PART I. PRICE $100. THE UNITED STATES biographical giqtionarg PORTRAIT GALLERY Eminent and Sef-Made Men WITH ILLUSTRATIONS ON STEEL. CHICAGO AND NEW YORK: AMERICAN BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. 105-9 Madison Street, Chicago. 1 8 7f>. Gass TsA-o Book. US" ^ fr THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY T PORTRAIT GALLERY. BY THE AMERICAN BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. PREFACE. IN undertaking the publication of the BlOGRAPHH u. DICTIONARY lite Publishers are guided by two business principles: First, the belief that they are supplying a public need; and second, the convic- tion that they will be able to supply the best work on the subject. The belief that the work is needed is founded on the fact that the world worships success, and is glad to learn how it has been brought about. The truth of this is shown in the fact that if a man be poor, though he have the learning of a Blackstone, the genius of a Watt, or the patient perseverance of a Goodyear, yet, until he has achieved success, mankind has no interest in his history. His aspirations, his anxieties and his heart struggles, may have an interest for beings of higher intelligence, but for the mass of mankind these have no charms. But if by some cunning device, by some daring enterprise, or after long struggles and perseverance, he acquire a fortune, then the reluctant world is lavish in its admiration, his historv is full of interest, and every one is anxious to know how he achieved success. To gratify this universal longing, it is proposed to give the history of the lives of six hundred successful men of Illinois. The Publishers found the second business principle on the fact that they are determined to spare- neither labor nor expense in giving to the world the most authentic information how these men have won fortune, how the world has been benefited by their labors, and what has been the turning-point of their sue cess. These examples are of great interest, may spread good seed, encourage the weary, give new life to the desponding, and energy to the aspiring. In the hearts of the young there are ever hopes and yearn- ings; and although seldom expressed, and often not even acknowdedged to themselves, they want only the inspiration of example to point the way, to accomplish a full fruition of their hopes. The Publishers believe they are engaged in a laudable enterprise, and trust to a discerning public for a liberal response. It is but just to mention that not one i cut lias been asked or received from the parties whose biographies have been given in this work; nor is it intended to pander to the vanity of the weak. Eulogy belongs to the dead, not to the living. A record of a man's life and works constitutes his biography; the praise of his virtues is more appropriate in an obituary. It is our object to seek out merit, and, by a simple narration of the origin, career, and achievements of individuals, show how the country has become great, and who are the men that have helped to do the work. To know how to achieve success is a laudable craving of the human heart, and to teach by example is the best mode of satisfying that craving. The rapid growth of th< I nil-el Slates is unparalleled in the world's history. If it has been done by human hands, who has done it? Have the heroes of peace no honor 5 If they have, where is the record? Perhaps it may be found in the dusty tiles of some daily papers, where he hidden the records of the worthiest deeds, while acts of rapine till the pages of history. These may be sensational, but they are nut exemplary. There may be yet living some few who took part in the War of Independence; s< » that it may be said that in one life million-, ol acres of wild lands have been brought under cultivation, cities have sprung up as if by magic , industries have been developed which challenge the- world for the vastness, utility and beauty of their productions The .iris have made greal progress, and the sons and daughters -Of America vie with the most eminent of the old World To make i record, in an accessible form, of the men who have ac hievccl so nine h. is a desideratum which has a just claim upon every admirer of his country's progress. The publication of this work will contribute to the supply of materials for the future historian. The day has arrived when something more than the memories of the ancestry of the titled few shall usurp the admiration of mankind. A new era, a new civilization, has sprung up, which furnishes a different material for history. There has been enough written of kings, feudal barons, and the turbulence of unbridled power. It is the social condition of the people that makes the history of the United States, which is by tar more interesting, by far more useful, and by far more exemplary, than all the feuds and cabals which crowd the pages of European history. The interests of the United States demand that her history should be modeled after her institutions, and viewed from that standpoint ; honor should be given to those who have made the country great. A man is a constituent of a community; so is the history of an individual a constituent of the history of a country; and that history which best represents the lives of prominent individuals will best represent the social condition of a country. The Biographical Dictionary will furnish this material. It is purely an American idea, and is in the direction of assimilating American literature with American civilization. A sound public opinion is essential to the permanency of a stable government. Opinions formed by a literature written for a people living under a different civilization, which includes monarchy and prerogative, aristocracy and privilege, and an exalted idea of birth and station, is wholly in conflict with republican simplicity. Therefore, however proud we may be of the names which adorn our language, we cannot be blind to the fact that a Euro- pean literature is not an unalloyed blessing. A national literature must represent the national sentiment; should be in accordance with the principles, and a support to the institutions, of the country. A sound literature is one of the greatest aids to good order, and one of the best supports of the permanency and stability of a government. No Kuropean government could withstand a republican literature universally read by its people, because their institutions are based partly on tradition and partly on fiction. These a hostile literature would destroy. The artifice once exposed, the whole edifice would totter and fall. To such hostile influence has our young republic been exposed, yet for a hundred years has withstood its insidious assaults. A national literature is of slow growth, but every effort should be made to fill up this great deficiency. Foreign senti- ments, which are in conflict with our institutions, are as much to be shunned as the plagues and pestilential diseases which we attempt to exclude by sanitary laws. In making a selection of names for the Biographical Dictionary, the Publishers have aimed to give a view of the representatives of the various interests of the State : the Statesmen, the Preachers, the Law- yers, the Merchants, the Manufacturers, the Engineers, and indeed all who take part in the intellectual, social and material progress of the people. If all are not represented, it is because our efforts have failed to reach them, or because the parties themselves were not familiar with the importance of the work, and have failed to furnish the necessary information. There are some who, from vain pride, have refused information; they feared that their names might be associated with names which did not come up to their standard ; others again, who are worthy citizens, have, from a false modesty, refused to give particulars, as they said their lives were not of sufficient importance, thereby accepting the humiliating position of being supernumeraries in society, who have no share in the common interest — forgetting that in a few years their names, without a record, will be lost in oblivion, and their posterity deprived of the gratification and advan- tage of reference to an honorable ancestry. The Biographical Dictionary will present a galaxy of men whose careers will do honor to any country, exhibiting a variety of enterprise and the best illustration of social life ever published. The portraits have the accuracy of photographic art transferred to steel by the ablest engravers of England and America. 'Oa REV. ROBERT COLLYER, ROBERT COLLYER, now pastor of Unity church, Chicago, Illinois, was born December 8, 1823, at Keighley, a village of Yorkshire, England. Shortly alter the birth of Robert, his parents removed to Fenstone Parish, famous as the seat of the great Fairfax family. His father was a blacksmith, uneducated, but it is said was one of the best workmen in Yorkshire. In 1844. while working at his trade, without premoni- tion, he fell dead at his anvil. His mother survived her husband until 1874. At four years of age Robert was sent to school, where he remained four years, and this was all the schooling he had. He quickly learned to read, and soon knew by heart all the books owned by his parents, namely, "The Young Man's Companion," ''Pilgrim's Progress," " Robinson Crusoe," and the Bible. < >! these the last two were his favorites. In that district of Eng- land the only recourse for the children of the poor is to work in the linen factory. Here were passed the ten- der years of Robert's boyhood until he was fourteen. Limited as had been his reading, still he had imbibed the spirit of religion; and amidst the clatter and din of the revolving iron wheels he communed with his Maker, and established and confirmed that faith which has dis- tinguished him in after-life. To spend his days in the midst of revolving wheels and shaking looms he felt was not all of life that God had revealed to him; and the boy was ever weaving thoughts and dreams into a web of high hopes of the future. At the age of fourteen he left the linen factory, and was apprenticed to a blacksmith at Ilkley ; and perhaps to the ten years spent at the Ilkley forge he owes his Strength of lungs and robust frame, so rare in the clerical profession. All the money the boy could save he invested in books, which he kept on a shelf in the smithy, and as he blew the bellows he kept an open volume, and snatched now and then a sentence, and by perseverance grew in knowledge. He made many a good horseshoe of which he is still proud, but during that apprenticeship the problem of his destiny was solved. In 1847, influenced no doubt by one of those power- ful preachers whose impressions on the minds of Yorkshire men Mrs. (laskill has so vividly portrayed, Mr. Collyer was converted to Methodism, and in the following year, while still wielding the hammei or weekdays at Ilkley, in the neighboring Methodist chapels on Sundays he dealt ponderous blows at the vices of the dalesfolk. Thus by practice and by private study he became a preacher. In 1850 he concluded to emigrate to America. On May the nth, with his wife and child, he landed in this country, and a week later went to work at his trade in Shoemaker- town, Pennsylvania. Having brought letters from Eng- land introducing him to the Philadelphia Conference, he was granted a license as a local preacher; and thus began the realization of the dreams of the factory boy. Here at Shoemakertown, as he had done at Ilkley, while working diligently at his trade on weekdays, and devouring all the English books he could lay his hands upon, on Sundays he exhorted in the fields and by-ways, wherever he could get a chance, to all that would listen. It was customary lor local preachers to find themselves. Mr. Collyer, for ten years' service in that capacity, received one almanac, various little household necessaries, and ten dollars in money. But he acquired what he values much higher than money, the love and good will of his hearers, and an experience which he considers the richest of his life. His conversion to Methodism and his subsequent connection with that sect he regards with reverence and affection, and he doubtless owes to it that fervent spirit which characterizes him as a preacher. His liberal mind, however, could not be restrained within the narrow limit prescribed by that denomination. During the latter years of blacksmith life he became acquainted with the saintly Quakeress, Lucretia Mott, and with the well known philanthropist, Rev. Dr. Furness, whose views he found to harmonize with his own, and he accepted a generous invitation of Dr. Furness to preach in his pulpit. Mr. Collyer was, in January, 1859, brought up by the Conference for heresy, and a renewal of his license as a preacher was refused, on the follow- ing grounds, namely: That he could not believe in eternal punishments; nor in the total depravity of the whole human race; nor in the damnation of a good man for not believing in the Trinity. About this time a large class in Chicago, who revered the names of Channing. Parker, Hedge, Clark. FumeSS, and Dewey, were almost disheartened by the conscious- ness that liberal Christianity was at a discount in the great West, which they had chosen as their home. At this juncture, a plain man came among them unher- alded, to serve them humbly as a minister at large. '7' s UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. They opened the doors of their only church — a low, glooniv, dilapidated, frame structure, almost crowded out of the sight of passers by by the overtopping busi- ness blocks — and gave him a hearing. The writer of this sketch was one of the happy few who heard from his lips, that day, the first of those impressive and touching discourses which, with his subsequent labors for his fellow-men, stamp Robert Collyer as the fore- most man of the Unitarian denomination. The impres- sion made that day upon a few earnest men and women who had, for the first time in their lives, heard prayers and a sermon, free from all abstractions, charged with homely wisdom, abounding in genuine poetry, full ol the tenderest human sympathy, and containing words of encouragement which seemed to each listener specially addressed to himself, and gave a calmness to his struggling soul. At that time the society was much disturbed by political differences, and a small minority determined to withdraw. They invited Mr. Collyer to become their pastor; clinging to him, and warmed into new life by his presence, they went out together from the dreary church and sought a better location, where was planted the little seed which has been nurtured by the outpouring of sentiment and wisdom from the heart and brain of Robert Collyer during the best twelve years of his life. This place has now grown to be Unity Church. From that little seed has been reaped an abundant harvest, and the Second Unitarian Society, with Robert Collyer at its head, is now a magnificent edifice, the largest Protestant church in the Northwest. Unitarianism, by his influence, has been made respectable, and Unity Church the beacon-light of the denomination. It is not alone in his own sect that Mr. Collyer is beloved; his liberal words and work for humanity have won for him a universal confidence, and wherever there are alms to be given, differences to be healed, and work to be done for the conversion of the sinful, or for raising up the downtrodden, it is to Robert Collyer that all look to do it. Mr. ( Oliver's literary works have been very pop- ular; therefore it is not his voice and manner alone that calls for admiration, but also his thoughts. The first volume of his printed sermons ran through eight editions in sixteen months, and his lectures are an- nually bespoken by the principal cities of the Union. Mr. Collyer is in no sense a "sensational" preacher, but the bare announcement that he is to speak, in any place, fills the hall to its utmost capacity, and audiences familiar with the finest oratory deem it a privilege to look into his beaming face and listen to the earnest words of the Blacksmith Preacher. Free from the formality of the schools, independent of all dogmas and creeds, brimming with love to man and trust in God, he stands before an audience with his sturdy English frame, and in simple Saxon phrases utters thoughts of such strength and pathos that the hearts of all who listen are thrilled by his eloquence. DANIEL BRAINARD, M. D., DANIEL BRAINARD was born May 15, 181 2, at Whitesboro', Oneida county, New York. He was a descendant of the Daniel B. Brainard who, from England, settled in Haddam, Connecticut, about the year 1662. Daniel Brainard received his early educa- tion at the academy or high school of Whitesboro', where, as well as at Rome, in the same State, he com- menced his medical studies. He afterwards attended courses of lectures at Fairfield and at Jefferson Col- lege, Philadelphia, and graduated at the latter in the spring of 1S34. After spending two years in private study he was engaged to deliver a course of lectures on anatomy and physiology at the Oneida Institute, after which, in August, 1836, he came to Chicago to establish himself permanently. In 1839 he went to Paris, where he studied at the medical school for three vears, after which he resumed his practice in Chicago. He gave a course of lectures at the College of St. Louis. Together with other prominent physicians of Chicago he founded Rush Medical College, of which Dr. Brainard remained president and professor of surgery until his death. He was married February 15, 1845, to Evelyn Sleight. In 1852 he again visited Paris, where he obtained permission to use the poisonous serpents in the Jardin des Plantes for the purpose of experimenting on the cure of poisoned wounds. The result of his experi- ments was his advocacy of the treatment of poisoned wounds or unhealthy inflammation by alterative injec- tions. The publication of these works much increased his reputation, and he was made a member of the Soci- ety of Surgery of Paris, and a corresponding member of the Medical Society of Geneva. After his return to America he rose rapidly to prominence in his profes- sion, both as a physician and surgeon. In 1854 he UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY received the pri/e, at the meeting of the Medical Society at St. Louis, for his essay on the treatment of ununited fractures, for the cure of false joint by subcutaneous perforation. He died October 10, 1866, of cholera, in the midst of the terrible epidemic of that year. He left two children, Julia and Edwin Brainard. Dr. Brainard was gifted with an iron constitution, which alone could have borne him through the labors of his life. He was of restless energy and untiring zeal in the pursuit of knowledge. His reputation was not confined to his profession; in many kindred sciences, in geology, botany, and in the domain of art and literature, he was an acknowledged master. He took constant interest in political events, and was well known as a public speaker. In appearance, he was tall and commanding; in manner, dignified and reserved. ALMERIN HENRY WINSLOW, < HICAGO. ALMERIN HENRY WINSLOW is a descendant of a family of very early settlers in this country. The family of Winslows were from Droitwitch, Wor- c estershire, England. Kenelm Winslow (a younger brother of Gov. Edward, John, and Gilbert, of the May Flower party) came to America in 1629, and settled at Marshfield, Massachusetts, on the Marsh- field farm of historic memory. The family on the mother's side, the Tayntors, were also early settlers. Joseph Tayntor came to America in 1638, and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. The parents of A. H. Winslow were Ansel and Lu- cinda. They had ten children, of whom Almerin was the youngest. His father was of a delicate physic al organization, but extremely active and of great vital force, living to the age of eighty-four years, the last thirty-five years in broken health. He was very SO( ial and pleasing in his intercourse with the world ; not of a pious character, but eminently conscientious, honor- able, and charitable, and most kind and affectionate to his family and relations. His mother was affectionate, loving, and devoted to her family, yet of but few words, and undemonstrative in her feelings; had greal force of character and good judgment, which she de- voted exclusively to the direction, government, and general welfare of her household; of unyielding pride and self-respect, under all circumstances; and to her other Christian virtues added great piety. She lived to the age of seventy-five years. Both ivere mi mbi rs of the Baptist church, and early inculcated in their children the principles of true piety. They lived a married life of fifty-seven years, and had never to mourn the loss of any of their numerous children, ill of whom are still living. Almerin. the subject of this sketch; was born < >■ tu- ber 10, 1830, in the town of LeRay, Jefferson county, New York : attended the district School until the age of eleven years, when he entered I .< K.i\ Academy and attended two years; then entered a country store, where he remained until he moved to Chicago, always prosecuting his studies after business hours late at night His father's loss of health brought loss of property, and while at the academy Almerin paid for his schooling by building fires, keeping" the school- house in order, shoveling paths in winter, and, as a matter of necessity, left school earlier than he other- wise would have done. Before this time, however, his mind was settled upon following a mercantile profes- sion; no thought has ever been considered by him of any other career. His play-hours and holidays were occupied in studying, how he could, and in preparing himself for business; and he has never since permit- ted any temptation or discouragement to divert him from his object He has worked early and late in the full hope and conviction that he would achieve mii 1 ess. In 1854 he came to Chicago and entered the dry goods house of Mills, llowen & Hellenlieck as cashier and book-keeper. In 1856 this firm was sine ceded by thai oi Bowen Brothers, with whom he was connected as book-keeper and partner until 1867. Bowen Broth- ers, with .1 capital of five hundred thousand dollars, 1 lii :i ted annual sales of four million five hundred thou- sand dollars. In this year the firm of Bowen Brothers was succeeded by that of Bowen, Whitman \- Winslow. The capital of this last-named firm was three hundred thousand dollars; their sales, four million dollars per annum. In 1870 Mr. Whitman retired, and the firm of Bowen. Hunt & Winslow succeeded, winch firm continued until the great fire of October, 1871, in which the firm were losers to the extent of half a million dollars and over. By this disaster Mr. Wins- low's entire c apital was wiped out of existence. This was a severe calamity, but it did not discourage him. The following February, 187;. a new firm was made up, under the Style of Richards, Shaw, Kite h & Wins- LO 1 XI 1ED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY low, with a capital of a quarter of a million dollars; annual sales were effected to the amount of three mill- ion dollars. This firm is now in active operation, and, with such energy and business experience, cannot fail to maintain a high standing. Mr. Winslow is a thor- ough business man, and a courteous and genial gen- tleman; has well deserved success, has always main- tained a high character, and is much respected and esteemed. Mr. Winslow is a member of the Presbyterian Chun h of Chicago, but has little regard for strictly sectarian views as compared with the great principles of Chris- tianity and a life of honor and integrity. Mr. Winslow was married December 23, 1857, at Valatie, New York, to Miss Matilda Van Slyck, daugh- ter of John Van Slyck, a descendant of William Peterse Van Slyck of the " Renselaeryck Colonie," living in Albany in 1655, and Matilda Howland, descended from Henry Howland, who lived in Duxbury as early as 1633. HENRY WILLIAMS BLODGETT, ( ///< ago. TN the year 1821, July 21, Henry Williams Blodgett 1 was born at Amherst, Massachusetts. His father was Israel Porter Blodgett ; his mother's maiden name was Avis Dodge. His parents came to Illinois in the year 1831 ; both were methodical, earnest and sincere, and devoted themselves assiduously to the education and correct development of their children. His father was a blacksmith. His mother, a woman of great refinement, was possessed of a superior education, and under her tuition Henry received his early education, and at the age of seventeen entered Amherst Acad- emy. After completing his studies he returned to Illinois, where he was engaged in school teaching, and later was engaged in land surveying, until he arrived at the age of twenty-one. In the fall of 1842 he commenced the study of law in the office of Scammon & Judd, with whom he re- mained until spring of 1845, when he was admitted to the bar. Removing to the town of Littleford, now called Waukegan, he there commenced the practice of his profession, meeting with tolerable success, and was favored with the usual run of "good luck" which generally attends industry and application to business. In 1844, at the Presidential election, he voted the anti-slavery ticket, and has always acted in concert with the anti-slavery, freesoil and republican parties, and he still adheres to republican principles. In the autumn of 1852 he was elected member of the Illi- nois Legislature; in 1858 he was elected member of the State Senate, and in 1870 was appointed, by Presi- dent Grant, judge of the United States District Court. About the year 1855, and for several years there- after, he was intimately associated with the manage- ment of the legal affairs of the Chicago and North- western railway, and was one of the originators of the Chicago and Milwaukee railroad, with which he was identified, in its early days, in the various capacities of attorney, director, and president. Judge Blodgett was the pioneer of this railway, was instrumental in inducing capitalists to enter into the organization. He procured the charter in 185 1, the work was commenced in 1852, and completed to Waukegan January 1, 1854. Judge Blodgett was solicitor-general of the Michigan South- ern, Fort Wayne, Rock Island, and Chicago and North- western railroads; when finally the business grew so large he was obliged to retire from these positions. He has, perhaps, more knowledge in regard to these railroads than any other person living, and there is no other lawyer in the West that stands as high as Judge Blodgett as a railway attorney. He is a tireless reader, an indefatigable student, has an immense power of concentration, a most remarkable memory, able at almost all times, with a moment's thought, to give exact details of any trial or case in which he participated even fifteen or twenty years ago; able to name each particular precedent cited, and the names of all the authorities quoted. He is a man of profound and accurate judgment, and inspires the greatest confidence; he is noble- hearted, pure-minded and generous, giving largely to charitable purposes, and many have grateful memories of his bounty. In his early practice Mr. Blodgett invested judi- ciously in real estate, and is possessed of an ample fortune. On the 12th day of April, 1850, Judge Blodgett was married to Miss Alathea Crocker, of Hamilton, Madison county, New York; he has five children, four daughters and one son. The Judge is orthodox but liberal in his religious views. ^ * »;.. 7 HENRY GREENEBAUM, ( ///< \(.n HENRY GREENEBAUM was born June [8, 1833, in the village of Eppelsheim, near Worms, not far from the river Rhine. His father's name was Jacob Greenebaum, senior, the only son of Elias, who lived at Reipoldirchen, in the Palatinate, a public functionary anil honored citizen. Mr. Jacob Greenebaum was a merchant of Eppelsheim, but came to Chicago in 1852, and died in May, 187 1, at the age of seventy-three years, highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His mother's name was Sarah Hail, an aunt of the Messrs. Hart Brothers, prominent whole- sale merchants, of Chicago. She is still living in Chi- cago, and is now in her seventy-ninth year, in good physical health and undiminished mental vigor. She is a woman of unusual intellectual strength and force of character. Her life's ideal has been to bring up her children as honorable and useful members of society. Mr. Henry Greenebaum was educated in his native village school until he was eleven years old. In [845, and subsequently, his father sent him to a higher school at Kaiserlauten, where he remained until his sixteenth year, when, at the urgent solicitation of his brothers, who had previously emigrated to Chicago, and with the consent of his father, on the 9th day of September, 1848, he left Mayence for America, and arrived at Chicago October 25, 1848. Was engaged two years with W. F. Dominick, then a leading and highly re- spectable merchant in Chicago. In the fall of 1K50, in response to frequent advances made to him by R. K. Swift, then a prominent banker of Chicago, he took a clerkship in the house of that gentleman, where lie continued four years, during which time he made a trip to Europe, forming business connections tor direct trade with Chicago. Mr. Greenebaum was active and aspiring, and took a leading part in literary clubs, firemen's associations and beneficent soi icties, making himself well acquainted with his fellow-citizens and the general business com- munity. In January, 1855, in company with his brother bli.is, he established the banking house of ( Ween Brothers, and in 1862 assumed the linn name of Henry Greenebaum & Company; the firm being 1 omposed of Elias, Henry and David s. Greenebaum. Louis Kul- man, now a capitalist at Stutgardt, retired from tin' firm in 1869. \t this day it is the oldest European banking house in Chicago; and through all fin struggles has maintained its credit and position, having a branch house in New York city, established in 1868, under the title of Greenebaum Brothers & Co In the spring o( 1856 he was elected alderman of the Sixth Ward, and was found, as in all his business affairs, to be a faithful and active member, very prominent in advocating important improvements for the good glesby as one of the State Hoard of Equalization, which position, from his knowledge of real estate and of the business men of Chic ago. he was peculiarly fitted to fill. In religion he is cosmopolitan, and an active mem- ber of the Reformed Jewish church — is always found interested in the moral and intellectual advancement of the human race. Mr. Greenebaum is a prominent exponent of Jewish reform. He does not view the dispersion of the Jews as a curse, but a blessing He does not believe in the restoration of the Jewish nation in Palestine. The Jew is to be loyal to the laws of the country where he lives, and his energies should be directed to the development of its best interests. He believes in one God, the common Father, and in the universal brotherhood of man. In 1S55 Mr. Greenebaum was married to Miss Emilie Heyman, then living with her relatives in the city ol New York. She was born at Biblis, near Worms ; both iarents died before she had attained her twelfth year. She is 1 person ol excellent qualities, both of head and heart — of confirmed moral dignitj Vs is usual with successful men, shi has been a valuable helpmate to hei husband in his onward an. I upward 1 1 UNITED STATES ff/Or;/,' .!/>// [C M. D/CTfOXARV. Since 1848 the history of Mr. Greenebaum has been intimately interwoven with the history of Chicago. He has ever taken a lively interest in the welfare of the city. To him, as much as to any one individual, Chi- ( ago is indebted in part for her renown, enterprise and excellent standing among American cities. In 187 1 Mr. Greenebaum founded the German Na- tional Bank, and it was he that shaped its successful course. When the great calamity of fire fell upon Chicago in October, 1871, the bills discounted by this house were over $1,100,000; but with such prudence had the business been conducted, that the loss was less than three months' interest. In rebuilding the city Mr. Henry Greenebaum did his share in the accommoda- tion of his old patrons. The second annual statement of the bank showed, despite the interruption to busi- ik-ss occasioned by the fire, that with a capital of $500,000, it had a surplus of $75,000, and deposits to the amount of $1,211,894. During the panic of 1873 he opposed vehemently the proposition to suspend, both inside the association of bankers and outside upon the street. He advertised that whatever might be the action of others, his bank — the German National — should keep open its doors, and pay its depositors their full demands. Mr. Greenebaum is a man of remarkable mental ac- tivity. He has not only the faculty of sifting abstruse theories and reducing them to system, but has a per- sonal magnetism to draw others to his views, until he has raised up a host of friends, and all opposition is futile. Socially Mr. Greenebaum is active, as in his business. He was the first president of the Beethoven Society, and has given largely to encourage music in Chicago. He is also president of several charitable societies. Indeed, Mr. Greenebaum's charity is well known. In his elegant Ashland avenue home, surrounded by all the accessories of wealth and refined taste, he does not forget the needy poor, who have been less fortunate and successful than himself. Mr. Greenebaum is one of the trustees and treasurer of the Chicago University ; also a director of the Chi- cago Athenaeum. Both these positions were tendered to him by the respective corporations, and accepted by him in accordance with his desire to be useful. He has been one of the West Chicago Park Commis- sioners since its organization, and treasurer of the Board. The whole financial work of the Board has rested on his shoulders ; and he has been eminently successful in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him. His usefulness will ever be gratefully remembered by the people of West Chicago. Mr. Crreenebaum's services to the city will be long remembered; but the full fruition of his reward can not be recounted in a biography — eulogy does not belong here. But his work and example will form rich material when the course of human events shall call for an obituary, which it is hoped may be long deferred. ELBRIDGE GERRY KEITH, CHICAGO. I^LBRIDGE G. KEITH is the son of Martin and j Betsey Keith. His father was a farmer, of Scotch descent, who settled in Massachusetts. The religious views "t the Scotch Covenanters, which had left its mark on Scottish sentiment, was in accord with the religious -.pint which had taken such deep root in New England society. The Mew England ideas of right were early im- pressed upon the character of Martin Keith. His wife's (Betsey Keith's) family name was French. She was an exemplary Christian woman, and exercised a great influence upon her family and a large circle of ac- quaintances. Elbridge was born July 16. 1840, in Barre, Wash- ington county, Vermont. In youth he attended the district school until he was twelve years old, and then spent three years at the academy. His early tastes were literary, and he was fond of political questions, but in 1855 he entered a village store as clerk. His contact with business, and his intercourse with his brothers, who were thorough business men. changed his predilections, and he directed his attention to the preparation for a mercantile life. He was for six months clerk in the millinery store ofW. W. Secombe, in 1857, immediately after his arrival in Chicago. In the spring of 1858 he became a clerk in the house of Keith, Faxon & Co., and traveled in the interest of that firm until 1865, when he was admitted a partner in the business. In 1858 the business of the house for that year was fifty thousand dollars; such has been the rapid progress of the business, that it now extends throughout the United States, from Lake Superior to Texas, and from the East to the West. The business of the house is hats, caps, millinery and furnishing goods, and the sales now amount to two million dollars annually. In what other country can such progress be UNITED STATES BlOGJiAPHH I/. DICTIONARY 15 shown ? But this is only one of hundreds of examples which the Biographical Dictionary will make known, and thus the world will learn by whom the commercial greatness of the United States has been achieved, rhis great success has been accomplished by personal attention to business, to experience gained by actual i ontact with the customers, learning their wants and furnishing such goods as will meet the public demand, bj continually watching the ever-varying public taste, and striving to fulfill its requirements by having always on hand what is wanted. The firm is now composed of Osburn R. Keith, Edson Keith, Elbridge G. Keith, and James L. Wood- ward. Mr. Keith had been brought up by his parents in the Methodist denomination, but after he came to Chicago he became acquainted with the Episcopal service, and finally joined Christ Church in 1866. He has been warden of the church since it became Reformed Epis- copal, and he is so still. In politics Mr. Keith is Republican, but believes more in men than in party. He has been several times delegate to the State Convention ; has been president of the Livingston National Hank. 1'ontiac, Livingston county, Illinois, since its organization in July, 1 87 1 . In 1865 Mr. Keith was married to Miss Harriet S. Hall, of Dayton, La Salle county, a lady of generous sentiments and much esteemed. She is the daughter of Joseph Hall, a very early settler in Illinois. They have three children, two buys and one girl. PHILIP COODK GILLRTT, y.K KSONVII. i.e. ILLINOIS. THE baptismal name of Philip GOode was derived from his maternal ancestors, who were among the early colonists from England; founded a colony on the fames river shortly after the settlement of Jamestown. The surrounding country received the name of Goodes- land c ounty, but has been corrupted into Coocheland county. Many of the descendants of the Goode family still live in Virginia. Philip Goode is a de- scendant in the direct line, and of the seventh genera- tion. Having an abhorrence of slaver)-, in the early part of the present century he manumitted his slaves and emigrated to the State of Ohio, where the mother of the subject of this sketch was born, in the town of Xenia. The ancestors of his father were also from ind. Jonathan Gillett, who, with others of the company of John Winthorp, settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in the year 1630, Of this company many of them were men of high endowments and large fortunes, educated and pious. They embarked with Winthorp in eleven ships, bearing with them the c h; uter which was the warrant of their liberties. The principal emigrants were .1 community of believers; reverenc e for their faith had induced them to cross the wide ocean and to establish themselves in a wil- derness, where they might reduce to practice their system of religion and the forms of c ivi] liberty which they 1 herished more than life itself. A genealogical table of the descendants of Jonathan Gillett has been kept, from which it appears thai Philip Goode Gillett is of the seventh generation. The spirit of resolute adventure which animated their forefathers would seem to be inherited bv the descendants, for with the westward march of civiliza- tion they have been found among the pioneers. His father, Samuel Trumbul Gillett, is a native of Chenango county, New York, but with his parents he removed to Indiana when quite young. His grand- father died in Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, near the present site of Terre Haute, in the year 181 7. His widow, with a family of small children, left the fort, and lived with Indians, but after a few months removed to Madison, Indiana, where her remaining years were spent. There the father of Philip G. Gillett was mar- ried to Harriet Ann Goode, in the year 1.S29, and there was born their first child, Philip Goode Gillett, March -M. ^33- The spirit of adventure characteristic of the family led his father to seek an appointment in the United State s navy. He was one of the first officers appointed to the navy from the State of Indiana, and during his stay in the navy was considered one of the most effi- cient officers. Early taking a high stand in his c lass, he graduated at its head. His official duties, alter some years, placed him in the Mediterranean squadron. During that time he visited the Holy Land, and while there received religious impressions which led to an entire change in his life. Under the convictions of duty he resigned and entered the itinerant ministry ol the Methodist church, which he pursued feu lhirt\- live years. Philip Goode Gillett received his education ai Vs- bury University, Greencastle, Indiana, and graduated in 185a, Being invited to take a pl.ue as teacher in the Indiana Institution lor the Education of the Deal [6 t'Y/ //■:/> STATES BIOGRAPHH I/. />/( TIOXAR r and Dumb, he accepted, and entered upon his duties in ()i tober, 1852. A vacanc) occurred in the offii e oi principal of the [llinois Institution at Jacksonville. The directors, after visiting the principal institutions of the country in search of a competent man, invited Mr. Gillett to take charge of the institution, lie accepted, and entered upon his duties in 1S56. The institution at that time was wholly disorganized, its pupils scat- tered, the faculty broken up, and was overwhelmed with embarrassments. Although the school had only been in operation nine years, yet the buildings were dilapidated and a reproach. They had been erected piecemeal, and without a systemized plan. It was a work of labor and difficulty to bring the public mind to the appreciation of the importance of the institu- tion, yet it has been done. From the State govern- ment it has received a liberal support, public confidence has been gained, a commodious building erected, and when inspected by the Senate Committee they reported: " In respect to system it is par excellence in every de- partment. We should be glad if every citizen of the State could \isit and see for themselves. * * The purse-strings would never be drawn when it was known that money was wanted in the interest of these intelli- gent unfortunates. The institution is a good one, and is ably, and, we are satisfied, economically conducted." Notwithstanding the rapid increase of the population of Illinois, the institution has kept pace, and no appli- cants have been rejected. Constant enlargements have been made during twenty years, until the institution in many respects is the most complete in the world. In the departments of literary, industrial, and art instruc- tion it excels, and in the tuition of deaf mutes in lip reading and vocal speech has been carried to a degree of perfection never before attained. While engaged in this great work, in connection with the deaf and dumb, yet other enterprises have received Mr. Gillett's attention. The instruction of idiots and feeble-minded; numbers of such have, from time to time, been brought to the institution, some of them manifesting decided capability of improvement. In a number of his early reports he called the attention of the Legislature to this subject, and in 1865 prepared a memorial to the General Assembly urging the organi- zation of a suitable institution for the reception of this 1 lass oi unfortunates. The memorial was well re- ceived, anil was followed by personal solicitation and explanation. A bill passed the General Assembly, making an appropriation for an experimental school, and Mr. Gillett was made superintendent, without pay, and proceeded to organize it, and maintained his rela- tion with the institution until the present earnest and competent superintendent. Dr. Wilbur, assumed the charge. Under the appointment of the State Sabbath School Convention of Illinois, Mr. Gillett has achieved great prominence as a member of the executive committee, associated with I). L. Moody, B. F. Jacobs, E. Eggles- ton, A. G. Tyng, and Wm. Reynolds. He contributed to the organization of conventions in every county and township in the State, and a Sabbath school in every church and school-house. To this end he made many journeys, addressed numerous and large audiences, and in 1872 was elected by the convention as its presi- dent, and was made a member of the International Lesson Committee, whose duty it is to select a seven years' course of study in the Sacred Scriptures. These lessons are now almost universally used in the United States, Canada, England, and the mission stations of the American Board. In 187 1 his Alma Mater, Indi- ana, Ashburv University conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. On the second day of May, 187 1, Dr. Gillett was married to Miss Ellen M. Phipps, daughter of Isaac N. Phipps, Esc|.. Indianapolis. By this union he has five children. In the midst of his multifarious duties at home and abroad, his wife, deeply interested in his professional and philanthropic efforts, has been a help- meet indeed, relieving him from the care of famil) concerns, that his mind might be given to his pressing and various duties. In her family she has been all that the wise man sets forth as the quality of an excel- lent woman in the closing chapter of the Book of Proverbs. JAMES HUBERT MCVICKER, < ///< AGO. IN all tin.' departments of human occupation it is necessary to success that our employments have a useful purpose. It must be admitted that every pleasure is a portion of happiness, as the weakness of human nature requires frequent remissions of energy; but these rests and pauses are old) 1 the better to pie- pare us for enjoying the pleasures of activity. The amusements of life are therefore a part of its busi- ness, when they are so regulated as to give energy to the performance of duty. A successful caterer to the public amusement is a benefactor, and such is the character of the subject of this sketch. James Hubert McVicker was born in the city of New York, February 14, 1X22, the son of James and Nancy McVicker. His father and mother were of Scotch and Irish parentage, and came to this country when quite young. In 1822, the year of the birth of the subject of this sketch, his father died, leaving three children and a widow in straitened circumstances. To relate the struggles of the widow, with three fatherless children, would be but a thrice-told tale. The boy James, when he was old enough, attended the common school, but received only a limited education. At ten years of age he obtained a situation in a printing office, and contributed his small earnings to help to support his inn! lur. He afterwards removed to Haverstraw. Rock- land county, and obtained partial employment in a win- factory, and part of his time was spent in a calico factory, working alternately as he could get employ- ment in one or the other. In October, [837, he left the State ol \V» '* ork and went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he entered the print- fii e of the " St. Louis Republican," lor the purpose of learning the printing trade. After three years he had attained such a proficiency as to command journey- man's wages. His spare hours ware employed in self- culture, which he pursued with ardor; and becoming infatuated with a desire to distinguish himself in some public way, he hit St. Louis and wenl to New Orleans, where he commenced his dramati< career, beginning at the bottom of the ladder, Studying hard, yet making only slow progress. However, he persevered mil tned at many theatres in different parts of the United States until he had obtained some reputa- tion. In 1.S4.S he (.one to Chicago and engaged as princi- pal comedian in the theatre then managed by lohn B. Rice. It was then the only theatre in the c itv. Mr. McVicker's professional progress was now rapid and successful, except financially; salaries were then very low, and it required the greatest economy to get along. In 1851, after the death of Dan Marble, Mr. McVicker bought of the widow all the plays of that celebrated Yankee comedian, and started on a " star- ring tour" throughout the United States. It was on this tour he first began to make money, and lie con- tinued so to do until 1855. During this year he went to Europe, and played in London, giving his Yankee characters with considerable success. In 1856 lie returned to the United States, and went to St. Louis, and undertook the management of the " People's Theatre," which he made a success. In March, 1857, he returned to Chicago, with the purpose of building a theatre. He had then accumulated about $15,000, gained considerable reputation, and had man) promises of pecuniary aid. In this year came the great crash in financial affairs. His con- tracts for building the theatre were all made, but the promised assistance failed. He lost all, and became involved in considerable debt. However, financial matters were so arranged that the theatre was finally completed, and opened on the 5th day of November, 1857, with the comedy of " The Honeymoon." The property had passed from his hands, but be- held it under lease until 1861, when he repurchased the theatre for $65,000, on time, and had an uninter- rupted run of success. The theatre, in 1871, was re- modeled at an expense of $100,000, and reopened in August of that year, with a full prospect of Still greater success Mas lor human foresight! these prospects were doomed to be blighted in a manner least to be expected. The great fire of October, 1871, swept all away. The building, stage properties, dresses, scenery, as well as other property, the accumulation of years, in one day all was reduced to ashes. The income of Mr, Mi Vicker from rents alone, at that time, was about $38,000 a year, independent of his business, and he was estimated to be worth lull a million. Nothing but the land was left, and the insur- ance- worthless. The shock was great, the calamity general: but this was not a time to mourn, or even to think of despair. It was a time that called for new 1 wi ■.'(I UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. energies, and these were not wanting, as Chicago of the present day testifies. The lire was still smouldering when he was at work on his plans for the future. In April, 1872, he com- menced a new structure on the same site, and it was opened to the public on the 15th day of August of the same year, with the comedy of " Time Works Wonders." The present theatre was constructed at a cost of $200,000, with a special regard to the safety of life and property in any emergency. It is considered a model theatre, with all the improvements known to modern architecture which may be adapted to a place of public amusement. The present year is the eighteenth year ut Mr. M< Yicker's management in Chicago, where he has become identified with the city and its interests, and has won the respect and esteem of its citizens. He is now at the head of the two principal theatres of the West, is president of the National Bank of Commerce, and a director of the Chicago Life Insurance Com- pany. The wife of Mr. McVicker was a daughter of the Rev. B. F. Meyes, of California, but was born at Dayton, Ohio, in 1830. They have two sons and one daughter, all now living. The daughter is the wife of the well- known tragedian Edwin Booth. Mr. McVicker in politics is a Democrat ; but, except in expressing an opinion when occasion calls for it, he mixes very little in politics. Having always had an ardent attachment to his profession, he has made it a rule of life to pursue with all his power whatever he- takes in hand, and firmly adhere to it until he shall have accomplished his object. To have passed through such vicissitudes, which would have overwhelmed many, proves that he has a force of character and stern integ- rity which have attached friends in times of trial, con- trary to ordinary experience; but he not only knew* how to establish confidence, but what is greater still, he has never betrayed the confidence reposed in him. The friends of the past are still his friends, and time has onlv served to strengthen the bonds of friendship. ROBERT WILSON PATTERSON, D. D., CHICAGO. ROBERT WILSON PATTERSON was the young- est of five sons, and the seventh of eight children ; was born January 21, 1814, in Blount county, East Ten- nessee. His father's name was Alexander Patterson, and his mother's maiden name was Sarah Stevenson. His grandparents, on both sides, were Scotch-Irish, and came to South Carolina from the north of Ireland, whither their ancestors had fled during the persecution under " Bloody Queen Mary." Inheriting the spirit of the Covenanters of the most rigid kind, who held to their faith in the face of persecution and even death, this firm adherence to the faith of their fathers, and belief in the faith of Presbyterianism, was not in the least weakened by being transmitted through two generations. Alexander Patterson was a man of sterling char- 41 ter, and possessed unusually good common sense. His wife was a woman of extraordinary strength of character and intellect; was very fond of reading, and had attained much knowledge by self-culture. She had a strong desire that her sons should be dis- tinguished, and it was to her teaching and influence that young Robert owed his longing for a college education and the hope of distinction. His parents removed to Blount county, Tennessee, and when Robert was two years old they removed to Marwille, and thence, three years later, to Carmel Station, near Kno.xville. His father was at this time employed as a mechanic and school teacher. Up to this time there were few schools and no churches in that section, and his father taught his own children, and those of his neighbors, elementary knowledge. Robert was baptized in infancy by Dr. Anderson, president of the Presbyterian College at Marysville. In 1822 his parents removed to Bond county, Illinois, mainly to escape the influence of slavery, against which they inherited and maintained a great antipathy. In 1824 his father died. He was greatly respected and mourned by his many friends. Robert was brought up on the farm ; had been taught by his parents the rudiments of an education, and his acquirements were only such as they were able to teach. Until he was eighteen years of age he had only been at school nine months. In 1832 he united with the Presbyterian church at Bethel, Bond county. He now decided to study for the ministry, and was trained in the strictest Presbyterian tenets. After a preparatory study of twenty-one months, although his education had been so limited, he was received into the Illinois College at Jacksonville, in 1833. He had always been fond of reading and study, and hence his rapid advancement. To defray his college expenses, he became a teacher of a district school ; he also taught music. In 1837 he went to the Lane Theo- UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. 21 logical Seminary at Cincinnati. He was there a tutur in the college one year; and in 1839 he supplied by invitation the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, where he remained four months. He then became resident licentiate in Lane Theological Seminary. Leaving the Seminary in 1841, he supplied the church at Monroe, Michigan, for six months, and in 1842 was called to the Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago, and was ordained and installed in September of the same year. This church was organized in June, 1842, and held service in a plain frame building until 185 1, when a fine stone church was completed and occupied by the congregation, situated on the corner of Washington street and Wabash avenue. Dr. Patterson was a strong but conservative advocate of anti-slavery prin- ciples, and was one amongst others who saved the Presbyterian church of the Northwest from going over to Congregationalism, in the midst of the excitement on the question of slavery. During the whole time of his pastorate in Chicago, and especially from 1845 to 1865, there were large ingatherings into his church. When he had been at Chicago eight years, Dr. Patterson was called to the chair of Didactic Theology at Lane Theological Seminary, as successor to Lyman Keecher, and ten years later was again called to the same chair, both of which calls he declined. In 1859 he was invited to deliver the annual sermon at Phila- delphia before the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This sermon was published by order of the Board. Notwithstanding Dr. Patterson's time has been chiefly devoted to pastoral work, he has written a great number of papers for the Reviews and other publications. He received, in 1854, the honorary degree of D.D. from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, entirely unsought by him. He was conferred with in regard to accepting the chair of Didactic Theology at Auburn Theological Semi- nary, New York, but declined. Dr. Patterson was chosen Moderator of the General Assembly of the New School Presbyterian Church, held at Wilmington, Delaware, in 1859. He took an active part in the effort to unite the branches of the Presbyterian church; was one of the committee to propose the platform on which they were united in 1869. Dr. Patterson advocated a liberal basis of reunion. He holds the tenets of that class of Presby- terians usually called "New School." The growth of Dr. Patterson's church was constant from the beginning to the close of his pastorate, the actual membership having increased from twenty-six to about six hundred. This church furnished the chief membership in the organization of the Olivet, Fourth, Lake Forest and Hyde Park Presbyterian churches. After the great fire the present elegant church edifice was built, and dedicated in 1874. In 1873 Dr. Patterson resigned his charge, hav- ing been pastor for thirty-one years, and accepted the professorship of Evidences and Ethics in the Presby- terian Theological Seminary of the Northwest, at Chicago, and immediately entered upon his duties. The studies in this department are very congenial to his tastes and habits. Dr. Patterson has recently been called to the presidency of Lake Forest University, which position he will probably accept. Dr. Pat- terson has deservedly won a great reputation, and it is hoped he will long live to enjoy the fruits of his labors. JABEZ K. BOTSFORD, CHIC AGO. \ MONG the early settlers of Chicago, in the year . V 1833, "hen the site of the present great city was but a trading post, may be found the name of J. K. Botsford; and among the affluent citizens of Chicago of the year 1875 may be found the same J. K- Bots- ford, enjoying the memories of the past, as well as the substantial results of a successful trade, after a long period of patient toil, firm perseverance, but unless activity of thought. These, conjoined with prudence and good management, added to quickness of percep- tion and promptitude of action, have produced the usual result — success. There are lives which are more sensational in their careers, but no condition of life confers greater benefit on society, and none de- serves greater honor, than the successful trader. |. K. Botsford was born in Newtown, Connecticut, June 12, 1812. His father was Moss K. Botsford of the same place, a much respected citizen. Young Botsford received a common school education in his native town ; had no thought of a business career other than that of trade. In 183;,, after two years' expe- rience in a wholesale dry goods house in New York, he set out for Chicago. On his way he stopped at Detroit, and there met with Mr. Otis Hubbard, for- merly a merchant at Rochester, New York, and together they set out for Chicago. 22 UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY ( )n lus arrival in the city, after making observations, he commenced the erection of a store on the northeast comer of Lake and Dearborn streets, the first store ever built on Lake street. In this building he com- menced a stove and tinware business, and in 1836 received as partner Mr. Cyrenius Beers, and the firm name was Botsford iV Beers. Ten years after Mr. Beers retired, and the business was conducted by Mr. Botsford alone until the spring of 1852. He now asso- ciated himself with Mr. Mark Kimble, under the firm name of Botsford & Co., and they commenced in a wholesale way. This continued until icS6o, when his eldest son was admitted to the firm, and the name became Botsford, Kimble & Co. In the year 1865 Mr. Kimble retired from business, since which time the firm has been and is now composed of Jabez K., J. R, \- B. R. Botsford, under the name of Botsford & Sou-,. In the spring of [859 Mr. Botsford was elected alderman of the city of Chicago, ami reelected in [861. He was one of the original projectors of the North- western University at Evanston; is now a trustee of that institution and a member of the executive com- mittee. He was also one of the board of guardians of the Reform School during the administration of Mayor Dyer. Mr. Botsford stands high as a business man, a very useful and respected citizen, and one of those who have helped to build up the trade of the great West Mr. Botsford was married in 1835 to the daughter of John Kimbal, of Naperville, and has two sons and one daughter. WILLIAM S. WARFIELD, 9UINCT, ILLINOIS. AMONG the successful men of Illinois may fairly be placed the name of William S. Warfield. It will be very generally found that similar causes lead to like results, in whatever branch of human activity a man's genius and enterprise may be employed. The essentials of success are courage, patience, persever- ance, and the prudent exercise of good common sense. To know the wants of others may be a very serviceable adjunct, as to furnish what is needed is the true way to personal gain. So intimately are the interests of man- kind interwoven, that this principle is developed into the law of trade, called supply and demand. To sup- ply the wants of others brings the most durable reward and renders the greatest service to society. Success brings honor in every honest occupation. William S. Warfield was born in Bellman county, Ohio, April 24, 1836; was a son of John and Lydia Warfield. His father was engaged in a mercantile business in Union county. Voting Warfield received a common school education at Uniontown ; after which he finished his education at Meadville, Pennsyl- vania. Returning to Bridgeport, Ohio, whither his father had removed, he became clerk to his father. He afterwards formed a partnership in the grocery trade. In 1866 he concluded to go farther west, and therefore sold out his interest and removed to Quincy, Illinois. Here, with his brother, he commenced the business of wholesale grocers, under the firm name of Warfield Bros., and had considerable success for two years, when, the health of his brother failing, he retired, and Mr. W. S. Warfield ran the business alone until 1869. He then formed a partnership with Messrs. Buddie and Meyer, the firm being Buddie, Warfield & Meyer. A short time afterwards Mr. Buddie retired, and the firm is now known as Warfield & Meyer. They are now the largest wholesale grocers in that city, with an increasing business. Their sales for 1874 amounted to eight hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Warfield is not a member of any church, but Mrs. Warfield attends the Methodist, where she is a member. In politics Mr. Warfield is a Republican, and has been since he became a voter. He served as a private in the 170th Ohio National Ouards, one hundred day men, and was honorably discharged. Was married, in 1859, to Melvina Howel, and has three sons and three daughters. Mr. Warfield has by industry and perseverance built up a large business, has become wealthy, and is distin- guished in his locality. He is in the prime of life, has a host of friends, and is a pleasant and congenial gen- tleman. GEORGE WASHINGTON NORTHRUP, C///C.H.O. AMONG the leading educators of the Baptist de- nomination of this country, in the department of theology, stands Rev. G. W. Northrup, 1).1>., President of the Baptist Union Theological Seminary of Chicago He was born October 15, 1825, in Antwerp, Jefferson county, New York. His parents, William and Hannah (Foster) Northrup, were natives of New England, and by occupation farmers. They were distinguished for their strong religious sentiments and great activity in all church work. From them Dr. Northrup very early received religious impressions, and the steadfastness ol his convictions, which is one of his strongest character- istics, is largely due to the influence of their example and teachings on his young mind. His early educa- tion was obtained in the common schools, and at the institutions at Gouverneur and YVatertown, Jefferson county, New York. At seventeen years of age he left home, filled with an ambition for a career of honor and usefulness, and reiving entirely upon his own efforts for support. For seven years he taught school, a part of the time in the Jefferson County Institute, in the department of mathe- matics. In his previous study his tastes had led him to give especial attention to metaphysical and mathe- matical branches. He prepared for college under Mr. A. C. Beach, late Lieutenant-Governor of New York, entered the sophomore class at Williams College in 1852, and graduated in 1854. While at college he was an untiring student, and, in a class of thirty-six, took one of the first honors, that of the Metaphysical Oration. The president of Williams College at that time was 1 >r. Mark Hopkins, one of the most eminent educators of the land, with whom Dr. Northrup was very intimate. After graduating, he taught one year in a ladies' seminary in l'ittsfield, Massachusetts, and then entered Rochester Theological Seminary in 1855. Here he was under the instruction of S. G. Robinson, D.D., I.1..D., now President of Brown University, and the eminent biblical scholar, T. J. Conant, D.D. In 1857 Dr. Northrup graduated from the seminn was immediately (ailed to the chair of Church History in the same institution. This position he filled with great acceptance for ten years. In 1867, in response to an earnest call from the Baptists of the Northwest. Dr. Northrup came to Chicago and entered with his whole soul into the work of organizing the Baptist Union Theological Seminary. His previous training had eminently fitted him for the position, and the subsequent prosperity of the seminary has proved the wisdom of the choice. The first year but twenty students were received; now there are sixty, with a corps of six professors, a fine building, one of the best theological libraries in the land, and property to the amount of two hundred thousand dol- lars above all liabilities. Since entering public life, in addition to his duties of teaching, Dr. Northrup has preached a large part of the time in prominent pulpits of the land, and accom- plished much in aid of denominational education in this country, both in the Fast and the West. Since coming to Chicago Dr. Northrup has received calls to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio, and the First Baptist Church of Rochester, New York. He also has received appointments to Crosier Theological Seminary and to Newton Theological Seminary, all of which he declined on account of the importance of his work in Chicago. In 1857 Dr. Northrup was married to Miss Mary S. Moulton. of Watertown, New York, a lady of high attainments and distinguished for a marked excellence of womanly and Christian virtues. While residing in Chicago Mrs. Northrup was attacked by pneumonia, and, despite the best medical aid, died on March 1, 1870. Dr. Northrup was again married, in 1872, to Miss Naomi Sayles, of Chicago. Endowed by nature with a strong and acute intellect, trained under teachers distinguished for ability and enthusiasm, and inspired from his early years with an unquenchable ambition, Dr. Northrup devoted himself. as soon as he had completed his professional studies, to the work of theological instruction. He has pursued this chosen course with untiring zeal, and with a suc- cess which has already earned for him no inferior rank among the theologians of the land. As a teacher, he is distinguished by clearness of statement, comprehen- siveness of grasp, a synthetical method, intense earnest- ness, and impatience of superficiality. As a preacher, he is vigorous in thought, argumentative, boldly evan- gelical, fervid and impressive. If his chief charac- teristic as a theological professor and a pulpit orator were to be expressed in one word, that word would be momentum. The growing prosperity of the seminary over which he presides, and the prominent position into which it has sprung while vet in its infancy, is :\ monument which might satisfy any ordinary ambition. (23) HON. THOMAS S. R1DGWAY, SHAWNEETOWN, ILL. HON. THOMAS S. RIDGWAY may fairly claim to be a pioneer; although at the time he was born Illinois was one of the foremost of Western States. Those at all familiar with the political and agricultural history of the State will remember that up to the last decade southern Illinois had lagged behind in the development of railroads, manufactories, colleges, the building of cities, etc., which served to enrich and populate the central and northern sections of the State. Many reasons operated to deprive southern Illinois of its just share of that tide of emigration which, for about thirty years has been steadily flowing westward, not the least of which was the peculiarly pastoral character of its people. In the very heart of one of the richest agricultural districts in the State, Mr. Ridgway was born, August 30, 1826, on a farm in White county. He was the son of Hon. John Ridgway, one of the pioneer members of the Legislature when it convened at Vandalia. Mr. Ridgway, senior, was born in New Jersey, and de- scended from a Quaker family. In his early life he was engaged in merchandising in Philadelphia. In 181S he yielded to the fascinations of a pioneer life, and, with his family, merchandise and household goods, made the trip in Conestoga wagons from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, and from Pittsburgh to Shawneetown in a keel-boat; by wagon again to Carmi, then Gallatin, now White county, where he located, and at once com- menced the business of general merchandising and trading. His first wife (maiden name Rebecca B. Olden) died soon after coming to Illinois. In 1822 he was married to his second wife, Miss Mary Frazer Grant, daughter of John Grant. The Grant family were Scotch Presbyterians, having emigrated from Scotland to the United States, resided awhile in Philadelphia, and then, about 1S1S, removed to White county, Illinois. Miss Mary F. Grant was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. By the second marriage Mr. Ridgway had six children — Sarah, Harriet, John G, Thomas S., Eliza, and George A. In 1S32 Mr. Ridg- way removed to Shawneetown, where Mrs. Ridgway died, adhering with an unfaltering faith to the religious principles in which she had been instructed in her youth. Not long afterward Mr. Ridgway, senior, died, and thus at an early age the subject of this skcti h was made an orphan. Into his youthful mind, however, had already been instilled the strict principles of integ- rity and reverence for Christianity which had always governed his father and mother, and at once he began to push his way in the world. When only twelve years of age he earned his first dollar as roller boy in the printing office of John S. McCracken, of Shawneetown. Save what had been taught him by his mother, one year at the school of A. J. Galloway, of Mt. Carmel, and one year in the printing office, Mr. Ridgway had no other educational advantages. In 1839 he entered the establishment of Col. E. H. Gatewood, as store boy, where he remained till 1843. When seventeen years of age Mr. Ridgway made his first trip east to Philadelphia for a stock of goods, on which occasion he visited his grandfather, John Ridgway, senior, then over ninety years old, his uncle, Thomas Ridgway, and other relatives in Philadelphia and New Jersey. In 1845 he became junior member of the firm of O. Pool & Co., consisting of Orval Pool, John McKee Peeples, and himself. For five years the firm transacted a gen- eral merchandise and produce business. In 1850 Mr. Pool retired from the firm, and Messrs. Peeples & Ridgway succeeded. Both these gentlemen were thor- ough business men, and under their personal super- vision and able management the house of Peeples & Ridgway soon became the leading one in southern Illinois, their sales amounting to between two and three hundred thousand dollars per annum. It was before the era of railroads in that part of the State, and it was no uncommon thing for them to supply farmers and country merchants who lived fifty and seventy-five miles in the interior. They also were heavy purchas- ers, sometimes to the extent of half a million dollars annually, of tobacco, pork, grain, and other products, which they consigned to New Orleans, New York, and even to Europe. In 1865, Peeples & Ridgway wound up their mercantile business, after a most successful copartnership, and organized the First National Bank of Shawneetown, with a capital of two hundred thou- sand dollars: J. McKee Peeples, president; Thomas S. Ridgway, cashier. The bank has continued under the same management ever since, and is classed among the most solid banking institutions of the country. In December, 1867, Mr. Ridgway was made president of the Springfield & Illinois Southeastern Railway Com- pany. Heretofore a vast scope of splendid agricultural country in southeastern Illinois had been without rail- road advantages. The Illinois Central and Ohio & (26) UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY 11 Mississippi railroads and the Wabash and Ohio rivers formed the boundary lines for a do/en thickly populated counties. To benefit these people Mr. Ridgway threw himself earnestly into the work, and in an incredibly short time, and in the face of many obstacles, the Springfield & Illinois Southeastern railway was com- pleted from Shawneetown on the Ohio river to P.eards- town on the Illinois river, a distance of two hundred and twenty-eight miles. Other roads have since been built through southeastern Illinois, but the pioni is largely the result of Mr. Ridgway 's financial ability and indomitable perseverance. He retired from the presidency of the company in 1874, and has the melan- choly satisfaction of knowing that this public-spirited enterprise cost him many thousands of dollars. Mr. Ridgway married Miss Jane Docker, daughter of Will- iam A. Docker, an old merchant of Shawneetown, Sep- tember 20, 1849. He is a man of strong religious convictions, having joined the Presbyterian church in 1858, has been a ruling elder for sixteen years, and has always taken a deep interest in the Mission Sabbath School cause. He is also president o( the Hoard of Trustees of the Southern Normal University. While a sell-in. ule man, ami generally engaged in the activity of a commercial life, yet he has managed to find time to devote to general literature, and is well read up in the current events of the age. In 1874 he received the nomination and election to the office of State Treas- urer of Illinois, being the only candidate upon the Republican State ticket that was successful, and assumed the duties of the office January 13, 1875. His bondsmen represent a cash value of five millions. JAMES MARVIN BEARDSLEY, ROCK ISL I \ /'. ILLINOIS. THE .grandfather of James Marvin Beardsley was Levi Beardsley, a captain in the Revolutionary army. He was taken prisoner by General Burgoyne's army when they evacuated New York. His father was Levi Beardsley, a merchant, in Chatauqua county, New York, where James M. was born ( (ctober 30, 1834. His parents removed to Crawford, Pennsylvania, in 1840, and purchased a farm. Young Beardsley at- tended the district school at Townsville, Pennsylvania, in winter, and worked on the farm in summer. He afterwards went to the Meadville academy and studied the common English branches of education He left school in 1855 and started west, arriving at Rock Island, Illinois, in October, 1855, with a capital of fifty C-iv.s. He received a position in the county clerk's office the next day, under Joseph Conet, then county clerk. In this office and in teaching school he spent five years, during which time he was also studying law in the office of Beardsley \ Smith, Mr. Beardsley being a kinsman. Was admitted to the bar in July, i860, and soon after commenced the pi. 11 in 1 nf law in Rock Island with Albert F. Higby as partner. Mr. Higby was also employed in the c lerk's offii <•, and read law with Beardsley & Smith, and passed his examina- tion in the same class with Mr. Beardsley. They me( with good success from the beginning. The day after the firing upon fort Sumpter, in 1861, the citizens of Rock Island called a mass-meeting for the purpose of raising volunteers. This was before the President's call for troops. Mr. Beardsley enlisted that evening, along with eleven others --the lii that were enlisted from the State. On the 19th of April the company elected officers; Mr. Beardsley was elected first sergeant. The company went to Camp Yates, Springfield, Illinois, having one hundred and forty men. The company was divided, and Mr. Beardsley was elected hirst Lieutenant of Company I) 13th Illinois Regiment of Volunteers. The other detachment was known as Company D 12th Illinois Regiment of Volunteers. On the 24th of May, 1861, they were mustered into the United States service by General Pope, and were ordered to Rolla, Missouri, Colonel Wyman commanding. The ist of August Lieutenant Beardsley was de- tailed with twenty men to guard a large wagon train of one hundred wagons, with supplies for General Lyon it Springfield, Missouri. On his arrival he was detailed b) General Lyon, along with the twenty men, as I. vun's body-guard. The battle of Wilson's Creek was fought a few days later, when General Lyon was killed. This was the first time in his life that Mi Beardsley vvas under fire, and he received a captain's commission for gallantry in the light. He was the bearer of a clispatc h. after the battle, to General Fre- mont at St. Louis. Missouri. He hail to ride through the enemy's country with a little band, now reduced to sixteen nun. On their way they met companies of rebels hastening to join the Confederate army. On several occasions they had to make a bold dash to get 1. but the) succeeded. He joined his regiment again at Rolla. In the spring of 1862 he was with General Custis in his long man h to Helena. Arkansas 28 UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. In December of the same year he joined General Sherman's command, and went to Vicksburg; was present at the first assault. In the attempt to cross Chickasaw Bayou, at that battle, his own cousin, Elisher T. Beardsley, a fine young man, was killed. In February, 1863, was at the battle of Arkansas; from there returned to Vicksburg, and was at the siege until its surrender in July. After the fall of Vicks- burg they were attached to the Fifteenth Corps of Sherman's command, to the relief of General Thomas at Chattanooga. While on the march we were en- gaged in the fights of Tuscumbia and Dixon's Station. On the 24th of November was in the fight at Lookout Mountain, under General Hooker, and on the 25th at Mission Ridge; on the 27th at Ringgold Gap. His regiment was specially mentioned for bravery in General Hooker's dispatch at Ringgold Gap. Mr. Beardsley was wounded in the head and arm. On the 1st of March, 1X64, he was detailed as Inspector- General of the First Division of the Fifteenth Corps, on General Osterhaus' staff, with the rank of Major, his commission dating from the battle of Ringgold Gap. He remained on the staff until the regiment was mustered out on the 24th of June, 1864. Mr. Beardsley was commissioned Colonel on his return home, and was soon after elected clerk of the county court of Rock Island, and was again elected in 1869. In 1.S73 he resumed the practice of law, associated with Mr. John T. Kenworthy, a rising young lawyer. Mr. Beardsley is attorney for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad; is a stockholder of the Illinois Soldiers' College, at Fulton, for disabled soldiers and their children. He was appointed, by the board of supervisors, chairman of a committee to raise a fund to erect a soldiers' monument costing ten thou- sand dollars. They raised six thousand four hundred dollars by holding meetings, and the county appro- priated three thousand six hundred. The monument contains the names of five hundred deceased soldiers of Rock Island county. He was appointed by Gov- ernor Oglesby one of the commissioners to locate the Illinois Soldiers' Orphans' Home. He subscribed his back-pay from the Government, amounting to over two thousand dollars, to the Home. Was appointed trustee, was reappointed, and was elected by the Board of 1869 president, to which office he has since been biennially reelected. In 187 1 he organized a six-gun battery of light artillery, and was commissioned Captain. Mr. Beards- ley has an excellent military record, is one of the leading citizens of Rock Island, and is very highly respected. In 1862 Mr. Beardsley was married to Miss L. C. Conet, and has three children. JOHN T. ALEXANDER, ILLINOIS. IN the records of the world's history there are eras which produce remarkable men ; sometimes great poets, at others great warriors. Then again, we have grea;t writers, great preachers, great statesmen, or great inventors — or they may be great in some other way that makes them remarkable. Perhaps, among all the deviations from the common course, none are more remarkable than John T. Alexander, the great prairie fanner. John T. Alexander was born on the 15th day of September, 1820, in Wellsburg, Brook county, Virginia. His father and mother, William and Ann Alexander, were natives of Dungannon, Tyrone county, Ireland. In 1818 they emigrated to Virginia, and in 1824 re- moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he became one of the most extensive farmers of the State. John T. is the oldest of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. His education was such as the common schools afforded, which would be considered very scant in the present day. During his minority he- worked on the farm, attended the stock, and became familiar with the handling and raising of cattle. The great cattle markets then, as now, were Phila- delphia and New York; but there were no railways in those days, and cattle had to be driven across the Alleghany Mountains. At the age of thirteen young Alexander made his first trip to Philadelphia, in com- pany with his father, and assisted in the care and management of the cattle. Two years later he was intrusted with the entire charge of a drove to the east- ern markets, which he sold well, collected the money, and brought it safely home. At the age of seventeen he made several trips to Illinois to buy cattle, and while on his tour in search of cattle he beheld, for the first time, the boundless — almost treeless — prairie. Filled with admiration, he exclaimed: "This is God's own country! This is the country for me, I'll say good bye to the hills and woods of Ohio." In the year 1840 the family moved to Morgan county, Illinois, and settled on the prairie — a fine UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY 89 country, the only boundary the horizon ; the range tor stock seemed to be without limit. Here he com- menced buying and feeding cattle on his own account, pasturing on the public domain. This he continued to do for five years, prospering and accumulating in a gradual way. In the meantime the country was rap- idly filling up, and he now found it necessary to become the owner of land. He entered a half section of government land, which became his homestead He then married Miss Mary Dewees, daughter of Nimrod and Elizabeth Dewees, of Morgan county, Illinois. In [848 he purchased three thousand acres adjoining his half section, at eighty-seven and a-half cents to three dollars per acre, paid ten per cent., and the balance in four years. In 1855 he bought another tract of a thousand acres, adjoining, for which he paid thirty dollars per acre ; so rapidly had land appn - in value. In 1,857 he bought seven hundred acres more, for which he paid at the rate of fifty dollars per acre, and in 1S59 he bought one thousand five hundred acres from the late Jacob Strawn, for which he paid thirty dollars per acre. In 1S64 he bought eight hun- dred and fifty-three acres more, for which he paid sixty and seventy dollars per acre. He was now the owner of seven thousand two hundred and thirty-three acres of the choicest land in Illinois. Two years later, however, in 1S66, he made a further purchase, the stock farm of Michael Sulivan, in Champaign county, containing twenty-six thousand aires, at eleven to twelve dollars an acre. From this period his transac- tions were enormous. He ruled the cattle markets of the East, was recognized "Cattle King" of the West, or, as the late Senator Yates said, "he was the Napo- leon farmer of the Northwest." His name became as familiar to the public as those of Vanderbilt or A. T. Stewart His annual shipments of cattle were fifty thousand head, and in 1868 he shipped seventy-five thousand head, his sales amounted to four millions. Previous to the purchase of the Champaign count) farm, an inventory of his assets showed seven thousand two hundred and thirty-three ac res, worth seventy- live dollars per acre, one hundred thousand dollars in bank, seven thousand head of cattle on his pastures and not a dollar of debt, other than the back pun hase money of the Champaign farm, of which in this esti- mate we take no account. To comprehend and superintend the various details of a business so vast, must have railed for rare qualities of mind, and in this is John 1 . Alexander distinguished. In the year 1S71, however, his affairs became seri- ously embarrassed, which obliged him to contr.K t his operations, and he parted with the Champaign county farm. His embarrassments resulted from various causes, — the purchase of the Champaign county farm, the losses on cattle shipped, also a loss of cattle by the Spanish fever, to the extent of from seventy-five to one hundred thousand dollars. In this year he discon- tinued shipping cattle by the Pennsylvania Central railway; he hail made a contract with the New York Central by which that company agreed to forward his 1 attle at a given figure per ear load, while he agreed to furnish a given number of car loads per week. The Pennsylvania Central resented this change, by reducing the rates so low as to be merely nominal; indeed, it has been said that the company actually operated in the cattle trade, glutted the market until prices were absolutely ruinous. Added to this, his business had bee oine colossal, his staff of assistants numerous; many proved to Ik- incompetent, if not unfaithful; hi embarrassed, and in compliance with the advice of his friends he made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors. His liabilities were one million two hundred thousand dollars, but the estate was sufficient to pay everj creditor and leave behind a large surplus on which to make a new start. His business is now with- in his compass, that can be readily grasped by a finite mind. And now, with an energy peculiar to men of real ability, Mr. Alexander has set himself the task of retrieving his fortune, and if the success during the last three years be any criterion of the future, the time will be but short until his possession will again be as great as ever. Mr. Alexander is now in his fifty-fifth year, tall and of commanding appearance; is hale, fresh and even youthful; is of sanguine temperament, and naturally impulsive; very quiet and unassuming in manner, speaks but little, and never in a boisterous wa\ ; is affable, social and warm-hearted, and in his business transactions he is high-minded. None have exceeded him in his special department, he stands alone 1 remarkable man. Bj lus union with Miss IVwecs, Mr. Alexander has had eighl children; the sons are following the business of the father, and the family 1 ire le is still unbroken. HON. WILLIAM WASHINGTON FARWELL, JUDGE WILLIAM WASHINGTON FARWELL, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, was born January 5, A. D. 1817, in Morrisville, Madison county, New York; son of Almira Williams and John Farwell, both of whom were natives of Mans- field, Connecticut. The subject of this biography received more than an average share of the educational advantages of those days; entered Hamilton College at Clinton, New York, in 1833, and graduated with honors in 1837. From early youth he exhibited a peculiar taste for mathematics, and in the year 1839 he spent some time as civil engineer in the construction of the Black River canal, and was stationed at Booneville. In 1838 he commenced the study of law in the office of Otis P. Granger, who for many years was Surrogate of Morris- ville; but, removing to Buffalo in the autumn of 1840, he entered the office of Potter & Spaulding, (the latter member of the firm was chairman of the congressional "committee of ways and means" during the late war). This firm was doing an extensive business, and Mr. Farwell remained with them until admitted to practice in 1 84 1, at the fall term of the Supreme Court held in Rochester, New York. Soon after his admission to the bar he returned to his native place (Morrisville) and opened an office, and continued the practice of his profession for about seven years. An innate roving propensity induced him to make a journey up the great lakes in 1848, stopping at Milwaukee and Chicago, and intending to locate somewhere in the West. Conceiving a favorable impression of the rising young city of Chicago, and seeing that it was destined at no distant day to become the great metropolis of the Northwest, he determined to settle there, and accordingly "hung out his shingle" and commenced the practice of his profession. He was making most satisfactory progress in his new home, and was fast building up that high legal reputation which he has since enjoyed in so large a degree, when, in the following winter, a combination of circumstances decided him to again "pull up stakes." The cholera was raging at the South, with a strong probability of soon reaching the North and seriously retarding busi- ness; the California gold fever was agitating all classes of society, and some of Mr. Farwell's acquaintances were contemplating an early departure. His own health being somewhat impaired, he concluded to join them, and left Chicago in the spring of 1849, with no definite plans as to his return or future location. He proceeded to St. Louis, intending to go down the Mis- sissippi and thence through Mexico, but the fearful news of the dread disease which was devastating New Orleans induced him to change his plans and pursue a different course. Arriving at St. Joseph, Missouri, he started from that place on the overland trip westward May 8, 1849. His party was composed of four persons, having an emigrant wagon and four yoke of oxen. They proceeded the usual route across the plains, crossing the river at Savannah and passing along to the Platte river at Grand Island, and then up the Platte past Fort Laramie, the Black Hills, the northern border of Salt Lake basin, by Sublette via the Cut-off, Humboldt River and Truckee River route into Cali- fornia, having been just five months on the journey from the Missouri to Sacramento. On reaching the head-waters of Bean river, they found gold washers at work, and, halting, allowed their cattle to rest and recruit, while the party joined the miners at gold wash- ing, with good success. Mr. Farwell soon after went on to San Francisco, where he remained until the sum- mer of 1850. His health being still feeble, he sailed for Panama, hoping the sea voyage would restore him ; but deriving no apparent benefit, he returned, in the following autumn, to Morrisville, New York, and re- sumed the practice of law. February 12, 1851, he was united in matrimony to Miss Mary E. Granger, daugh- ter of Otis P. Granger, with whom he first studied law. Morrisville is a pleasant, quiet little city in central New York, but there was little important litigation in Madi- son county at that time. The duties of his profession called him frequently to Utica, Syracuse and Oswego to attend court, making his labors very arduous, so that he determined to return to Chicago, and the autumn of 1854 found him again settled in that place, resuming the legal business which he had abandoned five years before. The following spring he became a member of the law firm of Goodrich, Farwell & Scoville. After one year of uninterrupted good fortune, Mr. Scoville withdrew, and Mr. Sydney Smith took his place. Sub- sequently Mr. Goodrich was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, and retired from the firm during that period, but afterwards resumed his old place. Mr. Farwell confined himself in a great measure to con- ducting the chancery business of the firm. In 1870 he (30) UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY 31 was elected one of the judges of the circuit court, provided for by the new constitution, and in July. 1873, was reelected to the same offii e for .1 term of six years more. He has been from boyhood a member of the ( on- gregational church, but is liberal and independent in his religious convictions, and does not hesitate to decide for himself all doctrinal points and questions. His father was a staunch, old-fashioned Whig, and one of his earliest remembrances is of his father's inter- est in the New York " Express," of which he was a subscriber, and from which he was in the habit of reading aloud the speeches of Daniel Webster and Henry Clay. The anti-slavery excitement arose while Judge Farwell was a college boy; his sympathies were at once enlisted on the side of the abolitionists, and he attended the State anti-slavery meeting at L'tica in the summer of 1S35, which was broken up by a mob headed by Samuel Beardsley, and which was then united by Oerritt Smith to adjourn to Pctcrboro, Madi- son county. From that time forward he was a thor- ough-going abolitionist, voting the anti-slavery ticket, and doing his utmost to aid the cause. When aboli- tionism was no longer needed, and they had withdrawn from the field as a distinct political faction, he joined the republican party, and has since generally acted witli it. He has never been a "politician" in the ordinary acceptation of the term, or a "party man;" but is, and always will be, " democratic " in the best sense of the word. JACKSON DRAKE HARPER, M. D., SPRINGFIELD. //. LINl )IS JACKSON 1). HARPER was born August 9, 1824, in Fayette county, < >liio. His grandfather, Will- iam Harper, was a native of Virginia, but, being opposed to slavery, removed to Ohio, near Zanesville. He then went to the "Military Tract," and located near the confluence of the Indian and Parrot creeks, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-six. His wife survived him many years, and died at about the same age. When they came to the West there was no settlement nearer than fifteen miles. Wild game was abundant; there were bears, deer, and turkeys. The clothing they wore was frequently made of deer-skins, and the luxuries, which seem to this generation neces- saries, were dispensed with. Many were the interest- ing anecdotes of the old settlers, but to recount them is beyond our limits. I)r. Harper's father, John Harper, was born in Berkeley county, Virginia. His mother, a native of Kentucky, was daughter of Judge Jesse Hughes, who came to Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, at an early day, where he occupied a prominent position, being c ounty judge lor many consecutive years, until his death, when his son Jesse was elected his successor. The wife of Jesse ' Hughes, senior, was of the old Drake family, and claims to be a lineal descendant of Sir Francis Drake, who died in England long ago, leaving a great fortune; but the heirs in this country have not yet been able to establish their claim John Harper, father of Dr. Harper, and his wife were Missionary Baptists, and he was deacon of the church until his death. The pious influence of his mother will never be effaced from the memory oi In 1 son. She died as she had lived, an earnest Christian woman. I >r. Harper's education was principally obtained in Ohio. He was always fond of books, and he early evinced a desire to study medicine, which he com- iiicnc ed at the age of nineteen, in Greenfield, Ohio, with Drs. Milton and Alexander Dunlap. He attended a course of lectures at the Medical College of Ohio and Commercial Hospital of Cincinnati, then came west and graduated at the Missouri Medical College at St. Eouis, and afterwards obtained an ad-eundem degree at Rush Medical College of Chicago. In October, 1S4S, he married Miss Amanda J. Saun- ders, eldest daughter of Priestly Saunders, Esq., banker, and founder of Mount Pleasant. Iowa, ami niece of ex-Governor Saunders of Nebraska. She died eigh- teen months after marriage, leaving an infant, which only lived a few months. In 1852 I>r. Harper married Miss Virginia Mitchel, daughter of Hon. Edward Mitchel, a Virginian by birth, and an early settler in Springfield, Illinois, when' -he was born. After his second marriage Dr. Harper resided about a year in St Louis, and in 1853 settled in Springfield. By this union he has four children. In Springfield Dr. Harper has since been eng in the practice of his profession as physician and sur- geon, making a spec i.iltv of diseases of the eve and ear. The success attending his practice is well known The press of the Northwest have recorded many of his remarkable c aires. The case of Levi Dillon, published at the instigation of the patient in the "Sangamon Monitor," who had suffered loss of sight by cataract, had 32 UNITED STATES lilOdHAI'UICAL DICTIONARY, been long under treatment by various physicians; the eye had collapsed and the sight lost. Dr. Harper, in the presence of medical gentlemen, removed the cata- ract, the size of a pea. The patient recovered rapidly, and can now see to read, and is loud in his praises of Dr. Harper. The case of Mollie Chambers was pub- lished in the "Chicago Evening Journal." She had been blind from birth, and under Dr. Harper's treat- ment had been made to see. The case, reported in the "Missouri Democrat," was the removal of an encephaloid tumor, as large as a hen's egg, with the eye-ball entire, from a child fourteen months old, who recovered and is now doing well. Dr. Harper's prac- tice has made him famous. His religious views are in accordance with the Episcopalian church, of which he is a member; but Dr. Harper's views have widened beyond the old land- marks, and he respects the religious convictions of all. In politics he has been Whig and is now Repub- lican. Was examining surgeon for volunteers during the war, by Governor Yates. Dr. Harper stands high in the Masonic order. In his profession and otherwise Dr. Harper has always avoided litigation, never having had a suit in a higher than justice's court. He has contributed to the medical journals, and his contribu- tions have been highly praised. Dr. Harper is in the vigor of health, and may yet have many years of public usefulness and honor. ABRAM MAYFIELD, LINCOLN, ILLINOIS. THE life of Abram May field presents one of those numerous examples to be found in the United States of rapid personal progress from humble begin- nings to a substantial and honored position. Abram Mayfield was born at Huntsville, Alabama, March zi, 1824. His mother's maiden name was Mary Meyers; she was of German descent. His father, Enneias Mayfield, was born of English parents, in Georgia, in the year 1799. After his marriage he removed to a farm in Alabama, and thence removed to Morgan county, Illinois. Abram Mayfield received his education first at the common school, and then went to McKendree College, where he finished his studies. When he was fourteen years old his father died, and four years later he was bereft of his mother. Thus thrown on his own re- sources, for a time he worked on a farm. In 1S44, at the breaking out of the disturbance in connection with the Mormons in Illinois, Mr. Mayfield responded to the call of Governor Ford for volunteers, and went to Hancock county to assist in quieting the disturbance. Soon after, Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, was killed, and owing to the intense feeling aroused against them the Mormons had to leave Illinois. Returning home he engaged in general trade. He was of untiring energy, prudent and attentive to every detail of business, and was remarkably successful. He was distinguished for decision of character; whatever his conviction told him was a duty he carefully per- formed. In politics he was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. Was married in 1863 to Miss Lucy Forsythe, near Albany, New York, and has five children. Mr. Mayfield 's conduct and success was such as to command the respect of his fellow-citizens, and in 1862 he was elected sheriff, and in 1870 he was made mayor of Lincoln, which office he still holds. He was a di- rector in P. S. Ov. D. Railroad; was in part instrumental in building the Lincoln LTniversity, and in 1869 became connected with the banking business. Mr. Mayfield is always found ready to take part in every useful work which is calculated to benefit the city of Lincoln. In religion, although brought up strictly orthodox, he is very liberal, acceding to all the right of con- science which he claims for himself. Mr. Mayfield has acquired an ample competence, is a public-spirited citizen, active in all progress, enter- prising and greatly esteemed.