The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 74

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

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In politics he has always been a supporter of the Republican party, and as such was elected to the Legislature from the Forty-seventh Legislative District in the fall of 1874. In September, 1875, he was sent to Europe on business for the Treasury Department.

OUNG, RICHARD M., United States Senator from IS37 to IS43, was a Kentuckian by birth; of spare build, rather tall, well educated, and a lawyer by profession. Ile was gifted with fine colloquial powers, and his intercourse with men was managed with urbanity, smoothness, and charming address. In 1824 he was elected by the Legisla- ture one of the five Circuit Judges, and was assigned to the Second Circuit. In IS29 he was a Presidential Elector. In 1836 he was elected a United States Senator for the full term, from March 4th, 1837, to March 4th, 1843. In IS39 he was appointed by Governor Carlin one of the State agents to negotiate the $4,000,000 Canal Loan. In 1842, before his Senatorial term expired, he was made a Supreme Judge, a position which he filled until 1847. In IS50 and IS51 he was Clerk of the United States House of Repre- sentatives, and died in Washington City.

OWE, ALEXANDER K., Merchant, and Mayor of Shawncetown, Illinois, was born in Washing- ton county, Maryland, on September 20th, IS20. Ilis father, George Lowe, was born in Maryland, of English parentage ; he was engaged in farm- ing in his native State, and died in IS26. His mother was also a native of Maryland. Alexander was educated in the common schools of Washington county. On leaving school he was occupied as a clerk in a store for ten years, when he moved to Shawneetown, Illinois, where he was similarly employed with Alexander Kirkpatrick for ten years, and then engaged in wharf-boating until 1862. During this time he amassed considerable money, with which he purchased an interest in the establishment of Peeples & Ridgway, and this business was then conducted under the firm-name of Lowe, Wakeford & Co. In two years Mr. Lowe bought out his partners, and since that time has con- ducted the business on his own account. His career has been a very successful one, and his establishment is the largest in Shawneetown. During all the years he has been engaged in Shawneetown his record has been that of an honorable and upright man. That he enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizens is proved by the honors conferred upon him. He was Councilman for several terms; in IS74 he was clected Mayor, and in 1875 was re-elected. He is a stockholder of the Evansville & Memphis Packet Company. In 1849 he was married to C. J. Happy, of Shawneetown, Illinois.

AKER, DAVID JEWETT, United States Senator for one month, was born in Connecticut in 1792, and after receiving a collegiate education, and studying law, he, in 1819, with his young bride, removed to Illinois, and located at Kaskaskia. He was a studious, painstaking lawyer, and attained a standing with the ablest of the Illinois bar. He was long Probate Judge of Randolph county. He eschewed politics, except in 1824, when he actively, both with pen and tongue, opposed the introduction of slavery into Illinois. For his warm utterances the then Chief-Justice of the State, Thomas Reynolds, afterward Governor of Missouri, at- tacked him with a bludgeon in the streets of Kaskaskia. In November, 1830, he was appointed by Governor Edwards to fill the unexpired term of John McLean, but remained in that position but one month, the Legislature failing to confirm his appointment, and electing in his stead John M. Robinson. During his short stay in Congress he originated the measure for disposing of the government lands in tracts of forty acres, which facilitated the settlement of the State, the law up to that time not permitting the entry of less than one hundred and sixty acres. In IS33 he was appointed by General Jackson United States Attorney for Illinois, and in 1837 he was reappointed by Van Buren. In 1840 he united with the Whig party. In IS48 he was defeated for Supreme Judge by Mr. Trumbull in the Third Grand Division. In 1854 he helped to organize the Republican party. Ile died at Alton, August 10th, 1869.

ILAIRE, PIERRE A., Physician, was born in New York city, November 24th, 1815. Ilis ancestors were flugucnots, who settled in Westchester county, New York, about the year 1730. At an early age his parents removed to New Jersey, in the vicinity of Long Branch. Here he was instructed in the elementary branches of edu- cation by a private tutor until seventeen years of age, when he went to New York city, and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Stephen C. Roe, Surgeon of Bellevue Hospital. With this preceptor he remained six months, and during that time supported himself upon sixpence a day. He then entered the drug store of J. B. Stanbery as assistant, continuing his studies in the meantime with Dr. Roe. When he had been with Mr. Stanbery a short time he purchased an interest in the business on credit, but Mr. Stanbery soon after sold out his interest to a Mr. Cooper. With the new-comer he continued the business with fair success until he left New York in 1838. He attended the lectures given by the faculty of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, for nearly six years, and graduated in the spring of 1838. Ile was one year an assistant physician in Bellevue Hospital. In the fall of IS38 he removed to Kendall county, Illinois, and took the practice of Dr ..

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Wheeler, of Bristol, while that gentleman went East on a visit. This he carried on successfully until spring, and then took the practice of Dr. Kendall, of Lisbon, during a temporary absence. He remained there until the fall of 1839, when he removed to Aurora, and opened an office on the west side. Here his skill as a physician and surgeon soon became widely known, and his practice increased rapidly. In 1840 he married Harriet Bowen, and lived with her until 1858, but the marriage was not a happy one, and at that time they were divorced, she taking their two children with her. In 1860 he was married to Mrs. Catherine (Gates) Fuller. IIe has been an active promoter of school affairs, as well as other enterprises of public interest, and was School Direetor about ten years. In 1862 he was elected Alderman and served in that capacity four years. He has been City Physician of Aurora several times, and in many other ways has been elosely identified with the early history of Aurora. As a physician he is one of the most suceessful in the Northwest, and having a natural apti- tude for his profession has been able to meet the most complicated eases with that coolness of exterior which but few men possess. His present practice is quite extensive, and though he is somewhat advanced in years he still retains a large share of his former vivaeity, and in all kinds of weather may be seen on his regular visits to his patients.

OYD, THOMAS A., Lawyer, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1830. IIe is the son of John Boyd and Catherine (Catron) Boyd. He was edueated primarily at the Marshall College, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, graduating from that institution in 1848. He then moved to the South, and engaged in teaching sehool in North Carolina. In 1852 he returned to Pennsylvania, and entered the law office of McClanahan & Riley, practitioners, of Chambers- burg, and was admitted to the bar in 1853. He subse- quently commenced the active practice of his profession in Bedford, Pennsylvania, associating himself with Hon. Samuel M. Russell, then member of Congress from that dis- trict. In 1856 he decided to come West, and located himself at Galesburg, Illinois, where he remained for two years. In 1858 he removed to Lewistown, Fulton county, where, with the exception of the time passed in the army, he has sinee been engaged in practice. In 1861 he entered the service of the United States as Captain of Company H of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, and acted in that capacity until 1863, at which date he was discharged. During the ensuing period until 1865 he was engaged in the Treasury Department at Washington, District of Columbia, whence he returned at the latter date to resume his profession at Lewistown. In the fall of 1866 he was elected on the Republican tieket to the Illinois Senate, representing the countics of Fulton, Mason, and Knox.

ITis term expiring in 1870, he was then re-elected for an additional term of two years. During the first Senatorial term he served on the Judiciary Committee, and was Chair- man of the Committee on Municipal Affairs. In the last term also he was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He has been a candidate for Congressman at large, and also for Lieutenant-Governor of the State. He was married in 1863 to Laura James, a former resident of Washington, District of Columbia.

EBSTER, JOHN R., M. D., was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 18th, 1835. His father, Samuel Webster, a physician, removed to the Northwest, establishing himself in Monmouth, Illinois, where he practised until his decease, in 1858. His mother was Deborah (Kirk ) Webster. He was educated primarily in an academy located in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and commenced the study of medicine under the instructions of Dr. D. B. Riee, at Monmouth, Illinois. He matriculated at the Rush Medical College, and graduated from that institution in IS58. He commenced the practice of his profession in Monmouth, wherc, with a single exception, he has since been actively and successfully employed. The exception, a sojourn dur- ing the winter of 1864 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was due to his desire to attend a course at the Jefferson Medical College, from which institution he subsequently took a de- gree. In 1865 he associated with him in practice Dr. L. K. Crawford, a partnership that still continues. He is a member of the American Medical Association, of the Illinois State Medical Association, and also of the Military Tract Medical Association. He was married in 1859 to S. J. Nye, of Illinois.

ICKLIN, ORLANDO B., Lawyer, was born in Kentucky, December 16th, 1808, being the son of William and Elizabeth Kenner (Williams) Fick- lin, both Virginians. ITis early education was obtained in a number of academic institutions in Kentucky and Missouri, and in 1828 he com- menccd the study of law with Henry Shurlds, of Potosi, Missouri, who subsequently became Judge of that eireuit. In March, 1830, he was admitted to the bar, and locating at Mount Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois, began practice. For seven years he continued it here with the most encour- aging success, and during this period, in 1834, was elected to the lower House of the State Legislature, which at that time embraced among its prominent members Abraham Lincoln, J. T. Stuart, Jesse K. Dubois, and others, who have since been eonspieuous in the politieal affairs of that State and of the nation. In the winter of 1834-35 he was chosen by the Legislature State's Attorney for the Wabash district. In 1837 he removed to Charleston, the county

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seat of Coles county, where he has since resided. In IS38 | State Senate for a term of four years, on the independent he was again elected to the lower House of the Legislature, ticket, having distanced two other competitors by very large majoritics. Prior to his entry into public life in 1864, he met with heavy pecuniary losses, owing to various specula- tions in which he was engaged. But his losses, amounting to a quarter of a million of dollars, far from forcing him to succumb, or give way to a discouragement and depression only natural under such circumstances, reinvigorated his energics, and endowed him with fresh vigor and enterprisc. Resuming his business operations, he paid every creditor in full, and within a remarkably short space of time retrieved his fortunc. Others around him who also were unsuccess- ful took advantage of the bankrupt law, but his rigid and scrupulous honesty urged him to take the nobler road, and the cnd showed the wisdom of his conduct. He was mar- ried in 1850 to Mary Ann Choisser, of Saline county, ly whom he has had nine children, scven of whom are boys, all living near the paternal home. and re-elected in 1842. In 1843 he was elected to Congress from what was then called the Wabash district, and among his colleagues in that body were Stephen A. Douglas, General John A. McClernand, and John Wentworth. In 1844 he was re-clected as Congressional Representative, and again ir 1846. Upon the expiration of the latter term he returned to his professional duties, and gave them his ex- clusive attention until 1850, when again becoming a candi- date he was re-elected to Congress. This term expired in March, 1853, and from that time to this his attention has been almost wholly given to his practicc, which is now very extensive. He was a member of the Democratic Conven- tion which nominated Buchanan for the Presidency at Cincinnati in 1856, and was also a member of the Demo- cratic Convention held at Charleston in 1860, being present at the time of the secession of the Southern members. In each of these bodies he represented Illinois on the Com- mittce on Resolutions. He belongs to the old school of Democrats. In 1861 he was a delegate to the State Consti- tutional Convention. He is an ably read lawyer, and has always evinced his readiness and willingness to aid young men struggling for a legal education against adverse circum- stances, and exerts himself to render them able and honor- able members of the profession. He was married in 1846 to Elizabeth II., daughter of Hon. Walter T. Colquitt, United States Senator, of Georgia, and she is still living.

ARISH, . IION. WILLIAM H., Lawyer, Senator from the Forty-seventh District of Illinois, was born at Georgetown, Illinois, in 182S. His father was one of the early pioneers and settlers of the State, and engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits, in which he still continues at the ad- vanced age of eighty years. His success has been unusual, while his possessions in landed estate are of great extent and value. William H. acquired his earlier education principally at the Danville High School. On leaving it he began the study of law, being employed at the same time in the office of the county clerk. At the expiration of two years he was licensed to practise, and removing to Benton, where he remained during the ensuing year, was soon im- mersed in professional duties. The new county of Saline having been created, and Raleigh made the county-seat, he removed to that town, and has ever since continued to make Saline county his permanent place of residence. Here he rapidly won attention through his talents and scholarly acquirements, taking from the first a leading place among the more prominent lawyers of the county. During the past ten years he has interested himself also in farming, his grounds and appurtenances being among the finest in this portion of the State. In 1874 he was elected to the from McKendree College, and also that he was the success-

HOISSER, WILLIAM V., Attorney-at-Law, was born in IHamilton county, Illinois, August 28th, IS4S. His father, Dr. Edmond Choisser, is a native of this State, but of French descent, and was the first male child, of white parents, born in Illinois. He is a practitioner of long standing in his profession, and is widely known as a skilful and suc- cessful physician. William V. attended the Southern Illi- nois College, at Carbondale, whence he entered the Ewing College, in Franklin county, graduating eventually from the McKendree College at Lebanon, Illinois. When in his fourteenth year hc entered the service of the United States, enlisting as a drummer-boy, and served throughout the war. Ile was one of the youngest boys in the army, participated in nearly all the western battles, and marched with Sherman to the sea. During the closing two years of the rebellion he was detailed as Orderly to General Vandeveer, and after the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, was promoted to the position of Sergeant of Orderlies, as a reward for his tact and bravery in carrying orders through the lines. When discharged he was but seventeen years of age. He then resumed his studies, applying himself to them diligently until the completion of his education. While at college he attended a course of law lectures, and in addition to his general studies also paid careful attention to those relating to the legal profession. After graduating he continued the study of the law under the instructions of Hon. W. H. Parish, and, upon being admitted to the bar, became asso- ciated in partnership with his former preceptor. The busi- ness of this firm is extensive and lucrative, while its mem- bers enjoy a high reputation for ability and probity. It is worthy of mention that he graduated with the highest stand- ing in his studies of any student who has ever gone out

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ful competitor for the annual prize for the best essay. In among them. He thereupon returned to Chicago, where politics he is allied with the Democratic party, and is an active supporter of its interests. He is a ready and forcible speaker.

OWLER, EDWIN S., M. D., was born in Bealls- ville, Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 16th, 1828. His father, Dr. Thomas H. Fowler, was an old and widely-known practitioner in that vicinity for forty years, who, in 1855, removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he died in 1861. IIis mother was a daughter of Dr. Thomas Burrill of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. E. S. Fowler graduated at the Univer- sity of New York (Mott) in 1851, and in IS55 removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he associated with Dr. R. S. Lord, and practised his profession until 1867. During that period he did an extensive practice, devoting himself largely to surgery. In that year he retired from practice. He was married in 1855 to Sophie Marvin, daughter of John Marvin, of Waterford, Erie county, Pennsylvania.

ORCOM, FREDERICK BEASLEY, Physician, was born April 14th, 1830. IIis father, Frederick Norcom, was a native of Edenton, Chowan county, North Carolina, and was born in IS04. He gradu- ated from West Point in 1825, and was stationed at Governor's Island, New York harbor, April 14th, 1830, the day of his son's birth. ITis wife was Maria, youngest daughter of Dr. Edward Beasley, of Edenton, a physician of high repute in his day. Frederick B. was educated at the University of St. Louis, where he re- mained until 1846, when he went abroad for one year. In 1848 he entered the University of New York, and in the following year the University of Virginia, where he finished his collegiate course. He then entered vigorously upon the study of medicine proper, having already attained profi- ciency in many of the collateral sciences, such as chemistry, botany, zoology, physics, etc. He began his studies in 1851 under Professors J. F. Metcalf, William A. Van Buren, and the late Charles Isaacs, of New York, in the medical department of the University of New York, from which he graduated in the spring of 1854, and in the autumn of the same year entercd Bellevue Hospital. He left this institu- tion in the fall of 1855, settling in Chicago, where he mar- ried Mary Alice Mosher in 1858. After his marriage he went to Louisiana to practise on the coast above New Or- leans, among the sugar planters. He was forced to leave in 1863 by order of the commanding general of the Depart- ment of the Gulf, and became Surgeon in the Confederate army. Upon the conclusion of the war he returned to his old clients on the coast, but found them bereft of their slave property, and destitute, and unable to support a physician

he has been in active practice since 1867, having so large a patronage that two offices were established in the city by him to meet its demands. He is a member of the Medical Historical Society, is the oldest physician to St. Joseph's Hospital, and the sole medical attendant at St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. He has acquired the reputation of exer- cising the greatest care and nicest professional skill in the management of cases, and has secured popular esteem by the display of qualities which have made him, in social and public life, a valued citizen.

ENRY, MILES SMITH, Lawyer, was born in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, March Ist, ISI5. Ilis parents were Charles W. Henry, a merchant of New York, and Penelope (Potter) IIenry, of Providence, Rhode Island. He was educated at the Canandaigua Academy, and also at the Geneva College, both establishments being located in his native State. Deciding to embrace the legal profession, he commenced the study of law in Canandaigua under the supervision and able guidance of John C. Spencer, and was subsequently examined in New York, but, though awarded a certificate of competency, could not, being under the re- quired age, be admitted to the bar. Deeming a knowledge of medicine and anatomy essential to the intelligent practice of law, he pursued a course of study in that science. In 1834 he moved to Chicago, Illinois, and thence to Laporte county, Indiana, where he remained for a period of about nine years, until 1843, engaged during that time with his father in farming and agricultural pursuits and also in real estate operations. In 1842 he was admitted to the bar in Indiana, and there practised his profession for one year. In IS43 he moved to Platte City, Missouri, and was pro- fessionally occupied in that place until the spring of 1844, when he removed to Sterling, Illinois, resting for a brief period en route at Macomb, Illinois. He then entered at once upon the active practice of his profession, and rapidly secured an extensive and remunerative clientage, which ever since has continued to increase, until at the present time it is excelled by few either in extent or character. In 1854 he was elected to the Legislature, and served one term, being one of the first Republican candidates. In 1852 he was a Whig candidate for the State Senate. In 1857 he was appointed by Governor Bissell one of the Bank Com- missioners of the State of Illinois, and served one term of four years under the old law of the State. He has always been a prominent and influential coadjutor in the political questions and movements of the day, though never seeking political preferment, and for many years past has maintained intimate relations with all the leading statesmen and poli- ticians of the country. He was a class and room-mate of Stephen A. Douglas for three years, and read law with that

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celebrated contemporary. IIe was also a warm personal friend and ardent supporter of Abraham Lincoln. In 1862 he was appointed Paymaster in the United States army, and served ably in that capacity until 1864, when his resignation was tendered and accepted. He is to-day one of the most prominent of the leading practitioners of Sterling, and is second to none in legal knowledge and the masterly use of it in the office or before the jury. He is also an active business man, and in addition to the practice of his profes- sion is President of one of the leading manufactories of Sterling, and associated with other enterprises of the same kind. He was married in 1843 to Philena Mann, niece of Judge Everett, of Laporte county, Indiana, whose demise occurred in 1870. In 1871 he was again married, to Mrs. Emily I. C. Bushnell, widow of Major Bushnell, of Sterling, Illinois, a gallant soldier and a citizen who was honored and esteemed for his many admirable characteristics and upright life. Major Henry has one of the most charming homes in the city, having recently erected a fine residence on the grounds occupied and improved by him for the last thirty years.

EMPLE, JAMES, United States Senator from 1843 to 1847, was born in Kentucky, but emigrated to Illinois at an early day. In politics he was a Democrat, and was much in public life. In 1833 he was elected Attorney-General of the State. IIe was in the Legislature for six years, during four of which he was Speaker of the House, and at the time when the Internal Improvement measure was passed. In 1837 he was appointed Charge d'Affaires to New Granada. In 1842 he was elected one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the State. In 1843 he was appointed by Governor Ford United States Senator, as the successor of Samuel McRoberts, deceased ; the nomination was confirmed by the Legislature, and he served until 1847. Judge Semple wrote an elaborate history of Mexico, which, however, has never been published.

In 1858 he entered the office of Dr. S. HI. Bundy, with whom he completed his allotted course of medical studies. In 1859 he began the active practice of his profession in Saline county, where he was occupied until 1863. At this date he attended a course.of lectures at Keokuk, Iowa, and fitted himself for graduation. While absorbed in his studies, however, a despatch, informing him of the approaching death of his wife, residing in Illinois, caused him to return immediately to his home, where, at his arrival, he found her dead. Thus prevented from securing the almost acquired degree, he returned to active practice, continuing it uninter- ruptedly until 1867, when he attended the law school at Benton, devoted himself to the acquirement of a thorough knowledge of legal subjects, and in February, 1868, was licensed as a practising lawyer by the Supreme Court. IIe then engaged in the practice of the law, at which he con- tinucd during the following eighteen months, resuming subsequently the practice of medicine, and becoming pre- ceptor to four medical students. At the expiration of two years he returned to the legal profession, to which he now devotes his entire time and attention. Ile abandoned medicine on account of his great liking for law ; in both professions he has met with a good measure of success. An incident of his early life, and one which both remotely and directly influenced considerably his after life, will not be inappropriate of narration, particularly as it brings into relief his three more prominent characteristics, perseverance, energy, and force of character. His father, in indigent circumstances, was unable to give him that education which he so ardently desired, and which was the constant aim of his young life. He accordingly left the paternal roof, de- termined to seek work, and with the proceeds of his labor defray the expenses of a course of studies in some college or other educational establishment. Successful in securing a certain sum of money, he returned to his father's house, who in the meantime had married a second time, his first wife having died. He soon discovered that his second mother behaved with unkindness to his brother and three sisters, and angered by her conduct, while feeling for the objects of her aversion, he conceived the idea of being their champion and protector. This idea he at once put into execution, and from that time was their main support. This generous step resulted in his inability to secure a thorough course of collegiate training. In 1855 he was elected Jus- tice of the Peace, serving until 1857, when he resigned. In politics he affiliated invariably with the Democratic party, until the outbreak of the rebellion, when, influenced by sentiment and fresh principles, he joined the ranks of the Republican party. The first speech delivered in Saline county, in opposition to that party, was answered by him in a spirited and masterly manner. His later services to the party, particularly as an orator, have contributed importantly to its success in the section where he resides, and after the initiation of active hostilities by the South he became an

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The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 74

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