Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 103

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : La Salle Book Co.
Number of Pages: 908

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For some three years after coming to this city he followed his trade as a house carpenter, and then started out in business as a contractor, and for two years was reasonably successful, erecting many houses, chiefly in the northwestern part of the city. Not being altogether satisfied, how- ever, he turned his attention toward the manufac- ture of clothing, in which he believed he saw a more promising field for effort. Accordingly he bought out an establishment in that line at No. 690 West North Avenue. The venture proved

717

FREDERICK KIENZLE .- MARTIN AXELSON.

so remunerative that within a year he built a factory for himself on Campbell Avenue, as above mentioned, where he has ever since conducted a prosperous business, giving employment to some forty people during the busy seasons of the year. In 1896 he was burnt out, but soon rebuilt.

Mr. and Mrs. Andersen have seven children living (1899), named as follows: Magnus, Jeus, Alvilda, Arthur, Kathy, Waldow and Thomas. Mr. Andersen is an active member of the Danish Brotherhood, and has served as president of the order. In political principle he is a Republican.

FREDERICK KIENZLE.

REDERICK KIENZLE, deceased, was a the place, but disposed of it in 1885. Mr. Kienzle resident of Chicago for nearly a score of years and was widely known and highly esteemed by his German fellow-citizens.

He was born October 16, 1827, in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he received his primary educa- tion in the parish school, and where he lived until early manhood. In 1854 he immigrated to America, settling first in Lee County, Michigan, where he engaged in farming. He followed that pursuit eleven years, and in 1865 sold his farm and removed to Chicago. A year later he opened a saloon at the corner of Clybourn Avenue and Larrabee Street. He conducted this establish- ment until his death, which occurred July 2, 1884, after eighteen years of successful business. For a year following the family continued to conduct

was a man of simple tastes and unassuming man- ners, genial and generous, attentive to business and of strong domestic affections.

January 1, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Christina Siehler, a native of Wurtemberg, like himself. She is the daughter of Frederick Siehler and Johanna Britt, who came to America in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Kienzle were blessed with seven children, of whom one died in infancy. The six who yet survive (1899) are: William F .; Julia, wife of Henry Raungartz; Henry; Louise, married to William Hunsinger; Frederick and Milly.

The family is connected with St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and held in high esteem among a large circle of acquaintances.

MARTIN AXELSON.

ARTIN AXELSON, who resides at No. 947 North Forty-second Avenue, was born of Danish parents at Schlanerg, Denmark, April 28, 1861. His father was S. N. Axelson, and his mother Maria Petersen. The elder

Axelson was a blacksmith and conducted an ex- tensive business, employing a number of men. He died in Denmark at the age of sixty-two. His widow passed away at her son's home, in Chicago, March 13, 1898. Of their family of

718

NIELS NIELSEN.

nine children, two sons and four daughters grew to maturity, Martin being the eighth child and fourth son.

His early educational training was received at the common schools of his native place, and at the age of fifteen he began active life on a farmn. After four years spent in this occupation he re- solved to emigrate, and in 1880 set out for Chi- cago. His first employment in this city was in a store on Grand Avenue, where he worked for three months, when he began to learn the tailor's trade as an apprentice. Tiring of this, he entered the employ of the West Division Street Railway Company, as a conductor. For two years he held this position, and on quitting the company engaged in business for himself as a manufactur- ing tailor. His first location was at Nos. 325-327 West Ohio Street, where he remained for about four years, when he removed to his present

quarters at No. 472 North Hermitage Avenue. Here he carries on a flourishing business, em- ploying about forty people.

In 1888 he married, at Chicago, one of liis countrywomen, Miss Cecilia Petersen, who came to America in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Axelson have three sons: Walter, Arthur and Lester, and one daughter, Alice.

Mr. Axelson's political affiliations are strongly Republican. He is a member of Norden Lodge No. 699, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled every office in the subordinate lodge, from the highest to the lowest. He is of a genial disposition and has a wide circle of acquaintances, among whom he is exceedingly popular. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and while not yet forty years old has accumulated a com- petence through industry and attention to busi- ness.

NIELS NIELSEN.

IELS NIELSEN is the oldest of four sons born to John Nielsen and Caren Laursen, of Jutland, Denmark. His father is a farmer, and still lives on the same farm where himself and his children were born. His mother died October 17, 1878, when Niels was but thirteen years old.

The subject of this sketch was born September 18, 1865. After devoting to school the years usual among Danish youth he began work in earnest upon his father's farm. As the years went by young Nielsen heard of the adventures and, not infrequently, the successes of his coun- trymen across the Atlantic, and determined to try his own fortune in a strange land, where others had already earned a competence. In 1891 he bade adieu to the scenes of his youth, and turning his back upon the farm where he had been born, sailed away for America.

His first two years after landing on these shores were spent in New Jersey, and in 1893 lie came to Chicago, where he has since made his home. For a year after reaching this city he worked for his brother, at No. 816 Cortland Street, and in 1894 started in business for him- self, as a dealer in milk and cream, locating first on Washtenaw Avenue, later at No. 785 North Campbell Avenue, and is now at No. 896 Mozart Street. Here he carried a stock of groceries and delicacies, in addition to his milk business.

Mr. Nielsen was married in 1897 to Miss Susette Hourberg, who was born at Copenhagen, but came to this country at the age of fifteen. He is a member of Denmark Lodge No. 112, Knights of Honor, and has rendered valuable service to that body as a member of the commit- tee charged with the care of the sick members of the order.

719

J. F. WOLFF.

JOHN F. WOLFF.

OHN.FREDERICK WOLFF was born Sep- tember 23, 1839, in the village of Leuzer, on the Elbe River, in Brandenburg, Germany. His parents were Frederick and Charlotta (Ku- kuk) Wolff. His father was born September 4, 1798. The latter was a man of large stature, weigh- ing one hundred and sixty or seventy pounds; a tailor by trade and a Lutheran in religious faith. He emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1854, with his wife and five children, and died at Chicago, June 3, 1861, and was interred in the old Lincoln Park burial ground, his remains being afterwards removed to Graceland Cemetery. Fred- erick Wolff's mother was born May 3, 1802, in Westphalia, Germany, and passed away at Chi- cago, May 9, 1888. Her father, William Kukuk, was a native of Amsterdam and member of a fami- ly noted for its tall and well-formed proportions. The issue of her marriage was nine children who reached maturity. John Frederick was the sev- enth.

Of the Wolff family, Bertha, Henry and Theresa were the first to seek a home in America. They emigrated from Germany in 1851. John Fred- erick, as has been said, came with his parents in 1854. In 1865 he embarked in the grocery and commission business, in connection with his bro- ther, Otto, at No. 332 Milwaukee Avenue. After two years John Frederick purchased his brother's interest and for a time conducted a saloon on the premises. This he subsequently sold, but later re-entered the business and continued in that line

of trade until his death. In 1872 he erected the handsome building known as Wolff's Hall at No. 432 Milwaukee Avenue. The upper floors were originally designed as a private residence, but the top floor was later converted into a club-house and rented for private parties. The first floor is used as a store. Mr. Wolff's widow and chil- dren have their home on the second floor.

In 1872 he engaged in the manufacture of in- terior wood finish for buildings together with sash, blinds and doors. In this enterprise his brothers, Adolph and Otto, were associated with him and the business was conducted under the title of Wolff Brothers. In 1888 Otto sold out his inter- est and the concern was incorporated under the name of Wolff Brothers & Company. The busi- ness was a success for many years, but was closed ont ten years after the death of its founder, Fred- erick Wolff.

May 6, 1864, he married Louise Kolze, daugh- ter of John Henry and Katharina (Haverbach) Kolze. She was born March 6, 1844. Her grand- father, Kurth Henry Kolze, who spent all his days in the Fatherland, married Anna Marie Luehrs and had three sons, Frederick, John Henry and Diederich Henry.

Jolın Henry Kolze emigrated to America in 1848, leaving Germany in October and spending twelve weeks on the water. With his wife and five children he proceeded at once to Chicago, and though he had been a merchant tailor in his own land, lie resolved to take up farming in America,

720

O. F. SELVIG.

as greater profits were promised those entering that calling. He therefore established himself in Leyden Township, where he acquired two hundred acres of land. He was five feet eight inches higli and weighed between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and sixty pounds. He was a member of the German Reformed Church and helped build Saint John's Church of that denomination in Leyden. In politics he was a Republican. He died August 1, 1873, having been preceded but eight days by his wife. Thus after journeying for many years on earth together, they departed together for the better land. Their children were

as follows: Mary, wife of H. Mesenbrink, Henry, William, Frederick and Louisa, now Mrs. Walbb.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wolff were born eight chil- dren: Otto, Adolph, Frank, Maltilda Louise, Amanda Marie, Louise, Frederick Otto and Ber- tha Frederika. Of these four are now living, Tillie, Amanda, Fred and Bertha. Mr. Wolff was a member of Goethe Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Sons of Herman and the Red Men. In religious belief he was a German Lutheran; in politics a Republican. He died July 8, 1887, and was mourned by his many friends and relatives.

OCTAVIUS F. SELVIG.

CTAVIUS FREDERIK SELVIG. Fred- erik Selvig, father of Octavius F., was a shoemaker, of Copenhagen, Denmark, who carried on business on his account, and was for half a century well known among business men in his own line of trade. He has retired from active business, spending his declining years in a retirement and rest richly earned by a busy and useful life. He did good service as a soldier in . the war of 1864, and is held in high esteem in the city of his birth. He married Octavia Ha- gensen, also born in Copenhagen, who is de- scending life's hill with the husband of her youth. Nine children were born to them, all of whom are yet living.

O. F. Selvig is the third of this large family, and its only representative in the United States. He received a good rudimentary and business education in the schools of his native city, and at the age of eighteen years began his commercial experience as a clerk and book-keeper for a Co- penhagen firm, serving an apprenticeship of four and one-half years. For two years he was a

policeman in the Danish capital, but finally re- solved to emigrate to a land where there was promise of wider opportunities.

He landed at New York in 1890, and proceeded at once from the seaboard to the western metrop- olis. On reaching Chicago his first situation was in the saloon of J. C. Hansen, now a resident of Quincy, Illinois. He remained in Mr. Hansen's employ about six years and then opened a saloon of his own at No. 483 Thirty-seventh Street. He began business for himself in February, 1898, and still remains at his original location. At the outset he had a partner, Albert Marbaker, whose interest in the business Mr. Selvig pur- chased January 1, 1899.

Since that date he has conducted the business alone, and his success may be justly attributed to his own unaided efforts. He is a prominent member of the Walhalla Society and of the Dau- ish Brotherhood, and well known and deservedly popular among his fellow-citizens, both natural- ized and native born.

He married Johanna Hansen in 1888, at Co-

721

M. C. JORGENSEN .- CARL LUNDBERG.

penhagen, the city of her birth. Five children have blessed this union, one of whom died in infancy. The eldest of the four yet living, Ida Octavia, first opened her eyes at Copenhagen.

The three younger were born in this country, Jes Marinus, Gerthy Hansine and Violet Johanna A., being the names of the children born in America.

MARIUS C. JORGENSEN.

M ARIUS C. JORGENSEN is the sixth of a family of eleven children born to Jurgen Christensen, in Langeland, Denmark, of whom all grew to maturity. Ten are yet living and eight are residents of the United States. The father of this large family was well known and highly esteemed throughout the neighborhood where he was born. He did gallant service as a soldier in the army of Denmark during the war between that country and Germany in 1864, and was a man of remarkable mechanical ability, being well skilled in two essentially manly trades "blacksmithing and marble cutting. He emi- grated from Denmark to Chicago in 1892, and died here four years later, at the ripe old age of sixty-eight years.

Marius C. Jorgensen first opened his eyes on September 1, 1862. Until he was fourteen years old he attended school, and for the five years fol-

lowing worked as a farm laborer. In 1881 he followed where so many of his earnest, stalwart countrymen had already led the way, and turned his face toward the western world. For two years he remained in Chicago, when, feeling dis- satisfied, he returned to Europe, only to come back to Chicago in 1883. On his return he en- tered the employ of P. D. Armour & Company, as a machinist, and has remained with that firm ever since.

January 14, 1888, he was married at Chicago, to Augusta Shmith, a native of Schleswig-Hol- stein. They have been blessed with four chil- dren- Christina, Emma, Waldemar and Roy. He is a member of the order of Walhalla, and of the Danish Brotherhood. Formerly he was con- nected with other societies, but found his time so thoroughly occupied with business and other cares that he has abandoned his membership in them.

CARL LUNDBERG.

C ARL LUNDBERG, the fourth son and youngest child of Olof Johnson, of Kalman, Sweden, was born in that town on May 20, 1868. Mr. Johnson was a building contractor, and a man of some prominence in his native land,

where he yet resides, at the age of seventy-two years, having retired from business to enjoy a well earned rest. Mr. Lundberg's mother was Anna Gustofson, who is also yet living.

Of Carl Lundberg's six brothers and sisters,

722

N. P. JOHANSEN.

two (sisters) are residents of Chicago, two live in Sweden, and two are deceased. He received a rudimentary education in the public schools, and, when he had reached the age of fifteen years, went to work for his father at a carpenter's bench. After two years thus spent he left Sweden for Chicago, where he found work as a carpenter for three years, and, during the last year, put up buildings, which he sold.

In 1889 he formed a copertnership with his brother, Gustave Lundberg, to conduct a real estate business. The firm was successful, but the death of Gustav, in 1895, left Mr. Carl Lund- berg to manage the business alone. He also does a general insurance business and is a notary public, having been commissioned by Governor Altgeld. He has met with great success, but can contemplate his steady upward progress with the

proud thought that he has been the architect of his own fortune.

He is of a genial, social disposition, and a member of various orders and societies, among which may be named the following: John Erick- son Lodge No. 361, Independent Order Odd Fel- lows, being one of the charter members and for six years its treasurer; King Oscar Lodge No. 855, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; the Scandinavian Iduna sick benefit society; Me- chanics' Tent, Knights of the Maccabees; the North American Union, and the Englewood Building and Loan Association, of which he is a director. In politics he is an ardent and active Republican, taking a deep interest in his party's success and working hard to promote it. He has never been an aspirant for office, but in 1896 was elected Supervisor of the Town of Lake.

NIELS P. JOHANSEN.

IELS PETER JOHANSEN. The life and lation life of the Danish youth; namely, school business success of Mr. Johansen affords an illustration of what may be accomplished by earnest effort and unflinching courage.

He was born March 7, 1866, at Bjerreby, in Tasinge, Denmark, the son of a blacksmith named Andreas Johansen, whose sturdy biceps and keen eye are still at his command in the conduct of his shop in his native place. His mother was Anna Sophia Hansen, and she is also still living in the land which gave her birth. From her marriage were born nine children, six of whom are yet living. Of this large progeny (rarely known in the annals of our American homes) Niels P. Johansen was the first born.

Mr. Johansen's life was much the same as that of the boys with whom he attended school. In fact, it may be said to have been almost the regu-

until fourteen to sixteen years of age, and after that labor, either on the farm or at a trade. He left school when fourteen, and for four years fol- lowing served an apprentice as a blacksmith. Dissatisfied with the prospects which he saw be- fore him at home, he determined on a new depart- ure, and the year 1887 saw him a freshly arrived emigrant at the port of New York. His first permanent stopping place after leaving the sea board was Clinton, Iowa. There and at other points in that state he spent some two and one- half years. In 1890, however, he made up his mind to venture success or failure in Chicago; he came hither, and of the success or failure of the venture the succeeding narrative will speak.

One year after coming to Chicago-in 1891- lie started in business for himself, at No. 3757

723

F. L. STONE .- C. L. BERNTH.

State Street. After eight months he moved to No. 3159 Cottage Grove Avenue, and May 1, 1898, he opened an establishment at No. 341 Wabash Avenue, whence he removed the next year across the alley to the rear of No. 349 State Street. Here he carried on a business, chiefly in the line of repairs, which has brought him a fair income for the simple yet obvious reason

that honest effort always commands a reward of its own.

While a loyal American citizen, Mr. Johansen has not forgotten the land of his birth in respect of the fraternal societies with which he has con- nected himself, being an active member of the Walhalla Society, in which so many of his co1111- trymen are enrolled.

F. L. STONE.

REDERICK LARSEN STONE, member of the firm of Clausen & Company, is the youngest of a family of seven children born to Lars H. Stone and his wife, Maria Jorgensen, at Sollested, on the island of Lolland, Denmark. Both parents are deceased, the father dying at the age of about eighty years, and his mother at about sixty-seven; both rest in their native land. Of their large family all but one are yet living; and of the six who survive, Fred L. is the only one residing in this country.

He came into the world February 7, 1865, attended the common and high schools of his birthplace until he was fourteen years old; and afterwards learned the dairy business, his father

being a farmer. He first touched American soil in 1884, coming at once from the seaboard to Chicago. For a little more than nine years he was employed as a coachman; and in the spring of 1894 formed a partnership with Claus J. Clau- sen to conduct the sprinkling business, in which he is still interested.

Mr. Stone was married, in 1890, to Miss Caro- line Jorgensen, a native of Denmark, but resi- dent of Chicago. Two children-Paulina and Harry-have blessed their union. Mr. Stone is a member of the Walhalla Society, and is well known and highly esteemed in the section of the city in which he resides. His place of business is at No. 81 Twenty-second Street.

C. L. BERNTH.

HRISTIAN LARSEN BERNTH was born on the peninsula of Jutland, Denmark, Oc- tober 31, 1854. His father, Svend Larsen Bernth, was a shoe-maker, and died at his liome

in Jutland, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who bore him seventeen children, and is yet living, was named Caroline Jensen. She has reached her seventy-third year, but is still liale

724

LARS POULSEN.

and well preserved. Twelve of her offspring, six sons and six daughters, are still living to pay her filial reverence. Of these five have found homes in America. A daughter, Berentine, is the wife of Carl Rasmussen, a carpenter, whose liome is at No. 502 West Erie Street, Chicago; and three sons are in Nebraska.

Christian L. is the fourth in order of birth. His educational advantages in boyhood were con- fined to attendance upon the public schools until he reached the age of fourteen years, and then he began to learn the trade of a shoemaker. His legal apprenticeship was passed in the shop of liis father; and after becoming a journeyman, at the age of nineteen years, he found employment as opportunity or inclination dictated. For eleven years he was employed in one of the suburbs of Copenhagen, and in 1892 he emigrated.

On his arrival on American shores he at once

started to Chicago, where so many of his coun- trymen and countrywomen had already found homes and happiness. . For a time he supported himself by a casual employment at any line of work he chanced to have presented to him, but in 1894 he opened a modest shop of his own, at the corner of Wentworth Avenne and Thirty- seventh Street. For five years he remained there, and in 1899 removed to his present location, at No. 3646 Wentworth Avenue.

In 1878, at Copenhagen, he married Caroline Nielson, who was born in Sweden. Four of their six children were born at Copenhagen, and two · in Chicago. Their names are, in order of birth, as follows: Fatma, Vanda, Viola, Vargenie, Al- bert and Carl. Mr. Bernth is a member of the Walhalla and Danish Socialist Societies. He is widely known and most highly esteemed by those who know him best.

LARS POULSEN.

ARS POULSEN. The father of Mr. Poul- sen, Christen Christensen, was a native of the village of Buchel, Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Petersen. His father was a man of not a little prominence in the community. He was an expert accountant, by profession, and was the leader and manager of a Danish colony which settled in Kansas in 1867. He died in that State in the vigor of his manhood, having scarcely passed the age of fifty years. His wife followed him to America in 1881, and passed away some fifteen years later, after reaching her seventy-second birthday.

Lars Poulsen is one of a family of nine children born to them, seven of whom grew to be men and women and are still living. He himself is the third child and second son, and first opened

his eyes May 21, 1851. The first sixteen years of his life were spent in Schleswig-Holstein, in the common schools of which province he received his early education.

In 1867 he crossed the water, and at once took up his residence in Cook County, Illinois. For two months he worked upon a farm, and then began business as a peddler. That pursuit he followed five years, and then learned the cabinet- maker's trade. In this he was engaged eighteen years, and during most of the time on his own account. He was located at different points in the South Division of the city, employing from four to twelve inen, as business proved more or less brisk.

In 1888 he went to Oakland, California, where he was engaged in the same line of trade for a period of six years. While on the Pacific slope

725

J. P. HOLDT .- MATTHEW FLEMING.

he familiarized himself with the cigar business, which he conducted successfully for a few years. In 1898 he returned to Chicago, and began man- ufacturing cigars. He has brought to the busi- ness the same energy, push and perseverance that have characterized him since boyhood, and it is unnecessary to say he has succeeded. His

factory is at No. 4036 Armour Avenne, and his especial brands are well known to the trade and smokers. While in California he became a member of the Society Dania, with which he is still connected. He is a Freethinker; is inde- pendent of party control in political matters, and believes thoroughly in socialism.

J. P. HOLDT.

OHN PETERSEN HOLDT is one of those citizens of Scandinavian birth, whose career reflects credit alike upon the land of their nativity and on the country of their adoption. He was born in Baulund, Schlwig, Denmark, August 28, 1865. His father, Niels Holdt, was born in Kalgaar, in the same province, and his mother, Marie Thomark, was a native of Batılund. Both parents are now living in Chicago, at No. 3816 Aldine Court. John P. Holdt is their fourth child and eldest son, all of their six children being yet alive and prosperous. His boyhood and youth were passed in his native land, and his early educational advantages were limited to an attendance upon the public schools until he reached the age of fourteen years.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 103

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago : La Salle Book Co. Number of Pages: 908

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : La Salle Book Co.
Number of Pages: 908