[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMEMORATING THE DEDICATION OF THE JOSEPH NAPER STATUE

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                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
honor the life and legacy of Joseph Naper, founder of Naperville, and 
to commemorate the dedication of a statue in his honor. The statue, 
which stands at his former homestead, serves as a permanent testament 
to the strength, compassion, and ingenuity of this pioneer of the West.
  Joseph Naper held many diverse professions in life--he was at various 
times a ship captain, frontiersman, trader, land surveyor, soldier and 
politician--but to all of them he brought the same care for community. 
Through hard work and endurance of spirit, Naper raised the physical 
foundations of the town we know today as Naperville from a spot of land 
on the West Branch of the DuPage River that he settled in 1831. Equally 
importantly, Naper built the cultural and spiritual foundations of his 
community, helping to provide educational, intellectual, and religious 
opportunities for fellow settlers.
  Despite his many achievements, no plaque or monument has been 
dedicated in Naper's memory since his death in 1862. On August 23, this 
unfortunate oversight was corrected by the Naperville Heritage Society 
in partnership with the City of Naperville, who erected a statue in his 
honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the legacy 
of Joseph Naper and commemorating the unveiling of a statue in his 
honor. Men and Women like Naper helped to build the America we know 
today, and for that great service they are owed our eternal gratitude 
and honor.

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