JUDGE RN BOTSFORD

BUNDY 
GLOVER 
JOHNSON 
LOWELL 
NORTHRUP 
PARSONS 
WAYNE

Judge R. N. BOTSFORD, senior member of the firm of Botsford, Wayne and Botsford, lawyers, Cook block, Elgin, is one of the truly representative members of the legal profession in Kane Co.  Whatever may be said of the 
legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community.  This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanations.  The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for the duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society.  This is what makes him a leader of men and often leads him, sometimes in reality against his will, into the political arena, and in times of war into the military service as commander of regiments, brigades, divisions and corps.  That the subject of this sketch has left his impress upon the history of Kane Co., its annals for the past 50 years will duly attest.

Richard N. BOTSFORD was born in Newton, Fairfield Co., Conn., October 28, 1830, and is a son of Austin N. and Volucia V. GLOVER BOTSFORD, also natives of the same state, and the parents of eight children, five of whom are now living:  Richard N., our subject;  Eugene M., of Newton, Conn.;  Austin N., of Fort Dodge, Iowa;  Caroline, wife of Edward PARSONS of Conn.;  and Alosia, wife of Reuben JOHNSON of New Haven, Conn.
    
Austin N. BOTSFORD, the father, was a man of marked ability, and by occupation was a farmer.  He served his district as a member of the legislature, and was also a captain of the state militia.  Religiously he was a Universalist.  His death occurred in 1842, at the age of 44 years.  After his death his wife married W. NORTHRUP, who died many years ago.  She lived to be 80 years of age, dying in 1894, in New Haven, Conn.
    
The paternal grandfather, Philo BOTSFORD, was a native of Connecticut, of English stock.  He was the father of 2 children.  His death occured at the age of 78 years.  The maternal grandfather GLOVER was also born in Connecticut and died at the age of about 50 years.  
    
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native state and is a graduate of the State Normal School,at New Britain, Conn.  For some years after his graduation he taught school in Connecticut, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri.  While engaged in teaching he read law, and in 1857 was admitted to the bar in Black River Falls, Wisc.  Removing to St. Charles, Kane Co., for a time he was engaged in publishing a newspaper, and in 1858 commenced the practice of law there.  In 1869 he removed to Elgin and has here continuously made his home from that time, engaged in the practice of his profession.  While yet in St. Charles,  in 1861, he was elected county judge and acceptably filled out a four years term. 
    
On the 27th of Dec. 1860, Judge BOTSFORD was united in marriage to Miss Ellen E. BUNDY, daughter of P.E. and Pamelia LOWELL BUNDY.  By this union 2 children were born,  Carl E. and Alosia.  The latter died in 1892 at the age of 18 yrs.  The former is now the junior member of the firm of Botsford, Wayne, and Botsford.  
    
Politically Judge BOTSFORD is a Democrat, and although he has always taken an active part in political affairs he has never been an office seeker.  Business and professional interests have demanded of him his time, and he therefore left to others office seeking.  His reputation as an attourney secured him the nomination of his party for the office of supreme judge, in June 1897, but as his party is a strong minority in the district, he failed of an election.  That he would have creditably filled the position is acknowledged by all, especially the legal fraternity.
    
The Judge comes of a long lived race, his maternal grandmother living to be one hundred and two years old.  Although near the three score and ten mark,  he is a well-preserved man with physical and mental abilities unabated.  With the exception of a short time in Missouri and Wisconsin,  he has been a resident of Kane Co. since 1851, and as stated the impress of his mind has been left upon the county.  He is honored and respected by all. 


The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Illinois
S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
July, 1898
pg. 16

Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above
parties.

Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.