Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 42

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

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seven years of age. In 1867 Mr., Abrahams married Eleanora, sister of his first wife, who sur- vives him and is the mother of the following chil- dren: Max, a plumber, and Fanny, the wife of Isadore Weiskopf, of Chicago; Bessie, the wife of Albert Richmond, of Philadelphia, formerly pro- prietor of the Standard Theatre of Chicago, and now sole wholesale agent for the Schlitz Brewing Company at Philadelphia, where his wife operates one of the largest photograph gal- leries; Joseph, a graduate of the public schools of the West Side Business College, now manager of his father's estate; and George and Louis, at pres- ent students at Notre Dame University, Indiana. Elizabeth, the second, died at eighteen years of age; Albert, the sixth, at thirteen; and Sarah, the seventh, in childhood. Mrs. Abrahams' grandchildren are: Leo Weiskopf and Leroy and Wilfred Richmond.

Mr. Abrahams' death occurred on the eleventh day of April, 1894, at his home at No. 3355 For- est Avenue, which he purchased and occupied in 1891. He was a man of fine appearance and pleasant address, and his friendship was of that warm and earnest character which attracted and held men to him. He was generous, and many remember with pleasure the time when he was to them a friend in need. His eminent geniality and social qualities brought him so closely in con- tact with his fellow-men that he naturally became a inember of many societies, among which may be mentioned the Masonic and Odd Fellows' or- ders, B'nai B'rith, Hebrew Beneficiary Associa- tion, Sons of Benjamin, Old Settlers' Society of Chicago, and others. He was prominent and in- fluential in politics, a member of the Democratic party, and a man whose counsel had great weight with his associates in party affairs. He always refused nominations for office, which were fre- quently urged upon him, preferring to be a work- er for the interests of the party to which he gave his allegiance rather than receive the emoluments of office. He was not only a genial and popular citizen, but was the kindest and most indulgent of fathers and husbands, and was the idol of his family.

287

G. S. INGRAHAM.

GRANVILLE S. INGRAHAM.

G RANVILLE SHERWOOD INGRAHAM, youngest of a family of nine, was born May 27, 1824, in Montgomery County, New York. His father, born April 23, 1782, was a tanner and currier, who came from England to the State of Rhode Island in his boyhood, remov- ing subsequently to the State of New York, where he became a very prominent Free Mason and was universally esteemed, dying at the age of seventy- three. He was one of the claimants of the cele- brated "Leeds Estate" in England. His mother, Philinda Taylor by maiden name, was born May 1, 1784, at Hartford, Connecticut, living to the remarkable age of ninety-two.

Owing to the disability of total blindness which afflicted his father for the last twenty-five years of his life, the subject of this sketch, after an or- dinary education obtained at the Union Mills Academy, was obliged to leave home at the boy- ish age of twelve to seek his own fortunes, and well indeed did he find them. His first employ- ment was in a merchant's store in New York City; afterward, returning to Saratoga County, was engaged in similar pursuits for a period.

At this juncture the turning point of his busi- ness life was presented. James McKindley, the veteran pioneer wholesaler of our metropolis, had spent many happy boyhood days in companion- ship with Mr. Ingraham; and now, being at the head of the mercantile house, McKindley, Church & Co., thoughtful for and kindly disposed toward this early associate, offered Mr. Ingraliam, in 1856, a position with his house as traveling sales- man. Losing no time in reaching his new field of employment, destined always to be his home, so well did he foresee the requirements of his own and higher positions, at the same time bending cvery energy toward fulfilling more duties than those imposed upon him, that in an incredibly short time, namely in 1860, he was elevated to the standing of a full partner in the firm, there- after to be styled McKindley, Ingraham & Co.

The next seven years witnessed severest appli- cation and unremitting efforts upon his part, gaining him unstinted meed of praise from all with whom he had to do, wonderfully fruthering the interests of his concern, but carried to the excess of personal disability, so that at the end of the period of which we are speaking, quite de- bilitated and "run down" in health, he was com- pelled to leave his office and seek the means of regaining strength for the following two years. The firm, in which he still retained his interests, was burned out by the great fire of 1871, but being well insured, it declined offers of finan- cial aid as well as volunteered extension of time on bills payable falling due. With marvelous recuperation, being actually engaged in trade within a week after the burning, and by good fortune, it was enabled to meet all obligations as rapidly as they matured.

About this time was organized the wholesale grocery and tea house of Ingraham, Corbin & May (now Corbin and May), with which he was thenceforth prominently identified in its very suc- cessful upbuilding, until, in 1884, overtaxation of mental and physical powers rendered retire- ment again necessary, this time forced to become practically final. But his fortune continued to be thus mainly embarked with his firm, and during the semi-invalid existence of his slow decline, he always enjoyed thinking and speaking of trade, and dreaming the optimist's dream of the golden days bound to come to the trade when the entire Northwest was better developed in its vast re- sources.

The last years were made comfortable by a portion of the means his industrious ability had accumulated, the summers being mainly spent in Chicago, while in winter he sought a less rigorous climate; now in California, now in Florida, until finding in Pass Christian, Mississippi, surround- ings thoroughly congenial and beneficial, he there bought a home in 1888, that he might regularly

288

G. S. INGRAHAM.

surrender himself to the delights of the semi- tropic Gulf Coast. Alas for the brevity of life! Love may not entice away, nor fortune bribe against the visitation of grim, universally fated death. The end came on December 20, 1892, to a patient, long sufferer, resigned to the will of God.

In boyhood he had followed family affiliations with the Christian Church, that being a liberal and righteous faith; but in maturer years he was attracted by the stanch tenets and rugged char- acter of Presbyterianism, and so had been for many years united with the Hyde Park Presby- terian Church, in which, wholly obedient, he passed to a reward of good merits.

In Whig days he was a willing follower of Henry Clay, but on the breaking up of old lines and the drawing of new ones, he took and held a . liberal Democratic attitude, in local affairs sup- porting the best man, irrespective of party. He was always deeply interested in parks and other public improvements, and all educational works had his generous approbation and furtherance. Being most happily environed, and strongly do- mestic in temperament, he cared not for "club life" or society, so called; yet he was not a re- cluse, neither, as his friends well knew, was he at all unsociable.

His first home in Chicago was purchased at the corner of Prairie Avenue and Eighteenth Street; removing, in 1872, to Washington Ave- nue, just south of Fifty-fifth Street, he was en- gaged in the construction of an elegant mansion in the immediate neighborhood (No. 5520 Wash- ington Avenue), when he was taken away. She who is left to execute his wishes may long find a noble employment in the finishing of his ap- pointed work.

The humanitarian shows out nowhere more plainly than in his will. Years of affliction had taught him the needs of the sick, while abundant means enabled him to intelligently contrast the wretched condition of the indigent ill. Therefore, in his last testament, after liberal provisions for his family and near relatives (not overlooking generous legacies to several charitable institu- tions), he directed that the residue of his estate

should be invested and spent in the founding, building, usefully equipping and maintaining of a hospital for the poor sick. to be conducted on as free a plan as possible. Would that all our wealth accumulators, circumstanced like unto himself, could be prompted by as philanthropic motives! Then would riches become a general blessing in disguise, and the abyss between the financially high and low forever kindly bridged. Realizing that he had few dependents, and that he was largely indebted to the city of his adoption for his opulence, he, in this dignified, munificent, last- ing manner of endowing a glorious charity, con- ceived that that debt should and would be paid; and though for a time there be a contest over the will, while something of doubt exists as to the ultimate fate of the quarter of a million of dollars thus bequeathed by Mr. Ingraham to the found- ing of a hospital, which was to bear his name, let us trust the law will vindicate itself and our testa- tor friend's wishes, and that his widow, unswerv- ingly devoted to the administration of his estate, may be speedily confirmed in her legal rights as his representative, and so enabled to proceed un- der the will-terms toward the completion of the conceived edifice; and generations to come will thank the justice of the decree while blessing the memory of him, their patron and benefactor.

Mr. Ingraham was twice married; (1.) July 14, 1847, to Miss Frances Sarah Foster, of Sara- toga County, New York, who died January 1, 1878, having had as issue a son, Hiram Foster Ingraham, who died February 10, 1874, leaving a widow, Fannie Ingraham (nee Wood), and a son, Granville Foster Ingraham, which latter were cared for by the subject of this sketch while liv- ing, and abundantly provided for in his last will.

(2.) December 6, 1881, to Miss Harriette Au- gusta Foster (sister of his former wife, a daugh- ter of Hiram Clark Foster), who had no children, but who was and is the soul of faithfulness toward him and his house, and appointed as one of the executors of liis will.

(For some details of the Foster pedigree, vide under sketch of James Mairs Gilchrist, on another page herein.)

Mrs. Ingraham's mother was Elizabeth Platt,

289

NICHOLAS BUSCHWAH.

of a family of honorable standing and mention in Eastern centers. Elizabeth was the fifth child and daughter of Alexander Smith and Annie Platt (nee Wakeman, of Greenfield, Connecticut) and Galway, New York; Alexander being the fourth son of Obadiah and Thankful Platt (nee Scudder, of Huntington, Connecticut), and North Fairfield, Connecticut; Obadiah being the fourth son of Obadiah and Mary Platt, nee Smith, who removed from Huntington across Long Is- land Sound (with his brother Timothy), found- ing the Fairfield branch of the family; Obadiah was the eldest son of Jonas and Sarah Platt (nee Scudder), of the "Older Huntington" (Connecti- cut) branch. Jonas was the second child and eldest son of Isaac and Elizabeth Platt (nee Wood) who (with his brother Epenetus) founded the "Older Huntington" branch. Isaac was

probably born in England, being the third son of Richard and Mary Platt, who came to this coun- try from England in 1638, landing at New Haven, Connecticut, where he afterward acquired valuable landed possessions. The old family seat, how- ever, is at Milford, a few miles thence west, where the first American progenitor is buried, and where have ever since dwelt the honored de- scendants.

The English seat of the emigrating branch is believed to be Bovingdon, a village near Hert- ford, England. The Herald's College shows some seven coats-of-arms assigned and granted to different English families by the name of Platt.

From the foregoing it will be seen that Mrs. Ingraham, through her mother, represents the eighth generation of Platts in the United States. ·

NICHOLAS BUSCHWAH.

ICHOLAS BUSCHWAH is, doubtless, the best informed man living in regard to titles to Cook County realty. His long experience of over thirty years in the preparation and examin- ation of abstracts, together with his reliability and unquestioned integrity of character, has earned the confidence and respect of all political parties, and of investors and business inen generally. He was born amid the romantic scenery bordering the River Rhine, the place of his birth being the village of Wahlen, Rhenish Prussia, and the date of his advent being the 19th of October, 1842. His parents, Nicholas and Marie (Dewald) Buschwah, were natives of Germany, of French extraction. The father was a carpenter and builder by occupation. In 1844 he sold his beau- tiful home and grounds in the land of his birth and emigrated with his family, which then in- cluded four children, to the United States, in or-

der to secure to them the blessings of political and religious liberty. He located in Chicago, where he followed his trade until death, January 24, 1864. His wife survived him several years, dying at the age of seventy years. They em- bodied the regular habits and sturdy character for which our German citizens are conspicuous, and left to their posterity sacred memories and a good name. Seven of their children survive and are residents of Chicago. Margaret, the eldest, is now Mrs. John Woltz; Catherine is the widow of Caspar Koerper; and the others are Matthew, Nicholas, John, Peter and Jacob. One died in childhood, and Mary, who was the wife of Mi- chael Schwiser, passed away May 4, 1877.

The subject of this notice received his primary education at the Kinzie School, then the only public school in North Chicago, and known as Alden G. Wilder's School. He afterward became

290

NICHOLAS BUSCHWAH.

a student at the Franklin School, Daniel C. Fer- guson Principal, and completed the course of study at the age of fifteen years, the Chicago High School not being built at that time. He then entered the real-estate office of James H. Rees, to learn the real-estate business, and subse- quently he entered the office of Rees, Chase & Company, abstract makers, with whom he began his clerical career, serving their interests for eight years, during which time the style changed to Chase Brothers. He became very proficient in the preparation of abstracts, and after the ter- mination of his engagement with this house he served one year as money-delivery clerk in the office of the American Express Company. This was a responsible and arduous position, and he often handled a million dollars in a single day. He was next employed by Fernando Jones & Company, the well-known abstract makers, whose office was then located at No. 42 Clark Street. He remained with this firm four years, filling the place of chief abstract maker, after which he was employed in the office of the City Comptroller up to the time of the great fire of October 8 and 9, 1871. During the period immediately subsequent to that catastrophe he assisted the Chicago Relief and Aid Society as chief clerk and paymaster of the Third Division of the city. For two and one- half years thereafter he was an assistant in the office of the City Clerk. At this time the firm of Williams & Thielcke sought his services in the conduct of their abstract office, and when, in Sep- tember, 1885, their books became the property of Cook County, he continued with the work, re- maining in the employ of the county over seven- teen years-making the first abstract turned out by the county-and was chief abstract maker in the department of abstracts in the Recorder's of- fice throughout this period. During his long ex- perience in the examination and production of abstracts, he has becomes familiar with all the details and technicalities of the business, and has prepared more instruments of the kind than any other individual.

In April, 1893, he resigned his position in the Recorder's office, since which time he has con- ducted an independent business as examiner of

titles, in connection with which he does a general loan, real-estate and investment business. The extensive acquaintance which he has formed dur- ing his connection with this line of work brings to him an ample and lucrative patronage, and many large investors find it to their advantage to en- trust to him the conduct of their financial traus- actions. For many years past he has conducted a loan and real-estate agency in connection with his other undertakings, and has displayed such judgment and discretion in placing funds entrust- ed to his care that he has never found it necessary to foreclose a mortgage or trust deed. His integ- rity, justice and fairness are recognized alike by creditors and debtors, and every man who forms his acquaintance through a business transaction becomes a permanent friend. By his shrewd management many a poor and delinquent debtor has been saved from total loss, while the interests of the creditor have been at the same time fully protected.

On New Year's Day of 1868 occurred the marriage of Mr. Nicholas Buschwah to Miss Har- riet A. Dye, daughter of Prof. Nathan Dye, whose life history appears on another page of this work. She was born at Truxton, Cortland Coun- ty, New York, and at an early age began to de- velop a talent and taste for music, taking her first lesson from her father at the age of three years. At fourteen she became a teacher of music, and for many years previous to her marriage gave instruction in both vocal and instrumental work, often assisting her father in the conduct of his classes and concerts. Ida A., the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Buschwah, is a graduate of the Chicago Conservatory of Music, and a teacher of recognized ability in musical circles. She is the wife of Leroy Grant, with whom she resides at Laramie City, Wyoming.

For many years Mr. and Mrs. Buschwah were members of Unity Church of Chicago, the soci- ety established by Rev. Robert Collyer, who con- ducted the ceremony at their wedding and the wed- ding of their daughter, Ida A. They are among the original members of the Independent Liberal Church, organized by Rev. T. G. Milsted in Oc- tober, 1894. It is a society founded upon prin-

291

GEORGE DEARLOVE.

ciples of benevolence and Christian brotherhood. Mrs. Buschwah is one of the trustees of the soci- ety, and both she and her husband are enthusiastic and active in good works. She is a member of Chicago Chapter, Daughters of the American Rev- olution. Mr. Buschwah is a member of the Exec-

utive Board of the Twenty-first Ward Republican Club, and has been a life-long supporter of the principles of that party, and numbers among his friends many of the leading citizens of Cook County, irrespective of political or other connec- tions.

GEORGE DEARLOVE.

EORGE DEARLOVE, a prominent pioneer of Northfield Township, now living in Chi- cago, was born in Harrowgate, Yorkshire, England, in May, 1824. He is the only surviving child of Richard and Hanuah (Matterson) Dear- love, who in 1836, with their family, came to America, settling in Northfield Township, Cook County, where they became the owners of an ex- tensive tract of land on Milwaukee Avenue. This tract, which is still retained in the family, includes several of the finest and most productive farms in Cook County, well supplied with first- class improvements.

The children of Richard and Hannah Dear- love were Mary, William, Peter, Richard, Thomas, George and Hannah, all of whom be- came leading citizens of Northfield Township, but, as stated above, are now deceased, with the exception of George. The latter became the owner of several fine farms in Northfield Town- ship, but in 1885 removed to Chicago, where he has since dealt in real estate, his long acquaint- ance with the county giving him an intimate knowledge of land values which has helped him materially in his business.

Mr. Dearlove was married in 1872-Miss Mary A. Dwyer, daughter of Peter and Maria Dwyer, of Newport, Herkimer County, New York, be- coming his wife. Mrs. Dearlove, who is a lady of refinement and ability, acquired her primary

education in the public schools of Herkimer County, and later attended a select school at New- port for one year. She then took a three-years course at Fairfield Seminary, and still later at- tended the State Normal School at Albany, New York, but did not finish the course on account of sickness. From the age of seventeen years she was engaged at intervals in teaching. She came to Cook County in the year 1867, and taught for several years after her arrival, she and her sister being the first teachers of the Normal System in Cook County.

March 5, 1888, Mrs. Dearlove graduated from Bennett Eclectic College of Medicine and Surgery, with the degree of M. D., and afterwards grad- uated from the Chicago College of Ophthalmia and Aural Surgery. Since her graduation she has practiced her profession with marked success, and has won the confidence of the public and of her associates to a most flattering degree. Dr. Dearlove holds membership in the Chicago Eclec- tic Society, and in the State Eclectic Medical So- ciety, and during the progress of the World's Columbian Exposition was in charge of the Illi- nois Woman's Hospital at the Exposition grounds.

To Mr. and Mrs: Dearlove were born the fol- lowing children: George M., whose biography appears elsewhere in these pages; Thomas, a student at the North-Western Military Academy;

292

JOHN CRAWFORD.

and Mabel H. In his religious adherence Mr. Dearlove is a member of the Church of England, and in his political leanings he is a Republican, though not a strict partisan, and never an as-

pirant for public honors. He is a successful farmer and business man, and he and his family enjoy the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances.

JOHN CRAWFORD.

OHN CRAWFORD, deceased, was for years connected with the business and official in- terests of Cook County, and was a prominent and representative citizen. He was born in Buf- falo, New York, October 14, 1832, and died in Chicago on the Ist of February, 1894. His fatlier, Peter Crawford, is mentioned elsewhere in this work. John spent the first twelve years of his life in the Empire State and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Chicago. Here he became his father's assistant in the lumber trade, and was thus employed until nineteen years of age, when he entered Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois, where he pursued a prepara- tory course of study. Later he entered Hamilton University (now Colgate University) of Hamil- ton, New York, and when his literary education was completed he taught in Cicero Township, Cook County, for several years.

At the age of twenty-four Mr. Crawford began reading law in the office of Judge Buckner S. Morris, of Chicago. He did not complete his legal studies, but yet obtained a knowledge of law which proved of great benefit to him in his sub- sequent business and official transactions. For many years he dealt largely in real estate, hand- ling not only his own subdivisions at Crawford Station, but also much other property. He served for several terms as Supervisor of Cicero Town-

ship, also as Trustee and Assessor, and in numer- ous other local offices. He was County Commis- sioner for two terms, being a member of the Board at the same time with Carter H. Harrison, about the beginning of the latter's political career. They were elected on the "Fire Ticket," as it was called, the election being held soon after the great fire of 1871.

On the 22d of August, 1861, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage with Miss Adelaide F. Neff, daughter of William and Olive Neff, of Chicago, and a native of Buffalo, New York. When a little maiden of six summers she came with her par- ents to this State. Her father died in March, 1887, but her mother is still living in Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were born three chil- dren: John H., a real-estate dealer of Chicago; Florence, who is now deceased; and Genevieve.

Mr. Crawford was a member of the Millard Avenue Baptist Church, and the family still at- tends that church. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and in his political affiliations was a Republican. He was a man of earnest convic- tions and conscientious motives, and by straight- forward dealing and uniform courtesy he won the good-will of all with whom he came in contact. Probably no man in Cook County had fewer enemies.

293

C. P. BRYAN.

CHARLES P. BRYAN.

HARLES P. BRYAN was born in Chicago, October 2, 1855. His childhood was spent at Elmhurst, where his parents took up their residence in 1856. Young Bryan completed his education at the University of Virginia and the Columbia Law School. He was admitted to the Bar in Washington, D. C., in 1878. The follow- ing year he removed to Colorado, where he en- gaged in mining and in editorial and literary work. He edited the Denver Inter Ocean and the Colorado Mining Gazette, which he owned, and was elected President of the Colorado Editorial Association in 1884. A year after his arrival in the Rocky Mountains he was chosen to represent Clear Creek County in the Legislature, of which he was the youngest member. He was Chairman of the Railroad Committee. As champion of the people against monopolies, he was called the "Plumed Knight of the Rockies." He had a voice in every Republican State convention during his sojourn in Colorado, and stumped the State for Blaine. Twice he was urged by the slate- makers, but declined to allow his name to be pre- sented to the Republican State Convention as a can- didate for Secretary of State. The probable nom- ination for Lieutenant-Governor was also offered him as an inducement to remain in Colorado. Filial duty, however, called him back to Illinois in 1885.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 42

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