N. J. Comerford, a prominent citizen of Minooka and Joliet, collected obituaries and newspaper articles during his lifetime for placement in his scrapbook. Michele Roberts, historian at Three Rivers Public Library in Minooka, photocopied his books for transcription. That transcription is included on this website in a series of articles called N. J. Comerford’s Scrapbook.
See also:
- N. J. Comerford’s Scrapbook #1
- N. J. Comerford’s Scrapbook #2
- N. J. Comerford’s Scrapbook #3
- N. J. Comerford’s Scrapbook #4
- N. J. Comerford’s Scrapbook #5
Col. John Lambert
Born Jan. 12, 1847. Died March 6, 1922
Col. John Lambert, nationally known character in the steel world and former associate of John W. Gates, died yesterday morning in Pasadena, Cal. He had been sick only a fortnight. Death was due to pneumonia.
Col. Lambert’s death brought to an end one of the most illustrious lives in the history of Illinois. He was a veteran of the civil war, a millionaire, a clubman, a shrewd politician, a great force in many wealthy and mighty companies, and a genial companion wherever he chanced to be.
Born in New Jersey
Born in Lambertville, N. J., on Jan. 12, 1847, Col. Lambert obtained only a common school education and early in 1864 enlisted with the New Jersey cavalry. Upon the close of the war he was discharged as a corporal.
It was in 1867 when Col. Lambert came to Illinois. He located in Joliet, taking a position as a guard in the institution then known as the state prison. Later he entered the coal business.
He was married a few years later to Miss Mary E. Bishop, who survives him.
In 1879 Col. Lambert began the manufacture of steel wire. There were deals and mergers, and soon he became president of the American Steel and Wire company of Illinois and of New Jersey. As time went on he became more powerful in the financial world and soon was president of half a dozen companies.
Friends of Governors
He was a close friend of John W. Gates, Charles S. Deneen, and John K. Tanner. During the administration of Gov. Tanner he was made a colonel on the governor’s staff, a position he retained through Deneen’s rule in the state house in Springfield.
For many years Col. Lambert maintained two homes, one in Pasadena and another in Joliet. He was a director of the National bank of Pasadena. He maintained a Chicago office at 208 South La Salle street and kept memberships in several Chicago and California clubs, among them the Chicago Athletic association, the South Shore Country club, the Joliet Country club, the California club, the Altadeba and Midwick Country clubs in Pasadena. He was a member of the G. A. R. and was long a mason.
In the fall of 1916 Col. Lambert became involved in a suit which for a time promised sensations. Roger B. Cornell, physical director for millionaires, and one time trainer of James J. Jeffries, charged Col. Lambert with having alienated the affections of his former wife, Mrs. Lillian Cornell.
At the time of the suit Cornell had been married three weeks to another woman. Col. Lambert denied that he had met either Cornell or his former wife, and after some time Cornell retracted his charges.
Col. Lambert is survived besides his widow by his daughter, Mrs. Harry L. Thompson, who lives in Pasadena. Mr. Thompson is vice president of the California Hotel company.
No funeral arrangements have yet been announced.
Allen H. Read
Last Rites for Read Tomorrow
Funeral Will Be Held Thursday Morning at 9 O’Clock
Funeral services for Allen H. “Pat” Read, director of the Will and Grundy county branches of the Chicago Motor club, will be held from the home, 403 South Raynor avenue at 9 o’clock to St. Mary’s church at 9:30 o’clock.
Mr. Read died late yesterday at St. Joseph’s hospital from injuries received in an automobile accident Christmas day. He tried his best to help the attending physicians in their fight for his life but his heroic struggle was in vain.
Was Popular Figure
Altho only 25 years old “Pat” Read was one of the best-known figures in the life of this community. The extent of his popularity was shown by the fact that more telephone calls inquiring after his condition, passed thru the switchboard at the hospital than for any other patient in the history of the institution. The calls averaged several hundred a day and some of them were from long distance points.
It was about six years ago that Mr. Read started the Will County branch of the Chicago Motor club, a business that he has built up until it is now the strongest agency in the state outside of Chicago. Altho a young man he is said to have left a considerable estate.
The Elks lodge, of which he was an active member, will have charge of the services at Mount Olivet cemetery.
Selected Pallbearers
The pallbearers were selected by “Pat” himself, shortly before he died. They include two of the officials of the Chicago Motor club, and young men about town whom he numbered among his closest friends.
Burt Brown and Joseph J. Kavanaugh, of the motor club, and Arthur Downey, Arthur Kelly, Leo Perry and Peter Powell.
Mr. Read is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Read, 403 South Raynor avenue, a sister, Irma, one brother, Merle A., and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. I. F. Read, also of Joliet.
Hold Last Sad Rites for Allan Read
Hundreds Attend Funeral Services at St. Mary’s Church
Thursday, December 31, 1925, newspaper unknown
Last rites were held this morning for Allan H. “Pat” Read, head of the Chicago Motor club in this district, who died Tuesday from injuries suffered in an automobile accident Christmas day.
St. Mary’s church was filled with the friends that came to pay their last tribute of respect to “Pat” Read.
The pews and the rear of the church were filled with young men, old men, women of all ages and children, for “Pat” was the same to all and beloved by all.
“For a young man Allan Read was quite successful from a business point of view,” the Rev. P. J. Hennessey, pastor of St. Mary’s, said in his sermon, “and had he lived he would have been a wealthy man, but wealth does not count for much after all. Allan Read had a happy disposition, a wonderful disposition that made him rich in friends, for all who knew him loved him.”
The funeral procession left the church at 10:15 o’clock for Mt. Olivet cemetery, where the Elks lodge, of which Mr. Read was a member, had charge of the service.
The Passing of a Friend
Joliet Herald
Some men pass out of this life and leave only an accumulation of wealth to mark their place in the community. The interest in their going is pretty well confined to the circle of those who share the estate.
Others leave behind a wealth of friendship. They have been friends of their fellowmen. They have given of a spirit that oils the relations of man to man and prevents friction.
Their going is a community loss, felt by all who had contact with them.
In the latter class will A. H. “Pat” Read be remembered.
You can’t measure friendship by a yardstick or in terms of cash. Yet it is very real.
Money has a limited value. It will buy a certain amount of this or that, and no more.
Dollars and cents will fail a man. Some things they can do. Many they cannot. Friendship has no such set limits. It meets a human need great or small. Those genial souls who generate it are an asset of great value to their fellow beings. Their passing is an occasion for genuine sorrow.
Bishop Conaty is Dead
Died September 18, 1915
RT. Rev. Thomas James Conaty, D.D., Bishop of the Monterey and Los Angeles, (Cal.) diocese, died last Saturday, September 18th at Coronado Beach, where he had been occupying a cottage for a week. He had been in poor health for some time past, having been taken sick upon his return home from San Francisco, where he attended the installation of Archbishop Hanna. While his condition was not considered serious at the time, his physician advised abstention from his duties for awhile. But he failed to respond to rest or medical treatment and death came on Saturday.
Bishop Conaty was born in Kilnaleck, County Cavan, Ireland, on Aug.1, 1847, and when three years of age, came with his parents to America. He attended the schools of Taunton, Mass., and, later, Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., from which he was graduated in 1869. He entered Montreal Seminary, and was ordained there, December 21, 1872. He was made assistant of St. John’s church, Worcester, Mass., January 1, 1873, and became pastor of the church of the Sacred Heart, in the same city, in 1880, remaining there until January 10, 1897, when he was appointed rector of the Catholic University, Washington, D. C., by Pope Leo XIII. He was further honored, in November of the same year, by the appointment as Domestic Prelate. On July 14, 1901, he was named Titular Bishop of Samos, and was consecrated by Cardinal Gibbons, in the Cathedral at Baltimore, on Nov. 24, 1901.
The crowning honor came to Bishop Conaty on March 27, 1903, when he was appointed Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles, to succeed Bishop Montgomery. Under his administration, the diocese built up rapidly twelve new parishes being added to the Episcopal city in seven years, and nine schools in various parts of the diocese, in the same space of time.
His Lordship was long identified with educational and social movements, and he was known all over the United States for his work along lines of thought and high endeavor. He founded and edited for four years the Catholic School and Home Magazine; during 1887-8, he was President of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America, and in 1893 was a promoter of the Catholic Summer School at Plattsburgh, N. Y., of which he was President until 1897.
Bishop Conaty took an active interest in the establishment of the Catholic Educational Association; and it was he who called the first meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of the United States, which was held at Chicago, in April, 1899.
In recognition of his activities in the cause of religion, education and temperance, Georgetown University in 1889, granted him the degree of D.D., and in 1896 Laval University of Quebec, Canada, conferred on him the degrees of J. C. D. and D. D.
In addition to his other labors, Bishop Conaty was the author of a number of religious works, among which was “Bible Studies.”
John Burroughs
Scientist, Author and Poet Succumbs on Train
March 30, 1921
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., March 29 – [By the Associated Press] – The body of John Burroughs, naturalist of world renown, who died suddenly at 2 o’clock this morning on a passenger train near Kingsville, O., lies tonight in his home by the banks of the Hudson river a few miles north of this city.
There, where Mr. Burroughs had lived since 1878, the body will remain until Saturday afternoon, when a private funeral along the simple lines he desired will be held. The body will be taken to Roxbury, in the Catskill mountains, and buried Sunday, the 84th anniversary of his birth, near the spot where he was born.
The great naturalist and author of outdoor books had hoped to return to his country home – Riverby – to die, and his last words, uttered a few seconds before death unexpectedly claimed him, were: “How far are we from home?”
Retraces the Old Loved Scenes
At dusk this evening a hearse conveyed the body along the winding roads that lead through the rugged hills where Mr. Burroughs devoted years of study to birds and trees and flowers. Surrounding his home, where the body was placed, were the elms and maples he loved, while overhead a few birds which returned northward early were heralding the springtime.
In brief cases carried by the great naturalist were unfinished manuscripts of two books. He had busied himself during the winter gathering material in southern California and jotting down notes for these works on outdoor subjects. Ultimately they will be added to his long list of printed volumes.
Edison is Downcast
West Orange, N. J., March 29 – Thomas A. Edison, a member of a small party of friends who had accompanied John Burroughs on his annual camping trips in the last four years, expressed deep sorrow today upon learning of the naturalist’s death.
“To me be always appeared to be one of the highest types yet evolved in the advance of man to a higher stage,” the inventor said.
Other members of the camping party were Henry Ford, Hudson Maxim, and Henry F. Firestone.
“Some of my most enjoyable hours,” Mr. Edison continued, “were spent in his company. All of us were familiar with the ordinary birds and flowers, but when we came upon an odd species we always had to consult Mr. Burroughs. I was the geologist of the party, Maxim was our hunter, Ford was a bit of an authority on birds, and Firestone was the business philosopher.”
Tribute from Henry Ford
Detroit, Mich., March 29 – Henry Ford, close personal friend and campmate of John Burroughs, made the following statement today:
“The news of John Burroughs” passing is a great shock to me. I heard from him from California, but he said he had gone to bed merely for a ‘rest cure’.
“I have known him about twelve years. We were brought together by our common interests in birds and growing things. I believe if you had offered John Burroughs a million dollars in one hand and the sight of a new bird in another, he would have chosen a sight of the new bird.
“Well, he used to wonder what it was like beyond and I suppose he will begin philosophizing again as soon as he gets his bearings. There will be birds where John Burroughs is – birds and great trees.”
Mr. Ford said he would attend the funeral.
Great Loss to Enos Mills
Estes Park, Colo., March 29 – Enos A. Mills in his home at Longs Peak Inn, when informed by the Associated Press of the death of Mr. Burroughs, said America and the world had lost one of its greatest naturalists.
“My personal loss in the death of a dear friend is overshadowed by the loss to humanity,” said Mr. Mills, himself one of the most widely known naturalists in America.
Entire State Mourns
Sacramento, Cal., March 29 – The California assembly adopted today a resolution to the effect that in the death of John Burroughs the state of California, by reason of his residence here during the winters, and the nation generally have sustained the loss of one who, as a scientist, citizen, and man occupied a deservedly high place in the regard of the people.
Burbank Acclaims Friend
Santa Rosa, Cal., March 28 – [United News] – Luther Burbank tonight made the following statement in appreciation of John Burroughs:
“Our beloved naturalist is no more. With the passing of this friend of Walt Whitman, Theodore Roosevelt, and of our own John Muir, the two best writers on wild native life in America, have left us but their lives and works for the hearts of those who appreciate the truths of nature.”
John Burroughs was the venerable dean of nature writers in the United States. Through a score of books he shared with countless Readers his life-long intimacy with birds, bees, flowers, and the whole out of doors.
He learned to love nature when he drove cows at his birthplace farm, Roxbury, among the Catskills, in New York state. He was born in 1837.
The titles of his books included “Winter Sunshine,” “Locusts and Wild Honey,” “Fresh Fields,” “Indoor Studies,” “Birds and Poets,” “Signs and Seasons,” “The Light of Day – Religious Discussions from the Standpoint of the Naturalist,” “Literary Values,” and “Ways of Nature.”
Archbishop Riordan
Distinguished Head of San Francisco Archdiocese Dies, Victim of Pneumonia
The Most Rev. Patrick William Riordan, Archbishop of the diocese of San Francisco, died in that city at 4:05 a.m., December 27. Archbishop Riordan contracted a severe cold five days ago, which developed into pneumonia.
The condition of the late prelate took a decided turn for the worse shortly after midnight, when it was found necessary to use stimulants to sustain heart action. Rising temperature, with rapid respiration, and a general weakening of the pulse continued until death occurred.
Educated at Notre Dame
The Most Rev. Archbishop Riordan was the second Archbishop of San Francisco. He was born in August, 1841, at Chatham, New Brunswick, and spent his boyhood at Chicago. His education was received at the university of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
In 1864 he journeyed to Louvain, Belgium, in pursuit of higher education, returning to Chicago two years later, to fill the chair of theology in the seminary of St. Mary of the Lake.
Among the pastorates he filled were Woodstock, Ill., St. Mary’s Church, Joliet, Ill., and St. James’ Church, Chicago. On Sept. 16, 1883, he was consecrated titular Bishop of Cabesa and coadjutor with the right of succession to the see of San Francisco, to which he was elevated Dec. 28, 1884.
The late prelate was to have celebrated the golden jubilee of his priesthood in 1915, and arrangements were being made to observe the event with all the pomp and ceremony the churches of the archdiocese of San Francisco could command at a time when visiting prelates would be in San Francisco from the leading nations of the world.
Loss to Education
“The death of Archbishop Riordan means a great loss to Catholic education and Catholic charities in the United States,” Anthony Czarnecki of Chicago said. “He stood for the kind of education in which not only the body and mind are trained but also the heart, the character, and the soul.”
A brother of the late Archbishop is the Rev. D. J. Riordan, who for years has been in charge of St. Elizabeth’s church at Forty-first street and Wabash avenue, Chicago. Mrs. Mary Lilly, wife of Dr. Thomas A. Lilly, also of Chicago, is a sister.
Auxiliary Bishop Hanna May Be Successor to Archbishop Riordan
The death of Archbishop Patrick W. Riordan, places Bishop Edward J. Hanna, formerly of Rochester, at the head of the archdiocese until a successor is chosen by the Vatican.
Bishop Hanna, formerly a professor at St. Bernard’s seminary, was consecrated at the Rochester Cathedral December 4, 1912. The priests of the San Francisco diocese and Bishops of the province will vote for a successor to Archbishop Riordan and the result confirmed by the Vatican. Bishop Hanna is spoken of as the probable successor. The funeral of the Archbishop was held Thursday morning at the Cathedral in San Francisco and was attended by prelates from all parts of the country.
Bishop Hanna is a relative of Father Hanna, chaplain at the Convent of the Good Shepherd in Columbus, Ohio.
Since his decease, Illinois people are just beginning to learn what a really great man, Governor Altgeld was.
In the last “Blue Book” Secretary of State WOODS published a message to young men, written by Governor Altgeld before his death – a glorious invitation to service and ideals:
“Young men life is before you. Two voices are calling you – one coming from the swamps of selfishness and force, where success means death, and the other from the hilltops of justice and progress, where even failure brings glory. Two lights are seen on your horizon – one the fast fading marsh light of power, and the other the slowly rising sun of human brotherhood. Two ways lie open before you – one leading to an ever lower and lower plane, where are heard the cries of despair and the curses of the poor, where manhood shrivels and possession rots down the possessor; and the other leading off to the highlands of the morning, where are heard the glad shouts of humanity and where every honest effort is rewarded with immortality.”
Pioneer Hotel Owner, 86 Dies After Short Illness
Mrs. Lena Pauli, Resident of Joliet Since 1883, Succumbs; Had Thrilling Adventure in Brazil Expedition
September 12, 1921, newspaper unknown
Mrs. Lena Pauli, 86 years old, pioneer hotel proprietor of Joliet, who has operated the National, once the center of social and business activity of Joliet, for 36 years, died yesterday at her home in the hotel following a short illness.
Since the middle of August, Mrs. Pauli, who has occupied a place unique in the history of Joliet, has been unable to supervise the hotel which she has managed for more than a quarter of a century. For the last 10 days she has been critically ill.
Pall bearers at her funeral will be old neighbors and friends, several of whom have made their headquarters at the hotel for 25 years.
Born in 1835
Born Feb. 11, 1835 in Wurtemberg, Germany, Mrs. Pauli, who was Lena Gretzler before her marriage, accompanied the wife of the German consul to Brazil as companion 70 years ago. The trip which was made several thousand miles into the interior of South America, was always the source of stories as Mrs. Pauli related her thrilling experiences.
She was the only daughter in a family of four children. Her father was a cooper and brewer in Germany.
On June 4, 1873 she was married in Southport, England, to Christian Grecke. Mr. Grecke died in 1881 in Detroit, Mich. In 1882, she was married in Detroit to Carl Pauli, who died July 14, 1902.
In 1883 they came to Joliet and took rooms at the National hotel. For a year they operated a boarding house and in 1885 took charge of the National hotel.
Supervised Hotel
Since 1885 Mrs. Pauli has supervised the hostelry, doing all its buying and directing the business end. She was known to a host of Joliet and visiting people who stopped at the hotel were she resided as “mother.”
The hotel itself is one of the historic spots of Joliet. It was erected in 1888 and was enlarged with a brick annex 20 years later.
In Joliet’s halcyon days when packet lines flourished on the Illinois and Michigan canal, the passenger dock was just south of the old Jefferson street bridge and the National hotel was the popular place in Joliet. It was also the social center and dances and other entertainments were given there. The National ran the first bus line in Joliet, making the Rock Island trains after the road was opened here in the early 50’s.
Summoned by Gong
In its early days the boarders at the hotel, some of whom were engaged in work along the canal, would be summoned to dinner and supper by the pounding of a gong. It is said that the bell could be heard from the upper basin to Brandon’s road.
Candles were used for illumination in the rooms. It also became a popular place for the country members of the board of supervisors and other visitors from rural districts.
Plans for the reoccupation of the canal were of interest to Mrs. Pauli who followed the course of its proposed development for many years.
Abraham Lincoln was said to have stopped at the hostelry at one time and Stephen A. Douglas was also reported to have been a visitor together with a host of other notables.
Pall Bearers Selected
Mrs. Pauli was proud of the historical significance of the hotel and of the distinguished guests who had stopped there. The main bay of the building she had painted in red, white and blue and often told of the guests who had made headquarters there before, and after she took charge.
Pall bearers will be Charles Pearce, Fred Grassle, Casper Wanner, George Lehman, Wally Patterson and E.A. Henry. Mr. Lehman has boarded with Mrs. Pauli 25 years; Mr. Patterson 24 years and Mr. Henry 15 years.
Funeral services will be held at the hotel Tuesday afternoon at , the Rev. Carl Kurth, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran church officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
James P. Murphy, Pioneer Worker in Uplift, Dies
Father of Ex-Chief of Police, Temperance Advocate and Joliet Figure Succumbs to Pneumonia
Was 94 Years Old
January 10, 1916, newspaper unknown
James P. Murphy, Joliet’s “Uncle Jimmy” is dead.
This news was flashed today from the home of Mr. Murphy’s daughter, Mrs. Bridget Carroll, Van Buren street. It sent sorrow into homes of thousands of Joliet and Will county pioneers who knew and respected Uncle Jimmy for the part he has played in Joliet uplift.
Was 94 Years Old
Grip claimed the pioneer, after a short illness. He was 94 years old. Mr. Murphy was stricken New Years with a slight fever combined with a cold. Old age made the fight hard. Pneumonia developed and death came at 9 o’clock last night.
James P. Murphy came to Joliet in 1858, three years after his arrival in the United States from Ireland. Two years he spent in Chicago before coming to this city to engage in the tailoring trade. And from his advent in this city he at once took a leading part in all movements for its welfare.
Was Temperance Champion
As early as 1870 Mr. Murphy took up the temperance fight and pushed the work in this vicinity. He was an ardent champion of the Father Mathew movement and one of the most effective platform speakers of that day. He acted as spokesman for the Reform club, a temperance society that held public meetings in the old court house for several years prior to 1880. He also supported the famous White Ribbon movement another temperance organization.
Mr. Murphy’s reputation as a worker for civic betterment won him recognition not only at home, but abroad. Among his personal friends was John Redmond, the Irish leader of the British parliament. Others whom he claimed as his friends were John F. Finnerty, Patrick Ford, Francis Murphy, Hon. John Dillon of the Irish Land League, Bishop Burke, the prohibition apostle, and a host of others.
Old Co-Worker Survives
In Joliet his circle of acquaintanceship was broad. It included the late Judge G. A. Parks, Charles G. Garnsey, George Woodruff, Sr., Judges Dibell, Fithian, Rev. P. W. Dunne, Rev. Joseph McNamee and the late Rev. J. Powers. Eugene Daly, Mr. Murphy’s old temperance co-worker is living.
Mr. Murphy was born in County Mayo, Downfeeney, Ireland, September 26, 1821. After coming to Joliet in 1855 Mr. Murphy served two terms as alderman. During his incumbency he left his mark in the progress of the city. He served as a justice of the peace for sixteen years and was police magistrate on year. He was noted for his “short cuts to justice”. He believed in direct methods and put his beliefs into practice. In politics Mr. Murphy was non-partisan espousing the “best man” cause at all times.
Leaves Thirty Grandchildren
His wife died one year ago at the age of eighty-two years. One son, two daughters survive. They are Martin Murphy, former chief of police, Mrs. Mary O’Brien, Mrs. Bridget Carroll and Mrs. Annie Welch, all of Joliet. There are fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at nine o’clock from the home to St. Mary’s church, where Mr. Murphy was a charter member.
Here is the tribute paid to Mr. Murphy by one of his old friends today.
Friend Pays Tribute
“For more than fifty years of his useful life he had been associated with men and women of all creeds and nations seeking to build up the moral tone of the community. His fight for temperance was always a grand one. He never swerved from that purpose. His wit, his engaging personality and his frank statement of beliefs won him the love and admiration of his friends and the respect of his enemies.
“His death is a loss to Joliet and Will county. He was the ideal type of man. His friends, and he had lots of them because he was fearless in the cause of right, will miss him. He was a true man of Erin.”
Crowd Church at Murphy Funeral
Despite inclement weather, St. Mary’s church capacity was taxed at 9 o’clock this morning when Requiem mass was sung at the funeral of James P. Murphy, pioneer temperance worker who died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Bridget Carroll Sunday night.
Among the many tributes paid the memory of the veteran civic leader the following from the pen of John D. Paige, life long friend and associate in uplift work was received.
Will County Pioneer Dies In California
December 3, 1920
End Comes to Allen G. Hawley, Former Lockport Editor
Allen G. Hawley, Lockport pioneer, Will county newspaper man and later a prominent factor in the independent telephone business in Illinois and Iowa, died yesterday at his home in National City, Calif. He retired from the telephone business a year ago on account of ill health.
He was born June 25, 1858, in southern Illinois. His parents were among the very early settlers of Lockport. His uncle, Warren S. Hawley, was county clerk of Will county in the early days, and an aunt, Mrs. W.W. Stevens, now of Maywood, Ill., was the wife of the editor of the old Joliet Weekly Record.
Mr. Hawley entered the newspaper business in Lockport in 1876 and continued there until 1899, when he transferred his activities to the telephone business with C.B. Cheadle as his principal associate. Later he removed to Clinton, Iowa, and became interested in telephone enterprises in a dozen or more Illinois and Iowa cities.
One of his earlier business ventures was the establishment of an electric lighting plant in Lockport, in which he was rather markedly successful. He was also associated with Mr. Cheadle in the real estate and loaning business in Joliet and Lockport.
He was married at an early age to Miss Arretta Riggs of Dwight, Ill., who died in 1896. Two years later he married Miss Margaret Johnson, who, with two daughters, Mrs. J.D. Walker and Miss Deborah Hawley, and three sons, Allen Jr., Sedwick and Ralph Hawley, survive him. A sister, Mrs. Charles Sedgwick resides in the west.
By James H. Ferris
Mr. Hawley was one of the oldest newspaper men of Will county. In the spring of 1874, W.H. Cook, who undertook a journey around the world with Henry M. Stanley, and Newton C. Grimwood who lost his life in a balloon journey over Lake Michigan came over from Yorkville and started an organ for the farmers and anti-monopoly party at Lockport, the “Courier.” Mr. Hawley was their first apprentice. He then, at about 14 years of age, commenced his career and did it all himself.
The Courier moved to Joliet a little later and J.S. McDonald followed with a Lockport Phoenix where Mr. Hawley was employed until he had a paper of his own, the Lockport Advertiser.
There was much rivalry between cities and villages at that time, also city pride, and, to please all concerned, Lockport furnished Lemont, Plainfield, Peotone, Wilmington, Frankfort and Mokena with an Advertiser or Phoenix, or both, of their own, a co-operative plan managed by Mr. McDonald for one and Mr. Hawley for the other.
Mr. Hawley had a generous supply of industry and good nature, and no end of grit. Of money he had very little and the times were very hard. Thus he set his type, ran his press, mailed the paper and canvassed for subscribers, advertising and job work. If weary or discouraged, or interested in politics, he made no sign and managed to accumulate a small fortune at least enough to obtain a foothold in telephone systems later.
Made the World Brighter
Fair play, mind your business, pay your bills and keep whistling seemed to be his rules of life, and in this line he was a perfect type. All within his personal or newspaper range were his personal friends. He made the world brighter. All were pleased to see him coming.
As a characteristic incident, when all were hard up, as hard as hard could be, in the late seventies, to make a little extra, Mr. Hawley did the press work for the weekly edition of the Joliet Daily News. He had a newspaper cylinder, power press, with a horse to run errands and the press. The News had only a hand job press, large enough only for their daily. Twice a week Mr. Hawley drove to Joliet for the weekly forms and upon one of these long pulls up the Lockport hill two pages of the forms slid out of the back end of his sled into the snow. He returned promptly to Joliet with a mess of type, snow and some gravel and for a week the newspaper world rolled on somehow while Mr. Hawley sat at the case sorting type. There was no merriment then, but neither was there any complaining, tho a heartbreaking, life and death matter for all concerned. Printers were not paid $45 per week then, only five and their board, if first class. Printers were plentiful but money scarce.
Philander C. Knox
Born May 6, 1853. Died Oct. 12, 1921
Valley Forge, Pa., Oct. 15 – In the brief sunlight of a calm autumn afternoon United States Senator Philander C. Knox was laid to rest today in Valley Forge Memorial cemetery, which overlooks the historic camp grounds of George Washington’s army.
Surrounding the open grave of the senator, who died in Washington Wednesday night, stood members of his family, members of President Harding ‘s cabinet, a large delegation from congress, state and local officials, and many others.
Only the committal service of the Protestant Episcopal church, Read by the Rev. W. Herbert Burk, rector of Valley Forge Memorial chapel, marked the final obsequies.
Mrs. Margarett Kelly
1916 (newspaper unknown)
Mrs. Margarett Kelly one of the oldest residents of this vicinity passed away at 8 o’clock p. m., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at her home southwest of Minooka. She had been suffered with asthma and other complications for many years, several times being dangerously ill so that her family were summoned to her bedside. During the holidays, she suffered with a stroke of paralysis and from this attack she never rallied. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Andrew Sharp (Kate) and Mrs. Nicholas Briscoe (Anna), four sons, Jerry, James, Joseph and Thomas, and one step-son, Edward Kelly, all residents of Minooka and vicinity. Her husband died many years ago. Funeral services will be held at the St. Mary’s church in Minooka on Friday morning. Interment at Dresden cemetery.
William Shehan
September 1915 (newspaper unknown)
William Shehan, one of the pioneers of Chicago and for fifty-three years in the service of the C., R. I. & P. railway as engineer, died on Tuesday at his home at 7315 Vernon avenue. He is survived by a widow, two daughters, Mrs. A.J. Kay and Alice, and one son, William.
Charles Parmenter
January 1, 1916 (newspaper unknown)
Charles Parmenter, Mrs. Charles Trowbridge and Misses Franc Watson attended the funeral of James Vance held at Morris last Saturday. Mr. Vance, who was formerly the station agent at the Rock Island depot here, died at his late home in Mossville, on Wednesday night. He had not been well for many months, failing gradually until the end came. He was one of the oldest members of Minooka lodge No. 528, A. F. & A. M., and retained his membership here until his death. He was also the first Worthy Patron of Minne-ha-ha chapter No. 273, O., E. S. of Minooka.
Woman Dies of Blood Poison
1916 (newspaper unknown)
Seward, Jan 20 – Mrs. William Rushton died suddenly Monday evening of blood poison, caused from a boil. She was taken to the Morris hospital, where she died soon after her arrival.
She leaves a husband, two sons and two daughters, all the children being under six years of age.
Mrs. Rushton, who was formerly Miss Helen Todd of Ottawa, came as a bride here several years ago. She was an accomplished musician. Besides her immediate family, she leaves a mother and two sisters living at Ottawa.
Irish Patriot Called By Death
1915 (newspaper unknown)
Captain Edward O’Meagher Condon Passes Away in New York
New York, Dec.15 – Captain Edward O’Meagher Condon, aged 74, Civil War veteran and Irish patriot, died at his home here today. He became active in the Fenian movement in Ireland and with Allen, Larkin and O’Brien was sentenced to death for participation in the Manchester riots. Condon ‘s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Because of his American citizenship and Civil War record he was finally released.
While for some time an ardent patriot of the fighting type, in recent years Captain Condon renounced his revolutionary ideas and repudiated the revolutionary wing of Irish politics, allying himself with John Redmond and becoming an outspoken advocate of Redmond’s constitutional methods.
James F. Gwynne
Minooka
Succumbs to Illness
Died November 25, 1915
James F. Gwynne died Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at his home, as the result of a week’s illness of inflammatory heart disease. He was thirty-four years of age. The deceased is survived by his wife, aged mother, Mrs. C. Gwynne of Minooka; father, David of Oakland, California, and a brother, Harold of Philadelphia. He has lived in Minooka for the past nine years. Mrs. Gwynne is local manager of the Chicago Telephone company exchange.
Funeral services will be held over the remains at the home at 10:30 o’clock. Burial will be made in Chapman cemetery.
Platt McCloud
December 1915 (newspaper unknown)
McCloud, Platt, aged 78 years, died yesterday at 12:50 o’clock at his home, one mile south of Bird’s Bridge. He was born in Clarkville, Illinois, and has been engaged in farm life in this state since 1855. His wife died in 1906. Funeral services will be held from the home Monday morning at 10:30 o’clock. Rev. Lowrey of Joliet will officiate. By automobile to Aux Sable cemetery, where burial will be made.
Seward Woman Dies in Joliet
1915
(By the Herald-News Correspondent)
Seward Corner, Dec. 23 – Mrs. James Williamson, more familiarly known as “Aunt Alice”, died at her temporary home in Joliet, Monday evening at 11:30 o’clock, after a three days’ illness of pneumonia.
She was keeping house for her granddaughter, Miss Mae Williamson, while she attended the Joliet high school.
The deceased was born in England in 1837 and came to this community when a small girl. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John HEAP, who are both dead.
About 1865 she was united in marriage to James Williamson, who has preceded her in death eleven years. To this union were born five children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Eliza Conklin of Thief River Falls, Minn.; Mrs. Josie Bedford, of Seward; and William, who lives in the old home. Two daughters: Mrs. Sarah Tabler and Mrs. Anna Naden are both dead. Fifteen grandchildren and three brothers, Abel, Ralph and James Heap, and many other relatives survive. The funeral announcements have not been made.
John Scully
January 28, 1920 (newspaper unknown)
Scully, John, January 25, 1920, at 148 N. Lotus av., aged 65 years, beloved husband of Ellen Scully (nee O’Brien), fond father of Mrs. George Hancock, Maurice, Dan, Mary and Rose Scully and beloved brother of D.B. Scully and Mrs. Mary Fagan. Funeral Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. from 318-320 N. Central av., Austin, to St. Catherine’s church, Washington blvd. and Humphrey av., Oak Park, where solemn high mass will be celebrated. Interment at Mt. Carmel.
Mrs. Estella Bly
January 30, 1920 (newspaper unknown)
Deaths
Bly – Mrs. Estella Bly, age 72 years, died at 2:30 p.m., Jan. 29, 1920, at her home, 412 South Center street. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Pearle Johnson and Mrs. Edith Moore of Joliet; two sons, William A., Los Angeles, Calif., Charles A. of Steep Creek, Tex. The body was removed to the Western Undertaking Co. parlors. Funeral will be held Saturday at 2:30 to the Ottawa St. M. E. church. Rev. Robbins officiating. Burial in Elmhurst cemetery.
Mary E. Miller
1921 (newspaper unknown)
Miller – Mary E. Miller, May 27, beloved wife of Samuel C., sister of Nora Cumeford, and Mrs. Ann McGrath, mother of Clarence, Mary Londus, and Edith. Funeral Sunday a. m. at Morris, Ill.
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