USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biograghy, Cook County, Illinois, 10th ed. > Part 98
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Ehregott Kaeseberg was educated in the pub- lic schools of the town of his nativity and served a regular apprenticeship at the miller's trade and millwright. In 1852 he sailed from Hamburg in the "Leibnitz, "a small boat which carried only one hundred and thirty passengers. Mr. Kaeseberg was married August 27, and the same day sailed for America, arriving a month later in New York. He remained there one month and then, after being occupied for this length of time at his trade, he went to Hartford, Connecticut. In 1854 he came to Chicago and worked at the making of furniture for a time for wages, and soo11 after began making sashes and doors and
blinds by hand. After six years he put in horse power, and in 1864 he built a factory on the site of his present residence.
Mr. Kaeseberg also invested a part of his earn- ings in a sailing vessel, which he lost on the lake in a storm, after which he built another. After working alone for several years he formed a part- nership with Nicholas Strausser. The fire of 1871 destroyed all his property and he obtained no insurance. After the fire he formed a partner- ship with Philip Rinn and built on the corner of Division and Crosby Streets. At this number he continued a profitable business and in 1887 he sold his interest to his partner and has since lived in retirement. He has never aspired to public office of any kind and refused to become a candi- date for any. He usually supports the Repub- lican party in national affairs, but votes for the man best suited for the office when considering
EHREGOTT KAESEBERG.
(From Photo by W. J. ROOT).
673
P. F. BIESEN.
matters in local politics. He has always given his influence for the advancement of all matters pertaining to the welfare of the city and is truly a public-spirited citizen.
Mr. Kaeseberg is a member of Germania Lodge No. 410, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs. Kaeseberg was Bertha Niemann and was born in the same city as Mr. Kaeseberg October
21, 1832. They became the parents of three children, but the first-born died in Williamsburg, New York. Those living are: Rosa, wife of Julius Heinemann, of Chicago, and Minna, wife of Theodore A. Stupe, also of Chicago. The members of the family attend and assist in the support of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
PETER F. BIESEN.
ETER FREDERICK BIESEN is one of the most worthy and well-known citizens of the section of Chicago in which he resides, and has taken this for his adopted home, being now a permanent resident. He was born June 22, 1848, and his parents, Stephen and Mary (Augustin) Biesen, resided at a locality five miles from Berlin, Germany, at the time of his birth.
His paternal grandfather, Peter Biesen, served eight years as a soldier and fought with the Dra- goons, under Napoleon, in the Egyptian war. He was of French descent and his children were: Peter, William, Nicholas, Mary and Stephen. The maternal grandfather, John Augustin, mar- ried Katharine Meyer, and their children were named as follows: Peter, Katharine, Mary, Mar- garet, Johann, Marie, Jacob, Emma and Eliza- beth.
Stephen Biesen was born October 10, 1810, in Beckingen, Germany. He died in Chicago, No- vember 1, 1875, and his remains were interred in St. Boniface Cemetery. He emigrated with the following children: Nicholas, Mary, Margaret, Katharine, Peter, Eliza and John, arriving in Chicago August 14, 1854. When he first came to the city he made his home on Polk Street, re- moving later to Dearborn Street, between Seven- teenth and Eighteenth Streets. He then pur-
chased property at the southwest corner of Dear- born and Twenty-first Streets. There was a cot- tage built on Custom House Court, between Polk and Taylor Streets, which was removed to his prop- erty between Seventeenth and Eighteenth Streets, and later to his property last purchased. It now faces Twenty-first Street and is occupied. He built on the lot on the corner and conducted a catering establishment there. Later he bought a lot at No. 2102, same street, which is still owned by one member of the family.
Stephen Biesen was married in 1839, to Mary Augustin, who was born December 23, 1810. She resides at the old homestead with her son. Her children were seven in number: Mary died November 7, 1854, at the age of fourteen years. Nicholas died January 2, 1865, at the age of twenty-three years. Margaret married Frank Vorhoeven, and resides at No. 2410 Dearborn Street. Katharine married George Welfel and both are deceased, leaving one child, Louisa Elizabeth, who married Edward Orb and is the mother of John P. Orb. Peter F. is the next in order of birth. Elizabeth E. married John Hec- tor, an old settler, a brick layer, and resides at No. 1330 Thirty-third Street. Jolin Adolph, born January 9, 1854, makes his home with his mother.
Stephen Biesen was a ship carpenter in liis
674
PHILIP DIETER.
native land, and was a government employe, looking after the condition of wharves and tow- paths. He also learned the trade of basket ma- ker and followed this occupation after coming to America, until 1864. He then sold out to J. F. and J. E. Waite, and while conducting a saloon at No. 2100 Dearborn Street, inade sidewalks. In 1859-1860 he was street foreman and again in 1868 to 1874, inclusive. He was employed by the city and his family conducted the business es- tablishment until 1884. His widow still resides at No. 2102 Dearborn Street.
Peter Frederick Biesen attended school until he reached the age of fourteen years and re- mained at home until 1876. He then became a carrier in the postal service, and continued thus until August 1, 1885, when he entered the side- walk business, which he still conducts, having had H. S. Wheeler for a partner from 1888 to 1891.
He was married June 3, 1876, to Miss Hattie Leota, daughter of William and Mary (King) Reardon. Mrs. Biesen was born at Albany, New York, and came west in 1866. Her parents were born in Ireland. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Biesen was born November 8, 1887, and christened Harriet Frances.
P. F. Biesen is connected with the South Park Council No. 69, Columbian Knights, of which he is a trustee, and Court Apollo No. 96, Inde- pendent Order of Foresters. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party, supporting its candidates with vote and argument, using his influence at all times in favor of the party. He was employed as street foreman by the city during 1887 and 1888. In 1892 he erected a residence at No. 6601 Rhodes Avenue, where he has lived since that time. He was reared a Roman Catho- lic, and is true to the teachings of his fathers.
PHILIP DIETER.
C HILIP DIETER. Among the early Ger- man-born citizens of Chicago, was a native of Hessen-Darmsdat, and first saw the light February 16, 1835. At the age of eleven years he came with his parents to Chicago. They soon after removed to Naperville, Illinois, and pur- chased a farın, which the father continued to till during the remainder of his life.
In 1851, being then in his seventeenth year, the subject left home and went to California, where he engaged in gold-mining, packing freight over the mountains and in building sluices. Hav- ing invested his earnings in these latter occupa- tions, they were finally lost by his return to Chicago, in 1860. Here lie engaged in the hotel business, opening the Du Page House, at Nos. 190-192 West Randolph Street, which is still in existence. He sold this in 1866, and engaged in
farming in Iroquois County, Illinois, near the town of Clifton. Three years later he returned to the city, and located at the corner of North Park Avenue at Clark Street, where the Relic House now stands. Here he was burned out by the great fire of 1871, and went to Naperville, where he conducted his father's homestead one year.
October 9, 1872, he bought property at No. 12 South Water Street, where for more than a quarter of a century he conducted a restaurant and house of entertainment. His death occurred here December 9, 1897, from the effects of an ac- cidental pistol shot. He was alone in his room at the time and it is supposed that the weapon was accidentally discharged while he was ex- amining it. He had previously been afflicted with paralysis and died from the shock, rather
675
REV. T. J. BUTLER.
than from the effects of the bullet, which entered his right groin.
Mr. Dieter was married August 18, 1863, to Miss Helena Bucher, a daughter of John Bucher, who was mayor of his native town for many years. He was the head of the firm of Bucher & Hiller, located at the corner of North Park Avenue and Clark Street, Chicago, the former street being then known as Franklin, when Lincoln Park was a cemetery. His wife, Katharine Bucher (no relative), was a daughter of Theodore Bucher, a prominent citizen of Leugman. Mr. Bucher came to Chicago from Switzerland with his fam- ily in 1853. Mrs. Dieter, who was married on her twenty-first birthday anniversary, is the mother of eight sons and six daughters. Six of the former and four of the latter are now de- ceased. The living are: Edward M., a druggist in Naperville, Illinois; Philip V., who lives with his mother and manages her business, which she has continued since the death of her husband; Helena L., wife of Joseph Birung, a machinist in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Com- pany, at Burnside; and Mary K., at home with her mother.
At the time of his death Mr. Dieter was the owner of extensive iron mines in Gogebic County, Michigan. He was a charter member of the Alter Wirts Verein of Chicago and was its first treasurer, which office he filled with fidelity twen- ty years, or until his death. At the end of his first ten years in this position he was presented by the society with an elegant gold medal in recogni- tion of his faithful service. During the week after his death would have occurred the twentieth anniversary of his official service, and the society had arranged to celebrate the event with a social gathering, to which a large number of his friends had been invited, but his death intervened and the event went uncelebrated. He was always an active leader in the Democratic ranks and had the offer of many offices in the gift of his party, but declined all such honors. He was a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and his remains were deposited in St. Boniface Cemetery. By his persistent industry he amassed a comfort- able fortune, and earned the esteem and good will of his acquaintances, who were especially numerous among the German-American citizens of Chicago.
REV. THADDEUS J. BUTLER.
R EV. THADDEUS J. BUTLER, who was honored and appreciated by the Pope at Rome, and was loved and respected by a large number of Chicago citizens, was suddenly stricken in the midst of his labors for the welfare of his fellow-men, and died at Rome, Italy, of paralysis, in July, 1897. On the 18th of that month he was to have been crowned with the miter of the bishopric of Concordia, Kansas, and only the day before the news of his death reached Chicago.
Father Butler was one of the most distinguished
clergymen in the west. He was a loyal Ameri- can, and from the beginning of the Civil War rendered valuable service to the national govern- ment. When the news came that Fort Sumter had been attacked by traitors, Father Butler at once took his position in support of the war, which he characterized as "Not unrighteous on our part, for we are to fight for a principle, and principles are worth fighting for, and even dying for." He became chaplain with the rank of cap- tain in the Irish brigade, under command of General Mulligan, which was active in Missouri
676
REV. T. J. BUTLER.
and West Virginia. During the terrible week at Lexington, when, harried with hunger and thirst, Mulligan's men faced the overwhelming legions of Price, Father Butler did all in his power to maintain their strength and courage.
He was born in 1833 in Limerick, Ireland, and was a son of John and Mary Butler. The par- ents were in comfortable circumstances, and took care that their sons were properly educated. They were early designed for the ministry of the Cath- olic Church, and at an early age the subject of this sketch entered All Hallows College at Lim- erick. After graduating from this institution he was sent to Rome, where he continued to be a devoted student for five years, and his learning .and talents won for him the highest respect of the clergy. He was honored by his fellow stu- dents in being chosen as prefect of one of their school divisions, and before he had preached a sermon the degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- ferred on him by the church.
While at Rome Father Butler made the ac- quaintance of Bishop Kenrick, who was there in attendance of the great council of 1854. From that primate he learned much about the United States, and immediately resolved to immigrate to this country. . After making a visit to his people in his native place, he took passage for New York in 1855, and immediately upon his arrival proceeded to Baltimore. There he spent a few weeks at the residence of Archbishop Kenrick, and then proceeded to Chicago. The journey was a tedious one, by stage to Pittsburg, and thence by way of river and canal, past Cairo and St. Louis, to his destination. He had one warm friend and fellow-student here in the per- son of Dr. John McMullen, a native of Chicago.
In 1856 Dr. Butler was made assistant pastor of St. Mary's, the oldest church in Chicago, and professor of theology at St. Mary's College. Upon the succession of Bishop Duggan to the diocese in 1857, Dr. Butler was made his secre- tary and chancellor. He had learned stenog- raphy when only eleven years of age and this, together with his learning and love of music, made him very useful to the bishop and to the church. He was especially useful to old St.
Mary's and succeeded in making the musical por- tion of its service a function of the utmost attract- iveness. He was himself frequently seen in the choir, either as leader or in solo. Meanwhile he preached on nearly every Sunday and in 1859 was made full pastor of St. Mary's. His congrega- tion at that time included Senator Douglas and many other brilliant inen.
Dr. Butler was a lover of mankind, and a vig- orous hater of the institution of slavery. Even while the municipal authorities debated and post- poned raising the national flag over the City Hall, the stars and stripes floated over the Bishop's residence. After Colonel Mulligan's regiment, which was captured at Lexington, had been ex- changed, Dr. Butler was assigned to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, but he continued with the regiment and went with it in the spring of 1862 to Harper's Ferry, and remained with its brave commander through a number of engage- ments in West Virginia. He was among the early members of the Chicago Commandery of the Royal League, and in that patriotic society he was a favorite.
Returning from the field to Chicago, he took
, up his work as pastor, and also taught theology in the University of St. Mary's by the Lake. By his untiring labors he strained his eyes, and in 1868 he was advised to go abroad for treatment. After visiting London, where he was treated by Sir William Wilde, oculist to the queen, he went to Paris, and later to Berlin. Finally, at Leipsic, Germany, he found treatment which restored his eyes. While in Germany he visited the famous composer, Franz Abt, at Brunswick, and while there his singing of church music and the com- positions of his host was warmly applauded by the large circle of musicians clustered at the com- poser's home. The latter subsequently dedicated four songs to Dr. Butler. On his return from the continent he visited Dublin, and here again his musical ability, both as vocalist and a performer on the violin, made him many warm friends. For seven years, on account of the weakness of his eyesight, he was largely retired from active cleri- cal labors. At the time of the great fire he was still pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Con-
677
McROME MORSE, M. D.
ception. In this disaster, nearly all his library of three thousand volumes was destroyed. He saved a few books by burying them in the ground with his own hands.
In 1876 he was assigned to Rockford, Illinois, where he continued nine years with his brother, Rev. Thomas Butler, as assistant. This he con- sidered the pleasantest period of his whole life. He was very popular with both Protestants and Catholics, and served one year as president of the Rockford public library. Here his musical abili- ties were highly appreciated, and when the two brothers sang together, as they often did, they provoked great enthusiasm in their audiences.
In May, 1887, he succeeded Rev. John Wal- dron as pastor of St. John's Church, in Chicago. Here he preached every alternate Sunday, and on
those Sundays when he did not preach he took his place in the choir, and many of the people in the vicinity of this large and popular church, out- side of his own congregation, were wont to at- tend the services. He was master of several mod- ern languages, and when he held services in the Italian language, his church was always packed with the sons and daughters of Italy, to whom lie was often of great service. With all his labors, which were conscientiously performed, he still found time for literary diversions and social in- tercourse. He loved to visit his friends through- out the city, and never denied himself to any who might call at his home. In the death of this warm-hearted and large-brained man, the Catlı- olic Church and the great West suffered an irre- parable loss.
McROME MORSE, M. D.
M CROME MORSE, M. D., was born in Oswego County, New York, August 14, 1858. His boyhood was passed mainly in the village of Mexico, New York, where he re- ceived a fair academic education. Upon commenc- ing life, in his early teens, as clerk in a grocery store, he became familiar with the interesting, though prosaic, details of that line of mercantile life. Deciding upon the medical profession, he entered the medical department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, finishing the course with the class of 1883, and receiving the usual degree of doctor of medicine. This was the first class to complete the full three-year course, prior to that year the course requiring but two years.
Entering upon his practice at the thriving manufacturing village of Northville, Michigan, he soon after removed to the northern part of the state, locating at Negaunee, in the mining region, where for six and one-half years he had an ex-
tensive practice among the miners. Wishing a closer touch with the profession in more populous districts, he settled at Harvey on May 6, 1891. Consequently, while there are others in the pro- fession who have practiced nearly as long as he, he antedates them allby several weeks. His prac- tice is of a general character, the conditions pre- cluding a large special practice. In the seven years that he has been active in this community he has made numerous warm friends, both as the result of his skill and success in medicine, and his genial manner and honorable method of dealing with all classes and under all circum- stances.
While never an aspirant to public office, tlie doctor has decided political views, and affiliates with the Republican party. Naturally of a social disposition, he has become more warnily attached to many of his fellow-men by his relations with fraternal societies, including Magic City Lodge
678
F. L. WOLVERTON.
No. 832, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has held the office of treasurer a few years, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Home Forum Benefit Order.
Dr. Morse was married May 19, 1897, to Miss Ala, daughter of S. L. Brown, of Harvey, Illi-
nois. Slie is a lady of refinement and education, having had some experience as a teacher in the public schools, as well as a teacher of music. She lias also taken a warm interest in the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, with which she is closely identified.
FRANK L. WOLVERTON.
RANK L. WOLVERTON, one of the most skilled and competent machinists in Chicago, and at present with the George A. Fuller Construction Company, has worked on some of the best-known buildings in this city, such as the Masonic Temple, Marquette Building and the Stock Exchange Building. He was born Deceni- ber 25, 1858, in the old Lake House, located at the corner of Rush and North River Streets. His parents were William G. and Elizabeth (Keating) Wolverton, and his paternal ancestors were English.
The grandfather, James B. Wolverton, was born February 7, 1754, in Nova Scotia. He was a lawyer and left for the United States when young and settled in New York state. He was married April 19, 1815, to Miss Mary M. Lamm- son, who was born October II, 1797. Her peo- ple were farmers near Syracuse, New York. Af- ter his marriage he removed to Detroit, and later to Marine City, Michigan, where both he and his wife died, having become the parents of four children. Thomas, the eldest, was born July 9, 1816, and was married October 18, 1838, to Miss Phoebe Scott. He made his home in Saginaw, Michigan, where his family still resides. Jacob L. was born December 5, 1817. He was married October 28, 1840, to Electa P. Androus. He lived in Chicago, and was superintendent of the government ship yards at Chattanooga, during
the Civil War. His son, James, resides 011 Myrtle Street, Chicago. Elizabeth W., born August 16, 1821, married Edward C. Keating and resides at No. 6065 Edgerton Avenue. James H., born December 20, 1823, was never married, and died when a young man.
The maternal grandfather of the man whose name heads this article, William Keating, died in 1847. He was a traveling salesman until he re- moved westward to Sandusky, Ohio, and he then located on a farm. At that place he died, having reached the age of seventy years. His wife died at the age of forty-five, about the year 1840. Her children were: Mary, John, Saralı and Elizabeth.
William G. Wolverton was born January 3, 1832. His parents resided at Marine City, Michigan, at the time of his birth, and he died March 17, 1891, and his remains were interred in Oakwoods Cemetery. When a young lad he went out on the lakes and was a sailor until late in life. He was competent on board ship, as well as in all things which he undertook. In 1860, he was made captain of the "Pilgrim," a lumber boat, on which he remained two years. He was then made first mate on the steamer "Susque- hanna." He subsequently went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and took charge of transports under the United States Government, occupying this position until the close of the war.
LOUIS SCHNADEL.
679
LOUIS SCHNADEL.
With his brother, Jacob, he purchased tlie transport "Chattanooga," and after one year on the Mississippi, brought it to the Illinois River and made trips between La Salle and St. Louis, after which they exchanged it for a canal boat on the Illinois & Michigan canal, which he conducted but for a short time. In 1868 he left the water permanently and began contracting for placing heavy machinery. He placed the Twenty-second Street water works and Bridgeport pumping works, and the engines and heavy machinery of the gunboat "Concord," now with Admiral Dewey's fleet. It was then in the Cramps' ship yards. He was contracting in the interest of the Quintard Iron Works, which concern furnished material for the Chicago pumping stations, and operated under the name of William G. Wol- verton, contractor.
William G. Wolverton was married June 8, 1855, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wolverton was born April 22, 1835, in New Jersey, and was reared in Sandusky, Ohio. Her children are ac- counted for as follows : William Holly, born September 12, 1856, died November 23, 1858; Frank L., whose name heads this notice; George B., born October 14, 1860, died October 23, 1865.
Frank L. Wolverton attended private school
a short time, but is mostly self-educated, much of his knowledge being obtained in the vast school of experience. He was with his father until 1889, when he was made foreman of the John Craig Ship Building Company, at Toledo, Ohio, which position he occupied two years. I11 1891 he ac- cepted the foremanship of the Chicago Ship Build- ing Company at South Chicago. In March, 1893, he took charge of the machinery in Machinery Hall at the World's Fair. He was there until January 1, 1894. He has since been with the George A. Fuller Construction Company, as be- fore mentioned.
February 24, 1892, Mr. Wolverton was married to Miss Anna, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Frame) Mason. Mrs. Wolverton was born on the present site of the immense store owned by Seigel, Cooper & Company. Her mother now resides at No. 715 Homan Avenue. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton November 15, 1894, and was named William Mason. Mr. Wolverton is connected with the Columbian Knights and also the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers' Union. He follows the teachings of his forefathers in religious matters. He casts his vote in favor of the candidate representing the Republican party.
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