History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

234 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
the democratic party. The terms progress and patriotism might
be considered the keynote of liis character, for throughout his
career he has labored for the improvement of every line of busi-
ness or public interest with which he has been identified and at all
times has been actuated by fidelity to his city and her wel-
fare.
JOSEPH W. STAPLES.
Joseph W. Staples, engaged in the undertaking business in
Dixon, is a representative of two of the pioneer families of this
section of the state. He was born at Grand Detour, March 28,
1871, his parents being Elbridge U. and Lizzie (Ling) Staples, the
latter a daughter of Joseph Ling, who was the first engineer of the
Grand Detour Plow Works. He was one of the pioneer residents
of this district, coming to the middle west from Maine. The paternal
grandfather, William Staples, was also a native of Maine
and came to Illinois during an early period in its development.
He, too, was connected with the plow works and both the Ling
and Staples families were thus actively associated with the early
industrial development of Grand Detour. Elbridge G. Staples
likewise became an employe of the plow company, remaining in
that service for many years as one of its most trusted, efficient and
capable representatives. At length, however, he retired from active
business and went to California, where his last days were
passed. Both he and his father were soldiers in the Civil war,
enlisting as members of Company F. Thii'ty-fourth "Regiment of
Illinois Volunteers, soon after the opening of hostilities. The
grandfather was the first man in the Thirty-fourth Illinois Regiment
shot in the battle of Shiloh. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge G.
Staples were born three children, one of whom died at the age of
eight years, while a daughter, Daisy, became the wife of Samuel
Stakemiller, of Sterling, Illinois, and is now deceased.
Joseph W. Staples, the youngest and the only living representative
of the family, acquired a public-school education and
started in bnsiness life as an employe of the firm of Camp & Son.
furniture dealers of Dixon, on the 1st of March, 188fi. That he
wns diligent, trustworthy and industrious is indicated in the fact
that he remained with thnt house for seventeen years. At length
he determined to engage in business for himself and in 190R