Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Agnew, John 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 10, 2007, 12:00 am

Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County

JOHN AGNEW, deceased, was one of the finest machinists ever in Joliet. He was 
born in Wicktonshire, Scotland, March 11, 1843, and in early manhood removed 
to Glasgow, where he worked as a machinist, meantime gaining a thorough 
knowledge of the trade. Believing he would be better able to succeed in 
America he crossed the ocean in 1871 and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he 
worked in the rolling mills. From there, in 1880, he removed to Chicago, and 
there was selected to be foreman of a large machine shop, for which work his 
previous experience as foreman in Cleveland admirably qualified him. He 
continued in Chicago until 1889, when he went to Anderson, Ind., and had 
charge of the building of the rod mills in that place. The year 1890 found him 
in Joliet, where he erected the Enterprise mills for Fish Brothers. Later, as 
master mechanic, he had charge of the Illinois machine shops of the Illinois 
steel works. In every city where he resided he was recognized as an expert 
machinist. His work was reliable and trustworthy, and no employer ever spoke 
of him except in terms of highest praise. He continued to hold a very 
responsible position in the steel works until his death, which occurred in 
Joliet February 2, 1893. To his family he left a comfortable home and the 
memory of an upright Christian life. After coming to the United States Mr. 
Agnew took a warm interest in public affairs in his adopted country. He 
affiliated with the Republican party and upheld its principles. During his 
residence in Anderson, Ind., he was a member of the common council. The nature 
of his work, however, was such as to prevent his acceptance of most local 
offices, for he had not sufficient time to give to them. In the Knights of 
Pythias he held office as grand chancellor and was connected with the Uniform 
Rank. He also served as high chief ranger in the local camp of Foresters. In 
both of these orders he stood high and took an active part. Before leaving 
Scotland Mr. Agnew lost his first wife, who left a son, William, now connected 
with the postal department in Cleveland. After coming to America he was a 
second time married, choosing as his wife Miss Jane Dewar, whom he married in 
Cleveland February 22, 1872. Mrs. Agnew was born and reared in Scotland and in 
1870 accompanied her uncle to the United States, settling in Cleveland She was 
reared in the Episcopalian faith and early identified herself with that 
church, which Mr. Agnew also attended, though not a member. They became the 
parents of seven children, one of whom died at four years of age, and six are 
now living, viz.: Jessie, wife of George Russell, of Anderson, Ind.; Samuel 
H., a machinist in Joliet; Anna F. and John, both of whom are employed as 
clerks in this city; James and Jean, who are still at home.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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