USA > Illinois > The makers of Illinois; a memorial history of the state's honored dead > Part 13
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Edward D. Baker was an Englishman by birth, having been born in London, on February 24, 1811. The family emigrated to Amer- iea in 1815, settling first at Philadelphia, and afterward at Belle- ville, Illinois. Having completed a course of law studies and been admitted to the bar, Baker took up his residence at Springfield, where he became acquainted with Lincoln. He and Lineoln were together in the Black Hawk war, and were old comrades in the ean- paigns of the whig party. He was elected to the legislature and later he was sent to congress as mentioned above. After the close of the Mexican war he was again cleeted to eongress, this time from the Galena distriet.
In 1852, Colonel Baker removed to California, and remained there seven years. He resided in San Francisco and devoted him- self to the practice of law. He won the admiration and estcem of his associates in the profession and took a conspicuous position in the first rank of the members of the bar. Baker was described by one who knew him well in California as a man about five feet, eight inehes tall, with "a good face of well cut features," careless in his dress, and in his deportment and character entirely free from the slightest show of vanity. He was one of the most eloquent speakers of his time; eourts and erowds were alike captivated by his oratory. He read widely and was possessed of a retentive memory, so that the stores
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of his knowledge became instantly available when addressing an audi- ence. He had what has been described as a "clarion voice," and he spoke without notes. After the death of Senator Broderick, as the result of a duel between him and Judge Terry, Colonel Baker de- livered at his funeral "one of the most magnificent orations that ever adorned the English language," said James C. Conkling, in an ad- dress before the Chicago Bar Association some years ago, while recall- ing some recollections of the old time lawyers and statesmen of the early times in Illinois. "For an hour or more," said Conkling, "the homage of tears was paid to Baker's genius and Broderick's memory by the vast multitude which had assembled to pay the tribute of their love and affection."
The closing portion of this oration is given below as an example of Baker's oratory: "The last word must be spoken, and the im- perious mandate of death must be fulfilled. Thus, O brave heart, we lay thee to thy rest. Thus, surrounded by tens of thousands, we leave thee to the equal grave! As in life no other voice among us so rang its trumpet blast upon the ear of freemen, so in death its echoes will reverberate amidst our mountains and our valleys until truth and valor cease to appeal to the human heart. Good friend! true hero! hail and farewell!"
Baker left California and went to Oregon in 1859. There he entered into the political campaign of that year and succeeded in securing his election as United States senator from that state. In the senate he at once took a leading position in its deliberations, and especially by his eloquence and his energy he became, after Lincoln's inauguration, a strong support to his administration.
In recalling some recollections of his associates at Washington in the time of the Civil war, Isaac N. Arnold, in an address, related the particulars of a remarkable incident which took place in the United States senate in the first year of the war. "Breckenridge, you will remember," said Arnold, "was vice president and presided over the senate during the administration of Mr. Buchanan. After dividing the democratic party in 1860, and possibly preventing the election of Douglas for president, he returned to Washington at the special ses- sion of 1861, as senator from Kentucky.
"While the rebel troops were gathering around Washington, and the rebel flag could be seen from the dome of the capitol across the Potomac, Breckenridge made an elaborate speech in the senate, full of sympathy and encouragement for the rebels, and trying to show that the national government had no constitutional power to coerce the seceding states. To this treasonable speech Baker replied with
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consummate ability. Hc charged Breckenridge with uttering treason and with giving aid to armed rebellion. The scene in the senate chamber on that day was as dramatic as when Cicero denounced Cata- line before the conscript fathers of Rome. At length Baker turned directly toward Breckenridge, upon whom cvery cye was fixed, and said :
"'What would have been thought if, in another capitol in an an- cient republic, in a yet more martial age, a senator as grave, not more eloquent or dignified than the senator from Kentucky, yet with the Roman purple flowing over his shoulders, had arisen in his place, surrounded by all the illustrations of Roman glory, and declared that the cause of advancing Hannibal was just, and that Carthage ought to be dealt with in terms of peace? What would have been thought if, after the battle of Cannae, a senator there had risen in his place and denounced every levy of the Roman people, every expenditure of its treasure, and every appeal to the old recollections and the old glories?'
"At the close, Baker paused, and for a moment there was not a sound, not a movement; then the silence was broken by the voice of Senator Fessenden, who, in low, deep tones, thrilling with indignant feeling, said: 'In Rome, such a senator would have been hurled from the Tarpcian Rock!' Baker, resuming his specch, said, 'Sir, a senator, more learned than myself, tells me, in a voice that I am glad is audible, he would have been hurled from the Tarpeian Rock'." The tremen- dous effect of this scene upon the assembled senators, and upon the people of the country, will never be forgotten by those whose memo- rics reach back to the days of the Civil war, and the incident has found a place in many of the histories of those stirring times. Soon after this Breckenridge was expelled from the senate as a traitor, by a resolution introduced by Senator Trumbull.
Baker raised a regiment of volunteers of which he was appointed colonel, having declined the offer of a commission as brigadier gen- cral. At the battle of Ball's Bluff, fought October 21, 1861, Colonel Baker was instantly killed while gallantly leading the brigade which he commanded in that battle.
"Alike on the platform, in the courtroom, or in legislative halls, his eloquence was irresistible," writes John Moses in his sketch of this remarkable man. "While lacking the solid learning of Hardin and the cogent reasoning powers of Lincoln, he excelled either in the rhetorical polish and classical elegance of his orations." "Colonel Baker," continues Moses in his sketch, "combined within himself every attribute of a great orator. Of medium height, his figure was
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finely formed and well rounded. To a presence which would attract attention in any crowd, was added a voice of rare melody and com- pass. His speeches abounded in flashes of wit, brilliant flights of genius, and touches of deep pathos, and were delivered with an in- imitable ease and grace. The ability with which he held these great powers in hand was the most remarkable feature of his mental con- stitution."
His enthusiastic loyalty to the Union in its hour of peril, and the self-sacrificing devotion which led to his death on a battlefield of the Civil war, calls for a tribute of admiration and deep respect for a man whose career was so honorable and which was thus gloriously terminated.
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M. Y. Williamson
Marion F. Williamson, M. D.
T HE medical profession in Joliet had a prominent, capable and honored representative in Dr. Marion F. Williamson, who for twenty-one years was a prac- titioner of that city. His birth occurred in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1833, being the seventh son in a large family, and after acquiring a good public school edu- cation in his native state he attended the Ohio Medical College of Cin- cinnati, and later the Eclectic School of Medicine at that city. He then practiced in the vicinity of Cincinnati for a number of years, after which he removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he opened an office and followed his profession for some time. He removed thence to Illinois in 1888, settling in Joliet, where he remained until his death on the 6th of January, 1909. It was not long before he had demon- strated his ability to cope with important and involved medical prob- lems. Anything which tended to bring to man the key to that com- plex mystery which we call life was of interest to him and his read- ing was broad and comprehensive, so that his knowledge and efficiency were continuously advanced. He kept in touch with the work of eminent members of the profession throughout the country as a mem- ber of the Will County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He was regarded in this city as a leader of his profession nor was his reputation limited by the confines of Joliet, for he enjoyed the good-will and respect of his professional brethren throughout northern Illinois. The period of his active practice extended over fifty years or until the day of his death.
Dr. Williamson was married three times and at his death left a widow who in her maidenhood was Miss Jessic C. Dougall. Her par- ents were John and Margaret Dougall, natives of Scotland, where Mrs. Williamson was also born. Her father was one of the leading cotton spinners of the eastern section of that country but in 1858, thinking to find better business opportunities in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic with his family and located near New Haven, Indiana. There he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, securing a tract of land which he carefully and systematically culti- vated up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1874 when he was
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seventy-five years of age. He had in early life married Margaret Houstoun, a descendant of an old Renfrewshire (Scotland) family of that name. She was born in Renfrewshire and her last days were spent in Indiana. There were twelve children in the Dougall family but only five came to the United States and of these only Mrs. Wil- liamson and her brother of Joliet are now living. Mr. Williamson had three children by a former marriage, of whom one daughter, Sallie L., is deceased, having passed away in 1890, the others being: Mrs. J. B. Munger, who has a son Lloyd Allan Munger and lives in Chi- cago; and Harry, who makes his home near Portland, Oregon, and has two children, Robert E. and Harry Tamasie Williamson. Mrs. Williamson had also been previously married, her first husband hav- ing been Volney Powers, a native of Jefferson county, New York, whence he removed to Indiana. He died in Nevada whither he had gone for the benefit of his health. By that marriage there were born four children, three of whom died in infancy, the surviving daughter being Margaret H., the wife of Dr. Flowers, with whom Mrs. Wil- liamson now makes her home.
Dr. Williamson was well known as a valued member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fraternity. He also belonged to the Presbyterian church and his life was in consistent har- mony with his professions. He was a prominent citizen of Joliet, manifesting his interest in its welfare by tangible efforts for its upbuilding and progress. In his chosen profession he attained a posi- tion of leadership in his adopted city for he possessed a nature that could never be content with mediocrity and gradually he worked his way upward until his knowledge of the great scientific principles of medicine enabled him to command a practice second to none in Will county.
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Isaac Funk
T HERE lies buried in the cemetery at Funk's Grove, in McLean county, a place remote from traveled ways and thronged towns, all that is mortal of Isaae Funk, whose memory it is sought to perpetuate in this sketeh. Near the grounds of the cemetery there passes a still-running stream, while a magnificent forest surrounds it,-seenes which eaptivated his eye when he, as a young man, full of hope and energy, came this way in search of home and fortune.
Isaae Funk was born in Clark county, Kentucky, November 17, 1797. He grew up with meager educational advantages. At the age of twenty-seven, he came to Illinois, settling at a plaec which came to be ealled Funk's Grove. Herc, with no other eapital than industry, perseveranee and integrity, hc began the foundations of a fortune, which in the forty-two years of his remaining life, amounted to two millions of dollars. An unlucky venture of some kind brought Mr. Funk in debt two thousand dollars, previous to his arrival, and this debt hung over him when he eame. It was not many years, however, before he returned to his former place of residence and paid the debt in full.
From Mr. Funk's marriage in 1826 dates the beginning of his remarkable eareer of success. He entered into a partnership with his brother Absolom, bought cattle and horses, drove them to market, going as far as Chicago to find sale for them. As the country inereased in population the brothers widened their field of operations, worked hard, and eventually gaincd a complete monopoly in their dealings. His brother, Absolom, located in Chieago in order to look after the business at that point. The partnership was dissolved in 1841, and Isaac continued on his own hook. In those days, before railroads were built, cattle were driven to market. Funk went to Chicago sometimes with as many as fifteen hundred cattle and a thousand hogs. One winter he drove as many as six thousand hogs to Chicago and got them there in good condition.
It required skill and much praetieal knowledge to handle sueli large numbers of animals, and drive them long distances safely and without loss. In an account of these movements it is related that
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"when one of the larger herds of cattle was to be moved to market, a section of it, say two or three hundred, would be started with its proper complement of men attending. Next day another section would be mobilized and started on the road, and so on until all the herd was moving. These sections or smaller droves were kept about a day's march apart. It will be readily seen that in this manner the herd could be moved with greater safety and expedition than in a sin- gle great drove." About two weeks was required to travel to Chicago in this way.
From the profits of his immense stock business Isaac Funk began the purchase of land on a large scale. In 1829 he bought a thou- sand acres, and in the next twelve years he added nearly five thou- sand acres. He still kept on buying, until at his death he owned twenty-five thousand acres of land. He made all his purchases of land within the period from 1829 to 1853. He was, however, no speculator in lands. He bought no land with the money made by the rise in its value, because he sold none. He paid for all the land he bought from the legitimate profits of his farming, and live-stock busi- ness. Mr. Funk made a point of being extremely punctual in keep- ing his business engagements. He borrowed heavily and he was always able to do so because of the prompt manner in which he met his payments. It is related that on a certain day three thousand dol- lars was due to be paid at the Ridgely bank in Springfield. Mr. Funk was in Chicago two days before the amount fell due with a quantity of cattle, the proceeds of which he intended to use in making the pay- ment. He started his son, Jacob, who was with him, in the morning on a fast horse from Chicago with the money all in gold. Jacob rode that day, most of the following night, all the next day, arriving home at midnight. Here he obtained another horse, and was again on his way to Springfield by one o'clock in the morning. He arrived at his destination by noon of the day the money was due, walked into the bank and laid the required amount on the counter.
Although devoted to his own interests Mr. Funk found time to at- tend to political affairs. He served in the legislature from 1840 to 1842, and again in 1862 up to the time of his death in 1865. Originally a whig in his party affiliations, he became a republican on the organiza- tion of that party. He gave a liberal and patriotic support to the government during the war for the preservation of the Union. In Professor George W. Smith's "A Students History of Illinois," it is related that "the Hon. Isaac Funk, of McLean county, arose in his place in the senate and made a speech in which he denounced the detractors of Lincoln, Yates, and the soldiers in the field. Mr. Funk
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probably had not prepared a speech but he had sat for days and even weeks listening to the abuse of the national and state administrations, and fired with indignation, and with a fearlessness that of itself bor- dered on recklessness, he made a speech which has became historic."
Quotations from this speech are given by Professor Smith, as fol- lows: "I can sit here no longer and not tell these traitors what I think of them; and while so telling them, I am responsible, myself, for what I say. I can stand on my own bottom, I am ready to meet any man on this floor in any manner, from a pin's point to the mouth of a cannon, upon this charge against these traitors. * * * I came to Illinois a poor boy ; I have a little something for myself and family. I pay three thousand dollars a year in taxes, I am willing to pay six thousand dollars a year; aye, twelve thousand dollars. Aye, I am willing to pay my whole fortune, and then give my life to save my country from these traitors that are seeking to destroy it. * * * Yes, these traitors and villains in the senate are killing my neighbor's boys, now fighting in the field. I dare to say this to these traitors right here, and I am responsible for what I say to any and all of them. Let them come on, right here. Mr. Speaker, I must beg the pardon of the gentlemen in this senate who are not traitors, but true, loyal men; for what I have said I only intend and mean for the secessionists at heart."
In a paper printed some years ago by the Illinois State Historical Society it is said of Mr. Funk on this occasion, that though he was unaccustomed to speaking in public there came a time when he could not remain silent while men were trifling with the interests of the country. "It was then he arose and hurled at the opposition that philippic which will never be forgotten by those who heard it, and which is probably remembered to-day by more people than remem- ber any other speech ever made in Illinois."
Isaac Funk died at Bloomington on January 29, 1865, in the six- ty-eighth year of his age. By his side, in Funk's Grove cemetery, lies his wife, who died but four hours later than himself.
Thus closed an honorable and a useful life. He stood for strict honesty and fair-dealing in his business relations. Mr. Funk was a patriotic supporter of the Union cause, and his memory is cherished by his old neighbors and friends, and generally by the people of Illinois.
William Weerampton
William Malarren Crumpton
ITH farming interests in La Salle county William W Warren Crumpton was long connected and in the management of his agricultural affairs displayed sound business judgment, keen enterprise and unfal- tering energy. Moreover, he was so honorable and upright in all the relations of life that he won the unqualified respect of his fellow citizens and no man in the county was held in higher estecm by reason of personal worth. Mr. Crump- ton was a native son of New England, his birth having occurred in New Sharon, Maine, March 10, 1827. His parents were William and Nancy (Ford) Crumpton, also natives of New Sharon and of English descent. They were married in the county of their nativity, where Mr. Crumpton owned a large tract of land which he contin- uously cultivated until 1852, when he came with his family to Illi- nois. Settling in La Salle county, he purehascd a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and bent his energies to its further development and improvement. Year after year his fields were carefully tilled and in his later life, having acquired a handsome competence, he sold his farm to his son William Warren and retired from business cares. He died in September, 1875, and his wife also passed away in La Salle county.
William Warren Crumpton remained a resident of the Pine Tree state until twenty-three years of age, when he eame westward to Illinois, first settling on the farm in La Salle county that was later owned by E. F. Day. Subsequently he purchased the place upon which he lived until called to his final rest. It originally was a traet of one hundred and sixty acres but he extended its boundaries by sub- sequent purchases and at his death was the owner of four hundred aeres of very rich and valuable land in La Salle county, also holding titles to eight hundred aeres in Livingston county and six hundred in South Dakota, all of which is still in possession of his widow and children. He carried on farming along progressive, modern lines and added to his place many substantial improvements, including commo- dious buildings and the best makes of machinery with which to facil- itate the work of the fields. Indolence and idleness were utterly for-
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eign to his nature and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.
Mr. Crumpton was married twice. On the 14th of August, 1851, he wedded Sarah Remick, who died on the 29th of April, 1878. They were the parents of three children: William H., who was born August 15, 1857, and lives in Superior, Wisconsin; Francis R., who was born December 2, 1866, and is also a resident of Superior; and Hiram B., deceased. The first two, in a partnership relation under the firm style of Crumpton & Crumpton, are conducting the oldest and one of the largest grain and commission businesses in the north- west and occupy a very prominent position in commercial circles. Both are married and have families. They have also been prominent fac- tors in public affairs as well as in business life, and Francis R. Crump- ton has twice been honored with election to the office of mayor of Superior and has for a long time been state inspector of grain. His extended connection with the grain business enables him to speak with authority on any subject relating thereto. Following the death of his first wife William Warren Crumpton was married, in Philadel- phia, December 25, 1878, his second union being with Emma Gerry, who was born in Corinth, Maine, July 31, 1842. They became the parents of a daughter, Helen E., who was born November 11, 1881, and is living with her mother in Ottawa. She is a graduate of the young ladies' school at Sycamore, Illinois, known as Waterman Hall, having pursued the regular four years' course there. Mrs. Crumpton is a daughter of the Rev. Joseph and Julianna (Thomas) Gerry. Her father was born in York, Maine, March 25, 1806, and was a descendant of Elbridge Gerry, statesman and at one time vice presi- dent of the United States. Joseph Gerry studied for the ministry at Kent's Hill Seminary in Readfield, Maine, and did pastoral work in various places in the east before coming to Illinois in 1870. He lived thereafter in Ophir township, La Salle county, to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1886. His wife, who was born November 1, 1821, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, was there mar- ried when eighteen years of age and passed away in La Salle county, October 13, 1893.
There was no more respected or valued citizen in La Salle county than William Warren Crumpton, for though he did not seek to figure prominently in public life, he upheld the political and legal status and always cast the weight of his influence on the side of progress, improve- ment, justice, truth and right. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and while he cared little for public office, his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and loyalty, called him to
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several local positions. For fifteen years he was assessor of his township and for twelve years was justice of the peace, in which con- nection he rendered important public service through the fairness and impartiality of his decisions. He was known as the tallest man in the state of Illinois, his height being six feet and seven inches, His nature was correspondingly great. He never looked at life from any narrow nor contracted standpoint, being a broad and liberal-minded man whose interests reached out over a wide scope. He exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the Masonic fraternity, with which he held membership, and no good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his aid in vain. He was very generous and gave freely of his means to aid in the work of the church or to promote the welfare of his town and county. His membership was with the Meth- odist denomination and yet he was never narrowly sectarian and he rejoiced in good accomplished along any line. He delighted to beau- tify his own home and had everything of the best, and he was a most entertaining and genial host and companion. Both Mr. and Mrs. Crumpton made their residence a most hospitable one, a cordial wel- come being extended to all who entered its doors, and the number of their friends were legion. It was a matter of deep regret on the part of all who knew him when William Warren Crumpton passed away on the 11th of August, 1883, and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who had personal relations with him.
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