In the passing away of Chas. W. Joiner, we are again reminded of the fact that the pioneer settlers of Buffalo Township are one by one joining the ranks of the old settlers who have been summoned by death. The deceased was the son of Almon and Hannah (Van Wagner) Joiner and was born December 8, 1816, in Royalton, Vermont. His boyhood days were spent on a farm and in company with is parents he came to Ogle County, Illinois in 1837, where he purchased a claim in Buffalo Grove Township. June 5, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Waterbury, daughter of John and Phoebe B. Waterbury, To this union were born three children, namely, Henry, Mary W. and Alvin. Henry died in infancy and Mrs. Mary W. Thompson of Sanilac County, Michigan, and Alvin Joiner of Polo are the surviving children,. In the year of 1857, Mr. Joiner rented his farm and moved with his family to Sanilac County, Michigan, where he was engaged in the lumber business. While engaged in this business, they sustained great loss by fire, having six saw mills of which they were the owners destroyed by fire. They also lost heavily by the great forest fires of 1871.
Not withstanding Mr. Joiner's misfortune, he kept up courage and removed to Lake County, Michigan, in 1872 where he laid out the village of Chase and built and ran a saw, shingle and planing mill. In the year 1884 he returned to Polo, where he resided for a number of years with his son, Alvin. His wife died April 12, 1886. He was married the second time to Mrs. Mary Waterbury April 4, 1901 and since that time he has resided on his farm, living a retired life. He had enjoyed fairly good health until three weeks previous to his death when he was stricken with paralysis and remained in an unconscious condition much of the time until his death which occurred Tuesday evening, July 12, 1904. The most distinctive traits of character in the life of the deceased were his great energy, industry, and strong will power. He was of a kind and sympathetic disposition. He in his quiet way was very benevolent and in his life time performed deeds of charity which were never recorded. His great love for all animals was another strong trait of his character. The funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon ...... 14, from his late home.............
Undated Scrapbook Clipping
Return to Ogle Co. Genealogy Site