Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Demmond, Martin H 1803 - 
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Author: Portraits & Bio Sketches, 1890

MARTIN H. DEMMOND. 

To pay the tribute of honor and respect to those pioneers who went in advance 
of civilization and hewed a path for the approach of man, is always a pleasant 
duty. Their self-denial has given us the comforts of life; their perseverance 
laid the foundations of our large cities and thriving towns. They planted the 
seed, knowing that they would not live to enjoy the ripened fruit. They worked 
not for themselves, but for posterity, trusting in faith that in due time the 
reward of their patient efforts would be realized. The gentleman whose name 
introduces this biographical review is numbered among the worthy pioneers of 
Will County, and though long since passed from the busy scenes of life, yet, 
like the good man of old, "his works do follow him." A native of 
Massachusetts, Mr. Demmond was born March 4, 1803, but early in life removed 
to Oneida County, N. Y., then located in Herkimer County, where he grew to 
manhood. He spent the years of his youth in the usual manner, and by stuffy 
and observation gradually acquired a business education, which he used 
successfully in after life. After being firmly established in the drygoods 
business, he set up his own household, placing at its head an estimable lady 
who bore the maiden name of Sophia Murray. Mrs. Demmond was born July 26, 
1804, in Petersburg, N. Y., whence when she was still quite young her father 
removed to Cayuga and later to Sharon. After a brief residence there, they 
went to Whitesboro, Oneida County, and there she grew to womanhood. After the 
death of her father, John Murray, she went to live in Frankfort, Herkimer 
County, N. Y., where she met Mr. Demmond and with him was united in the holy 
bonds of matrimony April 10, 1831. In that place they began their married 
life. In October, 1834, Mr. Demmond closed out his business in Frankfort and 
having resolved upon removing to the promising West, came to Illinois and, 
settling in Joliet, engaged in the mercantile business. With far-seeing 
prudence he bought eighty acres of land lying west of the river, and platted 
Demmond's addition. His business enterprise soon led him into building, and 
several blocks which still stand were erected by him. He became the owner of a 
number of fine farms and in the later years of his life was interested in the 
raising of fine cattle. His busy, useful and successful life came to a close 
during the cholera epidemic of 1854; he died July 18, of that dread disease 
after an illness of but twelve hours. His remains were first interred at the 
old homestead but were afterward removed to Oakwood Cemetery. He was a 
Democrat until slavery became a party issue, when his views on that subject 
led him to join the Whig party. Mr. Demmond was very charitable, but performed 
his deeds of kindness in a quiet way, not letting his left hand know what his 
right hand did. After the death of her husband Mrs. Demmond closed out his 
business, which left her in possession of ample means. Her mother came to live 
with her and died at her home. Her household now consists of her sister, Mrs. 
Eliza Foltz, a daughter of the latter, Mrs. Lafavour, and nephew, Will 
Lafavour. The latter, a rising young artist, has made a trip through Europe in 
pursuit of his studies and in search of health. They are numbered among the 
oldest and most influential families of the city and occupies a spacious 
residence on Broadway, surrounded by ease and luxury. Mr. and Mrs. Demmond 
were not blessed by children, but a niece, Miss Catherine Murray, was a member 
of their household from her youth until her marriage to Col. Bartleson, who 
was killed during the late Civil War. She afterwards became the wife of Rush 
Casselberry, of Chicago. A portrait of the late Mr. Demmond is presented in 
connection with this sketch.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 
 


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