Some of you may have noticed the mummy-like, burlap-wrapped statue located at the Naper Homestead on the corner of Mill and Jefferson. On Aug. 9, you might have seen the sculpture arrive in town from the east- the same direction Naper and the first settlers traveled 182 years ago. The nearly one-ton bronze sculpture is a likeness of Naperville town founder Joseph Naper. It is the first piece of public art dedicated to Naper.
The sculpture is the culmination of nearly three years of discussion, artist selection, planning, and production. Dick Locher was selected to conceive and sculpt a wax model of the moment in time when Naper laid out his town. Jeff Adams of inBronze Foundry was chosen to sculpt and cast a larger-than-life, 9 1/2 foot tall statue and small auxiliary piece that will complete the historical picture.
But who was this Naper? Naper was a New Englander of Scottish descent. His father, half-brothers and brothers were all sailors, ship builders, and/or merchants. He plied his ships and wares on the Great Lakes for nearly 15 years before he decided to “settle down” in the wilderness of northern Illinois.
We may never know what motivated Naper to leave the sometimes treacherous Great Lakes. Opportunity for land ownership and a better return on his investments are possible reasons for coming to Illinois.
Naper was an educated man, very talented and skilled. He must have been considered trustworthy and reliable in order to convince others to follow him across three Great Lakes and the wilderness beyond Ft. Dearborn. He provided shelter, provisions, and community to settlers traveling to his settlement and those traveling to points beyond.
Naper was not a land speculator. He was not a businessman interested in accumulating a vast fortune. He did not abuse natural resources. His home was modest, his financial legacy was comfortable. He was able to provide for his family. Naper may not have been the richest man in town, but he was certainly well-respected.
And there’s more to Joe Naper…
Perhaps the greatest example of this fact is the story of Joseph Naper Harris. Joseph Naper Harris was born in Naperville on April 8, 1833 – the 8th child of William Harris. Harris came first to Kendall County in 1831, but was driven to Naper’s Settlement during the Blackhawk War. The Harris family took refuge with the Naper’s during the winter of 1832-33 and returned to their original claim in Kendall County after the birth of their son.
We may never know why William Harris named his son after Joseph Naper. I suspect it was out of respect, gratitude and in awe of a great man. Harris named his ninth and last child, George Washington Harris.
Note: Bryan Ogg’s stories that feature his investigative talents will be longer online than in print. You’ll always find a expanded version on this website. Thanks for reading!
