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 94

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 94

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I am, yours most respectfully, CHARLES C. P. HOLDEN.

and during its first years was its President ; it is now in operation between Joliet and Streator ; Mr. Holden is now engaged in building the Joliet & Mendota Short Linc Railway. Mr. Holden's wife died after a long and painful illness, July 26, 1873 ; she was a most lovely woman, adored by all who knew her; for nearly eighteen years she had been the joy of Mr. Hold- en's household, making all happy around her, and Mr. Holden attributes the great success which he had during those years to his departed and lovely wife ; soon aft- er their marriage, and in 1858, her sister, Rowena P. Reynolds, came to live with the family, and has ever since been a mem- ber of it; Mr. Holden's sister, Sarah Ann . C., died of consumption in 1847 ; his sis- ter Mary Emeline, wife of Dr. J. W. Freer, died of consumption in 1846; his mother, Betsey Parker Holden, died of cancer in the face Sept. 24, 1869, aged 78 years ; his father, Phineas H. Holden, died of old age, hurried on by a severe cold, Feb. 23, 1872, aged 79 years and 10 months ; his wife and these members of his family now rest in the beautiful Oak- wood Cemetery, ncar Joliet, in this Statc. Mr. Holden was married to Miss Louise R. Jones, daughter of John Jones, of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, on the 28th of April, 1875. Of his father's family living, there are Newton P. Holden, County Physician of. Cook Co .; David L. Holden, station agent for the Illinois Central Railroad at Mat- teson, Ill .; George M. Holden, long of this city, now in the employ of the city as one of its trusted officers ; Maj. Levi P. Holden, at Hampton, Iowa; Mrs. Eliza- beth W. Wilson, of Ft. Madison, lowa, and Mrs. Mira J. Brown, of Chicago.

Mr. Holden was appointed West Chi- cago Park Commissioner by Gov. Palmer, in March, 1869, and re-appointed in 1871, for seven years. In 1872, he was one of SARAH J. HOLDEN, daughter of Isaac N. and Rue Ann Reynolds, was born April 11, 1836; she was the second child of a family of ten children, the eldest be- ing a boy ; her parents, at the time of her birth, lived on a farm seven miles east of Joliet, in this State (now New Lenox); they were among the very first settlers in Will Co., having located there in 1834; Mrs. Holden's mother was the daughter of the late Abraham Holderman, one of the pionecrs' of Northern Illinois, having located at Holderman's Grove, in La Salle Co., in 1830. Mrs. Holden being the the Greeley electors on the State ticket ; he was elected County Commissioner in November, 1874, for the term of three years ; Mr. Holden was chosen President of the County Board on the first Monday in December, 1876; the Court House had but just been commenced, but during his term of office he gave it his unqualified attention, laying the corner-stone of the same July 4, 1877 ; the County Hospital was also begun and carried to completion during his term of Commissioner; in 1867, Mr. Holden procured the charter for the Chicago & Illinois River Railroad, I eldest daughter of the family, much devolved

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FRANKFORT TOWNSHIP.

on her, as is usually the case, especially in a new country ; and when a mere child she exhibited those traits of industry that were so noticeable in her through life. At the age of 7 years, pieced, with her own hands, a bedquilt, which is now in the posses- sion of the bereaved husband as a relic of her industrious habits in her younger years, At the age of 10, while gathering gum from the wild rosin weed, on the prairie, in company with her younger brother, Joseph S. (now State Senator from Chicago), she was bitten by a rattle- snake, and, being some distance from her home, ere she reached it the virus had de- veloped itself throughout her system. Everything was donc that could be to allay the poison ; physicians were called, and, after weeks of great suffering, she slowly recovered from the effects of the bite of this most poisonous reptile. She received a good education at the district school and in the academies of Joliet and Plainfield. Mr. Holden can well remember seeing her by the roadside, going to and from school when a mere child, the Holden family liv- ing but a few miles from the Reynolds homestead. On Sept. 17, 1855, she mar- ried Mr. Charles C. P. Holden, and from that period till the day of her fatal sickness, it was her greatest pleasure to make her home pleasant, and friends around her hap- py. She always wanted some member of her parents' family included in her house. hold, and, in the spring of 1858, she pre- vailed upon them to let her younger sister (Birdie) come and live permanently in her family. She loved her home, and very seldom took the usual pleasure-trips that most people enjoy so much. In 1857, she accompanied her husband on a trip to New England and the White Mountains. She liked well enough the trip of a couple of days, to Springfield, Cairo, Dubuque, or some other neighborhing city, but did not enjoy long ones. On one occasion, Mr. Holden was going to Cincinnati on busi- ness ; it was in 1870, and when asked if she would not like to go along, she replied, "No; I will stay at home. Birdie had better go." Again, Mr. Holden proposed to go to Niagara, but Mrs. Holden sug- gested that she preferred to remain at home, and said, " Take Hattic and Birdie." And so it was at all times. When but a child it had been her greatest delight to aid

. her mother in her household dutics. Long before she was large enough to stand by the side of the table. she would get a chair and stand in that, and by so do- ing be enabled to wash and wipe her mother's dishes, which otherwise slie could not accomplish. She lost a dearly-beloved brother, who died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., a few days after the hard-fought battle of Stone River, in January,1863-John H. Reynolds, who but a few months before had enlisted in Capt. L. P. Holden's company, in the 88th Ill. V. I; and, the following spring, her younger brother, C. C. P. Reynolds, died of scarlet fever. The death of these two brothers seemcd a hard blow to her. She had one other brother in the army, Gen. Joseph S., whom she followed with a sister's love until he went with Sherman to the Sea, and then returned in safety to his home. Her eldest brother, Abram H. Reynolds, lived with his family at Wenona, Ill., and it was in the spring of 1867 that word came that his family were severely sick, when by the next train Mrs. Holden was en route for Wenona; and in a few days, when she returned, she brought with her his youngest daughter, then 3 ycars old, alovely little girl. She had been named after Mrs. Holden, Sarah J. She had taken such a liking for little Sadie that she prevailed upon the parents to allow her to keep the child, and she has ever since re- mained in the family, Mrs. Holden always taking the greatest pains to properly bring up and educate her. Before her death, she would often speak of Sadie, hoping that she might continue to be a good girl and a blessing to the family. Mrs. Holden was very benevolent, and from the time she commenced housekeeping until the day of her sickness, she had one or more families whom slic was aiding in various ways to make a livelihood, and some of those whom she had so befriended, with tears in their eyes, followed her remains to the tomb. Early in March, 1872, she went to visit her parents at New Lenox, as was usual with her several times a year, and, whilst at their home, on March 14th, was sudden- ly prostrated in sickness. She was taken violently sick with purpura hemorrhagica. Dr. Holden, her brother-in-law, who resides at Frankfort, was called immediately to her bedside, and did all that could be done to

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

save her life. Dr. Casey, of Joliet, and Freer, of Chicago, were also called in con- sultation. For four months she lay at the point of death. Her mother and sisters Hattie, Birdic and Lottie (who came from Iowa on purpose to minister to her), were constantly in attendance, as was also her sister-in-law, Caroline P. Holden, for a large portion of. the time; and her hus. band attributes the saving of her life at that time to the extraordinary care and attention that she received from those above mentioned and others; he believes if it had not been for Dr. Holden she could not have survived that first attack. In July, a change took place, and she slowly began to recover; and, on Oct. 12, had so far recovered as to be enabled to once more look upon her own home; and never was mortal more happy at the result than was Mr. Holden. But, sad to say, she was not fully restored to health; it was only partial, and that but temporary. She had several severe attacks during the winter of 1873, the disease having assumed another character, and now appeared in disease of the bladder. In the month of April, she expressed much anxiety for the health of her sister Birdie, whose constitution she feared was giving away, caused by over- watchfulness and care upon her during her long sickness ; and an opportunity having presented itself by which Rowena (Birdie) could take a trip with her brother Joseph S. Reynolds, to Europe, Mrs. Holden urged that she should do so; "for," she said, "it will, in all probability, save Birdie's life, and her absence will have no effect as to the final result with myself." Birdie left Chicago for this trip May 7, 1873, in company with her brother, her sister Hat- tie immediately taking her place until her return. It was a sad parting, the two sisters, who had been so closely allied to- gether for more than fifteen years, now to separate, and probably forever. In July, she commenced rapidly to fail ; her mother and sister Hattie were constantly with her to alleviate her suffering as best they could. She gradually grew weaker, and, on Friday, July 25, at about 3 o'clock P. M., she called her husband to her bedside, when she said to him, "Charles, I cannot live but a little while. God has forgiven my sins, and I am ready to die." She then made various bequests-to her sister

Birdie she gave her diamond ring. and many other articles of great value and use- fulness ; to her sister Hattie she gave her watch and chain ; also a heavy plain ring, together with other articles ; to her sister Lottie she gave her pearl and jet jewelry ; to her mother, her sister-in-law Caroline (Dr. Holden's wife), her niece Sadie, and others, she gave beautiful presents. While making these bequests, she suddenly stopped and said, " Charles, what shall I give you ?" Thinking for a moment, she said, "Oh, I will give you my books." As she had quite a collection of valuable works, and knowing her husband's fondness for their library, no doubt flashed across her mind when she made this valuable gift. Mr. Holden asked her what dispo- sition she wished to make of her silver- ware-for she had a large quantity-her reply was, "Oh, you will need it." She had, at different times, brought money into the family, but, above all, had brought to her husband's aid, for more than seventeen years, her advice, which was to him of inestimable value. Soon after this conver- sation, she relapsed into a weak stupor, but was perfectly conscious when aroused, and during the night repeatedly assured those caring for her of her trust in the Savior. Toward morning she was suffering very much, and, as her mother was bending over her, in deep grief, the husband said, "Sarah, do you know your mother ?" when, quickly looking up, she replied, " Why; bless your heart, yes. The Messenger came at 10:25 A. M., July 26, and then passed away one of the noblest and best women that ever adorned a house- hold.

" Forever shall she be in praise, Named softly as the household name Of one whom God has taken."

Her father and mother are still living. Her brother, Abram H., married Martha Link, and they have five children living : Sarah, his second daughter, has been adopted by Mr. Holden. Her brothers, Isaac, William and Gen. Joseph S., are still living, as also her sisters, Harriet A., Charlotte E. and Rowena P. ; the latter is a member of Mr. Holden's family.

[From the Chicago Evening Journal, July 28, 1873. ]

This forenoon, at 11 o'clock, the rela- tives and friends of C. C. P. Holden, Esq., assembled at his residence, No. 323 West

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FRANKFORT TOWNSHIP.

Monroe street, for the purpose of uniting with him in paying the last earthly tribute of respeet to his wife, deeeased on Satur- day last. It will be remembered by the readers of the Journal, that early in the spring of 1872, Mrs. Holden, while on a visit to her parents at New Lenox, Will Co., in this State, was taken violently siek with purpura hemorrhagiea, and for many months was not expected to live, but, finally a change took place, and in the following October she so far recovered as to be able to be brought home. She gained steadily until the middle of December, when she was again prostrated by severe sickness. From this attack she partially recovered in the months of March and April, but in the month of May she was again attaeked with more severity than ever, resulting in her death, as stated. The deceased was a few months over 37 years of age, and was mar- ried to Mr. Holden on Sept. 17, 1855 ; she was the daughter of Isaac N. and Rue Ann Reynolds, upon whose farm, in Will Co., she was born ; she was a granddaugh- ter of the late Abraham Holderman, who was one of the original pioneers of North- ern Illinois, having settled at Holderman's Grove, La Salle Co., in 1831. Mrs. Holden was a woman of most amiable dis- position and great kindness of heart. Her manners were very engaging, and all who knew her were won by the kindness which always illuminated her face with its attract- iveness. She was eminently domestie in all her tastes, finding the happiness of her life in her family, and studying to make home attractive, and thoseshe loved happy. During her entire and most distressing ill- ness, she constantly exhibited a ehildlike trust in God and submission to His will that most beautifully illustrated the eon- solations afforded by a religious faith. Only the day before her death, she ealled her friends about her, assured them of her trust in the Savior, her belief that she could not live, her readiness to die, and then passed away in the hope of a blessed immortality. Mr. Holden, in this deep affliction, has the heartfelt sympathy of an extended circle of friends, as was attested by the large num- ber present at the funeral serviees this morning. Among the prominent eitizens present were Hon. L. L. Bond, Samuel Hoard, E. F. Runyan, Alderman Wilce, ex-Aldermen Daggy and Salisbury, E. S.

Albro, Alderman Bateham, and C. N. Holden. The house was filled to overflow- ing with friends of the family, all desirous of viewing the face of the " dear departed," ere her remains should be laid away for- ever in the silent tomb. In the eenter of the front parlor stood the elegant metallie easket in which reposed the remains of the deceased lady. The easket was beau- tifully adorned with flowers and sprigs of evergreens, and at the foot stood a small harp encireled by flowers of sweetest fra- grance. On the top of the burial ease, surrounded by a wreath of white roses, there was a silver plate bearing the follow- ing inseription : "Sarah J. Holden. Died July 26, 1873, aged 37 years 3 months and 15 days." Around the casket con- taining the saered elay were gathered the husband, ehild, father, mother, brother, and several other relatives of the deceased. The solemn and impressive ceremonies were opened with musie, a portion of the ehoir of the Second Baptist Church singing a plaintive dirge, with organ accompani- ment. After the singing, Rev. T. W. Goodspeed, of the same Church, read a portion of Seripture from the eighth chap- ter of Romans. He then proceeded to make some very appropriate and touching remarks, setting forth the more prominent characteristies of the deceased, mentioning several interesting ineidents of her illness, and her religious experience, ete. He spoke from a personal acquaintance with the departed one, of her amiability and many virtues. At the elose of his address, the choir sang the well-known hymn eom- meneing: "Sister, thou wast mild and lovely." At the conclusion of this exer- eise, Rev. E. S. Osgood, D. D., an old and intimate friend of the Holden family, made a few remarks appropriate to the oeeasion, and then the friends took a final look at the face of the deeeased, and amid sobs and tears which told of the heavy sorrow resting upon many hearts, the easket was closed and borne to the waiting hearse, Messrs. Aldermen Wilee and Bateham, E. S. Albro, Prof. Palmer, J. T. Lit- tle and David Cole acting as the pall- bearers. A long line of earriages was then formned, and the funeral cortege slowly wended its way to Rosehill Ceme- tery, where the remains were deposited in a vault.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

LINES ON THE DEATH OF MRS. C. C. P. HOLDEN.

O, weary, suffering one, How sweet must be the blessed hour of rest ! Life's labors ended, duties nobly done, The tired hands folded on the peaceful breast, No more life's road by weary feet is trod ; She rests in peace-the perfect peace of God, That passeth understanding-all the strife, The conflict, ended, and the crown of life And victory is won.

We will not call her dead- Only passed on a little while before us ; Though very bitter are the tears we shed, And dark the clouds of sorrow brooding o'er us, A light comes through the open gates of heaven, Glimpses of Glory to our souls are given ; The still, small voice, calming the troubled deep, Whispers, " He giveth His beloved sleep;"

And we are comforted.

Passed from our longing sight, Like stars at dawn of day-not dead, but risen, Ascended to the morning-land of light ; Like a glad bird escaping from its prison, The soul has found its wings, and soars on high, Throwing the worn-out mortal garments by- Borne by the Angels to the realms of day, Where God Himself shall wipe all tears away, And there is no more night.

The tears of sorrow shed Are not for her, our beautiful departed ; But for ourselves we mourn uncomforted, Left desolated, alone, and broken-hearted, And longing with unutterable pain To hear the sweet and loving voice again, The dear companionship of love to share That once made life so beautiful and fair ; What bitter grief to know the holy light Of loving eyes no more will bless our sight ! Alone life's path to tread.

Alone and desolate, But not forsaken. Love can never perish ; The faithful dove cannot forget her mate, Nor cease Love's holy memories to cherish. The faithful friend, the gentle, loving wife, The brightest jewel in the crown of life- O Love ! most precious gift to mortals given, Gone, but not lost,-to be restored in Heaven --

For this we pray and wait !

LOUESA SANGER.

FRANKFORT, Will Co., July, 1874.

SIMON HOHENSTEIN, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Mokena; was born in Germany Sept. 17, 1837; came to the United States in 1853, and to this State, and settled in this county in the same year. His farm consists of eighty-five acres, valued at $6,000. He was married to Charlotte Knapp, who was born in Ger- many ; they have had scven children, six of whom are living, viz., Simon, Charley.

Daniel, Conrad, Charlotte and Peter ; de- ceased, Charlotte J. Mr. H. is at present holding the office of Assessor ; he has held office of Collector in Greengarden one year, and one year in Frankfort Tp.

WESLEY D. JONES, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Mokena; one of our first settlers ; was born in Vermont Sept. 29, 1824 ; came to this State with his father's family in 1844. His farm, which is located on Secs. 5 and 16 in Frankfort Tp., and on Sec. 32 in Orland, Cook Co., consists of 220 acres, and is valued at $11,000. He was married to Miss Helen Granger Dec. 11, 1854 ; they have had seven chil- dren, six of whom are living, viz., Wright, Albert L., Mary, Nellie, Allanson G. and Lottie ; deceased, Lloid.

PHILIPP KLEPPER, manufacturer of carriages and wagons, Frankfort Station ; was born in Germany Sept. 3, 1842 ; came to the United States with his father's family in 1847, and settled in Frankfort Tp. Mr. K. was married to Miss Mary Droesler .; they have had six children, three of whom are living - Henry, Mary and Nannie ; deceased, Etta, John and Philip.

KARL KNAPP, farmer and stock- raiser; P. O. Mokena; was born in Ger- many Jan. 6, 1818; came to the United States in 1850, and settled in Ohio, where he remained one year ; he then removed to Illinois and settled in Will Co .; he has been a resident of Frankfort for the past eighteen years. His farm consists of eighty acres, valued at $5,000. He was married to Miss Katherina Knapp; they have had eleven children. eight of whom are living, viz., Charlotte, Karl, Daniel, Christian, Carolina, Johannas, Katherina and August ; deceased, Daniel, Carolina and Nicholas.

MARTIN KRAPP, of the firm of Krapp & Cappel, butchers and dealers in live-stock ; P. O. Mokena; was born in Germany Oct. 2, 1831; United States in 1854, and to this State in the same year, when he settled in Blue Island; he removed from there to Mokena. in 1857. He was married to Miss Katrina Steffan April 25, 1857; have had four children, three of whom are living, viz., Sophia, Louisa and Emil. Mr. Krapp has held office of Township Trustce in Frankfort Tp. nine years.

CHARLES KARCH, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Frankfort Station ; was born

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FRANKFORT TOWNSHIP.

in Herkimer Co., N. Y., July 9, 1844 ; came to this State with his father's family in 1848, and settled in Frankfort, Will Co., Ill., ; he is the son of H. J. Kareh, who is one of our first settlers and pioneers ; his farm consists of 160 acres, valued at $10,000. He was married May 17, 1876, to Miss Mary Kampe, who,was born in Cook Co., Ill., Feb. 27, 1855. Mr. Karch has, in connection with his farming pursuits, the ageney for the sale of all kinds of farming implements and the Wilson Sewing Machine ; also has been general insurance agent for five years.

FRED KEMPE, farmer and stoek- raiser ; P. O. Frankfort Station ; was born in Germany, April 14, 1826; came to the United States in 1854, and to Illinois in the same year; he has been a resident of Frankfort for the past fifteen years; his farm consists of 325 acres valued at $15,000. He was married to Miss Lottie Haemyn who was born in Germany ; they have had nine ehildren, four of whom are living-Mary, Johnnie, Fred and Katie ; deceased, Christian, Doretta, Willie, Lottie and Henry.

PETER KALMER, farmer and stock- raiscr; P. O. Frankfort Station; one of our early settlers ; was born in Germany Nov. 15, 1828; eame to the United States with his father's family in 1852, and to this State and settled in Will Co. in the same year ; his farm consists of 125 aeres, val- ued at $4,500. He was married to Miss Catherine Kalmer, was born in Germany ; they have had ten children, seven of whom are living, viz., Carolina, Phillipena, Mary, Charley, Ranta, Lizzie and Albert ; de- eeased, Daniel, Katie and Jacob.

J. R. LETTS, grain dealer and com- mission mcrehant, Frankfort Station ; was born in Woodstoek, Ont., Oet. 10, 1830; eame to this State in 1845, and settled in Frankfort in 1855; he is a son of the late Jeremiah Letts, deceased. Was married July 26, 1854, to Miss Hulda Doty, who was born in Ohio, June 8, 1830; they have had nine children, all of whom are living, viz .: J. W., G. D., F. C., J. B., F. L., D., B., F. and'L. Mrs. Letts died June 29, 1875. Mr. L. married again to Miss E. Williamson, who was born in Ohio April 16, 1831. He has held the office of Constable one term, and during the wa held the office of War

Fund Commissioner ncarly one year.

WILLIAM H. LOGAN, carriage and house painter, grainer, and proprietor of Sorghum Works, Frankfort Station ; was born in Frankfort, Will Co., Jan. 20, 1849; is the son of James Logan, who is one of our early settlers. Mr. L. was married to Miss Adele S. Quaekenbuslı, who was born in New York May 25, 1850 ; they have two children, viz .: Clara, Belle and Frank W.

JOHN McDONALD, dealer in grain,. salt, eoal, flour and hay, Frankfort. Station ; one of our early and prominent settlers ; was born in Queens Co., Ireland, Dec. 11, 1823; eame to the United States in 1841, and to this State in 1849; his first permanent residence in this State was in Frankfort, where he has since re- sided. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Doty, who was born in New Lenox, Will Co., Ill .; they have three children, all of whom are living, viz., Herbert J., Edward E. and Charles H. He has been a sueeess- ful dealer in grain for the past nineteen years ; he is also serving his third term of office as Supervisor of Frankfort Tp.

JACOB MUELLER, general mer- ehant, Frankfort Station; was born in Germany June 19, 1821; came to the United States in 1855, and to this State in 1856, and settled in Will Co .; he has becn a resident of Frankfort for the past nine years ; sinee his residenee in this. township he has held the office of School Director three years. He was married to Miss Catharina Sheer ; they have had seven children, four of whom are now living, viz .: Minnie, John, Ella and George; deceased. Louisa, Daniel and Julia.

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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 94

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