Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 85

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

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GEORGE SCHROEDER.

G EORGE SCHROEDER, although a native Chicagoan, is descended from a well-known and highly esteemed family of Hesse-Darm- stadt. His father was John M. Schroeder, and his mother, Margaret Goetzinger, of Bingen, Germany. To this couple were born eleven chil- dren, five of whom are yet living: Katharine, wife of A. W. Wendt; George; Louisa, Mrs. Frank Urson; Lena, who is married to F. W. Englehardt; and Emma.

The elder Mr. Schroeder, as has been said, was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt. He received his early education in the parish school, Lutheran, of his native place, and later learned the cabinet- maker's trade. In 1849 he left the Fatherland for the new world, proceeding at once to Chicago, after landing on American shores. It was an un- attractive place in those days, but Mr. Schroeder was neither repelled nor discouraged. He had faith in the city's future, and with that resolute determination which is characteristic of his race and nation, at once set to work to hew out his own road to success. For a few years he worked at his trade, but about 1858 opened a grocery store and meat market at the intersection of Ash- land and Austin Avenues. He was the pioneer in these lines of trade in that section of the city, and his business prospered. He continued it

until 1871, when he believed he perceived better prospects in the hotel and saloon-keeping busi- ness. Accordingly, disposing of his market and grocery, he opened au establishment of this char- acter at No. 501 West Chicago Avenue. There he remained until his death, which occurred March 20, 1890. His widow still survives him.

John M. Schroeder was a genial, whole-souled man, fond of social pleasures and readily making and keeping friends. He was an earnest Repub- lican in politics and took an active interest in advancing his party's welfare, yet he never yearned for office. In social and fraternal or- ganizations he always felt at home and was both a Mason (belonging to Mithra Lodge No. 410, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons) and an Odd Fellow, being connected with Goethe Lodge, No. 329, of that order. Both he and his family attended the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

George Schroeder, whose name heads the present sketch, was born at Chicago, March 23, 1859. He was educated in the public schools and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, taking a two years' commercial course in that institution. On receiving his diploma he entered the employ of J. S. Kirk & Company, the well- known soap manufacturers, and has remained with that concern twenty-five years. Beginning

580

C. W. EISEL.

in an exceedingly subordinate position, he has gradually worked his way upward in its service through unflagging industry and unquestionable fidelity. At present he holds the position of secretary of the company.

He belongs to Garden City Lodge No. 141, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, to the Royal League, the Royal Arcanum and the North American Union. On national issues he votes

with the Republican party, but in municipal elections he rises above mere partisanship.

December 8, 1881, he was married to Miss Mathilde, daughter of Henry Grusendorf, whose biography may be found elsewhere in this volume. She has borne him three children: Edward, George and Dorothea. Mr. Schroeder and liis family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

CHRISTIAN W. EISEL.

HRISTIAN WILLIAM EISEL. Among the most prominent and energetic citizens of the city of Chicago who have attained a comfortable position through their own ability and industry, many are the sons of good old Ger- inan families. This nation of people is one of strong characteristics, steadfast minds and sturdy muscular ability. They are equal to the endur- ance of more hardships and disappointments than almost any other on the globe. Christian Will- iam Eisel was born in Mulhansen, Saxony, Ger- many, July 26, 1865, a son of Henry August and Christina Mary (Marshall) Eisel.

Henry A. Eisel, born January 2, 1832, in Ger- many, died in Chicago September 16, 1890, and his remains were interred in Oakwoods Cemetery. He was a brewer, conducting his own establish- ment in his native land for seven .years. Sub- sequent to the sale of this property he entered the German arıny and fought all through the Franco- Prussian War. In the spring of the year 1872 he emigrated from his native land, arriving in America May 4 of the same year. He came to America on the vessel "Duringer," which was later sold to the Russian government. He be- came occupied at his trade and was at the head of the malters in Seipp's brewery until the time of

his death, covering a period of sixteen years. He purchased property at No. 2919 Vernon Avenue, where he resided until his death.

Christian W. Eisel attended public school until he reached the age of thirteen years, when he entered the vast school of experience. He was with F. D. Reynolds, at the carpenter trade five years and then began contracting on his own account. His first building was erected at No. 6507 Stewart Avenue. He continued the busi- ness sixteen months, during which time he held contracts for six dwellings in Englewood. He was employed by William Graham subsequent to this time and was also with other concerns. He had charge of interior finishing under C. J. L. Meyer, and for eighteen months had charge of the interior finishing for the Interior Finishing Company at North Pier, being with this estab- lishment four and one-half years in all. He worked on such buildings as the residence of Elmer Washburne, Hyde Park Hotel, Ozark Flats, the residence of C. W. Lasher, in Lake View, Metropole Hotel and Unity Building. He was bridge foreman in the Civil Service two and one-half years, being the only man who ever re- ceived a percentage of 100 on both mental and physical examinations. He also worked for the

581

JOHN MUELLER.

city of Chicago as carpenter. He is connected with the Civil Service Club, and is independent in his political views.

He was married April 24, 1888, to Miss Henrietta Sophia, daughter of John and Minnie (Hempel) John. Mrs. Eisel was born April 13, 1868, at No. 121 Moliawk Street, Chicago. Her sister, Minnie, married Peter Hilt and resides at No. 547 School Street. Her father was born April 3, 1828, in Germany, and came to Amer- ica at the age of twelve years, locating in New York. He removed to Chicago in 1847. Mrs. John was born November 24, 1839, in Germany. Her first husband was William Siedschlag, and their child, Tena, died on the ocean. The chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. John were named as fol- lows: Minnie, Jolın (deceased), Charles, Annie, Henrietta, Henry, Mary, Emma (deceased), Rose (deceased) and George. Emma and Rose were twins.

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Eisel, Chris- tian Hempel, came to America with her parents. His children were William, Frederick, Minnie and Gottlieb. The last-named resides at No. 121 Mohawk Street, Chicago. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Eisel are as follows: Anna Mary, born January 27, 1889; Irene Odette, July 4, 1894; Grant Lancelot, November 24, 1895; and Lin- coln Archibald, born February 12, 1897, died April 11, 1898.

A member of the Independent Order of Forest- ers, Mr. Eisel is Past Cliief Ranger and for twelve terms has been financial secretary of Logan Court No. 117. He is also connected with the Carpenters' Union. Mr. Eisel is a man of clear, far-seeing mind, sound in judgment, and is never found wanting in a matter of duty. He is lion- ored and respected, being beloved by family and friends. He was reared a Protestant and is true to the teachings of his fathers.

JOHN MUELLER.

OHN MUELLER. Of all cities in the United States Chicago is, perhaps, the most cosmo- politan, and among her citizens of foreign birth or lineage she has none more sturdy, more enterprising, more thrifty nor more honest than are the children of the Fatherland who, while tenderly loving the land of their birth, are yet devotedly loyal to the country of their adoption.

Of such is John Mueller, a successful business man, whose coal and wood yard is located on West Chicago Avenne. His birthplace is Meck- lenburg-Schwerin, Germany, where lie first saw the light April 14, 1836. His parents were Henry and Marie Mueller, and under their com- mand he attended his parish school until he reached the age of sixteen years. Following the custom of his native country, he began to work

immediately after leaving school. For some years he found employment on a farm. The remuneration was small and the work hard, and in1 1866 he resolved to change his conditions. In other words he emigrated. On reaching America lie proceeded at once to Chicago. At the beginning the outlook was not encouraging, and for a time he worked as a stevedore along the docks and for a year as helper in one of the round houses of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company.

Little by little, however, his industry and thrift enabled him to accumulate money. With his savings he bought a team and wagon, and embarked in business for himself. Industry and fidelity still stood him in good stead, and in 1883 he bought the property at Nos. 573 and 575

JAMES PENDERGAST.

West Chicago Avenue, where for twelve years he conducted a prosperous business as a dealer in coal and wood. In 1895 he retired from active business.

Before leaving Germany he was married to Miss Mary Kummerow, the date of their wedding

being October 15, 1864. Mrs. Mueller's father was Frederick Kummerow. The fruit of this marriage has been six sons, Frederick, Henry, William, Albert, Robert and Herman. In poli- tics Mr. Mueller is a Republican. The family attends St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

JAMES PENDERGAST.

AMES PENDERGAST, one of Chicago's retired successful contractors, was born Feb- ruary 11, 1840, in Watertown, Massachusetts. He comes of an old and highly respected family, and liis ancestors have made a list to be proud of, by the profitable lives they led. His parents were Pierce and Catherine (Burk) Pendergast, and his father was for many years a resident of Waltham, Massachusetts.

Pierce Pendergast was born in County Galway, Ireland. He was married in 1838, and brought his bride directly to America. He located in Waltham and worked the remainder of his life in the bleaching factory in that city. He died in November of the year 1858, in the prime of his life, at the age of thirty-six years. He was a Catholic and his remains were interred at Waltham.

Mrs. Pendergast, mother of the man whose name leads this article, was born in County Gal- way, Ireland, and died in Waltham in 1878, lier remains being buried at that place. Her children are accounted for as follows: James; John, who died at the age of four years; Pierce, who died in 1894; Thomas, a watchmaker in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Mary, who married Dr. Mur- phy, and resides in Chelsea, Massachusetts; and Frank, who died in 1888.

James Pendergast attended school until he reached the age of thirteen years, and then spent

three years learning the trade of a house painter. In 1867 he located in Elgin, Illinois, and since that time has contracted in his line of business. In May, 1871, he came to Chicago, and opened a shop for his own interests, on Randolph Street. When the great fire of October, 1871, struck Chi- cago, like a pall, ruining the works and plans of men, his loss was with the rest, but he did not give up and flee from the scene of disaster, as did many, but stayed in the nearly destroyed city, and his contracts were among the largest and his business was better than ever before. He can truly be said to have helped build up the charred city and his credit is given him in suc- cess in his subsequent undertakings. He has re- tired from his active business in that line and is enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Mr. Pendergast has been very energetic and ambitious, and in1 1892 he was enabled to build a residence at No. 6518 Jackson Avenue, where he has lived, with his family, since that time. Con- ducive to the well-doing and well-being of the majority of men, is a happy, congenial companion and a harmonious married life. Such has been the good fortune of Mr. Pendergast. He mar- ried Bridget Clark, a native of County Lowe, Ireland, in June, 1859.

He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and is an upholder of the principles and candidates of the Republican party.

583

J. W. RICH.

JAMES W. RICH.

AMES WILSON RICH is of English lin- C eage, his great-grandfather having come from England to New England in 1765, eleven years before the first musket was fired in the cause of the colonies against the crown. He set- tled at Boston, where, too, he died, but not until he had heard of the surrender of Cornwallis to the half-clothed, poorly fed, ill paid patriots led by Washington. His son, Eli Rich, the grand- father of James W. Rich, enlisted in the Con- tinental army when but a boy of fifteen, and served until the struggle had been won.

Then the youthful veteran took his govern- ment land warrant and set out for Genesee Coun- ty, New York, where he entered upon one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, near Avon. There he made for himself a home and became an hon- ored and prominent citizen. He married a lady from Holland, who bore him three sons and two daughters. He lived to be ninety-nine years old, his wife dying at the age of ninety-eight.

The father of the subject of this article was the youngest of the sons, and bore his father's Chris- tian name, Eli. He was a farmer, and three times married. His first wife, mother of James Wilson Rich, was Laura Johnson. Her son, J. W., was born at Avon, October 4, 1833, and she died in 1836, soon after the birth of Nelson, her second son. About a year afterward the elder Rich married Miss Laura Dowd. Of this second marriage there were born four children,

named as follows: Judson, Watson, Lewis M. and Mary. Of these Judson died of injury re- ceived in the Civil War, in which he was a gal- lant soldier. Watson is a letter carrier of Chi- cago, residing 01 West Chicago Avenue, near Robey Street; Lewis M. lives at Naperville, Illi- nois; and Mary is the wife of Mr. Halman, of Chicago.

In 1839 Eli Rich removed with his family to Naperville, Illinois, where he resumed farming. Here, in 1846, his second wife died. He subse- quently married Lucy Kinzman, who died in 1872, without issue. Ten years later the sturdy old pioneer was himself laid to rest, universally mourned by the community of which he had been so valued a member and which had learned to appreciate his worth.

James Wilson Rich remained upon his father's farm until he had reached the age of sixteen, when his ardent, adventurous disposition prompted him to hew out his own path to that fortune and success which lies so near the grasp of many men who lack the perception and nerve necessary to attain them. Mr. Rich was not one of these, as the story of his early struggles and final triumph will show. He came to Chicago in 1849, a pen- niless boy, and worked for his board, with the privilege of attending school, for be it remem- bered that educational facilities at Naperville in those early days were of the most meager sort. A private school near the corner of Lake and

584

WAYNE KINYON.

State Streets, kept by Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway, and another at the corner of Clark and Washing- ton, gave him his first training, and the necessity for hard work, which in those days always con- fronted liim, was constantly interrupting his at- tendance. He must labor, if he would live, and it is to those early years of patient, poorly re- quitted toil that he owes his present ease, no less than a measure of his sterling, virile manhood. In those early years he regarded no honest work as degrading, doing whatever came nearest hand and following the Scriptural injunction to "do it with his might."

By the year 1860, his patient industry, joined to habits of abstemiousness and thrift, enabled him to engage in business for himself, as a grocer in Chicago. Integrity and fidelity brought him success. His venture prospered, but the great conflagration of 1871 speedily swept away the accumulation of years. When the ashes cooled he found his possessions reduced to five vacant lots. But resolution such as his is not easily daunted, and within thirty days he was once more selling groceries in a temporary structure erected

on the site of his former shop. In 1884 he re- tired from business, a comparatively young man, yet with a comfortable competence, to which he has since added.

The career of Mr. Rich affords much food for reflection. Not only does it exemplify the op- portunities which Chicago offers to youths of pluck and vit, but it also serves to illustrate the truth that men of his character and ability can be architects of their own fortunes, provided they lay the same foundations as he.

He was married February 6, 1856, to Miss Mary Bergman, a lady born in Germany, but a resident of Chicago since reaching the age of six years. They have three children, James E., William H. and Lucy A., their daughter being the wife of Mr. Edward Weinberg, of Chicago. In religious faith Mr. Rich is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body all his family number among the consistent and re- pected members. In politics he is a Republican, his first vote having been cast for John C. Fre- mont. He has, however, never been an aspirant for any public office.

WAYNE KINYON.

AYNE KINYON, who holds a responsible position with one of the largest packing concerns in Chicago, was born in the vi- cinity of Lyden, Cook County, on the Oplain River, May 8, 1842. He is a son of James Ham- ilton and Sally (Dunlap) Kinyon, and is truly a citizen of the United States.

James H. Kinyon was born December 19, 1812, in Balston Spa, New York, and came to Illinois in 1836. He passed away from this world at his residence at No. 508 South Randolph Street, in Champaign, Illinois, September 18, 1889. James

Kinyon lost his parents when he was a small boy, and was reared by his grandmother. At an early age he left her and went south to Florida. He located first at Troy Grove, La Salle County, after coming to Illinois, and later removed to Cook County. He fought in the Seminole War, and later went into trading, traveling up the Illinois River.

He was married, January 19, 1839, to Miss Sally Dunlap. He was a machinist by trade and found little to do in his line at the last-mentioned location, so decided to change his residence. He

585

WAYNE KINYON.

located in Chicago in 1841, which was a dull place at that time; consequently he went to Ly- den, where for several years he kept tavern and cultivated the soil. In 1851 Chicago had begun to boom and manufacturing to prosper, and Mr. Kinyon returned, renewing work at his chosen trade in this vicinity. He was employed by some of the largest manufacturers and continued at active labor until his hearing began to fail him, when he was obliged to seek other occupation.

With R. K. Swift he went into the business of banking, but went down with others in the panic of 1857. In 1869 he was forced to succumb to failing health and take a rest. He purchased the residence where he spent the remainder of his days and cultivated small fruits for the pleas- ure derived from the occupation. During his active life he invented many machines which were patented to the advantage of otliers unde- serving. At an early age he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a devout and consistent Christian. At his death his re- mains were interred in Rose Hill Cemetery. He was the father of three children. Florida Virginia was the first, and was born February 14, 1840, in Cosnovia, Cook County, Illinois. She died October 31, 1869, and her remains were interred at San Francisco, California. She married Wil- bur F. Hitchcock November 18, 1855, and her children were named: Nellie, Edgar, Walter, Bella and Wilbur. Nellie, the oldest of the chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock, married Mr. Anthony, and resides in San Francisco, Califor- nia. She has three interesting children: Gerald, Helen and Virginia.

comes of a family which ranks among the oldest settlers of Cook County. Their list is voluminous and well preserved in the annals of the county.

Wayne Kinyon was at school until he reached the age of seventeen years, receiving the educa- tion whichi proves an advantage to all who are fortunate enough to obtain it. He attended Gleason's private academy on the West Side, Snow's private school on Adams Street, Ogden public school, and Sloan's Business College. When twelve years of age, before leaving school, he was in the employ of H. C. Van Schak, on Michigan Street, a part of two years, this being a hardware store. He subsequently went into the banking house of F. M. Kerwin & Company, in St. Charles, Illinois. Botlı partners died on the same day after Mr. Kinyon had been with them eighteen months. He was one year with F. H. Benson & Company, at No. 46 Clark Street. He visited in Iowa at several different points, which occupied him one year, and at the age of seventeen years he went into the service of the Rosehill Cemetery Company as clerk. In1 1864 he was made resident superintendent and re- mained thus until 1867.

He subsequently went to Iowa City, Iowa, and engaged in the sale of agricultural machinery and seeds. He dealt in heavy farm machinery, and in 1877 returned to Chicago and entered the. employ of George W. Higgins Packing Company as weighing master one year. Mr. Higgins left the company and placed Mr. Kinyon in charge of the storage and warehouse. In the year 1890 he leased the storage department, with Henry D. Gilbert, and continued thus occupied until May, 1892.

Wayne is next in order of birth. Emmet James was born on a farm near Lyden, Cook County, At this date Mr. Kinyon entered the service of Armour & Company as superintendent of the sweet pickle department. He retains this posi- tion and is a valued and honored employe. He has control of three hundred and forty-four men, the business having developed under his manage- ment from work that used ninety hands. He is given full credit for his share in the growth and is rewarded accordingly. Illinois, April 10, 1848. He resides in Chicago and has never married. James H. Kinyon was associated with James H. Hollingsworth in the invention of the cotton gin, which is used at the present time. He was later with Sylvester Marsh, and they invented and set up a number of wheat dryers in several of the large lake bordering cities, and this industry developed into a great business to their profit. Mrs. J. H. Kinyon, Conducive to the success and general welfare mother of the man whose name heads this article, of a man is a genial, helpful life companion. He

586

CHARLES LARSEN.

was married, January 5, 1864, to Miss Ellen Au- gusta Reals, daughter of Frederick and Adelia (Hungerford) Reals. Mrs. Kinyon is all that could be desired in a wife, and is possessed of a refined, gentle disposition. She was born De- cember 22, 1842, in Jamesville, Onondaga Coun- ty, New York. Her parents never came to Chi- cago.

Mr. and Mrs. Kinyon have five children, each of whom is mentioned at some length. Frederick Reals, the eldest, was born in Chicago December 9, 1864, and died in Iowa City, Iowa, November 20, 1874, his remains being interred in the family lot at Rosehill Cemetery. Robert Dunlap, born in Iowa City February 14, 1868, married Martha Ferrell, of Belleville, Iowa. He resides on Marsh- field Avenue, Chicago, and is a shipping clerk, under his father's supervision, for Armour &

Company. Nellie Virginia, born February 6, 1874, in Iowa City, Iowa, died in Chicago Janu- ary 10, 1883. Wayne James, born in Chicago May 24, 1879, died January 25, 1883. Earle Clark, born in Chicago July 28, 1883, is attend- ing the Sherwood public school.

Wayne Kinyon was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is true to the teachings of his parents. He is loyal to the in- terests of the Republican party, voting in favor of the candidates of this party at all opportuni- ties. Being of a thrifty and economical nature, Mr. Kinyon desired to obtain a liome of his own and purchased at No. 5512 Armour Avenue, in 1886, and has since resided at this number. He is a man of genial temperament, a good neighbor and influential at all times for all measures which tend to uplift or benefit mankind.

CHARLES LARSEN.

HARLES LARSEN is a native of Svend- berg, Denmark, and was born in that place July 20, 1844. His father was Lars Chris- tensen, who was a weaver by trade and passed his life in his native town. He was born in 1811 and died in the year 1898. His wife survives him and is living in Denmark. They had four children, all of whom are living. Mr. Charles Larsen is the oldest son and third child of this family.

He went when six years of age to live with an uncle and at the age of eleven years went to sea, and the next thirteen years of his life were most eventful. He sailed to nearly all of the ports of both this and the old world, making voyages to Japan, China, California and other countries. He was once shipwrecked on a voyage to Cali- fornia and later on a trip to Newfoundland and

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 85

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