Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 8th ed., Part 29

Author: Calumet Book & Engraving Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Chicago : Calumet Book and Engraving Co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 8th ed. > Part 29

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quainted with Blackhawk, whom he often enter- tained, and who is described by Mrs. Ebinger as a man of fine appearance, who spoke English readily, and dressed in civilized costume.

Mrs. Ebinger is one of the most interesting talkers upon early history in Chicago, although she has never mastered the English language, and converses freely with visitors, relating many interesting reminiscences. She has nearly com- pleted the eighty-fifth year of her age, and still assists with the labors of the household, and con- trols the management of an extensive farın. Her sister-in-law, the wife of Frederick Ebinger, was a resident of Fort Dearborn, having come from Ann Arbor as companion to Mrs. Wilcox, wife of the general in command of the fort. At the social functions which Mrs. Ebinger attended at the fort, she danced to the music of the only violin within a hundred miles. For some years after her settlement with her husband in Niles, there were no houses between their home and the village of Chicago, and the nearest residence to- ward Milwaukee was seven miles away. Her vision of Chicago, bounded by Fort Dearborn and the World's Fair, is one now enjoyed by very few.

ADOLPH ARNDT.

Å DOLPH ARNDT, a market-gardener of South Evanston, is a representative Ger- man-American, who has resided in Cook County for nearly half a century. He was born in Schmolda, Prussia, June 11, 1843, and is a son of Frederick and Anna Marie Arndt, natives of the same place. They, with their family of six children, came to America in 1854, landing at New York, whence they came direct to Chicago, arriving July 4 of that year. They located at Rosehill and engaged in farming on rented land. About six weeks after their arrival Mrs. Arndt

died of cholera. Mr. Arndt continued farming until his death, which occurred a number of years ago.

Adolph attended school for some time in Rose- hill and received a limited education. He was reared to farming and gardening, which have been his life work, and in which work he isstill en- gaged, operating about twenty-five acres. His father died before he was of age, therefore he early learned to depend upon himself, and is practically a self-made man, having acquired his valuable property by his own industry. In 1868

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PETER BISDORFF.

he bought twenty acres of land in sections 19 and 24, Evanston Township. This was new and un- improved land, which he cleared and improved himself.

Mr. Arndt has always taken a lively interest in political affairs. He supports the Democratic party, and has held the offices of highway com- missioner and village trustee of South Evanston. May 12, 1869, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Peter Muno, whose biography appears on an-

other page of this work. They have a family of ten children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of Michael Becker; Peter, who married Nettie Eiden, and resides at Edgewater; Henry, Charles, Christian, Mary, Joseph, William, Minnie and Theresa; two children died in infancy. All in this family are members of Saint Nicholas' Roman Catholic Church of South Evanston. Mr. Arndt is a good citizen, who encourages every worthy enter- prise.

PETER BISDORFF.

ETER BISDORFF, an eminently respectable citizen and successful market-gardener, was born January 8, 1841, near the city of Lux- emburg, Germany, and is a son of John and Kath · arine Bisdorff, both of whom were natives of the same locality.

The father was a man of superior intelligence, and had the advantage of attending the best schools and colleges of Germany. His superior qualifications were recognized by his government, and he was given the important position of For- ester to the Crown, a place of honor and trust, which he filled many years to the entire satisfac- tion of his sovereign.

Peter Bisdorff, whose name heads this article, passed the years of his minority in his native land, where he enjoyed the advantages of the splendid German school system and obtained a good education. In 1861, just after turning to his twentieth year, he went out from the parental home to secure a home and fortune for himself in America. After an uneventful voyage he diseni- barked at New York, and at once made his way to Wisconsin, locating near Mineral Point.

In 1862 he came to Chicago, where he had relatives, and at once began in earnest to lay the foundations for a successful career. He faitlı-

fully served one employer four years and another two. His savings had been carefully laid by, and he was now enabled to open the business of market-gardening on his own account, although in a small way and on leased land. He had patience and perseverance, and each year added somewhat to his cash account, and in 1870 he was able to buy two lots near Halsted Street. This ground he cultivated most successfully eighteen years, and then traded for land on Argyle Street, where he now resides, and is engaged in gardening. At present he is the owner of six acres of land, five of which are devoted to cultivation of all kinds of vegetables for the city market.

His career illustrates very aptly what can be accomplished in the long run, without capital at the start. Constant effort, intelligently directed, has won for Mr. Bisdorff that which he set out to acquire, namely, a competency to maintain him in comfort after his working days are over. Al- though his life has been a busy one, he has all this time kept himself thoroughly posted on cur- rent topics of the day, and is in touch with tlie spirit of the times. In politics he is independent, catering to no party, and is dominated by none, but votes as his best judgment directs him. His

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C. H. CEPERLY.

political interest stops at the exercise of suffrage, and he is in no sense an office seeker.

He was married January 2, 1868, to Miss Anna Leider, a native of Wisconsin, who has borne him nine children: William, Nicholas, Jolın, Katharine, Peter, Mary, Barbara, George and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Bisdorff and all of their children are members of St. Mathias' Roman Catholic Church, and are among its liberal sup- porters.

Mrs. Bisdorff is the second daughter of William and Katharine (Michael) Leider, natives of Lux-

emburg, who came to America in 1848, and settled in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Mrs. Bisdorff was born there July 14, 1849. The family included the following children: Mathias, Margaret (now deceased), Anna, Nicholas, John, Katharine, Samuel, George, Theodore and Bar- bara. Mathias and John live in Wisconsin, and all the others are residents of Chicago. Katha- rine is the wife of John Schiller, and Barbara, of Peter Funk. The mother of this family died in 1875, and the father survived her twelve years, dying in 1887.

CORNELIUS H. CEPERLY.

D ORNELIUS HENRY CEPERLY, presi- dent of the Old Settlers' Society of Rogers Park, is a native of the State of New York, born October 31, 1841, in the town of Root, Schoharie County. He is the youngest child of Barnard and Dolly (Russell) Ceperly, both of whom were born in the same State, descendants of the early Dutch settlers of that region. They had a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, and of this number five are liv- ing at this writing, namely: David, of Chicago; Daniel, a farmer of Gilmore City, Floyd County, Iowa; Hannah, widow of John A. Oliver, and a resident of West Monroe Street, Chicago; Clara, wife of William Russell, of Clarksville, Butler County, Iowa, and the subject of this notice. The father died in New York, and the mother came West to settle with her sons about 1846, and lo- cated on a farm in Northfield Township, this county.

Here Cornelius H. Ceperly grew to manhood, and received a fair education in the common school, which he attended in the winter months -his time being occupied with the duties of the farm in summer.

August 9, 1862, he enlisted as a soldier in

Company G, One Hundred and Thirteenth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the in- tegrity of the Union was assured, participating in all the engagements in which his regiment fought. He never shirked, was never wounded or sick, but was always on duty at his post, until he was discharged, June 20, 1865, at Memphis, Tennessee.

On his return from the field, he took up the arts of peace where he had left them, engaging for a short time in farming. He then resumed his practice in carpenter work, in which he had had some experience prior to going to the war, and became master of the trade. About 1868 lie began contracting and building on his own ac- count, in which he continued with gratifying results to himself and patrons, until June, 1895. Since that time he has acted as building inspector in the service of the city of Chicago, and his pub -- lic duties are discharged with the same care and fidelity which always characterized his work. The East End School and many of the residences at Rogers Park were erected by him, and his work testifies to his integrity and skill.

In politics he is an ardent Republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lin-

198

MICHAEL WEBER.

coln in 1864. He served several terms as a mem- ber of the school board of Rogers Park, and was one term its president. He takes a lively interest in the success of his party, which he believes to be devoted to the protection and service of the public interests, in which he aims to labor per- sonally. He is a regular attendant of the Con- gregational Church, of which his family are communicants, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Loyal League and Cumberland Post No. 737, Grand Army of the Republic.

April 10, 1866, Mr. Ceperly was married to Miss Frances J. Kerr, a native of Roscoé, Winnie- bago County, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and

Ann (Larkin) Kerr, the former a native of Scot- land, and the latter of England. Mr. Kerr died February 14, 1874, his good wife having passed away November 8, 1873.

Mr. and Mrs. Ceperly are the parents of a son and five daughters, namely: Clara, wife of Calistus Ennis, of Chicago; Cornelia, wife of R. M. Simon, the present recorder of Cook County; Walter, who resides with his parents; Alice (Mrs. John Jones), of Rogers Park; Lydia and Ruby, at home. Mr. Ceperly is a frank and genial gen- tleman, whom it is a pleasure to meet, and his friends are numbered by those who meet him in any of the relationships of life.

MICHAEL WEBER.

M ICHAEL WEBER, a real-estate dealer residing at No. 3766 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, has been a resident of Cook County for forty-five years. He was born January 3, 1827, in Ebersheim, near Mainz, Rhein- Hessen, Germany, and reared to farm life there, receiving a good education. February 22, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Maria Baer, who was born in Oberolm, near Mainz. About two weeks after their marriage they bade adieu to home and friends, and set out for far America, to seek a new home and make their fortune.

They came direct to Cook County and located in the town of Ridgeville, where Mr. Weber bought the land on which he now resides. Some thirty years later his brother Mathias came; three years later his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Thart; and five years ago, his brother, John Weber, came to this country and located in Chicago, but their par- ents remained in Germany, where they died several years ago. After his arrival in Cook County Mr.

Weber devoted his energies to farming and gardening, and by industry he acquired a hand- some property. At one time he owned one hun- dred and thirty-six acres of valuable land, and he also invested considerable in city property. In the Great Fire of 1871 he lost about eighteen thousand dollars' worth of property, but he was 11ot discouraged, and renewed his activity in bus- iness. After this disaster he gave up farming, and in company with his son, Bernard F. Weber, en- gaged in real-estate transactions, which they con- ducted successfully several years.

During the last eight years Mr. Weber has con- fined his operations to the. disposal of his own land. He occupies a beautiful residence, whichi he built in 1891. It is supplied with all the mod- ern improvements, and elegantly furnished, and he and his good wife live in happy contentment, surrounded by all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. They began life in a humble way, amid the primitive surroundings of the pioneer days, and have earned, by their own prudence

LIBRARY OF THE FNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

MATHIAS MANN

(From Photo by W. J. ROOT)

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MATHIAS MANN.

and good management, the blessings which they enjoy. Their family includes a son and two daughters, all comfortably settled near theni, namely: Bernard F. (see biography elsewhere in this work); Margaret, wife of Max Sorgatz; and Gertrude, Mrs. Fred Kellner, of Chicago.

Mr. Weber has fulfilled the public duties of a good citizen, having served seven years as com- inissioner of highways. In political matters lie

acts with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are among the faithful members of Saint Henry's Roman Catholic Church, to whose sup- port they are liberal contributors. In all the years of his residence in Cook County, Mr. Weber lias borne an important part in the development of city and country, and by his fair dealings and up- right character has won the confidence and re- spect of many friends.

MATHIAS MANN.

ATHIAS MANN, an old settler and real- estate dealer of Rogers Park, is a native of Chicago, born February 16, 1844. His parents were Tillman and Katherine (Barth) Mann, both of whom were born and reared in Prussia and married there before coming to the United States.

The name Mann is of English origin. The fam- ily was founded in Germany by the great-grand- father of our subject, who was a veterinary sur- geon by profession, and went to Germany during the early Napoleonic wars. The grandfather of Mathias was also a veterinary surgeon, and his father, Tillman Mann, served in the German Army as a horseshoer. Tillman Mann had two children, Nicholas and Mary, when he came to Chicago and settled on the North Side, in 1842. They traveled by water over the whole distance from the Fatherland. From New York they went by the Hudson River to Albany, and thence on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, where they took ship for Chicago, arriving in this city on the Na- tional holiday, July 4.

For four years Mr. Mann labored in a brick yard in Chicago, and by saving his earnings he was then enabled to purchase land which soon made him independent. He bought twenty-six

acres on section 31 of Ridgeville Township, and engaged in farming and gardening. The subject of this sketch was born while the family resided in Chicago, and a daughter, Barbara, came at the farm home. All are still living except Mary. The father died January 26, 1872, and was sur- vived more than ten years by his wife, who passed away September 10, 1882. Mr. Mann was suc- cessful in life, and found opportunity to give some attention to the conduct of public affairs. He was chosen by his fellow-citizens to fill vari- ous official positions.

Mathias Mann succeeded to the possession of the homestead, and continued farming and gar- dening until 1895, when he platted Mann's Addi- tion to Rogers Park, and is now engaged in dis- posing of the same and in the transaction of a general real-estate business. His sound and practical judgment and general intelligence fit him for the transaction of this kind of business.

In politics Mr. Mann is a stanch Democrat, and takes an active part in the control of local affairs. He has served as trustee of the village of Rogers Park four years, was school director six years, and acted as judge of election in 1896. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and takes a lively interest in all matters pertain-

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J. A. BUDLONG.

ing to the public welfare. He has been a di- rector in Saint Henry's Roman Catholic Church many years.

April 23, 1868, Mr. Mann was married to Miss Margaret Muno, a native of Prussia, who came to this country in infancy with her parents, Peter and Mary K. Muno, of whom mention is made at length on another page of this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Mann were born the following children: Mary K., wife of Joseph Trausch, of Rogers Park; Katharine M., who became the wife of J.

P. Jaeger, and died in 1893, leaving one child; Henry, Elizabeth, Birdie and Edward. Mrs. Mann died April 13, 1885.

Mr. Mann has spent almost his entire life in Rogers Park, and has not only witnessed the growth and development of this beautiful suburb, but has contributed his share to its advancement, and is reckoned among its most worthy citizens. In 1894 he visited Europe and spent about three months in traveling among the interesting scenes of the Old World.

JOSEPH A. BUDLONG.

OSEPH ALBERT BUDLONG, a prosper- ous florist of Chicago, is a native of Rhode Island, born March 17, 1841, at Cranston. He is a son of Joseph S. and Mary Ann (Arnold) Budlong, extended mention of whom, and their ancestry, is made in the sketch of L. A. Budlong, on other pages of this volunie.

Mr. Budlong's boyhood was passed under the parental roof, the public schools affording him the only means of an education, which, though mea- ger in scope, had the merit of thoroughness. In the great school of business experience, and through reading and observation, he has acquired a knowledge of men and things which makes him an intelligent and useful citizen. His father's occupation was market-gardening, and young Joseph was, early in life, introduced to an expe- rience between the rows of growing plants. He was thus employed until after passing his major- ity, when he decided upon a change of occupation and location, and went to Providence, Rhode Is- land, following the carpenter's trade two years.

In 1862 he came to Cook County and joined his brother, Lyman A., who had settled here five years before, in the gardening and pickling busi- ness. From his brother he obtained employment

on a salary, remaining with him three years. The country was low and almost continuously wet, and this, with other causes, gave rise to condi- tions which developed in him a serious rheumatic ailment, causing intense suffering, and he was eventually compelled to return to the East. In Brooklyn, New York, he secured a clerkship with another brother, who was a merchant, and while thus engaged he became acquainted with Miss Teresa Smith, to whom he was married February 1, 1866. She is a native of Brooklyn, daughter of William and Priscilla (Timms) Smith, both of whom were born in London, England.

Shortly after his marriage he returned, with his wife, to Cook County. Leasing land from his brother, he began gardening upon his own responsibility, and continued successfully two years. He then entered into a co-partnership with his brother in the gardening industry, and from a small beginning, they developed gradually one of the largest enterprises of its kind in the West. This business relation between the broth- ers was happy in conduct and results and was continued seventeen years, at the end of which period it was dissolved by mutual consent.

The efforts of the subject of this sketch had

201

CHARLES SMITH.

been so well directed that he was able to buy ten acres of ground, which he leased to another, who built greenhouses for the cultivation of vegeta- bles. Upon the expiration of this lease, Mr. Budlong assumed personal control and vigorously set about the cultivation of his own land. He extended the lines by erecting new greenhouses, and entered quite extensively upon the produc- tion of all kinds of garden vegetables, being thus engaged for a number of years. For the past ten years he has grown flowers exclusively, princi- pally roses and carnations for the cut-flower trade. This business, under his wise management, has been lucrative and has grown to great propor- tions. There are now upon his estate eighteen greenhouses, each having an area eighteen by two hundred feet, and one thirty by three hun- dred feet in size. The product is something enormous and is rapidly disposed of through the commission houses of the city. His is, probably, one of the largest individual businesses of the kind in the country, and it stands as the strong-

est evidence that-110w, as ever-success can be won by intelligent direction, supplemented by persistent and tireless effort.

To Mr. Budlong and his estimable wife have been born three children. Albert Henry, the eldest, is married and resides near his father, having two children. The second died in early childhood. The youngest, Florence M., is the wife of John Spellman, of Evanston, and the mother of one child.

Mr. Budlong's political affiliation is with the Republican party. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a charter mem- ber of Providence Lodge No. 711, of Jefferson. He maintains good standing in Corinthian Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, Apollo Commandery, Knights Templar, and Oriental Consistory, of this city. As no one can reach these exalted de- grees who is not of well-known probity and abil- ity, his standing in this great order is sufficient testimonial of his standing in the community which has been so long his home.

CHARLES SMITH.

HARLES SMITH, one of the progressive and successful German-American citizens of Cook County, is deserving of honorable mention among those who left home and native land, with all the endearing associations sur- rounding one's birthplace, to make a home and a name in the midst of strangers, whose language and customs were as strange as their faces. He was born February 26, 1854, near Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (then part of Den- mark). His parents, Asmus and Maria Schmidt, were born and lived at the same place until the death of the mother. Some years after this sad

event, the father came to Chicago, and died at the home of the son whose name heads this notice, in 1891.

Charles Smith received a good education in his native language and was early accustomed to the labors of the farm. He is made of the superior material which is not satisfied to sit down in idle contentment or drift with the current of events listlessly. He was not satisfied with his environ- ment and opportunities, and early determined to emigrate to that free country across the Atlantic Ocean, of which he had read and heard. In 1871 he arrived here, a poor boy of seventeen years,

202

J. G. FENN.

yet rich in a good, sound mind and healthy body, with strong reliance upon himself and hopes of the future. When he reached Chicago he had about a dollar left, but he immediately went to work as a gardener, and continued diligently at work and saving his earnings until he had accu- mulated enough to begin business for himself in a small way.

For a few years he tilled leased land, and by industry and careful management was able in time to purchase ground. In 1886 he bought seven acres of land on Touhy Avenue, Rogers Park (Chicago), and is now very comfortably situated, with a pleasant home and substantial furnishings. Here dwells a united and happy family. May 2, 1877, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Sophia Sobey, who was born April 21, 1854, in Wemorby, Sweden. Her parents died when she was but fourteen years old, and she came to America at eighteen, and has never re- gretted the fortune which brought her here.

Three children complete the family of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely: Frederick, born July 25, 1878; Helen, October 3, 1882; and Lulu, March 3, 1888. Carl, born May 19, 1881, died at the age of eleven months. Though they are faithful believers in the faith of the Lutheran Church, 011 account of the distance from any house of worship of that denomination, they are accustomed to at- tend the Methodist Church services.

Mr. Smith is held in high esteem by his fellow- citizens, as is attested by the fact that he was several times elected to the responsible position of trustee in the village of West Ridge while that corporation existed. He is not bound to any political party, and is wont to use his best efforts in securing honest and competent men to administer public affairs, regardless of party dis- tinctions. By upright practices and diligent at- tention to business he has gained the respect of all who know him and an independent position in the world.

JOHN G. FENN.

OHN GEORGE FENN, a representative German-American citizen who has now re- tired from active life, has been a resident of Chicago since 1853, and now makes his home in that portion of the city known as Rogers Park. He was born October 22, 1825, in Kreis Unten Franken, Bavaria, and is the son of Charles and Margaret (Stratz) Fenn. The father was a cooper in his native land, and in 1853, with his wife and six children, came to the United States. Disembarking in New York on July 10 of that year, he proceeded by rail to Buffalo, New York, by boat to Detroit, and thence by rail to Chicago.

He died in 1860, and his wife survived him nine- teen years. Their children, in order of birth, were: John George, whose name heads this sketch; Charles; John and Christian, who are now deceased; Margaret, wife of Charles Schmidt, residing in Wisconsin, and Barbara, who is also deceased.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 8th ed., Part 29

Author: Calumet Book & Engraving Company, Chicago Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Chicago : Calumet Book and Engraving Co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Calumet Book & Engraving Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Chicago : Calumet Book and Engraving Co.
Number of Pages: 930