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 68
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ON. DWIGHT HAVEN. A great poet has said. "The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones." Be it our task to record the honorable careers of those who so order their lives as to exert a bene. ficial influence on the society in which they move. assist in the grand work of uplifting humanity to heights before unknown
"And, departing, leave behind them Footsteps on the sands of time- Footsteps that perhaps another Sailing o'er Life's solemn main. A forlorn and slupwrecked brother, Seeing, may take heart again."
The immediate progenitor of the Hon. Dwight llaven, of New Lenox Township, was Samuel llaven, who was born in Chesterfield, N. II. July 14. 1799. In Sheridan, Chautauqua County, N. Y .. January 11. 1521, he married Hephzibah M. Denny.
This noble woman was born in Greenville. Greene County, N. Y., May 29, 1802, and died in Will County, Il., August 11, 1860. For several years after their marriage, Samuel Haven and wife lived in Chautauqua County, and during that period four children were born to them. In September, 1831, they removed to Illinois and settled in New Lenox Township, Will County, being numbered among the pioneers of that locality. Here Mr. laven gave his chief attention to farming, resting from his labors on March 12, 1866, when he crossed the River of Death. He was an upright and conscientious man. living as he believed right in the sight of God, regardless of the opin- ions of men. A strong Abolitionist. he was indicted for assisting negroes in their flight to Canada. Ile is entitled to the honor of organizing the first temperance society in Sheridan. N. Y., which was also one of the first in the Empire State, dating from 1826. He and his wife belonged to the Congregational Church, of which he was a Dencon many years.
The family of the honored comple comprised eight sons and daughters, the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch being the first-born. Carlos was serving his second term as State's Attorney for Cook County when death took took him from among his fellow-men; Samuel Rush died in New Lenox Township, this county, May 4. 1890; Emily M. became the wife of Will- iam B. Cleaveland. and died in Frankfort Township, October 20. 1855; Amanda Cordelia is the widow of James Goodspeed, of Joliet: Heten M. dica July 28, 1839; Alvan S. died in New Lenox Township. November 29, 1878; Helen E. is the wife of William P. Kimball, of Chicago.
The Hon. Dwight Haven was born in Sheridan. Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 11. 1821. He came to the Prairie State in an emigrant wagon with his father, and lived with him until his mar- riage. During this period he toiled, studied and enjoyed the recreations in which farmer lads generally participate, and shared in some of his father's labors of love toward humanity, helping him in work on the "Underground Railway," and in other ways becoming more of a companion than many sons. He adopted the pursuit of agriculture
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as his life work, from which he has now retired, although he still ocenpies his pleasant rural home. It consists of one hundred and sixty-tive acres, bearing the various improvements which it would be expected that a man of his ability and progres- sive spirit would make, the house being particu- larly attractive and comfortable.
In Homer Township, this county, on November 3, 1847, the interesting ceremony was performed which gave to Mr. Haven a companion and help- mate. The lady of his choice was HIelen L., dangh- ter of the late Deacon Levi Savage. She was born in New York, November 12, 1825, and died in New Lenox, July 28, 1859. The union was blessed by the birth of six children, of whom we note the following: Lizzie J. is the wife of A. Allen Francis, of New Lenox; Mary E. is the wife of Charles Francis; Helen L. is the wife of Thomas Ferguson ; Emma J. is the wife of Gilbert Van Duser, of Kansas; a pair of twins died in infancy.
Mr. Haven, in Chicago. December 26, 1861, was a second time married. Ilis bride on this occasion was Miss Elizabeth Craig, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to America when eight years old. She presides over the home of which she is one of the chief attractions, and in whatever circle she is placed her intelligence, tact and amiable character give her prominence. She bore her husband five children-Dwight C., Samuel R., Edward. Edith A. and Bertha A. Edward died November 8, 1880, when eleven years okl.
For many years the Hon. Mr. Haven has been identified with public affairs in this county, and since 1851 he has held a commission under every Governor of the State. Ile has been Township Supervisor several terms, and for upwards of thirty-six years has held the office of Justice of the Peace. 1le has taken an active interest in educa- tional affairs, exerting a wide influence in behalf of the advancement of the schools, and for four years giving especial attention to elevating the standard of the office of County Superintendent, to which he was elected in 1865. It would naturally be supposed that a man reared under the influences which surrounded his boyhood, would be deeply interested in political affairs, and such is the case. He has borne a prominent part in the work of the
Republican party, to which he has belonged since its organization. In the fall of 1886, he was elec- ted to the Thirty-fifth General Assembly, and served one term with honor to himself and his con- stituents. Since the death of his brother, Samuel Rush Haven, he has had charge of the business of the latter, and the settlement of his affairs. lle has been blessed with a sufficient amount of this world's goods to enable hin to gratify all reasonable tastes and desires, and to assist with his means as well as his personal influence in various good works. Lithographie portraits of Mr. Haven and his wife appear elsewhere in this work, and it is needless to say that they are well and favorably known, and have many warm personal friends, the circle ex- tending over a wide extent of territory.
ENRY F. PIEPENBRINK, Secretary and Treasurer of the Frederick Sehring Brewing Company, is widely and favorably known among the business men of Joliet, where he has spent the last twenty years. He is a native of this county and was born December 8, 1849, to John O. and Sophia (Willie) Piepenbrink, who were natives of Germany.
The parents of our subject emigrated to America in 1848 and settled at Beebe Grove in the south- eastern part of this county where the father in due time became the owner of five hundred acres of choice land. He is still living and engaged in agri- cultural pursuits; the mother also remains the com- panion of her husband and both are now quite well advanced in years. There was born to them a family of eight children, all of whom are living and residents of this county. They were named respectively : Otto, Henry F., Conrad, William, John, Philip, Ellen and Sophia. Ellen is the wife of Henry Sporleder, and Sophia married John Di- erson. All with the exception of Henry F. are residents of Crete Township.
The subject of this notice remained under the parental roof until a youth of seventeen years. Then starting out for himself went to Concordia College, Ft. Wayne. Ind., where he established
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himself and remained three years. Later for a period of six years. he was in the office of the Circuit Clerk at Joliet, and subsequently served as Deputy Sheriff of Will County, a year and three months. At the expiration of this time he had evinced such an understanding of the duties con- nected therewith that he was appointed Sheriff. This was followed by his regular election on the Republican ticket in 1878, and he was re-elected in 1880. At the expiration of his second term he re- solved to quit polities and on the 8th of January, 1883, at the organization of the company with which he is now connected, he was elected Secretary and Treasurer, in which capacities he has since served.
In the meantime Mr. Piepenbrink looked after his own personal interests in another direction, se- curing to himself for a wife and helpmate, Miss Margaretha, daughter of Frederick Sehring, to whom he was wedded February 25. 1879. Mr. Sehring is one of the prominent citizens of Joliet and is duly represented on another page in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Piepenbrink are the proud parents of two bright children, a son and daughter, Louis and Linda. They belong to the German Lutheran Church and have contributed liberally toward its support. Mr. Piepenbrink is looked upon as one of the leading business men of Joliet and has been no unimportant factor in advancing its material interests.
AMES L. O'DONNELL, Attorney-at-Law and junior member of the firm of Ilaley & O'Donnell has, in company with his partner, a well-equipped office in the Barber Building and enjoys a liberal patronage among the people who have learned to rely upon him as an able at- torney, possessing honesty and sound judgment. Ile located in the city in 1874, and has followed his practice continually since.
A native of LaSalle County, Ill., the subject of this notice was born August 10, 1819. and is the son of William O'Donnell, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland. The latter emigrated to Amer-
ica when a young man and located in Lasalle County, Ill., where in 1847 he was married to Miss Johanna Caton. He followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in April, 1889. when he was seventy three years old. Upon be- coming a voting citizen he identified himself with the Democratic party and he was a member in good standing of the Catholic Church. He was a man of quiet habits, taking no part in political af- fairs, being a successful and wealthy farmer, and enjoying the esteem of his neighbors. The wife and mother is still living, making her home in La Salle County, Ill., and of the twelve children born to her and her husband, nine are still living.
Mr. O'Donnell attended the district schools of his native county during his younger years and Inter repairing to Niagara County, N. Y., became a student of St. Mary's University. At the end of the course he began reading law with Glover, Cook & Campbell of Ottawa, and later he was with Mayo & Widner. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court at Springfield, III., in January, 1874, and in April came to this county, locating at Braidwood, where he remained until July. The present partnership was formed July 29, that same year and has continued uninterruptedly until the present time. It comprises one of the prominent law firms of Joliet, and stands second to none in point of professional ability as well as citizenship.
Mr. O'Donnell was married in September, 1877, to Miss Costelle E. Edgerly, and of this union there have been born three children : Edith, Louise and Francis. Mrs. O'Donnell was born in Penob- seot County, Me., and was the daughter of Lorrin and Sarah Edgerly, who were natives of Maine. Mr. Edgerly came to Joliet in 1876 and is still a resident of the city; the wife and mother is living. Mr. O'Donnell votes the straight Democratic ticket, and in 1880 was the nominee of his party for State's Attorney, making a good race. He takes an active interest in the breeding of trotting and saddle horses, the use of which constitutes his favorite recreation.
Mr. O'Donnell is the Attorney of the Mutual Loan & Building Association, in which he is also a stockholder and Director. The firm also are At- torneys for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Rail-
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road Company and Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad Company. At present they are also acting at- torneys for the Wabash Road and for the First National Bank, of Grundy County.
R EV. CHRISTIAN SANS, for many years pastor of the First German Evangelical Luth- eran Church, of Joliet, is a man of note in the religious eireles of this section, and is fulfilling the duties of his high position in an able and conscientious manner. Ile took up his residence in the city in 1860, and has become widely and favorably known to a large portion of its people. Ile is possessed of a thorough education, and nature has endowed him with talents of a more than ordi- nary degree.
The subject of this notice was born in the King- dom of Westphalia, Prussia. June 9. 1813, and lived there until a man of twenty-eight years. He received his literary and theological education at various institutions in his native province, completing them at the age mentioned, and soon thereafter set sail for America. Upon his arrival here he set about learning the English language, and in a comparatively short time learned to speak fluently and write correctly.
The first charge of Mr. Sans was in New Orleans, La .. where. in addition to fulfilling the duties of pas- tor, he was inspector during the building of a new church, which is still in existence. Hle also had the oversight of three schools, which continue to be permanent institutions, and are now under the charge of his two brothers-in-law, John and Jacob T'eber, who have followed the profession of teach- ing successfully for the long period of fifty years. Under their tuition have been graduated some of the most eminent men in the country. These schools were organized by Mr. Sans, who educated many of the teachers who afterward presided over them.
Finally, Mr. Sans was attacked with yellow fever, which he found difficulty in getting rid of, and decided upon coming North, feeling that that was the only means of saving his life. Ile first
located in Carbondale, Luzerne County, Pa., where he assumed charge of a congregation and built a church and schoolhouse, and established the same institutions at Archibald. Next we find him in Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis., where he or- ganized a society, built a church, and placed within the latter a good organ, and instituted other inno- cent attractions in order to call the people together for religious worship. After a sojourn at Water- town for eight years he received a call to .Joliet, and upon coming here organized a society and built and dedicated a church, also instituting a school in connection therewith. He labored faith- fully in the Master's vineyard until being affected with asthma to snel an extent that he was obliged abandon the ministry. Ile may well be pardoned for this decision, as he had served as pastor and teacher for fifty-two years. Ile is a regular mem- ber of the General Synod, and honorary member of the General Evangelical Synod of North Amer- ica. While having left the pulpit, however, he still performs many pious duties, as his health per- inits, assisting in burying the dead and frequently filling a vacant pulpit. Personally, he is of a kindly, genial nature, and greatly beloved by the people among whom he has gone in and out for so many years.
The Rev. Christian Sans was joined in wedlock with Miss Ann Mary Ueber, in 1845, at the bride's home in New York, City. Mrs. Sans is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to Amer- ica with her widowed mother and brother when a young lady. Of her union with our subject there have been born six children, five of whom grew to mature years-Elias Peter, of Joliet, is Superin- tendent of the Hickory Street Methodist Episco- copal Church; he married Miss Eliza Henry, of Morris, this State, and died in 1888, leaving two children -- Mabel Cora and Charles; Augusta E. is the wife of John Dahlem, of Joliet, and they have five interesting children-Lillie, Anna. Ida, Robert and Walter Earl; Mary is the wife of Ilenry C. Buck, of Joliet; they are the parents of five chil- dren, only three of whom are living, viz. : Mabel, Franees and Elmer; Ida Sophia married C. M. Henssgen, an able attorney of Joliet, and they have two children -- Oscar and Eda; Frank, a resident
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of Bloomington, married Miss Mary Barker, of loliet, and they have two children -- Arthur and Mary Margaret. He is proprietor of a notion and toy store, called the "No Name Store," and is do- ing well.
Mr. Sans has, as is the custom of his country- men, always lived frugally and within his means, saving what he could of his income, and is now the owner of valuable property, including a fine store building with residence and offices, and he also has four flats, which accommodate three fine stores, and two offices and a dining-room occupied by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. He has also put up a fine residence for himself in the cen- tral part of the city, and is now in a condition to live retired from active labor and enjoy the fruits of his early toils. 1lis son, Elias P., occupies one of the tlats convenient to the family and the church.
ENRY BEHRENS. The name of this worthy German citizen is familiar to many of the residents of Crete Township where he died at his homestead, February 6, 1889. Hle left a fine estate including three hundred aeres of well-developed land, situated on section 30, and which with its improvements stands as a fitting monument to his persevering industry. He first came to Will County in 1850, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in C'rete Township which became the nucleus of the fine property which he accumulated. le labored with great patience and economy and as the natural result was in due time rewarded with a home and a competence, likewise the respeet of all who knew him.
Mr. Behrens was born in what was then the Kingdom of flanover, January 9, 1836, and in accordance with the laws and customs of his native Germany, was placed in school at an early age and received a good education in the German tongue. About 1850. he set out with his parents for America, the latter being Frederick and Mary Behrens who were of substantial German stock for
generations back. They embarked at Bremer- haven and after a somewhat lengthy voyage landed in New York City. Thence they proceeded to Chicago, Ill., and shortly afterward to this county. settling on land in Crete Township, where the father prosecuted farming and where the mother died in 1871. Frederick Behrens was subsequently married a second time and removed to Itasca, this State, where he died in 1884 when quite aged. He and both his wives were members of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Behrens of whom we write remained on the farm with his parents in Crete Township until reaching manhood and then purchased land on another section of the same. After the death of his parents he became owner of the homestead. He was married July 22, 1859, to Miss Sophia Ohlendorf. Mrs. Behrens was born in Hesse-Cassel, October 13, 1839, and is the daughter of Henry and Sophia (Sene) Ohlendorf, who were natives of Prus- sin and of pure German ancestry. Two of the nine children born to them died in Germany. The remaining five sons and two daughters accompanied their parents to America about 1850. They were on the ocean seven weeks and landed in New York ('ity, whence they came directly to linois and settled on a new farm in Crete Township, Will County. Mr. Ohlendorf occupied himself in agri- cultural pursuits, but finally removed to another farm in the same township, where he died in 1882. lle was then about seventy nine years old. lle and his good wife joined the Lutheran Church early in life. Mrs. Ohlendorf is still living at the age of eighty-three years and makes her home with her son August in Crete Township.
Mrs. Behrens was a young girl of thirteen years when her parents came to America and she remem- bers many of the incidents of preparation and the voyage across the Atlantic. She has a good edu- cation in her native tongue and remained with her parents until her marriage. Since the death of her husband she has managed the farm in an admirable manner. There were born to them twelve children, three of whom-Henry, Louisa and Mary died young. The survivors are Christina, the wife of lohn Hartman. who lives on a farm in Iroquois County, this State; Sophia M., Henry, Christof,
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Catherine. Conrad, Emma, Willie and Mary. Mr. Behrens was an active member of the Lutheran Church to which his wife and children also belonged. In politics he was a Republican and his sons in this respect also follow in the footsteps of their honored father. Besides the property in Will County, the estate embraces two farins in Woodford Township. Iroquois County, one comprising one hundred and twenty aeres and the other one hun- dred and sixty acres.
RANK LAMBERT. This gentleman is a representive English-American citizen and a pioneer of DuPage Township. now enjoy- ing the many comforts and the ease of life to which his former labors fairly entitle him. In the toils and successes of long years he has been aided by a noble wife, who shares with him in the results of their labors and in the deep esteem of the many friends they can boast.
Mr. Lambert was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 19, 1829, and is a son of William and Elizabeth Lambert, and a brother of George Lam- bert, whose biography occurs elsewhere in this volume. He was reared on a farm in his native country with but limited school privileges, and in 1851. in company with his brother George, emi- grated to America. He came direct to Will County, in which he has been a continuous resident since his arrival. In 1859 he settled upon a tract of land on section 20, DuPage Township, where he has made for himself a home of attractive appearance and value.
The farm secured by our subject was an un- broken prairie. upon which he turned the first fur- row and has made all the improvements that now stamp it as a well-developed farm. It consists of one hundred and sixty acres which bear no resem- blance to their pristine rawness, but whereon wav- ing fields of grain replace the rank grasses of a former period, and good buildings shelter a pleas- ant family, flocks and herds and plentiful crops. Industry and perseverance have conquered un- toward surroundings and Mr. Lambert can point
with pride to the record he has made and the share he has borne in the development of the country.
The faithful companion of Mr. Lambert was known in her maidenhood as Miss Elizabeth Arter, their marriage rites having been celebrated May 27, 1856. She is a daughter of John and Ellen After.both born in Pennsylvania. The former died June 23, 1890, in Plainfield, Ill., and the latter, March 31, 1868. Her maternal grandfather, John King, was an Englishman and a Revolutionary sol- dier in the American Army. To Mr. and Mrs. Lambert eight children have been born, three be- ing deceased, namely: Jesse, Anna B. and Sarah. The survivors are : George; Ellen, wife of A. Wein- hold, of Kansas; Frank S .; Alice, wife of Rollin George, of Minnesota, and Grace.
Mr. Lambert is a Republican, and both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. They have instilled into the mind and hearts of their progeny the principles of right living, carried them out in their own lives and now enjoy an extended circle of acquaintances among the best people. Mr. Lambert has become well known as a man of the strietest integrity.
OHN C. DOESCHER. Probably no resident of Crete Township is better known through- out this part of the county than the subject of this sketch, who has been Postmaster at Endor for the past fifteen years, and engaged in business enterprises there which have proved a great accommodation to the people in this part of the township. He has the only store in the place, carrying a good stock of general merchandise, and well patronized ; he also operates a sawmill for the manufacture of paling fences and barrel hoops, and a feedmill, both of which are among the practical institutions of the county. A natural mechanic, Mr. Doescher has been engaged in some practical mechanical enterprise sinee early life, and his ex- perience has developed his natural skill.
Mr. Doescher is of German parentage, being a son of Herman Doescher, who was born and reared in the Kingdom of Hanover, where he learned the
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trade of a rope-maker. When the harbor was be- gun at Bremen. he went there and started a rope- walk, which he carried on until he came to America. llis settlement in this country was made in Lake County, Ind., whence he afterward came to the home of our subject, dying at Endor when an old man. For a fuller history see the biography of II. Doescher.
The gentleman of whom we write is the young- est member of his father's family and the only child born in the United States. His birthplace was Brunswick, Lake County, Ind., and his natal day April 5. 1848. Ile was well reared and received a practical education in the schools of his native county, which he left, when he became of age, to take up arms in defense of the Union. Ile enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry in 1864, the regiment being under the command of Col. Reed, and the company being led by Capt. James M. Foster. Accompanying the regiment to the front Mr. Doeseher participated in a number of active engagements, among them being the battle at Murfreesboro, where he was wounded in the leg. Itis wound, however. kept him out of the ranks but about a week. He was present at Mobile when Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakely succumbed to the attack of the U'nion forces and the city was sur- rendered. He remained in the army until Decem- ber. 1865, when he was honorably discharged and returned to his home, proud to know that he had assisted his country in her hour of need.
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