Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 94

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

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Mr. Arnold has been a member of the colored Baptist Church since 1866 and has been deacon since 1874. He was chairman of the board ten years and trustee one year, being treasurer for

the same length of time. He is interested in the affairs of the Republican party, and uses his influ- ence in behalf of the samne, but never seeks pub- lic favor in the form of any office. Mr. Arnold's father came to live with him and died here in April, 1894, at the age of eighty-three years. His mother died in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in 1875, at the age of about seventy-five years.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Arnold was Andrew Fogaman, who was born in Maryland, a free man. He served as teamster in the War of 1812 and in the Mexican War, and died at the age of one hundred eight years, his remains being interred at Bellbuckle, Tennessee. His wife, Han- nah Fogaman, was also born a free woman, but was kidnapped and taken South into slavery. Her husband followed her and remained with her until her death, and her body was interred at Sinking Creek, Tennessee.

The father of Mr. Arnold was born in Virginia and his ten children were as follows: Hannah, Caroline, Renna, Harriet, Andrew, Jacob, Moses and three others. Mr. Arnold, of this sketch, was the youngest of his father's family. He is well known among his friends and acquaintances as an honorable and upright man, a follower in the path of right and one who will win respect and recognition to the end of his days. He is beloved by his brethren in the church and in his family his word is law and his name shown deference.

AUGUST GUSTAFSON.

A UGUST GUSTAFSON, who is one of Chi- cago's worthy and prominent citizens, was" born July 4, 1860, in the village of Sjokumla, Osterjutland, Sweden. He is one of that nation of hardy constitutions, stanch minds and sterling characters, which make the man fitted for the moral and physical battles of life. His parents

were Gustav and Gustava (Anderson) Anderson, and the children of the family of Gustav Ander- son's parents were named: Pryts, Oak, Brodd and Gustav.

Gustav Anderson was born October 25, 1827, in Sweden. He was a carpenter contractor. Mrs. Anderson was born October 11, 1825, and died

LIBRARY OF THE IVERSITY OF ILLIN

CHARLES KOTZENBERG.

647

CHARLES KOTZENBERG.

July 1, 1897. Her children are named: Carl John, Matilda, Edla, August, David (who died at the age of three years), David (who resides in Chicago), Joseph, who died at the age of three months; and Edla, who married Carl Magnuson and lives in Kansas City.

August Gustafson came to Chicago April 25, 1880, having learned the trade of carpenter in his native land. He was employed at his trade in the Rodling Stock Repair Shops, and remained but two months. He then became occupied a short time at house building for Mr. Magnuson, but subsequently entered the shops of the Garden City Type Company, serving two years. After spending a short time with a contractor, he re- turned to the employ of the last-mentioned com- pany, being occupied in this capacity for five years. He is at the present time with R. & S. Sollitt, located at the corner of Dearborn and

Madison Streets. Having been very successful and thrifty, he was able, in 1896, to erect a resi- dence at No. 6608 Langley Avenue.

Mr. Gustafson was married August 23, 1883, to Louise, daughter of Andrew and Annie Louise (Swanson) Boberg. Mrs. Gustafson was born May 30, 1862, in Sweden, and came to America in 1882. Her children are as follows: Esther Louisa, born November 25, 1884; Elsie Matilda, May 1, 1886; and August Robert, July 25, 1887.

Mr. Gustafson joined Apollo Court No. 96, Independent Order of Foresters, in 1889. He is not a party man, in political questions, but votes for the man rather than to be prejudiced by party tenets. He is a man of high principles and strength of character, honored and respected by all who become acquainted with his straightfor- ward manner.

CHARLES KOTZENBERG.

r D HARLES KOTZENBERG was for several years a conspicuous figure in the vicinity of the Union Stock Yards of Chicago and prominent among business men of that locality. He was born January 29, 1845, at Essen Amt Wittlage, near Osnabrueck, Prussia. He was a son of William Henry and Katharine Kotzen- berg, both members of very old and prominent families. William H. Kotzenberg was a mer- chant, and both he and his wife died in the vil- lage where Charles was born. Of their family only Rudolph and Charles came to America, the former dying two years after his arrival, in 1885. Charles received a good education in his native place and studied pharmacy, graduating from the University of Osnabrueck.

In the spring of 1864 he came to the United States and remained a short time in New York,

before going west. Later he went to Arcadia, Missouri, where he was employed in the high school as teacher of languages and music for about a year. He drifted to New Orleans, and being out of employment and money, he enlisted in the United States army. After the fire of 1871 he came to Chicago November 1, with the Eighth United States Infantry, as hospital steward. April 29, 1872, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Oswald, very old pioneers of Chicago.

Accompanied by his young wife he started west, after his marriage, with the regiment, con- tinuing to Utah. After spending a couple of months there they went to Fort Bridger, Wyom- ing Territory. His time of service expired May 8, 1874, and returning to Chicago, Mr. Kotzen- berg established a small drug store at the Union

648

BASTIAN STEENBERGEN.

Stock Yards. Being a very enterprising and ambitious man, he succeeded in the business which he started, and soon became enabled to begin the manufacture of paints and oils and carried on a wholesale as well as retail trade. By strict attention to all the details of his busi- ness and fair and courteous treatment of his cus- tomers he accumulated a valuable property. In politics he was a Democrat and prominent in the party organization. In 1884 he was candidate for county commissioner, but suffered defeat with the rest of the party. He was three times elected assessor of the Town of Lake and faithfully dis- charged the duties of that office. He acquired the distinction of being the "people's assessor" and his work in that office was highly appreciated, as was attested by his re-election by large ma- jorities. He was a generous wholesouled man, who had as many friends as acquaintances. In social and fraternal societies he took a lively in- terest. He was a charter member of Mizpah

Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, a inember of Chicago Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Apollo Commandery, Knights Templar, and of the Mystic Shrine, the Rising Star and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

In 1890 he built the beautiful residence on the corner of Garfield Boulevard and Peoria Street, now occupied by his widow and family. He was a great lover of his home and family and in his domestic life was exceedingly happy. He died October 8, 1892. To Mr. and Mrs. Kotzenberg were born nine children, three of whom died in childhood. Those living are: William Joseph, a pharmacist, now a member of the First Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Katharine, wife of Walter C. Sanger, of Milwaukee; Mary H., wife of Tracy Holmes, of Chicago; Bertha, Charles G. and Thomas. Mrs. Kotzenberg and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church of Visit- ation, and are held in high esteem by those in the community in which they live.

BASTIAN STEENBERGEN.

B ASTIAN STEENBERGEN has been among the most active of citizens of the United States since the time he adopted it for his country. He was born in 1843, in the city of Dort, Holland, and his parents were John Arie and Mary (Van Ripe) Steenbergen. Arie Steen- bergen, brother of the man whose name heads this article, was the first of his father's family to emigrate from his native land, and he located in Roseland, Illinois, and now lives at Harvey. In 1855 the remainder of the family, including the parents and four children, followed. The children were as follows: John, Nellie, Bastian and Peter. The last-named is constable at Kensington, and John also resides in that locality.

Bastian Steenbergen concluded, at the age of

sixteen years, to strike out for himself, and he left the Steenbergen farın, near Riverdale, which was known as the Pullman Dairy Farm, at that age. He then started to follow the life of a sailor on the schooner "George F. Foster" under Cap- tain Smith. He was second officer for some time on the schooner "Drayton," and the bark "Sam- uel B. Ward." In1 1871 he left the lakes and began the occupation of butcher, at the Union Stock Yards, being employed successively by several firms. He is at present with Nelson Morris, having been with him since 1891.

Mr. Steenbergen built a residence at No. 6720 Cottage Grove Avenue in 1890, and has since resided at this location. He was married Noveni- ber 18, 1871, to Zwaana Vogel. Mrs. Steenber-

649

T. A. DILLON.

gen is a daughter of William and Petronella (Blokland) Vogel, and was born October 20, 1848, in Nodlos, Holland. She came to America in 1852. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Steen- bergen are as follows: Mary, born July 28, 1872;

Nellie May, May 21, 1874; John Arthur, July 28, 1880; and Grace, November 14, 1883. Mr. Steenbergen and his family are members of the Dutch Reformed Church, and he is a Republican in politics.

THOMAS A. DILLON.

HOMAS ANDREW DILLON, one of the of Riley Brothers, of that city. Besides his most successful and popular business men widow, Mr. Dillon left two children-Mary Liguori and Thomas Andrew Dillon-to mourn an irreparable loss. These children are being carefully reared and educated by an intelligent and capable mother and will, no doubt, prove a credit to the name they bear. of Chicago, was taken from the midst of his family, friends and business associates by accidental drowning October 9, 1897. He was born January 28, 1853, in the city of Joliet, and was among the native sons of the city who have contributed much to her commercial and moral development. His father, John Dillou, was among the pioneers of Illinois, and was mayor of Joliet early in the history of that city.

The subject of this sketch received his higher education at Notre Dame University, graduating from that institution at the early age of nineteen years. He early developed a talent for business, and began his career, after graduation, as book- keeper for the Chicago firm of Durand & Com- pany. On leaving this employment he acquired an interest in a distilling firm, which was then known as Kavanaugh, Oliver & Dillon. This connection continued until 1880, when Mr. Dillon withdrew to become associated with Andrew Riley, of Omaha, Nebraska, in the operation of an extensive distillery in that city. In 1891 he sold out this interest and returned to Chicago. Resuming an interest in his former business in this city, he was elected president of the firm of Kavanaugh & Company, which position he held at the time of his untimely demise.

Mr. Dillon was married in Omaha, November 26, 1884, to Miss Sadie A. Riley, daughter of Thomas J. Riley, of the wholesale distilling firin

Mr. Dillon suffered from ill health some time before his death and had visited the mineral springs at West Baden, Indiana, in hope of re- covery through their medicinal virtues. Two days after his return, while walking alone on the breakwater at the foot of Ontario Street, during a high gale, he was accidentally swept from his footing and perished many hours before the fact became known. He was an exemplary gentleman, of large benevolence and wide popu- larity. His place in the circles which he graced and honored can never be filled. As a neighbor, associate, husband and father, he was deeply lamented, and his memory will ever be fondly cherished. He was a conspicuous member of the Notre Dame Alumni, the Chicago Athletic Club and of Holy Name Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church, in all of which organizations his absence is deeply felt.

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

650

A. R. ZEIS.

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

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

ANDREW R. ZEIS.

A NDREW REINHARD ZEIS, now living retired, is an honored pioneer of Chicago. He was born July 29, 1833, in Kurssen, Hessen-Cassel, Germany, and is the youngest son of John Audrew and Margareta Zeis, who had four children, the first of whom, Andrew, died when he was but a small child. The oldest daughter married, but died in Middletown, New York, leaving 110 family. Falden died in Ger- many. John Andrew Zeis served in the German army and fought against Napoleon, dying in the army, when his son, Andrew R. of this sketch, was but thirteen years of age. Mrs. J. A. Zeis died in Chicago in 1870.

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

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

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

651

PETER BRUST.

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

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

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

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

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

PETER BRUST.

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

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

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

652

JOHN WELANDER.

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

Mr. Brust was married October 16, 1854, to Miss Anna Elizabeth Brach, daughter of John Peter and Susanna Elizabeth (Bertgess) Brach. Mrs. Brust was born February 3, 1830, in the village of Letzbenren, Prussia. Her father died in 1837, at the age of fifty-four years. He was twice married, Mrs. Brust being a child of the second marriage. The children of Mr. Brach by his first wife were named: Julia, Mary Elizabeth, Jacob, Nicholas and Susanna Marie. Mary was married to Peter Gölzer and Susanna to Jacob Fritsch, and both sisters reside in Brazil. Jacob immigrated to America and died in Nebraska i11 the fall of the year 1891. The others remained in Germany. The children of Mr. Brach by his second wife were named as follows: Susanna, Emma, Peter, Anna E., Mary and Michael. Peter is the subject of a biography in this volume. Mary married Rudolph Bowman, a wagon maker, and lives in Racine, Wisconsin. Their children are: Emma, Clara, Albert and Charles. Michael married Miss Katherine Thomas, while in Ger-

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

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

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

JOHN WELANDER.

OHN WELANDER, who was born of the land and nation of health and strength, is a true representative of his native country, and still has a worthy regard for the land of his birth and childhood days. He was born November 1, 1869, in the factory town, Kungskogen, Verm- land, Sweden. His parents were Eric and Carrie (Olson) Welander and his father emigrated from his native land in early days, intending to locate in America. His fate is still one of wonder, as he was never afterward heard from.

John Welander was the first of his father's

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

653

NICHOLAS SINGLER.

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

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

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

NICHOLAS SINGLER.

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

Nicholas Singler was educated in the public school of Englewood, in which village he thor- oughly learned the trade of a carpenter. He worked in shops where cars were manufactured until he became established in the florist's busi- ness, and was successful from the start. His wife was of great assistance to him, being a11 eco- nomical and careful manager. He began with

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

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

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 94

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