Cook County, Illinois biographies presented by Illinois Genealogy Trails

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Biographies of Cook County Residents
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Abel A. Kay was born January 1, 1801, in Yorkshire, England, and was reared in his native land, where he learned the trade of shoemaker. He was married in England to Miss Elizabeth Marshall, and in 1843 they came with their family, comprising eight children (and a daughter-in-law), to America. They came in the sailing-vessel “Shakespeare,” the voyage taking six weeks and two days, and the passage being very rough. From New York they traveled to Albany, thence by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and from there to Chicago through the Great Lakes, the last voyage occupying two weeks, thus making the entire time in coming from England to Chicago nearly three months.
Mr. Kay bought a farm of ninety-three and one-third acres of fertile soil, in Jefferson Township, for five hundred dollars. It was an improved farm with a large house and barn, fenced, and partly in cultivation, being located one mile north of the Jefferson depot. He also bought ten acres of timber land, and continued to live on his farm until his death, which occurred in 1847. His wife survived him forty years, expiring in 1887, at the age of eighty-four years, having been born in 1803. Mr. Kay was a Methodist in his religious belief, and was a true Christian, giving his sympathy to members of all denominations. He took an active part in religious matters, and for many years his house was a meeting place for all denominations, and many services were held there. Mr. and Mrs. Kay had the following children: Ann, who married Loren McClanathan, and died in March, 1847, soon after her marriage; Abel, who died June 16, 1889, leaving one son, who is now dead, and a daughter, who is the wife of Thomas Wheldon, of Cook County; Elizabeth, who married Thomas Burkill and died in August, 1896, leaving a large family of children (Almira, wife of James Carpenter, a resident of Cook County; Thomas A., a resident of Jefferson; Sydney, who dropped dead on the day following the death of his mother; Althea Moisley, who lives in Mayfair; Stella, who married William Ditcher, and lives in Jefferson; Alice, now Mrs. Klink, of Mayfair; Scott, a resident of Jefferson); Frances, who married Loren McClanathan, September 16, 1849; Jane, who married Edward Gray, and died, leaving two children, Lida and Emma; Emma, who married William Myers, and died, leaving seven children (Eliza Young; Anna, wife of Charles Low, of Norwood Park; William; Ella, now Mrs. Stockbridge, who lives in Jefferson; Clarence, who resides in Jefferson; Ida, of Dakota; and Frank, a resident of Jefferson); John and Joseph Kay, who still live on the old homestead. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 640) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]

Loren McClanathan was born January 24, 1818, in Madison County, New York. He was educated in the schools of New York, and after he became of age he went to the Southern States, teaching at one time in Kentucky. In 1843 he came to Chicago, and here he married his first wife soon after. He was a currier by trade and was for a short time foreman in a currier shop. In 1855 Mr. McClanathan taught school in Jefferson Township. In 1856 he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as a conductor, and remained with it until a short time previous to his departure for the South, to engage in the defense of his country. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army, and was one of General McClellan’s body guard, in which capacity he served a year and a half, when he was transferred to the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, Company I, and was discharged March 18, 1864, on account of disability. He took part as a private in the battles fought in front of Richmond, while McClellan was in command of the army. After the war he returned to Chicago, where he was made yardmaster of the Great Eastern Yards, having charge of passenger trains. September 16, 1849, he married Miss Frances Kay, and when he died, January 20, 1895, he left two children, as follows: Loren B., who resides in Boston; and Harriet A., wife of Henry Elkins, of Chicago. One child, Lucien L., died in 1893, at the age of thirty-nine years. Mr. McClanathan was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being connected with Winfield Scott Post, No. 445, of Chicago. He took an active interest in the questions of the day, and was a Republican in political opinion. He was a well-informed man, and a public-spirited and valuable citizen. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 640) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]

John Kay was born April 14, 1842, in Yorkshire, England, at Borrow Bridge. He is a son of Abel Archdale and Elizabeth (Marshall) Kay, both of whom were born in the same locality, which was the home of their families. Abel A. Kay was a poor man, and his wife was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. They came to America with their eight children in 1843, and went direct to the hotel of Charles McDonald, on the corner of Market and Randolph Streets, Chicago, which was the rallying place for all English emigrants who came to Cook County. Mr. Kay bought over one hundred acres of land, on which Captain Johnson had filed a claim and built a very comfortable house, and in this Mr. Kay lived until his death. He died in 1848, and for several years his wife conducted the farm, and then rented it until her son John was old enough to cultivate it. Mr. and Mrs. Kay had the following children: Ann, who married Mr. McClanathan and is now dead; Abel, who died in 1891; Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Burkill, of Jefferson Township), now deceased; Frances, Mrs. McClanathan; Jane, who married Edward Gray, and is deceased; Emma, Mrs. William Myers, who lived on the old homestead, and is now deceased; Marshall, who died at the age of Seventeen; John, the subject of this sketch; and Joseph Archdale, who was born in Jefferson Township, and still lives on part of the old farm. John Kay enjoyed a very limited opportunity for an education. His father and a neighbor built a log schoolhouse, and his father’s house was usually the home of the teacher. When he was sixteen years of age, he began the care of the farm, and he was engaged at this until 1869, when it was divided. Mrs. Kay died in December, 1889, aged eighty-four years, and thus ended the life of one who had been of good influence in the community, and who had lived a long and useful life. She was reared in the Church of England and joined the Congregational Church in later life, and her children were reared in the Baptist faith. John Kay is a member of the Sons of Saint George. In politics he thinks for himself, and does not follow the dictates of any party, but supports the man he regards as most fitted for office. He is a good, reliable citizen and enjoys universal respect. Transcribed by Mike Murphy (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 628) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]

Joseph Archdale Kay was born June 1, 1844, on the old homestead of his parents in Jefferson Township, Cook County, Illinois. He spent his boyhood on the farm of his father, Abel Kay, attending school in the winter, and assisting in the labor of the farm as soon as he was able. In 1859 he drove a milk wagon, and took care of an engine in a grist mill. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the First Missouri Cavalry, Company D, which was consolidated with the Tenth Missouri Cavalry in the winter of 1862. He served three years and one month, and then enlisted in Hancock’s Veteran Corps, in Company K. The first service of his company was in Missouri, against Price, at Pea Ridge, and soon after they were in Arkansas, and then they went down the Mississippi to a point below Vicksburg. In northern Mississippi he saw many skirmishes and battles. From Corinth they made a forced march to Florence, passing through Shiloh. During the war he was home for a few months on furlough. He spent one year in the Veteran Corps, and was discharged April 11, 1866. During the last of Mr. Kay’s service he did provost duty in Washington. After the war Mr. Kay returned to Jefferson and engaged in farming. He remained with his mother two years, and then moved to the place he now occupies, and has since been engaged in gardening. His sons cultivate the farm, which contains eighteen and one-half acres. June 23, 1866, he was married to Maggie, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Best) Primrose, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of England. They died in Jefferson. Mrs. Kay was born in Elgin, and died October 3, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Kay had nine children, namely: Marshall, who lives with his father; Joseph, deceased; Stephen, deceased; Carrie, now Mrs. Lincoln Smith, who resides in Chicago; David, deceased; De Mar, who resides at home; Annie, who lives in Chicago; Bert, deceased; and Maggie, who resides in Chicago with a sister. Mr. Kay was married November 17, 1886 to Mrs. Katie Stull, of Monmouth, Illinois, and they have two children, namely: Jefferson and Edith. Mr. Kay is a member of Providence Lodge, No. 711, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Jefferson Park, having been connected with the order thirty-two years. He is also connected with George H. Thomas Post, No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic. He takes an active interest in politics and is a supporter of the Republican party. He is interested in local affairs, and favors all movements for public improvement. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 466) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]

Thomas Wheldon was born May 2, 1834, in section 19 of Niles Township, and was a son of James and Sarah (Bins) Wheldon, both natives of England. James Wheldon and his wife emigrated to America in 1832, and settled in Niles Township soon after their arrival, buying a quarter-section of land from the Government when it was put upon the market. At that time the Indians were numerous in this part of the country. He cleared a tract of land for a farm, and built himself a comfortable home, engaging in farming until his death, August 25, 1868. His good wife died January 6, 1862. They had three children, namely: Elizabeth, Sarah and Thomas. Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Bickerdike, of Jefferson, and is now deceased. Sarah is the widow of John Winter, who died some years ago, and resides in Perry, Iowa. Thomas, the youngest child of his parents, was reared to farm labor, and received only a very limited education, as the schools near the home of his boyhood were few and poor. He inherited the old homestead, and was engaged in its cultivation all his life, being quite successful. He was also proficient as a veterinary surgeon, and had a large practice, treating the horses and cattle of his neighbors. In politics Mr. Wheldon was a Republican, but he refused to accept any public office, though repeatedly urged to do so. He took a great interest in educational matters, and although his own opportunities had been few, he had improved them, and was a competent member of the school board. He also took an active part in church work, adhering to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and being quite liberal in its support. April 29, 1863, Mr. Wheldon married Miss Mary Ann Kay, daughter of Abel and Elizabeth (Paylor) Kay, natives of Yorkshire, England, and early settlers in Cook County. Mr. And Mrs. Wheldon had five sons, but the eldest, James A., died when three years old. Those living are: Charles A., who is in the employ of Siegel, Cooper & Company, Chicago; Thomas J., a machinist, and a resident of Edison Park; George W. and Joseph Abel, who reside with their mother. Mr. Wheldon died April 17, 1896, and his widow still occupies the old homestead in Niles. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 478) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]

Capt. Christopher Johnson, one of the old landmarks of Chicago, who arrived in this city as long ago as 1838, was a native of the little kingdom of Denmark, and was born near Copenhagen, October 3, 1819, his parents being natives of the same locality. His father was killed by an accident before Christopher was a year old, and the latter was bound out to a farmer on the island of Als. Imbued with the strong love of the sea which has filled so many of his countrymen and made them famous as sailors the world over, at the early age of fourteen years he shipped at Sonderburg, Denmark, on board an ocean vessel, and within the next two or three years had sailed around the globe. In the winter of 1837 he found himself in the city of New Orleans, and, having long desired to verify the statements he had heard of the advantages America offered to industrious, enterprising youth of all nations, he left his ship, and started for the heart of the country. After reaching St. Louis, he went to Peoria, in this State, whence, by means of a hired team, he reached this city. Mr. Johnson’s employment after reaching what was then the muddy little village at the mouth of the Chicago River was as a member of a surveying party; but he served thus only a short time, and soon after sought the more familiar and congenial life of a sailor on the Great Lakes. On one occasion, while on a trip on one of the Lower Lakes, on a vessel called the “Maria Hilliard,” he was shipwrecked and met with other mishaps. But on the whole fortune favored him; and after a few years’ service as a common sailor, he was able to buy a small schooner, the “Helena,” and took charge of her as captain. In 1849, while coming with a cargo of bricks from Little Fort, near Kenosha, the “Helena” was sunk near the Rush Street Bridge. On her voyage to Chicago, she had sprung a leak, but by the efforts of the captain and crew, she had been kept afloat until the city was reached. After raising his vessel, Captain Johnson sailed her for some time longer, but in 1853 concluded to give up sailing for good. His life on the lakes had given him a pretty fair insight into the lumber business, and in this he embarked, remaining thus engaged until the Great Fire, when, in common with innumerable others, he lost almost his entire savings. Fortunately, however, he did not lose his residence, which was then on the West Side. He was the owner of a farm at Lemont, and he moved his family there for a time. His handsome new farmhouse was destroyed by fire two years later, and he built another. Captain Johnson had married in 1849, and for the next twelve years he reared his children on the farm. He retained real estate he had owned in Chicago previous to the fire, and had added to it, and at the end of the twelve years he removed his wife and family to the city, finding here greater scope for himself and promise of future occupation for his sons. His property interests increased to such an extent that his time was fully taken up in managing his private affairs, and he never entered any other business. During all his life in Chicago he lived on the North Side, where he was universally known and popular with all. He built his first home on the corner of Ohio and Market Streets, a spot which he then considered the most prepossessing in the city. His objection to the South Side was due to its mud, that portion of the city being almost impassable in the early days on account of its level. At one time he intended to buy the land on which Briggs House now stands, but after considerable deliberation concluded the site was too muddy, a succession of mud holes having to be crossed to reach it.

Captain Johnson’s widow, who yet survives, was previous to her marriage Miss Emily Raymond, a daughter of John and Louise Raymond. She is a native of Copenhagen, and was born September 1, 1833. At the age of ten years she came to America with her father, who was a ship-carpenter. He followed the lakes until his death, which resulted from an accident he met with while in the pursuit of his calling, being caught and crushed between two ships. His death occurred some months later, at the age of forty-five years, August 11, 1853 Mrs. Johnson’s marriage occurred in Du Page County, this State, near Naperville, December 9, 1849, and resulted in the birth of thirteen children, of whom the following are living: Maria Louise, Mrs. A. Nelson, of Chicago; Lena Amelia, Mrs. John S. Lee, of Lemont; Evelyn, Mrs. D. T. Elston, of Chicago; Henry W., living in Socorro, New Mexico; Benjamin Franklin, of Pomeroy, Washington; Charles Christopher and George W. Johnson, of this city. In politics Captain Johnson was an ardent support of the Republican party, and his party’s candidates were never defeated by his failure to do his duty at the polls. During the early years of the Civil War he served as Collector of the North Town, but a naturally retiring and modest disposition kept him from ever being conspicuous in politics. In religious faith he accorded with the Lutheran Church. The respect in which he was held was shown at the time of his death, which occurred September 28, 1895, within a week of his seventy-sixth birthday anniversary. He had been an enthusiastic member of the Cleveland Lode of the Chicago Freemasons, in which he was initiated in June 11, passed July 7, and raised October 13, 1859, and his fellow Masons attended his funeral in a body. His early life had been full of incident and adventure, but his later years found him quietly fulfilling the duties of a self-respecting, honorable life. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 93) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]

STAGER, Anson, soldier and Telegraph Superintendent, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., April 20, 1825; at 16 years of age entered the service of Henry O'Reilly, a printer who afterwards became a pioneer in building telegraph lines, and. with whom he became associated in various enterprises of this character. Having introduced. several improvements in the construction of batteries and the arrangement of wires, he was, in 1852, made General Superintendent of the principal lines in the West, and, on the organization of the Western Union Company, was retained in this position. Early in the Civil War he was entrusted with the management of telegraph lines in Southern Ohio and along the Virginia border, and, in October following, was appointed General Superintendent of Government telegraphs, remaining in this position until September, 1868, his services being recognized in his promotion to a brevet Brigadier-Generalship of Volunteers. In 1869 General Stager returned to Chicago and, in addition to his duties as General Superintendent, engaged in the promotion of a number of enterprises connected with the manufacture of electrical appliances and other branches of the business. One of these was the consolidation of the telephone companies, of which he became President, as also of the Western Edison Electric Light Company, besides being a Director in several other corporations. Died, in Chicago, March 26, 1885. ["Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" Transcribed by Kim Torp]

COOKE, Edward Dean, lawyer and Congressman, born in Dubuque County, Iowa, Oct. 17, 1849; was educated in the common schools and the high school of Dubuque; studied law in that city and at Columbian University, Washington, D.C., graduating from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and was admitted to the bar in Washington in 1873. Coming to Chicago the same year, he entered upon the practice of his profession, which he pursued for the remainder of his life. In 1882 he was elected a Representative in the State Legislature from Cook County, serving one term; was elected as a Republican to the Fifty-fourth Congress for the Sixth District (Chicago), in 1894, and re-elected in 1896. His death occurred suddenly while in attendance on the extra session of Congress in Washington, June 24, 1897. ["Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" Transcribed by Kim Torp]

COOLBAUGH William Findlay, financier, was born in Pike County, Pa., July 1, 1821; at the age of 15 became clerk in a dry-goods store in Philadelphia, but, in 1842, opened a branch establishment of a New York firm at Burlington, Iowa, where he afterwards engaged in the banking business, also serving in the Iowa State Constitutional Convention, and, as the candidate of his party for United States Senator, being defeated by Hon. James Harlan by one vote. In 1862 he came to Chicago and opened the banking house of W. F. Coolbaugh & Co., which, in 1865, became the Union National Bank of Chicago. Later he became the first President of the Chicago Clearing House, as also of the Bankers' Association of the West and South, a Director of the Board of Trade, and an original incorporator of the Chamber of Commerce, besides being a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1869-70. His death by suicide, at the foot of Douglas Monument, Nov. 14, 1877, was a shock to the whole city of Chicago. ["Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" Transcribed by Kim Torp]

CLIFF, JAS. - farmer, Sec. 20; P.O. Racine; born in Preston, England, in 1812; came to this country in 1831; went to Cook Co., Ill., in 1837; was there till 1840; lived in Chicago in summer of 1837, on Kinzie Street, and used to pasture his cows where now are the arteries of the great city; deer and wolves were numerous, and snakes troublesome at that time. Married Frances MARSH, Aug. 3, 1833; have had four children - Three girls and one boy; came to Racine in 1851, and located at what is now Racine Junction; owns twenty-nine acres of land. Was in the Quartermaster's Department, under Gen. Sterling PRICE, at the time of the Mexican war; his son William was in the 2d Wisconsin Regiment; was wounded at the battle of Gettsyburg; is now in business in Philadelphia. [The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Publ. 1879 by Western Historical Company, Chicago - Page 619]

Colonel James A. SEXTON
The New Commander

The new department commander, Colonel James A. SEXTON, was born in Chicago on the 5th of January, 1844, and is, therefore, forty-four years of age. At the first call for three months' volunteers he enlisted as a private soldier, and at the expiration of his term of service re-enlisted for three years and was promoted to a lieutenantcy. At the call for 800,000 men in 1862 he was tendered and accepted the captaincy of a company recruited under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association, and assigned to the Seventy-second Illinois Infantry Volunteers. He served with this regiment, participating in every battle in which it was engaged, and during the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville led the same as Captain commanding the regiment, receiving slight wounds at both the last named battles, and also at Spanish Fort in April, 1865. After the closing of the Nashville campaign, he was attached to the staff of Major General A. J. SMITH, Sixteenth Army Corps, as acting assistant provost marshall, and when the war was over received the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel of United States volunteers. While in the service he had purchased a plantation in Lowndes County, Ala., and lived on it for two years after the war. Upon his return to Chicago, in 1867, he established the firm now known as CRIBBEN, SEXTON & Co., at the same time carrying on his plantation in Alabama until 1869. At the last presidential election he was an elector on the Republican ticket. He has been appointed a member of the board of Lincoln Park commissioners and holds the rank in the Illinois militia of Colonel and aide de camp on Governor Oglesby's staff. He is a member of the following soldier societies: Grand Army of the Republic, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Chicago Union Veteran Club, Veteran Union League, Army of the Tennessee and all the Masonic bodies.
[22 Feb. 1888, The Newton Press, Jasper County, IL - transcribed by K. Torp]

David JOHNSON
David JOHNSON was born in Scotland in 1808, son of David and Susan Johnson. He came to America in 1851, and after a residence of one year in New Jersey came to Chicago, where he remained one year. In 1853, he located in Arlington Heights, and in company with David Peter built an elevator and engaged in the grain and lumber business they followed from 1861 to 1871, when they sold to C. Geils, and from that time he has been employed by Mr. Geils as foreman in the same business. His wife died in 1866. He was married in 1867 to Mrs. Mary A. Burkitt. Mrs. Mary A. Johnson was born in England in 1818, daughter of Granado and Sarah PIGOTT. She was married in 1840 to Richard BURKITT. They came to America in 1845, and after a residence of one year in Ohio located, in 1846, on a farm adjoining the present village of Arlington Heights, where they resided until the death of Mr. Burkitt, which occurred in 1864. They had seven children, four now living - Sarah, William, John and Lorenzo. [Source: History of Cook County, Illinois : from the earliest period to the present time - transcribed by Jerry Zimmerman - src #75]

John W. BURKITT
John W. Burkitt, jeweler, fruit-grower and gardner, Arlington Heights, Illinois, was born at Arlington Heights, August 8, 1854, the son of Richard and Mary A. (Pigott) Burkitt, who were natives of England and settled in Wheeling Township, Cook County, in 1846. The elder Burkitt died in 1864. The son was educated in his native village, and early acquired a fondness for horticulture, in which his father had been interested in England. Of late years, he has proved himself a successful grower of cherries of a superior quality, which are shipped to dealers in distant cities and find a ready sale at high prices. His experiments in this branch of horticulture have been watched with deep interest, and have already won him the title of the "Cherry King of Illinois." On January 7, 1882, Mr. Burkitt was married to Lydia Alma Pratt, of Palatine, Illinois, who died March 1, 1898, at the age of thirty-four years. He has four children living: Ralph Edward, Granado Ross, Hazel Alma and John W., Jr. The son, Granado, within the last year, has taken charge of the fruit-garden part of his father's business. In addition to his other branches of business, Mr. Burkitt is a Director of the local bank at Arlington Heights, Illinois, and also a stockholder, Director and Vice-President of the Sierra Gold Mining Company of Tuolumne County, California. [Source: Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Cook County Edition - transcribed by Jerry Zimmerman - src #75]

FRANCIS MORTIMER JOHNSON, who was born on Sunday, May 8, 1842, in Hickory Lane, Niles, Michigan, is one of the most valued and highly respected employees of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, having been in the employ of that company since 1865. His parents were Alfred Wells and Dezire (Howe) Johnson, and both came from very old families. The paternal grandfather was John Johnson, and the maternal grandfather of F. M. Johnson was Frederick Howe. Mr. Howe was a tiller of the soil and he was born in Vermont. He settled in Syracuse, New York, subsequently, and later removed to Michigan, being one of the first settlers in Berrien County. Mr. Howe traveled through the country with horse teams, there being no steam railway at that time. His children were named as follows: Alonzo, Dezire, Lucinda, Francis, Hezekiah, Adeline, Mary, Nancy, Charlotta, Charles and George. His wife's name was Polly Bliss before her marriage to Mr. Howe. Alfred W. Johnson was born June 26, 1810, in Burlington, Vermont. He came to Michigan in 1831. He had learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and erected a residence in Niles, Michigan, in Hickory Lane. All his children were born in this house. Mr. Johnson did a great deal of contracting in the vicinity of Niles, for building of residences and other erections. He was a Democrat as to political views and served in the legislature two years, about 1847-1849. He died June 9, 1889. His wife was born at Truxton, New York, Friday, May 5, 1815, and died October 18, 1896. Her children were nine in number: John Frederick was born Monday, December 17, 1838, and resides at No. 5140 Wabash Avenue; Richard Marian was born Wednesday, May 13, 1840, married Hattie L. Barker, at Chillicothe, Missouri, and now resides at No. 5140 Wabash Avenue, Chicago; Francis M. is the next in order of birth; Julia Estelle, born Saturday, March 9, 1844, married Henry T.Kimmell December 14, 1865. Her children are: George Alfred, born February 1, 1867, and Edna Estelle, born December 3, 1869; George Franklin, born Thursday, March 5, 1846, died August 5, 1893. He married Annie C. Cook, at Tiskilwa, Illinois, December 22, 1885; Oliver Howell, born February 12, 1848, died March 24, 1848; Helen Isabella, born Saturday, August ?, 1849, married John A. Montague October 6, 1873, and has one child, Charles M., born March 23, 1876. Her home is in Niles, Michigan, where her husband is a hardware dealer; Mary Frances, born Friday, November 3, 1853, married Orson McKay October 2, 1883.
Mr. McKay is an employee of the Santa Fe Railroad Company and they reside at No. 4735 Evans Avenue; Charles Alfred, born Friday, February 8, 1856, was married at Marshall, Michigan, August 20, 1883, to Bertha Hopkins Perritt. He is the father of one child, Alfred Hopkins, born September 6, 1892. The family resides at Niles, Michigan, where C. A. Johnson is cashier at the First National Bank.

Francis Mortimer Johnson occupied himself at the same trade as his father until sixteen years of age. He enlisted in the army October 17, 1862, in Company E, Twelfth Michigan Regiment. He was sick a large part of the time and served in the reserve corps at Columbus, Ohio, for eighteen months. He was in the battle of Shiloh and his regiment was the first one fired upon. He was also in battles along the Chickahominy River.
November 3, 1865, he was mustered out of service. Mr. Johnson was taken prisoner a Bolivar, Tennessee, but was paroled. After the close of the Civil War Mr. Johnson located in Chicago and entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company and has since been occupied in the interest of that concern. He entered as clerk in the freight office and remained in that capacity eighteen years. He then took charge of the out freight house at Polk Street and Pacific Avenue and after eight years was transferred to the Englewood east bound freight, but at the end of four years this house was discontinued and he was returned to the Polk Street house, where he is at the present writing. Mr. Johnson was married February 15, 1862, to Miss Marilla Alwilda Chipman, daughter of Holton and Lucy (Hopkins) Chipman. Mrs. Johnson's great-grandfather was born in England, and emigrating to America in 1840, located in Eugene, Indiana, later removing to Bristol, of that state, where he died in 1847, at the age of forty-nine years. Holton Chipman was born in Vermont, as was also his wife. She was married in Ohio and died January 24, 1893. She was born April 24, 1809. Her children were nine in number. Lucy Hopkins married Caleb Nash, of South Bend, Indiana, and their children are: Alice, Helen, Delia and Adell; Philenia Rosalie married Dr. J. M. Roe, of South Bend, and their children are: Lelia, Alison Crestus and Lennie; Rachel Parthenia married John Brown, of Valparaiso, Indiana, and their children are: Blanch, William and Agnes; Cynthia Florilla married C. S. Payne, of Goshen, Indiana, and their children are: Lola, Hiram, Chauncey, Emma and Maggie; Austia Ian the married Joseph F.Thomas, of Edwardsburg, Indiana, and their only child is Ella; Delia Alice married John Hudson, of Sacramento, California, and is now deceased; Cassius Holton married Wealthy Rouse, at Kendallville, Indiana, and their only child is Millie; Marilla Alwilda is the wife of the man whose name heads this article, and was born November 17, 1843, at Eugene, Indiana; Milton Delmer resides at Rensselaer, Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of two children, who have done credit to the rearing they received and to the family name, which has never known a tarnish. Frank Rollo was born December 2, 1862, in Harris Township, Elkhart County, Indiana. More extended notice of him appears elsewhere in this volume.
Ernest Mortimer was born March 23, 1866, and has also space on another page of this volume. Though never an office seeker, Mr. Johnson is interested very deeply in the welfare of the Democratic party, in whose interest he casts a vote at all favorable opportunities. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Johnson erected a residence at No. 5817 Wabash Avenue in the spring of 1882. This was the first house in the locality, and the nearest house to it at that time was on State Street. The family is one of the well-known and honored ones of the community, and each member is a credit to the neighborhood in which they reside.
[Album of Genealogy and Biography, published 1899, Transcribed by Charlotte Stevens Schneider]