Will County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 22 of 29)

HALE S. BIASON, farmer, P. 0. Lockport ; born in Attleboro, Bristol Co., Mass., March 30, 1804; when he was 12 years of age, his father moved to Ontario Co., N. Y.; in 1833, young Mason came West to Illinois, to prospect the country, returning home on the 6th of May, 1 834 ; he took up his line of march in a two horse covered wagon to the far West, his family consisting of himself, his wife, and three little boys, the oldest about 7 years of age ; June 6, one month from the date of starting they landed at Gooding's Grove, Will Co.; here he remained engaged in farming till 1846, when he removed to the village of Lockport, and in company with his brother, engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes ; in 1849, he moved to the farm upon which he now resides, and engaged in the nursery business. He was married Jan. 5, 1826, to Sabrina A. Codding, a native of Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y.; has had seven sons - Edwin B., William T., Stephen C, John Q., Charles T., living; Hale S., and George H., deceased ; the latter was killed while in the United States' service, Dec. 13, 1863 ; he was a member of the 14th I. V. C, and was Color Bearer of the regiment. Mr. Mason owns 180 acres of land in Lockport Township.

moved to Lewis Co., N. Y.; in May, 1841, he left home and came to Lockport, III, entering the employ of H. Norton as clerk in his general merchandise establishment ; the spring of 1844, he went into business for himself; in the fall of 1859, he left the counting-room, and in March, 1861, went to St. Louis as the representative of the American Wine Company, where he remained until July, 1865 ; largely through his influence and good management, the goods were placed upon the market, and the business established on a sound basis ; after his return, he began dealing extensively in real estate, and was admitted to the bar March 18, 1869. He was married Sept. 28, 1843, to Gertrude Norton, a native of New York ; has had two children ; both died in infancy. Eepublican ; Episcopalian. Has held the office of Justice of the Peace seven years, and has held the office of Township Assessor. Mr- Myers does a large business in collections of every kind ; he is one of the solid business men of the town.

JOHN MACKIE, miller, Lockport; was born in Perthshire, Scotland, March 7, 1842 ; he immigrated to America in May, 1865, and first settled in Gallipolis, Ohio ; here he entered the employ of W. H. Langley, remaining about fifteen mon ths, at which time Langley failed for a large amount ; he next came to Chicago, and worked for a short time in the City Mills ; in the latter part of 1867, he came to Lockport, and entered the employ of Norton & Co.; he next located in Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked in the City Mills ; in 1871, he returred to Lockport, and again entered the employ of Norton& Co., until the great fire in Chicago; a portion of his time was spent in their mills here and the remainder in their mills at Chicago. He was married in November, 1868, to Elizabeth Doran, of Canada.; has three children - Ella, Rachel and Thomas.

ROBERT MILNE, farmer; P. 0. Lockport; was born in Banffshire, Scotland, Feb. 14, 1805 ; in August, 1836, he immigrated to America and settled in Chicago, engaging in the lumber trade, buying out the first lumber merchant in Chicago ; in the fall of 1839, he returned to Scotland, and came again to America in 1840; soon after his return, sold out his business in Chicago, and took contracts on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, building five of the locks; in 1846, settled in Lockport;^ here he remained till 1849, when he returned to Chicago, and engaged again in the lumber trade, a full partner in the firm of Milne, Fergueson & Co. ; this firm established an agency at Lockport for the sale of lumber, buying the saw-mills formerly erected, and established a planingmill in connection with them ; in 1850, he returned to Lockport, and has resided here ever since ; in 1854, he sold out his interest in the mills and lumber trade and purchased the farm on which he now resides. Was married in December, 1846, to I&abell Maitland, a native of Scotland; has ninechildren. In 1869, was appointed Canal Commissioner by Gov. Palmer and served fovir years; in 1874, revisited Scotland, and while there purchased some thoroughbred cattle, in the rearing of which he has since engaged. Owns 242 acres in Lockport Tp. and 100 acres in Homer Tp. Republican ; Congregationalist. Mr. Milne is a very influential and deservedly popular citizen.

JONATHAN S. McDONALD, editor Phoenix, Lockport ; born April 17, 1829, in the town of Salina, Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; his father, Asa McDonald, Esq., settled, with his family, in Joliet in 1838,. and, the following year, rented the farm under the bluff, east of the Penitentiary, of Dr. A. W. Bowen (now a resident of Wilmington), and, soon after, became a tenant,, at Five-Mile Grove, on land belonging to Edward, Ephraim and Pliny Perkins ; he afterward purchased a farm on Maple st., in New Lenox, on which he died, Dec. 4, 1857 ; at the age of 20, J. S. McDonald started from home, and crossed the plains, in search of California gold ; he returned in 1854, and attempted to acquire a collegiate education by entering the University of Oberlin in 1855; within a couple of weeks, he found the undertaking altogether too irksome, and left that institution, to eventually establish a banking-house in Lockport; in this new, and to him strange, business of banking he prospered indifferently well, and found himself involved in. the general suspension of 1858-59 ; after a trip to the gold-mines of Colorado, he returned to Lockport, raised a company for the war, with Dr. Charles H. Bacon, and entered the service in the 100th T. V.. Regiment, as a Second Lieutenant ; while in the service, he took an active part in all the campaigns and battles in which the regiment was engaged, except the fight at Missionary Ridge, and resigned at the opening of the Atlanta campaign, having been promoted to the rank of Captain. In 1854, Capt. McDonald bought a controlling interest in the Will County Courier, and sold out after a brilliant career of six months ; he then, in the following year, started the Lockport Phoenix, and, soon after, enlarged the enterprise to what is termed " The Family of Phoenixes," in Joliet, Wilmington, Lockport and Lemont. In 1857, he married Louisa, daughter of Col. George Snoad.

HIRAM NORTON, proprietor of the Lockport Carriage Factory, Lockport ; born in Prince Edward Peninsula, Can., Oct. 3, 1828; his schoolboy days closed at the age of 11 years, and from that date until he arrived at the age of 18 years, he was completely disabled by rheumatism from engaging in any active pursuits ; after recovering his health, he was three years on the farm, and, at the age of 21, went to his trade at Demorestville ; in October, 1860, he came to Lockport and opened up his carriage factory. He was married in January, 1865, to Catharine Banner, a native of England ; has four children - Mary, Benjamin F., Charles B. and John. Mr. Norton uses nothing but the best of material, employs none but the best of workmen, and fully warrants every vehicle sent forth from his establishment.

ISAAC NOBBS, proprietor Oak Hill quarries ; P. 0. Joliet ; was born on the Isle Wight Feb. 28, 1822; at the age of 13, he was apprenticed to sea and served four years ; he then went as able seaman on board the clipper schooner Susan ; engaged in the fruit trade up the Levant ; he remained at sea nine years ; three years of that time he was on board the Ganges, an 84- gun ship of the British navy, and was present at the destruction of the forts along the coast of Syria in 1841, the last fort destroyed being that of San Juan Diego ; in the taking of this fort, it was estimated that the Egyptian forces lost in killed, 15,- 000 in two and a half hours. The Admiral of the British forces was Sir Charles Napier. Mr. Nobes came to Quebec in 1843, on board a timber vessel; he spent one summer on Lakes Erie and Ontario, sailing out from Gordon Island in the employ of Cook & Calvin, in the lumber trade ; in June or July, 1845, he came to Buffalo, N. Y., and engaged in sailing on the lakes ; during the summer of 1846, he sailed from Buffalo to Chicago ; Jan. 7, 1847, he came to Joliet and engaged in hauling sand for the court house that winter ; in the spring, returned to Chicago and sailed upon the lakes. Mr. Nobes states that upon this trip he paid $2.00 fare, walked a good part of the way, and carried a rail to help the coach out of bad places, and was on the road from 8 o'clock A. M. until 4 P. M. of the following day before reaching Chicago, a distance of 38 miles; the following winter, he returned to Joliet and soon went to Lockport, where he engaged in caulking the Gen. Fry, the first boat ever run on the I. & M. Canal, between Lockport and Chicago ; he engaged in caulking and building boats one year ; in the Spring of 1848, he purchased ten acres near his present location, and in March, 1851, opened his present quarries in con. nection with G. A. Cousens & Co. A difficulty having arisen among the partners, he abandoned the quarries and went again to the boat yards at Lockport. After twelve years litigation, he obtained entire possession of them in 1868. since which time he has successfully operated them. He was married Jan. 4, 1846, to Ann J. Haughey, a native of Ireland ; has seven children - Joseph, Charles J., Sarah, Ann I., William I. R., EKzabeth J. and Elizabeth J. (deceased) ; owns eighty-six acres including his quarries. In 1874, he erected his large stone residence at a cost of nearly 120,000, the finest in all this section of country.

NELSON H. PEASE, assistant bookkeeper for J. L. Norton & Co. , Lockport ; was born in Brasher, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Dec. 9, 1844 ; at the age of 15, he left home and entered the academy at Laurenoeville, remaining two years. September, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 60th Regt. N. Y. V. I. ; Jan. 23, 1863, was discharged at Harper's Ferry on account of disability- Returning home, he engaged for a short time in farming ; Feb. 28, 1864, he came West, and stopping in Chicago, attended Bryant & Stratton's Business College. Re-enlisted in the 100 days' service, in Co. P, 134th 111. V. I., and served 140 days. Next located in Dwight, Livingston Co., entering the employ of J. C. Hertzel as clerk in his dry goods and grocery store ; at the expiration of five months, engaged in the service of the C. & A. R. R. as baggage master at the same place ; this position he held sixteen months ; he was next placed in charge of the station at Carrollton on the Jacksonville & Chicago line ; here he remained one and a half years ; was night operator on the "Union Pacific at Elm Creek, Neb., and at a later date at Julesburg as agent six months ; returned to Dwight as night operator, remaining three months ; in 1869, he was appointed agent at Lock port, and remained one and a half years ; then returned to Dwight, and was agent two and a half years ; in 1872, took charge of Odell Station, remaining two years; in 1874, he abandoned railroading, and entered the employ of J. L. Norton & Co., in the position he now holds. Was married March 22, 1866, to Irene C. Riggs, a native of Dwight, 111. ; has two children - Alice L. and Myrtle K. Rep. ; attends the CongTegational Church.

WILLIAM W. PRINDLE, manufacturer of wagons and buggies, Lockport ; was born in Prince Edward District, Canada, Sept. 30, 1823, in the town of Hollowell (now Picton) ; at the age of 3 years, he went with the family to Oswego, N. Y. ; here he spent his boyhood days ; in the spring of 1837, he went to sea and remained till 21 years of age ; coming home again, he found the family located at Logansport,Ind., and here he remained one year ; he next moved to La Fayette, Ind., and in connection with his father engaged in the hotel business ; this they carried on one year, and in the fall of 1846, came to Joliet. Mr. Prindle laid the cut stone in the court house, working for the contractors, Shepard & Brown. In the spring of 1847, he came to Lockport, where he has since resided. He was married July 25, 1847, to Mary A. Huttpn, a native of Oxford, England ; has two children - Louisa and Ada. He opened up his present shop about 1873, and has met with good success. He is a first class workman. Uses nothing but the best material, and gives his personal supervision to all the work going out from his establishment.

ISAAC PRESTON, Lockport, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Fairfield, Cumberland Co., N. J., in 1792 ; he was left an orphan at the age of 6, and at the age of 7, went to Vermont; at 15, he began a six-years' apprenticeship at the tanning trade. In 1815, he was married at Grranville, Washington Co., N. Y., to Miss Betsy Walker. Following his trade in the State of New York until 1836, he emigrated with his family to Illinois, and settled at Hadley, in Will Co., where he remained four years, during which time he opeued and improved a farm of 200 acres ; in 1840, he moved to Kane Co., in this State, where he lived twenty-five years, removing to Lockport, in this county, in 1865, where he still resides. Mr. Preston ha? been for more than half a century a firm and unalterable friend in the cause of human freedom, being among the first to espouse the Abolition cause in Western New York. He was a small stockholder in, and occasionally a conductor on the underground railroad, but never ran a night train, always taking his passengers through in open day before the taces and eyes of his neighbors (many of whom were the abject minions of the slave-holders), and frequently employing the fugitive on his farm. Mr. Preston became a total abstainer before the first move was made in the temperance cause in Western New York. He was the first employer in the city of Rochester who expelled liquor from his workshop, and has since that time in his own way used his best endeavors to discountenance the sale and use of all intoxicants and narcotics. He has also for more than fifty years been an open and persistent opponent of all oath bound secret societies. Freemasonry in particular, believing their tendency to be hostile to the best interests of morality, religion and civil government. Mrs. Preston is still living, and their combined ages aggregate over 172 years; they are as healthy, active and industrious as most people at 70 ; they have raised a family of five children^the late John B., Elizabeth L. (Mrs. Dr. Daniels), Mariah P. (Mrs. Codding), Julia M. (late Mrs. Bourland)andJosiahW., three of whom, Josiah W., Mrs. Daniels and Mrs. Codding, are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have shared the joys and sorrows of connubial life for more than sixty-three years.

AMOS C. PAXSON, farmer; P. 0. Lockport ; was bora in Eastern Pennsylvania Nov. 21, 1810 ; liis fatlier moved to the western part of New York, near Buifalo, in 1818, settling on what was called the Holland Purchase ; in the Spring of 1838, young Paxson came West and settled in Dupage Tp., Will Co., working at his trade, that of carpentering, for five years ; in 1843, he purchased 100 acres of land and engaged in farming: in 1868, sold out and moved into Lockport, his present place of residence. In April, 1871, he was appointed Postmaster, and occupied the position four years. His first marriage, to Sabra L. Boardman, a native of New York State, occurred Nov. 18, 1841 ; she died Oct. 8, 1852 ; his second marriage, to Elizabeth Killmer, also a native of New York, was celebrated July 10, 1854; five children were born from first wedlock - Luther B., born Feb. 12, 1843 ; Peninah L., born Aug. 4, 1844 ; Charles C, born Feb. 27, 1847; Julia E., born Dec. 6, 1849 ; Sabra I., born Dec. 23, 1851 ; from second wedlock one child was born - Minora C., born July 11, 1855. Peninah L. (wife of Robert Strong), died Dec. 22, 1871 ; Charles C. died March 6, 1873; Sabra I. (wife of Samuel Buttles), died Jan. 1, 1876. Mr. Paxson has held the office of Supervisor three terms ; been Justice of the Peace, Assessor, School Treasurer, etc. Owns town property, and 104 acres in Lockport Tp.

FREDRICK RELF, farmer; P. 0. Joliet ; was born in East Kent Co., Eng., April 27, 1827 ; in March, 1849, he landed in New York City, and first settled in Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y, ; here he engaged in farming for three years ; in the Fall of 1852, he came West to IlUnois; settled in Joliet, and for a time engaged in labor on the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad; in February, 1866, he moved to Bureau Co., where he remained four years; in 1870, he returned to Will Co., and located on the farm now owned by the heirs of Edw. Kelley; in 1872, he moved to his present place of residence. He was married Oct. 2, 1852, to Sarah Beeching, a native of England; nine children have been born to them - Emma J., Clara, Thomas H., Rosa, Laura, Julia, Allie, Charles H., Cora. When he came to America he was possessed of little or no means, but by industry and frugalityhe has reared his family and accumulated considerable property; he is a thoroughgoing, energetic farmer, and is highly esteemed for his many good qualities by his friends and acquaintances.

HENRY RIPSOM, Superintendent of cooper shop, Lockport; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1809; in 1811, his father moved to Syracuse, Onondaga Co. ; at that time but two or three houses were standing where Syracuse now is ; at the age of 15, he ran away from home, and coming to Lower Sandusky, Ohio, engaged in learning his trade ; he afterward returned home, but at the age of 20 settled in Clarkson, Monroe Co., N. Y.; in 1848, he came West, settled in Lockport, entering the employ of Norton & Co.; in March, 1850, he took the position of Superintendent of the cooper shop, and has been continued in that position ever since. He was married in August, 1832, to Eliza Coleson, a native of New York State; has had eight children - Nancy, Isabel, Ursula, Alice (living), Elizabeth, Sarah, Clarkson, Cora (deceased). From 1832 to 1846, he was engaged in boating on the Erie Canal in the employ of the Merchants' line. The shadows of two great afilictions have rested upon the family hearthstone during the past ten years, that of the untimely death of the only son Clarkson, as also that of the sudden decease of the youngest daughter, Cora; in the early part of the winter of 1868, Clarkson, a young man of 19 summers, while coasting with young friends on the streets of Lockport, was almost instantly killed by coming in eontact with a team standing in the street; a few years later little Cora, a bright and interesting child 9 years of age, fell from the suspension bridge- into the canal and was drowned, her body being rescued in about one hour from the time the accident. Mr. Ripsom at present holds the office of Township Collector.

N. S. RAPFERTY, groceries and confectionery, Lockport; was born in Sligo Co., Ireland, Nov. 5, 1823 ; he immigrated to America Sept. 14, 1837, and settled in Hamilton, Canada West, and engaged in the merchant tailoring trade ; in 1840, he moved to Jackson, Mich.; here he remained two years; in 1842, located in Chicago, and in 1845, came to Lockport,.

his present home ; in 1868, he opened out a full line of confectionery, and later added a small stock of groceries; in 1876, he purchased a full line of groceries, and at present (1878) has a large and growing trade ; his fruit and confectionery trade is the most extensive of any in the city. He was married Jan. 2i, 1856, to Catharine Boland, a native of Tipperary Co., Ireland. Was elected Justice of the Peace in the Spring of 1877, which office he now holds.

WM. M. STOWE, farmer; P. 0. Lockport; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 5, 1842 ; he is the youngest son of Nathaniel H. and Eliza (Partridge) Stowe; in 1858, the family moved to Erie Co., Penn. ; in addition to his common school education, he attended for some time an academy in Waterford, Penn. ; he remained at home farming till he was 24 years of age; in 1868, he came west to Illinois and settled two miles north of Lockport, where he engaged in farming and the dairy business; this he followed six years; in 1874, he purchased the farm on which he now resides, being the west half of the southwest quarter of Sec. 17, Lockport Tp. He was married Oct. 26, 1865, to Laura Barnard, a native of New York; has two children - Prank J., born May 11, 1868; Howard D., born May 9, 1877 ; owns eighty acres, valued at $5,000.

Mrs. Katharine Sanborn

MRS. KATHARINE SANBORN, farming ; P. 0. Lockport ; was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., March 22, 1809 ; her maiden name was Smith. She was married Sept. 16, 1823, to Justin Taylor, a native of New York State ; he was born Oct. 25, 1801 ; in 1833, Mr. Taylor came West to prospect the country and returning East, in 1834, brought his family and erected a log cabin on the identical spot where the family residence now stands ; in 1833, he laid a claim of 500 acres, which he afterward purchased at the Government land sale in 1835 ; this he improved and occupied till the date of his decease, which occurred Nov. 14, 1847. From first wedlock, she had eight children - Harriet, Francis, Smith, Sacia, Grosvenor, Harry, Justin and James L.; of these, Harriet, Smith, Sacia and James L. are deceased. Four of her sons went forth to battle for their country's honor, and two of them rest from toil far down in the Sunny South.

He second marriage, to William Sanborn, occurred July 4, 1850 ; one son, William, has been born to them, and still lives with his parents. Her first husband was present in Chicago at the treaty made with the Indians in 1833. Mrs. Sanborn says she has seen 400 or 500 Indians at her house at one time, when on their way to the Far West. Mr. Taylor held the offices of Supervisor, School Trustee, School Director and various other offices. Owns 155 acres in Lockport Tp., valued at 19,000.

GEORGE SPANGLBR, farmer; P. 0. Lockport; was born in Center Co., Penn., May 18, 1826 ; he remained with his parents till about 19 years of age, engaged in farming; in 1846, he left home and came to Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he engaged in peddling pottery for a cousin, in whose employ he remained about two years. In 1848, he returned home, and May 17 of that year was married to Catharine Kopp, a native of Pennsylvania; as a result of this union, ten children have been born - George P. , Allie A., Wilson, Oliver Z., Elmore E., Howard, Agnes A., Mary C, Emma and Allie. Owns 400 acres of land in Lockport Tp., worth $60 per acre ; his farms are well improved, and ornamented with good, substantial dwellings and barns. Most of his sons are married and started in life for themselves. Mr. Spangler was not by any means wealthy when he came West, but, by industry and good management, he has reared his large family and secured a fine competency for them all ; he is recognized in his community as a very successful farmer.

MRS. JACOB SMITH, farmer and fruit grower ; P. 0. Lockport. Mrs. Smith was born in Ripley, N. Y., Feb. 25, 1816; she is the daughter of Martin and Margaret (Sacia) Smith. She was married first to Almon Taylor, a native of Chenango, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1832. In the fall of 1835, she came with her husband to Illinois, and settled in Lockport Tp., Will Co., on the farm just north of that now owned by Patrick Pitzpatrick ; in 1850, Mr. Taylor went to California and engaged in mining ; while there, he met with a se vere accident, from the effects of which he died Oct. 31, 1850. Mrs. Taylor was married a second time, March 26, 1852, to Jacob Smith, a native of Tennessee ; from first wedlock, four children were born - Katie, Marcus M., Martin S., Horace A. ; of these, Marcus and Martin are dead ; from second wedlock, she has two children - George B. and Jennie L. Owns fifty acres in Lockport Tp., forty of which is set in fruit. Mrs. Smith has seen much of pioneer life in the West, and is one of the few that is left who settled here in those early days.

JULIUS SCHEIBE, dealer in boots and shoes, Lockport. To the handiwork of no one individual is Lockport more indebted for her first-class buildings than to Mr. Scheibe. Under his immediate supervision was erected the stone business houses of Messrs. Myers, Col. Martin, Lull & Lynd ; the M. E. Church, the brick business house of Dr. Bacon ; in 1871, he built the Northwestern College, at Naperville. He was born ia Saxony, Germany, Jan. 20, 1828 ; immigrated to America in 1850, and first settled in Milwaukee, Wis.; in 1851, he came to Lockport, and worked a short time for Robert Milne in the sawmill: in the Pall of 1851, engaged at his trade, that of stone and brick mason ; was engaged on the work of deepening the canal in 1864 and 1865 ; in the winter of 1873, engaged in the sale of boots and shoes his present occupation. He was married in 185+, to Elizabeth Pickensher, a native of Germany ; has six children. The large and commodious stone school-building, an ornament to the city and a monument to the liberality and enterprise of its citizens, was erected by Mr. Scheibe ; this structure cost the district the snug sum of $40,000.

PRED'K W. SCHOOP, M. D., physician and surgeon, Lockport; WiS born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Peb. 20, 1849 ; his father's family immigrated to America in 1852, and settled at Blue Island, 111. ; here he engaged in farming, but soon abandoned it and moved to Chicago, where he now resides engaged in the real estate business; at the age of 12, young Schoop left home and engaged in various pursuits till he was 17, when he located at the Grand Crossing, near Chicago, and entered the employ of the I. C. R. R. Co., working at night and attending school during the day; in June, 1874, he graduated from the Englewood High School, and the following October, began a course of study in the Chicago Medical College, which he completed March 20 1877 ; he entered upon the practice of his profession in Chicago, where he remained four months ; October 2, 1877, he located at Lockport. He was married March 27 1878, to Ida 0. Johnson, a native of Illinois. Rep. ; Episcopalian. Dr. 'Bchoop is the first German practitioner ever located in Lockport, and is rapidly building up a fine paying practice ; being a thorough scholar and polished gentleman he is worthy the support and confidence of the people.

P. F. STOWE, merchant, Lockport; was born in Jamestown, N. Y., July 11, 1834 ; his early life was such as is common to most farmer's sons ; beginning in 1850, he attended the High School at Jamestown for three years completing, the course in 1854; soon after finishing his studies, he came West and settled, purchasing 240 acres in Clayton Co., Iowa, which he improved ; having sold out his farm, in 1856, he went to Erie Co., Penn., and purchasing 100 acres, engaged in farming and the dairy business ; in 1869, he came to Lockport and engaged in his present business, that of the retail grocery trade. He was married Oct. 27, 1855, to Sophia P. Barnard, a native of New York State ; has three children - Pred W., Grace E. and Wayne B. Much of his early life was spent in teaching, thus acquiring means to complete his education. While a citizen of Erie Co., Penn., he served the county as Auditor for a term of three years ; he is at present a Justice of the Peace ; has held the oflGice six years ; is Master of Lockport Lodge, A., P. & A. M., No. 538. His son, Pred W., conducts the news office of the city.

JUSTIN TAYLOR, farmer; P. 0. Lockport ; was born in Lockport Township, Will Co., Jan. 24, 1843 ; he is the son of Justin and Katharine (Smith) Taylor ; he has lived all his life on the farm on which he was born, excepting his tgmporary absence in the army. He enlisted in the service Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. C, 100th Regiment, I. V. I. ; he remained in the service three and one-half years, and participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga ; was in Sherman's'campaign to Atlanta ; was also in the battle of Naahville and in the campaign of Gen.

Thomas ; he was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn., in July, 1865. On returning from the army, he again engaged in farming, atad was married March Y, 1866, to Marian Stewart, a native of Illinois; she died in Nov. 1874; his second marriage, to Catharine Chapin, a native of Michigan, was celebrated Aug. 13, 1876 ; has two children from first wedlock - Lizzie and Gracie. Owns 160 acres, valued at $9,600. In connection with his farming, he keeps a large number of milch cows and ships milk daily to Chicago ; he has been engaged in the milk trade for the past ten years.

WILLIAM THOMAS, General Superintendent of the lUinios & Michigan Canal, Lockport ; was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1821 ; his opportunities for acquiring an education were limited ; at the age of 14, he came West to Michigan, engaging in various pursuits to obtain a livelihood ; in 1840, he returned to Western New York, and learned the trade of house carpentering ; here he remained till 1857, when he came West again to Lockport, 111., and served four years as Master Mechanic on the canal; in 1862, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent, and placed in charge of the Western Division, with headquarters at Ottawa, La Salle Co. ; this position he held till Dec. 1871, when he was appointed General Superintendent, with headquarters at Lockport, a position he ' at present holds. He was married Feb. 22, 1844, to Phebe D. Wilder, a native of New York ; has one child - Ella P., wife of Col. D. Hapeman, of Ottawa. Rep. ; Cong. Mr. Thomas is altogether a self-made man and has attained to his present important position through industry and correct business habits.

STEPHEN J. WILLIAMS, farmer and dairy ; P. 0. Lockport ; was born in Dupage Township, Will Co., 111., Sept. 22, 1845 ; his literary attainments were so far advanced that at the early age of 15 he entered Wheaton and completed the full course, graduating in the second class sent out from the Institution, in the summer of 1863; in 1864, he went with the force sent out to survey the Union Pacific R. R., and accompanied it as far west as Salt Lake City; here he left the force and returning to Omaha, spent some time prospecting with a view to speculating in property ; in 1866, he returned home and engaged in farming and raising stock. He was married Feb. 14, 1866, to Mary E. Burns, a native of Grundy Co., 111. ; he lost his wife Jan. 22, 1876 ; has three children - James, Thomas C. and Maud C. Owns 263 acres in Lockport Township. In addition to his farming operations, he keeps on hand about eighty milch cows ; at present he is milking 47 cows and ships the milk daily to Chicago ; this he finds more lucrative than raising grain at present low rates.

GEORGE WIGHTMAN, farmer; P. 0. Lockport; was born in Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1821 ; at the age of 12 years, he came West with the family ; his father settled on the Au Sable in La Salle Co. (now Kendall) ; here they remained two years ; then moved to Plainfield Tp., and at the end of two years moved to Wheatland Tp., where they remained until 1868, when they located in Dupage Tp., where his father now resides, at the advanced age of 78 years. George remained at home till 20 years of age. He was married Sept. 18, 1850, to Susan E. Sisson, daughter of Capt. Holder Sisson, one of the pioneer settlers of Will Co.; she was born June 7, 1831 ; after marriage he settled on his farm in Wheatland Tp., where he remained fifteen years ; in March, 1865, he moved to his present place of residence near Lockport ; twelve children have blessed their union ; ten - Annie B., Frank H., Josiah W.. George S., Silas F., Clara S., Ella M., Mary P., Percy R., Clarence C. - are living; two - Holder J. and HattieS. - are dead. Owns 250 acres in Lockport Tp., valued at $18,000. Has held the oflSces of Justice of the Peace, Constable, School Director, etc. Though bordering on threescore years, Mr. Wightman bids fair to be an active and useful member of society for many years to come.

G. H. WEEKS, Foreman. lumber yard, Lockport; was born in Homer Tp., Will Co., 111., March 10, 1836; his father was aipong the earliest settlers of the county, having come to Illinois in June, 1833 ; although a successful practitioner of the healing art, he purchased a farm, on which he remained until 1843 or 1844, when he removed to the village of Lockport, and devoted himself altogether to his profession. At the age of 16, George began the trade of painting, which he followed about four years ; in 1856, he bought a boat and engaged in boating on the canal from Lookport to various points ; in 1864, he left oif boating, and engaged in various pursuits until June 17, 1868, when he entered the employ of Gaylord & Co. as Foreman in their lumber yard. He was married June 3, 1861, to Ellen Morgan, a native of Newark, 111.; has three children - Arthur, Ida, George.

MICHAEL WALTER, grocery merchant, Lockport ; was born in Kleinuelzheim, Germany, Dec. 6, 1838 ; in 1851, came to America, and settled in Geneva, Kane Co.; in 1853, engaged in learning the shoemaker's trade at St. Charles ; in the winter of 1855, worked at his trade in Batavia ; next to Dixon, Lee Co., a short time, and in August, 1856, came to Lockport, followed his trade a short time, and then entered the employ of J. S. Finch, as clerk in his grocery store ; was in his employ one year, and then clerked in the clothing store of N. S. RafFerty six months ; he opened out a saloon for himself, but not liking the business, sold out in 1859, and went to Pike's Peak ; invested all his funds in a sluice, and after one month's laboj: had as a reward for capital and toil invested, a goose-quill of gold, valued at 40 cents ; returned to Lockport, and worked at his trade again, April 15, 1861; enlisted in Capt. Hawley's Battery ; three month's service; Aug. 31, re-enlisted in the three years' service in Capt. Dressers' Battery ; was mustered out Oct. 5, 1864 ; participated in the battles of Forts Henry and Donelson, in the battle of Shiloh and the siege of Corinth ; in the spring of 1865, he engaged in the grocery trade with his brother ; in a short time his brother retired, and the firm of Walter & Bohle was formed ; in 1872, he started in the dry goods business alone, and failed in October, 1873; in the spring of 1874, went to Lemont and superintended a general merchandise store for J. A. Boyer ; May 22, 1875, opened out his present grocery store in Lockport. Was married Oct. 19, 1865, to Margaret Pitts, a native of Germany ; has eight children.

Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1830 ; in the Spring of 1833, his father's family came West and settled in what is now Homer Tp., Will Co.; in 1843, the family moved into the town of Lockport; in 1847, John H. engaged in learning the trade of harness making with his brother. Judge C. H. Weeks, now of Joliet; in 1858, he quit the harness trade; Sept. 1, 1861, he went into the United States service as assistant leader of the military band of the 19th Regt., 111. V. I.; he was mustered out March 18, 1862 ; during almost the entire term of service, he acted in the capacity of leader; in 1863, he commenced the trade of carriage painting and trimming with his present employer, ,H. Norton. He was married in 1852 to Maria Lc Valley, a native of Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y.; has had two sons - Frank (dead) and Edwin L., who at present is engaged in the same business with his father.

ROBERT WHITLEY, Foreman Norton & Co.'s mills, Lockport ; born in the town of Wakefield, Yorkshire, Eng., in November, 1831; he immigrated to America in 1854, and first settled in Oswego, on Fox River, where he engaged in milling nine and a half years ; in 1864, he went to Chicago and remained a short time ; in the latter part of the same year, went to Plainfield, Will Co., where he remained until the summer of 1866, when he came to Lockport and entered the employ of Norton & Co. ; in 1871, went to Chicago and remained until after the great fire, when he returned to Lockport, his present home. Owns 120 acres of land in Lockport Tp., known as the Frasier Farm. Mr. Whitley is thoroughly posted in every thing pertaining to first-class milling, and is an important factor in the directing and working force of Norton & Co.

SAMUEL WILMOT, Supt. Lockport Paper Co., Lockport ; born in Manchester, Eng., May 10, 1831 ; he immigrated to America June 5, 1851, landing in New York July 12 ; he first settled in Fitchburg, Mass., and engaged in running the machinery in the Stone Mills, now owned by Burbanks & Crocker; here he remained six months ; thence to Pepperell, Mass., two years ; next to Manchester, N. H. ; thence to Lawrence, Mass. ; thence to Portland, Me, ; thence to Windsor Locks, Conn. ; thence to Rainbow, in the same

State ; leaving tlie East, his next move was to Hamilton, OMo, and from there to in the two last-mentioned places, lie tarried about ten years ; in May, 1872, he located in Lockport, his family following about a year later. He was married June 18, 1852, to Justina Monning, a native of Virginia ; has three children - Adelaid, Vancino and Justice. His entire life so far has been spent in connection with paper manufacturing establishments. ADOLPHUS YOUKEK, dealer in agricultural implements, Lockport ; was born near Ogdensburg, Canada, Oct. 20, 1832; May^ 24, 1857, he left Canada, going to St." Paul, Minn., where he stopped a short time ; thence to Rockford, where he engaged in carpentering a short time ; in the fall of the same year, came to Stony

Creek, Mich., taking charge of a saw-mill for one year ; July 17, 1858, he came to Lockport, 111., and entered the employ of Norton & Co. ; in 1859, he engaged in the business of underground ditching, and followed it two years ; in 1861, came again into the employ of Norton & Co. ; in 1871, was employed in carpentering for the State in the yards at Lockport ; in 1875, went to Chicago and run a meat market and vegetable store one year ; in 1876, he, in company with Ira Williams, began the sale of agricultural implements. He was married Sept. 12, 1859, to Mary M. Reinhart, a native of New York State ; has had two childreh - Eliza Elnora and George Edward, both deceased. Owns 160 acres of land in Kansas.

PETER B ARR, merchant, Braidwood ; was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, Oct. 20, 1840, and is the son of Daniel and Margaret (Hercules) Barr, of Scotland. His father was a miner ; died February, 1859. Mr. Barr, at 8 years of age commenced working in the coal mines ; in 1865, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; came direct to Braidwood, Will Co., 111., and entered the coal mines; followed mining until 1871; he then entered the saloon business ; to-day owns one of the best drug stores in Braidwood, which business he commenced in 1878. Mr. Barr is one of the prominent business men of Braidwood. Is one of the City Aldermen. Is a Republican in politics, and a Presbyterian in religion. Married in 1860, to Miss Jennie Stell, of Ayrshire, Scotland (the home of Robert Burns) ; six children. Mr. Barr's mother is living in Scotland.

JOHN B. BACKUS, JI, D., Braidwood ; the subject of this sketch is one of the most prominent physicians of Will Co. ; was born in Ontario, Canada, April 29, 1845 ; his parents are John A. and Sarah M. (Bostwick) Backus. His father was educated for a lawyer, but was a retired gentleman. Dr. Backus received a grammar school education in Canada ; he received his medical diploma at McGills Medica University of Montreal, Canada, also re" ceived a second diploma from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Ontario, Can. ; he practiced medicine one year in Canada, and in 1871, he came to Braidwood and commenced the practice of medicine here ; he has been very succes!*ful, having received a very large practice. Dr. Backus has been married twice. Is a member of the Episcopal Church.

H. W. BLOOD, manufacturer of soda and mineral water, Braidwood ; was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1842; came West in 1863 ; farming for two years ; he then entered the bottling house of J. D. Page, of Joliet, 111., and remained there some two years ; he then went to Wilmington ; here he purchased a half interest in the manufacture of mineral water, in company with J. D. Page ; also engaged in the ice business ; he then purchased entire control of the manufactory in 1870 ; in 1873, he came to Braidwood and started the present manufactory, which to-day is one of the most complete in this vicinity. His many ingenious inventions have rendered the employment of a large number of men unnecessary, and with but few men, Mr. Blood can turn out of his establishment an equal quantity of goods, with firms who employ a far greater number of persons. Thtis it will be seen that with the obviation of so much expense in his course of manufacturing, Mr. Blood is enabled to sell his goods cheaper than any other firm, and at the same time give the purchaser as fine a quality of goods as can be found in the country. The building is 24x50, two stories high ; capacity of 200 boxes per day ; employ three hands ; two two-horse wagons find sales for goods in Braidwood and towns in this vicinity. Mr Blood manufactures soda and mineral water, bottled lager beer, ale, porter, cider and spruce beer. He was married in 1861, to Miss Francis Quackenbush of Illinois ; seven children.

IRVING BARKER, foundry, Braidwood, of the firm of I. Barker & Co., foundry ; this popular firm has been established in the city of Braidwood since 1873, and in that time, the superior quality of their work, coupled with their honest transacttions, has lifted them tp the front, as firstclass manufacturers ; both are gentlemen of long experience, and thoroughly practical in the knowledge of all its details ; Mr. Irving Barker was born June 11, 1847; his father, Jas. M. Barker, with family, settled in Will Co., in 1849 ; when Mr. Barker was 17 years old, he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, and worked at this trade for four years ; he then entered the foundry business with Wm. Mcintosh, at Wilmington, Will Co.; he then entered partnership in company Russell, Barker & Co., of Wilmington ; firm changed to I. Barker & Co.; his brother, Orsen Barker, forms the company, is a native of Michigan ; was born in November, 1844 ; these gentlemen came to Braidwood in December, 1873, and commenced business by erecting the present foundry ; the machine departmentis22x30,twostorieshigh ; themoldiug department is 22x50 ; they make a specialty of manufacturing coal mine supplies and stove castings which they find sales for in the vicinity of Braidwood. Mr. Irving Barker has applied for a patent on a hand lawn mover which eclipses anything of the kind now in the market, is much lighter, cheaper, and can guage it to cut the grass at any height.

parents are John and Ann Bamrick, of Ireland ; his father was engaged in the mining business, and when Mr. Bamrick was but 10 years of age, he commenced the mining business, and in 1868, he emigrated to America and landed in New York City from there he came direct West to Illinois, and settled in Braidwood ; here he commenced mining, and engaged in this business until he met with a very unfortunate accident in Sept., 1872, by" the steam cars running over and cutting oiF his left arm ; he then entered the saloon business which he has followed ever since. In April, '78,. was elected Town Clerk of Reed Township, by the National Greenback party. Mr. B. is a strong National Greenbacker, and has been ever since the Peter Cooper movement originated. Married in 1867 to Miss Sarah Mulligan of Ireland ; have had five children, three living. Is a member of the Catholic Church.

JAMES BRAIDWOOD, proprietor of the Braidwood coal mines, Braidwood. The subject of this sketch is the founder of the city of Braidwood, which was named by Mr. John H. Daniel, Braidwood in honor of Mr. James Braidwood, who claims that he built the house in Braidwood, had the first house to burn, sunk the first coal shaft in Braidwood, his wife had the first child born and the first child to die in Braidwood. Mr. Braidwood was born in Scotland March 1, 1831, and is the son of James and Ellen ( Hercules) Braidwood, of Scotland ; his father was engaged in the mining business, and when Mr. Braidwood was but 9 yearsof age he commenced coal mining ; hethen, worked at machinery and boiler making ; was four years engineer on a steamship ; shipwrecked twice ; two years with the East India Company ; in Oct., 1863, he landed in America, at New York City ;. went to Middlesex, Penn.; here but a short time ; he then came West, to Illinois and' settled in Belleville ; then to Danville, and in Aug., 1865, came to Braidwood ; here he set out in coal mining, in working for the Chicago & Wilmington Coal Co.; was in the company that sunk the Eagle Shaft, near the depot, in 1869 ; he went to Champaign Co., 111., and was engaged there insinking a shaft for coal ; after working for six months, abandoned without finding any coal ; he lost $6,000 cash ; he returned t* Braidwood and commenced the coal busi- ness on the present shaft he now runs, which he has been very successful in ; when Mr. Braidwood came to America, he was financially very poor, but with hard labor and good management, to-day he ranks as one of the successful miners of Braidwood. Married in 1854, to Miss Ellen Ralston, by whom he has had twelve children, eight living ; his oldest son, James, at 17 years of age, July 16, 1871, was struck by lightning and instantly killed. Mr. B. is a Republican in politics and a Presbyterian in rehgion.

ROBERT BURT, saloon, Braidwood ; was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, Nov. .15, 1833; son of Peter and Christina (Hay) Burt, of Scotland ; father was a miner ; Mr. Burt, at the age of 9 years, commenced working in the mines, and followed this business for over twenty-seven years ; in 1858, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; thence to the coal fields of Pennsylvania, and engaged in mining until 1860 ; on account of his health, he returned to Scotland ; returned to America in 1866; in Pennsylvania nine weeks ; thence to Braidwood ; here he commenced mining, and followed this until 1 870 ; he entered the restaurant business and followed this for two years ; then in the saloon business ; to-day owns one of the best and most orderly sample rooms in this vicinity. Married in 1860, to Miss Sarah Carrigan, of Scotland, by whom he has three children.

JOHN R. BRAIDWOOD, Secretary and Manager Braidwood Coal Co., Braidwood; was born in Elderslie,Scotland, March 29,1855, and is the son of James and Ellen Braidwood. Mr. Braidwood at 10 years of age, entered the coal mines and has been engaged in the coal business ever since; in August, 1865, he emigrated to America and settled in Braidwood ; here he has remained ever since. Married in 1877 to Miss Hamilton, of Scotland.

W. P. BARKER, foundryman, Wilmington ; is a brother of I. Barker & Co., foundrymen, and is engaged in working in the molding department ; was born in November, 1837. Participated in the late war; enlisted in Co. A, 100th 111. V. I., for three years or during the war ; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga ; was paroled, and finally mustered out in June, 1864.

JOHN BROADBENT, hotel, Braidwood ; was born in Yorkshire, England,. Dec. 12, 1833, and is the son of Wihiam and Sarah Broadbent. Mr. Broadbent emigrated tu America in 1856. He married Miss Jane Crepps of England ; after marriage, made his residence in Morris, Grundy Co., 111. ; from there he came to Braidwood in 1870. In 1871, erected the present hotel ; this business he has been engaged in ever since. The Braidwood House, very conveniently located, being adjacent to the depot, is a first-class hotel.

THOMAS CONNOR, butcher, Braidwood ; was born in Ireland May 8, 1838, and is the son of Thomas and Bridget (Walder) Connor of Ireland ; his father was a farmer, died when Mr. Connor was young ; his mother then married Patrick Carroll. In 1847, emigrated to Quebec,. Canada, then to V^ermont ; here Mr. Connor was engaged in working on a railroad, and in 1848, came West to Illinois, and settled in Joliet ; here he was engaged in working in a woolen factory, then as a driver on a canal boat six years, then station agent for the canal company three years ;. from here he went to coal digging in different parts of Will and Grundy Counties ; in 1866, he settled down, and commenced farming and butchering, known as the Connor Brothers, who are the oldest butchers at the business in Braidwood ; his mother is still living on the old homestead. Mr. Connor has held several offices of public trust. Is liberal in his politics, and is. a a member of tha Roman Catholic Church. He came to America a poor boy, and with hard labor, good management, is one of the successful men of Braidwood ; owns 800 acres of land.

WILLIAM CARLISLE, bakery, Braidwood ; the subject of this sketch is the oldest baker in Braidwood ; born in England ; his father, Wm. Carlisle, died when Mr. Carlisle was very young; here he started out in the world a poor boy ; learned his trade, baking, in England, and this business he has followed throughout life ; in 1862, he emigrated to Canada, and remained there about two years. While in Canada, he was married in 1863, to Miss Mary Gibson,^ of Canada. In 1864, he came to Illinois and settled at Chicago ; from there he came to Will Co., and first stopped in Wilmington, and then went to Braidwood ; ia

1873, he first commenced business of his own ; here he was very successful until May 26, 1877, his bakery was destroyed by fire ; he rebuilt, and to-day owns the most complete bakery in Braidwood. Mr. Carlisle is a prominent Odd Fellow, and a member of the Episcopal Church.

JOSEPH DONNELLY, merchant, Braidwood ; bora in Durham Co., England, March 19, 1852, and is the son of Matfthew and Mary Ann (Hull) Donnelly, of England ; his father was a dry goods merchant here ; with his fathei', Mr. Donnelly was engaged in clerking in the dry goods -store, and in 1871, emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; came direct to Will Co., 111., and settled at Braidwood ; when Mr. Donnelly first came here, he was engaged as clerk in a store, and continued in this business until 1877 ; he then purchased the store he now owns, and commenced business on his own account ; ranks to-day as one of the leading merchants of Braidwood. He was married in 1874, to Miss Mary Dwyer, daughter of Patrick and Bridget Dwyer. who were among the first settlers of Reed Tp.

PATRICK DWYER, farmer; P. 0. Braidwood ; the subject of this sketch is the oldest settler now living in Reed Tp., was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, March 17, 1828, and is the son of James and Catherine (Caryj Dwyer, of Ireland; father was a carpenter and wagon maker by trade, living on a farm here. Mr. commenced life by farming ; in 1840, he emigrated to America and landed in New York ; then to Susquehanna Co., Penn., and engaged in farming about eight years ; in 1848, came West to Illinois and settled in Wilmington, Will Co.; in 1850, he came to Reed Tp., and settled on the place he now lives on ; he first purchased 120 acres at |3 per acre ; he made all improvements on his place ; when he first came here, the country was very wild, plenty of wild game, deer and wolves in abundance. Mr. Dwyer has held several offices of trust in his township. Married November, 1851, to Miss Bridget Clark, of Ireland ; seven children. Mr. D. is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. He owns 232 acres of fine, improved land, made by hard labor, industry and good management ; his father died in

L. H. GOODRICH, merchant, Braidwood ; the Subject of this sketch is probably one of the best known and highly regarded business men of Will Co.; was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., July 26, 1834, and is the son of Elozur Goodrich, of Connecticut, and Hannah (Way) Goodrich, of New York ; his father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, living on a farm; here Mr. Goodrich spent his childhood and early youth, working on the farm from the time he was able to handle the plow, and in winter gathering instruction from the district schools ; at 17, he commenced teaching school and has taught twenty-one terms in New York and Illinois. In the fall of 1855, he came West and made his home in Grundy Co., 111.; here and in other parts of the State he was engaged in teaching school ; also in the fruit business. In 1860, he married Miss Annie J. Wheeler, of Pennsylvania. After marrying, he taught school about one year ; he then purchased a farm in Grundy Co. and commenced farming, and continued in this business for eight years ; then to Gardner, 111., and was Superintendent of a coal shaft for six years. While Mr. Goodrich was in Grundy Co., he held several offices of public trust ; was Justice of the Peace eight years, and Supervisor six years. In 18 - , he came to Braidwood and entered the mercantile business, which business he has followed ever since. Mr. Goodrich took a very active part in getting the city of Braidwood incorporated, and was elected the first Mayor of the city in 1873, and re-elected to same office. In 1875, he was nominated by the Republican party for Representative of the 15th District, and was elected to same cSffice, and in 1876, was re-elected ; during his time in public office, from his office as Justice of the Peace in Grundy Co., to a Representative of the 15th District, he has given entire satisfaction, having proven himself a gentleman of acknowledged ability, whose duties have been performed in a faithful manner. Mr. Goodrich is a Republican in politics and a member of the M. E. Church, which Church he has been a prominent member for the past fifteen years; is Superintendent of the Sunday school.

J. & J. HYND, confectionery and stationery, Braidwood. These gentlemen commenced business in Braidwood in the spring of 1877 ; both were born in Scotland ; James, born October, 1855, and John, born in 1857 ; are the sons of John and Margaret (McKinley) Hynd, of Scotland ; their father died when they were very young. Messrs. Hynds have followed mining principally throughout life ; in 1868, they emigrated to America ; came direct to Illinois and settled in Morris, Grundy Co., and remained there, engaged in mining until 1871 ; they then came to Braidwood ; here engaged in mining ; in 1877, James retired from the mines, and in partnership with his brother John, entered the confectionery and stationery business ; they own to-day one of the largest and best assorted stocks of confectionery and stationery in Braidwood.

THOMAS HENNBBRY, boots and shoes, Braidwood ; was born in Ireland in 1845 ; hh parents are James and Ellen (Kenny) Hennebry, of Ireland ; his father was a farmer ; emigrated to America in April, 1848, and settled in Du Page Co., 111. ; here Mr. Hennebry remained on the farm until the breaking-out of the late war ; he enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, as private in Co. C, 90th I. V. I., for three years; participated in some of the hard-fought battles during the war under Gens. Grant and Sherman - Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Sherman's march to the sea, through the swamps of the Carolinas to Washington, on the grand review ; was mustered out as Corporal June 5, 1865 ; returned to the farm in Du Page Co. ; in 1869, went to Wilmington, Will Co., in the mercantile business with Richard Baskerville - " Baskerville & Hennebry ;" then, in 1872, came to Braidwood; entered the boot and shoe business with C. O'Donnell - " Hennebry & O'Donnell ;" then with John Handlon - " Hennebry & Hand- Ion ;" to-day he owns one of the best boot and shoe stores in Braidwood. Wag elected Supervisor of Reed Tp. in 1873 ; this office he filled with honor and satisfaction. Is a Democrat in politics ; Catholic in religion. Married in 1875 to Miss Kate Keane, whose parents are among the .first settlers of Reed Tp. ; one child.

ESAIAS HALL, Superintendent of the Chicago & Wilmington Coal Co., Braidwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Rutland Co., Vt., Sept. 6, 1822, and is the son of Gen. Robinson Hall, of Vermont, who was a prominent military man ; his mother, Sarah (Munson) Hall, of Connecticut ; his father was owner of a farm here. Mr. Hall was engaged in farming until he was 30 years of age ; he then entered the mercantile business, and continued in this business until 1865 ; in 1866, he came West to Illinois and settled in Wilmington ; he first worked for the Hill & St. Clair Coal Company for two years ; since 1868, has been engaged with the Chicago & Wilmington Coal Company ; he first was engaged as a traveling agent, and in March, 1874, was appointed Superintendent of the company. The Chicago & Wilmington Coal Company is one of the largest coal companies in the West; this company has worked and partially abandoned eight coal shafts ; now engaged in running two shafts. G. & H. employ 700 men; capacity, 150 cars per day, twelve tons to a car. Mr. Hall has been married twice ; his first wife was Miss Louisa Danforth, of Vermont ; his second wife, Elizabeth S. Cogdon, of Vermont ; have one child. In 1871, Mr. Hall moved to Chicago ; here he has been residing ever since. Member of the Congregational Church, and a Republican in politics.

ROBERT HUSTON, merchant, Braidwood ; was born in New York City, Aug. 7, 1844, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Shaw) Huston, of Ireland ; his father was a weaver by trade, having emigrated to America about 1832. Mr. Huston, when he was very young (1850), with h is parents came West to lUinios, and settled in Grundy Co., here he was engaged on his father's farm at the breaking-out of the late war. In 1862, he enlisted as private in Co. I, 58th I. V. I., for three years or during the war. Participated in some of the hard fought battles ; at the battles of Fort Donelson, Tenn., and Pittsburg Landing, April 6, 1862 ; here he was taken prisoner and taken South as a prisoner ; was paroled, returned to his regiment, and at the battle of Yellow Bayou, La., 1863, he received a severe gunshot wound which caused the loss of his leg ; he was sent to the Hospital at St. Louis, and in 1864, was discharged, returned home to Grundy Co., and engaged in teaching school; in 1870, he entered the mercantile business in Braidwood, and has continued in this business ever since. Married in 1872 to Miss E. A. Blanohard, of Will Co., 111., whose parents were among the early settlers of Will Co. ; they have two children. When Mr. Huston first came to Braidwood he was worth $54 ; he was engaged at the coal mines in weighing coal and speculating ; he managed to save enough capital to start in the mercantile business ; to-day he ranks as one of the successful merchants of Braidwood. Is a Republican in politics.

JOHN JAMES, coal office, Braidwood; was born in Scotland, and is the son of John and Mary (Law) James, of Scotland ; father was a miner ; when Mr. James was about 9 years of age, he entered the coal mines, and has principally followed coal mining throngh life ; in 1865, emigrated to America to Mercer Co., Penn., mining about one and a half years ; thence to Braidwood in the fall of 1867 ; mined until 1869 ; then in the mercantile business until 1873 ; thence to Cleveland three years, returned to Braidwood, and is now engaged in the company's coal office. Mr. James is a National Greenback man in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was married in 1864, to Miss Agnes Campbell, of Scotland, by whom' he has four children.

ROBERT JAMES, insurance agent, Braidwood ; this gentleman was born in Scotland, in 1851, and is the son of John and Mary (Law) James, of Scotland. His father was a miner. Mr. James in 1868, emigrated to America ; came direct to Illinois, and settled in Braidwood ; here he was first engaged in working in the coal mines. He received a full business college education in Cleveland, Ohio ; in 1874, returned to Braidwood, and entered the insurance business this business he has been in ever since ; is agent for some of the most reliable insurance companies in the United States.

JAMES KAIN, saloon, Braidwood; the subject of this sketch was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Nov. 24, 1819, and is the son of John and Rebecca (McMurray) Kain. His father, a native of Ireland, and mother of Scotland. Mr. Kain at 9 years of age, commenced working in the coal mines, and engaged at this businesswhile in Scotland; in 1851, he emigrated, to America, and landed in New York City ; then to the coal fields of Maryland ; thence to Ohio ; here he remained about two years engaged in coal mining, and in 1 853, he returned to Scotland ; here he remained until 1862, when he returned to America, and went to the coal fields of Pennsylvania; he remained there three years ; then went to Illinois in 1866, and was at one time. General Underground Manager for the coal mines of the C. & W. Coal Co. In 1875, Mr. Kain commenced the saloon business. In 1876, he started his two sons, John and Joseph, in the livery and furniture business, known as Kain Bros. ; these gentlemen have a large, first class stock of furniture ; also their livery cannot be beat in larger cities for fine turnouts. Mr. Kain came to America a poor boy, worked hard in the coal mines ; saved money ; invested and managed successfully, and today ranks as one of the successful business men of Braidwood. Married twice, first wife, May, 1842, who died Dec. 6, 1852 ; married second wife, Sept., 1853, Miss Agnes Woods Patterson, Ayreshire, Scotland. Mr. Kain is liberal in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

TIMOTHY KEANE, farmer; P. 0. Braidwood ; this gentleman was born in Ireland about 1818, and is the son of James and Catherine (Murphy) Keane, of Ireland. His father was a farmer.. Mr. I^eane at 17 years old commenced to learn the shoemaking trade ; this he followed for over twenty years. In 1847, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; then West to Illinois, and settled in Ottawa, La Salle Co., and remained here for about five years ; then to Grundy Co., 111., and commenced farming, and remained there until 1856, when he came to Will Co., and settled on the place he now lives on ; he made all the improvements, building house, planting trees. He at one time cut hay oflF the land that the city of Braidwood now occupies. When he first came here, he purchased eighty-five acres, at $16 per acre. Owns 205 acres of fine improved land. Commenced life a poor boy ; worked, hard, and to-day is one of the successful farmers of Reed Tp. Married to Miss Mary Daulton, of Ireland, who died on the old homestead in 1873 ; ten chU-

HENRY LeCARON, M. D., drug store, Braidwood. The subject of this sketch is one of the most prominent men of Reed Township ; was born in France Sept. 26, 1839, and is the son of Francis V. LeCaron, who was a speculator and money broker. Dr. LeCaron remained in France until the breaking-out of the late war ; he then, with the intention of enlisting in the Union army, emigrated to America Aug. 20, 1861. He first enlisted in the body guard of Maj. Anderson; was also body guard of Gen. Buel ; in 1862, he enlisted as Sergeant in the 15th Penn. Calvary, and participated in some of the most prominent battles - Antietam, Stone River, Chickamauga ; in July, 1864, was commissioned as 2d Lieutenant in the Regular U. S. A., 13th Regiment ; waswounded in the side in a skirmish in Tennessee ; was mustered out as 1st Lieutenant in March, 1866; was with Gen. O'Neal's Canada movement in 1866. He then came to Illinois, and settled in Lockport, Will County ; here he was engaged in the flour-mills of Norton & Co. In 1870, was a participant in the great Fenian movement. In 1868-69, attended the Rush Medical College, of Chicago; in 1872, graduated in the Detroit Medical College, of Detroit, Mich. He then came to Will Connty, and has engaged in the practice of medicine ever since ; in 1873, came to Braidwood. Was Supervisor of Reed Township in 1875. Democrat in politics ; was in August, 1878, nominated by the Democratic party for Representative. Dr. LeCaron married in 1864 to Miss Nannie J. Melvin, of Nashville, Tenn., by whom he has four children.

DAVID MORIS, dry goods merchant, Braidwood ; the subject of this sketch is one of the prominent merchants of Braidwood ; was born in North Wales in March, 1832, and is the son of Robert and Kittie Arther (Williams) Moris ; his father was a coal mine manager ; when Mr. Moris was but 9 years of age, he entered the coal mines and engaged in mining while in North Wales; June 25, 1860, in company with Thomas Radford, left Liverpool for America ; lande3 in New York City ; his first work in America was on Monongahela River, in mining coal one season ; then to

Palestine, Ohio ; thence to Illinois, to La Salle County ; thence to Morris, Grundy County ; was engaged by Nicholas CottoT> in the coal mining business ; he leased, for ten years, a piece of coal land ; here he sunk the first coal shaft on the C, A. & St. L. R. R., located near Braceville station ; he then was engaged by a company to sink two shafts ; one of them was in Reed Township, Will County, and was the first coal shaft sunk in Reed Township ; was engaged in overseeing the Braceville coal shaft ; he then entered a mining company composed of miners, known as the Joint Stock Coal Mining Company of Gardner. This company was engaged in sinking a coal shaft at Gardner; struck a large flow of water. After spending $25,000, they abandoned it. He then returned to Braceville ; thence with Odell & Cady, drilling for coal ; Mr. Moris is one of the oldest and best posted coal miners in this vicinity; Nov. 10, 1873, he entered the dry goods business ; this business he has followed ever since. Married Jan. 18, 1862, to Miss Eliza Jane Murphy, of New York, by whom he has had six children, two living. Father died in 1867 ; mother lives in North Wales.

IRA R. MARSH, merchant, Braidwood; was born in Attica, N. Y., June 22, 1843, and is the son of J. Wells and Laura (Smith) Marsh ; his father was engaged in the mercantile business, and died when Mr. Marsh was but one year old. Mr. Marsh's first business in life was working at bookbinding ; then in the dentistry one and a half years ; he then set out in learning photography, and was engaged at this business about one and a half years in Buffalo, N. Y. In 1862, he enlisted as private in Co. B, 112th N. Y. V. I. for three years or during the war ; was with the Army of the James ; participated in some of the hard-fought battles during the war - Cold Harbor, Fort Fisher and in the battle of New Market Heights ; he received a wound in the side which disabled him for about four months ; he rejoined his regiment and served until the close of the war ; mustered out June, 1865 ; in 1866, he came West to Illinois and settled at KeifersviJle ; here he commenced the grocery business, this being the first store at the mines ; he remained there about two years ; returned East one year, and in 1869, came to Braidwood ; here he commenced to clerk for Lawrence & Tincelcr ; he purchased an interest, and then the firm was L. Tinceler & Co. ; to-day he is in business alone ; owns one of the best boot and shoe stores in Braidwood, and ranks as one of the leading merchants of this vicinity. Married in 1876, to Miss Annie White; one child. Has held several offices of trust. City Clerk and Supervisor of Keed Township. Republican in politics.

WILLIAM MOONEY, attorney at law, Braidwood. This gentleman was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, July 18, 1841, and is the son of Thomas and Ann (Clark) Mooney, of Ireland ; his father was a miner ; when Mr. Mooney was but 9 years of age, he commenced to work in the coal mines ; he followed mining while in Scotland ; in 1865, he emigrated to America, landing in New York City ; thence to Pennsylvania and Ohio ; engaged in mining ; in 1866, he came to Braidwood, Will Co., 111., and commenced to work for the C. & W. Coal Co., mining. Mr. Mooney has held several offices of public trust ; in 1870, was elected Justice of the Peace ; in 1873, was elected to the Legislature, Twenty-ninth General Assembly (elected on the Independent ticket) ; in 1877, was elected City Attorney ; this office he still holds ; in these offices Mr. Mooney has acquitted himself in a very creditable and efficient manner ; was admitted to the bar to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1875. Democrat in politics and a Catholic in religion. Married in 1876 to Miss Kitty O'Connor, of Illinois ; have one child.

WILLIAM MALTBY, Superintendent of the Eureka Coal Co., Braidwood. The above-named gentleman is one of the prominent men of Braidwood ; was born in Selston, England, March 7, 1840, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Clark) Maltby, of England ; his father was engaged in taking care of the stock of a large coal and iron company in England ; Mr. Maltby, when 7 years of age, com,- menced to work on his father's farm by straddling a mule and driving them tandem to the plow ; he came in contact with the miners here; he was induced to enter the mine, driving coal-cart and mining ; in 1862, he emigrated to Canada and landed in Quebec ; then to Lake Superior ; from there he went to Jackson, Mich.; in 1863,. he came to Illinois, to Peoria and Pairbury -^ then East to Pennsylvania ; entered the coal business for two years ; then to Nova Scotia, prospecting for coal, for Charles S. Richardson ; not finding coal, he returned to New York City ; then to Michigan ; from there he came to Chicago, TIL, and in Dec, 1866, was appointed Superintendent of the Rhodes Coal Co., now known as the Eureka Coal Co. of Chicago ; this company employs between 400 and 450 men ; capacity of seventy cars per day, twelve tons to a car. Mr. Maltby came to America financially a poor boy ; to-day he has risen from the lad that was engaged in driving the mule to the plow to a Superintendent of one of the largest coal companies in the West ; is the President and one of the founders of the Braidwood Library, with 1,300 volumes. Mr. M. has been married twice ; to his first wife, in 1858, Miss Dorinda Green, of England, and to his second wife, in 1873, Addie Varley, of England; has six children.

DANIEL McLaughlin, Mayor of Braidwood, Braidwood. The subject of this sketch is one of the most prominent men of Braidwood ; was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Aug. 9, 1831, and is the son of John and Catherine (Hutton) Mc- Laughlin, natives of Ireland ; his father was engaged in stone cutting ; Mr. Mc- Laughlin, when he was but 10 years of age, set out in working in the coal-mines at Woodsides, Scotland, in the mining of coal and iron ; he has followed this business principally throughout life; in 1869, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City; from here he went to Boston, Mass.; then he came West to Chicago, 111.; thence in Sept., 1869, to Braidwood, Will Co., HI; here he commenced working in the coal-mines, and followed this business until 1877 ; in April, this year, he was elected by the National Greenback party as Mayor of Braidwood by a large majority ; in this office Mr. McLaughlin is giving entire satisfaction to the people he represents, proving himself a gentleman of acknowledged ability. Mr. McLaughlin is in politics a National Greenbacker ; a memberof the Catholic Church. He married in 1851 to Miss Bridget Dougherty, by whom he had ten children, six living.

CORNELIUS O'DONNELL, saloon and boots and shoes, Braidwood ; this gentleman was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, and is the son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Powell) O'Donnell, of Ireland ; his father was engaged in farming here ; Mr. O'Donnell was raised on his father's farm, and in 1863, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; ' came direct to Will Co., and commenced farming; then in the coal-mines. Goose Lake ; thence to Keifersville ; here he remained until 1870 ; thence to Braidwood, and entered the mercantile business. Mr. O'Donnell has held several offices of public trust ; that of Constable seven years, and Deputy Sheriff of Will Co. four years under George M. Arnold; these offices he has held in a creditable and efficient manner. Is a Democrat in politics, and is a very active worker ; a member of the Catholic Church. Married Jan. 11, 1872, to Miss Margaret Leo, by whom they have had five children - four living.

FRANK T. O'REILLY, farmer; P.O. Braidwood ; was borninMeath Co., Ireland, May 1820, and is the son of Michael and Rose (Tully^ O'Reilly, of Ireland; his father was a blacksmith and a farmer; was raised on his father's farm ; at the age of 14 years, he was engaged in driving a dray between Kells and Dublin, and engaged at this business until he emigrated to America, in 1847, with his mother and children ; his father died when he was about 9 years of age ; landed in New York City ; they then went to Somerset Co., N. J.; here he was engaged in working in the coppermines eighteen months ; then to Newark, N. J., and worked in chemical factory about one year ; then to the city of New York, where he was engaged in driving a team for a sugar refinery ; at this business four years ; then purchased a horse and dray, and was drayman in New York two years ; then with the family they emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Will Co., Reed Tp., on the farm they now own, in July, 1855; first purchased 200 acres at $6 per acre, being among the first settlers of this township ; made all improvements on the farm ; country very wild ; plenty of deer and prairie wolves. Married in 1853, to Miss Mary Bradly, of Ireland, by whom they have had eight children, seven living. Has held several offices of public trust of Reed Tp. Democrat in

; politics, and a member of the Catholic j Church. Thomas O'ReOly is a brother of j Frank T. O'Reilly, and was born about 1817 ; ! have been with each other throughout ! life ; both are highly respected farmers of j Will Co.; they started in life poor boys ; ' have worked hard - driving the dray to a 1 successful farmer ; own 530 acres of improved land.

ALEXANDER PATTERSON, furniture, livery stable, Braidwood ; the subject of this sketch is one of the prominent merchants of Braidwood ; was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, June 5, 1828; his parents are James and Christiana (Strong) Patterson of Scotland; his father was engaged in the mining business ; when Mr. Patterson was but 8 years old, he commenced ; working in the mines and followed this t while he was in Scotland; in 1852, he j emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; then to the coal-fields of Pennsylvania ; remained there two years, where he got the gold fever ; he then went tO' California seeking gold ; engaged in mining for gold two and a half years very sue cessfuUy ; he then came to Illinois and settled in De Kalb Co., here he purchased a farm with his hard earnings in California; he commenced farming in De Kalb Co., this, his first experience; he remained here about five years, then to Morris, Grundy Co., engaged in mining, then in the manufacturing of brick with one of the largest brick-making machines in the State, having a 6apacity of 25,000 brick per day; he then, in 1872, came to Braidwood and commenced the livery and feed business; firm's name Patterson, McKinley & Co., he then bought out McKinley, and it is now A. & J. W. Patterson : commenced the furniture business in 1874 ; is the largest store-room in the city of Braidwood, 22x80, two stories high ; the livery is one of the best liveries in Braidwood, keep from ten to fourteen horses on hand, with buggies and vehicles for the same. Mr. Patterson commenced life a very poor boy, his first start was in the gold-field of California; from this he has been very successful in life, to-day ranking as one of the successful men of Will Co. ; he is the founder of the Masonic Braidwood Lodge,, No. 704, and he and his son J. W., are very active members. Mr. Patterson is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a National Greenbaoker in politics. Married in 1849 to Miss Jane McKinley of Scotland ; seven children, four living : two sons and two daughters ; his two sons J. W. and Alexander, are engaged in business with Mr. Patterson.

JOHN E. PPINGSTON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Braidwood ; was born in Kendall Co., 111., in 1855, and is the son of Henry W. and Annie (Manegold) Pfingston ; his father Henry W. Pfingston, was raised on a farm ; was born in Hanover, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1847, and settled in Kendall Co., 111. ; here he engaged in farming until 1855, and with his family moved to Will Co., and settled on the present homestead in Reed Township, being among the first settlers in this vicinity here he first purchased 160 acres of land, and set out in farming in Will Co. ; here he remained until his death which occurred Nov. 8, 1875, at the age of 55 years, leaving a wife and two children ; his widow is now living on the old homestead' with her son John E., who' is engaged in working the farm. He married in 1878 to Miss Myra Olmstead of Illinois. Sarah E. married I. G. McLane.

MOSES PELTIER, merchant. Braidwood ; was born in Soral, Lower Canada, Aug. 3, 1833, and is the son of Antoine and Scholastic (Boivin) Peltier, of Canada; his father was a baker by trade ; was born in 1811, and remained^ in Canada until the breaking-out of the war in 1837 ; he then came to Illinois and settled in Resden, Grundy Co. ; here he was engaged in baking for the Canal Company ; then engaged in keeping a hotel and stage house ; was the first Postmaster of Resden ; held that office for nine years ; in 1840, he sent for his wife and son Moses, the only child, to come to Illinois ; arrived, settled in Resden, Grundy Co. ; here Mr. Peltier was engaged very extensively in the warehouse business ; in 1844, he took a contract on the Canal feeder, from Wilmington to Caaal, and built this feeder ; his partner left, taking with him what money he had of Mr. Peltier's, which was almost a financial ruin to Mr. Peltier ; he died in the old town of Kankakee in 1859, honored and respected by his fellowman, leaving a wife and one son. Moses Peltier, in 1862, went to Wilmington and entered the mercantile business; in 1870 came to Braidwood, and was engaged in the butcher business ; in 1876, entered the boot and shoe business ; to-day is engaged in the boots and shoes, flour and feed business. Democrat in politics ; Catholic in religion. Married April 13, 1861, to Miss Mary J. McCabe, of New York ; seven children. His mother was born in 1810, now living with Mr. Peltier.

HENRY H. PARKINSON, editor and proprietor Braidwood Republican, Braidwood ; was born in London, Eng., Dec. 22, 1849, and is the son of Henry and Rachel Parkinson, of England ; when Mr. Parkinson was very young, with his parents, emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; chen direct to Wilmington, Will Co., 111. In 1860, he entered the Independent office, of Wilmington, 111., and commenced to learn the art of printing , here he remained about three years, then in traveling in different parts of the country ; at St. Louis ; then to Joliet ; here he was engaged in working in the Republican o&ce; thence to Lexington, McLean Co., 111. ; here he started the Lexington Courier, Republican paper ; then to Saybrook, 111., and started the Saybrook Banner ; he returned to Wilmington, 111., and took charge of the Independent office, and remained there one year ; he then returned to Saybrook and sold out his paper and moved to Bloomington, 111. ; here he commenced the publication of the Bloomington Anti-Monopolist, a Granger paper ; thence to Braidwood, and purchased the Braidwood Republican from F. D. Dalton ; the Braidwood Republican is a daily paper, having a circulation of 500 daily ; this spicy paper is an earnest, live and unterrified Republican journal, free and outspoken, a terror to rings and corrupt office-seekers, and death to political stealings and unprincipled doings in general ; its columns are devoted to politics, literature, agriculture, religion, science and local and general news ; it is the best of advertising mediums ; its editor and proprietor, Mr. H. H. Parkinson, ranks high among the citizens of Braidwood, and personally is a gentleman of long journalistic experience; in connection with the paper, there are complete job printing rooms, with facilities for turning out first-class work, from a visiting-card to a circus bill. Mr. Parkinson is a Repub-

New Lenox Tp

THOMAS ROE, farmer ; P. 0. Braidwood; was born in Lancashire, Eng., in 1820, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Knight) Roe, of England ; in 1855, he emigrated to America and landed in New York City ; then to Illinois, and settled in Chicago ; here he was engaged in the lumber business ; he came to Will Co. in 1865, and first purchased eighty acres at $5 per acre ; here he has lived ever since, engaged in farming ; owns a good, improved farm of 200 acres. Mr. Roe is a very prominent member of the P. M. Church, having been a local preacher of this church over twenty years ; is Superintendent of the Sunday School. Married in 1840, to Miss Sarah Hill of England, by whom they have five children living.

JOSEPH RANDECK, saloon. Braidwood ; was born in the county of Budevise, Bohemia, Nov. 21, 1850, and is the son of 3Iichael Randeck, of Bohemia, who was a mason by trade ; when Mr. Randeck was about 12 years old, he commenced to learn his trade as a tinsmith ; in 1865, he emigrated to America and settled in Chicago, 111. ; here he remained about three years, engaged at his trade, tinsmithing ; he then, in 1868, came to Braidwood; here he was engaged in working in the coal-mines, and remained in Braidwood ever since, except ing one and a half years he spent in Chicago. Mr. R. commenced the saloon business in 1877 ; to-day owns one of the leading saloons of Braidwood. In 1877, he. was elected Constable ; this office he still holds. Manied Miss Rossi Jerena, of Bohemia ; three children.

DUNCAN RANKIN, merchant, Braidwood; this gentleman is one of the most solid and reliable merchants of Braidwood ; was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, May 19, 1828, and is the son of Angus and Margaret (Clark) Rankin, of Scotland ; father at one time was connected with the Postoffice Department, but in the latter part of his life was mining. When Mr. Rankin was but a lad he commenced mining ; this he followed, and in 1850, he emigrated to America and landed in Boston, Mass. ; then to the coal-fields of Pennsylvania ; here he remained for about twenty months ; not satisfied with mining for the black diamond, he caught the news that gold could be found in the Far West, and in 1852, he started for the gold-fields of California ; here he arrived, and commenced mining for gold ; he remained about one year ; success very good ; returned to the States and settled in Illinois, De Kalb Co. ; here he purchased a farm with the money he he had made in California, and commenced farming in lUinoiis-; this, his first experience in farming, but, with hard labor, he was successful ; remained in De Kalb Co. ten years ; then to Grundy Co. ; here he entered the coal business by operating a coal shaft known as Rankin Coal Shaft ; in this business two years ; he then went to Morris, Grundy Co., and commenced the mercantile business ; here he remained about six years, and in 1869, he came to Braidwood ; opened a general store ; his success was very good, doing about the largest business of any merchant in the city ; he then opened on the opposite side of Main St., a clothing, dry goods, boot and shoe store ; on account of business he consolidated both stores, then opened a branch store in Morris. Mr. Rankin is President of the Braidwood Creamery Association, manufacturers of cheese and butter, which rank as No. 1 in Chicago and St. Louis markets ; is Inspector of Mines of Will Co. Also a prominent Odd Fellow and Mason. Member of the Presbyterian Church, and Republican in politics. Married Nov. 13, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Brown, of Scotland, by whom they have had thirteen children, eight living.

JOHN SHBNK, butcher, Braidwood.; the subject of this sketch was born in Erie Co., Penn., 1842, and is the son of Michael and Sarah (Carter) Shenk, who are among the early settlers of Reed Tp., Will Co., having made their home here in 1858 ; Mr. Shenk was raised on his father's farm and remained there until 1875 ; he then entered the butcher business in Braidwood ; this business he has followed ever since ; forms a partnership of Shenk & Kellogg ; these gentlemen have one of the best meat markets in Braidwood. Mr. Shenk married in 1868, to Miss Sarah Wright.

WILLIAM H. STEEN, merchant, Braidwood ; was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, July 29, 1849, and is the son of James and Agnes (Hare) Steen, of Scot- land ; his father was a coal miner ; here Mr. Steen, at the age of 9, entered the mining business ; in 1865, with his father, emigrated to America and landed in New York City, thence to the coal field of Pennsylvania, in Schuylkill Co.; engaged in mining about three years ; then to Ohio one and a half years in mining ; returned to Schuylkill Co., Penn., and in 1870, came West to Illinois and settled in Braidwood ; here he commenced working in the mines, and remained in this business until 1877. Was elected City Clerk of Braidwood in 1877, which ofiice he still holds; was also Alderman of the city of Braidwood two years. Is a National Greenbacker in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Married in 1869, to Miss Mary Ann Robinson, of Scotland, by whom they have two children.

W. D. STEWARD, farmer ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, July 30, 1826, and is the son of John P. and Elizabeth (Moatz) Steward ; his father was a shoe maker by trade ; the latter part of his life was farming ; Mr. Steward was raised on his father's farm, and in 1850, came West to Illinois and settled in Custer Tp.; he first purchased 420 acres of land, at 80c. per acre, purchased from the Government ; here he has remained ever since, engaged in farming and stock raising ; owns to-day 280 acres of fine improved land. Married Rosella Tanner, by whom they have six children.