USA > Illinois > Kane County > The Biographical record of Kane County, Illinois > Part 62
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The subject of this sketch was fourth in a family of nine children, of whom all are deceased save three sisters: Adaline, wife of Clark Smith, residing in New York; Caro- line, an honored resident of Aurora; and Elizabeth, wife of Charles Hyde, residing in New York. Of the sons, William was a clothier. His son Doctor Rufus, was a surgeon in the late war, and was the in- ventor of the elevated railway in New York. Another son of William was a noted physi- cian, an eye and ear specialist. Another of his sons, William, was a tobacconist in New York. His second son, Harry, was a farmer by occupation, and came west, dying at Paw Paw, Lee county, Illinois. Jay also came west and settled in Wayne county,
Illinois, on a farmn. Delos, was a druggist in New York state.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and as soon as able to run around, was usefully employed, his father being an extensive dairyman. His education was obtained in the district schools of his native state. In 1851 he came west, and spent a year on a farm, and then married Miss Minerva Fitch, daughter of the late Ira Fitch, who built the Evans hotel and other large buildings in Aurora, and was quite a successful business man. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Gilbert came to Aurora, formed a partnership with his father-in-law, and engaged in the harness trade on Broad- way, between Fox and Main streets, con- tinuing there for many years. They were burned out at one time, and also lost much by the sudden rise of Fox river. They did a large business in buying hides, which at one time during a freshet, went down the river incurring great loss. Later Mr. Gil- bert went across the river and engaged in the same business on the site of the present Merchants' Bank. His partner was John Kemp, with whom he continued for perhaps thirty-five years, and doing a very extensive business. Their goods went to many of the states of the union, and were in great de- mand before and during the war. He re- mained in the harness trade, until his health began to fail, when he retired and gave his time and attention to his other property.
To Horace and Minerva Gilbert, two children were born, both of whom died in infancy. The mother passed away about 1857. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and died in the faith. On the grd of January, 1871, Mr. Gilbert was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Spalding, daughter
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of the late Joseph A. and Julia A. (West) Spalding, the former a native of Windsor county, Vermont, and the latter of Straf- ford, Orange county, same state. She was a cousin of Justin Morrill, the oldest senator, and the longest continually in the office, of any person in the United States senate. They were from the same town, Strafford, Orange county, Vermont.
traveler, residing in Lawrence, Kansas; Sarah E., who first married Fred James, of Aurora, and after his death, married Her- man Tetzlaff, of Clinton, Iowa; Henry U., a railroad engineer, at Tacoma, Washing- ton; and Wilber Fisk, connected with the State street railway of Chicago, residing in Englewood, Illinois.
Three children were born to Horace and Mary A. Gilbert, as follows: Jennie, wife of Hartwell Staples, a native of Boston, now doing business in Chicago, but they reside with Mrs. Gilbert in Aurora. They have one child, a daughter, Jane Gilbert; the express business at Galesburg, Illinois, and Edna Morrill, who resides at home. Mrs. Gilbert is a member of the Congrega- tional church, is vice president of the Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society of the church, and is in every way a most worthy lady of pleasing presence, good culture and Chris- tian character.
Joseph A. Spalding came to Kane coun- ty in 1849, and settled on a farm near · Elgin. His children were all born in Ver- mont, and came west in their childhood. On the farm near Elgin they grew to mature years. In 1861, he moved with his family . Mary Elizabeth, wife of William Hills, in to Aurora, and engaged in teaming and farming on land which he had leased just south of the city. In Vermont, Mr. Spalding was an influential man, having served as captain of the militia and justice of the peace. He was a devout member and at times held the office of steward, class leader and trustee, in the Methodist Episcopal church, having a wide and excel- Mr. Gilbert was a thorough business man, one who was willing to do all in his power to build up the manufacturing and other interests of this city. He did mnuch in securing the Silver Plate Manufactory in Aurora, and for several years gave it his best attention. He was very progressive and modern in his views, his great delight being in seeing all industries of the city in a prosperous condition. When he came to Aurora, in the early '50s, he bought the place where his wife's pleasant home is now located, and which was then at the edge of the city limits, a large wheat field covering that part of the city which is now located on the south. The city now extends far beyond the boundaries of the wheat field. Mr. Gilbert was much of a home man, pre- ferring home to any other place. He was lent influence, which was always effectual in the right direction. His death occurred in 1884, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, who was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, died in 1878, at the age of seventy years. Of their eight children, Charles West, who is a well edu- cated man, with experience as editor of both papers and magazines, now resides in Florida; Jane Amelia, who married Asa Merrill, an early settler of Elgin, and both are now deceased, she dying August 6, 1878, at the age of forty-four years; Han- nah A. is the wife of Frank Besse, a soldier of the late war, and they now reside in Osage City, Kansas; Mercy B., died in 1841, at the age of four years; Mary A., widow of our subject; Joseph Albert, a commercial
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a wonderfully kind man, as is shown by the following incident: A man had borrowed from him' a sum of money, for which he gave as security a mortgage on his farm. The time for payment and foreclosure had arrived, and the man, feeling his inability to pay, was.for relinquishing and giving up the farm. Mr. Gilbert would not hear to this, and told himn to hold on another year. The next year was no better and he was determined to give up, but through hard persuasion he was induced to try another year, when fortune turned in his favor and he paid off the mortgage, and was ever afterwards thankful to Mr. Gilbert for his kindness and patience. This was but one of many incidents that might be related of how he strove to help others, especially those he considered honest and were trying to help themselves. Although not a mem- ber of any church, he was strict to observe the Sabbath day, and showed a preference for the Congregational church. His death, which occurred July 9, 1894, was mourned alike by family and many friends, who es- teemed him for his true worth and excel- lent character.
TEWIS C. CLYNE .- Success in any line of occupation, in any avenue of business, is not a matter of spontaneity, but is a legitimate offspring of the proper use of the means at hand, the improvement of opportunity, and the exercise of the highest functions made possible in any case. To trace the history of a successful life, be it in the electrical world of business, in which competition is rife; in the intellectual field, where devotees open up the wider realms of knowledge; in a public sphere, where is directed the course of government, and the
policies formed that sway nations; or in the calm and peaceful pursuits which have to do with the source of all supplies, must ever prove possible and satisfying indul- gence, for the history of an individual is the history of a nation; the history of a nation the history of a world. The subject of this sketch has made a success, although his life has not been under the most favorable cir- cumstances.
Lewis C. Clyne was born in county Longford, Ireland, March 22, 1862, and is the son of Thomas and Ann (Martin) Clyne, both natives of Ireland, and who were the parents of fourteen children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He remained in his native country until seventeen years of age, and there received his education in the common schools. With that laudable de- sire to better his condition in life, he came to the United States, coming direct to Ma- ple Park, Illinois, where for four year's, he clerked in the general store of his brother, during which time he had a good business training. In 1884, he engaged in business for himself, in the general mercantile trade, in which he has since continued, and in which he has been very successful. His abilities were soon recognized by his fellow citizens, and in 1885 he was elected a member of the village board, and by re- election has continued until the present time. He has served as township treasurer for eight years, and in 1892 was elected supervisor of his township, and in that office has since continued to serve. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Ma- ple Park, and filled that position for four years, to the satisfaction of all the patrons of the office.
On the 18th of February, 1890, Mr. Clyne was united in marriage with Miss
LEWIS C. CLYNE.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
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Hannah Keenan, a native of Kane county, and to them have been born two children, Kathleen and Rose. The parents are mein- bers of the Catholic church, and politics he is an ardent Democrat. Although the town- ship is largely Republican, his popularity has been such as to give him the election whenever nominated for any office. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
FRANKLIN WEBSTER, proprietor of the leading livery stable of Elgin, Illi- nois, is one of the native sons of Kane coun- ty, born in Geneva, September 12, 1849, and is a worthy representative of one of its honored pioneer families. His father, Will- iamn Gaylord Webster, was born at West- moreland, Oneida county, New York, April 6, 1811, a son of Gaylord and Lucy (Mc- Moran) Webster, who were natives of Con- necticut, and were farming people.
William G. Webster was among the first settlers of Kane county, Illinois, coming here in 1840 and locating on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres at Nelson's Grove, near Bald Mound, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies for some years. On selling out he removed to Geneva, where he opened the Webster Tav- ern, which he successfully conducted until it was destroyed by fire in 1865. During a part of this time he carried the mail from the depot to the postoffice and also carried on a livery business, being thus engaged at the time of his death, which occurred April 6, 1887. Prior to engaging in the livery business he conducted a grocery store for a time, buying his stock at St .. Louis, and hauling it across the country from Lyons, Iowa. At one time he served as deputy
sheriff of Kane county, and as a stalwart Republican, he took quite an active interest in political affairs. He was six feet in height, well built, and was a man who com- manded the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
In 1841 William G. Webster was united in marriage with Miss Margaret E. Pierce, who was born January 6, 1811, in Vermont, of which state her parents, Dr. Joseph K. and Hannah (Kenyon) Pierce, were also na- tives. From there they removed to Jeffer- son county, New York, and in 1839, with their family of four;children, they emigrated to Kane: county, Illinois, each taking up claims and locating at Nelson's Grove and Bald Mound. The children were Eveline, who married Samuel Wood; Margaret E., mother of our subject; George and Kenyon. In early life Mrs. Webster was a successful teacher and taught the first school ever con- ducted in Geneva. She was a lady of cul- ture and refinement and was a member of the Episcopal church. She departed this life at Geneva, April 14, 1887. Her chil- dren were as follows: Henry died at Ge- neva when about thirty-eight years of age. Elizabeth is the widow of T. W. Herring- ton, who died in Aurora in 1868, and she now lives at Geneva on the lot where the first house was built at that place, and where a spring is constantly flowing. Mary E. is also a resident of Geneva. Franklin, of this sketch, completes the family.
The early life of our subject was spent at Geneva, attending the public schools and assisting his father. On starting out in life for himself he was employed as clerk in a grocery store in Chicago at the corner of Canal and Judd streets for about six months during the year 1864. He then returned home and the following winter attended
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school at Batavia. The next two years he mandery, No. 36, K. T., of Elgin; and Sil- again worked for his father, and during the winters of 1867 and 1868 he pursued his studies in the Jennings Seminary of Aurora, where his literary education was completed. Accepting a clerkship in a grocery store at that place, he remained there for three years and a half, or until 1871, when he and his brother Henry purchased his father's livery business, which they successfully conducted for four years. After selling his interest to his brother, Franklin Webster came to Elgin in April, 1882, and embarked in the same business on Milwaukee street. Two years later he built stables on Grove avenue, where he continued in business until 1893, when he removed to his present location on Chi- cago street. His stables are supplied with good horses and a fine line of vehicles for the accommodation of his large patronage, and he is doing a profitable business, which is certainly well deserved.
On the 27th of September, 1882, Mr. Webster was united in marriage with Miss Marian E. Conklin, a native of Kane coun- ty, and a daughter of William G. and Sarah A. (Ingersol) Conklin. At an early day her parents came from Buffalo, New York, to Kane county, and the father erected the first mill at St. Charles, operating it for many years. He was a veteran of both the Mexican and Civil wars, and in the latter rose to the rank of major, serving as such in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. He was one. of the most distinguished and honored citi- zens of St. Charles, where he died in 1895. At that place his widow is still living.
Politically Mr. Webster is a stanch Re- publican, and fraternally is an honored member of Jerusalem Temple lodge, No. 90, A. F. & A. M., and Aurora chapter, No. 22, R. A. M., both of Aurora; Bethel com-
ver Leaf camp, No. 60, M. W. A. Being a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, he most efficiently served as alderman from the Fourth ward of Elgin in 1895-6. With the Methodist Episcopal church his wife holds membership.
G I EORGE ALEXANDER, who is one of the oldest conductors on the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, has been in the employ of the company for forty-two years. He resides with his family at No. 242 New York street, Aurora, Illinois. He is a native of Massachusetts, born in Franklin county, February 15, 1827, and is the son of Fordyce Alexander, also a native of Massachusetts, born in the town of Sunderland, in 1796. The paternal grand- father, Elisha Alexander, was a native of Massachusetts. He moved to Irving, Frank- lin county, from Sunderland, which was afterwards his home. The Alexanders are of Scotch descent, and were among the very early settlers of New England.
Fordyce Alexander grew to manhood in his native state, and there married Thankful Whitehead, also a native of Massachusetts, born in Phillipston, Worcester county. Her father, Gadd Whitehead, was likewise a native of the Bay state. Fordyce Alex- ander was for many years engaged in merchandising, in his native state, and was a manufacturer and dealer in lumber, and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Later he moved to Wrightsville, Warren county, Pennsylvania, and there engaged in lumber- ing during the remainder of his life, dying in 1860, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife survived him many years, dying in in 1882, at the residence of a daughter in
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Boston, Massachusetts; at the age of eighty- three years. Of their family of nine chil- dren, all grew to mature years, save one daughter who died in early childhood. Three sons yet survive-James H., a busi- ness man residing in Los Angeles, Califor- nia; Elisha M., with the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad Company, residing in Aurora; and George our subject.
George Alexander grew to manhood in his native town and county, where he re- ceived his education in the common schools. He remained with his father until twenty- one years of age, assisting him in the store, and on the farm. He commenced railroad- ing in Massachusetts, when a young man, and in 1851 went to New York, where he engaged with the New York & Erie Railroad Company, and assisted in the construction of the telegraph line of the western division. He remained there about one year, then came west to Detroit, Michigan, where for one year he engaged in the wholesale notion business selling to the trade from a wagon. He then went to St. Louis, where he was engaged in construction work on the Mis- souri Pacific road, for about eight months, assisting in grading and laying the first thirty-five miles of track. In 1854, he re- turned to Massachusetts, and there engaged with the Boston & Albany railroad, where he remained about a year, and in 1855 came to Chicago, and commenced work for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, at breaking on a freight train. In the fall of the same year, he was pro- moted to conductor on the freight train, and ran a freight and construction train until 1861. He then took a passenger train from Mendota to Chicago, continuing on that run about eight months, and was then given a through train from Chicago to Bur- in the state, single track extending from
lington. He continued on that run until the summer of 1873, when he was made train master at Chicago, where he resided until the following season. In June, 1874, was transferred to Aurora, where he was trainmaster, in charge of the Chicago divi- sion, until 1878, when he was made master of transportation. Later he was appointed division superintendent, a position that he held until 1888, when he was transferred to the claim department, settling all classes of claims against the road, which position he held for three years. He then returned to the road and took charge of a passenger train from Aurora to Streator.
Mr. Alexander was married in Aurora in January, 1859, to Miss Mattie Baldwin, a native of Indiana, where she was reared and educated, and a daughter of Pollard Baldwin, who was a native of Windsor, Ver- mont, and who removed from that state to Ohio, where he married, and later moved to Indiana, locating in Warren county, and from thence to Montgomery county, where his death occurred. By this union were three children, all of whom died in infancy. After their marriage, Mr. Alexander built a residence in Aurora, which he sold on his removal to Chicago. On returning to Aurora, he rented for a year, then bought the neat and substantial residence where he now resides on New York street.
Politically, Mr .· Alexander is a Republic- an, though of late years he has been inde- pendent, supporting the best men regardless of party. Fraternally, he is a member of Jerusalem Temple lodge, No. 90, F. & A. M., with which he united in 1859. He is also a member of the Aurora City Club, a social organization. On coming to Aurora in 1855, he found but few miles of railroad
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Chicago to Mendota only was complete. To-day there is a complete network of roads extending through every part of the state, and it requires hundreds of telegraph wires to transact the business of the country. As a railroad man he has done his part in the development of the state. Wherever known he is held in high esteen, and has always been popular on the road.
AMES F. BELL resides upon section J
30, Hampshire township, where he is engaged in dairy farming. He was born in Batavia, New York, January 22, 1830, and is the son of Charles Bell, a native of Vermont, born October 8, 1794, and who well remembered Washington's funeral. After living for a time in Batavia, New York, Charles Bell removed with his family to Java, and later to Aurora, in the same state. In 1838 he moved to Michigan and settled in the town of Redford, Wayne county, where he lived until 1865. For a time he was a sailor on the lakes, and while at a point of bay near Toledo he was stabbed by an Indian. The weather was hot, and before medical aid could be secured at Detroit, gangrene set in and it became necessary to amputate the leg. While yet living in New York he taught school for a time. Before leaving the state he learned the tailor's trade, at which he worked in his native state and in Wayne county, Michi- gan. During the war of 1812, he gave his services to his country. At the commence- ment of the war he and his father were in rafting on the St. Lawrence, and he was pressed by the British to take a raft over the rapids, and he ran it on the Amer- ican side of the river after passing the rap- ids, into the hands of the Americans. After
being held about twelve days, he escaped and joined the Vermont volunteers. Charles Bell was the son of Ralph Rudolphus Wheelock and Desire (Reynolds) Bell, both of whom were natives of Vermont, and the father of Irish descent.
At Aurora, New York, our subject began his education in the public schools, and, after his arrival in Michigan, continued to attend school until eighteen years of age, when he secured a position in a rake fac- tory, where wooden hay rakes were manu- factured. After working four years in the factory he worked as a farm hand and at anything his hand found to do until 1854. On the 14th of February, of that year, he left home for California, sailing from New York February 20, on the steamer Star of the West, which was afterward made fa- mous in trying to carry provisions to Fort Sumter before hostilities commenced be- tween the states. After crossing Nicarau- gua, from Greytown, he sailed from San Juan to San Francisco, on the steamer Brother Jonathan, arriving about April 10. On the trip a boiler blew out, which neces- sitated slow speed. The vessel was soon afterward condemned for sea duty, and was confined to coast trade. On arriving in California Mr. Bell went into the mines, sometimes making one hundred and fifty dollars a day, and sometimes making no more in one hundred and fifty days. For four years he was at Murphy's Camp and Gaston Hill, near Cave City. Having enough of California, he returned home by way of the Isthmus of Panama, leaving Aspinwall in the steamer Illinois, which was wrecked on the north coast of Cuba, twelve hours' run from Havana. Our subject here lost everything. The vessel, however, was got off the reef, repaired and reached New
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York September 8, 1858. On his way west he stopped at Niagara, and a few days later reached his home in Wayne county. He then worked on farms in Wayne county un- til he came to Kane county, Illinois, in April, 1865. On arriving here he worked for his uncle, Henry G. Bell, for a time, and then rented farms for six years. In 1871 he bought his present farm of forty acres, and is now engaged in dairy farming, manu- facturing his own butter.
Mr. Bell has been twice married, his first union being with Mrs. Mary Mclogan, nee Harme, a native of Sullivan county, New York. By this union there are four children as follows: Jessie and China, the latter living in Elgin, while Jessie is a teacher in the public schools in Oregon; Georgia, a teacher living in California; and Mary, who married Blucher Remmington, by whom she has one child, Merrill Vernon, and they reside in Kansas. The mother of these children died March 16, 1877, and Mr. Bell, April 18, 1880, in Hampshire township, married Lucy D. Babcock, who was born near Warsaw, Greene county, New York, who was but two and a half years old when her parents came west in 1854. She is the daughter of William H. Babcock, a son of Abiram and Susanna (Lee) Babcock, the latter being a cousin of Gen- eral Robert E. Lee. William H. Babcock, who was born October 10, 1816, married Cornelia E., widow of Evan Soules, and a daughter of Andrew and Julia (Diston) Hoge- boom, who were among the earliest settlers of De Kalb county, and who also owns land in Hampshire township. William H. Babcock came to Kane county in 1854, and died on his old homestead, September 12, 1884. By this second union there is one child, a daughter, Albertine.
Politically Mr. Bell is a Republican, and while believing in the principles of the party, from the time of its organization, yet cast his first presidential ballot for U. S. Grant, in 1868, having missed his vote at every preceding election, in consequence of being away from home at election time. He served as school director several years. Mrs. Bell has likewise served as school di- rector, discharging the duties of the office in a satisfactory manner. Our subject re- members hearing his parents talk of the fall of stars in 1832. People then thought the world was coming to an end, the falling stars being a fulfillment of prophecy. His mother's sister, "Aunt Gurney," took down her Bible and began reading the account of the falling stars and the moon which should be turned into blood.
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