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 66
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LBERT M. STRONG. In this gentleman we have a representative-born citizen of Will County, a descendant of one of its earliest pioneers. Among the first who located in Du Page Township, the father of our subject soon became prominent here, and for a long period of years was closely identified with the public life of township and county. Ilis son, of whom we write, is still living on the old home- stead, the place of his birth, and is pursuing agri- culture with marked success.
Albert Strong was born on the 18th of July. ISIS, a son of the late Robert and Caroline ( Willey ) Strong, natives respectively of Vermont and New York. llis paternal ancestors are said to have come from England. The father of our subject made the long journey from his early home to this county in the year 1831, and bought land, for which he received a patent from the Govern- ment. This was in the northern part of DuPage Township, and when he settled on it it was a wild, uncultivated tract of prairie. There were but few white people there then, the Indians predominating. A short time after his arrival here. he had to go to Chicago for safe quarters on account of the Black Hawk War. Robert Strong first built a log cabin on his land and made it his home a number of years, and subsequently built the present commo- dious residence that now adorus the old home- stead. When he came here he had but very little money. but from that small beginning he acquired quite a valuable estate, his farm consisting of two hundred and forty acres at the time of his death. December 28. 1885. this venerable pioneer passed away from the scene of his usefulness. leaving behind him a memory that will ever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and
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loved him, of a strong. pure. upright life. lle not only aided in the upbuilding of the township. but was conspicuous in the management of its pub- lie affairs. He served as Supervisor, was Justice of the Peace a number of years, and held other of- fices of importance. Ile was a sturdy Republican in his political views. A man of a true religious nature, he was one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder for a number of years, and was a liberal ,contributor towards building up the present church of that de- nomination in Du Page.
The mother of our subject is still living, aged eighty years, and is a beloved inmate of his house- holl. She is a true Christian, and has for many years been a member of the Presbyterian Church. She is said to be the oldest pioneer in DuPage Township and she has been an eye-witness of the gradual growth of the county from its primitive condition to its present position as a wealthy. highly-improved county. She is the mother of eleven children, three of whom are now living- Mary, Mrs. Ware, of California; Robert, living in Arkansas; and Albert M.
The latter, of whom we write, was reared to the life of a farmer on his birthplace, and has always made his home here. Besides gaining a sound, practical knowledge of farming in all its branches, he was given the advantages of a superior educa- cation. Ile laid the foundations of his education in the public schools of this county and then at- rended Naperville Academy for two years. After that he became a student at the Western Reserve College, at Hudson. Ohio, and pursued a fine course of study there the ensuing two years. After leaving college, he returned home and entered upon his career as an agriculturist. This farm. lying on seetion 5, he has kept up to the same high standard of cultivation and improvement that it had attained under his father's care, and by his judicious management he secures a fine income from its fertile acres. It is well provided with neat and substantial buildings, and good farming machinery, and is well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs, of high grades.
On October 21. 1869, Mr. Strong and Miss Ida Wheeler were united in a marriage that has proved
to be a happy one in every way. By their union they have two children-Grace C. and Hattie L. Mrs. Strong is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of the late George and Lucy Wheeler.
As a man of well balanced, well trained mind, of exceptional tact and excellent business traits, one whose honor and integrity have never been questioned, our subject stands in the front ranks of our best citizens. He possesses strong public spirit and seeks in every way to push forward the highest interests of this, his native township. He has especially interested himself in educational matters, and as school Director for many years has been a prominent factor in securing the excellent privileges enjoyed by the children of the township to-day. In politics he uphokls the policy of the Republican party. He is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, of Naperville, 11., and also belongs to the DuPage Grange.
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E DWARD S. HU RLBUT. This gentleman is numbered among the business men of Joliet, having, in 1889. taken charge of the busi- ness formerly owned by Mrs. S. F. Savage. ile is not a stranger to the citizens of this place, as he has for some time made this his home and been identified in some capacity with ils business inter- ests. He is a young gentleman of intelligence, upright character, and the manners of a well-bred gentleman, while his business abilities are such as to give promise of success in the line which he has adopted.
In Rutland County, Vt., David and Mehitable (Fuller) Hurlbut were married. the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut. They afterward made a home in the Empire State, where Mr. Hurlbut died July 7. 1859. Hle was a cooper by oceupation and a man who was respected as an honest and upright citizen. His family consisted of four children, but two of whom are yet living. These are Mary E. and Edward S., both of whom reside in Joliet. A son, B. F., belonged to Com- pany B, One Hundred and Twelfth New York In- fantry. and gave his life in defense of the Union,
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receiving his death wound at the battle of Cold Barbor. June 1. 1861; a daughter Kate, the wife of Henry C. Morse, of Corry. Pa .. died in October. 1876. The mother breathed her last in Joliet. Feb- ruary 1. 1878. while on a visit to her sister. Mrs. s. F. Savage.
The subject of this brief biographical notice was born in Chautauqua County. N. Y., March 25. 1851. lle received a good education, and at the age of seventeen Years started out in his career as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Jamestown. There he re- mained about two years, after which he went on the farm for a while. In 1871 he came to Joliet, where for about a year he acted as a clerk for his aunt. He then returned to his native State only to again come to Joliet. where in about a year he was again to be found in the employ of Mrs. Savage. Ile continued to work for her until 1889, when he assumed the control of the business. Mr. Hurlbut is a member of the Republican party and a pro- nouneed prohibitionist in sentiment.
E NOCH STAFFORD is a fair specimen of the English-American citizen, and a success- ful farmer who has gained a comfortable estate by zealous and well-directed efforts. He owns and operates a tract of land on section 27, DuPage Township, upon which he has lived since the fall of 1863. At that time he purchased one hundred and ten acres, to which he added by sub- sequent purchase until his landed estate comprised one hundred and ninety acres. There is some timber land on the farm but the greater part is under good tillage, and all is carefully looked after by the enterprising owner.
Our subject is the youngest son of William and Aun Stafford, natives of "Merrie England." and in Nottinghamshire his own eyes opened to the light on the 230 of February. 1830. He was reared upon a farm, acquiring a knowledge of agriculture but having limited educational privileges. In 1851 he bade adieu to home and friends. determined to seek his fortune in the New World. and going to Liv- erpool embarked on the sailer "Sea King." The !
vessel left the English docks April 27, and, after a lapse of over four weeks. entered New York harbor May 29.
Mr. Stafford came at once to Will Connty, IH .. where for a time he worked as a farm hand, after which he began as a renter of land. For about ten years he was thus engaged and he then made his first purchase of real estate. Ile was first married in October. 1851. 10 Miss Sarah Wheat, who bore bim two children. William and Sarah : the latter is now deceased. The wife passed away in 1858 after a brief wedded life of four years.
On the 29th of October, 1859, Mr. Stafford con- tracted a second matrimonial alliance, taking as his companion Miss Jane Wheat. who is still shar- ing his fortunes. This union has resulted in the birth of eight sons and daughters, namely: Mary, wife ot Jonathan Royce, Benjamin W., George M., John and Arthur, living; and Sarah. Stephen and Charles, deceased. Mrs. Jane Stafford was born in Nottinghamshire, England. April 18. 1813, 10 Benjamin and Hannah ( HlinsJiff ) Wheat, who came to America when she was about twelve years old. ller parents settled in DuPage Township, Will County, Ill., on the farm now owned by our subject. There they remained until death, the father pas -- ing away June 2, 1876, and the mother some time after. Mr. and Mrs. Wheat had four children. the only survivors being Ann. wife of William Chap- man. of Ellsworth. Kan .. and Mrs. Stafford.
Mr. Stafford is largely independent in his politi- cal views, although for a number of years he has voted with the Democratie party. He receives his due measure of respect from those to whom his life and character are known, and his estimable wife has also many friends.
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ARTIN F. TILDEN. This name is indis- solubly associated with the growth of Custer Township, as that of one of its ac- tive pioneer settlers, who has been an important factor in advancing its material. social and religious interests, and it is well that his life record should be placed on these pages. He is
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still actively engaged in the management of his farming interests. and his farm on section 30, shows, in its neat comfortable buildings and its well-tilled acres. the care that he has bestowed upon it, and is a fine specimen of a farm evolved from the wild prairies, that is still in the hands of the one who turned the first sod on its fertile acres.
Dish Tilden, the father of our subject was a na- tive of Connecticut. where he carried on the occu- pation of a farmer. lle was a volunteer in the War of 1812. He was married to Irena Flint. also a native of Connecticut, their marriage taking place in Williamstown, Vt., and there they resided till old age overtook them, and then made their home with their children, who lived in Michigan and Illinois. United in life. in death they were not long divided, as she died in 1865 at the age of eighty-three years. and sixteen days afterward he breathed his last, at the age of eighty-four. Three of the eight children born to them are now living.
Their son Martin, who is the subject of this bi- ographical review. was born among the beautiful hills of Vermont, in Williamstown. February 6, 1811. He was the recipient of a good education in the common schools, and when a young man he gave his attention to teaching, and for a while was numbered among the members of the educational profession in his native State. Ile had begun life on his own account at the age of nineteen. and for a few years worked as a stonemason. After that he gave his attention to farming. and moving into North- ern New York fifty years ago, carried on that oc- cupation there nine years. Thinking, however. he could sooner acquire a competence on the rich virgin soit of Illinois, he came to this State in 1849. and located in this township. He was in fair circumstances at the time, and investing some money in a tract of wild prairie, on section 30, he immediately began the pioneer task of redeeming it from a state of nature, and it may well be his pride that he has developed that tract of wild prairie into one of the finest farms in this vicinity, and that all its improvements, substantial build- ings, well-tilled fields, etc., are the work of his own hand. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land. well adapted to mixed hus-
bandry, and he also owns twelve acres of timber land.
The marriage of Mr. Tilden with Miss Sarah A. Kimball was solemnized in 1836. and for fifty years they traveled life together, sharing its joys and dividing its sorrows, the greatest grief of our subject's wedded life being in her death, which Oc cured in the month of September, 1884. Mrs. Tilden was a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Kimball, who were natives of Massachusetts and early settlers in Vermont. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Tilden was born Novem- ber 30. 1809. She was the mother of eight chil. dren, two of whom are living: Lora, wife of Har- per Bovee. of whom see sketch; Mrs. Sarah Rose, who, with her daughter Mabel. aged fourteen years, lives with her father. In the death of his beloved wife and children our subject has sus- tained a severe blow, but he does not mourn as one without hope. He firmly believes with the poet that
"If the Power
Maketh thus his pastures green, Maketh thus his quiet waters, Out of waste his heavens serene, We can trust the mighty Shepherd Loseth none lle over led ; Some where yet a greeting waits us On the faces of our dead."
Mr. Tilden has been closely identified with the growth of Custer Township and Will County since his advent here so many years ago, and his name is classed with the best of our pioneers. His ca- reer in life has been distingnished by sound wis- dom, stability of character and correct business habits, combined with honorable and conscien- tious views, and his course furnishes a worthy ex- ample to the young men who are just starting out in the world to find fortune's favors. He has al- ways taken an intelligent interest in the political issues of the day. and while in his youth he was a Democrat, in more mature years he identified him- self with the Republican party. He has always been a temperance man and his sympathies are with the prohibitionists. He has borne an impor- tant part in the administration of public affairs;
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was Township Clerk in an early day and also Trus- tee of the Township. He has been Director of this school district for many years. A sincere and earnest Christian. he has always manifested a deep interest in the religious and moral welfare of the community, and as a leading member of the Baptist Church, of which he is a Deacon. he has done much to forward it. He has taken an active part in the Sunday-school as one of its most faith- ful teachers.
V
ICHAEL W. KELLY, A. B., M. D. This name represents one of the older and prom- inent physicians of Joliet, who came to the city in 1880, and located his office at No. 631 Cass Street. Until 1885, he conducted a drug store on Jefferson Street, but upon its de- struction by fire in that year, he abandoned the drug business. He was born in County Roscom - mon. Ireland, and when a lad of ten years came to America with his father. Thomas Kelly, who loca- ted with his family at Petersburg. Ill., and there sojourned until his death, about 1873.
Dr. Kelly spent a portion of his boyhood days in the schools of Petersburg, Ill., and subsequently attended the celebrated college at Teutopolis, Ettingham County, Ill., under the guidance of the Franciscan Fathers. After leaving that institution he repaired to Atchison, Kan., entering the Ben- edictine College. from which in due time he was graduated with the degree of 1. B. Later he taught school for a number of years. but in the meantime entertained the steady resolve to enter the medical profession as soon as circumstances would permit. He met with success as an instruc- tor and was principal of the village school at Lostant, LaSalle County. Ill., for three years.
Entering upon the study of medicine under the instruction of Prof. Frothingham. of the medical department of Michigan I'niversity. Dr. Kelly was graduated from that institution in 1879: then returning to his native country he entered Dublin University, and, after spending a year. returned to America. and entered upon the regular practice
of his profession at Minooka. Grundy County, Ill., where he remained two years. From that place he came to loliet, where he is now in the enjoyment of a lucrative prietice. He is thoroughly devoted to his profession and gives to it his exclusive time and attention, and in the interests of his work, belongs to the Will County Medical Society.
The marriage of Dr. Kelly with Miss Lucy E. Ilennesy, was celebrated at the bride's home in Minooka, October 10, 1879. They are now the parents of one child, a son, William F., born August 26. 1881. Dr. Kelly belongs to St. Mary's Catholic Church. Upon becoming a voting cit- izen, he identified himself with the Democrat party. Ile carefully avoids the responsibilities of office and with the exception of casting his vote at the regu- lar election, has little to do with outside matters. Not only in the profession, but in social and busi- ness circles. Dr. Kelly ocenpies a high position, possessing the genial qualities and strict integrity which have fully established him in the esteem and confidence of those around him.
Mrs. Lucy E. ( Hennesy ) Kelly was born Derem- ber 11, 1813, in Chamahon, and was the daughter of John and Lucy (Collins) Hennesy, who were natives of Ireland. Upon coming to this State, they located in Channahon Township, where the father occupied himself as a farmer. During the gold excitement of 1819, he went to California overland. and was there but a short time when he died. The widow moved to Minooka, where she passed the remainder of her life.
A lithographie portrait of Dr. Kelly is presented on another page of the Amma y, and represents one of the prominent physicians and foremost citizens of Joliet.
OHN HAYDEN, one of the most wealthy and prominent men in Florence Township, is likewise one of its most enterprising and progressive. He has a valuable farm with first-class improvements, and his surroundings all indicate the exercise of cultured tastes and ample means. The family stands second to none in Will County in point of respectability and ster-
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ling worth, and forms a portion of the element which has brought it to its present position, mor- ally, socially and financially.
Mr. Hayden. in his search for a permanent loca- tion, wandered a long way from his birthplace. which was in Lincoln County. Me., where he first opened his eyes to the light. His father. John Hayden, was a native of County Carlow. Ireland, where he was reared to man's estate and married Miss Hannab Kinsella, who was born and reared not far from the childhood home of her husband. They lived there until early in 1836, when the father, desirous of bettering his condition, re- solved upon seeking the New World. He set out on Easter morning in February. from the Key of Ross, and after a safe voyage landed in Quebec, Canada. A short time later he proceeded to New York State, and from there to Gardner, Me. Sub- sequently he located in Lincoln County, that State, where he resided until 1850.
Deciding now upon seeking the far west, John Hayden, leaving the Pine Tree State, came to Illi- inois, and settled in Joliet, of which he was a resi- dent several years. Thence he removed to Spen- cer, and from there, in 1860, came to this county, locating on the farm, in Florence Township, which is now occupied by his son Jobn. As the result of industry and perseverance, he became well-to-do and the owner of a whole section of land, besides what he gave to his sons. lle also owned prop- erty in Chicago. lle came to Illinois poor in purse, and accumulated his possessions solely by his own industry. lle was a well-educated man, and looked carefully after the training of his chil- dren. both in school and at home. He was modest and unassuming in disposition, never seeking pub- Jicity in any shape. lle was reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, to which he loyally adhered. and after becoming a voting citizen in America, identified himself with the Democratic party. Ile departed this life at the homestead April 5, 1889. aged seventy-seven years. The mother survived her husband less than a year. her death taking place February 28, 1890. when she was seventy-five years old.
To John Hayden, Sr., and his good wife there was born a family of nine children, who were
named respectively : Mary. Daniel, Catherine, Bridget, Thomas, John, Hannah, Burnett and Anna S. Bridget, Burnett and Anna S. are deceased ; Mary is married and a resident of Maine. The other children are living in this State. John, our subjeet was a child of four years when his parents eume to this county, and he spent his boyhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' sons, be- coming familiar with the arts of plowing, sowing and reaping, and choosing this for his vocation in life. Ile is considerably interested in live stock, and has four hundred and eighty acres of land in Florence Township, comprising a part of sections 12. 2, 11 and 10. The residence is on the first mentioned. Besides this he has eighty acres on section 23, Reed Township.
Mr. Hayden is raising some fine blooded horses of Norman and trotting stock, and is able to ex- hibit some of the choicest animals in this part of Illinois. The male members of the Hayden family have been distinguished for generations for their love of the equine race, and are particularly fond of fast horses. They obtained a fine reputation as breeders, and have furnished many of the racers who have won distinction on the popular tracks of the country. Mr. Ilayden bids fair to be in no- wise behind his progenitors in this respect. He is a keen judge of the fine points of horseflesh, and evidently possesses a natural adaptation for this business.
Although not meddling very much in politics, Mr. Ilayden keeps himself thoroughly posted in regard to current events, and gives his unqualified support to the Democratic party. He has held the office of Road Commissioner and served as Treas- urer of Florence Township for the last eleven years. In religious matters he adheres to the Cathohe faith of his forefathers. and his wife and family are in full sympathy with him in this re- spect.
Miss Bridget Bergan, of Manhattan, this county, was wedded to our subject February 24, 1876. Mrs. Ilayden was born in Manhattan, March 17, 1852, and is a daughter of Martin and lester (Welch) Bergan, who were natives of County Kil- kenny, Ireland. The parents were reared and married in their native county, and emigrated to
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America about 1846. They first-settled in Peoria, but the following year took up their residence in Manhattan. where they still live. Of this union there have been born five children, viz. : John F .. Daniel, William. Martin G. and Anna. all of whom are living and form an exceedingly bright and in- teresting group, receiving careful parental training and the older ones pursuing their studies in the common schools.
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1 ANIEL K. GISE, senior member of the firm of D. K. Gise & Co., stands at the head of one of the important manufacturing interests of Joliet. operating a factory which turns out door hinges and other articles in this line. The ollice occupies No. 111, St. Louis Street, while the resi- dence of Mr. Gise is located at No. 201, Sherman Street. Mr. Gise has been a resident of this county since 1868, and for the space of a dozen years has been associated with its leading interests.
A native of Lebanon County. Pa., Mr. Gise was born March 3, 1843, and is the son of David B. Gise, a native of Newmanstown, that State. The latter was reared to manhood in his native State, and was there married to Miss Sarah Kerlin. The wife was of English descent, her progenitors set- tling in Pennsylvania at an early day. Both fam- ilies were of eminent respectability and the male members largely millers by trade.
The parents of our subject, when he was an in- fant of three morths, removed to Center County, Pa.,where the father followed milling and farming and where the mother died. In 1867, after the death of his wife, David Gise emigrated to Ilinois with his family, settling south of Manhattan. in Wilson Township, this county. where he now lives. Daniel K. was reared to mature years in Center County. Pa., and after reaching manhood engaged in mercantile pursuits until coming to this county. lle then purchased land in Manhattan Township. which he brought to a good state of cultivation. erecting thereon suitable farm buildings and where he resided until about 1872; then removing to Joliet he purchased a stock of goods and established
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