The History of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics.history of Illinois history of the Northwest, Part 67

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Wm. Le Baron, jr. & co.
Number of Pages: 980

USA > Illinois > Will County > The History of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics.history of Illinois history of the Northwest > Part 67

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CARSON BROS., groceries and provis- ions, Joliet. Hugh H. Carson, the senior member of the above firm, was born Jan. 1, 1852, in Rhode Island, where he at- tended school and worked in a cotton-fac- tory until 10 years of age, when he emi- grated with his parents to Joliet, locating at this point Aug. 1, 1862; at the above date, his father, James Carson, purchased the grocery and provision business of W. B. Caswell, which business hc successfully continued until suececded by his sons May 10, 1875. Robert Carson, the junior mem- ber of the above firm, was born in Rhode Island Sept. 18, 1855 ; emigrating West with his parents to Joliet ; he, with his brother, was employed in the store of their father when not attending school, until they succeeded in the business. The above firm carry a full and complete stock in their line, and have a good trade which is rapidly increasing ; their success may be attributed to their thorough knowledge close personal attention and honest dealing in business.

H. W. COPE, horse-collar manufact- urer, Jolict ; born in Newark, N. J., Dec. 13, 1843, where he lived and attended sehool until 14 years of age, when he im-

migrated with his parents to Joliet, where he lived two years; in 1859, he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived two years and commenced to learn his trade ; from there he removed to Newark, N. J., where he lived two years , when he returned to Joliet and finished his trade; he pur- chased the interest of his father in July, 1868; he confines business exclusively to the manufacture and jobbing of horse eollars, supplying the wholesale trade largely in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana ; he employs four hands and such machinery as can be made praetieal. He married in Joliet July 6, 1865, to Lottie V. Cook ; she was born Nov. 23, 1843, in New York ; they are the parents of two children now living, viz., Lottie A. and Henry L.

BARBARA CAMPBELL, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Joliet ; widow of Joseph Campbell ; her maiden name was Barbara Kelly; she was born in Scotland Dec. 13, 1807. She married Mr. Campbell in Scot- land July 12, 1833; Mr. Campbell was born in Scotland Sept. 30, 1807, where he lived until 28 years of age, when he immi- grated to America and settled in Joliet Tp., Will Co., Ill., in 1839, and en- gaged in quarrying; he was for several years in partnership with ex-Gov. Matte- son in quarrying and contraeting, and had some contracts building the Canal. He died June 23, 1858 ; his widow, who sur- vives him, continues to live at the old home, which contains 195 acres of well-im- proved land. They were the parents of five ehildren now living, viz., Joseph, Rob- ert, John, Annie and Barbara.

THOMAS CULBERTSON, retired miller, Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in New Castle Co., Del., Aug. 23, 1814, where he learned the trade of milling; he removed to Joliet in 1836, and engaged at his trade for two years, when the dam was destroyed for the benefit of the Canal; afterward worked at Norman's Island and Wilmington ; returned to Joliet in 1839, and settled where he now resides, purchasing what is known as the Red Mill in 1849, which he continued to run until 1867. He married Miss Martha M. Ker- cheval in Joliet Nov. 19, 1856; her par- ents settled in Will Co., in 1829 ; they are parents of three children-Thomas Edwin, born July 16, 1858; May Evelyn, born Oct. 23, 1861; Emma Elizabeth, born

A. Kumyong (DECEASED) LOCKPORT TP.

THE LIUMARY OF THE UTERNITY OF ILLINOIS

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JOLIET TOWNSHIP.

Jan. 13, 1864, died Aug. 28, 1865. Mr. C. has filled the offices of School Trustee and Director in the town where he lives for several terms.

N. H. CUTTER, farmer ; P. O. Joliet ; whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Jaffrey, Cheshire Co., N. H., March 12, 1805; up to the age of 21, he was engaged in farming with his par- ents, after which he learned the trade of joiner and carpenter; in 1828, he moved to Lowell, Mass., and after being engaged at his trade for a short time, was employed in machine shops up to the fall of 1829 ; he then went to Oneida Co., N. Y., and worked in Rogers' Machine Shops up to 1834 ; in the fall of the same year he came to Joliet, where he has resided ever since, engaged mostly in farming. Has been Alderman, Justice of the Peace, Assessor and School Director. He married Rebecca R. Bailey, of East Hampton, Mass., Feb. 15, 1838; she was born April 14, 1805. Mr. Cutter, while living in the East spent his winters in school teaching.

GEORGE W. CASSEDAY, deceased, formerly of Joliet, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Bedford Co., Va., Dec. 1, 1803. His father dying when he was 6 months old, his mother moved to St. Anne, Ky., where they lived until he wa's 14 years of age, when they moved to Troy, Ohio ; at this place he learned the trade of carpenter. On January 13, 1824, he married Miss Delilah Murphy, and in the fall of 1825 moved to Vermilion Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming up to the spring of 1827, when he moved to Edgar Co., Ill., working at his trade of carpenter, and also farming ; in 1829, he moved to Paris, of the same county, and remained there up to 1834, when he returned to Vermilion county ; in 1851, he came to Joliet, where he lived up to his decease, July 23, 1863. When he came to Joliet, having pur- chased a large tract of land, he laid out an addition to the city known as " Casse- day's Addition." He had five children ; three living- Maria L. (now Mrs. Jo- seph G. English, of Danville, Ill.), Mary C. (now Mrs. John Durham, of Danville, Ill.), and Henry Clay; two deceased- David, and Harrict M.

MRS. SOPHIA (MURRAY) DEM- MOND, Joliet ; was born in Petersburg, N. Y., July 26, 1804 ; she is a daughter

of John Murray, who was formerly from Bennington, Vt .; her mother, Cynthia Weaver, was a native of Rhode Island ; Mrs. Demmond's parents removed to near Auburn, N. Y., when she was a child, and after five years to Sharon, in the same State, where they resided till their death. Her marriage with the late Martin H. Dem- mond, occurred in Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 10, 1831. Mr. Dem- mond was a native of Massachusetts, and was born March 4, 1803 ; he went witlı his parents to Sangerfield, N. Y., where he was apprenticed to the tanner and cur- rier's trade ; he, however, did not find this business congenial, and having a taste for mercantile pursuits, he soon afterward engaged in merchandising in various places, in which he was quite successful ; he first married, soon after becoming of age, Miss Adelia Woodruff, a daughter of Theodore Woodruff, of Clinton, N. Y .. and a sister of George H. Woodruff, of this city ; she, however, died during the first year of their marriage. While in business in Frankfort, he married Miss Murray, as above stated, and, in 1834, re- moved to Jolict; he was so intiinately identified with the early history and growth of this city, and his connection therewith is so fully recorded in the his- torical portion of this work, that any fur- ther allusion here is unnecessary. He was a man of pure morals and sterling integ- rity ; "his word was as good as his bond." He died of cholcra July 18, 1854, leaving a wife, but no children. A niece of Mrs. Demmond's, Miss Catherine Murray, was a member of the family, from the age of 10 years until her marriage with Fredcr- ick Bartelson, an attorney at law in Joliet, who afterward. raised a company for the 100th Regiment, I. V. I., was commis- sioned Captain, afterward promoted to Coloncl, and killed at Kenesaw Moun- tain. She is now the wife of J. R. Cas- selberry, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Demmond continues to reside in the old homestead erected by her husband soon after his arrival here.

R. DOOLITTLE, Justice of the Peace, Joliet ; was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., June 15, 1809, where he resided until his removal to Joliet in the spring of 1837; after following the grocery business two ycars, he was elected

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

Justice of the Peace, and held the office twelve years, and was also Assignec in Bankruptcy during the existence of the old United States bankrupt law ; in 1838, he was elected County Judge, but declined to qualify, and Geo. H. Woodruff was elected in his place; in 1852, he resumed business, the firm being Doolittle & Stonc, who erected the three-story brick building on the south side of Jefferson street, the second building west of Ottawa street ; the same year, 1852, he, with six other citi- zens of Joliet, was appointed by the Legis- lature to divide the city into wards, and call an election for city officers. In 1840, previous to the organization of the city, he had served on the Board of Trustees, of which he was the Treasurer ; he remained in the grocery business until 1862, when he sold out to Mr. Stone, and for a number of years was engaged in railroad contract- ing, merchandising, etc .; he served as Alderman from 1862 to 1866; in 1871, was again elected Justice of the Peace. He was married April 5, 1838, to Miss Sarah A. Boss, a native of Canada, and has five children living-Theresa C., Eben B., George H. of Port Huron, Mich., Georgeana and Jesse A.

FRANK DEVINE, contractor and builder, Joliet ; is a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; he was born at Fishkill Land- ing, on the Hudson River, July 3, 1849 ; when he was about 18 years old he went to New York City and worked at his trade of a carpenter until after the great fire in Chicago in 1871; he then went to that city and took part in its rebuilding during the next two years; in 1873, he came to Joliet and began business as a contractor and builder ; he is acknowledged to be one of the most skillful and reliable workmen in his line of business; he has built some of the best residences in the city, besides other buildings, among which may be mentioned St. Mary's Church, on which he did the carpenter work. He was married June 5, 1876, to Miss Nellie O'Reilly, daughter of James O'Reilly, of Joliet ; they have one child-James.

EUGENE DALY, undertaker and dealer in furniture, Jolict ; is a native of the county of Longford, Ireland ; he was born on the 13th of May, 1826; in 1844, he came to this country and spent three years in Sag Harbor, L. I., where he learned

the trade of a cabinet-maker; coming to Chicago, he worked at his trade therc until the fall of 1850, when he came to Joliet and started in business for himself; he is the oldest undertaker and furniture man in Joliet ; he has held several public offices, among which may be mentioned those of Coroner of the county, Super- visor and member of the Board of Alder- men. He was. married in 1852 to Miss Bridget Thompson, of Joliet; she is also a native of the county of Longford, Ireland; they have eight children living-Margaret, Mary A., John, Catherine, Joseph J., Ellen, Charlie and Willie.

JOHN T. DONAHOE, Jolict; Treasur- cr of Will Co .; was born in Joliet Oct. 16, 1855 ; he is a son of Timothy Donahoe, who came to Joliet from Ireland in 1853, and is now a resident of Wilmington. John T. left school at the age of 13, and entered the grocery store of his brother in Wil- mington as clerk, remaining with him until he was 17 years old ; they then engaged in business in partnership in Braidwood, and, on attaining his majority, he purchased the interest of his brother and continued the business alone until his election as County Treasurer in November, 1877; he is the youngest Treasurer Will Co. has ever had, and probably the youngest man ever elected to that office in this country.

J. C. DILLMAN, proprictor of the Mansion House, Joliet ; was born in Sum- mit Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1824; his early years were passed upon the farm, his father and grandfather being farmers; in the fall of 1849, he came to Will Co., his father, Michael Dillman, having come with the other members of the family the spring before; the family settled in Plainfield, where the father died in 1861, leaving ten children, five of whom now live in Will Co. ; Mr. Dillman followed farming until 1871, when he removed to Joliet ; in 1875, he became proprietor of the Mansion House, where the traveler is always sure of courteous treatment and good accommoda- tions, at a reasonable price ; being a strictly temperance house, it is a desirable family hotel. Mr. Dillman was married Feb. 19, 1846, to Miss Sarah A. Steese, of Summit Co., Ohio, and has five children living- Lavina C., Amanda J., Michael S., Edward L. and Charles S .; one daughter, Alice J., dicd Feb. 12, 1861.

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JOLIET TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM DAVIDSON, Joliet ; born in county of Cumberland, England, Oct. 28, 1851, where he lived until 22 years of age, when he came to America; he first located in Connecticut, and from there to Kankakee, Ill., in 1850, where he resided four years ; then to Joliet in 1854, where he engaged in the quarry business, which he has continued to the present time ; he owns what is known as Davidson's Quarry, located one mile southwest of Joliet, on the C., R. I. & P. R. R.

WILLIAM DOUGALL, M. D., phy- sician and surgeon, Joliet; was born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, March 1, 1842; his father, John Dougall, was a leading cotton-spinner in the west of Scot- land, and, in 1858, came with his family to this country, settling near New Haven, Ind., where he died in 1874 at the age of 75 years; his mother was Margaret Hous- toun, a descendant of the ancient Ren- frewshire family of that name; she was born in the town of Houstoun, Renfrew- shire, and still survives; the son, William, was educated in the high school of Glas- gow. On the breaking-out of the rebell- ion, he enlisted in Co. C, 15th Ind. V. I., June 1, 1861, and participated in all the engagements of his regiment until Oct. 1, 1863, being severely wounded at the battle of Stone River; on the above-mentioned date he was commissioned Captain in the 13th U. S. Colored Regiment, and served as such until April, 1865, when the war, having closed, he resigned, and, returning home, resumed the study of medicine ; he attended a course of medical lectures in the University of Michigan, and afterward in the Chicago Medical College, from which institution he graduated, and received his degree March 4, 1868, and soon afterward began practice in Lemont, Cook Co., Ill .; in 1872, he located in Joliet, where he is now engaged in the practice of his profes- sion. He was married Oct. 1, 1872, to Miss Cassie Walker, daughter of Edwin Walker, of Lemont, and has one child- Mamie C. Dr. Dougall is a member of the Will County Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association, and was Secretary of the former two years.

GEORGE RANDOLPH DYER, re- tired ; Joliet; was born in Rutland Co., Vt., June 13, 1813; his father, Daniel Dyer, had a State reputation as a sheep-

raiser and substantial farmer; he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war ; after the close of the war he was commis- sioned Major in the Massachusetts State Militia, and his commission, signed by Gov. John Hancock himself, is now in the possession of his son George R .; the ven- erable and well-known Dr. Charles V. Dyer, of Chicago, was his brother; his mother was a Miss Olin, of the popular Vermont family of that name. Capt. Dyer received an academic education in West Rutland, Academy, and at the age of 21, started West, and drove from Claren- don, Vt., to Chicago, Ill., alone ; he resided in Chicago and Milwaukee till 1841 ; dur- ing this time, he helped organize the Terri- tory of Wisconsin; in 1838, he assisted in surveying the Fox River, with a view to use the same as a feeder for the Illinois Canal ; in 1841, he came to Will Co. and engaged in farming and stock-raising; in his early life in Will Co. he was noted far and wide for bis remarkable energy and success in life; in 1856, he was elected Sheriff of the county, and after his term of office expired he returned to his farm, where he resided till the breaking-out of the war in 1861; when the first gun was fired, true to the blood of his patriotie ancestors, he, with his two sons, went into the war for the Union ; his oldest son was commissioned Captain when but 17, and served through many a well-fought battle ; he died Nov. 13, 1863, from disease con- tracted in the Southern swamps. During the last thirty-five years Will Co. has known Capt. Dyer as a citizen of note, not a little eccentric, witty, jolly as a companion, and satirical in the reproving of that which had not sense to recommend it. As a defender of the rights of man, he has always been distinguished, and he consid- ered it no disgrace to be called an Aboli- tionist; he joined hands with them in bring- ing this country to be what it is to-day. In bold activity and uncompromising devotion, Capt. George R. Dyer was the undisputed pioneer in Will Co. of that enthusiastic movement, as it was called by his friends, and fanatical movement, as it was called by his enemies, which ultimately struck the shackles from the American slave. He was married Jan. 8, 1841, to Miss Eliza- beth H. Kimball, of Elgin, a lady of fine natural endowments and graceful manners,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

whose excellent sense, fine culture and domestic accomplishments eminently fitted her for a helpmate for a young man with a full head and an empty pocket; the matured woman has more than fulfilled the fair promise of the young bride; six chil- dren have been born to them, four of whom still survive-Belle R., Daniel B., Lizzie L. and Ida May (now Mrs. A. A. Whiting). George D. died in 1863, and Susie Olin (Mrs. R. Schermerhorn) died in 1872.

D. G. EDGERLY, agent M. C. R. R. Joliet Cut-Off, Joliet ; was born in Perry, Genesec (now Wyoming Co.), N. Y., in 1831. At the early age of 5 years, he lost his father, a prominent merchant of the town. His mother subsequently married a wealthy farmer, and his life, to about the age of 16, was spent upon his stepfather's farm. On leaving home, he spent one year in a dry goods store in Warsaw ; he next went to Buffalo, and was employed as check clerk in the firm of Kimberly, Pease & Co. (late Pcase & Beech- er), forwarders of general merchandise. This firm owned and operated lines on the lakes and Erie Canal. The formation of the American Transportation Co., in 1855, absorbed all the small offices and companies, and he next located at Dunkirk, N. Y., in the employ of the N. Y. & Erie R. R., under S. D. Caldwell, now chief man- ager of the Red Line; he served eight years as check clerk ; from Dunkirk he returned to Buffalo and was appointed assistant agent; here he remained ten years. In January, 1873, he was placed in charge of the 33d station, New York. City ; this position he held two years. In 1876, ' he engaged in business in Buffalo, but only continued a short time. In January, 1877, he came to his present position at Joliet. His fine business qualifications have won for him positions of honor and trust, that do not usually fall to men so early in life.

WILLIAM EVANS, foreman roll- turning department, Joliet; was born in England June 20, 1841 ; his family emi- grated to America in 1846, and settled in Pennsylvania ; here his father engaged in iron-mining, and in the mining districts William passed his youth and early man- hood ; in 1862, he went to his trade in Dan- ville, Penn., working five years under the

instruction of Charles D. Hunt ; in 1870, he came to Chicago, and was employed in the roll-turning department in the North Chicago Rolling-Mills; here he remained one year ; in June, 1871, he came to Joliet, and entered the employ of the Joliet Iron and Steel Co .; here he has since resided, excepting a residence of about six months in Springfield in 1873, when these works shut down. He was married in December, 1864, to Mary E. Propst, a native of Penn- sylvania; has one child living-William D .; three died - Phillip D., and two in infancy.

GEORGE ERHARD, Joliet, whose portrait appears in this work, was born May 7, 1807, in the town of Middlestray, Province of Milrickstuart, Lower Frank, Wurtzberg, kingdom of Bavaria; he emigrated to America in June, 1832, with his mother and two sisters, and first went to Detroit, Mich., where in August of same year his mother died of cholera ; in October, 1833, he moved to Chicago, and April 26, 1836, came to Joliet with his brother-in-law, John Belz. In 1838, they returned to Chicago, and married two sis- ters, Louisa and Veronica Periolet ; Lou- isa, the wife of Mr. Erhard, was born in the town of Highfelt, in Alsace, near Strasbourg, in France; she emigrated to Chicago, with her two brothers and sister, in 1834. Mr. Erhard returned to Joliet, and having formed a copartnership with John Belz, built a large brewery on Bluff street, West Side, Joliet, being very suc- cessful until the depreciation of wildcat money caused them to close their business. He had nine children, five living-George C., born Nov. 22, 1838, now carrying on an agricultural and seed store in Joliet ; Emily, born Nov. 11, 1842, wife of J. C. Adler, of Joliet; Joseph, now farming in Troy Tp., Will Co. ; Louisa and Lawrence ; his four younger children are dead, and are buried in the West Side German bury- ing-ground, in Joliet. He and his brother- in-law, John Belz, were the first German settlers in this county, and George C., the eldest son of Mr. Erhard, was the first German male child born in Will Co.

COL. JOHN B. FITHIAN, of the firm of Fitliian & Avery, attorneys at law, Joliet ; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1849 ; he is a son of Dr. William E. Fithian, a physician and Presbyterian

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clergyman ; in 1857, the family removed to Iowa and resided in different parts of the State until 1862, when his father took charge of the Sanitary Department at Helena, Ark., and afterward was appointed Medical Inspector of the Department of the Tennessee ; during that time John B. was Chief Clerk at Helena, and in 1863, re- ported to the Sanitary Department at Vicks- burg, and was present during the siege of that place; after the war, he came to Illi- nois and followed the newspaper business at various points until 1873 ; he then came to Joliet, and was employed in various ca- paeities in the Illinois State Penetentiary until the spring of 1876 ; in the mean time he had been improving his spare time in studying law in the offices of Munn & Munn, and C. B. Garnsey, Esq., of Joliet; he was admitted to practice in September, 1876, and in September, 1877, formed a partnership with E. D. Avery, which still continues. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens' Corps, and on the organiza- tion of the 10th Battalion I. N. G., was appointed Adjutant under Lt. Col. Parsons; in July, 1877, he resigned, but on the breaking-out of the Braid wood disturbances, he enlisted as a private, and served during the riot ; on the organization of the 12th Battalion, Oct. 15, 1877, he was elected Major, and on the 9th of February, 1878, was promoted to the rank of Leiut. Colonel, which position he still holds. He was mar- ried Jan. 18, 1878, to Miss Edna E. Whittaker, of Carlinville, Ill.

JOHN J. FLACK (deceased), formerly of Joliet, whose portrait appears in this work, was born on May 10,1799, in Washington Co., N. Y. He married Dec. 24, 1818, Miss Elizabeth Nelson, who was born in same county Dec. 15, 1799. In 1819, he moved from Washington Co. to Essex Co., N. Y., and was largely engaged in farming and the manufacture of lumber and iron, also a large dealer in horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. He was also for many years an officer of the court. Mr. Flack having in the year 1844, purchased large tracts of land in the State of Illinois, moved his family to Joliet in 1845, and became very largely engaged in farining and stock-raising; he also was interested in property, both in Chicago and Joliet. He was an officer of the court in Will Co., and Joliet also, for many years. He died Sept. 25, 1876, aged 80 years, 5

months and 15 days; his widow still sur- vives him, a good wife and mother, and a lady beloved by all. They had eight chil- dren, all born in Essex Co., N. Y .- Jane A., born Sept. 8, 1819; W. Nelson, Jan. 1, 1821; J. Alexander, Aug. 4, 1823 ; Mortimer A., May 25, 1825; Maria A., May 15, 1827; Whalon J., Nov. 23, 1829; Washington J., Sept. 19, 1832, and Martha J., born July 6, 1839.

0. FOX, dealer in clothing, hats, caps and gents furnishing goods, Joliet ; has been a citizen of Will Co. for the past twenty-three years ; he was born in Stan- stead, Province of Quebec, Aug. 21, 1828 ; when he was about 15 years of age, he left home, and going to Boston, Mass., engaged as clerk in a mercantile house; about six years later he went to New York City, where he remained the same length of time ; he came West in 1855, loeating in Joliet, where he has been in business ever sinee ; first in the book and stationery business for some nine years ; then five years as a con- traetor, employing the convict labor in the Penitentiary in the manufacturer of cigars ; in 1868, he engaged in his present business. He keeps a full supply of goods in his line at prices to suit the times ; in addition to this business, he has for the past three years carried on a Penitentiary contraet in manufacturing cigars. He was married June 16, 1858, to Miss Anna J. White, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and has four children living-Jennie A., Jessie B., Allie A. and Mamie J. Mr. Fox resides in a beautiful residence, one of the finest in Joliet, located on the bluffs overlooking the city. This was erected by him in 1874, and is an ornament to the eity and a credit to its builder.

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The History of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics.history of Illinois history of the Northwest, Part 67

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago : Wm. Le Baron, jr. & co. Number of Pages: 980

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Wm. Le Baron, jr. & co.
Number of Pages: 980