HOME » online historical archives » research books » Portrait and Biographical Album » Hon. James Pollock »
[index] [prev] [next]

Hon. James Pollock
Portrait and Biographical Album
Lake County, Illinois, 1891

HON. JAMES POLLOCK is a resident of Millburn and carries on business in Wadsworth as a dealer in grains, seeds and wool. He is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county that for more than half a century has been identified with its interests. His father, Robert Pollock, came to Illinois in 1838. He was a native of Scotland and in his youth learned the weaver's trade. In his native land he married Elizabeth Kennedy, who also worked in the mills and after a few years crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Carlisle, Pa. He put in the machinery in one of the first mills in that State and afterward went to Massachusetts, where he engaged in business for himself until coming to Lake County. The following spring be was joined by his family and they settled on a farm near Millburn, in Antioch Township, Mr. Pollock having pre-empted the land before it was surveyed. That farm continued to be the home of himself and wife until their deaths. He died January 7, 1861, at the age of sixty-three years and the mother of our subject departed this life on January 1, 1880, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church and took an active part in the work. Mr. Pollock was a man of sterling worth and soon became a prominent citizen in the community. He was honored with a number of local offices and for many years served as Justice of the Peace. He was an Abolitionist when it was dangerous to pronounce one's views in favor of that party, and when the Republican party sprang into existence he was one of the first to espouse its cause. He remained to the last a stalwart supporter of its principles and a strong advocate of protection. One of the earliest pioneers of Lake County, he was also one of its best citizens. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pollock were born eleven children, four of whom are now living-Mrs. Christiana Payne, of Dakota; John K., an old soldier, residing in Millburn; Mrs. Ann A. Cowdrey; and James.

Our subject was only six months old when brought by his parents to Illinois. He grew to manhood upon his father's farm and attended the district schools of the neighborhood, which was the only educational advantage afforded him. After his father's death, he purchased the interest of the other members of the family in the farm and continued its cultivation for twenty years, during which time be made many valuable improvements upon it. It became one of model farms of the county and in its operation Mr. Pollock became a well-to-do man. His wife being in failing health he determined to remove to Millburn, where the duties of house-keeping would not be so arduous. His business interests however are in Wadsworth and Manning, Iowa. He began operations at the former place in 1875 and from the first success has been attendant upon his efforts. He handles grain, seeds, wool, coal, tile, etc., and has built up an excellent trade. During the autumn he alone purchased three hundred thousand bushels of grain at Manning.

On December 20, 1865, Mr. Pollock was united in marriage with Miss Isabel Mason, a native of Scotland, who came with her people to Lake County in 1845. They have four children-Robert M., who was educated at Lake Forest and Aurora Seminaries and is now employed in a grain house in Chicago; Bertha S., wife of Campbell Cory, of Oak Park, Cook County; Henry W., and Addie Belle. Mr. Pollock was resolved that his children should not suffer the same disadvantages from lack of education that he had and has given all of them most excellent opportunities, thereby fitting them for the duties of life.

In 1860, Mr. Pollock cast his first Presidential vote, supporting Abraham Lincoln, and since that that time has been pronounced in his views concerning Republicanism. The party finds in him a faithful friend and a stalwart supporter. He has held a number of town offices and in 1880 was elected to the Lower House of the Legislature and the second time in 1884, being one of the celebrated one hundred and three who returned John A. Logan to the Senate in 1885. During his first term he served as Chairman of the Agricultural Committee, and was on the Committees of Railroad Appropriations and others of importance. At the conventions of his party his opinions are received with respect and he is a recognized leader among the Republicans of Lake County. Socially he is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Millburn and the Commandery of Waukegan. His wife is a member of the Congregational Church of Millburn and his family are held in high esteem throughout the community where they are known. Energetic and possessing good business ability, Mr. Pollock has made his life a successful one.

[index] [prev] [next]