Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 95

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 95

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Thomas J. Riley was born in Honesdale, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, in which place his mother still resides, at the venerable age of eighty years. His ancestors were among the early settlers of eastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Riley became a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1856,

650

A. R. ZĘIS.

was elected sheriff of Douglas County in 1862 and served in that important and responsible po- sition eight consecutive years. In the early days of this frontier river town, the office of sheriff was no sinecure. His wife, Anna Theresa Riley (no relative), was born in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, and came to America with a brother in 1855, and was married to Thomas J. Riley at Omaha. They are the parents of seven children. The eldest son, Frank J. Riley, enlisted as a private in Company F, Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for service in the war with Spain and died in the service, of typhoid pneumonia, at Camp Cuba Libre, near Jacksonville, Florida,

July 4, 1898. Thus perished in the flower of youth one who was willing to give his life for the liberty of others. It was a most noble sacri- fice, and his name will ever be numbered among the heroes who promptly responded to the call for troops to compel Spain to liberate the oppressed Cubans from a bondage worse than serfdom. Whether the effort was successful or not, no prouder eulogy can be given to a soldier than the fact that he sacrificed his life to ensure liberty to others. Young Riley was buried with military honors at Jacksonville, and his body will ulti- mately be taken to Omalıa and deposited in Cal- vary Cemetery.

ANDREW R. ZEIS.

A NDREW REINHARD ZEIS, now living retired, is an honored pioneer of Chicago. He was born July 29, 1833, in Kurssen, Hessen-Cassel, Germany, and is the youngest son of John Andrew and Margareta Zeis, who had four children, the first of whom, Andrew, died when he was but a small child. The oldest daughter married, but died in Middletown, New York, leaving no family. Falden died in Ger- many. John Andrew Zeis served in the German army and fought against Napoleon, dying in the army, when his son, Andrew R. of this sketch, was but thirteen years of age. Mrs. J. A. Zeis died in Chicago in 1870.

Andrew R. Zeis was thrown upon his own re- sources at a very early age and was forced to make his own way in the world. His education was limited, as he had to divide his time between work and obtaining knowledge. He served a regular apprenticeship at the trade of knifesmith, at which he worked while in the Fatherland. May 10, 1851, with his mother and sister and mother-in-law lie sailed from Bremen, and after

fifty-two days landed in New York, where his sister and her husband remained. Andrew R. and his mother traveled on to Milwaukee, arriv- ing at that city July 14. His first occupation was on a farm twenty-one miles from that city, to which place he walked, in search of work.

He was employed at this location two and one- half months at six dollars and one- half per month. He then returned to Milwaukee and secured a position with a blacksmith at four dol- lars per month. He came to Chicago October 14, 1851, and his first employment was with a black- smith on Randolph Street, where the Sherman House now stands. He worked until February, 1852, receiving for his services his board and three dollars in counterfeit money. For two weeks after he carried water for his board. He then secured a position in the reaper works of Mr. McCormick, receiving seventy-five cents per day at the start. By 1856 he had saved some money and was induced to go to Minnesota to take up a land claim, but the venture proved a failure and he returned to Chicago after losing

651

PETER BRUST.

his savings, and entered the employ of the Galena Railroad Company as blacksmith helper. He received a dollar and twelve and one-half cents per day at first and his salary was later raised to a dollar and twenty-five cents per day. After a year and one-half he returned to the employ of McCormick. In all, he worked for the last-named man nine years and he changed to the service of Green Brothers, then the Northwestern Manufacturing Company. He began his term of service with this concern receiving a salary of a dollar and one-half per day and his wages were increased, unsolicited by him, until at the end of five years, when he left the service, he was work- ing for three dollars and a quarter per day. The fact just related is enough to show in what high appreciation his services were held by his em- ployers.

In 1867 Mr. Zeis established a grocery and saloon business on his own account at No. 386 North Avenue and prospered at this location until the fire of 1871, when his property was de- stroyed and he received only thirty-five dollars insurance from the North Side Mutual Insurance

Company. He rebuilt after the fire, and con- tinued until 1881, when he sold out. He was subsequently in occupancy of a position in the postoffice for four years and four months. In 1884 he built his present pleasant residence at No. 23 Lane Court and since this time he has lived re- tired. His first vote in this country was for John C. Fremont and he has since that time supported the Republican party in national affairs, but in local affairs selects the man who is in his opinion best fitted to serve the interests of the people in general.

March 18, 1858, he was married to Miss Wil- helmina Kuppen, a native of Germany, who came to Chicago in June, 1857. They were married by Dr. Hartman, pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Zeis became the parents of eight children, only one of whom is now living, Frank, who is on the police force.

The members of the family are connected with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and their as- sistance is valued to the highest degree by the others of the congregation.

PETER BRUST.

ETER BRUST, who was, at the time of his decease, one of the most industrious and ener- getic of the citizens of Chicago, was born March 8, 1833, in the village of Ermenach, Prussia. He was a son of Mathias and Anna Marie (Meurer) Brust, and died September 8, 1893, his remains being interred in Graceland Cemetery. Jacob Brust, an older member of the family, emigrated two years before his brother, Peter, and now resides in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Peter Brust emigrated from his native land in 1852. He had become proficient in the trade of harnessmaking in his young manhood, but

followed this occupation but little after reaching America. He was employed for a short time in Chicago by a Mr. Valentine, and by the same man in Clinton, Illinois. He removed to Elgin, Illinois, subsequently, being seven years in the employ of this man. After this period he served the interests of B. Shipman, a white lead manufacturer, until the time of liis demise, a period of twenty-nine years, in Chicago. He started as engineer and was made foreman shortly afterward, continuing in this capacity nutil his death. This length of time spent in one position and following out one line of work proves the in-

652

JOHN WELANDER.

tegrity and perseverance of the man, and his ex- ample is one that may profitably be followed by the youth of to-day.

Mr. Brust was married October 16, 1854, to Miss Anna Elizabeth Brach, daughter of John Peter and Susanna Elizabeth (Bertgess) Brach. Mrs. Brust was born February 3, 1830, in the village of Letzbeuren, Prussia. Her father died in 1837, at the age of fifty-four years. He was twice married, Mrs. Brust being a child of the second marriage. The children of Mr. Brach by his first wife were named: Julia, Mary Elizabeth, Jacob, Nicholas and Susanna Marie. Mary was married to Peter Gölzer and Susanna to Jacob Fritsch, and both sisters reside in Brazil. Jacob immigrated to America and died in Nebraska in the fall of the year 1891. The others remained in Germany. The children of Mr. Brach by his second wife were named as follows: Susanna, Emma, Peter, Anna E., Mary and Michael. Peter is the subject of a biography in this volume. Mary married Rudolph Bowman, a wagon maker, and lives in Racine, Wisconsin. Their children are: Emma, Clara, Albert and Charles. Michael married Miss Katherine Thomas, while in Ger-

many, and the children born of this marriage are Louisa and Arthur. By his second wife, Annie Nelson, Michael Brach became the parent of two children, Leo and Ellis, by name. He is propri- etor of a gentlemen's furnishing store in Racine. Mrs. Peter Brust came to America alone in 1851, and traveled directly to Kenosha, Wisconsin, but two years later removed to Chicago. Her elder sisters died in their native land.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Brust are ac- counted for as follows: Charles resides in Wood- lawn, on Sixty-third Street, near Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago; Frank lives at No. 6125 Ellis Avenue; Louisa, who is an instructor in the Ray- mond school, lives at home; Ellen married H. R. Orriny, further mention of whom appears in this volume; Katy died at the age of eighteen months; Mollie married Benjamin Stitcher and lives on Fullerton Avenue; Elizabeth died at the age of fourteen months; William died when one year old, and Edward lives at home.

Mr. Brust was a valuable and influential mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church. Although he never sought public office he was a strong up- holder of the principles of the Democratic party.

JOHN WELANDER.

OHN WELANDER, who was born of the land and nation of health and strength, is a true representative of his native country, and still has a worthy regard for the land of his birth and childhood days. He was born November I, 1869, in the factory town, Kungskogen, Verm- land, Sweden. His parents were Eric and Carrie (Olson) Welander and his father emigrated from his native land in early days, intending to locate in America. His fate is still one of wonder, as he was never afterward heard from.

Jolını Welander was the first of his father's

family to emigrate to the United States. He reached New Jersey June 20, 1883, and went directly to Duluth, Minnesota, where he was employed in a saw mill one year. He then went to Ontario, Canada, and for two years worked on the completion of the water works, in that city. He returned to Duluth for one year, subsequent to which time he remained two years in Ontario. In July, 1888, he located in Chicago, his first work being in the Goose Island stone quarries. He was derrick man two years. He then opened a grocery and milk depot at No. 150 Milton

653

NICHOLAS SINGLER.

Avenue, which business he retained eighteen months. He was later employed at the depot of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad one year, and has since been repairer for this company. He is a valued and trusted employe and seeks to give satisfaction to those he is in the service of.

Mr. Welander was married July 5, 1890, to Miss Sophia, daughter of Eric and Margareta

(Swanson) Ericson. Mrs. Welander was born May 15, 1865, in the factory town of Long- banhyttan, Vermland, Sweden. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Welander is Elmer John Leonard, who was born September 28, 1891. Mr. Welander is not a seeker after public honors or recognition in the form of public office, but strongly upholds the rights and principles of the Republican party.

NICHOLAS SINGLER.

ICHOLAS SINGLER was a well-known florist of the city of Chicago, who was en- gaged in this business a quarter of a cen- tury, and during that time demonstrated his knowledge and ability to the tastes of all lovers of flowers in the western metropolis. He was born May 23, 1846, in Altdorf, Amt (County) of Attenheim, Baden, Germany, and was a son of John Baptist and Ursula Singler, who were de- scended from old Baden families. The family, including Nicholas, who was eight years of age at this time, immigrated to the United States in 1859 and settled in Chicago, Illinois. At this location the parents died. For many years the father was a vegetable gardener in Englewood. The mother died in 1872, in the last-named sec- tion, and the father in April, on the Wednesday previous to Easter Sunday, in 1897, at the home of his son, Nicholas.

Nicholas Singler was educated in tlie public school of Englewood, in which village he thor- ouglily learned the trade of a carpenter. He worked in shops where cars were manufactured until he became established in the florist's busi- ness, and was successful from the start. His wife was of great assistance to lim, being an eco- nomical and careful manager. He began with

two greenhouses, occupying fifty feet of ground, and continued at the carpenter's trade until the increase in his business demanded his whole at- tention.

In September, 1875, he removed to Morgan Park, where he had previously purchased three double lots, and to which he added more as time progressed. He removed the material of his old greenhouses, with which he helped to construct the new buildings, and he owes somewhat of his rapid success to his ability as a carpenter. He was very industrious and watched his plants grow, careful that on long winter nights they were not subjected to frost. He even sat up, to better attend the fires and keep liis treasures from1 freezing. The family is continuing the business established by the father and prospering.

Mr. Singler chose for his wife and helpmate Miss Josephine, daughter of Londoline and Sa- bina (Kemph) Segar, natives of Baden, Germany. Mrs. Singler was born in the same village as lier husband and came to America in April, 1865, and located in New York for one year. After re- siding in Pennsylvania four years, she came to Chicago in May, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Singler were blessed with nine children, all of whom are living at home, with her mother. They were

654

MATTHIAS THEOBALD.

named as follows: Joseph Albert, Lucy Sylva, Henry Kobert, Sophia Margaret, Elizabeth Lau- retta, Frank Aloysius, Edward, Charles and Rosalie.

All members of the family are connected with St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church of Washı - ington Heights. Mr. Singler was a kind hus- band and father, and was honored and respected, for his dealings with his fellow-men were above

reproach. His life is well worthy of emulation by the generation of the day, and lie was alike beloved by friend and neighbor. He was never a seeker for public office, believing he could better serve his country as a private citizen.

A short time previous to his death, which oc- curred August 20, 1893, Mr. Singler joined the Independent Order of Foresters, and was held in high esteem by every member of the order.

MATTHIAS THEOBALD.

ATTHIAS THEOBALD. Many of the most enterprising and eminent of the citi- zens of the United States are foreign born and bred and owe much of their success to the severe teachings and stern rearing of their fathers. They are often possessed with a stubborn will power and steadfastness found only in those taught to face hardships that are not to be inet with in this land of ours. The German-born citizens who have made fame and fortunes for

themselves are a good example for the youth of the United States, and their constitutions are to be envied them. Matthias Theobald is a typical German-American and is among the foremost and active of the young men of Chicago. He was born February 22, 1857, in the village of St. Barb, Alsace, Germany, and his parents were Johann and Mary (Cornelius) Theobald.

Mr. Theobald was the first of his father's fam- ily to emigrate from his native land and came to America May 15, 1880. He came by way of New York and Philadelphia to Chicago. He had learned the trade of a carpenter in the land of his nativity and his first work in this country was done for Julius Miller, after which he worked for a short time on the Keeley Brewery and subse- quently on the South Side for Mr. Rosenthal.

He has continued to be employed by different men since that time and is at present in the serv- ice of John Bernreiter, of Burnside.

He was at Pullman thirteen months, occupied on buildings in that locality, and has built a num- ber of residences on contract. In 1892 lie erect- ed a residence for his own use at No. 7439 Lang- ley Avenue, having previously built one at Park- side, which he sold.

Johann Theobald died in 1869, at the age of fifty years, having been a stone cutter. His wife died in 1867, at the age of forty-eight years. Her children are accounted for as follows: George, deceased; Nicholas; John, deceased; Jacob; Mathias; Katharine; Peter; Martin, in Harrison, New Jersey; Anton, John and Michael in New Jersey, also.

Mathias Theobald was married October 23, 1883, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Reis) Walker. Mrs. Theobald was born April 8, 1855, in Baden, Germany, and came to America in April, 1882. The members of the family are connected with the Roman Cath- olic Church and Mr. Theobald belongs to the Car- penter's Union. He has never taken any active part in politics, but votes the Democratic ticket at every opportunity.

CHRISTEN RASMUSSEN.

655

CHRISTEN RASMUSSEN.

D HRISTEN RASMUSSEN, who is among the retired business men and the prominent and highly respected citizens of Chicago, was born July 24, 1841, at Sunderved, Schleswig, at that time a part of Denmark. He is a son of Christen and Katharine (Jacobson) Rasmussen, who were both natives of the section where their son was born. They died at the ages of ninety and sixty years respectively. The father survived his worthy wife thirty years, and died January 12, 1892. At this time his son, Christen, was on a visit to his native land, but did not reach his father's home until after the latter was gone. Christen Rasmussen, the father, was a skilled mechanic and wood carver, also being an effi- cient gun-maker. He retained his faculties until the day of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Christen Rasmussen were the parents of four children: Anna M., widow of Johann Ropeke; Katharine, Christen and Jacob. The grandfather of Christen Rasmussen, whose name was also Christen, lived till a very old age, reaching his eighty-first year.

Christen Rasmussen, whose name heads this article, was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, where he learned the trade of a shoe-maker and followed the same for many years with great success in Denmark. He was married in his native town, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Christian and Ellen (Jessen) Dreier, natives of Denmark, where they both lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen sailed from Denmark on an Allen Line steamer, July 28, 1871, traveling by

way of Quebec, and arrived in Chicago August 18, 1871. They arrived just before the great fire of that year, and Mr. Rasmussen was employed at his trade by Solomon Marks, on Canal Street, and resided on Milwaukee Avenue, and therefore escaped damage from the fire. He had been in the employ mentioned but six months when he was promoted to the position of foreman, and continued in the same capacity for four years, proving himself a competent and skillful work- man and one worthy of consideration.

In 1876 he became established in a business for his own interests in South Englewood, and continued successfully about ten years. At the same time he conducted a grocery store and post- office, having been appointed postmaster by President Arthur, January 26, 1883. He served in this capacity until November 16, 1890, when he retired from business. In commercial and business life he was a just dealer, popular with all, polite and attentive to all with whom he dealt, and to these qualities hie owes his success. He is enjoying the fruits of his labor, taking advant- age of his well-earned rest from the cares and trials of a business life.

Mrs. Rasmussen is a woman of strong charac- ter, having always proved herself a great assist- ant to her husband and a helpmate in the full sense of the word. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen are well known in South Englewood, where they have many warm friends. Mr. Rasmussen has an untarnished reputation as a business man, and an aid in all enterprises which would tend to up-

656

C. J. STANG.

lift the minds of his fellow-men and benefit tlie community. He has never been even a local politician, but has always exerted his wide influ- ence in political affairs for the interest of the Republican party. His opinions are much sought on all local or national conventions.

Mr. Rasmussen has invented several articles which have proven of value to mankind, among which is a folding chair, which can be made into a very comfortable piece of furniture, in the

shape of a reclining chair. He is now engaged in perfecting and has applied for a patent on a hood which may be attached to any stove or pipe, to draw away any odors generated in cooking. It is simple and easily constructed, and will prove of great value to house-wives. In 1891-92 Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen enjoyed the pleasures of a visit to Europe, spending seven months abroad, visiting old friends and the familiar scenes of his childhood.

CHARLES J. STANG.

HARLES JOHN STANG, a skillful work- man and intelligent and progressive citizen of Chicago, is a native of the city, born Sep- D C tember 22, 1858, at the corner of Fourteenth Street and Fourth Avenue (now Custom House Court). Extended mention of his parents, Fred- erick and Fredericka Stang, will be found on another page of this volume.

The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the Haven School, and subsequently attended a German Lutheran school. At the early age of fourteen years he began the battle of life, and his early experiences developed those qualities of character which make the successful American. It is the boast of this country that any man can make something of himself financi- ally, morally and socially, if he adopts the right course. Mr. Stang has been industrious and attentive to the march of improvement, and is, therefore, posted in all matters relating to his trade, as well as the affairs of the nation and the world.

His first business employment was in the capacity of caslı boy in the retail store of Marshall Field & Company. After one year of this em- ploy ment, lie served a like period witlı Dickinson & Skinner, wholesale commission dealers.

During the next six years he was employed by E. J. Riley, an upholsterer, the early portion of this service being devoted to the acquirement of a mastery of the upholsterer's art. He next engaged with Gannon & McGrath, with whom he continued two and one-half years, after which he took charge of Mr. Riley's workshop for a period of one year and again entered the employ of Gannon and McGrathı. He was four years with Deimel & Brothers, nearly a year witlı Taylor & Meltouschi, during which time he was in charge of their shop, two years with R. Di- amond & Brothers, two with J. S. Wilkins & Company, and five years with their successors, T. L. Sloan, Divinnie & Company. At present writing he is in the service of the Chicago Carpet Company, being one of its most useful artisans. The long periods spent with the same employers prove the integrity, industry and ability of Mr. Stang. The workman who aims to keep abreast of the times must have opportu- nity to observe the methods of different shops, hence Mr. Stang has made many changes at his own option, in order to secure this obvious ad- vantage.

October 29, 1880, he was married to Miss Minnie Schwartz, who was born in Chicago

657

H. M. SCOTT.

February 13, 1859, and is a daughter of Louis and Lena (Dietloff ) Schwartz, of German birth. They came to Chicago in 1856. Mr. Schwartz was drowned in Lake Michigan April 23, 1885, and his widow now resides on Wentworth Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Stang became the parents of three children, born and christened as follows: July 3, 1881, Lillian (died June 3, 1886); July 26, 1887, Marie Louise Johanna; December 22, 1889, Arthur Louis.

Mr. and Mrs. Stang were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and remain true to this faith, but now attend the services of the Oakland

Union Church. Being of a social and genial disposition, Mr. Stang has become popular with the members of Court Apollo No. 96, Independ- ent Order of Foresters, of which he is a member, and is at present its financial secretary, having passed all the official chairs. In matters of pub- lic policy, he adheres to the principles of the Re- publican party. He is thrifty and ambitious, and has built a handsome residence on RhodesAvenue, near Sixty-fourth Street, where he has been liv- ing since 1888. With a congenial and faithful helpmeet, a lady of intelligence and refined character, his home is a happy one.

HENRY M. SCOTT.

ENRY MEAD SCOTT, justice of the peace, in the town of Harvey, Illinois, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born August 2, 1842. He is a son of one of the fore- most lights of that city's legal profession, John L. Scott, who stood high as a lawyer, in a c'.y noted for its men of forensic ability and lega attain- ments. His long and successful career at the bar was closed only at his death, which occurred in 1860. Those familiar with the men whose voices were strong in the great questions that culminated in civil strife will readily recall the name of John L. Scott, of Cincinnati. His widow has survived him for nearly forty years and now resides with her son at Harvey, where she is widely and most favorably known.

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Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed., Part 95

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