The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 72

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

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remembered that Governor Bissell, in the short period of sixteen years, became distinguished in a profession he did not choose until after reaching the age of thirty, and alike distinguished himself as a soldier, an accomplished orator, and as the standard-bearer of a new party, his life may be considered a brilliant success. On March 18th, 1865, he died, at the early age of forty-eight, having ten months longer to serve as Governor. Bissell was the only execu- tive of the State who died in that office. Ile was twice married ; the first time to Miss James, of Monroe county, by whom he had two children. She died soon after 1840. His second wife was a daughter of Elias K. Kane, formerly United States Senator from this State. She survived him a short time and died without issue.

[ proposition from these gentlemen to become a member of their firm, and was admitted, the partnership name being changed to Williams, Woodbridge & Grant. The firm re- mained thus constituted until 1863, when Mr. Williams was elected Judge of the Circuit Court. The business was then con- tinued as Woodbridge & Grant, and remained as such until 1867. From this date until 1871 Mr. Grant practised alone. He then associated with Mr. Swift, under the firm-name of Grant & Swift, and this copartnership still continues. Their practice is a very large and lucrative one, real estate trans- actions and chancery cases forming no inconsiderable part of it. Mr. Grant is one of the ablest lawyers at the bar, ranking high by reason of his brilliant talent as an advocate and advising counsel, and for his attractive qualities in social life. He is conscientious in the discharge of his duties, never undertaking a disreputable case, and at all times dis- countenancing needless litigation. Ile is a gentleman of scholarly tastes, and as brilliant a conversationalist as a coun- sellor. He is attorney for the National Bank of Illinois, the State Savings Institution, and a number of other prom- inent business and banking institutions. Ile is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. In 1861 he was married to Jennie A. McCallen of Chicago. He takes a deep inter- est in local and national affairs; is a member of the Re- publican party, and though he has been urged to do so, 1.as never accepted public office.

GRANT, WILLIAM CUTTING, Lawyer, was born, October 8th, 1829, in Lynn, New Hamp- shire, his parents being Peter and Dolly ( Ware) Grant. The former, a farmer by occupation, was a descendant of Matthias Grant, one of the orig- inal settlers of Dorchester, Massachusetts. His wife was a native of Thetford, Vermont. When six years of age William C. lost his father. Shortly after this event he entered the public schools, which he attended until his twelfth year, when his mother married Raymond Hall, and removed to Chelsea, Vermont. Here he was placed in the Iligh School, which he attended until his sixteenth year, and had made such rare progress in his studies that at that "HOISSER, EDMUND D., M. D., was born in Gallatin county, Illinois, June 5th, 1824. His father, of French parentage, was born in Kas- kaskia, Illinois, and was the first male child of white parents born in the State ; he was engaged for many years in manufacturing salt in this sec- tion. Edmund D. acquired his education in the common schools in the neighborhood of his home, and upon relin- quishing his preliminary studies entered the service of the United States, and enlisted in the 3d Illinois Infantry, a body raised and organized to take part in the Mexican war. Ile was present at the taking of Vera Cruz; at Cerro Gordo ; and took part in the action at the " Broken-down Bridge." Upon the expiration of the term of service for which he had enlisted he returned home, and began the study of medicine under the instructions of Dr. Wilkey, who is the oldest citizen of Jefferson county. After studying for a period of two years he commenced the practice of his profession in connection with his former preceptor. During the ensuing three years he turned his attention to farming, moving later to Knob Prairie, where he engaged in the drug business. Meeting with success there, he made that place his home for over four years. He then purchased a farm, and resumed his practice, at which he continued until the breaking out of the Rebellion. At this date he raised and organized a early age he had fitted nimself for teaching, which he im- mediately commenced. In the following year he com- menced his preparations for a collegiate career at Thetford Academy, where he remained until 1847, passing his win- ters in teaching. He then entered upon the full course in Dartmouth College, and after three years of conscientious attention to its various branches, graduated with the class of 1851, among whose members were E. W. Nillan, ex- member of Congress; E. A. Rollins, late Commissioner of Internal Revenue ; Charles Wetchcap, Daniel L. Shorey, Frank Clark, of Waukegan, Enoch Hosk, and other gentle- men who have since attained prominence in civil life. After graduating Mr. Grant accepted the Principalship of the An- dover Academy for one year. In 1852 he became Principal of the Howe School, Andover, filling that position until 1855, having commenced during this period to read law. Upon severing his connection with this institution he en- tered the law office of Hon. W. B. Hebard, of Chelsea, Ver- mont, where he remained until 1856, when he passed an examination and was admitted to the bar. Ile subsequently attended the Daw Law School of Harvard College until the spring of 1857. when he removed to Chicago, and entered the office of Williams & Woodbridge. After a short en- gagement with this firm he opened an office and entered at once upon the practice of huis profession. He accepted a company of soldiers, and was chosen to fill the position of

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First Lieutenant, in which capacity he served creditably | and it was not till 1847 that any attempt was made to call until, after fourteen months of service, he was compelled on account of increasing enfeeblement of health to resign. On returning home he was appointed as a recruiting officer, and as such did service until the close of the war. He then resumed his practice, and at the same time engaged in mill- ing operations, having become the owner of a fine steam- mill. In 1872 he removed to Eldorado, where he has since permanently resided, constantly occupied in attending to the numerous duties connected with a large and remunerative practice. Ile was married in 1847 to Melvina Wilkey, of Jefferson county, Illinois, who died January 14th, 1860. Ile was again married in 1867 to Mary L. Drexler, of St. Louis.

CAMMON, JONATHAN YOUNG, Lawyer, was born in Whitefield, Lincoln county, Maine, in the year 1812. He is well descended from the families of both parents. His father was Ilon. Eliakim Scammon, a man of ability and integrity, who for many years represented the town of Pittston in the House of Representatives, and Kennebec county in the Senate in the Maine Legislature. His mother was a daughter of David Young, a pioneer who represented his district in the General Court of Massachusetts, and was also a Revo- lutionary hero. Mr. Scammon received his early education at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, the Lincoln Academy, and Waterville College, by the last of which institutions the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him. IIe read law in Hallowell, Maine, and, having been admitted to the bar of Kennebec county, travelled westward; reach- ing Chicago in September, 1835; coming from Schenec- tady to Oswego by canal-boat, and thence by steamer to Chicago, as there were no railways west of Schenectady at that time. There was then no available harbor at Chicago; vessels anchored off the shore, and passengers were landed from small boats. The place then numbered about 1500 inhabitants, though claimed to have 3000. It was low, flat, and much of it little better than a marsh. Yet Mr. Scam- mon, with other settlers, saw in its geographical position promise of future greatness, and abandoned his intention of journeying farther, and located here, accepting the position of assistant to Colonel R. J. Hamilton, Clerk of the Courts of Cook County, and subsequently became his deputy, with privilege of the office, and slept there at night : the old story of youth and energy against the odds of life. At the end of a year he had secured sufficient legal practice to warrant the abandonment of his deputyship, and he formed a law partnership with Hon. B. S. Morris. This continued eighteen months; and a year later he entered into a like partnership with Hon. N. B. Judd, which extended to 1847. The Galena & Chicago Railway had been chartered in 1836, but the disasters of 1837, which brought general com- mercial distress upon the country, suspended this enterprise,

it again into life. Messrs. William B. Ogden, Scanimion and other gentlemen of Chicago, then made the attempt ; and to the exertions of Mr. Scammon and Mr. Ogden, more than to any other person, is due the credit of building the Galena Railroad, which was the first really successful rail- road enterprise in the State, and the father of railway enter- prises in Illinois and the country west and northwest of Chicago. It required no small amount of zeal, energy and courage at that time to take hold of such an enterprise. Messrs. Scammon and Ogden travelled over the entire dis- tance from Chicago to Galena, addressing the people in every town, village and hamlet ; urging every one who was above want to further the enterprise by subscribing to the stock of the road. The extent of their exertions is illus- trated by the fact that there were 1800 subscribers to the work, who held only one share each ; and no one subscribed for more than $5000. There was little capital or credit in northern Illinois. Mr. Scammon exerted himself to the ut- most to further this great public work, upon whose comple- tion the growth and prosperity of Chicago and the country west of it greatly depended ; and so determined and per- sistent was he in his endeavors that subsequently, when most of the directors came to the conclusion that means could not be obtained for continuing the work, and that it must be abandoned, he so stoutly resisted this conclusion that the whole enterprise was confided to him, with carte blanche authority ; and the enterprise was saved from failure by money obtained by him for the use of the road upon his private responsibility, when the company could obtain none upon its own credit. In 1837 Mr. Scammon was appointed attorney of the State Bank of Illinois; and in 1839 reporter of the Supreme Court of the State, which latter position he held until 1845. To him, as much as to any one man in the city, Chicago owes her present admirable system of pub- lic schools. He influenced legislation in favor of free schools, and prepared the original laws and ordinances un- der which the successful public school system of Chicago was established. He was made Inspector and President of the School Board, and continued his services therein until the system was well established. One of the schools of the city bears his name. In 1849 he was elected Presi- dent of the Chicago Marine & Fire Insurance Company, an institution chartered with banking privileges in 1836. And since that time, until very recently, he has been engaged in banking business, personally superintending the affairs of the Marine Company, and later those of the Mechanics' Na- tional Bank, which grew out of a private banking business established by himself in 1861. IIe went to Europe in 1857, and when he returned in 1860 learned that the entire capital of the Marine Company had been squandered by its responsible officers. He at once resumed its management, in the endeavor to arrest still further disasters ; but just then the Rebellion broke out, and the Southern stocks, upon which the circulation of the Illinois banks was based, be-

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coming nearly worthless, the whole banking system of the | fire of July, 1874, and in both instances his premises were State went down. Mr. Scammon worked away resolutely, the last ones burned, while adjoining buildings, that were not so well protected, escaped unharmed. Ile is now quietly engaged in the settlement of his affairs, and in the practice of his profession as a lawyer in Chicago. Many of the pub- lic institutions of the city owe their origin to him. He was one of the founders of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and of the Chicago Astronomical Society. He was the first of the Swedenborgians or New Churchmen in Chicago, and one of the original founders of the Illinois Association of that church. He organized the Church of the New Jeru- salem in Chicago. Ile was the first layman of prominence to favor the practice of homoeopathy in Chicago, and built and conveyed free to the Hahnemann Homeopathie Society a commodious and elegant hospital. The Dearborn tower of the edifice of the Chicago University, in which is placed the largest refracting telescope in the world, was built at his expense, and the salary of its director paid by him till the great fire of 1871. On his return from Europe in 1860 he was elected one of the trustees of the university, and has been for many years Vice-President of its Board of Trustecs, and the acting President of the same. As a lawyer, a banker and an editor he has achieved distinguished success, and is a man of large literary and general culture. His private character has been one of moral and religious worth. Mr. Scammon is an industrious, energetic man, of robust constitution, and vigorously employing the powers which have in times past reaped wealth for him ; and there is still prospect before him of years of honor, usefulness and fortune. lle bears on his shield the words, Confide in Domino. dealing equally and fairly by all his customers, and in a short time had paid off the indebtedness of the institution which had been thus robbed and ruined. He restored capital and credit to the company, and under his manage- ment his institutions continued to enjoy the public confi- dence, and to transact a large business, until the losses by the great fire and the panic of 1873 rendered it expedient to wind them up. Ile was always opposed to illegal and de- preciated currency of the " wild-cat " order. The acts of the Legislature which drove illegal currency from the State were written by him, and passed through his exertions. As a member of the Legislature of 1861 he obtained further stringent legislation on the subject of banking. At the time of the great fire he occupied an enviable position. He had won celebrity as a lawyer, and unlimited credit in business as a banker, and had beeome possessed of a vast fortunc. But the terrible fire swept away his banks, warehouses, stores and residence ; fully half a million dollars worth of property. In less than a week he had improvised a building on the site of his late residence and resumed his banking business. He was confident the city would be rebuilt and the old landmarks restored. In fifteen months from the time of the fire he had expended over a million dollars in rebuilding stores, warehouses, etc. Ile not only shouldered this enormous work, but he also assisted others to a large extent in their efforts to rebuild. Just in the midst of these gigantic undertakings occurred the defection of the Chicago Tribune from the cause of the Republican party, leaving that party without a representative morning paper in the city. Through all his eventful professional and business career he had never failed to take a deep and active interest in national politics, and had aided materially in establishing RAWFORD, WILLIAM HENDERSON, Attor- ney-at-Law, was born in Shawneetown, Gallatin county, Illinois, May 7th, 1827. Hle is of Scotch- Irish descent. His great-grandfather fought in the Revolutionary war, and held the rank of cap- tain in the patriot forces. His grandfather was Judge I. II. Crawford, a distinguished citizen of Ohio. Ilis father dying while still a young man left him an orphan at three and a half years of age. He was educated at the Gallatin Academy, in Equality, Gallatin county. On leav- ing school he engaged for a few years in the saddlery and harness business, pursuing during this time a course of legal studies. He had in fact, however, been, in a sense, a law student since his fourteenth year, having always felt a strong inclination to embrace the legal profession. In IS52 he was appointed Postmaster at Equality, and filled that office until January, 1857. In the meantime he was engaged also in merchandising, and officiated as Cashier of the National Bank of Equality, a State institution. In 1858 he was licensed, and then began the practice of his profession in Gallatin county, where he has since been constantly and- successfully occupied. In 1861 he was again appointed both of the Republican newspapers in Chicago. In view of this defection and the approaching Presidential campaign, he decided to found a large first-class metropolitan news- paper, that should be a powerful representative and advo- cate of the principles of the Republican party. He accord- ingly constructed a building in the rear of his residence, put in the necessary fixtures, engaged his editorial corps, and on March 25th, 1872, issued the first number of the Inter-Ocean. This paper proved a success, and now has a larger weekly circulation than any other political paper west of the Alleghanies. The paper, outgrowing its limited ac- eommodations, was removed to its present commodious quarters, Lake street. It remains to be said that, after the splendid success of a lifetime, Mr. Scammon has become seriously involved, in consequence of his great losses by fires, his immense expenditures in rebuilding, and the loans and assistance he rendered others who were rebuilding. He has suffered from four considerable conflagrations within the last four years ; and, what is remarkable, his fine resi- dence and surrounding buildings have been twice swept away ; first in the great fire of 1871, and again in the great

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Postmaster, and continued to serve in this capacity until [ now ordered to Natchez, where he became Brigade Surgeon 1867, when he was removed by President Johnson. He has always taken an active part in politics, and has led his party as its most influential member in this section of Illi- nois. Throughout his life he has been an acute and diligent student, and much of his time, where his business permitted the diversion, has been devoted to the study of the sciences. He has always striven to promote the welfare of his native place, both in and out of office. He is unmarried, and his life, which has been a successful though quiet one, has been spent largely among his books, which form a collection at once select and valuable.

HEANEY, SAMUEL L., M. D., Physician, was born in Henderson, Kentucky, on January 25th, 1835. Ilis father was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky when but a boy with his parents, who engaged in farming. When grown to manhood he married Miss Hazlewood, the mother of the subject of this sketch, who was the oldest child. Until Samuel arrived at the age of seventeen he attended school in Henderson, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. Kimbly, of Owensboro, with whom he studied two years, when he entered the Medical Department of the Louisville University, and after attending two courses of lectures graduated in 1858. He then moved to Illinois, and settled in Saline county, where he engaged in the prac- tice of his profession, continuing its prosecution until 1861. Ile then entercd the army as a private in the 3d Illinois Cavalry. Immediately after he had entered the service he presented himself before the Medical Examining Board of the State and passed an examination, receiving a certificate of grade of merit No. I. Ile then left Camp Butler with his regiment, and marched with General Curtis through Missouri into Arkansas. While at Cross Hollows, Arkansas, he received an appointment as Assistant Surgeon of the 29th Illinois, which regiment was stationed in Tennessee. Joining them he was there but one week when the regiment marched to Pittsburgh Landing, where they encamped until the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, in which the regiment took part and Surgeon Cheaney was on the field all through the fight, which lasted two days. After the battle he was attached to the Field Hospital until all the sick and wounded had been cared for, when he rejoined his regiment, with which he remained in the capacity of Surgeon until the battle of Corinth. After the evacuation of Corinth he marched with his regiment to Jackson, Tennessee, where he was promoted to the rank of Surgeon. While there he married Miss B. V. McCreed, of that place. Ile was then trans- ferred to the hospital at Memphis, where he had charge of the Officers' Hospital for twelve months. At this time he was ordered to Vicksburg, Mississippi, to join his regiment, where he remained until the spring of 1864. They were

on the staff of General B. C. Farrow. He continued in that position until the October following, when they were ordered to join the command of General Canby, stationed near New Orleans. Here they stayed until February, 1865, when they were stationed at Dauphin's Island, where he was placed in charge of the Division Hospital, which posi- tion he filled until the capture of Mobile. He was then ordered by General Granger to establish an Officers' Hos- pital in that city, which he did, and had charge until July, when his command sailed for Galveston. There he was ordered to establish a Post Hospital, and had charge of it until he was mustered out of the service in October, 1865. He then returned home to Harrisburg and resumed the practice of his profession. There he has been ever since. His practice, which is a laborious one, is very large. As a physician and surgeon he stands at the head of his profession. His reputation is not confined to Saline county, but extends far beyond it, and everywhere he is known as a professional man of unblemished character.

ROSS, FREDOLIN, President of the Alexander County Bank and Judge of the County Court, Cairo, Ilinois, was born at Achern, Baden, Ger- many, on May 22d, IS35. His parents were born in Baden, and lived there until their death. IIe attended the German public schools until the age of fourteen, and then studied at the architectural schools for a number of years. At a fitting age he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, and having learned the trade he worked at it until 1853. In that year he emigrated to this country, settling in Yazoo City, Mississippi. There he resumed his trade. Thence he moved to Greenwood, in the same State, and in company with his brother engaged on their own ac- count in business, which they extended into a manufactory in a few years. After building up a fine trade they lost con- siderable in cotton speculations. Selling out his interest to his brother, Mr. Bross, intending to locate in Missouri, started by way of Cairo. Reaching that city he determincd to make the place his home, and so it has been ever since. In Cairo he engaged in the hotel and also in the wine busi- ness. He imported foreign wines largely and dealt in native wines. In this avocation he continued until 1864. In that year he abandoned it, being elected Police Magis- trate. To this office he was again and again re-elected. In IS69 he was chosen County Judge, and in 1873 he was re- turned to that office. He now holds both positions. For many years he has been engaged in the foreign collection and exchange business, and as agent for European claim- ants. In August, 1875, he was elected President of the Alexander County Bank, after the withdrawal of Messrs. Lewis and Canedy. In politics he has been the supporter

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of the Democratic party from the beginning of his American life, and continues its firm supporter now. Judge Bross has always been an active business man, and it is to his energy, determination and fine mercantile qualifications that his success is due. IIc was married in 1854 to Miss Fisher, a native of Germany, but at the time a resident of Yazoo City.

OBINSON, JOHN M., United States Senator from 1830 to 1841, was a Kentuckian by birth, re- ceived a liberal education and was a lawyer by profession. While still a young man he moved to Illinois and settled at Carmi, where he married and continued to make his home. He was tall and erect in stature, well proportioned, of light complexion, with a large head, pleasing countenance and winning ad- dress-a fine specimen of manly beauty. He was known as General Robinson, which title was derived from a con- nection with the militia organization of the State. In December, 1830, he was elected to the United States Senate, to fill the unexpired term of John McLean. In 1834 he was re-elected on the first ballot for a full term, which expired March 3d, 1841. In 1843 he was elected one of the Supreme Judges, but within two months after, on the 27th of April, he died, at Ottawa, away from home, whither his remains were taken.

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The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 72

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