Columnists
Postmaster, Village Trustee and President, son of Joseph Naper
Robert Naper was born about 1825 in Ashtabula, Ashtabula County, Ohio, the first child of Captain Joseph Naper and Almeda Landon.
He came with his...
Columnists
Not everything is guaranteed to be true or accurate that is carved in stone
“Carved in stone” means that something is permanent or not able to be changed. However, in the case of Joseph Naper’s grave marker, this...
Columnists
Joseph and Almeda Naper’s son-in-law (twice)
Cheney Moses Castle was born April 11, 1829, in Jericho, Chittenden County, Vermont, the son of Deacon Joel Castle and Aurelia Lane.
At the age...
Columnists
Civil War Vet, Alderman, Contractor and Builder
Naperville has a little-known tie to the most famous battle of the Civil War.
Born at Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 1837, Levi...
Columnists
Merchant, Postmaster, Alderman, Mayor
Samuel Mather was born March 7, 1847, in Whallonsburgh, Essex County, New York. He was one of ten children of Joshua Emery Mather and...
Columnists
Blacksmith, Carriage Maker, Village Trustee
Every once in a while, I receive comments from readers about my articles. It’s encouraging to know others are enjoying my bios about Naperville's lesser-known...
Columnists
What’s in a name?
Have you ever wondered where the name originated for the Bay Scott Center at the northeast corner of 75th Street and Book Road?
Alvin "Bay"...
Columnists
Meet early village president and merchant, D. C. Butler
Dewitt Clinton Butler was born August 27, 1825, in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont, the son of Roswell Butler and Ruth Worden.
He received a common...
Columnists
Naperville’s first mayor
James Joseph Heister Hunt was born Aug. 19, 1821, in Evansburgh, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the son of Nelson James Hunt and Sarah Jewell.
He married...
Columnists
Who is Ellsworth School and Ellsworth Street named after?
Lewis Ellsworth was born in Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, July 22, 1805, the son of Nathan Ellsworth and Betsey B. Palmer.
He moved to...
