Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 98

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

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The man whose name heads this article bas

also taken active interest in the proceedings of various other societies. He was president of the Danishı Veterans' Society three terms and has always held some office in the society. He is also a member of the Society Dania, and of the Danish Singing Society, Harmonien, he hav- ing been trustee of the latter. He is active in the interests of the Democratic party, being a prominent member of the Scandinavian Demo- cratic Club of Cook County.

In 1875 Mr. Danielsen was married in Copen- hagen, to Miss Betty Swanson, a native of Sweden. They have two children now living, Axel, a musician, of Chicago, and Betty, residing with her parents.

GEORGE LARSEN.

EORGE LARSEN, dealer in wines and liquors at No. 239 Milwaukee Avenue, was born at Skjelskor, Denmark, November 27, 1846. His father, John York Larsen, was a prominent mason contractor of that place, where he died at the age of fifty-three years. The elder Larsen married Maria Petersen, who sur- vived him, passing away in her sixty-third year. Five of their six children are still living. George was the third in order of birth. His early educa- tional advantages were the best that the locality afforded, but at the age of fourteen years he left school to assist his father in his business. For nine years thereafter he remained at home, but in 1869, an overmastering impulse to hew out his fortunes in a strange land induced him to emigrate.

Landing at New York in 1869, he came at once to Chicago. Among his fellow passengers from Denmark were Henry Hertz and the Thorsen family. His first employment was found upon a

farm, and later he worked in a hotel. I11 1872 he started in business as proprietor of the Aurora Hall, located on Milwaukee Avenue. He was genial and popular, and before long was given the sobriquet of "Aurora," from his connection with that place of resort. He was also the foun- der of one of the earliest Danislı newspapers published in the city, the Sunday Post. This was the first paper in Chicago to employ illus- trations.

He remained at Aurora Hall but a short time, when he sold out his business. During the next twenty-five years he was located at different points, having been during that period fifteen years in the employ of Jacob Wolfort and Mahler & Gale in one place. Finally he again opened an establishment of his own. After being two years on Milwaukee Avenue he removed to Grand Avenue, near Hoyne. His business pros- pered, and in 1891 he built a handsome home at Cragin, at a cost of five thousand dollars. At

678

N. C. ANDERSEN.

one time he was interested in a patent medicine and electric battery business, which was suc- cessful.

Other places of trust which he has filled have been a clerkship in Judge Bauer's court and the post of manager of a hotel and saloon at No. 219 Milwaukee Avenue, for the owner, Mrs. Hansen, which was long a favorite resort for the Danish residents of Chicago. In 1897 he opened his present establishment, a finely appointed and well-conducted wine room.

He married, in 1872, Miss Elizabeth C. Meyer,

who is also a native of Denmark, born in Copen- hagen. Of the four children who were the fruit of this marriage, two are living, Axel and Elsie.

Mr. Larsen is a member of the Denmark Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and of the Har- monien Singing Society. Politically he is a Democrat of the strictest faith, being a promi- nent member of the Harrison Guards and of the Scandinavian Democratic Association.

Two brothers and a sister reside at Copen- hagen, all well-to-do and enjoying desirable posi- tions in society.

NIELS C. ANDERSEN.

IELS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, grocer, of No. 234 North Elizabeth Street, enjoys an enviable reputation among Danish- Americans in Chicago. He was born at Jylland, Denmark, on December 8, 1861, being the second child and second son of Anders P. Jensen and Anna Catherine Larsdatter. His father, who was at the time of his marriage and still is, a prosperous farmer, is living (1899), at the age of sixty-three years. Mrs. Andersen, Senior, died at the age of thirty-five years. Eight children were born of this marriage and all reached ma- turity.

Mr. Andersen's childhood and early youth were spent at home, his time being divided be- tween attending school in the summer and work- ing upon the farm during the winter. Indeed, lie first began to assist in farm work when he was eight years old. At the age of thirteen years he left school, and a year later began earning money for himself. By the time he was eighteen he had accumulated enough money to enable him to emigrate to America, and on April 25, 1880, he walked the streets of Chicago for the first time.

In worldly wealth he was very poor; he had but two cents in his pocket. But he was rich in the qualities which, when properly employed, count for far more than money-intelligence and grit.

Fortune favored him, and he soon secured em- ployment with C. F. Rasmussen. At first lie received but eight dollars per month, but his em- ployer recognized his capability and integrity by increasing his compensation from time to time, until, at the end of three years, he was in receipt of thirty dollars per month.

With his savings he embarked in the milk business at No. 22 Bismarck Court, and con- tinued in this line until 1894. In that year he disposed of his route, good will, wagons, cans and so forth, and engaged in the trade of a grocer, although still selling milk in connection with his other commodities.

Mr. Andersen has been twice married. His first wife, Matilda Nelson, died February 25, 1888. One daughter was born to them, Aimie Catherine, who has now reached the age of four- teen years. His second wife was Miss Eliza Catherine Hansen, by whom he has had one son,

679

JOHN MERKI .- EDWARD HANSEN.

Arthur Christian, born in 1891. He is a past worthy member of Wicker Park Lodge No. 28, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In every essential particular Mr. Andersen is a thoroughly self-made man. His capital of two cents has grown and multiplied, until the friendless immigrant has become the prosperous

man of business. Yet its manifold multiplication has been the result of no fortunate speculation. No wind of political patronage has filled the sails of his business. He owes his success to that singleness of purpose which has already made so many of his countrymen prominent figures in the business world.

JOHN MERKI.

OHN MERKI, JUNIOR, the second son of John and Agatha Merki, was born at Corn- ing, New York, September 17, 1854. A sketch of the lives of his parents may be found elsewhere in this volume.

When he was two years old the family removed to Chicago. John was educated in the public schools of the city and at Deyrenfurth College. At the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to the trade of a harness-maker, and served the pre- scribed period of three years. He then began work as a journeyman, but after two years so spent he entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, as a laborer. Here his industry and fidelity were soon recog- nized, and gradual promotion in the company's service followed, he being at present general fore-

man of the freight department at the State Street station. This steady advancement to a post of such great responsibility, and one which calls for a high order of integrity and executive capac- ity, is in itself a convincing proof of the con- fidence felt by his superiors in his ability.

December 30, 1876, he was married to Miss Emma H. Pauly, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Pauly. To Mr. and Mrs. Merki have been born two sons, Emil and John, and a daughter who bears the names of her two grand- mothers, Agatha Ida.

In politics Mr. Merki is a Democrat, but has at no time either sought or desired office. The members of the family are connected with the Christian Church, and are highly esteemed in the large circle of friends in which they move.

EDWARD HANSEN.

DWARD HANSEN, now deceased, was, 22, 1860, he received his early training in the during his lifetime, a man known and common schools of his native place. At the age of fourteen years he left school to begin work for an elder brother. While yet a very young man esteemed through a wide circle of acquaint- ances. Born near Christiana, Norway, February

68c

J. M. PEDERSEN.

he was imbued with a desire to emigrate to America; and as soon as circumstances favored, he carried his project into execution.

His first employment in this country was in a rolling mill at Pittsburgh, where he remained until 1882. In that year he came to Chicago. For three years after reaching this city he worked in the Malleable Iron Works, and later for the McCormick Harvester Company and other con- cerus, until he engaged in the bakery business. His first venture in this line was on Grand Avenue, and there he remained until 1889, in which year he removed to Center Avenue. Two years afterward he established himself at No. 277 West Erie Street. His death occurred in 1896, at his home on West Superior Street, and from there his remains were borne to Mount Olivet Cemetery.

His demise was deeply deplored. All over the northwestern section of the city his recognized integrity and genial disposition had won him

friends, who united in paying him a last sad tribute of affection. One of his friends wrote a commemorative ode which was sung at his funeral. He was a member of the Royal Arcanum and of one of the workingmen's societies, in the councils of both of which he took a prominent part.

His widow, Mrs. Brunhilda (Hulst) Hansen, is a native of Norway, having been born at Bodoe, December 4, 1855. She was educated in the schools of her birthplace, and at the age of twenty-seven years came to Chicago, alone. Here she married Mr. Hansen February 2, 1882. The union was blessed with four children: Leif, Lillian, Walter and Edward. Mr. Hansen had an adopted daughter, Hilda, born in Norway, who now resides with her foster mother.

Mrs. Hansen still carries on the business of her late husband. She is an active member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and an earnest worker in the Aid Society and Children's Home Society of that body.

JOHN M. PEDERSEN.

9 JOHN MARTIN PEDERSEN. No class of men is more deservedly held in high esteem than are the competent funeral directors. To the house of death they come, with noiseless tread and with the look and word of sympathy, robbing bereavement of its exterior gloom and effacing, with their skilful touch, the incipient traces of decay. With this highly honorable and honored profession John M. Pedersen is as- sociation.

By birth he is a Norwegian, having been born at Christianssund, in that country, February 25, 1871, and is the only child, living, of the three born to Peden A. and Eliza (Jensen) Pedersen. His mother died at the age of fifty-six years, but his father is still an honored resident of the

place where he was born. It is somewhat a cause for surprise that he did not become a cooper, his paternal ancestors having followed that trade throughi three generations, and the fa- ther of John M. being yet a skilful workman. On leaving school, however (at the age of fif- teen years and eight months), he entered the employ of a merchant and exporter of his native town named Christian Johnson, in whose service he continued until he was eighteen years old. Following the family tradition, he then com- menced to learn the trade of cooper, working in the same factory with hisfather. But his natural tastes led him in other directions. He attended a technical school and a business college, and in 1892 he took a new departure. In other words he

681

HENRY PETERS.

bade adieu to Norway, its forests and its cooper shops, and came to Chicago. His first employ- ment here, extending over five months, was as a janitor at No. 155 Washington Street. His next was with the Chicago Coffin Company, with which concern he remained for six years. Mean- while he studied embalming under the well- known Professor Clarke, of Springfield, Ohio, and having successfully passed the examination prescribed by the State Board of Health Ex- aminers, at Chicago, was awarded a diploma

December 12, 1898, together with a license. Within a few weeks thereafter he opened anı es- tablishment at No. 884 Armitage Avenue, where he conducts a prosperous and growing business. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars since he was twelve years old, and has filled all the offices in the order in the subordinate lodge. For the past four years he has belonged to the Young Men's Christian As- sociation and is also connected with the Knights of the Maccabees.

HENRY PETERS.

ENRY PETERS. Among the many citizens of German birth who have aided in making - Chicago what it is, the name of Henry Peters deserves especial mention. For forty-two years he has lived here, always attached to the city of his adoption and ever ready to do all that in him lay to advance her best interests.

He is the son of John and Louisa Peters, of Netzschow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, where he was born November 28, 1833. Both his parents are at rest in the Fatherland, where all their children reside with the exception of Henry and his brother, Joachim. The latter emigrated from Germany to America in 1866, and settled in Chicago, where he yet resides, having retired from active business. His home is at the corner of Oakley Avenue and Potomac Street.

Henry Peters received his early education at the parish school at Netzschow, leaving that in- stitution after receiving confirmation, at the age of fourteen years. His father apprenticed him to a blacksmith and he learned that manly trade. After qualifying himself as a journeyman, he traveled through various cities, working at his trade, until 1857, when he took passage on a

steam packet from Hamburg for New York. The voyage consumed eleven days, and immediately upon landing he set out for Chicago, reaching his point of destination September 18.

He found no difficulty in obtaining work. While the city then was far different from the Chicago of to-day, it was active and bustling, and then, as now, intent on forging to the front. Good mechanics were in demand, and Mr. Peters was a skilled workman. His industry and thrift enabled him to purchase, in 1871, property at No. 400 Noble Street. Here he lived until 1884, when he erected his present handsome flat build- ing, on the same site, which contains apartments for four families. For the past six years he has abandoned toil. He is nearing his seventieth year and while still a robust and vigorous man, he feels that his useful, well-spent life has earned for him a right to rest.

November 7, 1869, he was married to Dorothy, daughter of Frederick Kummerow, whose biog- raphy may be found on another page. Six chil- dren have been born to them: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Theodore H. Jeschke; William, Henry, Anna, Minnie and Edward. The family is connected with St. John's Lutheran Church.

682

G. F. GEBERT .- L. M. HOFFENBLAD.

GEORGE F. GEBERT.

EORGE FREDERICK GEBERT, who is one of the most respected and highly esteemed citizens of that portion of Chicago where he resides, was born October 8, 1866, at the corner of Twenty-seventh Street and South Park Avenue, Chicago. His parents were John and Hannah (Heckleman) Gebert.

George F. Gebert attended the Calumet public school until he reached the age of fifteen years, and during his spare time while in school and the whole of his time after leaving, until eighteen years of age, he drove a team for liis father. He then started to learn the trade of a gas-fitter, under the supervision of T. C. Boyd. He re- mained thus occupied three years and then con- tinued as a journeyman. In September, 1897, le entered the service of Hawley & Sons, and one year later engaged in the express business on his own account.

November 27, 1890, Mr. Gebert married Miss

Selina, daughter of William and Mary (Winholdt) Nitzche. Mrs. Gebert was born February 1, 1866, in Dasheim, Saxony, Germany, and is con- ducive in every manner to the uplifting of the minds of those about her, aiding her husband to make a financial success, as well as moral, of his life. Their children are: Lily Lauretta, born October 3, 1891; Elsie Mildred, January 3, 1896; and Harold, November 9, 1898.

Mr. Gebert is connected with Lincoln Council, No. 68, National Union. Though stanch and loyal to the principles of the Republican party, he has never souglit an office. He has been ambitious and energetic and has acquired con- siderable of this world's goods, having for the past three years owned a very pleasant home at No. 6507 Champlain Avenue. He comes of a family of strong characteristics and is true to the teachings of his fathers, gaining the admiration and respect of all who come in contact with him.

LUDVIG M. HOFFENBLAD.

UDVIG MARTINUS HOFFENBLAD was born at Thisted, Denmark, July 20, 1840. His father was Frederick C. Hoffenblad, a rope maker, and worked in a large manufactory. For thirty years he followed the pursuit, becom-

ing well and favorably known all through the district in which he lived. He died at Thisted, Denmark, at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Hoffenblad's mother was Mette Freshild, who passed away in her sixty-eighth year. To this

683

ALEXANDER MILLAR.

couple were born five children, of whom two grew to maturity. Ludvig was the fourth child and third son.

He left school in his fifteenth year and was apprenticed by his father to a cabinet-maker. After spending five years in apprenticeship the allotted term under Danish trade usage, and be- coming a journeyman, he followed his trade, traveling through various cities of Denmark, among them Copenhagen, and at the age of twenty-two years enlisted in the army, joining the first company of the Eleventh Regiment. After two years in military service, during 1862-64, he returned home and resumed work at his trade. In February, 1868, he started in business for himself as a cabinet-maker, at Nykjöbing, Morsö. Here he continued for five years, and in 1873 emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago.

For eighteen years he followed his trade in this city, and in 1892 he was elected janitor for a lodge of the Society Dania. He had been chosen superintendent and secretary for the order in America in 1887, and has held the office of

secretary ever since. Under his wise and careful direction the membership of the organization has increased from nine individuals to more than fifteen hundred. As supreme secretary of the order, his duties engross his whole time and at- tention.

He is also a prominent member of the Society of Daniel, of which body he was president for one year. He is a trustee for the Society of Dania, besides being actively interested in the Danish Brotherhood of America, and a leading member of other organizations.

He was married May 8, 1868, before leaving Denmark, to Caroline Carlsen. Mrs. Hoffenblad was born June 10, 1843. She is the only daugh- ter of Nicholai and Maren Carlsen. They have been the parents of eleven children, of whom six are yet living: Eunice; Antie, wife of Christ An- dersen, of Chicago; Mary, wife of Peter Ander- sen; Frida and Ella.

Mr. Hoffenblad's father and two brothers were, beside himself, the only ones in Denmark bearing the name, nor does he know of any others any- where in the world.

ALEXANDER MILLAR.

A LEXANDER MILLAR. Of all sturdy, healthy people, the Highlanders of Scot- land are the most hardy and rugged of both mind and body. He is able to endure the coldest weather and in his native land spends a great deal of time out of doors. Alexander Millar was born November 30, 1837, in the village of Drey- man, Scotland, a son of Alexander and Isabella (Dick) Millar. His grandfather, Jolın Millar, was a stone mason and father of James, William and Alexander Millar and three daughters.

The maternal grandfather of Alexander Millar, John Dick, was father of four children-George,

John, Elizabeth and Isabella. He was a cooper, and died in 1855, at the age of seventy years. Alexander Millar, father of the man whose name heads this article, died in Scotland, at the age of ninety years. He was a gardener and took a great interest in this occupation. His wife died in 1847, being but thirty years of age. Her chil- dren are named: John, Alexander, George, Janet, James and Isabella. All except Alexander are living in their native land. Mr. Millar's second wife was Mary Marshall, whose only child is named Richard. She departed this life in the year 1880.

684

JACOB LEONARD.

Alexander Millar, subject of this sketch, was time. He holds a very responsible position and employed eight years in bleach and print work in his services are valued by the company and rec- om pensed accordingly. a calico factory in the town of his nativity. He subsequently sought to better his circumstances In 1891 Mr. Millar took up his residence at No. 6312 St. Lawrence Avenne, where he has since been located. He is beloved by friends and admired by all who are fortunate enough to en- joy his genial society. He has never been a seeker after public offices and is independent in casting his vote, believing in the support of prin- ciple, rather than of party. in the city of Glasgow and was employed there until the date of his emigration. He reached Chicago in November, 1870, and was occupied in packing houses for various companies until 1878, when he entered the service of the E. K. Pond Packing Company and has charge of the canning department of that concern at the present

JACOB LEONARD.

7 ACOB LEONARD, a native of Germany, was born March 12, 1843, and came to this country with his brother, Michael, in 1862. For further genealogical data refer to the biog- raphy of Michael Leonard. Jacob Leonard served an apprenticeship at the lithographing trade and when he came to America was capable of com- manding journeyman's salary, as a first-class lithographer.

His first employer in Chicago was Edward Mandel, under whom he was occupied at his trade six months. He then went to Buffalo, New York, and for four years was in the service of H. Saget & Sons, after which he returned to Chicago and was engaged by Louis Nelky, the lithographer, then located at No. 14 South Clark Street. Mr. Leonard was then with this concern three years and left, to return and remain with it one year longer.

Mr. Leonard then entered the employ of the Western Bank Note Engraving Company, and remained with it one year. Several years later he returned to this service for one year. The Chicago Engraving Company was located on

Clark Street, near Monroe Street, before the fire of 1871, and having lost everything in that dis- aster, located on Jefferson Street, where it was to be found six months, and then removed to Monroe Street. Mr. Leonard was with this company at the time of the fire and remained there for a period of four months after the location of the concern on Monroe Street.

He went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spent two years in the service of the American Auto- graph Company. He returned to Chicago and for the same length of time was in the employ of the lithographers, Shober & Carqneville, located on Clark Street, near Adams. Returning to Mil- waukee he re-entered the employ of H. Gorbler & Sons, and was with this concern five years altogether. For six months he was identified with the Chicago Lithographing Company and then entered the service of Charles Goss & Com- pany, with whom he spent eighteen months. After a short time with Frank Kirting, located on Dearborn Street, he worked for the Central Lithographing Company three years. Since 1887 Mr. Leonard has been pressman for the Pictorial

685

H. K. WEEKS .- HANS WOODRICH.

Printing Company, at No. 1245 State Street. He name is Jacob Anthony, who makes his home has occupied that position for the past ten years, and is a valued and respected employe.

Mr. Leonard was married March 27, 1863, to Miss Barbara Lickle, daughter of Anthony Francis Lickle. They have one child, whose

with his parents and is an accomplished litho- graphic artist. Mr. Leonard is a member of Richard Yates Council No. 967, Royal Arcanum. He is a Democrat in politics and is loyal to his party and his adopted country at all times.

HARRY K. WEEKS.

ARRY KNOWLES WEEKS, who is of a for so much in the forming of a man's character. very well-known and respected family, was His wife was Miss Lucy Vinton Laughlin, daugh- ter of Charles Laughlin. They were married September 1, 1897. Mrs. Weeks is a native of Chicago. born April 21, 1872, at No. 2731 Armour Avenue, Chicago. For ancestry of Harry Knowles Weeks, refer to biography of W. S. Weeks, on another page of this work. An attendant of the South Division High School, for two years, he went, at the age of nineteen years, into the office of Bell & Swift, where he remained two years. Since that time he has been occupied in the map department, posting atlases and entering new sub-divisions, beginning this work ou the 3d of May, 1893.

Mr. Weeks secured an amiable and happy dis- positioned lady for a life partner, which counts

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 19th ed., Part 98

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