Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 95

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

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Mr. Singler chose for his wife and helpmate Miss Josephine, daughter of Londoline and Sa- bina (Kemph) Segar, natives of Baden, Germany. Mrs. Singler was born in the same village as her husband and came to America in April, 1865, and located in New York for one year. After re- siding in Pennsylvania four years, she came to Chicago in May, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Singler were blessed with nine children, all of whom are living at home, with her mother. They were

654

MATTHIAS THEOBALD.

named as follows: Joseph Albert, Lucy Sylva, Henry Kobert, Sophia Margaret, Elizabeth Lait- retta, Frank Aloysius, Edward, Charles and Rosalie.

All members of the family are connected with St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church of Wash- ington Heights. Mr. Singler was a kind hus- band and father, and was honored and respected, for his dealings with his fellow-men were above

reproach. His life is well worthy of emulation by the generation of the day, and he was alike beloved by friend and neighbor. He was never a seeker for public office, believing he could better serve his country as a private citizen.

A short time previous to his death, which oc- curred August 20, 1893, Mr. Singler joined the Independent Order of Foresters, and was held in high esteem by every member of the order.

MATTHIAS THEOBALD.

ATTHIAS THEOBALD. Many of the most enterprising and eminent of the citi- zens of the United States are foreign born and bred and owe much of their success to the severe teachings and stern rearing of their fathers. They are often possessed with a stubborn will power and steadfastness found only in those taught to face hardships that are not to be mnet with in this land of ours. The German-born citizens who have made fame and fortunes for themselves are a good example for the youth of the United States, and their constitutions are to be envied them. Matthias Theobald is a typical German-American and is among the foremost and active of the young men of Chicago. He was born February 22, 1857, in the village of St. Barb, Alsace, Germany, and his parents were Johann and Mary (Cornelius) Theobald.

Mr. Theobald was the first of his father's fam- ily to emigrate from his native land and came to America May 15, 1880. He camie by way of New York and Philadelphia to Chicago. He had learned the trade of a carpenter in the land of his nativity and his first work in this country was done for Julius Miller, after which he worked for a short time on the Keeley Brewery and subse- quently on the South Side for Mr. Rosenthal.

He has continued to be employed by different men since that time and is at present in the serv- ice of John Bernreiter, of Burnside.

He was at Pullman thirteen months, occupied on buildings in that locality, and has built a num- ber of residences on contract. In 1892 lie erect- ed a residence for his own use at No. 7439 Lang- ley Avenue, having previously built one at Park- side, which he sold.

Johann Theobald died in 1869, at tlie age of fifty years, having been a stone cutter. His wife died in 1867, at the age of forty-eight years. Her children are accounted for as follows: George, deceased; Nicholas; John, deceased; Jacob ;- Matlıias; Katharine; Peter; Martin, in Harrison, New Jersey; Anton, John and Michael in New Jersey, also.

Mathias Theobald was married October 23, 1883, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Reis) Walker. Mrs. Theobald was born April 8, 1855, in Baden, Germany, and came to America in April, 1882. The members of the family are connected with the Roman Cath- olic Church and Mr. Theobald belongs to the Car- penter's Union. He has never taken any active part in politics, but votes the Democratic ticket at every opportunity.

655

C. W. WILLARD.

CHARLES W. WILLARD.

HARLES WRIGHT WILLARD was born January 31, 1826, in Deerfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, and is a son of Hez- ekiah and Sultana (Fisk) Willard. He is a di- rect descendant of Maj. Simon Willard, who was born at Horsmonden, England, in 1605. A gen- ealogy of the Willard family, a copy of which is in possession of the subject of this sketch, was compiled by Joseph Willard in 1858. David Willard, grandfather of C. W. Willard, married Rebecca Pratt, a native of Winchester, New Hampshire, and had the following children: Hez- ekiah, Amos, Rebecca, Thirsa, Seraph and Olive.

Hezekiah Willard, father of Charles W. Wil- lard, was born September 30, 1803, in Winchester, New Hampshire. Sultana Fisk, his wife, was born December 21, 1792, in South Deerfield, Mas- sachusetts, and was of Scotch descent. Their children were: Amos Fisk, Charles Wright, Hez- ekiah Oscar and John Peters.

The business life of Charles W. Willard began at the age of sixteen years, in Alstead, New Hampshire. From there he went to Nashua, in the same state, and worked as a blacksmith two years. Going thence to Dorchester, Massachu- setts, he there learned the trade of steam forger, having as companion, his brother, John P. Wil- lard. Together they went to Bridgewater, Mas- sachusetts, where they worked the hammer which turned out the armor for the first monitor, the old Roanoke, comprising one hundred and sixty tons of armor plate. They subsequently dupli- cated this order for twenty-three gunboats, and also filled various other government orders.

In 1862 they came to Chicago and engaged in business with the firm of Pynchon, Willard & Company. They established a forge at Archer Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street, which was known as the Chicago Steam Forge Works. Mr. John Pynchon was the recognized head of the concern, and had its financial management until he was bought out by Charles W. Willard. They started with one hammer, and by the help of in- ventions perfected by the Willard brothers, and which are protected by patents, the volume of business was increased until it employed ten hammers. The first of these patents covered an improved valve-gear, and the next invention, which proved the more valuable of the two, was an iron-helve hammer. In course of time Mr. C. W. Willard bought out all his partners, the first one to sell being Mr. James W. Maxwell, who left the firm in 1868, the next being Mr. Willard's brother, and the last Mr. Pynchon.

In 1878 a charter covering the business was secured, with the title of Willard Sons & Bell Company. The plant was moved to South Chi- cago and located on the Calumet River, fronting on Ninety-eighth Street, in 1882, at which time its capacity was quadrupled. The product con- sists chiefly of car and locomotive axles, and includes all kinds of forgings for railroad work. Since the World's Fair, Mr. Willard's sons, Frank and Lemuel, have assumed the practical manage- ment of the business, thus giving the father a much-needed rest after a long life of useful activity. The two brothers, Charles W. and John P. Willard, are now enjoying a competency,

656

C. F. SODERBERG.

which they have earned by a life of hard labor and honest endeavor.

September 28, 1846, Charles W. Willard was married to Miss Martha Ann Babcock, a daughter of Lemuel E. and Saralı Emmeline (Buell) Bab- cock. Martha A. Babcock was born October 22, 1832, in Windsor, Vermont, and died September 20, 1883, at South Chicago. She was the mother of eight children. The eldest of these, Charles Edward Willard, was born May 22, 1849, at Dor- chester, Massachusetts. He married Ellen, daughter of Charles E. Felton, of Chicago, and has one child, named George Gale. Martha Emma Willard, born April 12, 1851, at Dorchester, Mas- sachusetts, married Kossuth H. Bell, March 1I, 1879, and has five children.

Frank Eugene, third child of C. W. Willard, was born November 10, 1854, in East Boston, Massachusetts. In March, 1885, he married Anna, daughter of John Moran, of Cleveland, Ohio. Their children are: Frank Valentine, born February 14, 1894; Dorothy, April 26, 1895; and Gladys, March 22, 1896. After graduating from the Chicago High School in 1870, Mr. Wil- lard was employed six years at the forge. He then went into the offices of the Chicago Steam Forge Works, and since July 1, 1889, he has had entire charge of these offices.

Freddy C., the fourth child of C. W. Willard, born February 17, 1855, in Dorchester, Massachu- setts, died July 30, 1857. Harriet Emmeline, next, was born May 30, 1859, in Bridgewater,

Massachusetts, and died in Chicago May 1, 1877, having just graduated from the Chicago High School.

Lemuel Clifton Willard was born October 17, 1862, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. December 12, 1885, he was married to Miss Ellen, daugh- ter of Anton Kahl, of Chicago. Their children are: Ella Martha, born May 2, 1887; Harriet Emmeline, December 12, 1893; and Wright Clifton, September 6, 1896. At the age of six- teen years he left school, and entered his father's employ. In 1888 he took charge of the mechanical portion of work of the establishment, and has con- tinued in this position ever since.

The last two children of C. W. Willard and wife were twins, Willie and Winnie, born in Chi- cago, October 10, 1865. The former died on the following day, and the latter September 30, 1867.

November 19, 1888, Charles W. Willard was married the second time, the bride being a sister of his first wife, and the widow of his younger brother, H. O. Willard. Hezekiah Oscar Wil- lard was born February 13, 1827, in Winchester, New Hampshire, and died March 22, 1886, at Alstead, in the same state. January 28, 1846, he was married to Sarah Emmeline Babcock, and they became the parents of nine children.

Mr. Charles W. Willard was made a Mason, at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1861, becoming a member of Bridgewater Lodge of that city. He is a steadfast Republican in political principle, but has never aspired to political offices or honors.

CARL F. SODERBERG.

ARL FREDERICK SODERBERG, who is one of Chicago's representative citizens, is one of the sturdy, hardy constitutioned na- tives of Sweden, and though true to the memory of his native land, he is loyal to the interests of

his adopted country. Born in the city of Hede- mora, province of Dalarne, Sweden, September 1, 1838, he is a son of Andrew and Annie (Ers- dotter) Soderberg.

His father died in 1849, at the age of fifty-three

657

EDWARD REEHOFF.

years. He was a dyer and learned his trade in Turkey. He conducted a very large business and his son inherited the same. Mrs. Andrew Soderberg was born in 1800, and died in the year 1884. Her children were: Karin, who is married, as is also Andretta, Carl Frederick and two sisters who are still residents of their native land.

Carl Frederick Soderberg conducted the busi- ness of dyeing, inherited from his father, while he remained in his native land. He is the only one of the family who came to America, and reached Chicago May 17, 1880, and was em- ployed by the South Park Board for some time. He has spent two years in the service of John Berg & Brother, located at the corner of Fiftieth Street and Fifth Avenue. During the interval between the date of his leaving the service of the

South Park Board and entering the employment of John Berg & Brother, he was fourteen years in the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company's shops.

March 6, 1866, he was married to Miss Augusta Hockert. Mrs. Soderberg was born Jannary 18, 1840, in Jefle, Jestrikland, Sweden.

Her children are: Gustav Frederick Julius, born December 10, 1867, and died August 9, 1869; Axel Frederick, born November 13, 1870, and died April 19, 1872; Anna Rosa Euphrosene, born May 28, 1874, and is now the wife of Carl Hammor, and resides in Pullman. Mr. Soder- berg resides at No. 5424 Wentworth Avenue. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is honored and respected by all other members of the congregation. In political principle he is a Republican.

EDWARD REEHOFF.

DWARD REEHOFF was born at Copen- hagen October 26, 1860, the son of Edward and Johanna (Jensen) Reehoff, of that city. His father was a merchant and died in 1878; his mother still lives in that city, where she has passed through the joys and sorrows of her life, and where her five sous and five daughters were born. Not one of these ten children has passed away, and all but Edward are still living in the old country. He is the second son and the third child in order of birth.

He was naturally of a studious disposition, and his parents, recognizing this circumstance, as well as his native mental ability, gave him educational opportunities above the ordinary. He received diplomas from two schools; yet at the age of fourteen found himself confronted with the stern realities of life. Not so stern for him,

perhaps, as they may have been for lads of his acquaintance, for he entered the employ of his uncle, a wine merchant, who undertook to teach him the business. This connection lasted for twelve years. The young man, however, was ambitious. Life in Copenhagen would always be the same. Others had succeeded in the New World; why not he? So in 1886 he emigrated to America. From New York he went to Bay City, Michigan, where he remained for six months. Then he started out for the lumber camps, where his education and his physical strengthi stood liim in equally good stead. He could keep books or chop wood with like facility, and lie led the life of a lumberman for two years. Tiring of his surroundings he came to Chicago. For a time his occupations were varied. He was bookkeeper and barkeeper, a waiter in a restau-

658

ANDREW JOHNSEN.

rant, and, in short, a man of general utility. Finally lie determined to make a new departure. He learned to pack cigars. After three years of hard work in this line he was able to buy out the Jacobson cigar factory, at No. 192 Grand Avenue. Under his practical skill and sound judgment the business assumed constantly increasing propor- tions. May 1, 1897, he moved his factory to No. 843 West Division Street, where he still carries on his business. His success has been pro- nounced as it is deserved. His sales (1899) ag- gregate more than half a million per year, and are chiefly of a good quality. The "Pride" and

the "Perfection" are his leading brands. He may well be proud of the first and plume himself on the perfection of the second.

In 1893 he took to himself a wife, a Danish lady, Miss Sophia Jacobsen. Five children were born to them, four of whom are yet living: Edward, Ellen, George and Valborg.

Mr. Reehoff takes little interest in politics, be- ing thoroughly independent in the exercise of his franchise. He is, however, an active member of several societies- Denmark Lodge No. 112, Knights of Pythias; of the Society Dania; and the singing society, Harmonica.

ANDREW JOHNSEN.

A NDREW JOHNSEN, who conducts a flour- ishing business as a butcher at No. 658 North Campbell Avenue, is a native of Den- mark, having been born at Veiby, in that king- dom, September 15, 1852. The deatlı of his father left him an orphan at the tender age of seven months, and he was cared for and reared in the family of Lars Jensen. At the age of four- teen years he had completed the ordinary cur- riculum of the common school, and it was thought best that he should go to work. For nearly a year after leaving school he worked as an errand boy in a news store, but his adventurous inclina- tions could not be thus easily tamed. Accord- ingly he shipped "before the mast." The life, although hard, suited him so well that he followed it twenty-five years-for five years as second mate-sailing over nearly the entire globe, visit- ing not only the ports of England, France and the Mediterranean, but also those of the East and West Indies, as well as of Africa and Oceanica, and doubling Cape Horn.

He came to Chicago, after a brief visit to Den-

mark, in 1882. For a short time he sailed the lakes, and on becoming a landsman found em- ployment with the leading wholesale firm of Headstrom & Company, dealers in coal, as fore- man. His chief duties were the responsible ones which attach to the loading and unloading of coal, and for four years he discharged them with the same fidelity with which he has met all the other obligations of life.

He left Headstrom & Company to engage in business for himself. He opened a meat market at the corner of North Halsted and Ohio Streets, which he continued to conduct about seven years, building up a large and profitable trade. In 1894 he erected the four-story building at the corner of North Campbell and Potomac Avenues. His shop occupies the lower floor, the upper stories being arranged as flats.

Miss Getta Haavaldsen became the wife of Mr. Johnsen in 1886. She first saw the light of day in Norway. They have one daughter, Bertha.

Mr. Johnsen is a strong Republican in politics.

659

P. F. ROFINOT.

He was initiated into the Masonic order at tlie little town of Ardrossen, Scotland, and is an act-

Pythias, in which he has attained the dignity of Past Chancellor. He is also a member of the ive member of Denmark Lodge, Knights of Evangelical Lutheran Church.

PETER F. ROFINOT.

ETER FRANCOIS ROFINOT, who comes of a very old and respected family, is one of Chicago's retired citizens, having gained enough of this world's goods to satisfy his per- sonal demands during the remainder of his life. He was born January 14, 1815, in the village of Dambelin, France, a son of John Francois and Josette (Contin) Rofinot. The people of France are well known to be a race of happy, graceful, refined people, genteel and proud to a fault, and, though gay and dashing, are probably the most harmonious and contented of the human race.

The Rofinots were in Napoleon Bonaparte's army, and the name is traced back many gene- rations. The grandfather of the man whose name heads this article, Claude Rofinot, died in 1832, at the age of eighty-eight years. He mar- ried for his first wife Cecile Guenot, and her children were: Francis, John and Ceretine. By his second wife he became the father of one child, Thomas. None of this family ever emigrated from their native land. Claude Rofinot was a contractor, with immense business interests, and his son, John Francois, inherited these interests. The maternal grandfather of Peter Francois Rofinot was Philip Contin, who had eleven cliil- dren, Josette being the youngest. Mr. Contin was of a very aristocratic family, and owned and cultivated extensive lands.

John Francois Rofinot and his eleven children emigrated from their native land in 1834, and reached New York June 30 of that year, having spent seventy-two days on the trip. After ar- riving in America they immediately located in

Crogan, Lewis County, New York. All of the children settled there except Virginia, Julia, Jo- sephine and Peter Francois, who stayed in New York City. J. F. Rofinot purchased two hun- dred acres of land in Lewis County, and after conducting a farm for some time retired from act- ive life. He remained at his residence there until his death, which occurred in 1887, having reached the age of ninety-four years. He was a contractor and builder in his native land, his business being mostly with public buildings, schoolhouses and bridges. He was a large man, weighing about one hundred and seventy pounds, and had a fine education.

The mother of Peter F. Rofinot died at the age of sixty-five years, in 1866. She was also born in Dambelin, France, and her children were named as follows: Eugene F., Virginia, Julia, Josephine, Peter F., Augustus, Rosalie, Felicita, Joseph, Victor and Adel. Victor is the only one living except the subject of this biography, and all of the children were born in the same house in Dambelin, France. There were twelve in all, but the first-born died in infancy.

Peter Francois Rofinot was in New York three months and then went to Crogan, New York, and built a sawmill. After a short time he dis- posed of it and went to the scene of the digging of the Erie Canal. He was here employed as stone cutter, and after three months was made foreman. He remained in this capacity until he came to Chicago, reaching that city September 14, 1840. He was subsequently made foreman of work on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, occu-

660

H. G. F. PAULY.

pying that position until December, 1841. In June, 1842, he turned his attention to the car- penter's trade, and continued at the saine until August. He made a trip to Torold, Canada, but returned to Chicago in 1845. He purchased an interest in a stone quarry, with Robert Cunning- ham for partner, at Joliet, and brought stone to Chicago, a distance of forty miles, by team, and sold it for five dollars per ton.

After two years he established a cut stone and marble store in Chicago, on the alley between Washington and Madison Streets, near Clark Street. He continued the business until the canal opened, when he sold out. He moved his build- ing to Fifth Avenue, between Polk and Harrison Streets, opening a stone yard there, and this be- came one of the most extensive enterprises in the west of its kind. He admitted a partner, James K. Polk, and closed out the business after eight- een months, losing about three hundred thou- sand dollars in the deal. The company was organized as the Great Western Stone Company. Mr. Rofinot then retired from active business, this being at the time of the great crisis of 1857.

Peter F. Rofinot was married, November 10, 1841, to Mrs. Delphine Mueller, née Choulet, who was born June 20, 1819, in Paris, France. She has a son, Alexander Choulet. The children

of Mr. and Mrs. Rofinot were nine in number. Amelia Adele, born September 6, 1842, married Joseph Menard July 3, 1862; he resides in Mc- Cook, Red Willow County, Nebraska, with his wife and children: Delphine, Ida, Josephine and Aimee, and conducts a general store. John Francis was born July 19, 1844. Francis Peter, born June 30, 1846, died October 4, 1847. A biography of Victor Peter Francis appears else- where in this volume. Alfred Morris is spoken of on another page of this work also. Louise Amelia, born October 31, 1852, died July 13, 1853. Aglie Eugenie, born August 9, 1854, married George Frinier April 22, 1872; she re- sides at Redondo Beach, California, and her chil- dren are: Oliver, Robert, Genevieve and George. Joseph Augustus, born July 31, 1856, was mar- ried, October 6, 1886, to Annie Kelly; he is a painter by occupation, and resides at No. 1909 Indiana Avenue. Delphine Felicite, born Febru- ary 2, 1859, died March 16, 1860.

Mr. Rofinot has always adhered to the Roman Catholic Church. He was three terms president of the French Benevolent Society, and is also a member of the French Pioneer Society. He was a Democrat until the organization of the Repub- lican party, and served as South Town Super- visor one terin.

HENRY G. F. PAULY.

ENRY GEORGE FREDERICK PAULY. Nearly six decades have passed since this old resident of Chicago, hale and hearty, despite his years, first opened his eyes in the duchy of Schleswig-Holstein September 4, 1839. He is the oldest son (and third child) of Henry and Christina Pauly. His father lived to the age of sixty-five and died in the land of his nativity, where he had lead the life of a tailor and farmer.

After an early training in the common schools, Henry learned the trade of carpenter, serving an apprenticeship of seven years, and becoming a journeyman at the age of twenty-two. Then he enlisted in the military service, serving almost continuously from 1861 to 1864, when the war between Denmark and Germany came to an end. At the conclusion of the struggle, having received his discharge from the army, he went to Sonde-

661

AXEL HOCKERT.

verberg, where he remained, working at his trade and erecting buildings, among them the court house of the city. Before leaving there he su- perintended the erection of a national monument to the honor of the victor in the Danish- German war. He was in government employ, and showed admirable executive capacity in the handling of large numbers of men. During the Franco-Prus- sian War he again served as a soldier, fighting under the imperial standard of William I. In 1872 he came to America, settling in Chicago.

For two years after reaching this city he worked at his trade as a journeyman, but in 1874 started in business as a contractor. His first field of operations was in the northwestern part of the city, where for a time he had comparatively lit- tle competition. He put down several sidewalks, and for a time cultivated a patch of ground near the intersection of Harrison and Rockwell Streets. In 1876 he started a milk route, but disposed of this in 1880, to engage in the clothing business

at Nos. 206-210 Monroe Street. After three years he again returned to the sale of milk, establish- ing himself at No. 994 North Rockwell Street. He prospered, and in 1894 determined to give up the sale of milk from wagons and to open a store for the sale of milk and groceries. This business he still conducts at the same location.

In 1870, after seeking his fortune in a strange land, he married Miss Julia Lund. They have reared a family of seven children, all of whom are living, while six are at home. Their names are: Sophia, Henry, George, Bertha (wife of Caspar Gundgraf, of Chicago), Willie, Charles and Harry.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 95

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