four children: John B., who is married and lives on a farm in this county ; Flor. ence, wife of Duane Dibble, a farma in Troy Township; George L .. who died at the age of twenty-two in March, 1888; Rush, who died March
4. 1890, of typhoid fever, a young man of eighteen years.
The present wife of our subject was formerly Mrs. O. T. Fargo, and they were married in 1876 and in 1854 moved onto the farm. Mrs. Pinneo's parents, llorace and Diana (Brown) Haff, were of German and English descent and came from near Albany. N. Y., making the entire journey to Will County in a covered wagon. Mr. Haff was the youngest son of Joshua Haff. There is a romantic incident related concerning the matrimonial ven . ture of his grandfather. He was Captain on board a vessel sailing along the coast of France. and dur. ing an earthquake a young schoolmistress and her scholars took refuge on his boat. The result was she and the Captain were mutually attracted, mar- ried and came to America to found a family in this country. They settled near Albany, N. Y., while there were many Indians there and two of their children were stolen from them, taken to the West and were never heard from afterward. Mrs. Haff, Mrs. Pinneo's mother, was a daughter of Peter and Thedocia (Green) Brown, the father of English descent. They lived near Albany where he was engaged as a merchant for many years. coming from there to Aurora, this State, in 1855. After marriage Mr. Haff settled on a farm near Albany and lived there until Mrs. Pinneo was three years of age, and then sold it and in 1836 came to this county, as before mentioned. He took con- siderable land here. including the farm on which his daughter and our subjeet now make their home. About four years before his death he took up his residence in Joliet and there departed this life No- vember 11, 1865. His wife had died many years previously, when Mrs. Pinneo was eight years of age, she being their only child. He married again and had two children. daughter and son; Edwin G. Haff, the son is still living.
Mrs. Pinneo has four children : Hiram DeWitt is now in New Mexico; Ella, wife of Erastus Whit- tlesey, who has a farm in Pocahontas County ; Ed- win Guy was married and has one son, Chester De Witt.
Mr. Pinneo is a man of strong common sense, of excellent business tact and of honorable character. and exerts a good influence in the community of
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which he is one of the best and most trusted citizens. Possessing a good degree of public spirit our subject interests himself in all schemes to promote the ad vancement of township or county and is active in local politics, identifying himself with the Repub- lican party. A man of enlightened views, well understanding the value of a good education in any walk in life. he has always taken a marked interest local educational matters, and as School Director is exerting his influence for the good of the town.
LMON WILDER. In making note of the pioneer settlers of Crete Township, the name of Mr. Wilder should occupy a prom - inent position. Acting upon the maximi that a rolling stone gathers no moss, he has for the long period of forty-eight years maintained his residence upon the same farm, this embracing land which he entered from the Government in 1811. for the consideration of $1.25 per acre. He owns eighty acres of the original entry, and forty acres which he purchased from another party. He has effected all the improvements upon it, this being accomplished solely by persevering industry and good management. The roof which shelters bim and the comforts which surround him are a stand- ing monument to his unremitting toil and his fru- gality, which made him careful to live within his income and make a wise provision for the future.
and Collector. He maintains that his exceptional good health has been the result of correct habits and inhaling the pure country air. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and he was uni- formly successful as a tiller of the soil.
The immediate progenitor of our subject was Ruben Wilder, Jr., a native of Vermont and of New England parentage. The paternal grand father was Ruben Wilder. Sr., who was likewise born in Vermont, and who emigrated first to New York State and then to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he spent his last days engaged in agricultural pur- suits and dying when quite aged. The removal to Ohio was made as early as 1810, or perhaps 1808. Hle was married in his native State to a lady who was also born in Vermont, and who, like him, lived to be quite aged. Grandfather Wilder was a prom- inent member of the Old School Baptist Church, a man of decided views and opinions, and who exer- erted no small influence among the people of his community.
Ruben Wilder, Jr., the father of our subject, was the eldest child of his parents and was but a lad when they left his native State of Vermont and settled in Onondaga County, N. Y. He was there reared to manhood and married Miss Polly Herring. She was born in Vermont and was taken by her parents to New York State when a child. After her marriage to Ruben Wilder, Jr., they settled on a farm in Onondaga County. N. Y., where their three eldest children were born, one of whom died in infancy. When Almon was a few years old they removed to Ohio, settling in the woods of Ashtabula County, where the father obtained a traet of Government land and opened up a farm. When quite well advanced in years they left the Buckeye State and removed to Dyer, Lake County. Ind., where they both died at an advanced age. They were consistent members of the Christian Church and adorned their profession by their daily walk and conversation. being kind and tender par- ents, hospitable neighbors. and doing good as they had opportunity to those around them.
Mr. Wilder came to Will County from Ashata- bula County, Ohio, of which he had been a resident for many years. He was born in Onondaga County. N. Y .. May 21, 1806, and is consequently eighty- four years old, but notwithstanding his years he is bright and active, well informed and intelligent and possesses such a clear recollection of past events that an hour may always be spent pleasantly and profitably in his company. During his younger years Mr. Wilder was one of the leading politicians of this part of the county. He originally voted with the Democratic party. but after the outbreak The subject of this notice was one of the elder members of a family of six sons and four daugh- ters, and after the removal of the family to Ohio he of the Rebellion transferred his support to Repub- lican principles. He served as Township Supervisor nearly five terms, and for many years was Assessor , went to live with his Grandfather Wilder, with
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whom he made his home until reaching his major- ity. Soon afterward he was married, in Ashtabula County. to Miss Anna Corey. This lady was born in New York and was taken to Ohio by her parents when a child. they settling in Ashtabula County, where Mr. Corey followed farming and where both he and his good wife spent the closing years of their lives.
Mrs. Anna Wilder was carefully trained by her excellent parents and received her education in the common schools. She remained under the parental roof until her marriage and accompanied her hus- band to Lake County. Ind .. where her death took place in 1840. She was then comparatively a young woman, but the mother of nine children, three of whom died in infancy. She proved the faithful partner of her husband and was a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six of their children are still living, and with two excep. tions they are all married. Eliza is the wife of Alfred Robinson, who officiates as receiver in a Street-car Railroad Company in Chicago; Maria is the wife of Myron Mordorff. and they live on a farm in DeKalb County, this State; Mary is the wife of William C. Adams, a retired farmer of Crete Town- ship; Martha, Mrs. John Dodge, lives on a farm in Crete Township; Melissa M. is a well-educated lady and for many years has been a teacher in the city schools of Chicago; Edward A. served in the Union Army during the Civil War and since its elose has been a resident of Eldorado County, Cal. ; he is single.
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