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 85
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
729
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ing his death, his activity was somewhat lessened by the lameness which resulted from a fall he then received. Politically, he was a Democrat. and in his religious belief was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. llis intelligence, uprightness and useful life and industry were recognized by his acquaintances who accorded him their highest es- leem.
In Lincolnshire, England. many years ago, lived and died Thomas Cook, a small landowner. lle married Sarah Holmes, a native of the same shire, who died when sixty years old. This worthy cou- ple were active members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church for thirty years, and for years their home was a meeting place for the congregation on every Wednesday night. They also had prayer- meeting every Friday night and class-meeting every Sunday for some years, these facts illustrating the faithful interest which they felt and manifested in the cause of Christianity. To them were born nine children. the subject of this sketch being one of younger members of the family, and the only one who came to the United States.
The natal day of William Cook was February 25, 1810, and his birthplace in the northern part of Lincolnshire, England. The early years of his life were spent in acquiring knowledge, but at the age of thirteen years be left school and began to learn the trade of a shoemaker. He served under Rich- ard Michaelwait in Winterton, in his native shire until he was twenty years old, after which he worked as a journeyman for a time. He then set up a shop in the place where he had learned his trade, and there married Miss Elizabeth Adkinson, the daugh- ter of well-to-do parents, by whom she was well reared. She was born in Blygton. England, in 1803 and in her native shire grew to womanhood. There her mother died, and a few years later her father came to the United States, where he lived to be quite old. Joseph Adkinson was a tailor. Upon coming to America he settled near Monroeville, Ohio, where he owned a large property.
After the birth of their first child and the death of the same, our subject and his wife set out for the United States, leaving their native land Feb- ruary 25. 1831. They took passage at Hull on a brig frigate, and after a voyage of some seven
weeks landed in New York City, whence they jour- neyed to Monroeville, Ohio. There Mr. Cook fol- lowed his trade of a shoemaker one year, and then purchased a small farm on which he lived for some time. After fifteen years of residence at that place he went to Lake County, Ind., and for two years made his home near Clinton, whence be removed to this State and county.
Here Elizabeth (Adkinson) Cook died in 1865 when about sixty-two years of age. She attended the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the mother of eight children,of whom but two are living. Thomas resides in Onarga, this State ; his wife bore the maiden name of Margaret E. Fellows, and was a resident of Plainfield. George, who lives at Coun- eil Bluffs. Iowa, married a Miss Shipley for his first wife, and for his second a Mrs. Davis.
The gentleman of whom we write contracted a second matrimonial alliance, the ceremony taking place in Chicago, Ill., and his chosen companion being Mrs. Mary A. (Mitchell) Hoskins, She was born in England, whence she came to America in early womanhood. She died December 12, 1878, when past middle life, leaving one daughter, Julia A., a refined and well-educated young lady. Mrs. Mary Cook was identified with the Methodist Church, and by her former marriage had one child, Frank. a successful merchant at Geneseo.
E DWARD D. HOWLAND, M. D. Although still quite young in his profession and in- deed in years, this gentleman is rapidly building up for himself a reputation as a skilled physician which gives promise of leading him to a front rank ere many years shall have passed over his head. He is a close student who is not content with the knowledge he has already obtained, but by every means in his power is constantly adding to it information regarding the latest discoveries and the theories of older and more skilled physicians. His quickness of apprehension. his mental culture and his honorable character give him popularity in so- ciety and a reputable name among his fellow-men. The parents of Dr. lowland are Elihn and Jane
730
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
(Baldwin) Howland, natives of Litchfield County, Conn., who came to the Prairie State in 1840, and who at present reside in Ottawa, Ill. The father was a farmer and the early life of our subject was surrounded with the usual scenes and influences of country living. He was born in LaSalle County, this State, October 13, 1858, and obtained bis fun- damental education in the public schools. In the State Normal University at Normal, Ottawa High School and Mt. Carroll Seminary, he extended his fund of knowledge. and completed his general course of study.
Having chosen medieine as the seience to which to devote his energy, young Howland began read- ing in the office of R. M. McArthur, M. D., at Ot- tawa, and after a time entered Rush Medical Col- lege, Chicago. Ile pursued his studies there during the years of 1883-84, and then practiced one year with Dr. Wilcox in Michigan. After this practi- cal application of the theories and principles of therapeutics he returned to Rush College in 1885. and was graduated therefrom the following year. On looking about for a field of labor he was led to Lockport, in which he located the year of his gradu- ation. Dr. Howland is an Odd-Fellow, a Mason and a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
C WILKENING. The name which stands at the head of this biographical outline will be at once recognized as belonging to one of the most energetic business men of Crete and one of its leading merchants. He ranks as one of the finest salesmen in Northern Illinois in which region he commenced building his fortunes and where he has gained a competence. I'nder the firm title of C. Wilkening & Co., our subject and his brother Frederick are operating one of the most complete dry-goods establishments in Will County and com- manding a large portion of the patronage of its best citizens. The brothers were assisted in the establishment of their present enterprise by their honored father, a man of more than ordinary abil- ity and from whom the sons have inherited the talents which have brought them success. The
present firm was organized in 1880, and located in a fine building at the corner of Main and Exchange Streets, the most eligible business site in the town.
In due time, owing to the rapid increase in trade, more room was needed and so they removed their old brick store. 26x60 feet, to another lot further south and began the construction of one of the best buildings in the city, which they now occupy. The second floor of this building was designed for a public hall, but the firm are obliged to utilize it for the storage of a part of the $40,000 stock of goods which they carry. The Wilkening Block, two stories in height, is 51x60 feet in dimensions. facing on Main Street and comprises two stores with a basement joining the old store-room. The latter is used for a grocery department and there are three large warehouses in the rear from which many hundred pounds of butter and many thou- sand dozens of eggs are shipped monthly. The main building was completed in 1886, and contains a full line of a finely-selected stock of dry goods, tastefully arranged and which never fails to attraet attention. Besides these there is a special cloak and shawl department, also clothing and gentle- men's furnishing goods, together with different de- partments for carpets and oil cloth, toys, etc. It is thus most properly called the Department Store and neither time nor money has been spared to make each attractive and convenient.
The business career of Mr. Wilkening began at an early period in his life and from the start he has kept in view one end and aim-that of excelling in his chosen calling. We find him officiating as a clerk at the age of fifteen years and he completed his business education in Bryant & Stratton's Com . mercial College. His father in former years was a farmer, owning land in Crete Township, and at that homestead our subject was born March 24, 1855. Ile grew up vigorons in mind and body and at an early age learned the self reliance which has been largely the secret of his success. Both in social and business circles he is a general favorite, being prompt to meet his obligations and more than ordi- marily well informed. In politics, he is a Democrat and in religion he conforms to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church. In all that goes to make a man reliable and trustworthy, he is a fine exponent of
731
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his substantial German ancestry. With the single exception that he still remains a bachelor, Mr. Wit kening has creditably performed all the obligations of an honest man and a good citizen. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Wilkening deals quite extensively in real estate and from this source also realizes handsome returns.
b ENRY GRABE so ordered his daily walk and conversation that his life was an example worthy the consideration of all who desire to honor their manhood. He took an active part in all that meant the real advancement of the township, was interested in the cause of religion, industrious and hard working in the affairs of this world, and kindly and affectionate in his domestic and social relations; an honest and reliable citizen was removed by death when he breathed his last at his home in Washington Township, April 11, 1882.
The eyes of Mr. Grabe opened to the light of day in Germany, in 1821. He grew to maturity under the charge of good parents, developing the natural virtues and talents he possessed and being grounded in the firm principles that led to the repu- tation he won. When about twenty-two years old he set out from Bremerhaven, and reaching the shores of America made his way to the Prairie State and settled in Crete Township, Will County. His first home was on eighty acres of new Government land. but in the fall of 1867 he changed his resi- dence to Washington Township. Here he pur- chased two hundred aeres of land on section 21. It was almost umbroken but he at once began to make improvements, and after some years he found himself pleasantly surrounded with good buildings and other tasteful improvements. Here he carried on a successful agricultural career until called hence. when he left to his mourning household that best of all inheritances-an honored name. In politics he was a sound Republican. and religiously was a member of the Evangelical Church. to which faith Mrs. Grabe also adheres.
was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany. July 26, 1831. to Fred and Ingel ( Miller) Schwirena. Her par- ents were natives of the same kingdom,and there the father died when sixty-two years old. He was a Lu- theran in religious faith. The widowed mother came with her six children to America and located in Cook County. Ill .. dying there at the same age that her husband had reached. Mrs. Grabe lived near Chicago until her marriage. manifesting the quali- ties that won the regard of our subject and that. have kept the esteem of all who know her.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Grabe resulted in the birth of nine sons and daughters. Henry, Jr., mar- ried Miss Augusta Scheneka and is now living at Manhattan, Kan .; William is with his mother, as- sisting her to operate the large farm; John, who is a shoemaker in Crete, married Miss Sophia Rennie; Mary is the wife of Fred Meyer, their home being in Riley County, Kan .; Conrad married Miss Emma Sitzel and lives in Kankakee County, work- ing at his trade of a blacksmith; Cara is the wife of Charles Ruge, of Chicago; Louisa married Fred Bowermaster, who lives in Oak City, lowa ; August is a blacksmith and is now living in Brunswick, Lake County, Ind .; Sophia is at home with her mother.
ILLIAM J. ADAM, Secretary and Treas- urer of the Joliet Paper Company, is a na- tive of Joliet, and is classed among the most intelligent and enterprising of its young busi- ness men. ITe was born in this city, September IS, 1852. Here in the city schools he laid a solid foundation for his future career. After attaining manhood,he first entered the business world through the doors of his father's flouring mill, which stood where the paper mill now stands. In 1887 he be- gan the manufacture of barb wire and such line of goods. in company with his father, and they have already built up a thriving business, from which they derive a desirable income.
Mr. Adam and Miss Lizzie Folger, were wedded child, whom they have named Folger. Mr. Adam
The marriage of Mr. Grabe and Miss Catharina | November 28, 1871, and to them has come one Schwirena was celebrated in Chicago. The bride
732
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
is a thoughtful. clear-headed. energetic man, of good personal habits. and is highly considered by all about him, both socially and as a business man. He is a leading member of the Central Presby- terian Church, of which he is Trustce, and in poli- ties gives his allegiance to the Republican party.
ORACE I. MESSENGER, of Homer Town- ship, is comfortably situated at his father's old homestead on section 33. It comprises a fine body of land, two hundred and eighty- seven acres in extent, and is embellished with a set of good buildings, together with all the other ap- purtenances of the well-regulated country estate. Mr. Messenger is a modest, unassuming citizen, whose course in life has been such as to commend him to the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has had dealings. Ilis life-long habits of indus- try have resulted in the acquirement of a compe- tence, and he is in the enjoyment of all of the comforts, and many of the luxuries of life.
In noting the parental history of the subject of this sketch, we find that his father, Horace Messen- ger, was a native of Chenango County. N. Y., and born April 26, 1807. The mother bore the maiden name of Fannie Shedd, and she was born in Os- wego County, N. Y., June 13, 1810. They were married in their native State, and came directly to this county in 1835, settling in llomer Township, in June of that year. They were among its early pioneers, and in Homer Township thereafter so- journed until ealled hence. They were not long separated, the father dying August 31, 1882, and the mother ,July 3. 1884. Their family consisted of five children, the eldest of whom, a son, Will- iam, died when three years old; Mary J. is the wife of Benjamin White, of Geneseo, this State; Frances is a resident of Joliet; Horace I., our subject, is the next in order of birth; Helen also lives in Joliet.
Mr. Messenger was the fourth child of his par- ents, and is the only living son. lle was born in llomer Township. February 5, 1811. and therein spent his early years. attending the common schools
and becoming familiar with the various details of farm life. He completed his studies in Knox Col- lege, Galesburg, Ill. During the third year of the Civil War he entered the ranks of the I'nion army, enlisting February 29, 1861, in Company F, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and served seventeen months. During that period he became fully acquainted with the hardships of a soldier's life, although es- eaping some of its sterner features. Aside from this, he has always followed agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Messenger was married May 31, 1883, in Loekport, Ill., to Miss Bell Fox. This lady was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, October 13, 1849, and is a daughter of Gibson Fox, who still resides there. In polities Mr. Messenger is a staneb supporter of the Republican party, and as a Union soldier, be- longs to the Grand Army of the Republic. .
-
IMON HOHENSTEIN occupies a pleasant farm three miles from Frankfort Station, the estate comprising one hundred and sixty aeres on section 25, Frankfort Town- ship, watered by the south branch of Hickory Creek, and joined by the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad. All the land is tillable except the timber, and is adapted for the raising of both grain and stock, in which Mr. Hohenstein occupies himself. lle keeps a good grade of cattle and hogs, uses two teams on the place, and carries on a thriving agri- eultural business.
Mr. Ilohenstein is descended from honorable German aneestors, both lines having been resident in Hesse-Darmstadt. llis paternal grandfather, Johannes Hohenstein, was a farmer, and his father, Balthasar, engaged in the same occupation, and that of fruit-raising. The latter came to America in 1854, and tilled the soil in Green Garden Town- ship, this county, until he retired to live with our subject; he is now seventy-eight years old. Ile belongs to the Evangelical Church. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine. Ditzel, and was a daughter of Jacob Ditzel, also a farmer. She breathed her last in this county, in 1860. The pa- rental family ineluded three sons-Simon, Conrad,
733
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and George. The second son enlisted in 1861, in the Twentieth Hinois Infantry, and served until he lost his life at the battle of Jackson. Tenn. The youngest son lives with our subjeet.
Simon Hohenstein was born in the village of Messel. Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, September 17. 1837, and being reared on a farm, early acquired the rudiments of his father's occupation. He at- tended the common schools from the age of six to fourteen years, acquiring a good education. Three years after the completion of his studies, the fam- ily determined to emigrate to America. They sailed on the "Bremerhaven" in May, 1851. and after an ocean voyage of forty- nine days, stood on shore in New York City. Thence they took a boat to Albany, the cars to Buffalo, a steamer to De- troit. and cars to Chicago, completing the journey to Green Garden Township, this county, by teams. A farm of eighty acres was purchased. and the new life was begun in a log house. This was the home until 1865, when the place was sold, and an im- proved tract on section 2. Frankfort Township, was purchased by our subject. There he continued his agricultural labors until 1883. when he rented it, and removed to the place which he now occupies, and which he purchased for $55 per aere.
In April, 1863, Mr. Hohenstein led to the byme- neal altar Miss Charlotte Knapp, of Green Garden Township. This estimable lady was born in Bava- ria. Germany, and came to America with her par- ents in 1850. She is a daughter of Carl Knapp, formerly a farmer in Green Garden Township, but who is now living in Frankfort. She has borne ber husband ten children, named respectively: Simon. Charles, Daniel Conrad, Charlotte, Peter, Chris- tian, Henry, Katie, and Carrie. The oldest son is married, and living on the farm ou section 2; Charles is elerking in Batavia. The others are at home.
he has held a similar position in his present district seven years. Hle belongs to the Evangelical Church in Frankfort, and is now filling the otlice of Trustee. His political adherence has always been given to the Democratic party. He has served on the Petit jury, and was on the Grand Jury in 1890, and is prominently connected with all enter- prises which promise to benefit the community.
11
AMUEL GLASGOW, a fine type of the foreign element who, by sheer force of en- ergetie persistence and well directed labor have made for themselves comfortable homes in this county and have secured a good competence, is a thoroughly practical, highly suc- cessful farmer, owning and managing a choice farm in Plainfield Township, and is well worthy of a place in this BIOGRAPInCAL ALBUM. dedicated to the citizens of Will County.
Mr. Glasgow was born in the North of Ireland, five miles from Ballymena in the County of Ulster, November 8, 1812. His father and his grand- father both bearing the same name, Robert Glas- gow, were natives of Scotland. The grandfather was a farmer and so far as known spent his entire life in the land of his birth. The father of our subject was reared and married in Scotland, and moving to Ustershire, leased land and was actively engaged in farming and stock-raising there for many years. In 1868, he emigrated to this coun- try, and bought a farm in Plainfield Township and was engaged in its management. After the death of his wife he made his home with our subject un- til his death. January 10, 1888, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Margaret Dunscath, and she was of Scottish birth. She died at her home in Plainfield. June 10, 1886. Of their chi]- dren. one died in Ireland, and seven came to America, their names being as follows: Catherine, Maria, Samuel. Jane. Margaret, Martha and Robert.
Mr. Ilohenstein is one of the most influentialciti- zens in Frankfort Township. He is now Assessor, and has held this office for fourteen years, being the 1 oldest Assessor in the county. Ile was Collector of Green Garden Township one year, and of Frank- fort Township one year. and has been a member of The subject of this biographical review was reared and educated in the place of his nativity. the School Board sixteen years. While living on section 2, he was School Director nine years, and " He was early set to work on a farm and obtained
734
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
an excellent knowledge of agriculture in all its branches. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, and then engaged with a commission merchant as a buyer of produce, con- tinuing with the same firm until 1868. In that year he came to America, hoping to insure his prosperity by settling in this great Republic. Ile landed at New York on the 13th of July, and com- ing directly to Illinois, sought and found employ- ment on the farm of J. C. Carpenter, of Kendall County. He was with him two years and the ensu- ing year was employed on Judge Caton's farm, and then worked Esquire Corbin's place on shares for six years. At the expiration of that time he be- came a landowner in his own right, buying a farm on section 29, of Plainfield Township. Five years later he sold that and purchased the place where he now resides. This farm contains one hundred and eighty acres, well improved, and provided with a fine set of buildings and all the appurtenances for operating a farm to the best advantage.
May 14, 1861, Mr. Glasgow was united in mar- riage with Miss Martha Asdel, a native of the same place as himself, and of Scotch ancestry. They ate now the parents of ten children : William J., Robert, Margaret J., Samuel, Catherine, James, Anna, George, Albert and Edward.
The citizenship of Plainfield received a worthy addition when our subject came here to reside, as he is a man of excellent reputation, is honest and truthful in all the relations that he sustains toward others, and is endowed with good practical sense and an excellent capacity for skillful labor, and the patience, without which he could not have accom- plished what he has.
TEPHEN J. WILLIAMS. This well- known and wealthy citizen occupies a fine farm on section 31, DuPage Township, upon which he was born September 22, 1849. Ile was fortunate in betonging to a family possessed of means sufficient to enable him to culti- vate his talents and develop the powers of his mind at first class institutions, and has therefore obtained
a fine education. The rudiments were gained in the district schools of the home neighborhood, and when sixteen years old he entered the academy at Naperville, DuPage County, following a period of study there by one at Wheaton College.
The next institution attended by young Williams was the Plainfield College of Will County, after- ward destroyed by fire, where he studied for a short time only. finally entering the University of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Ind., from which he was graduated in 1865. The same year he was selected by Gov. John Madison, of this State, to accom- pany the surveying party as assistant leveler, on the Union Pacific Railroad, between Omaha and San Francisco. Seven months were spent in that labor, then Mr. Williams returned to his home. Ilis father at that time owned a coal mine at Brace- ville, Grundy County, and Stephen was sent to superintend it, which he did for two years.
After that experience in controlling affairs, Mr. Williams returned again to Will County, and set- tled upon the homestead, making it his home from that date. Ile owns a large body of land in the county, and in the agricultural work to which he gives his attention, and the rental of property, is meeting with a degree of success that stamps him as a worthy successor of a father who was a fine financier.
Mr. Williams has been twice married, and is the father of five children, named respectively : James, Thomas C., Maud C., Mary E. and JJennie. IIe has served as School Director, and as Township Supervisor has acted six years, satisfying the pub- lie, whose interests he serves. Ile is a Democrat, and on the party ticket was nominated in 1887 for the State Legislature, but defeated by his opponent, the Ilon. Dwight Haven, the present representa- tive. Probably few, if any, men in the county have a better education than Mr. Williams, or keep better informed regarding the course of events in this busy world, and certainly few can claim a deeper interest in the advancement of civilization and the growth of the country. The qualities ex- hibited by Mr. Williams are such as to gain respect, and he is looked upon as one of the leading mem- bers of the community.
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.