USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 8th ed. > Part 6
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LIBRARY OF THE HNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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JOSEPH H. ERNST
(From Photo, by W. J. ROOT)
39
J. H. ERNST.
alike to rich and poor, which he did without any compensation. He did not take advantage of the helplessness of his fellow-creatures, and try to raise the value of his goods, but by his gener-
osity suffered a loss that weakened his business, and this, with the panic of 1873, caused him much embarrassment, but he continued it until the year 1875.
JOSEPH H. ERNST.
OSEPH HENRY ERNST. Germany has contributed to Chicago and Cook County a large percentage of their inhabitants. Many of these have achieved success in various business pursuits, while some have won distinction in the different professions, and others have risen to prominence in public affairs, and their names have become as familiar as household words. Among this vast number probably no one is more widely known or more highly respected than the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article. For more than forty years he has been a resident of the city, much of the time occupying official positions, and in public and private life every duty has been honestly dis- charged and every trust held sacred.
Mr. Ernst was born February 24, 1838, on the River Rhine, in Germany, near Bingen, made famous by an English authoress in the beautiful poem, "Bingen on the Rhine." He is a son of John and Barbara (Meyer) Ernst, natives of that place. John and Barbara Ernst became the par- ents of four children, namely: Joseph H., of whom this sketch is written; Adam, deceased; Catherine, widow of Mr. Hausman, of Chicago; and John, also deceased. The father died in 1877, and the mother preceded him eight years, passing away June 4, 1869.
Joseph Ernst received his early education in the common schools of his native country, and spent one year at the mason's trade. In 1854 he sailed in the sailing-vessel "St. Nicholas" from Havre, France, to New York, the voyage lasting
forty-eight days. On landing he came to Chicago, going to Buffalo by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, and the remainder of the way by rail. Two years later, the family, consisting of his parents and two brothers and a sister, emigrated to the United States, and located in Chicago. Joseph H. Ernst lived with his aunt, whose brother, Joseph Meyer, came to Chicago in 1845, and was widely known as the sexton and super- intendent of the old Chicago City Cemetery from 1847 until the time of his death, which occurred December 16, 1864. Joseph became his assistant, and helped to keep the records of that time. While thus engaged he attended the old Franklin School two years, and graduated in 1856. The next two years he attended Sloan's Commercial and Law College, from which he graduated in 1858.
In 1864 Mr. Ernst opened a grocery store on North Wells Street, at No. 581, which he con- ducted two years. He was then appointed by the mayor as superintendent of the vacation of that part of the old city cemetery known as the Milliman tract. This work occupied two years and the city council then passed an ordinance to vacate the remainder of the cemetery, which is now included in Lincoln Park, appointing Mr. Ernst to superintend the work. He was fre- quently consulted by the Lincoln Park Commis- sioners during the early part of their work and fur- nished them with much valuable information, be- ing of great assistance to them. At the time of the Great Fire the city cemetery records were des-
40
HENRY LAWRENCE.
troyed. Mr. Ernst was clerk in the comptroller's office, in charge of exchange of city cemetery lots, also city taxes and city real estate, and remained in this office until May, 1882.
In 1874 he engaged in the real-estate and loan business in partnership with Mathias Schmitz, under the firin name of Ernst & Schmitz, at No. 271 East North Avenue, and in this venture he has ever since been successfully engaged. Since 1874 Mr. Ernst has been secretary of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of North Chi- cago, being elected annually by a general meet- ing of all the inembers.
Mr. Ernst was elected alderman of the Fif- teenth Ward in 1886, on the Democratic ticket, and was re-elected in 1888 in the present Twenty- first Ward. At the next election he declined a re-nomination. In 1892 his friends prevailed upon him to accept a nomination as an independ- ent candidate, and he was elected, receiving near- ly as many votes as both the other candidates. He has always discharged his public and private
duties most faithfully, and was urged to accept a nomination for city treasurer, but declined. He is one of the directors of the German Catholic Orphans' Asylum of High Ridge.
September 20, 1860, Mr. Ernst married Miss Katharine Schutz, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1853, and reached Chicago in 1854. They have had eight children, of whom the six following are living: Anna, wife of William H. Weckler, residing on the corner of Wolfram and May Streets, Chicago; Adolph Charles, who is employed in his father's office; Andrew Joseph, also with his father; William Gregor, an attorney; Katharine Isabella; and Mary Angelica. Mr. Ernst and his family are members of Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Ernst has resided on the North Side ever since he came to the city, in the vicinity of what is now Lincoln Park, and since 1873 his home has been at the corner of Eugenie Street and Cleveland Avenue, where he had a beautiful residence erected in 1892.
HENRY LAWRENCE.
ENRY LAWRENCE, D. D. S., for many years connected with the business interests of Chicago, and one of the most valuable citizens of that city, was born November 11, 1823, in the city of London, England. He was a son of John Lawrence, for many years a resident of New York City. He received his primary edu- cation in the public schools of London, where lie proved himself an apt and willing student. After coming to America, in 1859, he took up the study of dentistry with a prominent dentist of Philadel- phia, where he graduated, winning the esteem and admiration of his teacher. He then removed to Louisiana, and practiced his profession for a short time, and then went to Yazoo, Mississippi,
where he remained until 1863, and then removed to New Orleans. He remained in the latter city until July, 1877, obtaining a profitable and lucra- tive practice. Most of his patrons were among the Creoles or old white settlers of that historic town, and thus he was enabled to save a comfortable fortune. His winters were spent in the North during this time, and he was especially attracted by Chicago, it then being a rapidly growing city, whose energetic citizens especially appealed to liis regard.
Mr. Lawrence always enjoyed the comforts of life, though he was industrious and frugal. He never ceased studying, and was a student of rare ap- plication, being the inventor of several dental in-
41 .
JOSEPH JUNK.
struments, and often making his own tools. He was an ingenius craftsman, and frequently assisted his fellow-dentists in some difficult operation or in the invention of some useful instrument. One of his inventions which has won fame for him is a water motor, thus doing away with foot power. He was a member of Chicago and New Orleans dental societies, being an honored guest at the meetings of these societies held in the homes of the members, as was then the custom.
Mr. Lawrence was reared in the faith of the Church of England, and always adhered to that denomination, attending its services, although he liked other preachers very much, especially Dr. Thomas, whom he always delighted to hear. He was not connected with any secrect society, pre-
ferring rather a quiet home life. He was very companionable and had great sympathy with all his fellow-men and women, being the happy possessor of a large number of friends and ac- quaintances. He exercised charity to all de- serving poor, not being ostentatious in all this, but believed in following the dictates of his heart only, and not seeking the approval of his friends. He neyer, in any way, catered to the good-will of the masses. His every action was prompted by duty as he saw it, and thus in him is seen an ex- ample of an upright and honest man, true to his friends and principles. He died. in Chicago on the 6th of March, 1891, lamented by hosts of those who had learned to know him and call him friend.
JOSEPH JUNK.
OSEPH JUNK was born January 15, 1841, at Salmrohr, near Trier, Germany. He was the son of Joseph and Margaret Junk, natives of the same place. The former was a teacher there, and a scholarly man, who was esteemed and honored by all in the community. He lived to be over eighty years of age, and died in his native town. They had one son and five daugh- ters. Two of the latter were Sisters of St. Charles and well known as nurses during the wars. One of them, Margaret, was known as Sister Eu- phrasia, and was Mother Superior of the convent at Mettlach, the town where the famous German pottery is made. The owner of the manufactory built the convent. Her sister, Anna, was also in the convent, known as Sister Anastasia. Both of them are now deceased. The other tliree daughters are married, and live in Germany.
The father of Joseph Junk, senior, was burgo-
master of Salmrohr, and was killed by robbers, who mistook him for another man, for whom they were lying in wait.
The subject of this sketch was educated in Ger- many, and came to America at the age of twenty- seven years. After landing at New York, he came directly to Chicago, where he learned his trade with his old neighbor and countryman, . Peter Schoenhoff, one of the early brewers of this city. He was afterward associated for several years with Huck's Malt House.
May 18, 1871, he married Miss Magdalena, daughter of Hubert and Elizabeth (Thormann) Hagemann, well-known residents of Chicago, who came here in 1853. They formerly had a grocery on the West Side. In 1895 they celebrated their golden wedding. Of their nine children, only Magdalena now survives.
Mr. Junk embarked in the brewing business in
. 42
J. H. RAAP.
1884, on the corner of Thirty-seventh and Hal- sted Streets. In this he had a valuable assistant in his wife, who became familiar with the details of the business. They were but fairly started when he died, February 23, 1887. At that time they manufactured about nine thousand barrels of beer annually. The estate was involved in debt for half its value, but with commendable zeal Mrs. Junk continued the business, and so well did she manage it that from time to time she was able to increase it, until at the present time the brewery yields eighty thousand barrels of beer annually, all of which finds a market in Chicago. Mrs. Junk deserves great credit for her work, especially when we remember that she was then the mother of six small children. The names of the children are as follows: Joseph P., Edward H., Mary E., Rose Anna, Aloysius and Mary Magdalena. Religiously the family are members of the Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church.
The two eldest sons are associated in business with their mother, and the eldest, though but
thirteen years old at the death of his father, was of great assistance to his mother, devoting his whole time and energy to the business. The eldest daughter, Miss Mary E. Junk, is fast be- coming well known as a musiciau, excelling es- pecially on the harp, to which instrument she has devoted many years of hard study.
The successful life of Mrs. Junk is well calcu- lated to interest her descendants as well as the citizens of Chicago, who are ever ready to honor and give due credit to those who assist in build- ing up the city's manufacturing interests, thus adding wealth and comforts to many homes.
In 1890 Mrs. Junk built a handsome home, in spacious grounds, on Garfield Boulevard, which her aged parents share with her and which very nearly represents the ideal home, where rest and comfort await those wearied with the business of the day. Not only does Mrs. Junk possess energy and business capacity, which all must admire, but in addition to these she possesses those quali- ties of mind and heart which make her a good mother and a true woman.
JOHN H. RAAP.
OHN HENRY RAAP was born August 1, 1840, in Ludingworth, Hanover, Germany, and was a son of Ernst and Catharina M. (Cords) Raap, both natives of that place. In 1854 the family removed to America, settling in Chicago, where Mr. Raap bought a house of three rooms 011 Cornell Street, near Ashland Avenue. They had two children, namely: John Henry Raap, whose name stands at the head of this arti- cle; and Mrs. Minnie Dilcherd, who resides at No. 67 Cornelia Street, in Chicago. The parents were thrifty and economical, and they won the respect of the community. They died at their home on Cornell Street.
John Henry Raap received most of his educa- tion in his native country, which he supplement- ed by subsequent reading and observation. He was confirmed in the German Lutheran Church, and of this faith he remained an adherent. He was a bright, intelligent boy when he came to America and soon learned to speak the English language fluently. He possessed those qualities that insure success in the business world. On his arrival in Chicago he became employed in a brick yard, and, realizing the advantages of a better edu- cation than he then possessed, he attended a night school, and there he studied diligently to prepare himself for the business career that was after-
43
C. D. MAGEE.
wards his. He had indomitable courage and per- severance and he saw the hopeful side of life.
Mr. Raap's first business venture was a grocery store, on the corner of Pratt and Milwaukee Av- enues, which he conducted only a short time. He then removed to Dunkel's Grove, where he had a general store two years and then sold out to return to the city, engaging in the flour and feed trade at Nos. 572-74 Milwaukee Avenue in a small building which was gradually merged into a wholesale liquor house. In 1870 he built the large building occupied by the business at the present time. He gradually extended his trade until he ranked among the foremost and most successful German business men in the city.
As would be expected, Mr. Raap was connect- ed with many social orders and societies, among which are the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Sons of Hermann, the Central Turner Society, the Teutonia Maennerchor and the Chicago Re- bekah Society. In political opinions he was a
Republican, and he had much influence in polit- ical affairs, but he never held any office. He passed away April 23, 1897.
Mr. Raap was twice married. His first wife was Sophia Sohle, a native of Germany, now de- ceased. May 1, 1873, he married Miss Helena Hannah Gilow, a daughter of Fritz and Mary (Wagner) Gilow, natives of Grim, Prussia. She proved to be in every way a worthy helpmate, and was of invaluable assistance to her husband, being as ambitious and enterprising as he. She was ever willing to lead, and she conducted the home and helped in the business of her husband. She is a true type of the German-American house- wife, always alert and willing to further her hus- band's interests. She survives her husband, and is the mother of five children, now living, namely: John Henry, junior, Tillie L., Robert R., Ernst E. and Pearl Frances. The two older sons con- tinue to carry on the business which was left by their father.
CHARLES D. MAGEE.
D HARLES DAVIDSON MAGEE, who has been connected with the iron industry of Chicago for many years, was born October 3, 1846, in the beautiful city of Belfast, Ireland. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Croft) Magee, both natives of that country. The fam- ily emigrated to America in 1855 and settled in the growing city of Chicago, which was then just beginning to give evidence of future great- ness. There the elder Magee engaged in the iron, steam and gasfitting business, which he had learned and conducted before leaving Ire- land, and continued it successfully until his death, at the age of sixty-five years, October 27, 1878.
Charles D. Magee spent his early boyhood in his native city and there attended school. He was but nine years of age when the family set- tled in Chicago, and in the public schools of that city he completed his education. He then en- gaged in business with his father and spent twenty years in steam and gasfitting, thus se- curing a thorough and practical knowledge of all the details of that trade and gaining a wide and varied experience, which has been of great use to him in his later business connections. Having shown an aptitude for trade and having gained a large acquaintance among business men, he readily secured a position as traveling represen-
44
AUGUST DRESEL.
tative of the Corundum Wheel Company, and since that time he has served the interests of many of the most prominent iron firms in the United States, to the advantage and satisfaction of all parties. At present he is interested in the Automatic Acetylene Gas Company and is de- voting his energies to the promotion of thiat en- terprise.
Mr. Magee was married in 1865 to Miss Mary D. Williams, who was born June 29, 1845, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and is a daughter of R. G. and Soplironia D. Williams, botlı natives of New York. Mrs. Williams died December 19, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Magee are the parents of three children, John E., Albert M. and Charles D., aged thirty, twenty-six and nineteen years, re- spectively.
The subject of this notice is a valued and in- fluential member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, worshiping at the church on Halsted Street, near Fullerton Avenue. He is prominent
in the Masonic order, and in 1894 organized the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, for which he wrote the ritual This order bears the same relation to the adopted rites of Masonry that the Order of Knights Templar does to the main body of Masonry. The order was incorporated by Mr. Magee in the State of Illinois, October 3, 1895, and the Supreme Shrine was then organized with headquarters at Chicago, Mr. Magee being elected Supreme Chancellor for a term of three years. Later the headquarters were removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they are still located. Membership in the order is limited to Master Masons and their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and widows. It is rapidly growing in numbers, having extended itself into three States, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois. Mr. Magee is a conservative in politics. He is a most genial and affable gentleman, ever ready to give help and advice to those who ask it, and is considered one of Chicago's most energetic business men.
AUGUST DRESEL.
UGUST DRESEL, for many years identi- fied with the business life of Chicago, has been engaged in his present occupation of florist since 1866. He began business at No. 656 Clybourn Avenue, and continued there until about 1888, when he sold out to Samuel J. Pearce. He then established himself at his pres- ent place of business, near the corner of Western and Belmont Avenues, where he has about one and one-half acres of ground under glass. His principal products are roses and plants for spring
planting. He also raises palms and several varieties of flowers for cutting, selling the bulk of his product to dealers.
Mr. Dresel was born October 9, 1838, in Hol- stein, Germany, and is a son of Henry and Anna Dresel, both natives of the same province. The son was educated in his native land, where he went through a long and thorough course of training in landscape gardening, and the cultiva- tion of all kinds of plants produced for market. He continued in this occupation until his removal
45
L. J. SMITH.
to the United States. In June, 1865, lie left the Fatherland, taking passage on a steamship which sailed from Hamburg bound for New York. He landed in the last-named city in the latter part of July, and proceeded thence to LaFayette, Indiana, where he remained but a short time, removing to Jasper County, in the same State.
In March, 1866, he had saved enough from his earnings as a farm laborer in Indiana to pur- chase a horse, and he rode the animal to Chi- cago. After his arrival he soon found employ- ment in the old Sheffield Avenue nursery of Mar- tin Lewis. During that season he worked at various occupations, and in the following spring he purchased from Mr. Lewis the floral depart- inent of his nursery, and began business for him- self. The beginning was small, but he was in- dustrious and attentive to the wants of his cus- tomers, working early and late to build up his fortunes. In a short time he was enabled to purchase the greenhouses which he occupied, and
he has ever since continued to conduct the busi- ness with gratifying success. For six years lie was also interested in the manufacture of brick, being a stockholder of the Northwestern Brick Company while it existed.
He has usually supported the Democratic party in matters of political principle, but is not a strong partisan, and is wholly independent in considering local affairs. The candidate who seems to him best qualified and most willing to carry out the wishes of his constituents is certain to receive his support, regardless of party dicta- tions.
December 20, 1866, Mr. Dresel was married to Miss Mary Kyersgaard, a native of Denmark. Two of their children died in childhood, and there are five living, namely: Claussin, Sophia, August, Henry and Louis. The family is identi- fied with the Lutheran Church and bears its share in the social life of the community, where it is held in the highest respect.
LLOYD J. SMITH.
LOYD JAMES SMITH, one of the most active and earnest of our business men, is a descendant of old Russian and English families, and is a native of Wheeler, Indiana. His grandfather, Peter Smith, was born in Eng- land, and was a brother of Sir Harry Smith, a noted officer of the British army, who fought in the American Revolution.
Peter Smith's son, James P. Smith, who was born and educated in London, came to the United States at the age of fourteen years, and was for thirty years the manager of the Central Elevators of Chicago. He married Helen Christopher, daughter of a high official in the Russian govern- ment, who left his native country because of the jealousy of other officials, and left his property in Russia.
Lloyd James Smith is one of their children. He was educated in a Chicago high school and the Metropolitan Business College. His first em- ployment was with the Northwestern National Bank, as messenger, at the age of seventeen years. After thus spending two years, he re- moved to Idaho, and in that state and in Oregon, spent two years in charge of a cattle ranch. After this he was a broker for the Central Elevator Company, and the Munger-Wheeler Company.
In1 1889 he became general manager of the Santa Fe Elevator and Dock Company, and the Chicago Elevator Company, and is now the sec- retary and treasurer of the Santa Fe Company. Since 1890 Mr. Smith has been a director of the Board of Trade, and his office continues until 1900. He is chairman of the executive commit-
46
A. H. BUSSE.
tee, and has served on all important commitees of the directory. He has always represented the elevator interests in any controversies.
Mr. Smith has been chairman of the Cook County Republican Central Committee, and served two years as its vice-president. For five years he was the vice-president of the Marquette Club, and is a member of the Chicago Athletic Club. In political principle he is a Republican, and
takes great interest in national and local af- fairs. He has attained high rank in the Masonic fraternity, and affiliates with Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
October 15, 1890, he married Miss Sadie B. Hall, and they are the parents of one child, Lloyda Kezzie Smith, born October 4, 1891. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Z. M. Hall, wliose biography appears in this work.
AUGUST H. BUSSE.
UGUST HUBERT BUSSE was born No- vember 10, 1867, in a house which stood on an alley between Commercial and Houston Avenues and Ninety-second and Ninety-third Streets. This house was subsequently moved to No. 9205 Commercial Avenue, where it still stands. August H. Busse is a son of August and Caroline (Albert) · Busse. He received his education in the common schools of Chicago, part of the time attending the Bowen School. At the age of fourteen years he was obliged to leave his studies to attend to the more serious duties of life. He was first employed in the planing mill of Crandall, Fisher & Company, now belonging to Kratzer & Fisher. After spending a year with this firm, he was employed a year in the drug store of Arnold & Merrill, and then became engaged in carpenter work for Otto Schoening, with whom he remained about one year.
May 9, 1885, Mr. Busse entered the service of the City Fire Department, as a driver at first, and truckman afterwards. In a fire which oc- curred in December, 1888, his left hand was ill- jured, the small bones in liis left knee were broken, and he received an injury in his side, so that he was compelled to remain at home six
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