The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 2

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

November 19th, 1869, to the present Bishopric, to occupy the Episcopate in place of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Duggan, who had become infirm, and unable to perform his official duties. He was consecrated to this high office, at the Baltimore Cathedral, February 27th, 1870, and repaired to Chicago to assume charge of that Diocese, and was regularly installed March 27th of the same year. He is an efficient and most able chief Pastor, and an ardent laborer in that important and ever-increasing field. At present he is using every exertion to rebuild the Cathedral which was destroyed by the great fire of October, 1871. He is a man of scholarly attainments and profound learning; very unassuming in manner, of a retiring disposition, and of pleasing address : on all with whom he is brought in contact is left the im- pression of his being an earnest, efficient and faithful laborer in his Master's service.

LAIR, CHAUNCEY B., Merchant and Banker, was born, June 18th, 1810, in Blandford, Massa- chusetts, and is the third of a family of seven children, whose parents were Samuel and Han- nah (Frary) Blair. When he was quite young, the family removed to New York State, where, in the course of a few years, both father and mother died. At the age of eleven years he returned to his native place, and resided with an uncle on a farm until he attained to man's estate, assisting in the various labors incident to the life of an agriculturist. In the spring of 1835 he removed westward, and during the two following years was variously employed in Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana, principally, however, in land speculation. These were exciting times in that business, and many a one accumulated wealth and lost it; but as he was far-seeing, besides possessing a cool and clear judgment-which has characterized him in all his business life-all his ventures were fortunate and profitable. In 1837 he entered mercantile business at Michigan City, having associated his brother Lyman in business with him, under the firm-name of C. B. & L. Blair. The house was for many years well and favorably known throughout the Northwest, their extensive warehouse being at that time the only one in Indiana where produce could be received and forwarded. By this progressive and enterprising firm the first bridge pier on the east side of Lake Michigan was erected, and they became the pioneer shippers of grain to the East. They were ever alive to the demands of a grow- ing business, and, in order to give the surrounding country every facility, the senior partner of the firm obtained a charter and contracted for the construction of a plank road, thirty miles in length, which proved of immense value until the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad and the Michigan Central Railway were opened, and superseded these avenues of transportation. In accordance with the charter privileges, which allowed the issue of notes upon the stock of the Plank Road, he at once converted it into a

banking corporation, and became its President. The notes of this company, known at that day as the " Union Plank Road Company," enjoyed a wide circulation for a period of twelve years, and were accepted by all the State banks of the Northwest, being redeemed in coin. During the War of the Rebellion some of them were held in the South, but were duly honored on presentation at the close of the conflict. From that period until the present time he has been actively and constantly engaged in banking interests.

He became a large stockholder in the old State Bank of Indiana, and its branches at Michigan City and South Bend, and when the institution was re-chartered, under the name of " The Bank of the State of Indiana," he became owner of the principal interest of the Laporte branch, and for many years served as its President. In 1861 he removed to Chicago and acquired an interest in a private banking busi- ness, in which he continued until 1865, when he organized the " Merchants' National Bank," and became its President and principal stockholder. He has filled this responsible position to the present day with marked ability. It is but justice to remark especially the course he pursued during the financial excitements which have passed over Chicago since the summer of 1871. The great conflagration which occurred in October of that year, and the monetary panic which swept the country in 1873, were two formidable foes to encounter. At the time of the Great Fire his policy was against the judgment of all the banks. He insisted on the immediate and full payment to all depositors of the moneys held by his bank. This decision was the subject of remark and admiration from numbers of the leading public and financial men of the country at large ; and the determined stand he took at this time resulted in establishing on a firm foundation the credit of Chicago both at home and abroad. But for his unwavering resolution to meet all demands on presentation at whatever cost, the recovery of the city from the disaster would have been at the best slow and difficult. During the panic of 1873, when the banks of New York, Bos- ton, and other large cities had suspended, and most of the Chicago banks favored the same course, he took a determined stand at the clearing-house meeting, proclaiming his unalter- able decision to pay all demands in full, and presenting un- answerable arguments in favor of such a policy. This action on his part was the origin of the course adopted by the Chi- cago banks, and these consequently passed through the panic unscathed, therehy placing their credit on a firmer basis than ever. Through his remarkably able management the Mer- chants' National Bank has become one of the most extensive and reliable monied institutions of the Northwest, and pos- sesses the entire confidence of the mercantile community at large. He was married, June, 1844, to Caroline O., daughter of Amos T. Degraff, of Michigan City, Indiana. This estimable lady died in 1867, deeply mourned by a large circle of relativcs and friends, leaving a family of six children, one daughter and five sons, of whom four survive : two sons having died, one in 1870 and another in 1874.

Galaxy Pub. Co. Philadelphia.

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

ING, JOHN LYLE, Lawyer, was born, 1823, in [ only on his own knowledge, industry, and vigor, he con- Madison, Indiana, and is a son of Victor King, a ducted the whole law business during his term of office. He subsequently acquired a large general practice, both civil and criminal, to which he has since exclusively de- voted himself. Actions of tort, such as libel cases, and for personal injuries, in which readiness and advocacy before juries are so serviceable, were a specialty with him; and he has had much practice in them. In a celebrated libel suit, in 1869, against a prominent city journal, he particu- larly evinced his powers, and his speeches, together with those of his associate, Mr. Evans, were published, and had a wide circulation. Ile has also contributed numerous editorial and other articles, chiefly on legal subjects and favoring law reform, to Chicago journals. During his professional life his pen has been prolific. On his motion, the Chicago Law Institute, in 1872, adopted a resolution in favor of a change in the mode of reporting and publishing the decisions of the Supreme Court, so as to secure their speedier and cheaper publication. As Chairman of the Institute Committee, he prepared the " Address of the Chicago Law Institute to the Bar and the Press of the State," a pamphlet of unusual force and vigor. His biographical sketch would be incom- plete without somc reference to his merits and qualities as a lawyer and man. His sterling merits are appreciated by all who know him personally. He has a high sense of honor and principle, is a true and genial friend, and of un- swerving fidelity to his clients, as also of untiring zcal for their interests; moreover, he is courteous and affable with his brother members of the bar. He is jealous only for rightful success, and commands the respect and attention of the Court, and before a jury is ranked among the fore- most of advocates. His briefs in the Supreme Court are concise, and models of logic and legal acumen, and may be read as exceptional specimens of legal ability, industry and research, frequently relieved by allusions and illustra- tions which show the breadth, richness and variety of an extensive culture. His attainments in general literature show that he has liberally mingled the recreation of universal and elegant reading with the studies and labors of the law, which afford him a profuseness and variety of resources. He is still engaged in the active practice of his profession. merchant of that city, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the section, and was for fifty years actively identified with the growth and interests of Madison. IIe was also one of the founders and most liberal patrons of Hanover College and of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of Hanover, now the Theological Seminary of the Northwest at Chicago. John I .. King graduated at Hanover College, in the class of 1841, the institution being then under the presidency of Rev. Dr. E. D. McMaster. From his relationship it was almost a matter of course that he should prepare for the legal pro- fession. One of his uncles, I. G. Lyle, of Georgetown, Kentucky, and another uncle, Wilberforce Lyle, of Madison, Indiana, were eminent lawyers; while Joseph G. Marshall, and also of the latter city, the leader of the bar and of the Whig politics of Indiana, was also a near relative. He accordingly entcred the office of Wilberforce Lyle as a student, and shortly after his admission to the bar, which was on circuit, in 1846, his uncle and preceptor died. IIe was in the following year admitted as an attorney of the Supreme Court of the State. IIe afterwards formed a part- nership with S. C. Stevens, a former Judge of the Supreme Court, and one of the noted early abolitionists and free- soilers of the West; and this convention lasted for several years. In 1852 he was elected a representative in the Legis- lature, which was the first under the new constitution of Indiana. The session lasted nearly six months, during which the whole Statute Law of the State was revised, and the code of practice was also adopted; both of these yet exist. He was one of the frequent and prominent debaters in the discussions of the House, and was a warm advocate of reform in the law and practice. IIe was a great admirer of Kossuth, and he introduced into the House the joint reso- lutions of honor and homage to the great Magyar orator and patriot, which were passed ; and, in the oration tendered the exile, the Madison Representative was Chairman of the Committee which presented the Hungarian to the Legisla- turc. At a meeting of citizens of the capital he made a Kossuth speech which gave him great eclat. He was a Whig in political faith, though his party in the Legislature was a powerless minority. In a daily journal of his native city, of which Owen Stuart-who during the War of the Rebellion was Colonel of a gallant Chicago Irish Regiment HOMAS, REV. II. W., D. D., Clergyman, was born, April 29th, 1832, in Hampshire county, Virginia, and is the fourth son of Joseph and Margaret (McDonald) Thomas, formerly of that section. In 1833 the family removed to Preston county, in the same State, where they commenced to clear and improve a farm, in which they were assisted by their son when he became old enough to aid them ; working during the summer months and attending such country schools as the place afforded during the winter. He then left home, and labored for his board, in order -was part proprietor, and to whose columns he was a constant editorial contributor, he fulminated the first anti- Nebraska articles in the State. In the beginning of 1856 he removed to Chicago, and formed a copartnership with Joshua Z. Marsh, the then City Attorney, and mainly man- aged the law business of the city in the courts of record. He made a special study of municipal corporation law, and in 1860 was himself elected (on the John Wentworth ticket for Mayor) the City Attorney, over the late Colonel James A. Mulligan. Without any assistance, and relying

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

that he might be enabled to attend a better class of schools. | criticisms both favorable and unfavorable. His policy in When eighteen years of age he came into a religious ex- all these things has been to state his position and opinions, and then calmly abide the sober judgment of the public. He is liberal in his views, and elaims to belong to the pro- gressive orthodox school. His pastorate at the First Church will expire during the autumn of 1875. An effort is even now being made to retain him at that place; should this, however, prove unsuccessful, he will not probably be called upon to leave Chicago. His whole life has been one of almost incessant labor, and his greatest inspiration a love of learning, with an abiding and all consuming desire to do good in the world. perienee, and as his mind was deeply impressed with the duty of endeavoring to preach he placed himself under the private instruction of Rev. Dr. MeKisson, with whom he studied for two years, meanwhile employing such time as he could command in speaking and holding religious meetings. He next attended the Cooperstown (Pennsyl- vania) Academy, and subsequently the Berlin Seminary, becoming the pupil of Professor Eberhart, now of Chicago. During all these years he continued to preach on the poorer eireuits of Pennsylvania, and during a greater por- tion of the time performed double work. His parents having removed from Virginia to Iowa, in the autumn of 1354, he followed them in the following spring, and sought AYLOR, JOIIN J., Banker and Real Estate Oper- ator, was born, July 17th, 1818, in Milton, Sara- toga county, State of New York, and is of Scotch descent. His ancestors settled at Boston, and one of his great-grandfathers was prominent in Revolutionary times in opposing the oppressive measures of the British Parliament and stubborn King. When the crisis came, his patriotism was intensely devel- oped. On the occurrence of the famous " tea-party," when the Bohea was cmptied into the harbor, the rising tide car- ried some of the herb ashore, and his daughter with some of her fair companions secured a quantity of the fragrant herb, which, when carried home as treasure trove, he re- quired her to carry her portion back and throw it where she had found it. Subsequently, during the contest, he was employed by the government in the manufacture of guns, ete. John J. Taylor was educated in the district school of his native town, and finished his studies by a two years' course in the Academy, at Lenox, Massachusetts. When twenty-two years of age, he went to Fayette county, Ken- tucky, where he was engaged in teaching for eight consec- utive years. At this time the " gold fever " broke out, and he was one of the many who emigrated to California, and engaged in mining. The then territory was in a semi- barbarous condition ; no law or order except what those in possession chose to observe. He was moderately successful in the mines, but returned to the States in a year, and nar- rowly escaped shipwreck off Cape Hatteras on the home voyage. About the year 1854 he engaged in farming oper- ations in Livingston county, Illinois. Previous to that period but little had been done in that section, and he may be said to have been one of the pioneer agriculturalists of the county. Ile was very successful, especially in growing wheat. He had been, since his return from California, oceupied in buying and selling Illinois lands, and at one time during his eareer was the owner of over ten thousand acres. Ilis great success in raising wheat attracted the attention of those seeking a home in the Great West, and induced a heavy emigration to the county. By his judicious investments, in that region, he realized very handsomely to improve his health by working on their farm during the summer, but continuing to preach on Sundays. In the fall of that year he was attacked with typhoid fever, which almost proved fatal. When he had entirely re- covered from this virulent attack he served as a supply on a eireuit, and, in 1356, joined the Iowa Conference. IIe still continued his studies in private under the guidance of the late Rev. Dr. Elliott, of the Iowa Wesleyan Uni- versity. He was successively stationed at Marshall, Fort Madison-passing two years additional as Chaplain of the State Prison-Washington, Mount Pleasant, and Bur- lington, remaining the full term allowed at each place, ex- cept Burlington, which he left at the close of his second year to accept a eall from the Park Avenue Church, Chi- eago. Those early years in Iowa were not free from hard work and saerifiee, for the salary during the first four years was but $300 per annum ; but they were rich in friendships formed, and rewarded with encouraging suecess. He passed three years in the pastorate of the Park Avenue Church, which included the year of the great fire ; at which time he pledged himself to share with his people whatever of trial or los; might befall them, and he left the ehureh in a flour- ishing condition. Ile was then appointed to the First Church, which at that time was holding its services in a wooden shanty at the corner of Clark and Harrison streets In the course of time the congregation moved into the lee- ture-room of the Methodist Block, and later into the large audience room. From a congregation of less than a hun- dred, the audience now ranges from five hundred to a thou- sand, the evening worshippers being among the finest in the city. IIe has been actively eonneeted with the Philosophi- eal Society from its beginning, and has been its President ciuring the past year. He is also a member of the Literary Club; has taken part in the Sunday lecture eourse, and has been one of the editors of the "Alliance." He was warmly mixed up in the temperanee excitement, taking very moder- ate grounds in the presence of the extreme aetions of others, for which, at the time, he was censured by some, but he has been justified by events. ITis eourse in reference to the Swing trial ereated not a little cxeitement, and ealled forth | upon his real estate operations. At the outbreak of the

Galaxy Pub, Co, Philadelphia.

A Gridley

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

rebellion he was quite extensively engaged at Springfield, Illinois, in purchasing and shipping grain to Southern ports, and much of his material wealth was lost by confiscation, and not only was he subjected to this heavy loss, but was mulcted in a large sum for storage, freights, etc. During the war, he had cl arge of the military stores at Springfield, Illinois. After the surrender of the rebel forces, and the consequent close of hostilities, he removed to Fairbury, in Livingston county, where he engaged in Banking and Real Estate, and still continues this business. He was promi- nent, among others, in securing the location of the Chicago and Paducah Railroad, so as to pass through Fairhury, and making that town a point on the line. He has proved him- self one of the most useful and influential citizens of his section of the State, and is among the foremost in all enter- prises to promote the interests of the community. Although not an active politician, he was urged to become a candi- date for State Senator, but declined the honor, as his private business would not permit acceptance. He was married in 1855 to H. Elizabeth, daughter of James Cary, of Bruns- wick, Maine, and has three children, two daughters and one son.

GRIDLEY, GENERAL ASAHEL, Lawyer and Bank President, was born, April 21st, 1810, at Cazenovia, Madison county, New York, and re- ceived his education at Pompey Academy, in the same State. When he had attained his majority he determined to remove to the West, and he reached Bloomington, Illinois, in October, 1831. Here he embarked in the mercantile business, carrying on a general country store, embracing dry-goods, groceries, hardware, drugs, medicines; in short, everything needed by civiliza- tion. ITis place of business was on the lot where the Mc- Lean County Bank now stands, and of which he is now President and sole proprietor. When he settled here four- teen families constituted the population of the town, which now numbers over 20,000 inhabitants, is the shire town of the county of McLean, and is, in many respects, an im- portant place. Shortly after he had located himself at this place the " Black Hawk War " broke out, when he, in con- nection with General M. I .. Covel, raised a cavalry com- pany in the county, of which he was made first lieutenant. Ile so distinguished himself for bravery and ability, that he was soon thereafter elected a Brigadier-General, a title which he has since borne. At the close of the war he re- turned to Bloomington, and resumed his merchandising operations. For several years he purchased his goods at St. Louis, making his trips to that city on horseback, a dis- tance of one hundred and fifty-six miles. Subsequently his principal purchases were made in New York and Philadel- phia. He continued in this business until 1838. During this period of seven years his customers extended over the

whole adjacent country, and it is not too much to say, that he was known by nearly every inhabitant in that section ; and that a very large share of goods disposed of in Central Illinois were sold over his counter. The ordinary mode of doing business at that time was on credit. Consequently, when the great financial crash of 1837 came, he was carried down, in common with almost every other business man of importance at that day who had done a credit business. So entirely prostrated was the business and credit of McLean county, that lands which had been selling for twenty dol- lars per acre could find no purchaser at ten dollars. The great question with him now was what to do to repair his fallen fortunes. Ile was advised by his friends to qualify himself for the practice of law, and this advice he followed. During his career as a lawyer he had few equals in the State, for he was distinguished for his rare abilities in all the points necessary to success. In 1840 the whole country was stirred up by the memorable Harrison campaign, the chief basis being the financial blunders of preceding admin- istrations. In this campaign he took a prominent part, and proved himself to be an able and telling workcr. His suc- cess in this direction aroused him to the consciousness of his new power. He was soon after elected to the Legisla- ture, and immediately took high rank among the members of the Lower Iousc, rendering efficient and important ser- vices to the State. Subsequently, in 1850, he was elected to the Senate for four years. It was during this period that grants of land were made by Congress to aid in the con- struction of what is now known as the Illinois Central Rail- way; and it was also at this time that the railroad since termed the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad was in process of construction. Through his skilful management and influence, both roads made Bloomington a point, which insured its future prosperity. This service alone would have entitled him in all coming time to the grateful remem- brances of his people. After serving his term of four years in the Senate, rendering to his constituents other important services, he returned to his home. In 1853 he entered upon the banking business. He organized the McLean County Bank-the first Bank established in Bloomington-in pur- suance of an Act of the Legislature, and became its Presi- dent. Ile soon absorbed its entire stock, having long since become its sole proprietor. For a long time this was the only Bank for a vast circuit of country, reaching over fifty miles in nearly all directions ; and it is fair to assume that a large share of the ample fortune accumulated by him results from this operation. In 1857, the Bloomington Gas Light Company having proved unsuccessful, he became interested in the enterprise, infusing new vigor into the almost pros- trate corporation, and by his efforts in its behalf he suc- ceeded in restoring it to more than its pristine vigor. Soon after coming into possession as sole owner, he erected new, costly, massive and thoroughly appointed works, and they proved an entire success, both practically and finan- cially. In all enterprises looking to the benefit of the people

BIOGRAPHIICAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA.

he has ever been foremost, and a very important part of the history of McLean county consists in the recital of his actions.

early day in Illinois, caused principally by the slavery question thus soon introduced in the affairs of the State. To a man of strong convictions, such as Edward Coles had demonstrated himself to be possessed of, there was no mid- dle course nor temporizing. IIe stood firm to his principles, and his election was consequently a great triumph of right. It was during his administration that the Marquis de Lafay- ette visited this country and also the State of Illinois, where he was entertained by Governor Colcs.

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The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 2

Author: Robson, Charles, ed Publication date: 1875 Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy Number of Pages: 770

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770