Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 3

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 3

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opportunity. Mr. and Mrs. Jolinson make an admirable couple, both being genial and hospita- ble people, and ready at all times to assist those in distress or need.

WILLIAM TEMPEL.

ILLIAM TEMPEL is the senior member of the firm of William Tempel & Company. They do a real-estate and mortgage-loan business and succeeded the firm of Knauer Broth- ers, who established the business in 1855, on the corner of Clark and Kinzie Streets. Mr. Tempel was born in Steinheim, Province of Westphalia, Prussia, July 1, 1833, and is a son of Frantz Tempel, further mention of whom is made in the biography of Anton Tempel, on another page of this volume.

William Tempel is the second son of his father. He attended school in the land of his nativity until he had reached the age of fourteen years. In the fall of 1853 he embarked at Bremen Har- bor on a sailing ship and after a voyage of eighty- five days landed in New York. He remained in that city two months and continued his journey to Chicago, arriving in this city in March, 1854. Mr. Tempel opened a restaurant soon after his arrival at the corner of Van Buren and Sherman Streets, where he continued in business two years. He then left Chicago, going directly to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in business for a few months. From there he went to New Orleans, and there kept a market in St. Mary's Market Place. On the breaking out of the Civil War he was ordered to enlist in the Confederate Army or leave the country. Choosing the latter, he did not take time to close out his stock, but left on the last north-bound boat but one that left the south in safety, in the night. At Baton Rouge the boat was fired on, but without any serious results.

Mr. Tempel repaired to St. Joseph, Missouri, and there started a fruit store. That city soon became too hot for such a pronounced anti- slavery and Union man and he left his business a second time and fled from the city by a boat bound for St. Louis, which was fired upon by Rebels at Jefferson, Missouri. On returning to Chicago he opened a grocery store on South Hal- sted Street at the corner of what was then Wright Street, but soon after removed to the North Side and located at the corner of Division and North Clark Streets. He conducted a general store, dealing very profitably in groceries and provi- sions, also having a large stock of flour, feed and charcoal. This business he continued with suc- cess until the fire of 1871 destroyed all his sav- ings, leaving him destitute of property, with the exception of some real estate. He got 110 insurance. His establishment was at that time the only store between Division Street and Evans- ton.

Immediately subsequent to the fire Mr. Tem- pel rebuilt his store building, and inside of three weeks had purchased a stock of goods and re- opened his establishment for the accommodation of his numerous customers. He continued the business successfully one year and in 1872 re- moved to the corner of Wells and Eugenie Streets and continued in the same line of business as be- fore, at the same time keeping the Farmers' Home. He subsequently purchased property at the corner of Burling and Center Streets and engaged in business at that location. His estab-

AUGUST HOEFER.

lishment was of the same nature as that he had formerly conducted and he did a prosperous busi- ness, accumulating a handsome competence. In 1882 fire destroyed his business and residence and he retired from active business life and lived retired until recently, when he engaged in his present business. He is an ambitious and enter- prising man and has always taken a lively in- terest in public affairs. He is a Republican in principle and has held no public office. He is a genial, pleasant gentleman of the true order, liav- ing ever been possessed with a manner to inspire the confidence of his fellow-men.

April 11, 1864, Mr. Tempel was married to Miss Anna Schabokrzky, who was born in Bo- hemia and came to Chicago in 1856. Five chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tempel, namely: William F .; Minnie, wife of Robert Erbe, head cutter for Jacob L. Cohn & Com- pany; Tillie, wife of Jacob Spielman, president of Spielman Brothers Company, manufacturers of vinegar and yeast; Anna, wife of Dr. W. S. Orth, a physician and surgeon connected with the Alex-

ian Brothers' Hospital; and Charles, who dicd in infancy. They all reside in the beautiful flat building at No. 1764 Wrightwood Avenue, which Mr. Tempel bought in 1896. Mr. Tempel is in- dependent in his religious opinions and is not a member of any church organization. He is a man of higli principles and unstained honor, re- spected by all who come in contact with him and one of the worthy citizens of Chicago. The mother of Mrs. Tempel died when she was still a child, and her father died in 1882 of suffoca- tion, when Mr. Tempel was burned out on Bur- ling and Center Streets.

Mr. Tempel has witnessed many improvements in the city and has been closely identified with its business interests, contributing in a material as well as influential way to many of the changes. He is a friend to education and has allowed his family all the advantages to be obtained by money and the times. He is especially happy and companionable in his home life, and his at- tractive home is the abode of a genuine, open- handed hospitality.

AUGUST HOEFER.

UGUST HOEFER, who was a prominent citizen of Chicago for several years, was born _ August 19, 1840, near Burbrach, Koeller, in Prussia, Germany. His father, Henry Hoefer, was a coal miner in his native land, and died in Chicago in 1868. August Hoefer's mother died in Germany, and his father married a second time, his wife dying in Bensonville, Douglas County, Illinois. In 1865 Mr. Hoefer and family, consisting of two daughters and three sons, came to the United States and settled in Chicago. The children were named: August, William, Sophia, Emma and Henry.

August Hoefer was educated in the parish

school of the Lutheran Church and confirmed in the church. He learned the trade of baker, which he followed. After coming to America he worked as a journeyman until 1869, when he started a bakery at No. 308 North Avenue. He was burned out in the fire of 1871, losing every- thing. He again started on the adjoining lot, and baked his first bread December 2 of that year, making the first bread baked in the burnt neighborhood. He continued in business and prospered. In 1872 he purchased a lot at No. 227 North Avenue, and built the present building, which comprises a bakery, store, residence and a large hall known as Hoefer's Hall. In 1882 he

2 I

JAMES SMEATON.

retired from active business, having accumulated a handsome competence, and he and Mrs. Hoefer spent a year in San Jose, California. He subse- quently became an insurance agent, and con- tinued four years. He died December 5, 1891, mourned by family and friends. He was a valued member of New Chicago Lodge No. 506, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a charter member of Sophia Rebekah Lodge No. 96. He was connected with the Knights of Pythias, and was a valued and consistent member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was inde- pendent in his political views, voting for the man who, in his opinion, was best adapted to fill the office to the first interests of the people.

Mr. Hoefer married Miss Catharine Nicholson, October 10, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hoefer were blessed with eleven children, but all are now de- ceased. Mrs. Hoefer was born in Hussum, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, March 5, 1845. Her father died when she was a small child and she came with some friends to the United States

in 1865. She is identified with a number of societies and benevolent organizations. She is a charter member of Sophia Rebekah Lodge No. 96, and belongs to the German Hospital Ladies' Society, the Ulich Orphan Asylum's Ladies' Society and the Odd Fellows' Old People's Home Society. She is Past Grand Treasurer of the State Rebekah Assembly, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Illinois, and is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors of the Odd Fellows' Old Folks' Home of Illinois, and the Ladies' Society of Pastor John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which she is a past officer.

Mrs. Hoefer gives much of her time and means to the advancement of charitable societies, and has a large acquaintance throughout the state. She is held in high esteem by her many friends, for her many excellent qualities of head and heart. In everything that tends to promote the best interests of society generally, Mrs. Hoefer takes an active part, and faithfully discharges every sacred duty to friends, society and church.

JAMES SMEATON.

7 AMES SMEATON, one of the successful cut stone dealers in the city of Chicago, and one of the prominent citizens, was born in Perth, Scotland, August 14, 1857. His parents, Andrew and Jennie (Taylor) Smeaton, came to Chicago in March of the year 1873.

James Smeaton learned the trade of stone cut- ting in Chicago and was first with Henry Kerber four years. He worked on the old post- office subsequent to that time, and then visited Europe, remaining away a year. On coming to Chicago the second time he was unable to find employment and again returned to Scotland, where he remained eighteen months. But his longing for Chicago became so strong that he

located here once more and became one of the employes of Henry Kerber again. He continued with him until he opened a yard for stone cutting, for his own interests, at the corner of Nineteenth Street and Wentworth Avenue. This was April of the year 1882, and he was located at that place until 1888, when he removed his business to the corner of Forty-seventh Street and the Fort Wayne car tracks, at Stewart Avenue. He is still established at that location and is conducting a very profitable business.

Mr. Smeaton was married August 21, 1878, to Miss Annie Black, daughter of William and Martha (Redgate) Black. Mrs. Smeaton was born in Ireland and emigrated from her native

ATZEL BROTHERS.

land in 1872. Her children are accounted for as follows: James, born June 10, 1880; Annie, April 3, 1882; William Black, October 11, 1883; David Taylor, January 3, 1885; and Jennet Taylor, No- vember II, 1888.

Mr. Sineaton was made a Mason in Kirkcaldy Lodge No. 73, in Scotland. He is a mem- ber of Thomas J. Turner Lodge No. 409, of Chicago, and was a charter member of

Fidelity Court No. 37, Independent Order of Foresters. He is a stanch upholder of the principles of the Republican party and supports the candidates of the party in every practical manner. He is a Presbyterian in religious belief, and his wife sympathizes with lıim in his views. They have a fine family, and are devoted to their children in every manner, morally and practi- cally.

ATZEL BROTHERS.

A G TZEL BROTHERS, who are engaged in the flour and feed business at Nos. 556-558 South Canal Street, belong to one of the oldest German-American families of the city, and are both natives of Chicago. Their father, Tobias Atzel, was born November 5, 1813, in Alsace, then a part of France. He was reared and educated in his native place, and in 1833 came to the United States, having sailed from Havre in a sailing ship which took sixty-five days to make the voyage to New York.

He traveled on to Buffalo, and there served a regular apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. In May, 1836, he went back to his native land and married Magdalena Haas and, with his wife, returned to America. He came direct to Chicago, arriving in July of the same year. He at once began working at his trade and did building for some time. About 1850 he kept a grocery store and hotel on Jefferson Street, and in the spring of 1854 removed to Du Page County and bought a farm, south of Hinsdale. He was engaged in farming about twenty years, and then moved to Downer's Grove, where he died in December, 1894, his good wife surviving him but ten days, when she too passed away.

They were many years members of the Evangel- ical Lutheran Church, and Mr. Atzel was one of the first members of Dr. Hartmann's Church of that denomination.

Mr. and Mrs. Atzel were the parents of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, namely: Caroline, now Mrs. Peter Leibundguth, of Dow- ner's Grove; George, senior partner of Atzel Brothers; Thomas, who is now deceased; John, of the firm of Atzel Brothers; Louise, deceased; Frederick; William; Magdalena, widow of Daniel Peters, of South Chicago; and Henry.

George Atzel was born in Chicago, April 8, 1844. His primary education was received in the Skinner School on west Madison Street, and while on the farm, in DuPage County, he at- tended the district school in winter. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1862 enlisted in the Union Army. He was mustered into service September 6 of that year and was assigned to Company H, One Hundred Twenty- seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He entered as a private, but was soon promoted to corporal, and November 1, 1863, was again promoted to commissary sergeant. He was never wounded, . taken prisoner nor in the hospital, but was with

JULIUS WAHL.

huis regiment throughout his length of service, participating in every engagement in which the regiment took part. He was mustered out of service in June, 1865, in Washington, District of Columbia. At the close of the Civil War he re- turned to his father's farm and remained a few years. In 1870, with his brother, Jolın, he entered the flour and feed business on Canal Street, in Chicago, a few doors south of their present place of business. For about fourteen years they did a large business in buying and selling horses, shipping to Boston, Massachusetts.

George Atzel cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and has ever since supported the candidates of the Republican party. He never sought public office, in any form. Mr. Atzel is a member of U. S. Grant Post No. 20, Grand Army of the Republic. In 1867 he married Miss Katharine Leibundguth. Their children were six in number, but three

died in childhood. Those still in the land of the living are: Emma, wife of Fred O. Schmitt, a druggist at the corner of Robey Street and Ros- coe Boulevard; George W., a pharmacist; and Edward. The members of the family attend the Evangelical Lutheran Church, whose faith they embrace.

John Atzel was born June 28, 1848. He en- listed in the United States Army at the time the Civil War was in progress, in March, 1865, and served in the One Hundred Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, until the close of the war. He married Miss Ellen Leibundguth, by whom he has three children: Clara, wife of August Drawle, Nettie and John. Mrs. Atzel died in April, 1884, mourned by family and friends.

John Atzel is connected with Pleiades Lodge No. 478, Ancient Free aud Accepted Masons. He is a Republican, being loyal iu every sense to the principles of his party.

JULIUS WAHL.

] C

ULIUS WAHL, who is among the promi- nent citizens of the city of Chicago and well known among the business precincts as an extensive real-estate dealer, was born January 21, 1848. His parents were Leopold and Helena (Meinhardt) Wahl and lived at Recklinghausen, Westphalia, Germany, at the time of his birth.

Leopold Wahl, his father, was born in Minden, Westphalia; received a military education, serv- ing in the army until he was thirty years of age. He then received a court appointment, having control of the court funds of the city of Reck- linghausen. He occupied this position until his death in 1850. He was a typical representative of his native land, being of rugged physique and of medium size.

Julius Wahl came to Chicago in 1868. He attended school in the old country until he was fifteen years of age and later spent five years in ap- prenticeship, learning glass engraving. £ He never followed this profession after coming to the United States. After arriving in Chicago he delivered newspapers for a short time, after that became a clerk in a grocery store, but later ob- tained a position as deputy clerk of internal revenue under Herman Raster. After the resig- nation of Mr. Raster as collector he was engaged as clerk for Waixel Brothers, liquor dealers. He was clerk for the Germania Insurance Company one year, and from 1872 to 1884 was deputy clerk of the circuit court of Cook County. During 1885 he was in the law office of Rosenthal

A. D. STEVENS.

& Pence, after which he began to deal in real estate for himself. He opened an office in 1886 at No. 81 Clark Street, remaining at this loca- tion three years. He was subsequently two years at No. 92 La Salle Street, Illinois National Bank Building, four years, Hartford Building one year, and at present has his office at Room 701, No. 167 Dearborn Street. He has handled lands in Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Nebraska, California and Indiana. He also deals in lands in this city, buying and exchang- ing property and making loans quite extensively.

Julius Wahl was married in 1874 to Sophie Wienhoeber, a daughter of George Wienhoeber.

Mrs. Wahl was born and educated in Germany. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wahl are Anna, Ella and Dorothea. Leopold, the second born, died at the age of nine months. Mr. Wahl is an upholder of the principles and candidates of the Republican party. He is one of the most ex- tensive real-estate dealers in Chicago and has been very successful. He rises from one of the oldest German families and has all the nature and bearing of the true refined German. His residence, at No. 6919 Calumet Avenue, is one of the finest and most luxurious in that section of the city, and he may be proud of the ownership.

AARON D. STEVENS.

A ARON DEFOREST STEVENS, who has for many years been an efficient and valued employe of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company, was born May 3, 1856, at Plattville, Wisconsin. His parents, Aaron Deforest and Emma Ora (Campbell) Ste- vens, were of English birth. The paternal grandfather of the man whose name heads this article was Asa Stevens, and his children were Henry, Asa and others whose names have not been recorded. The maternal grandfather was Divillis Campbell, and his children were named: Robert, Mary, Emma, Margaret, Charles, Divil- lis, Henry, Irene and Andrew. Divillis Camp- bell, senior, was of Scottish birth and was a good representative of the hardy race.

Aaron Deforest Stevens, senior, died October 14, 1891, at the age of sixty years. His remains were interred at Sandford, Midland County, Mich- igan. He was a shoemaker by trade, and was born twenty miles from London, England. At the age of eleven years he went to sea, remain- ing on the ocean six years. He then settled

down in America, and as he was an enthusiastic hunter, this country held great attraction for him, with its boundless prairies and immense amount of game. He traveled all through America and finally located in New York State, later remov- ing to Michigan, in 1870. He remained in that locality until his death. He visited California, and some years later Florida, during the time his home was in Michigan. Mrs. A. D. Stevens died at the age of forty years, in July, 1877. Her children were: Emma, Ora and Aaron Deforest.

Aaron D. Stevens attended a Catholic school until he reached the age of sixteen years and was then employed by the Buffalo & Erie Rail- way Company as messenger boy. After six months he was made switchman, and remained thus occupied until May, 1870. He subse- quently changed to the service of the New York Central Railroad Company, remaining until November, 1871. He then removed to Chicago and was made switchman and subsequently yard- master for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern

W. R. MACSWAIN.

Railroad Company, being in the same employ since that time. He has for fourteen years been yard-master. Mr. Stevens was married Novem- ber 12, 1876, to Nancy Jane McLemore, of Ken- tucky. Her children are accounted for as fol- lows: Francis Sunderland, born October 4, 1877, is in the bridge-building business. Frederick Deforest was born April 29, 1892. The father of Mrs. Stevens is Jefferson Mclemore and her mother Nancy Frances (Crawford) McLemore. They resided in Hopkins County, Kentucky, at the time of the birth of their daughter,

the wife of Mr. Stevens, which occurred April 12, 1859, and came to Chicago in 1873. They come of very old Kentucky families and the Craw- ford name is a time-honored one.

Mr. Stevens is a very genial gentleman, being a type of the old school and a credit to the name he bears. He has never sought public favor in the form of office, but uses his influence and ar- guments for the benefit of the Democratic party. His family is one of importance among the pres- ent generation and his life work has been one to be remembered by men.

WILLIAM R. MACSWAIN.

ILLIAM ROBERTSON MACSWAIN, who is among the most enterprising of the citizens of Chicago and influential among men of his class and standing, was born February 7, 1850, on Spruce Street, Portland, Maine. His 'ancestors were Scotch and belonged rightly to that sturdy and long-lived race which has ever been renowned for the honesty and uprightness of its people. The paternal grandfather of Will- iam R. MacSwain was Donald MacSwain, who located at Prince Edwards Island about 1840, and died there. He was a miller and his children were: Janet, who married John McClelland; John; Alexander, who came to the United States; Anna, who married Alexander Gillis; Swain, father of the man whose name heads this article; Allan, who came to America and located in Maine; Sarah, who married Mr. Mckenzie and went with her husband to Australia; and Jennie, who married John Beaton.

The father of W. R. MacSwain was Swain MacSwain, who married Miss Barbara Curry. He died at the age of fifty-four years and was

interred at Hadley, Illinois. He was born in In- verness, Scotland, and followed the occupation of stone mason. He settled in Canada at the age of twenty-five years and shortly afterward removed to Portland, Maine.

W. R. MacSwain was educated in the public school at Portland, which he left at the age of fourteen years. He at once began to learn the trade of a stone mason, serving an apprenticeship of three and one-half years with Charles M. Brainerd, and worked at his trade a year and one-half in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. He came to Chicago in 1868 and after remaining here six months went to Will County, Illinois, and for two years worked for a salary. He sub- sequently took up the occupation of a railroad man and for three months was switchman for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Con1- pany. He was ten years switchman for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company and was then made passenger conductor and served two years. November 1, 1879, he was caught between two cars and was disabled for

J. W. DIECKMANN.

eight months. September 30, 1883, lie lost his left arm in the stock yards, and subsequently entered the coroner's office as deputy, remaining thus occupied eight years. He then changed and was in various offices, but in December, 1893, he entered Sheriff Pease's office as jury clerk, later serving as bookkeeper and still later was one year bookkeeper for John Symons. He tlien entered the county clerk's office, under Philip Knopf, and is there employed as clerk at the present time.

Mr. MacSwain was married July 19, 1873, to Miss Carrie Sarah Clark, daughter of Lorin and Dollie (Fuller) Clark. One of the ancestors of Mrs. MacSwain, by the name of Fuller, came over in the "Mayflower." Chief Justice Fuller is a descendant of the same ancestor. The family of

Fuller became represented in Chicago in 1865. The children of Mr. and Mrs. MacSwain are: Dollie Grace (now the wife of Jolin Symons, whose biography appears in this work), and Hattie Barbara.

Mr. MacSwain is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias and is connected with Custer Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Grand Crossing Lodge No. 52, of the Royal League. He votes in favor of the candidates of the Republican party and is ever an active worker in support of its principles, striving to secure honest methods in the conduct of its affairs. He was reared a Presbyterian and has always been loyal to the teachings of his fathers. He is a man of strong character, and is honored and respected alike by family and friends.

JOHN W. DIECKMANN.

OHN WILLIAM DIECKMANN, who has been an honored and respected citizen of Chicago for over forty years, is now living in quiet retirement at Gross Park, enjoying the fruits of his former industry. He was born No- vember 2, 1823, in Hanover, Germany, and is the youngest in a family of four children born to Andrew and Ellen (Budke) Dieckmann. The parents were natives of Hanover, and passed their entire lives in the Fatherland, as did two of their four children. John W. and Herman became residents of Chicago, the latter locating here in 1859, dying some years ago.

Mr. Dieckmann, of this sketch, was reared a farmer and received his education in the public schools, and followed the occupation of tiller of the soil until he emigrated. In 1851 he married Miss Margaret Krabbe, who was also born and reared in Hanover. September 1, 1857, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, he

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Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 3

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