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 73
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
Our subject was born December IS, 1850, in this county, a son of the late Robert and Rosanna (MeMicken) Clow. batives of Scotland. The father of our subject came to this country in 1837 with his father's family. his mother having died in the
old country. They first located in New York State and remained there till 1813, when they came to Will County. The family were among the first settlers of the county. and purchased a large tract of wild prairie, comprising nearly one thousand acres of land for which was paid $1.25 per acre.
Robert Clow. the father of our subject, became a prominent man in this part of the county, both in its publie life and in promoting the growth of its agricultural interests, and in his death September 15. 1888, the county lost one of its most revered pioneers. He had always displayed great public spirit and substantially aided all schemes for the improvement of the county or township. He served as Justice of the Peace and as Supervisor of Wheatland Township, fulfilling the duties thus im- posed upon him with marked ability. In his poli- ties he was a Republican and used his influence to promote the interests of the party. The mother of our subject was born in 1825, and is now pleas- antly passing her declining years in the home of her son, John B. Clow, in this township.
The parents of our subject had eight children of whom the following five still survive: William M .: Ellen JJ .. wife of Charles H. Farquhar of Chi- vago: Adam S. a resident of Wheatland Township: John B .. also of this township; Rose, wife of ii. II. Highland of this township. The names of those deceased are: Sarah H .. Grace M., and Rachael.
William, the subject of this sketch, grew to a manly vigorous manhood amid the pioneer influ- ences that still obtained in this county during his youth. A bright. apt scholar. he was given excel- lent educational advantages. receiving the rudi- ments of his education in the district schools of Wheatland Township, and subsequently entered Clark Seminary, now known as Jenning's Seminary in Aurora, Ill., where he pursued a fine course of study that will be a help to him in any calling in which he is engaged. He first entered the teacher's profession and for two terms taught school success- fully. But having a natural taste for the vocation to which he had been reared, he then turned to it, and has since devoted his time to agricultural pur- snits. and is actively engaged in farming and stock- raising. He owns a farm of two hundred and thirty acres. all of which is under cultivation. is highly
630
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
improved, and with its commodious, well-appointed buildings and rich harvest fields, is one of the most desirable pieces of property in this part of the county.
In his marriage in 1871. with Miss Eliza V. Cherry, Mr. Clow secured the blessing of a true wife who is devoted to the interests of her family. Four children have come to them : Ida G., Robert C., Anne L .. and Charles II. Mrs. Clow is a native of the city of Buffalo, N. Y., and a danghter of Moses and Sarah A. ( Mills) Cherry. of that city. both of whom are now deceased.
William Clow brings to his work a fine equip- ment of brain. energy, readiness of resource, and adaptability to circumstances that make him an in- fluence in promoting the financial prosperity of his native county. His genial nature and general np- rightness of character have won him many friends, and with his wife he stands among the first people of the community. In his politics, Mr. Clow is a member of the Democratic party. He has taken part in public affairs as Township Clerk one year, and as Road Commissioner of Wheatland Township, and in both capacities proved himself to be a sa- gacious and faithful civic official.
ENRY SPANGLER is the fortunate owner of a good farm. pleasantly located one mile from the village of Plainfield, that is sup- plied with substantial buildings, good ma- chinery, is under excellent cultivation, and is otherwise well improved. Our subject is a Penn- sylvanian by birth, born in Potter Township. Cen- tre County. January 25, 1831. His father. John Spangler. was a native of the same State, born. it is thought, in Lancaster County, and his father, Peter Spangler, is supposed to have been a native of the same county, born of German parentage. Hle removed to Centre County in an early day of its settlement and became a pioneer of Potter Township, where he bought and improved a tract of land. and was engaged in farming thereon the remainder of his life.
The father of our subjeet was a boy when his
parents removed to that place, and there he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for a time and then turned his attention to the calling to which he had been reared, and farmed in Centre County until 1848. In that year he came to Illi- nois, making the journey by teams, and crossing but one railroad on the way, which was a primitive affair, having wooden rails and an iron strap on the top of them. He cast in his lot with the pio- neers of Plainfield who had preceded him to this pleasant place. He bought three hundred and sixty acres of partly improved land and was engaged in agricultural pursuits some years until his retire- ment from active life to Joliet, where the rest of his days were passed. The maiden name of his wife was Catherine Stem. and she was a native of Centre County, Pa., her father, Adam Stem, having been a farmer in that part of Pennsylvania. She died on the home farm in Plainfield Township.
lle of whom we write was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to their new home in the Prairie State, and he well remembers inci- dents of the journey and of the pioneer life that they Ied there. He assisted his father on the farm, gaining a good practical knowledge of the calling that he was to adopt for his life-work. Ile was en- gaged with his father until he was twenty-one, and he then rented the farm from him and carried it on successfully, continuing to rent land until 1873. He had accumulated considerable money and in- vested it in his present homestead, which comprises one hundred and seventeen acres of as fertile land as is to be found in this exceptionally fine farming region. He has erected suitable buildings, has all needful appliances for carrying on agriculture to a good advantage. and has his land under admirable tillage.
Mr. Spangler was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Heinselman, a native of Pennsylvania and a dangh- ter George lleinselman ; she was a prudent, thrifty woman and an excellent housewife, and has con- tributed her share in the upbuilding of their home. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are living-Kate, Frank, Clinton and Melvin.
Mr. Spangler is industrious, shrewd, and meth- odical, and always has his affairs in a good condi- tion. Ile stands well in this community in the
ยท
.
633
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
varied relations of husband, father, neighbor and citizen, and is esteemed for his good qualities of head and heart. Ile and his family are members in good standing of the German Evangelical Church. Mr. Spangler is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than for party.
3 .
R OBERT R. CRELLIN. In making note of the carly settlers of the Prairie State, the the name of Mr. Crellin is justly entitled to a prominent position. Though several years have clapred since he was removed by death, his memory is still cherished by a large circle of friends. lle came of a worthy aneestry, and was remotely related to a family of the same name in the Isle of Man, representatives of which are now loeated in San Diego and San Francisco, Cal. With the exception of relatives living near Joliet, these are the only known families of the name in the I'nited States.
Ohio was the native State of our subject and in Avon he was born October 25, 1843. His father. Thomas Crellin, was a life-long farmer by occupa- tion and a reliable eitizen. The mother bore the maiden name of Catherine Hampton. The family settled in Jackson Township in 1852, the father purchasing Government land from which he im- proved a farm and there with his estimable wife spent the remainder of his days.
The subject of this notice remained a member of the parental household until his marriage, which occurred April 23, 1867. Ilis wife, Miss Leonora Kelley, was born on the Isle of Man, August 31 1819, and is still living, being now a resident of Joliet. Her parents, Robert and Catherine (Cowle) Kelley. emigrated to America when their daughter was a child of three years, loeating first in Lake County, Ohio. There Miss Kelley spent her girl. hood days, remaining under the parental roof until leaving it to become mistress of her own home.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelley remained residents of Oho until 1880, and then came to Florence Township, this county, where they lived until the fall of 1888. Then retiring from the active labors of life they
removed to the city of Joliet where the father died July 1, 1889; the mother is still living. The pa- rental household ineluded eight children, three of whom are living and located in Illinois and Indi- ana. Mr. and Mrs. Crellin after their marriage settled on a farm in Florence Township where they labored together in the building up of a home and effected good improvements. Then on account of the failing health of Mr. Crellen they removed to Joliet, where his death occurred, November 30, 1887. The family residence in the city is pleasantly located at No. 310, Richards Street, and Mrs. Crol- lin still owns the farm which is the source of a comfortable income.
To Mr. and Mrs. Crellin there was born a family of four children, two daughters and two sons, viz: Ella, Laura, George and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Crellin united with the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church many years ago. The cultured tastes of the family are indicated in their home sur- roundings, and a fine library. filled with seleet works furnishes many an hour's recreation. Miss Laura Crellin completed her studies at the High School in JJoliet and for the past three years has been engaged as a teacher. Miss Ella has fitted her- self for the same profession, being a graduate of the Normal School. Normal Park, Ill., and Joliet lligh School. She has already had three years ex- perience as a teacher. George, a youth of sixteen years, has already started out for himself. The youngest son remains at home with his mother.
The many friends of Mr. Crellin will be pleased to notice his portrait, presented on another page.
ENRY J. SAWYER is a well-known manu- facturer of Joliet, although at the present time retired from active business pursuits. For a number of years he was a member of the firm of Adler & Sawyer, whose boot and shoe establishment on Jefferson Street was one of the prominent retail stores of the city. Mr. Sawyer was Superintendent for the firm of M. Selz & Co., of Chicago, who had a prison contract, their business consuming 8500,000 per year in the purchase of
634
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.
materials and manufacture of goods. He possesses a practical knowledge of the business from the foundation up, having himself worked through every department, and having also a decided judg- ment and tact has proved himself an excellent buyer, organizer and manager of a large establish- ment. His personal reputation is that of an hon- orable man and worthy citizen, and he therefore commands the respect of his fellow-men.
The natal day of Mr. Sawyer was January 22, 1825, and his birthplace the city of New York. He is a son of John B. Sawyer. an Eastern man, whose circumstances were such that the lad was put out at the age of nine years, having his own way to make from that early age. Ilis younger days were spent in the southeastern part of Worcester County, Mass., where he gained a knowledge of manufacturing, the firm of Bowker & Phipps starting a boot and shoe manufactory in 1846, of which he took charge. When they opened a wareroom he continued as man- ager for them until 1850, at which time he accepted a position with B. D. Godfrey, one of the leading men in the State as a manufacturer in the same line of business, in Milford, Mass. With this gentle- man Mr. Sawyer remained until the spring of 1857, when he lost his wife and changed his abode to Hopkinton, Mass .. where he remained for six years, still in his old line of business.
The next move of our subject was to Chicago, where he took charge of the manufacturing part of the boot and shoe business of Davis, Sawyer & Co., retaining the position for a period of six years, until the time of the great fire. An oppor- tunity then offering, he came to Joliet in the em- ploy of M. Selz & Co., who had a prison contract, Mr. Sawyer being the only person in the concern who understood shoe manufacturing. lle therefore acted as General Superintendent of the manufac- tory, organizing the business, and buying all their goods and material for nearly fifteen years. Their house was the largest in Chicago in their line of business.
In 1887, his health failing, Mr. Sawyer withdrew. lle was the manufacturer of the Sawyer boot, which was first made by the firm of Davis. Sawyer & Co., - during his management, the first prison enterprise in that line that was successful, the material which
he used being the best and the goods well made and reliable. The concern employed five hundred convicts and a large amount of skilled citizen labor and was altogether a magnificent business. Prior to his withdrawal from active management Mr. Sawyer became a member of the new firm of Adler & Sawyer, retaining his interest until 1889.
Mr. Sawyer has not engaged in active business affairs for some time, and the past two winters have been spent by him in Florida. He has been too busy to indulge in any political aspirations, but votes with the Republican party at all times. Ile is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having membership in Corinthian Chapter, No. 69, of Chi- cago, although not at present very active in the order. llis worklly possessions are the result of his activity and ability in business, and of his wise management of the remuneration which he has received, and reflects eredit upon him and his efforts.
The first wife of Mr. Sawyer was in her girlhood Miss Chloe S. Comey, of Foxboro, Mass. She was removed from him by death April 4, 1857, leaving two daughters, who are still living. They are Alma, wife of Clarence A. Claflin. of Omaha, Neb., and Mary B., wife of Clarence A. Thompson, now of llopkinton, Mass. After having remained a widower for a number of years, Mr. Sawyer contracted a second matrimonial alliance, being united on JJan- uary 27, 1869, with Sarah A. Cook, of Blackstone, Mass. The union has resulted in the birth of six children, all living and still at home. They are named respectively : Henry J. Jr .. Gordon II., Mabel A., Gertrude L., Elsie L. and Ernest M.
OHN O. BARRETT, a prominent figure among the hardware interests of Joliet, has for many years been connected with this department of trade and acquired a good understanding of it in all its details. He is a man who attends strictly to business and one who bears the reputation of being strictly reliable and worthy of being trusted in any business which his judg- ment may justify him in undertaking. He carries
635
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
a well-selected stock of goods, valued at $35,000 and during the year 1889 transacted a business of $105,000. There is a prospect that during the year 1890, his sales will even exceed this figure.
Mr. Barrett was born in Joliet, Ill., March 16, 185t, and is the son of W. F. and Clamana (Onderdonk) Barrett. the former of whom was a native of Len- nox. Mass,, and a tinner by trade. When leaving his native State he went over into Canada and worked for a time in the city of London. From there he emigrated to .Jackson, Mich., and thence to Joliet in 1850. The parental household con- sister of three sons and three danghters, two of whom are deceased. Sarah E., ( Mrs. Baird) is a resident of Walsenburg. Col .; Charity Maria (Mrs. ('arson) is a resident of Joliet; John O., our sub- jeet, was the next in order of birth. W. F., Jr .. is in the wholesale millinery house of D. B. Fisk d' Co., Chicago; Elizabeth Acker remains at home ; Edward C. is with his brother. John O .. in the hardware store. The father died in Joliet JJune 1. 1879. He was prominent in local affairs and had been a member of the City Council a member of years. The mother is still living on the West Side. in foliet.
Mr. Barrett acquired his education in the com- mon school and subsequently for a time was en- gaged as a clerk in the hardware store of T. P. Ford. Ile was married September 16, 1873, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Benjamin Warren of Worcester, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have no children. Mr. Barrett votes the straight Republi can ticket, but has declined to assume the respon- sibilities of office.
ICHOLAS KORST, whose home is on see- tion 5. Jackson Township, is the fortunate owner of two hundred and seventy-three acres of valuable land, a part of which lies in Jol- iet Township. The most of the buildings upon the estate were ereeted by himself, and they in- clude every needful and convenient structure, all well built. well designed. and kept in perfect re- pair. The other improvements which have been
made upon the estate are equally as good, and it needs but a glance to assure even the most unob- serving of the fact that industry.frugality, and en- terprise are prominent traits in the character of the owner. A mention of his name seeures the additional information that he is numbered among the public-spirited and reliable citizens of the sec- tion in which he has made his home for many years.
The birth of this gentleman took place in the Kingdom of Prussia, September 24, 1827, and he acquired a good understanding of the more im- portant branches of edneation, under the system which Germany so generously provides. He learned the trade of a stone-cutter, following it both in his native land and after coming to America, for many years. Believing that in the United States he would have a better opportunity to use to his worldly advantage the energies which na- ture had bestowed upon him, he emigrated in 1857. Ile bade adie to his native land June 27, and landed in New York at noon, August 12. He came direct to Chicago and thence to Joliet, near which city he lived until 1873. He then settled on the farm where he now lives. still following his trade in connection with his farm work,
When Mr. Korst made his first appearance in Johet he was accompanied by his wife and three children. and his capital in trade amounted to twenty shillings. The property which he has ac- cumulated and the manner in which his family has been reared, is one of the best proofs that he possesses the qualities above mentioned. : Hle is a man of more than ordinary intelligence. in whose society an hour can always be spent to advantage and his personal character is such as to canse bim to be regarded with great respect. He has been useful in the community as School Director and Overseer of Highways. In polities he is a Demo- crat. Ile and his family are communicants of the Catholic Church.
The faithful companion of Mr. Korst is a lady of his own country, born September 3. 1830, and bearing the maiden name of Catherine Surges. The rites of wedlock were celebrated between them November 27, 1852, and since that day Mrs. Korst has shared as a devoted helpmate in the toils and
636
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
successes of her husband. They are the parents of eleven children -- Susannah, Simon, John, William, Barbara, Michael, Mary, Frank, Nicholas and Peter, now living, and Mathias, who died in in- fancy. Susannah is now the wife of Edward Baum; Simon lives in Chicago; John in Jackson Town- ship; William, in Minnesota; Barbara is the wife of Joseph Rodymaker; Mary is the wife of Jacob Eis
-
E DWARD HOWARD AKIN. This name will be remembered by the older residents of Will County as belonging to one of its most prominent citizens and successful men. He was born in Johnstown, N. Y .. July 3, 1815. and de- parted this life at his home. in Joliet, December 26, 1880. Ile was the offspring of a good old family, being the son of Abraham and the grand- son of Edward Akin, the former of whom spent his last years in Lockport, Will County, 11.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Asenath Matthews. When his son was but a boy, Abraham Akin removed with his family to Onondaga County, N. Y., and purchased a farm of five hundred acres near Syracuse, upon which he settled, and where Edward H. grew to man- hood. The latter when twenty-one years old left the farm and entered a store at Liverpool, N. Y. This movement was the result of a long mental conflict under the couviction that he was fitted for something better in life than labor in the field. He laid down his hoe one day and told his mother that if he could make his living in some other way he would never hoe another row of corn.
The parents of our subject remained on the farm in New York State as long as the father was able to engage in active labor. They then came to this county, and the father died three years later. in Lockport, in 1846. The mother died July 28, 1872, at the same place. Mr. Akin, of whom we write, putting his resolve into execu- tion, entered a store in Liverpool, N. Y., where he began his mercantile career. Later, in company with his father, under the firm name of Akin & Son, he carried on general merchandising at Liver-
pool, N. Y. He also engaged in the manufacture of salt at Liverpool, and continued a resident of Onondaga County, N. Y., until removing to Ber- rien County, Mich., in the fall of 1847. Later, he went to Chicago with his family, and there his eldest son, John, was born. On account of the breaking out of cholera, he left Chicago and re- turned to the residence of his parents in Lock- port, 11.
In April, 1850, Mr. Akin, in company with a party from Lockport, crossed the plains to Cali- fornia, driving mules and oxen, and arrived at his destination after a three months' journey. He oc- cupied himself at mining successfully along the Yuba River, also at Placerville and Sacramento. Returning to Lockport in. October, 1851, he pur- chased his mother's farm. In 1854 he removed to Joliet and established a stave manufactory and cooper shop. This enterprise proved successful and gave employment to twenty 'men continually until 1861. For six years afterward Mr. Akin en- gaged in the manufacture of flour at Hennepin. Ile returned to Joliet in 1867 and, in company with others, carried on a woolen mill, of which he was Superintendent. He subsequently embarked in the real estate business and followed this until his death, which occurred December 26, 1880.
Mr. Akin laid out the subdivision, of which he was owner, which is now called Brooklyn, and erected the Akin Block in 1877. He was regarded as an enterprising business man and contributed his full share toward the growth of his adopted city. He was a Mason in good standing, having attained to the Knight Templar degree, and in polities he was an ardent Republican. He regu- larly attended the Central Presbyterian Church, of which he was a supporter, and also a Trustee during the later years of his life. He was one of the founders of the People's Loan & Homestead Association, of which he was also a Director, and one of the Directors of Oakwood Cemetery. He was likewise Treasurer of two Masonic bodies.
Mr. Akin was married June 10, 1840, in Cort- land, N. Y., to Miss Sophronia C. Merrill. This lady was born September 18, 1818, and is the daughter of Abel and Charlotte (Curtis) Merrill, who spent their last years in New York State.
639
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIICAL ALBUM.
Her father died when Mrs. Akin was only three years old. The four children born of this union are all living. Charlotte was born September 3, 1812, at Liverpool, N. Y., and resides with her mother in Joliet; Luey H., who was born in Liver- pool, June 18, 1846, also resides with her mother; John J., born August 26, 1818, married Maargar- eta S. Miller, of Philadelphia, Pa., is Secretary and Treasurer of the Cable Company owned by the Chicago Syndicate, and makes his headquarters at Los Angeles, Cal .; Edward C. married Lonise, daughter of the late Judge Josiah MeRoberts, is State's Attorney for Will County and is a resi- dent of the city of Joliet. He read law under the instruction of George S. House, was admitted to the bar and is one of the most successful practitioners in the county. Mrs. Akin has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1835, and since 1854 of the Central Presbyterian branch. She is a lady greatly respected in her community and en joys the friendship and acquaintance of its best people.
We clip the following, in regard to Mr. Akin, from the Joliet Republican: "Both in public and private life Mr. Akin was held in high respect and admiration. As a husband, none were more lov- ing and kind. As a father. he trained his chil- dren to be men and women of the world, and able to fill their parts in the play of life. As a citizen, Mr. Akin has left a bright and honorable record. and yet, though he has passed from among us, he left behind his better part-the legacy of bis hon- orable example."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.