Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 102

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 102

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He was married September 6, 1895, to Miss Ida May, daughter of Oliver and Milly (Ubanks) Danis. Mrs. Turner was born in Chicago July 17, 1878. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Tur- ner is Ruth Ellen, who was born May 5, 1897. Mr. Turner has for six years been a member of the Illinois National Guard, in Company B, of the First Regiment. He is a man of strong prin- ciples, honorable in all his dealings and respected by all with whom he comes in contact, whether in a business or friendly manner. . He is a genial gentleman, and is beloved alike by family and friends. Though still a young man, he has practically made his mark and has made liis pres- ence felt in the business world.

CHARLES SEEGERS.

(From Photo by W. J. ROOT).

703

CHARLES SEEGERS.

HARLES SEEGERS. The elements essen- tial to make men of mark in the world are as varied as the individuals who make up the sum total of humanity. An immortal poet has said, "Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." It is men of the second class, as spoken of by the most renowned of bards, who fill the greatest needs in the affairs of life.

Charles Seegers, with whom this sketch has to do, is of humble birth and of poor but respectable parentage. He was born February 12, 1834, in Hanover, Germany, his parents being Henry and Augusta Seegers, natives of Hanover. The mother died in Germany. when Charles was quite young, and the father in Chicago in 1864.

The boyhood of Charles Seegers was passed in his native land, the common schools affording him the means whereby he obtained a practical elementary education. As a boy he was sturdy, practical and resolute, possessing many of those dominant characteristics of the German race which have won success wherever the forces of the German mind and heart have with fixedness of purpose taken hold of the affairs of life.

On leaving school at the age of fourteen years he entered upon a four years' apprenticeship to the cigar-maker's trade. After serving his time he spent three years working at his trade in dif- ferent cities. Having arrived at man's estate, he realized the narrowness of opportunities surround- ing him in his native land, and longing for a field

of wider environment, he decided to seek his for- tune in America. In May, 1855, he carried into effect his resolution of emigration, and at Bremen took passage in a sailing ship, and forty-two days later landed in New York City. He came direct to Chicago, and on his arrival his cash capital consisted of one dollar. He soon found employ- ment at his trade and worked a few months for wages. In December, 1855, he began manufac- turing cigars on his own account at what is now No. 324 Milwaukee Avenue. Later he opened a cigar and tobacco store, and at one time dealt largely in leaf tobacco. Under his judicious man- agement the business grew to large proportions. He employed a number of hands and did a profit- able trade until 1876, when he sold out.

His next business venture was manufacturing linseed oil with others, under the firm name of the Northwestern Linseed Oil Company, which after- ward became the Northwestern Lead and Oil Com- pany, of which he was president. This business was successfully conducted under his manage- ment nntil 1887, when they sold out to the trust known as the National Linseed Oil Company. While thus engaged he bought some stock in the American Varnish Company, and in 1891 be- came actively interested in the business. He was elected president of the company and still holds that position. This important industry employs about thirty men, and the product of the factory finds a market in nearly every state in the Union.

Mr. Seegers is also president of the Crescent

704

PHILIP BECKER.

Linseed Oil Company, which does a large and profitable business, giving employment to about twenty hands, the factory having a capacity of one thousand bushels a day. He is treasurer of the Wicker Park Safety Deposit and Trust Com- pany, a stockholder and director in the North- western Brewing Company and in the Bank of Commerce.

His first presidential vote was cast for Abra- ham Lincoln, and he has ever since been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, but he has never sought office, preferring to give his entire attention to his various business interests. That he possesses executive ability and business foresight of a high order is attested by his re-

markable success. His ample fortune has not been acquired by over-reaching others, or taking advantage of the necessities of the weak and less fortunate, for his business career has been char- acterized by justice and fair dealing with his fel- low-men. January 18, 1862, he was joined in marriage withi Miss Caroline, daughter of Claus Ackhoff, a pioneer of Chicago, more extended mention of whom will be found in the biography of Henry Ackhoff, on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Seegers have five children, namely: Hattie, wife of W. L. Householder; Mary, George, Cora and Melville. The family belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church and is one of prominence in the social circles of the city.

PHILIP BECKER.

HILIP BECKER, a brick mason and con- tractor of Chicago, lias been a resident of the city forty-four years. He was born Novem- ber 14, 1841, in Hessen-Darmsdat, Germany, and is the eldest son of Jolin Becker. Mrs. Beck- er, mother of the man whose name heads this article, died when he was but eight years of age. For his second wife John Becker married Mar- garet Launbach. In June, 1854, with his wife, and three children by his former marriage, he came to the United States, traveling direct to Chicago, arriving before Philip was thirteen years of age. They settled on North Avenue on what was known as "the forty acres." Mr. Becker was a butcher by trade, at which he worked for some time after coming to Chicago. He did butchering and sausage making for many farmers in the vicinity of the city. Five years after his arrival he rented six acres of land on Sedgwick Street, and engaged in market garden-

ing, having located on the corner of Sedgwick and Center Streets in 1856. In 1865 he bought two lots in the same block, on Hudson Avenue, and built a residence at that place, which he oc- cupied with his family. In the great fire of 1871 he was burned out, losing all his property except his lots. He rebuilt, and carried on gardening until his death, May 5, 1878. He was an in- dustrious man, and devoted all his energies to the support of his family. His widow is still living, and has attained the ripe age of seventy- eight years. The children of his first marriage are: Philip, of this sketch; Anna, widow of Louis Hinrick, and Elizabeth, wife of Henry Groff. By his second wife he had three children, namely: Katherine, wife of A. Toff; Jacob, and Anna, wife of John Schick, all of Chicago. Mr. Becker was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, as is also his widow.

Philip Becker attended school in the Father-

705

GEORGE BAILEY.

land until the family emigrated. As his father was in poor health for two years subsequent to their locating in Chicago, Philip was forced to assist in the support of the younger children. This prevented him from obtaining any more schooling than he had secured in his native land. About a year after the arrival of the family in Chicago, Philip engaged in lathing, which oc- cupation he continued four years. He then learned the trade of plasterer, and later that of brick mason. He has since worked at the last- named occupation and has been very successful, only through his own efforts to surmount all diffi- culties and conquer all obstacles.

After the fire of 1871 he began contracting on his own account, and in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Pauli, has continued in the business and erected many business blocks of importance, beside residences. While he never was desirous of holding public office, he has been faithful to the duties of a citizen and has been loyal to the interests of his adopted country. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham

Lincoln in 1864, and he has since supported the principles and representatives of the Republican party.

April 22, 1866, Mr. Becker was married to Miss Mary Pauli, daughter of William and Mary Pauli, who came in 1865 to Chicago, where both spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Pauli died April 18, 1895, aged ninety-one years, and his worthy wife passed away November 16, 1895, at the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Becker was born in Mickenburg Strelitz, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of one daughter, Elizabeth, who was born May 24, 1867, and be- came the wife of Emil Kollmann, who died January 9, 1892, leaving his widow with two in- teresting children: Rosa and Walter. The family belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Becker became self-sustaining at an early age and deserves much credit for the success which he has achieved. He has been an im- portant factor in the upbuilding of the city and has borne his share in promoting its best in- terests.

GEORGE BAILEY.

G EORGE BAILEY, who comes of a very old and prominent family of the Emerald Isle, was born March 20, 1859, in County Down, Ireland. His parents were Henry McKin- ley and Jane (Ennis) Bailie. George Bailey was the one to change the spelling of the family name to Bailey. His great-grandfather was Robert Bailie, who was a tiller of the soil, owning property. His children were: William, John and others.

The grandfather of the man whose nanie heads this article, John Bailie, died at the age of fifty- five years, of a paralytic stroke, in his native land. He served his entire life on the estate of

Hugh Montgomery, and for many years was liis bailiff. His children were: James, Robert, Henry, Margaret and six others who died in childhood.

Henry Mckinley Bailie was born in 1838, in County Down, Ireland, and reached Chicago October 7, 1854. He is an engineer aud has followed this vocation most of his life in Chicago. He built a residence at No. 2958 Throop Street, and shortly after built at No. 2960 Throop Street, where he resides at the present writing. His house was the first built in that locality. The children of Henry Bailie were named as follows: Eliza, George, Margaret, Mary Ann, Sarah Parks and John Henry. H. M. Bailie is

706

A. E. JACKSON.

president of the board of Emanuel Presbyterian Church, having occupied that office in the church since its house of worship was erected.

At the age of five years George Bailey was brought to America, and was sent to the Holden public school, afterward attending Bryant & Stratton's business college. He then began to learn the trade of engineer. With his father he worked one year for J. C. Mitchell, and sub- sequently took charge of the rendering depart- ment of Adler & Oberndorf, later occupying the position of engineer. He was with the latter concern seven years. In April, 1893, he entered the employ of the Chicago City Railway Com- pany as conductor, having held that position up to the present time, being now on the Wentworth Avenue line.

Mr. Bailey was married July 29, 1891, to Miss Helen Blithe, daughter of Luther Edson and

Margaret Julia Isabella (Collins) Colsten. Mrs. Bailey was born April 28, 1868, in Great Bend, Pennsylvania, and came with her family to Chi- cago in 1872. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are: Helen Myrtle, born June 1, 1892, and George Elmer, April 29, 1895. Mr. Bailey is a member of Richard Cole Lodge No. 697, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Brighton Park Lodge No. 639, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also connected with Har- mony Tent, Knights of the Maccabees.

Mr. Bailey is very well known among the citi- zens of the neighborhood where he resides, and is honored and respected by all who make his acquaintance, either in a business or social manner. He is a consistent member of the Pres- byterian Church of his locality, and is one of the most influential and valuable members of the congregation of which he is a part.

AUGUST E. JACKSON.

A UGUST EDWIN JACKSON. Among the foremost and energetic in his line of busi- ness and reliable workmen is August Ed- win Jackson. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Jacobson, and his father is Johannis Jacob- son, who married Marie Jacobson. At the time of the birth of their son, August E. Jackson, March 22, 1866, they resided in the village of Kolsater, Sweden.

Johannis Jacobson was born September 7, 1833, in the village of Forsane, Sweden, and is still living in his native land. He is a skilled mechanic and has done contracting and building, being a tiller of the soil for a side occupation. His wife was born in October, 1828, in Kolsater. The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jacobson are accounted for as follows: August Edwin, the eld- est; Johannah Sophie, still single and residing in

Sweden; Edward Severin, 'born July 16, 1872, came to America in 1893 and made his home with his brother, the man whose name heads this article, until his death, which occurred Au- gust 3, 1898. Two daughters and a son died when very young.

August E. Jackson was the first of his father's family to emigrate from their native land and arrived in Chicago July 13, 1883. He had learned the trade of carpenter with his father and be- came very proficient, and is at present following this occupation.

Mr. Jackson was married August 22, 1893, to Miss Georgiana Turn. For ancestry of Mrs. Jackson note the biography of F. J. O. Turn, on another page of this work. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are as follows: George Arthur and Alice Edith, who are twins, born August 22,

707

J. B. WILSON.

1894; Edna Adalia, born November 15, 1895, and Hazel Maria Christina, May 29, 1897. Mr. Jackson is a member of Eclipse Lodge No. 404, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also connected with Excelsior Encampment No. 2, of

the same order. He is a member of the Swedish society "Iduna," of Chicago. He is a man of high principles and indestructible honor, beloved by all who know him and respected wherever he is known.

JAMES B. WILSON.

AMES B. WILSON. Among those who have been most closely identified with the

1 history of Harvey and than whom no man is better known or possesses a wider circle of friends, is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article. A life-long employe of railroads, few men know the details of that traffic better than he. Born in Brechin, Scotland, December 31, 1848, he is a son of John Wilson, who was the mayor of the city of sixteen thousand inhabi- tants.

John Wilson was a foundryman and contractor, giving employment to many men, and was con- sidered one of the larger and more successful manufacturers, and highly honored with a pub- lic position. Failure of Glasgow banks involved him, and his business interests were wrecked. Heretofore the family had lived in luxury but now it was necessary for them to earn their own living.

James B. Wilson, who was but a lad of fifteen years, entered the employ of the North British Railroad Company at Edinburgh, in the mechani- cal department, and by assiduous application rose in his superiors' estimation, receiving promotions in employment and increase in wages, so that in three years he was a fireman, running on the road for two years. He was timekeeper in Leith two years, and in 1867 came to America. The next few years were partly spent in Quebec and partly in the United States, reaching as far as

New Orleans, where he became mate on the his- torical Mississippi steamer, "Robert E. Lee," a position that required nerve and muscle, but it was a valuable school for him, and the lessons then learned have stood him in good stead at sub- sequent periods. This latter was shown at the time of the memorable railroad strike, when every effort was used to draw him away from the protection and interests of his employers, only to prove him a man not to be lightly trifled with or moved by bribe, coaxing or threats, even of personal vio- lence. Returning to Quebec in 1869, his old friend, James Dakerman, manager of the telegraph company at Montreal, secured him a position as clerk in the locomotive foreman's office at Point St. Charles, from which time his relation with the company has remained unbroken. Two years later he was transferred to Hadlon Core, P. Q., later to Stratford, and in 1880 to the Chicago freight office. In 1883 he was in charge of out freight and ill 1890 was sent to Harvey as agent of both the Grand Trunk and Illinois Central Railroads. The village was then but started, tlie country being open prairie, and he has seen it assume its present proportions.

His service has been faithfully given to the in- terest of the railroad, and while the details of office work have had his supervision, he has been responsible for much of the extensive business done by the Grand Trunk road at this place.

708

PASCAL ORRINY.

Ever accommodating and always to be found at his post of duty, he has made friends with every citizen and every manufacturing establishment. Thoroughly trusted by the officials of the road, he has been given carte blanche in matters of ob- taining business, his contracts always meeting with approval.

While thoroughly given to the varied interests incident to his position, he has ever been alive to the broader interests of the community and holds the respect and confidence of the people to a higli degree. A stanch Democrat, he and Jerry O' Rourke were for years the strength of that party in the town of Thornton, and he was for years central committeeman and delegate to the party's conventions, both local and state. He has preached Democracy in season and out of season, the re- sult being great accessions to his party, until now it presents a most undeviating front to the oppo- sition. Once when Jerry O'Rourke was with- drawn from the field of active proselyting, by his appointment as postmaster, Mr. Wilson was pic- tured in some facetious current literature as weep- ing on Jerry's shoulders and bewailing the fact of his being all that was left of the party. With all these years of minority, they have been re-

cently favored with most remarkable success at the polls, electing the first Democrat as township assessor for forty-two years.

Mr. Wilson is interested in a patent switch, that it is thoughit will prove a most taking im- provement for the various switches or tracks. He was married in 1872 in Quebec to Mariah O'Neill, a native of that province. Their family consisted of three daughters. Margaret, the oldest, died at the age of twenty-four years, De- cember 14, 1897. She was a most popular young lady in Harvey, and has served as deputy post- master under her father's old friend, Jerry O'Rourke. She had many excellent qualities that made her untimely death keenly felt among the wide circle of acquaintances. Luella, a young lady, resides at home with her parents. Messie died while a small child.

Mr. Wilson is a Free Mason, being a charter member of Meyic City Lodge. He is a breeder and fancier of homing pigeons, having a number of choice birds in his collection. Few men are more keenly alive to all that tends to the general advancement of Harvey than he, and none can number more and warmer friends among the citi- zens.

PASCAL ORRINY.

ASCAL ORRINY was at one time in the history of the great city one of Chicago's most energetic and influential citizens. He was born February 23, 1818, in Rochelle, France, and was a son of Pierre and Irene Orriny. He passed beyond the border November 10, 1893, in Chicago, and his remains were interred in Oak- woods Cemetery.

There were but two children in the family of Pierre Orriny. The elder son died on the ocean

while the family was making the voyage to America. While he was still in infancy, Pascal Orriny's mother died, and at the age of nine years he was taken by her brother to New Orleans. This uncle continued his journeying until he reached California in 1846, but Pascal remained in New Orleans and engaged in buying and sell- ing barrel staves. In 1863 he removed to Cairo, Illinois, and followed the brick business one year. In April, 1865, Mr. Orriny located in the city

709

H. W. KRUGER.

of Chicago, becoming an employe of Matthew Laflin, and after two years entered the service of a manufacturer of elevators. His twenty-seven years of satisfactory enlistment in the interests of the last-named employe proves the honesty and integrity of purpose of which the man was possessed, and his example is one worthy the emulation of the youth of the present time, as representing the efforts of a man devoted to his duty, and commanding the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. For a greater part of the time spent in the interests of the Neely manufactory, he was foreman and his services were well appreciated by his superiors in the immense business concern.

May 18, 1849, Mr. Orriny was married to Miss May Margaret, daughter of Herman and Mary Lutjmeier. Mrs. Orriny was born September 29, 1838, in the village of Hoye, Hanover, Ger- inany. Her father immigrated to America about 1840, and located in New Orleans. In 1856 the family removed to Matteson, Cook County, Illi- nois, and from there in 1868 to Marysville, Kan- sas. Here, in 1873, Mr. Lutjmeier died at the

age of seventy-five years. His wife died prior to the Civil War, and he married a second wife. Her only child is Sophia, who married Fred Stooks and lives in Marysville, Kansas. Mr. Lutjmeier was a shoemaker by trade, but also followed the occupation of farmer.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Pascal Orriny are as follows: Henry Ranson, of whom further mention is made in this volume; Emma Armon- tine, who married William H. Gray, and resides at No. 6827 Perry Avenue, at which place Mr. Gray was born; Lily Pascal, who married David Edwards, and died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving one child, Irene Emma. Mrs. Pascal Orriny resides at No. 425 South Normal Parkway.

Pascal Orriny was reared an Episcopalian and remained true to the teachings of his forefathers. He was never an office-seeker in political affairs, but was interested in the principles and welfare of the Democratic party. He was an honest and God-fearing man, beloved by his family and friends, and his loss was mourned by all who were among his acquaintances.

HENRY W. KRUGER.

ENRY WILLIAM KRUGER. Among the and began life for himself at the age of fourteen young and enterprising citizens of Chicago years. He subsequently entered the service of the Western Union Telegraph Company as receiv- ing clerk and occupied this position two years. He was then employed by Swift & Company, in whose service he still continues. Here he was general office clerk and has earned several pro- motions, holding among other responsible stations those of invoice clerk and paymaster, and is now occupying the position of timekeeper. many are self-made, and are, therefore, stronger in character and standing than those born to affluence and wealth. Henry W. Kruger was born February 6, 1870, and though still a young inan has proven his ability to make his way in the world. His parents resided on Sedgwick Street at the time of his birth. For his ancestry see biography of Henry William Kruger, senior.

The subject of this notice attended the Clark, Marquette and Raymond Schools, and was a short time at the Armour Institute. He left school

August 11, 1894, Mr. Kruger was married to May Neil Connon, a daughter of John and Chris- tina (Low) Connon, of whom extended mention

710

J. F. HECTOR.

is made on another page of this work. Mrs. Kruger was born June 10, 1870, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Her parents emigrated from their native land and came to America in 1872. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kruger are: William Connon, who was born June 24, 1895, and Henry Neil, born May 19, 1897.

Mr. Kruger has never sought prominence in politics, but is a stanch upholder of the principles of the Republican party. He is an honorable and upright young man, and one who inspires con- fidence in the hearts of all who have dealings with him, whether in a social or business manner.

JOHN F. HECTOR.

OHN FRANCIS HECTOR, for more than half a century a resident of Chicago, was born November 13, 1846, in the Province of Trier, Prussia, Germany. His father, Philip Hector, was born November 1, 1814, in the vil- lage of Pacheu, Province of Trier, Germany, and died April 25, 1896, in Chicago. He was a son of Peter Hector.

April 6, 1847, Philip Hector set out with his family, from the shore of his native land, and after a voyage of three months on a sailing vessel, landed at New Orleans, Louisiana. The family then included two children: Mary and John Francis. They traveled by river boat from New Orleans to Cincinnati, whence they pro- ceeded to Chicago.

In his native land Mr. Hector had been em- ployed as a laborer about iron mills. In the spring of 1848 he settled at Blue Island, where he remained about twelve years. He was at first employed in railroad construction, and his good wife aided him in getting a start in the new world by keeping boarders. During two years he lived on and tilled a farm where the present town of Harvey stands. This he sold and moved to Chicago and retired from active labor. He purchased five lots on South Ashland Avenue, on which stood a small house, and built two houses on these lots, which he rented.

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Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 102

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