Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 101

Author: Calumet Book & Engraving Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago, Calumet book & engraving co
Number of Pages: 916

USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed. > Part 101

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Anton Heystek was married December 5, 1856, to Miss Paulina Anna Hendricks, and their chil- dren were named as follows: John (who is at home) Christina Mary, Helen Mary, Marie Antoinette, Johanna, Anthony (who resides at No. 189 Twenty-fourth Place) and William.

William Heystek was not quite five years old on his arrival in Chicago. He attended the Brown School until he reached the age of thirteen years and was then employed by Henry Disston, and served an apprenticeship of three years, sub- sequently receiving journeyman's wages. He

was the first man to braze a twelve-inch hand saw, and was with the Disston concern until May, 1895. He then established himself in the busi- ness of repairing and fitting saws at No. 6508 Langley Avenue, Chicago. He was afterward with the Diamond Point Saw Company until June, 1897. He then engaged in business for himself at No. 5859 State Street, which was discontinued in the autumn of 1898.

July 3, 1886, Mr. Heystek was married to Miss Effie May, a daughter of Dennis and Janet (Smith) Boone. Mrs. Heystek was born April 20, 1869, in Fayette, Michigan, and came to Chicago December 21, 1878. Their only child, born May 2, 1887, is named Essie May Josephine.

Mr. Heystek is highly respected by his fellow- men. He has never sought public office, but casts his votes in favor of the candidates of the Republican party at all opportunities.

ANDREW S. BERGSTRESER.

NDREW S. BERGSTRESER, who stands among the foremost dealers in real estate in Chicago and elsewhere, was born in Seneca Falls, New York. His parents were An- drew and Sarah (Kuney) Bergstreser.

Andrew S. Bergstreser was educated in the public schools and spent some time in a private academy. He attended school until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he entered the store of F. N. Nelson, at Lockport, New York, and remained thus employed two years. He re- inoved west to the city of Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin, and in the fall of the year 1848 started in business with D. B. Kuney, the firm name be- coming Kuney & Bergstreser, in the town of Menominee Falls, near Milwaukee. He subse- quently spent some time in Chicago and later

opened a general store in Paw Paw Grove, Illi- nois. He remained there eighteen months and then removed to Cherry Valley and continued in business in that locality nine years, having pur- chased the stock of J. H. Martin. He dealt in general merchandise, and conducted a grain and flour mill. He carried on a very extensive and complicated business, dealing also in real estate to some extent, and conducted a warehouse in connection with his store.

Mr. Bergstreser next located in Kilbourn City, Wisconsin, and established a flour mill in this vicinity, which he operated for a period of five years. He next ventured into the mining busi- ness, purchasing stock in a mine at Unionville, Nevada. He was three years in the last-men- tioned place, during which time he was occupied

696

J. J. GRIFFITH.

in Colorado, Washington and Central America. He returned to Illinois, however, at the end of this time and took charge of a lumber concern in Mendota, Illinois. He managed it four months, but subsequently, with his cousin, John Kuney, bought a lumber yard at Champlain, Illinois, which he was interested in two years. He engaged in manufacturing lumber in Mus- kegon, Michigan, and in 1866 opened an office in Chicago, at the corner of Twelfth and Lumber Streets. In 1870 he sold his entire interest, hav- ing cut during this time ten million feet of lum- ber per annum.

Mr. Bergstreser was for eighteen years subse- quently engaged in buying hops for brewers, in which occupation he was very successful finan- cially. He dealt principally in hops grown ill Wisconsin. He entered the real-estate business in Chicago, and is interested in the same at pres-

ent. Always honorable and upriglit in his deal- ings with men, he has been very successful in a financial way, at the same time gaining many friends.

Mr. Bergstreser was married in June, 1858, to Miss Helen Ann, daughter of James Rossman, of Belvidere, Illinois, whodied in May, 1896. They had no family of their own, but had reared and educated four children and assisted them in start- ing in life. Though not a political agitator, nor a public office-seeker, Mr. Bergstreser is a stanch upholder of the principles of the Republican party and loyal to its interests. He is a valuable and well-known member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and is respected by all of the con- gregation. He is a man of strong character, broad mind, healthy and virtuous opinions, and charitable among men. He is generous to a fault, and is alike beloved by family and friends.

JOHN J. GRIFFITH.

OHN JOSEPH GRIFFITH, who is one of the popular and highly respected citizens of the region where he lives, is an employe of the South Side Elevated Railroad Company and his services are valued and rewarded accordingly by the company. He was born September 22, 1858, and his parents, Patrick and Honora (Lynch) Griffith, resided on South Park Ave- nue, near Twenty-fourth Street, at the time of his birth.

His youth, until he was fourteen years of age was spent in attendance at the Douglas School, and he spent seven years subsequently in the employ of John F. Cotter, with whom he learned and became very proficient at the plumber's trade. He was later five years conductor on the Chicago City Railway and then established

a saloon at the corner of Clinton and Madison Streets, with Mark Palmer for partner, the firm name becoming Griffith & Palmer.

Five years at this pursuit sufficed and he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail- road as constructor. He served the length of five years and was for the same period of time in occupancy of a position at a race track, in the city .. He is now with the South Side Railroad Company in the shops. Being very successful and an economical and thriving man, he was en- abled to erect a residence at No. 6403 Rhodes Avenue in 1889, and has lived at this location since.

October 29, 1886, Mr. Griffith was married to Miss Louisa Sommer, who is a daughter of John Sommer. She was born on Clark Street, near

697

JOSEPH SMITH.

Twenty-second Street, Chicago. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are accounted for as follows: John, the eldest, died at the age of ten months; Charles is nine years of age; Henry, aged seven years; Henrietta died at the age of six years; Edward died when six weeks old; and Joseph, a promising boy, aged four years.

Mr. Griffith is a man of independent views as to politics and votes for the man who, in his esti-

mation, is best fitted to fill the office for the benefit of the people, rather than be bound by party in- terests. He has never sought public office, but devotes his attention at all times to the rearing of his family and their welfare, his business in- terests occupying much of his attention. He is a well-known and honored member of the com- munity where he is located and does credit to the name he bears.

JOSEPH SMITH.

OSEPH SMITH, one of the most successful and reliable men in his line of business, was born June 22, 1841. His parents, John and Jane (Hazleton) Smith, resided in County Tyrone, Ireland, at the time of his birth. The land owned by the Smiths has descended from the ownership of their forefathers, farther back than has been recorded, and was still in their possession up to the time of the emigration of John Smith, father of the man whose name heads this article.

The paternal grandfather was father of Isa- bella and three other daughters and John. Two of the daughters married brothers by the name of Shillington, and a son of one of these conducts a livery business in Chicago. Joseph Smith's maternal grandfather, Ezekiel Hazleton, married Margaret Barr. He owned land and conducted a bank. His children were Jane, James and seven others. All died in one week, of an epidemic of fever, except Jaue aud James. The latter came to Chicago, his native place being Ireland, and settled near Hartley, in O'Brien County, Iowa, where he still resides. His son, William Hazle- ton lives at No. 1085 North Forty-fourth Court, near Armitage Avenue, in Chicago.

John Smith and his family-consisting of his wife and children-Joseph, Margaret and Ezekiel

-emigrated from their native land in 1846, and located at Goderich, Canada. They later settled on a farın at Dungannon, and, being the first settlers of the neighborhood, Mr. Smith and William Mallough named the village after a town in Ireland. John Smith was a land owner in Ireland, having been born on the old estate, near the town of Dungannon. He purchased one hundred acres in Canada, and paid eight shillings per acre for it. The section of Canada where he located was settled by a colony from his native town, and he therefore felt very much more at home. He was a man of magnificent build, weighing more than two hundred pounds. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, and died April 7, 1860, at the age of forty-five years. Both lie and his wife were buried at Dungannon, Canada, which is a small town of about three hundred inhabitants.

Mrs. John Smith died July 3, 1851, at the age of thirty-two years. She was born in Castle Canfield, County Tyrone, Ireland. Her children all grew to maturity. Joseph was the oldest, and Margaret, the next in order of birth, married G. W. Graham, a carpenter, and resides at No. 4016 Vincennes Avenue. Ezekiel, born in 1847, married for his first wife, Mary Golding, and their children were Alice and Lula, of whom the

698

JOHN CONNON.

latter is deceased. His second wife was Miss Ella Donaldson, and her only child is named Ernest. Ezekiel Smith has been a contracting plasterer in Chicago for a number of years. Annie, the only child born in Canada, married Wesley Speer, and lives in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The mother of Joseph Smith was his father's first wife, and his second wife was Elizabeth Wiggins. Their children are three in number. Elizabeth, unmarried, lives in Shortsville, New York. Isabella married Mr. Kenyon, a tinsmitlı of Shortsville, New York, and they have 110 children. John Wilson married Agnes Holiday and lives in Goderich, Canada. His children are: Charles Herbert, Bessie, Hal, Lula Boyne, Olive and Ezekiel Golding.

Joseph Smith received very little education in schools, but has since learned much by experience. He left liis father's home at the age of ten years, going at once to Buffalo, New York. After two years he went to Rochester and learned the trade of carpenter, which undertaking occupied him seven years. He was for a short time working at his chosen trade in the following towns: Ithaca, Elmira and New York City, and later to Cien- fuegos and Santiago, Cuba. He settled in Chicago in April, 1866, and practically made that city his home after that year. His first employment in Chicago was done for Scott & Gage, contractors, and he has been employed by numerous men in the same business, having helped to rebuild the city after the fire of 1871.

Among the buildings that lie has worked on are the old Board of Trade and Slierman House.

Mr. Smith erected a home for himself in 1889, at No. 6520 Vincennes Avenue. He was married January 1, 1868, to Miss Martha Kilpatrick, daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Williamson) Kilpatrick. Mrs. Smith was born February 9, 1848, at Hamilton's Band, County Armagh, Ireland. She died March 13, 1897, and hier remains were interred in Oakwoods Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of seven children. Susanna Jane, the first, married Thomas Reid and their children are: James Henry, Ethel Alena, Martlia Louise and William Charles. William was drowned when twenty- one years of age. Ezekiel James died at the age of nine months. Mary Eliza married James Lillie, a bookkeeper, and they reside with their only child, Alice Gertrude, at the corner of Seventy-fourth Street and Jackson Avenue. Maggie Alena is a teacher in the city schools. Ella Frances is the youngest of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Joseph Smith is connected with Lucknow Lodge No. 112, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a charter member of Lake City Lodge No. 42, in Chicago. He is a consistent and honored member of the Oakwood Union Church. In political matters Mr. Smith is very uncommunicative, but upholds the representatives of the Republican party by lis sanction in the form of vote and word.

JOHN CONNON.

OHN CONNON. Among the old settlers of Chicago who have done much for the ad- vancement of the best interests of the people in general is John Connon. He was born Janu- ary 18, 1836, in Ellon, Scotland, and his parents

were John and Jane (Cameron) Connon. John Connon, senior, was born March 8, 1803, in Aber- deen, Scotland, and his father was also John Connon.

John Connon, the father of the man whose

699

JOHN TEMPEL.

name heads this article, came to America in 1857. He stayed in London, Canada, until 1872, and was occupied as contractor and builder in that region. He subsequently came to Chicago and located, with his daughter, at No. 390 West Twelfth Street. He died there March 14, 1878, and his remains were interred at Rosehill Ceme- tery. Mrs. John Connon, mother of John Connon junior, was born December 25, 1814, in Inver- nesshire, Scotland. She was Highland Scotch and her husband Lowland. They were married December 20, 1833. The father of Mrs. Connon was Peter Cameron, who was gardener for Lord Seaford his entire life.

The children of John Connon, senior, are ac- counted for as follows: Mary, died at the age of forty years; John is the subject of this article; James resides in East Saginaw, Michigan; William still lives in his native land, Scotland; George resides in the city of Chicago; Jean is now

the widow of Peter Fitzsimmons; Jean was born June 8, 1854, and was first married November 25, 1869, to Peter Fox, who died three months later. The date of her second mar- riage is January 21, 1873, when she became the wife of Mr. Fitzsimmons. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzsimmons were as follows: Charles, John, Arthur, Frederick, Benjamin, Harry and Jennie. The first, second, fifth and sixth are de- ceased.

John Connon learned the trade of a cabinet- maker and came to Chicago in 1872. He has since that time been occupied asjourneyman until he recently accepted a position with Swift & Com- pany, as night watchman. He was married De- cember 18, 1857, to Christina Low, and their children are: William, who resides on the West Side, John, Jean, Ellen, James and Mary. The last-named is the wife of H. W. Kruger, whose biography forms a part of this volume.

JOHN TEMPEL.

OHN TEMPEL, of the firm of William Tempel & Company, was born August 25, 1847, in Steinheim, Province of Westphalia, Prussia, the youngest son of Franz and Elizabeth Tempel, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work, in the biography of Anton Tempel.

His boyhood was spent in the Fatherland, in attendance at the public school, and in learning the baker's trade. At the age of fifteen years he came to America with his brother, Christian, who located in Chicago in 1854, but had returned to his native home on a visit. After coming to Chicago John Tempel worked at his trade about nine months and then entered the grocery store of his brother, Christian, as a clerk, and con- tinued with him until the fire of 1871. The

following year he filled a like position with his brother, William, in the same line of business as Christian Tempel.

In 1872 John Tempel began business for his own interests and opened a grocery store 011 North Clark Street. This venture proved a suc- cessful move, and he continued a profitable busi- 11ess until 1887, when he sold out to Michael Simon. He then became a stockholder in the George A. Weiss Brewing Company, acted as agent for that concern for one year and still holds his interest in the company.

Mr. Tempel is an energetic, wide-awake busi- ness man, and merits the success he has achieved, through industry and legitimate business methods. He is a public spirited and loyal citizen, and has always taken a lively interest in the affairs of his

700

G. T. NELSON.

adopted country and home city. He has ever given his influence to all measures for the benefit of the public in general. Mr. Tempel is an influ- ential Democrat and is a personal worker in the councils of his party. He was elected collector for the North Town in 1885 and served two years.

June 19, 1872, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Peter and Margaret ( Hattıner) Simon. Of the

five children of Mr. and Mrs. Tempel, two died in childhood, and the three living are, Rosa, Louise and John. All are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and Mr. Tempel belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is a genial and true gentleman and enjoys the esteem of every one with whom his business or pleasure has brought hini in contact.

GABRIEL T. NELSON.

G ABRIEL THEODORE NELSON, who comes from a very old and well-known Swedish family and is one of the most prom- inent of his nationality in the city of Chicago, was born November 2, 1859, on a farm near Westervik, in Sweden. He is possessed of all the energy and will power characteristic of the people of his country and though he is loyal to the interests of liis adopted country, he holds in memory the land that gave him birth and will ever respect its memory.

Gabriel T. Nelson remained on a farm until he reached the age of sixteen years, in the mean- time serving a two years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. He next spent one year in the city of Stockholm, where he was busied with this art. He reached Chicago November 9, 1879. On his arrival he accepted a position as clerk for his brother, Gustav. In April, 1882, he took an interest in his brother's grocery busi- ness, which was located at No. 233 Townsend Street. The firm name then became G. Nelson & Brother and in July, 1884, Gabriel Nelson sold his interest to J. A. Simpson and visited Europe for his health.

October 2, 1884, he opened a jewelry store at Gottenburg, with Gustav Colliander, wlio was later sliot in an election riot on the North Side,

Alderman O'Malley being tried for complicity in his murder. The firm name became G. T. Nelson & Company and after a short time Mr. Nelson continued alone until December, 1886. He then visited his native country, returning to the United States in July, 1887. He was employed at his trade in the city of Chicago, working for his brother, Charles, one year. In June, 1888, he purchased a grocery store of Michael Kanolback, which was located at No. 444 Wells Street. His brother, Victor, went into the business with him and the firm name was Nelson Brothers. G. T. Nelson sold his share to Frank Cleveland in 1890.

Mr. Nelson then entered his brother's employ and worked in the first store conducted under their name from September, 1890, to April, 1891. Mr. Nelson purchased a restaurant of C. M. John1- son, located at No. 135 East Chicago Avenue, and conducted it until 1894, when he sold it to the man from whom he bought it. June 23, 1894, he again became interested in his brother's busi- ness and remained in his employ until April, 1895. At this time, with Emil Johnson, he bought the business conducted by his brother and continued until May, 1896. He then bought his partner's interest, and April 15, 1897, sold the entire busi- ness. He returned to his chosen trade for a short time and in January, 1898, he finished a

701

C. A. NELSON.

residence in Austin, and made his home in that town. His house is a two-story flat building, and is located at No. 541 South Highland Avenue.

September 9, 1882, Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Matilda Charlotta Swanson, daughter of Swan and Christina Johnson. Mrs. Nelson was born in 1856 and died in December, 1893, mourned by family and friends. She had been a devoted wife and patient mother to the children, who are accounted for as follows: Ruth Violet Genat, born December 28, 1883; Arthur Irving Theodore, born April 12, 1886, and died March 16, 1890; and Inez Matilda Theodora, born April 7, 1893.

Mr. Nelson was married November 2, 1895, to Louisa Matilda Anderson, daughter of Anders Magnus and Christina Marie Wagner. Mrs. Nelson was born April 8, 1859, in Sweden, and emigrated from her native land in 1893. Her first husband was William Nelson, and her only child, Ellen Wilhelmina, was born September 2, 1892. Mr. Nelson is a member of John Crerar Lodge, Columbian Knights, and Veaga Court,

No. 33, Independent Order of Foresters. He is very prominent in the Royal Arcanum, being connected with Monitor Council No. 144, is a very well-known member of the order, and is a hard worker for the council with which he is connected. In one evening he introduced seven- teen members into the council and his efforts are at all times appreciated by his brothers in the order. He was for one year warden. He is an ardent member of the English Lutheran Mission Church and is a sympathizer with the principles of the Republican party at all times, supporting the party practically as well as using arguments in its favor at all favorable opportuni- ties. He was clerk in the county building under Wolf and Kern one year.

Mr. Nelson is a man of strong character, enjoy- ing the respect and regard of many people. He has a pleasing personality and fine bearing and is hospitable to the last degree. He is a man worthy of the success he has made in his work, and will at all times have the right to feel at peace with the world in general.

CHARLES A. NELSON.

HARLES AXEL NELSON, who is among the most successful and prominent building contractors in the city of Chicago, comes of a very old and respected family whose descend- ants have taken up their residence, for the most part, in the United States, being originally from Sweden. Charles Axel Nelson was born Septemn- ber 16, 1849, on Falla Farm, near Westervik, Sweden. His parents were Nels Gabriel and Caroline (Turn) Nelson (for further mention of the ancestors of C. A. Nelson, see biography of G. L. Nelson, on another page of this work).

C. A. Nelson learned the trade of a carpenter in his native land and emigrated July 3, 1869.

The first three weeks after he arrived in Chicago he worked for the city on the street. He was then employed by a Mr. Johnson for a short time and later entered the service of Pardridge Brothers, remaining with them twenty-two years. He planned the houses of Ed Pardridge and C. W. Pardridge, and many tenant buildings. Since that time lie has done contracting wholly. He takes contracts for complete works and subse- quently lets the same out in smaller contracts, dividing it up. His work was always satisfactory and his services sought.

Mr. Nelson was married May 27, 1882, to Miss Annie Amelia Linderliolni, a daughter of Carl

702

JOHN TURNER.

and Christine (Swanson) Carlson. Mrs. Nelson was born on Oaker Farm, in the province of Jonkoping, Sweden, June 10, 1860. She landed in America June 10, 1879, locating for a short time in Indiana. In December, 1879, she came to Chicago. Her father was born August 8, 1808, in Sweden, and is a tiller of the soil. Her mother was born March 26, 1830, and both the parents are in the land of the living. Their chil- dren are: Carl John, born February 16, 1836; Swan Justus in 1838. Two children named John are deceased, as are also two who were named August, and Anna and Victor. Mrs. Nelson's paternal grandfather was Carl and his wife Mary Carlson.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Nelson are accounted for as follows: Amanda Caroline, born March 16, 1883; Alice Rosalie Sophie, February 4, 1885; Charles Astley Theodore, October 28, 1887; Arthur Ogden Victor, January 15, 1892, died December 26, 1894; Clarence and

Bertie, twins, were born June 27, 1896, and died in a few hours; Harry Milton and Helen Mildred were born June 29, 1897, the former dying Oc- tober 28 of the same year.

Mr. Nelson is connected with Oakland Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in re- ligious matters accords with the Presbyterian Church. He is independent in his political views, voting at the proper time for the man who, ac- cording to his ideas, is best fitted to fill office for the interest of the people in general. In 1892 Mr. Nelson built a residence at No. 3810 Aldine Street and has resided at this location since 1898. He owns other property near Washing- ton Heights which will some day be very valuable. He has a very pleasant home, where all within tend to be congenial to the temperament of the rest. Each member of the family holds the re- spect of any with whom he or she may come in contact and they are prominent in all benevolent work and charitable interests.

JOHN TURNER.

OHN TURNER. Among the prominent cit- izens and most successful contractors in his particular line of business in Chicago is Jolin Turner. He was born January 9, 1874, in Hast- ings, England. His parents are Spencer and Matilda (Brown) Turner. For further mention of liis ancestry see biography of Spencer Turner.

John Turner attended school at the corner of Thirty-fifth Street and Rhodes Avenue. He left school at the age of fifteen years to obtain a prac- tical education in the school of experience. He immediately began to learn the trade of a lather, under John Edwards, serving an apprenticeship of two years. He subsequently began contract- ing and is thus occupied at the present time.

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Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 101

Author: Calumet Book & Engraving Company, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago, Calumet book & engraving co Number of Pages: 916

Author: Calumet Book & Engraving Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago, Calumet book & engraving co
Number of Pages: 916