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 81
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For some time past Dr. Haven had been spend- ing his winters in Florida, and at the time of his death had a handsome winter home in process of construction at Clearwater Ilarbor, on the coast of that State. His wife, who survives him, was Miss
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Jane Stowell, daughter of E. C. Stowell, deceased, formerly a well-known real-estate dealer of Chicago. The marriage rites of Dr. Haven and Miss Stowell were celebrated in 1854.
6 HOMAS TRAINER is a rich farmer of Cus- ter Township, where he has been reared from youth- up, and his standing in the community where he is so well known is the high- est. llis father, William Trainer, was a native of Wightonshire. Scotland, and born in 1798. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret " Moore, was born on the Isle of Man, in 1808, and was there married at the age of twenty-live, the father of our subject then being thirty-five years old. They remained on the Isle until 1853, and then started for America, but while on the passage the family were sadly bereaved by the death of the devoted mother who was buried at sea. The father and remaining members of the family, land- ing at New York, came direct to Illinois, and he bought a farm on section 14, Wilmington Town- ship. of Lyman Francis. His daughter Margaret, who was only fourteen years of age, kept house for him; she is now deceased. The family lived on that place for eight years, when the father sokl the property and the ensuing two years lived in Grand Prairie, near Dwight. At the expiration of that time he came to this township, and pur- chased the homestead on section 13. which is now occupied by our subject. This remained his home till death closed his mortal pilgrimage, in 1882. He was the father of seven children, three of whom are now living.
Thomas Trainer was the fifth child of the fam- ily. and was born on the Isle of Man, in the month of July, 1841. He was twelve years of age when he left the place of his nativity and came with his father to America. lle gleaned a good education in the common schools, and on his father's farm a substantial knowledge of agriculture in all its branches, and has always been occupied in farming pursuits, and since coming here with his father has been a resident of the homestead that the latter
then purchased. He and his wife have a comfort- able home on the Kankakee River, and he is oper- ating one hundred and eighty-one and three-fourth acres of land, all lying in a body and all well im- proved. Ile carries on mixed farming, raising a diversity of crops, and having his pastures well stocked with standard grades of cattle.
March 5, 187t, Mr. Trainer and Miss Elizabeth McDonald were united in marriage. Her parents were John and Mary McDonald. Her father lived to be seventy-seven years of age and her mother is now fifty-nine years old.
Mr. Trainer is a whole souled, genial man and has many warm friends in the place where so much of his life has been passed. lle is generous in supporting all schemes that will in any way im- prove the township, and has always been a liberal supporter of churches though not a member of any. He has been a Director of schools in this district, No. 1, and has also served as a Pathmas- ter, and, altogether, is one of our most useful and trusted citizens. In his political views he is a stanch Republican and has worked hard in the in- terests of his party.
OIIN STEPHEN. The habits of thrift and industry, to which the subject of this notice was trained from boyhood, have followed him through his latter years, as is indicated by his surroundings. We find him supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and the owner of one of the finest farms in Joliet Township, comprising two hundred and fifty acres of land on section 18, upon which have been ef- fected good improvements.
The early home of Mr. Stephen was on the other side of the Atlantic, in the Province of Alsace, then of France, but now belonging to Germany, and where he first opened his eyes to the light, July 18, 1839. Ilis father, John Stephen, and his mother, whose maiden name was Adelia Haude, were likewise natives of that province, where they were reared and married. They lived there until 1816. then deciding upon emigrating to America,
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and repairing to Havre, boarded a sailing vessel which in due time landed them safely on Ameri- can shores. They proceeded directly to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, but lived in that State only six months, coming thence to Illinois and settling in Joliet Township, this county. The father engaged in farming, and they sojourned there a number of years, then removed to the city of Joliet, where the last seven years of their life were spent. The five children born to them consisted of four sons and one daughter. Of these John was the third child.
Mr. Stephen was a boy of seven years when his parents emigrated to America, and he still bas a dim recollection of his old home in France, and of the scenes and incidents attending the voyage to America. He lived with his parents thereafter until twenty-three years old, when he was married and settled in the town of Troy, living there two years. Thence he returned to the old homestead. which is now his property. Ile was married in Joliet, October 13, 1863, to Miss Rachel, daughter of Ignatz and Mary ( Walter) Schall. The parents of Mrs. Stephen were also natives of Alsace, and emigrated to America about 1817. settling near Rome, N. Y. Later they came to this county and lived in the town of Troy for several years. Later they too, like the parents of Mr. Stephen, removed to Joliet where the mother died, and Mr. Schall is still living there. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Mrs. Stephen was the youngest. She is a native of the same province as her hus- band. and was born June 28, 1815. She was thus less than two years old npon coming to America with her parents. and recolleets nothing of the land of her birth. She. as well as her husband. is thoroughly Americanized and in full sympathy with American institutions.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen are the proud parents of nine living children. They are all at home with their parents and bear the names respectively of, Clara O., Mary R., John E., Frances M., Joseph- ine A .. Adeline A., Amelia E., Lenora S. and Ray- mond A. Mr. Stephen upon becoming a voting citizen identified himself with the Democratic party. lle has served as a School Director in his distriet four years, and as Ilighway Commissioner
six years. Both he and his wife are prominently connected with the Catholic Church. In addi- tion to general farming he makes a specialty of stock-raising, and realizes therefrom handsome returns.
M ICHIAEL DOYLE. It affords great pleas- ure to the biographical writer to record the success of a man who, beginning life with no means, has accumulated a compe- tency, and while doing so has reared his family in useful habits and good principles and acted the part of a worthy citizen. One of this class is Michael Doyle, whose pleasant home is located on section 35, Jackson Township, and who is num- hered among the general farmers of this well de- veloped county. lle is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in Mohill, County Leitrim, November 1, 1832, and was about eighteen years old when he came to America. Landing in New York he went to New llaven. Conn .. in or near which city he lived five years. During this time he was em- ployed at different occupations in which he could gain a support, or which promised to better his condition.
At the expiration of the period mentioned, Mr. Doyle came to Illinois and entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, bis loca- tion being at Wilmington, this county, for a time, after which he was engaged seven years in sawing wood for the same company. During this time he had hoarded his resources, and was then able to purchase cighty acres of land, upon which he has since resided. He has made various improve- ments, and has added to his landed estate, from time to time until his possessions now amount to seven hundred acres, the most of which is in Jackson Township. A complete line of farm buildings may be seen upon the estate, their ex . cellence attracting the attention of every passer- by, as they are much better than the average among farmers.
In New Ilaven, Conn., Mr. Doyle was united
George Sperry.
Mas George Phony
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in marriage with Miss Catherine Marin, a native of County Monaghan, Ireland. She bore a part in his cares, economies and successes until 1871. when she was removed from earth. breathing her last at her home in this township. She was the mother of six children. of whom the fourth, John. died in April, 1888, at the age of twenty-seven Years. James and Frank are now living in Flor- ence Township: Michael, in Jackson Township; Peter lives in this township; and Thomas still re- mains at home.
The second marriage of Mr. Doyle took place in Wilmington, July 6. 1875, his bride being Miss Ellen Kavanaugh. This estimable woman was born in this county. February 19. 1853. She has borne her husband four children-Joseph, Mary, Nellie and Onnie, who are being carefully trained in habits of courtesy and usefulness by their good mother. and having their minds developed as their years will permit.
Mr. Doyle has been Highway Commissioner and School Director for several years. His political affiliation is with the Democracy. He and his wife and family are enrolled in the Catholic Church. Mr. Doyle is not lacking in the natural intelligence and accurate perceptions which are proverbial with the Irish race. and his abilities have been developed and his mind stored with information, so that he is now more than ordinarily intelligent.
G EORGE SPERRY. The traveler in going past the Sperry homestead invariably turus for a second glance, as there is an air of comfort and plenty about it that is exceedingly pleasant to the eye. He at once singles it out as the result of more than ordinary enterprise and in- dustry-a home whose proprietor possesses all the attributes of a good citizen. one who has first looked after the comfort of his family, and who next, as a member of the community, presents an example to those around him which is well worthy of imitation. Mr. Sperry is well-to-do, financially. owning besides his farm, valuable city property m
Joliet. He is widely and favorably known through- out the township, and is numbered among its leading men.
The fifth in a family of seven children, our sub- jeet is the son of James and Fanny ( Pixley ) Sperry, and was born in the town of Henrietta. Monroe County, N. Y., April 27, 1837. His early life was spent at his father's farm, and his first studies were prosecuted in the common schools. Later he attended Monroe Academy in East Hen- rietta. Ile remained a member of his father's household until reaching his majority, and soon afterward was married and settled in Lewiston, N. Y., where for many years he was employed as a collector. The young wife lived only about one year after her marriage. and after her death Mr. Sperry went to Rochester, and in company with E. D. Hallock was engaged for about two years in the sale of agricultural implements.
In 1856 Mr. Sperry came to this county, and during the first winter was engaged as a school teacher in Ilomer Township. After his second marriage he settled on the farm which he now owns and occupies, and in connection with its cul- tivation has also followed the profession of a teacher. After the outbreak of the Civil War, in .July, 1862, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Com- pany C, One Hundredth Ilinois Infantry, and for nearly two years served as a private. Ile was then commissioned First Lieutenant of Company F, Twenty-second New York Cavalry, and served in that capacity for four months, being then pro- moted to a Captaincy. He remained with the same regiment, and on the 21st of July was bre- vetted as Major. In charging a battery near Fisher's Hill he was run over by his own squadron, and received injuries which incapacitated him for duty for one month. On account of this he now enjoys a pension from the Government. He was present in some of the great battles of the war, namely: Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face. Resaca, Winchester, Cedar Run and Waynesboro. The close of the war found bim Acting Brigade Quartermaster. responsible for a million dollars and with certificates of non-indebt- edness from every department of the service.
Mr. Sperry was first married in Lewiston. N. Y ..
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to Miss Mary D., daughter of the Hon. Bates Cook, who was formerly State Comptroller of New York under Gov. De Witt Clinton. Mrs. Mary D. Sperry died without children in 1854. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married in the spring of 1857, was formerly Mrs. Emily C. (Hopping) Peck. This lady was born in 1831, in New York, and is a daughter of Henry and Lucy (Paddock ) Ilopping, who are now deceased. Henry Hopping died in 1851 in California, whither he had gone with a brother, the Hon. Curtis Hopping. who subsequently became one of the leading citi- zens of Sacramento, and there died recently, a wealthy man. Another brother, Enos, was edu- cated at West Point and became a Brigadier-Gen- eral. He was with Gen. Scott in his Mexican campaign, where he died. His remains were brought to his former home in Syracuse, N. Y., and buried with honor by his grateful country- men.
The wife of our subject was first married to Oliver F. Peck, who died in Homer Township, leaving one child, a daughter, Henrietta. The latter married F. E. Rowley. and died in Manhattan Township in 1882. Mrs. Sperry is proud of wear- ing the white ribbon as a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She would feel hon. ored to be well known as a defender of prohibi- tion and equal suffrage. Mr. Sperry is a strong supporter of the Republican party, having taken an active part in political affairs, and in his tem- perance views he is a radical Prohibitionist.
James Sperry and his estimable wife. the parents of our subject, were natives of Great Barrington, Mass., and settled in Henrietta, Monroe County, N. Y., after their marriage, living in that place many years. Thence they removed to the city of Rochester, where they spent their last days. Mr. Sperry was a man of decided views, and during slavery times was a prominent Abolitionist. The parental family consisted of four sons and three daughters, five of whom are living, as follows: Henry U. Sperry, former Superintendent of the Document Room, House of Representatives, Wash- ington, D. C., and Custom House officer in New York City from 1868 to 1871, is now living retired from business in Rochester, N. Y .; Dr. M. M.
Sperry also lives in Rochester and is a prominent man in his profession; Edward lives at Battle Creek, Mich .; our subject, and Sarah A., who lives in Baltimore, Md., complete the family list.
A portrait of the gentleman whose life is thus briefly recorded, and also that of his wife are pre- sented on another page of this volume.
EMPROMU'S S. CHAMBERLAIN, under- taker and senior member of the firm of S. S. Chamberlain & Sons, of Joliet and Lockport, was born in Henrietta, Monroe County, N. Y., August 19, 1817. He is the son of Luther C. Chamberlain who kept the old fash- ioned tavern in that rural village known as the Henrietta House. It was located in the midst of some of the finest farming lands of the famous Genesee Valley, as was also the old time Monroe Academy, which the boy entered at an early age and in which he received his rudimentary instruc- tion. At the age of fifteen years he was taken by his father from that thriving neighborhood to the State of THinois, the start being made in January, 1833, and this being before the days of railroading the boy rode the entire distance on an Indian pony.
Reaching Chicago, then only an Indian station and trading post, they tarried a few days and then continued their journey southward thirty miles, to one mile and a half east of Lockport, where they lo- eated in Lockport and Homer Townships. The father made a claim on Government land and improved a farm on which he lived four years, thence removing to Peoria County in 1837. The young man en- tered .Jubilee College, Peoria, from which in due course of time he was graduated with academic ac- quirements. Ile returned to Lockport in 181J and began as an architect and builder, taking contracts for the erection of warehouses and other edifices. To him was committed the erection of the large warehouse of Messrs. Norton & Co., of Lockport, whose business has grown to enormous proportions, their flouring mills being well known as among the most extensive in the country.
Four years after his arrival, Mr. Chamberlain
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put up a store for himself and embarked in his present business. During the fatal cholera season of 1851, which lasted for about thirty days, he worked men night and day making coffins, which was done wholly by hand at that time. The call was absolute, and only by putting in every hour of the twenty-four could the demand be supplied. In that perilous period, Mr. Chamberlain went personally to nearly every house where death or- curred, sometimes as many as eight a day in a vil- lage of twenty-five hundred inhabitants. The coffins were made of walnut or whitewood, with walnut flat tops. and lined and trimmed inside with book-muslin headings.
In 1873, Mr. Chamberlain started an establish-
nt in Joliet, first occupying a frame building of his own erection on Chicago Street. but subse- quently moving into the fine store, No. 119,( War- ner Block) opposite his former site. These prem- ises are expressly fitted for the business and have a depth of ninety feet, with a front of plate glass. The commodions office is entered directly from the street, being separated from the store room by a partition of walnut and ash panels with a glass top. The office, without any attempt at display. has an air of refinement and good taste. In the mner room is an elegant cabinet of ten samples of work, either of which can be brought to view in a moment by lowering a hinged panel. Beyond this room is one opening on the alley, which is de- voted to receiving, trimming ete. The establish- ment is connected by telephone with the other establishment at Lockport, a distance of five miles, with the dwelling at No. 617 Clinton Street, and with the Joliet Telephone Exchange.
Mr.Chamberlain is a man of advanced ideas and has exhibited throughout his long business career a remarkable degree of energy and tact. Although his location is near Chicago, he always carries a large stock of goods; he is a judicious buyer and as his trade is mostly among the more prosperons people of Joliet and vicinity. his stock is largely composed of the liner grades of cloth and metallic trimmings. It is doubtful if there is a funeral di - rector in the country who takes more pride in his stable or more pains to keep his valuable horses in good trim. He owns two spans which rank among
the best in Northern Illinois. One is a pair of dark bays with heavy manes and tails; the other, a pair of Morgan Blackhawks, recently brought by him from Lexington. Ky.
Being a lover of the equine race, Mr. Chamber- lain becomes peculiarly attached to the steeds that have done him service. As an illustration of this, he has in pasture a team that had worked for a little over ten years and are yet in good condition. Hle refuses to sell them, saying. "They will be cared for by me through the rest of their lives." Four of the hearses used by our subject were built for him by Messrs. Crane, Breed & Co. of Cincinnati, two purchased by Merts & Ridle of Ravenna. Ohio; one white hearse built by Con- ningham, of Rochester, N. Y. Mr. Chamberlain never takes part in polities but has frequently had public office tendered him. He invariably declines, having always felt that his most important duty was to attend strictly to his legitimate business.
To do justice to our subject we ought to de- vote some time to his high personal character, but must content ourselves with a remark from the Joliet Nun :- "No man is better known or regarded with higher esteem in this vicinity than S. S. Chamberlain. a gentleman of sterling integrity. We have known him for forty years and know whereof we speak."
With Miss Elizabeth S. Gray, of Homer, this county, Mr. Chamberlain was united in marriage January 19. 1812. The bride was a daughter of Alfred and a sister of Capt. George M. Gray, of the Pullman Palace Car Line. She was born in the Empire State but eame to Illinois at an early day. For nearly half a century she shared in her husband's joys and sorrows, ever devoted to his comfort and the welfare of the children whom she had borne. She entered into rest April 9, 1889, mourned by many friends whose sympathy is with the family in their sore bereavement. She was a member of the Congregational Church. The union was blessed by the birth of two sons only. George N. is one of the firm and resides in Joliet; Charles G. is in charge of the Lockport branch of the business.
The father of our subject was born in Columbia County. N. Y., in 1789, and took part in the War
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of 1812. After its conclusion he married Miss Thankful Talmage of Litchfield. Conn., and settled in Monroe County, N. Y. For a time he engaged in farming. subsequently embarking as a hotel keeper. a business that he followed fifteen years. He was a prominent man in his location, especially in edu- cational affairs, being a Trustee and Director in the Monroe Academy and helping to build up the early schools of Western New York. Ile was Postmaster of Henrietta for many years. Upon coming to Illinois as mentioned above, he bought extensively. and built the first frame house in his section of country. neither in Joliet, nor Lock- port, any other than Jog houses being then standing. After leaving Lockport he spent seven years in Peoria. thence going to Milton, Wayne County. Ind., where he engaged in the grain and warehouse business. There he remained un- til his death in 1878; the mother had breathed her last in 1852. Luther C. Chamberlain was a member of the Episcopal Church. He was the father of three children-Lewis L., of this county ; S. S .; and Ellen M., wife of Norton Davis of Monroe County. N. Y., who died February 9. 1890.
G EORGE DIXON, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of DuPage Township. is pleasantly located on section 32. Ilis tine estate comprises two hundred and forty acres, a part of which is well-developed land upon which a full line of substantial buildings have been erected and such other improvements made as are usually the work of a man of enterprise and good judgment. Mr. Dixon is a self-made man who labored long and arduously to gain a good home and is now on- joying a merited reward for his efforts.
The natal day of our subject was Christmas Day, 1832, and his birthplace Lincolnshire, England. llis parents were Robert and Susan Dixon who lived upon a farm and reared their son amid its toils and limited advantages. llis education was but meagre, as the opportunities he had were not equal to those of American youth of the same class even at that date, but observation and native in-
telligence have largely overcome the deficiency and he is to-day a well-informed man.
In 1851 young Dixon emigrated to America, leaving Liverpool on the sailer "U'nderwriter." which reached New York after an ocean voyage of seven weeks and three days. The young man came direct to the Prairie State, found employment as a farm laborer in Cook County and worked by the month fourteen years. Ile then bought a tract of land in Newaygo County, Mich., and was identified with the farming interests of that section several years. lle finally purchased the land he now occu- pies, renting it out three years and then removing hither.
On September 11, 1869, the marriage rites were celebrated between Mr. Dixon and Miss Mary J. Burgess, who was born in England, October 12, 1840. She is a daughter of lleaton and Jane (Clark ) Burgess, who emigrated to America in 1867. and made their home in Will County,. III .. for a number of years. They removed to Cook County. where the father died in 1884 and the mother still lives. They had nine children. of whom the living are, Mrs. Dixon ; Jobn and Samuel who reside in this county ; William, George II., Charles R. and Thomas E., who live in Cook County ; and Betsey, wife of Harry Pollard, of Pike County.
Mr. Dixon is a Democrat. but usually votes for the man rather than the strict party principle. Ile is a reliable citizen. an enterprising farmer. a kind neighbor, and receives his just share in the respect of those who know him, while the wife of his bosom lias her friends among them to whom her virtues have endeared her.
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HIARLES B. HAYWARD. No more genial, companionable or intelligent gentleman is to be found in the city of Joliet than the above- named, who is at the head of the C. B. Hayward Printing Company. Ile thoroughly understands the printer's trade, in which he has had practical experience, and for quite a number of years was an editor, gaining high rank in journalistie circles for
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