Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Van Duser, Edward H 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 10, 2007, 1:48 am

Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County

EDWARD H. VAN DUSER, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising in New Lenox 
Township, was born on the place where he now lives December 28, 1856. He is a 
member of a pioneer family of the county. His father, George Van Duser, a 
native of New York, grew to manhood in the east, but not being content to 
adapt himself to the grooves of farm work there he decided to seek his fortune 
in the great west. Coming to Illinois he spent a year in Chicago. He then 
settled in Will County, where he secured employment in the old Red mill on the 
Higinbotham homestead. November 25, 1840, he married Elmina Mellen. The 
following spring he brought his wife to New Lenox Township and settled upon 
the farm, where they spent the remainder of their lives. As he was prospered 
he added to his possessions, and at the same time acquired valuable stock. 
Through his combined efforts in farming and stock-raising he became well-to-
do, and held a place among the prosperous men of the township. His interest in 
local affairs was noticeable throughout his life. As a Democrat he identified 
himself with township and county politics. He frequently was chosen to serve 
as a delegate to county conventions, and for a number of years he served as 
justice of the peace. He was an active member of the Grange. In religious 
views he was of the Universalist faith. He was permitted to enjoy eighty 
active and busy years; and then, in May, 1898, while still as strong and 
robust as many men twenty years his junior, he was killed by a runaway team. 
His wife had died five years before his death. They were the parents of seven 
children, namely: Emily, who is the widow of John Widney, of Kendall County, 
Ill.; Adelaide, who married Joshua Barrett, of Iowa; Jerome, a farmer of Iowa; 
Ida, deceased; Gilbert, who is engaged in farming in Kansas; Edward H.; and 
Flora, who married Frank Gorham, of Iowa. Upon completing a common-school 
education in country and city schools our subject took up farming in 
connection with his father, with whom he remained until the latter's 
accidental death in 1898. The following year he rented the land, though still 
maintaining a general supervision of the place, which comprises eighty acres 
of tillable land and a timbered tract. In educational affairs he takes an 
interest, and as school director has aided the schools of his own district. He 
is a member of the Grange. Politically he believes that the man should be 
supported whose character and abitity are unexceptional and whose fitness for 
the office in question cannot be disputed. As a citizen he is public-spirited, 
favoring measures for the benefit of the people and the advancement of the 
community's welfare. 

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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