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 86
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The parents of our subject were Thomas and
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Susan ( Horner) Williams, the latter a native of Johnstown, Pa., and the former born in Cornwall, England, about 1809. The father came to America early in the '30's, the first business in which he engaged in Pennsylvania being the purchase of flax seed which he shipped to England. In this venture he lost all his money, and he therefore re- | turned to his native land for further funds that were supplied him by his father. For about two years Mr. Williams was foreman in an iron mine in Ireland, after which he returned to the United States, and came direct to Ilinois, this being in 1836.
The work then undertaken by Mr. Thomas Will- iams was the construction of a portion of the illi- nois and Michigan Canal, in Will County, one and a fourth miles being built by him. He then became a contractor for railroad construction in this State and Wisconsin, continuing thus engaged until 1850, when he followed the great tide that was setting westward to the Pacific slope. Ile secured the con- tract for the levee around San Francisco, making considerable money on the job, and returning to Illinois in 1852, resumed railroad contracting herein.
In 1846 the family of Mr. Williams had settled on the farm now occupied by the son, our subject, and some time in the '60's the father abandoned his former line of labor. and devoted himself to home life thereon, remaining constantly with his family until called hence, October 11. 1881. His reputation was not confined to the county of which he was considered one of the most publie-spirited citizens, but extended throughout the State and even beyond its borders, his contracts having been honorably carried out, and the workmanship upon them having stood the test for strength and dura- bility. He was a bidder for the tunnel that supplies Chicago with water-the first to the crib-but Messrs. Fox & Howard had a few dollars the ad- vantage of him and secured it.
Mr. Williams had served as Supervisor of Du l'age Township six years, with credit to himself and his constituents, But a few days before his decease he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the State Legislature, and it is quite probable that he would have been elected had not his career
been cut short by death. Ile was interred with the solemn rites of the Masonic fraternity, with which he had long been identified. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. In every move- ment that promised to benefit the community he bore an active part. The excellent education he had received, combined with pre-eminent business ability, made him a successful financier, and his liberal spirit inclined him to assist churches and other bodies in their work to improve society.
Mrs. Thomas Williams departed this life in 1879. Of the nine children comprising the family of the worthy couple. the only survivors are our subject and his sister Susan, widow of Frederick Haney, who lives in Brighton Park, Cook County.
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b ENRY S. BROCKWAY. Among the work- ers in handicraft in the thriving city of Joliet, none better deserve mention in a volume of this description than H. S. Broek- way. He was born in Chemung, N. Y., being a son of Edmund and Elizabeth ( Shoemaker) Brock- way, both of whom were likewise natives of the Empire State. The father was born January 29, 1811, and the mother in February, 1817. They removed to Kendall County. IN., in 1855, and after a time changed their location to Grant Township. Buena Vista County, Iowa, where the husband and father engaged in farming until his death, May 30, 1885. The mother died in November, 185 1.
The natal day of him of whom we write was Or- tober 1. 1811, and he is the oldest son in a family comjaising seven children. Having accompanied his father to the Prairie State in 1855, he attended the public schools and afterward entered Clark Seminary in Aurora, where he completed his stud- ies. He began his career in life as a farmer, but after a brief period devoted to agriculture learned the trade of a carpenter and, coming to Joliet, be- gan active business as a contractor and builder.
Many beautiful buildings that are ornaments to the city have been put up by him. among them be- ing the Campbell and Stevens Blocks, the elevator and the residences of James Ashley and W. S.
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Brooks. He is a man of the strictest integrity, punctual in the smallest details of his engagements and reliable in word and deed. He therefore en- joys the marked esteem of his fellow-men and the sincere friendship of those intimately acquainted with his worth of character.
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At the head of the cozy home on Sherman Street is a lady of housewifely skill and fine character, between whom and our subject the rites of wedlock were celebrated November 13, 1878. She bore the maiden name of Nettie E. McCowan, is a native of this county and a daughter of parents who helped to subdue the prairie and are yet living as examples of the sturdy yeomanry of pioneer days. To Mr. and Mrs. Brockway two sturdy sons have been born: Henry S., whose natal day was April 28, 1884, and day MeCowan, who opened his eyes to the light January 5, 1886. Mr. Brockway is an active member of the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
G ABRIEL NOEL. On a fertile and well-de- veloped farm consisting of two hundred and twenty acres on seetion 9, Jackson Township, Mr. Noel pursues the even tenor of his way. gaining the good will of his fellows and win- ning maintenance from the soil. He was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. July 2, 1820, and grew to man- hood on his father's farm, the parent adding the control of a saw-mill to his farm labor.
When twenty-seven years old our subjeet came to Will County, III., and on October 15, 1847, was married to Miss Elizabeth D. Zarley, daughter of the late Reason Zarley and his good wife. (See sketch of J. (. Zarley). This lady was born in this county November 22, 1830, is well educated, capable and of fine character. The union has re- sulted in the birth of twelve children, of whom five died in infancy. The living are Albert E. and Er- vin R., farmers in Jackson Township; C'alvin Z., clerk in the Hotel Royal; Elvis C .. in the stone business in Chase County, Kan .; Susie E., wife of 1. II. Lineberger, of Peotone; Rose M., wife of
C. W. Tahle, of Jackson Township, and Frank G., still at home.
Mr. Noel has been Road Commissioner and held the various school offices. In polities he is a Re- publican, and both he and his wife are Universal- ists in religious belief. Farming has been the chief ocenpation of Mr. Noel since boyhood and he shows a thorough understanding of the business. His es- tate bears excellent improvements, and good cheer abounds within the dwelling, whose occupants are held in good repute by all who know them.
LVIN J. KING, an honored resident of Plainfield, was born in Collins, Erie County, N. Y., May 13, 1824. He came of sterling New England stock, his father, Allen King, having been a native of Rhode Island, and his grandfather, Nathan King. who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, is also supposed to have been born in the same State. He removed from Rhode Island to Vermont, and was an early pioneer of the town of Danby, in Rutland County. lle resided there until 1811, and again became a pioneer, moving with an ox team to Erie County, N. Y. He bought land of the Holland Purchase Company in the town of Holland, and spent the re- mainder of his days there.
The father of the subject of this sketch was reared and married in Vermont and made the rc- moval to Erie County, a few months before his fa- ther. lle bought a tract of wild land in the primeval forests in the town of Collins, obtaining his patent from the Holland Purchase Company. His first work was to build a log house for the shelter of his family, and he then entered upon the hard task of elearing a farm from the wilderness. Hle felled the timber from quite a tract, and then sold it at an ad- vance, and bought again, and he thus made three or four changes in the ensuing years, selling so as to make money each time, and was a resident of Erie County until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Virginia Thompson, and she was born in Westmoreland County, N. H. Her father, Joseph Thompson was a soldier in the Revolutionary War,
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and two of his sons served with him in the battle of Saratoga. He was a farmer and spent his last years in Otsego County, N. Y. His wife spent her last years with a daughter in the town of Collins.
The subject of this sketch was reared and edu- cated in his native town, and resided there until 1855. Ile bought a farm and was actively engaged in its cultivation until the year mentioned, when he sold it. and coming to Illinois, located in Mellenry County. buying a farm in Seneca Township. He carried on farming and stock-raising with good sue- cess until 1882, when he sold his place there, and coming to Plainfield. bought where he now resides and is living in the enjoyment of the comfortable competence that his industry has brought him.
Mr. King was married in 1819, to Susan A. South- worth. She was born in Chautauqua County. in the town of Sheridan. N. Y., a daughter of Epiphias and Hannah Southworth. Three children have blessed their marriage to them : George MI .. a res- ident of Woodstock; Mrs. Robert Graves. of Plain- field ; and John M .. who lives in Woodstock. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the I'niversalist so- ciety and for their great personal worth are held in high esteem by the people among whom they have come to make their home in their declining years.
E DWARD ETHERIDGE isa citizen of whom Joliet may well be proud, his life having been marked by uprightness. faithfulness and industry. Ile has won the attention of em- ployers by the manner in which he has performed the work before him and shown that his was not eye service alone but was prompted by a sense of duty and self-respect. He was born in Worcester- shire, England, in which his parents also opened their eyes to the light of day and wherein they died at advanced ages. The father was one of twenty- two children, and worked at the trade of a brick- layer.
Hle of whom we write. learned the trade of his fa- ther at an early age and became a master workman. Ile came to America, landing at Portland, Me .. and from there to Chicago, IN., reaching the latter city
April 1, 1872. On the Ith of June following he came to Joliet and at once entered the employ of the Joliet Steel Company with which he continued until 1871. Hle then went to Pittsburg, Pa., be- coming an employe in Braddock's Steel Works. On severing that connection he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he assisted in the construction of the blast furnaces of the Jas. Green Iron Works.
Mr. Etheridge next returned to Joliet, but after a brief period went to Crystal City, Mo., coming again to Joliet by request and making the connec- tion that has not since been severed, except for a short time in 1877, when the mills were closed on account of the financial panie. During the years in which he has sojourned here. Mr. Etheridge has assisted in the erection of all the structures that go to make up the splendid plant of the Illinois Steel Company.
The pleasant home of Mr. Etheridge is presided over by an estimable woman whose many virtues and graces of mind and heart endear her to a large circle of friends. She was known in her maiden- hood as Miss Eliza Sawyer, and is a native of the Mother Country, in which her wedding took place in 1866. She is the mother of four children, as fol- lows: Sarah is married and lives in Joliet; George. an estimable and industrious young man, is now in Chicago; Martha and James are still at home. Mr. Etheridge is devoted to his home and its attractions are foremost in his eyes. Ile belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and worships at the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an excellent citizen, interested in all that tends to advance the prosperity of his chosen home.
6 HEODORE M. H. STARMANN is the fifth son and child of Jurgen F. and Amelia Starmann, his father being a well-known farmer and stockman of Manhattan Township. The young gentleman is one of the promising business men of the town of the same name. in which he opened an establishment for the sale of agricultural implements in the spring of 1889. He has already manifested good business qualities and
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a degree of enterprise which gives bright prospects for his future success. He is popular in society, having a pleasing manner and great intelligence.
The parents of our subject were born in Holstein, Germany, and resided in the Fatherland until 1869, when with their family they emigrated to America. locatingtin Joliet, Ill. After reaching manhood Mr. Starmann dealt in grain for some years, but for two years prior to his removal to America he had been occupied as a teamster. After settling in Jol- iet he pursued various employments, working in a stone quarry, the roller mills, etc., until 1873, when he rented land in Manhattan Township and began tilling the soil. After having operated rented property four years he bought eighty acres near the northern line of the township and a few years later purchased eighty acres in New Lenox Township, which bordered on the Manhattan line. lle established his home upon his new purchase, where he is still engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. A third purchase of eighty acres was made, this tract being in Manhattan Township, and he therefore now possesses three well-improved farms, comprising two hundred and forty acres. He is a Republican and a member of the Lutheran Church. His reputation is most excellent and his son is fortunate in having him as a backer in his own enterprise.
The parental family comprises eight children, as follows: Jurgen is a teamster in Manhattan; John is deceased ; Gustavus is farming on the homestead ; Edward is also on the home farm; the next is our subject; the younger brothers and sisters are; Peter, Catherine and Amelia, who are still under the parental roof.
Theodore Starmann opened his eyes to the light of day in Holstein, Germany, January 16, 1868. The next year he was brought to America and Jol- iet was the scene of his carliest recollections. He was reared in that city to the age of tive years when his parents removed to the farm in Manhat- tan Township. Upon it and the one in New Lenox Township, the lad was reared to manhood, having the advantages of the public schools and learning the rudiments of farming. He remained with his father until he became of age, when his tastes having led him to desire a mercantile career, he
opened the establishment over which he now pre- sides. The building which he occupies is owned by his father and under its roof will be found a good assortment of farm implements and machines. including Deering binders and Garr Scott threshers and likewise carriages and wagons. Mr. Starmann has also bought his brother Edward's stock of liq- uors and cigars and after July 1, will also be en- gaged in the sale of them. He is a true-blne Re- publican and a member of the Lutheran Church in Joliet.
ORRIS UMSTED. This county is famous for the richness of its soil, and for its many farms that are scarcely exceeded in production and the value of their improvements by that of any other section of our fair land, and this gentleman is represented in this volume as the fortunate owner of a large farm in Wesley Town- ship, that compares favorably with any in this lo- cality.
Our subject was born April 30, 1849, to Bazil and Julia Ann (Haynes) I'msted, natives of Ohio. The father was born in Ross County. His family originated in Pennsylvania and were early set- tlers of Ohio, where he was reared and married and himself and wife were hfe-long residents there, he dying in 1851, and she in 1890. They were par- ents of six children, five of whom are now living.
Their son Norris was bred to the life of a farmer, and received a good common-school education. At seventeen years of age he began life for himself and was employed on a farm until twenty-one, when he became the owner of the old homestead that had been his birthplace. lle farmed at good advantage for several years and then decided to try agriculture in this State, and in 1871, bought his present farm in Wesley Township. He now has two hundred and forty-two acres of as fertile farming land as is to be found in this section of the country, all lying together and under excel . lent improvement. He has wrought many changes since taking possession of the farm, that have greatly increased its value, and has on it substantial build-
G. W. To afred any
yours July If they bassedary
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ings which he has altered and made more conve- bient for his use. He carries on mixed farming. raising good crops and having his farm well stocked with standard grades of eattle.
lle was married May 11, 1870. to Miss Margaret Foley, a daughter of Charles Foley. Her father was a native of Ireland. came to this country with his wife when quite young, and they are now res- idents of Ohio. The home circle of our subject and his wife comprises six children, as follows: Annie. Nellie, Minnie, Edward. Margaret and Retha, four of whom are now attending school in this district, and their father intends to give them good educational advantages. Mr. and Mrs. Um- sted have lost two from their little flock. Mrs. I'msted is a worthy woman and a consistent mem- ber of the Catholic Church at Wilmington.
In the prosceution of his labors Mr. Umsted has shown a practical knowledge of his calling and has exhibited sufficient foresight and discretion to ac. quire a competency. He has a pleasant, obliging disposition and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in trouble has won him the esteem of this community where he came to establish a home nearly twenty years ago. For the last ton years he has taken an active part in local educa- tional matters and as School Director for his dis- triet has done what he could to procure the best of schooling for the children of the neighborhood. He takes an interest in the political issues of the day and votes the Republican ticket.
ENRY CLAY CASSEDAY. The subject of this notice is one of a prominent family in Will County, and the son of George W. Casseday. who emigrated to Paris. I., in 1824, and came to Joliet May 10. 1850. Hle be- came well-to-do, financially, and was the owner of about four hundred acres of land, running from the Michigan Central cut-off to the Illinois Steel Works, and thenee to the canal north of the old city limits. The family residence is a line large structure, occupying No. 1005 Jackson Street, and
with its surroundings forms one of the most at- tractive homes in the city.
George W. Casseday was born December 1, 1803, about nine miles from the Natural Bridge, Bedford County. Va. Ile there grew to man's estate, and subsequently removed with his parents to Troy. Ohio. On the 13th of January, 1824, he was married to Miss Delilah Murphy. This lady was a native of his own county, and born July 6, 1806. She went with her parents to Troy, Ohio, when quite young, where she was reared to woman- hood. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Casseday re- moved to Paris, Ill., from there to Danville, and finally to Joliet, May 10, 1850.
The father of our subject upon coming to this county began dealing in real estate, and became owner of a large amount of land in Illinois. He held the most of this up to the time of his death, which occurred July 23, 1863. Hle laid out all that part of Joliet lying north of Jackson Street and extending to the city limits, this being known as Casseday's Addition. He was not a politician, with the exception of voting first the Whig and later the Republican ticket. His religious views coincided with the doctrine of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which he neld the various offices and assisted substantially in the erection of the church building at Joliet.
The widowed mother is still living at the old homestead in this city. The live children born to her and her husband were named respectively : David, Maria L., Henry Clay, Harriet N. and Mary E. David was born July 6, 1826, in Paris. Ill., and attained to manhood in Danville; he was a youth piously inclined, and at an early age be- gan to study for the ministry. He joined the Illi- nois Conference, and after the removal of the fam- ily from Danville became connected with the Roek
River Conference, with which he remained until the time of his death, Maya5, 1862. He spent his last days at the home of his mother in Joliet. Dur- ing the latter years of his life he was the Presiding Elder of Galena District. He first married Miss Rowena Welch, of Perrysville, Ind., and she bore him two sons-George E. and David W. For his second wife David married Miss Ellen M. long. of Plainfield, November 23, 1853, and of this
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union there was born one son, now Dr. F. F. Casse- day, who received his literary education in the North. western University at Evanston, from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. Later he prosecuted his medical studies at the Homeopathie Medical College, Philadelphia, and is now a prae- ticing physician of Kansas City, Mo.
Maria L. Casseday married Milton Partlow, of Danville, and became the mother of five children ; she is now deceased. Ilarriet N. married Elias Tyler and removed to California, where she died January 17. 1877; Mary E. became the wife of John Durham. and they are now living in Dan- ville, Ill .: Henry Clay, our subject, was born June 22, 1831, at Paris, Ill., and is still unmarried. Ile completed his education in Joliet, and has since been his mother's mainstay, looking after the old homestead and the business connected with the es- tate. During the Civil War he enlisted, in 1861, in Company B, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, and went with his regiment to Cairo. le was Assis- tant Quartermaster, and participated in the battle of Fredericktown. Mo., also in the engagement at Springfield. the same State. At the end of six months he received his honorable discharge, and is now one of the most honored members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically, he is a Republican. His portrait, together with that of Lis esteemed father, will be noticed in connection with this sketch. Mr. Casseday is a man of unassuming demeanor, quiet and retired in his habits, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of friends.
S TANTON LYNK. It is a worthy ambition which makes a man jealous for the reputa- tion of his town or township and incites him to contribute his moral and substantial aid to the enterprises calculated for its progress. socially. morally and financially. Mr. Lynk has distinguished himself in this direction in a marked degree and is looked upon as one of the most use- ful members of his community. At the same time his personal interests and the comfort of his family have kept pace with his public benefactions and we
tind him in possession of all that makes life desir- able-a pleasant home and a competence for his de- clining years. He has been accompanied for many years on his life journey by one of the most esti- mable of ladies who shares with her husband the respect of the community.
A native of Columbia County, N. Y., Mr. Lynk was born October 7, 1834, and came to Illinois with his father in 1852. and has since maintained his resi- dence in New Lenox Township. He was reared to habits of industry and economy which have served him well all through life, and his education was such as was to be obtained in the common school. Ile worked with his father on the farm until a man of twenty-six years and then took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Isabella Doig, the wedding being celebrated at the bride's home in Homer Township, July 6, 1856. After his marriage he continued to reside at the old homestead of which he is now the owner and which comprises two hundred acres of choice land with first-class improvements.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lynk there have been born a family of six children, the eldest of whom a daugh- ter, Jnaet, is the wife of AbelBliss, of New Lenox Township: Zachariah W. married Miss Cornelia Finch and lives in Nebraska; Adelia is the wife of Walter Rowley, of Homer Township: Everette S. ; Evalena and Erwin remain at home with their par- ents. Mr. Lynk has been exceedingly careful in the education of his children who, after leaving the distriet school, completed their studies in the high schools of Joliet and Englewood. In politics, Mr. Lynk votes independently and has never sought office, simply serving at one period as Highway Commissioner.
Zachariah W. Lynk, the father of our subject, was born March 21, 1790, in Columbia County, N. Y. lle was reared to manhood in that county and was married to Miss Sarah Hardy, who was born Septem- ber 16, 1800, and reared not far from the early home of her husband. They were married in Co- lumbia County and thence removed to Madison County. N. Y., where they settled upon a farm. In the spring of 1852, they decided upon seeking their fortunes in the Prairie State and accordingly eom- ing to this county, settled on a farm on seetion 4, New Lenox Township, where they spent the re-
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