Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Chamberlin, Samuel S ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 7, 2008, 3:22 am Author: Past and Present Will County IL; 1907 SAMUEL S. CHAMBERLIN. In those traits of character which endear man to his fellowmen Samuel S. Chamberlin was royally endowed. A residence of fifty-three years in Will county made him widely known among its citizens and as time passed and his life history unfolded there were found upon its pages the indelible impress of business acumen combined with business honor; an understanding of life's opportunities and needs combined with an exemplification of its higher ethical purposes; an appreciation of all that is just, good and true combined with a most kindly spirit and consideration for others. Samuel S. Chamberlin was born in Henrietta, Monroe county, New York, August 19, 1817. His father, Luther Chamberlin, was proprietor of the old fashioned tavern, known as the Henrietta House, located near Rochester, in the midst of some of the fine farming land that has made the Genesee valley famous. At an early age he entered Monroe Academy, where he acquired his early education. At the age of sixteen years he left New York with his father and brother, Lewis L. Chamberlin, for the state of Illinois. That was before the era of railroad travel. They started in January, 1833, and Mr. Chamberlin rode the entire distance on an Indian pony. They reached Chicago, the only Indian trading station along the route, and there remained for a few days, after which they proceeded southward, making a settlement near the head of Hickory creek. The journey had been a long and cold one and had covered nearly an entire month. Luther Chamberlin made a claim on government land, remaining there until 1837, when he removed to Peoria county. Samuel S. Chamberlin continued his education as a student in Jubilee College near Peoria, and in due time was graduated. From Peoria county the family removed to Lockport, Illinois, in 1844 and there he began business as an architect and builder, also taking contracts for the erection of warehouses and buildings. He erected the large warehouse for Norton & Company of Lockport, whose business became one of the most extensive in this section of the county. This, however, was not to be his life work, for in 1847 he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business, erecting new buildings for his purpose. He had advanced ideas in regard to his work and may be said to have been the pioneer in raising it to the standard of professional excellence in this portion of Illinois. During the cholera siege in 1854 Mr. Chamberlin was compelled to work day and night for nearly a month. Although the course involved great personal danger he conducted the funeral of nearly all in that section who fell victims to the awful pestilence, there being sometimes as many as ten or twelve per day. In 1873 Mr. Chamberlin removed from Lockport to Joliet and admitted his son, George N. Chamberlin, to partnership, while in Lockport his son, Charles G. Chamberlin, was associated with him. About 1885 the furniture department of the business was discontinued, but they continued in the business of funeral furnishings. Mr. Chamberlin was married in 1839, in Homer, Illinois, to Miss Elizabeth Gray, who died April 11, 1889, after a happy married life of more than a half century. Mr. Chamberlin exhibited throughout his long business career remarkable tact and keen insight. He never sought office of any kind, although various positions of honor, trust and political preferment were tendered him. He preferred to concentrate his undivided attention upon his business and therein he met merited success. His personal life was of the highest type. During his business career of more than half a century his dealings were so honest, his acts so kind, his devotion to truth, honor and right so unswerving that his more intimate acquaintances learned to love him in a way that few men are loved. He was ever prompt and reliable in business and he also kept in touch with the trend of modern progress. He took great pride in the fine undertaking establishment which was erected in Joliet in 1890 and which is one of the best appointed of the kind in the state. He made the broad creed of humanity, love, truth and charity his social doctrine. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft in all of his relations with his fellowmen. He died December 4, 1897, at his home in Lockport, leaving two children—his sons, George N. and Charles G. Chamberlin. The business has not suffered since the death of Mr. Chamberlin, who left a worthy successor in his son and former partner, George N. Chamberlin, who is well known throughout this section of the state. He was born December 20, 1851, in Lockport, Illinois, and entering the public schools passed through successive grades until he had completed the course in Lockport high school. Subsequently he learned telegraphy on the old Caton lines of the Illinois & Mississippi Telegraph Company, which controlled and operated the first telegraph lines in this state. After about three years he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company in the telegraphic department, being located at what is now Englewood, then Chicago Junction, as night operator. He remained there for three years, when he was transferred to the city offices under the Sherman House in the general freight department, his uncle, Charles M. Gray, being assistant general freight agent at that time. Mr. Chamberlin afterward returned to Lockport and was with Norton & Company in the milling and commission business for four years, but in the meantime his father's business had grown to be so extensive that in 1875 he joined him in its conduct and has since continued in the same. In his fraternal relations George N. Chamberlin is also a Mason, belonging to Matteson lodge, No. 175, A. F. & A. M., at Joliet. He likewise holds membership with the Woodmen, the Maccabees and the Commercial Club. On the 5th of December, 1876, he was married to Miss Ellen E. Munger, a daughter of Charles E. Munger an old resident and prominent citizen of Will county. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin have two children, Fred M. and Jessie F. The former, born August 30, 1877, in Joliet and completing his education in the Joliet high school, then entered the office of George H. Munroe, real estate and loans, with whom he remained for about three years. On the expiration of that period he became collection clerk in the First National Bank of Joliet, occupying that position for five years, when he entered into business with his father and the firm name of George N. Chamberlin & Son was assumed. They have at all times maintained an excellent system of conducting funeral work, combining tact, good taste, promptness and efficiency, and their work is recognized as a model which has been followed in conducting all of the better class of funerals. The extensive establishment at Clinton street and Arch court with its modern and complete equipment has always borne a reputation second to no house in this line in the state and they are perfectly justified in claiming high rank in their specialty. Fred M. Chamberlin is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity having served two successive terms as master of Matteson lodge, No. 175, A. F. & A. M., and is also a chapter Mason of Joliet chapter. Additional Comments: PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/chamberl2625nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 8.1 Kb