Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 8th ed., Part 74

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 74

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Capt. William White, the paternal grandfather of Dr. White, was born in the city of Gottenburg, Sweden, in 1813, and at an early age became a sailor. In his voyages, Capt. White carried troops to Mexico while the United States was at war with that country, transported the first ship- load of stone for the construction of Ft. Moultrie, and twice circumnavigated the globe. His wife, who still survives him, was Mary Ehrhardt, of Philadelphia.

William R. White, the father of the subject of this sketch, and the son of Capt. William and Mary White, was born in New York City, in 1841, and has been engaged in mercantile pur- suits all his life. He married Emily A. Cook, daughter of Peter and Eletta Cook, two children,

William S. and Wilomene T., being the result of this union.

William S. White came to Chicago with his parents in 1865. He received his education in1 the public schools of Chicago. His first work was in the grocery store of John A. Tolman & Co., where he remained a year. He later entered the employ of D. S. Munger & Co. as office boy, and in three years worked his way upward to the position of cashier. In 1884 he entered the Chi- cago Homeopathic Medical College. At that time the conrse required only two years, but he at- tended three years, and during the season of 1886-87 demonstrated anatomy to the class of which he was a member, and also a part of that time to the senior class. He graduated in 1888. Following his graduation, he was successful in winning honors in a competitive examination, and during the years 1888 and 1889 was interne in the Cook County Hospital for eighteen months. Subsequently he was called to Rochester, New York, where he opened and put in practical oper- ation the Rochester Homeopathic Hospital, com- monly known as the Monroe Avenue Hospital.

Returning to Chicago, Dr. White entered into the general practice of medicine and dermatology, in which he has since been engaged, with office at No. 70 State Street. In the fall of 1889 he re- ceived the appointment of Demonstrator of An- atomy in the Chicago Homeopathic College. In 1890 he was made clinical assistant in the départ- ment of dermatology, and in 1893 was appointed Adjunct Professor of Physiology in the same insti- tution. In January, 1893, he received the ap- pointment of Dermatologist in the homeopathic department of the Cook County Hospital, and still fills all of these positions. He is a member

509

JEROME BEECHER.

of the Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association and of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He holds membership in two fraternal organiza- tions, being medical examiner in the Improved Order of Heptasoplıs.

On the 5th of October, 1892, Dr. White was united in marriage with Miss Isabelle Stone, of Charlotte, Vermont, daughter of Luther D. and Phœbe (Rogers) Stone.

To judge the future from the past, it is not diffi- cuit to predict for Dr. White success in a much

greater measure than usually falls to the lot of the medical practitioner. His mind is active, his memory retentive, his habits studious, his com- prehension of the science of medicine rapid, intui- tive and thorough. His manner is easy, affable and vivacious, with a dash of bonhomie, which, no doubt, is inherited from his Gallic ancestors. It is not too much to say that mental attrition with Dr. White would brighten many preten- tious members of the medical profession.

JEROME BEECHER.

EROME BEECHER, among the early, sub- stantial and inost exemplary citizens of Chi- cago, was a scion of old and well-known New England stock. His father, Mather Beecher was one of the pioneers of Central New York, going thither from New Haven, Connecticut. He was a tanner by occupation, and gave to his family the training which has developed so much of thrift, enterprise and morality among the sons of New England, and has made an indelible impres- sion upon the religious, educational and mercan- tile conditions of the United States, and particul- arly the northern half of the country. Wherever a leaven of Yankee blood is found in a community, there are sure to be found churches, schools, fac- tories and sound business men, Chicago was es- pecially fortunate in that the major portion of her pioneers came from the land of industrious habits and careful economy, and to this cause alone may be attributed her wonderful progress in busi- ness supremacy, as well as in social and moral culture.

Jerome Beecher was born in the town of Rem- sen, Oneida County, New York, January 4, 1818. His first implement for self-help was the intellect-

ual training afforded by the village school, and he was early made familiar with the occupation of his father, mastering all that pertained to the manufacture of leather and its uses. His natural sagacity and shrewdness, with these helps, en- abled him to conduct the large business which he built up in later years, and to manage intricate financial trusts which were placed in his care.

The year 1838 found him in Chicago, whither his father sent him to look after a stock of leather, boots, shoes and findings which had been entrusted to an incompetent or unfaithful agent. He managed this undertaking with such success and found such glowing prospects in the young city that he decided to remain here and engage in business permanently. At that time the center of business clustered about the corner of Lake and LaSalle streets, and his pioneer store was among those forming the group. He shortly set up a tannery, which was destroyed by fire about 1858. During these years, he had grown in wealthı with the rapid growth of the city and surrounding country, his industry and integrity bringing him a large trade, which he retained until he de- cided to retire and give attention to his invest-

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JEROME BEECHER.

ments. His accumulations had been invested in land and improved real estate. With other care- ful investments, these had grown in value beyond his fondest anticipations, and he found himself while yet in vigorous middle life a man of in- dependent means, and at the time of his demise, after more than half a century's residence here, his estate had become very valuable.

He became interested in the gas business as early as 1850, and was made a director in the Chi- cago Gas Light & Coke Company. He was in- terested in the Merchants' Savings, Loan & Trust Company, and was one of the purchasers of the Chicago West Division Railroad, of which he was many years a director, in 1863. A recent writer says: "Among the enterprises of liis earlier years, for which he should be remembered with grateful regard by those who survive, was his connection as trustee and treasurer with the Graceland Cemetery Improvement Company, in whose peaceful grounds so many once active in the brisk life of Chicago have found their last resting place."

Mr. Beecher had in his youth attended the worship of the Unitarian society near his home in New York, and he adhered to the faith which he there imbibed throughout his long and useful life. The First Unitarian Society of Chicago was a feeble band, in the third year of its exist- ence, when he came to Chicago, and to liis zealous aid much of its subsequent strength is due. At his decease, after completing more than the allotted years of the scripture, the church pre- pared and had engraved a most beautiful and touching memorial, which was presented to his widow. He was a member of the Calumet Club, whose meetings of old settlers in annual reunion gave him great pleasure. The Old Settlers' As- sociation embraced most of his business and social companions, and he was prominent in its con- duct. Mr. Beecher always endeavored to fulfill the duties of citizenship, but was conspicious in politics only once in his life. This was in the memorable campaign of 1840, when the Demo- cratic party was overthrown and William Henry Harrison, the Wliig candidate, elected to the Presidency. Mr. Beecher was a delegate in the

convention which nominated Harrison, and took part in the political meetings held in a log cabin on the north side, near Rush Street bridge.

In his business relations, Mr. Beecher was a man of unspotted integrity, careful and quiet in action, and reticent in speaking of himself or his affairs. One of his favorite methods of benevolent action was the assistance of some worthy man in starting in business, realizing that the truest way to help others is to teach and aid them to help themselves. He loved to gather children and young people about him, and a number were taken into his family and educated. He was es- pecially fond of music, and to his own family con- nections and friends he was ever generous. His style of living was unostentatious, and his hab- its were simple and domestic. In bearing, he was affable and considerate, and he always spoke charitably of men, making it a rule never to speak ill of any person.

Four years after liis arrival in Chicago, Mr. Beecher took a helpmeet in the person of Miss Mary Warren, daughter of Daniel Warren, whose biography will be found on another page of this book, and she proved in every way a companion to lim. Mrs. Beecher's twin sister married Silas B. Cobb, another pioneer leather merchant (see skeechi in this work). The sisters so closely resembled each other as to be often mistaken, one for the otlier.

The first housekeeping experience of Mr. and Mrs. Beecher was in a modest rented house at the corner of Lake Street and Michigan Avenue, and they afterwards built a home on Michigan Ave- nue. The advance of business drove them to several removals until the family homestead at No. 241 Michigan Avenue was constructed. This is one of two or three whichi escaped the flames in the great fire of 1871, and is almost the sole repre- sentative on the lake front of "old Chicago." Here they dwelt for more than thirty years, and here Mrs. Beecher continues to reside. She is greatly in- terested in benevolent work, and has been active in promoting several of the most important charities of the city, regarding a fortune as a blessing only in the proportion it is devoted to doing good.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

REV. JOSEPH RUTERSHOFF

(From Photo by W. J. ROOT)

511

REV. JOSEPH RUTERSHOFF.

R EV. JOSEPH RUTERSHOFF; pastor of . demptorist Fathers, Charles Hahn, Albert Saint Henry's Roman Catholic Church, of Schaeffler, Theodore Majerus, Peter Zimmer, John1 West Ridge, was born April 12, 1861, in Kuehn, Albert Stiessberger and Francis Oberle, alternately labored liere. the Province of Westphalia, Germany, and is a son of Theodore and Mary (Lakenberg) Ruters- After the Redemptorist Fathers, the Rev. Fathers Marschell and Haemers had charge of the congregation. In 1870 Rev. Father Michels, of Covington, Kentucky, came here and had care of this place. until 1873. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Wagner, during whose pastorate the present church edifice was built. hoff. At the age of seven years he was sent to the parochial school at Castrop, which he attended several years. Later he took a course of study at the Rectorate School at Walthrop, and was graduated from that institution when eighteen years old. He then pursued a higher course of study at Paderborn, being graduated therefrom after four years of diligent work.

In 1883 Father Rutershoff was called to Amer- ica by Archbishop Feehan, of Chicago, and after his arrival, took up the theological course at the Seminary of Saint Francis, near Milwaukee. Soon after completing the work in that institu- tion, in 1887, he was ordained a priest and was assigned to the pastorate of Saint Mary's Church,. at Elizabeth, Illinois, in August of that year. Besides this pastorate, Father Rutershoff had charge oftwo missions, one at Scales Mound and another at Hanover. In addition to his pastoral labors, he gave instruction to the pupils of the parochial school connected with the church. Here he labored faithfully and with success until his appointment to his present charge-April 15, 1891.

Saint Henry's congregation was established by the Rev. General-Vicar Kopp, previous to 1860, and was attended to by the same during the first years. In the year 1863 the congregation was augmented by the Rev. Father Jacob Nagel, Re- demptorist. He had charge until July, 1864. From then until October, 1879, the Reverend Re-

Father Wagner remained as pastor until Sep- tember, 1875, and then Rev. F. Niederberger took his place until June, 1879. Father Nieder- berger's successor was Rev. A. Thiele, who re- mained here and built the new schoolhouse. Af- ter his departure, in 1884, Rev. Jacob Meller took up the pastorate, and under the active manage- ment of this zealous priest a parsonage was built in · 1884. 4

I11 the year 1887 the congregations of Saint Matthias, at Bowmanville, and Saint Nicholas, at South Evanston, brauched off from Saint Hen- ry's and formed new, permanent congregations. The Saint Henry's parochial school is conduct- ed by Sisters belonging to the Order of the Poor Handmaids of Christ (who also conduct the German Catholic Orphanage at Rosehill), and a lay teacher for the large boys. At present two hundred eighty-five pupils attend the school. After the branching off of the two new congrega- tions there were one hundred sixty-five families remaining, and the number has increased to about three hundred sixty. There are four societies, three courts of Catholic Foresters, Saint Henry's

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E. F. HEDRICH.

Court, No. 51, having one hundred fifty mem- bers. Saint Mary's Ladies' Society has one hun- dred fifty members.

In June, 1890, Rev. J. Meller left for his honie in Europe, from whence he did not return. In his place were stationed for a short time the Rev. Fathers E. Goldsmith and A. Royer. In the spring of 1891, the present pastor, Rev. J. Ruters- hoff, took charge of Saint Henry's. Under his guidance the congregation, especially the school, flourishes. At present the school is visited by two hundred sixty-six pupils, and is conducted by

four Sisters, Poor Handmaids of Christ, and a male teacher, Mr. J. Hellrung, for the large boys. The cares of the parish have become so great that the pastor now has an assistant, the Rev. Clement Duerr, a priest of large experience.

Father Rutershoff is a most scholarly man, of pleasant manners and genial nature, and withal, wholly unassuming. His influence among the Catholic people of West Ridge is far-reaching and he is also regarded with the utmost respect by all who may come into the wide circle of his acquaint- ance.

EDWARD F. HEDRICH.

DWARD FREDERICK HEDRICH was born in Saxony, Germany, July 8, 1841, a son of Carl F. Hedrich, of the Fatherland. In his youth young Edward was half orphaned by the death of his mother.

His early advantages for obtaining an educa- tion were such as the public schools afforded, learning to read and write. He was early ap- prenticed to the cabinet-maker's trade and was a good workman before he was fourteen years old. In 1856 he came to the United States, being in his sixteenth year at the time. He took up his resi- dence at first in New York City, where he in- dustriously followed his trade until the outbreak of the late Civil War, when he enlisted in Com- pany I, of the Eighth New York Infantry, hav- ing been mustered into service April 23, 1861. He went at once into active duty at the front with his regiment and in one of the engagements that followed he received a wound in one of his wrists, which necessitated his accepting a dis- charge.

He then came West and temporarily located in Indianapolis, Indiana, in which place, December 8, 1863, he re-enlisted in Company B, Ninth

Indiana Cavalry. While in this command he participated in many hard-fought battles, bravely sustaining the part of an heroic soldier until his capture by the enemy in one of the sanguinary conflicts of the war. He was incarcerated in the Catawba prison, where he was held a close prisoner for a long time, suffering greatly from exposure and want. Finally, his exchange was effected, and he, with others of his comrades, started for home. At Vicksburg, Mississippi, he boarded the ill-fated steamer, "Sultana." This was a large Mississippi River steamer, and was loaded to her fullest capacity with soldiers returning to their homes, the most of whom were either invalids or exchanged prisoners of war. While nearing Memphis, Tennessee, her boilers blew up and nearly two thousand of her pas- "sengers were lost. Mr. Hedrich miraculously

escaped drowning. He was blown into the water, where for a short time the scene was in- describably appalling. The river was almost choked with wreckage and a seething mass of humanity. He swam until nearly exhausted, when, fortunately, he floated near a piece of wreckage, which he grasped, and with it he finally

513

HENRY WIETOR.

succeeded in making his way to land. Only four hundred were saved.

After the war he resided in Indianapolis, In- diana, and Louisville, Kentucky, for several years. In 1872 he came to Chicago, and soon after he received an appointment to the city police force as patrolman. Later, for meritorious service, he was promoted to be desk sergeant at the North Avenue Station, which position he re- tained several years. He was later transferred to the Central Station, where he creditably filled the office of sergeant, and for twenty-three years he served in this department. For some years he was chief clerk of the detective bureau. He was a brave and resolute officer, and no danger, how- ever great, appalled him. Wherever duty called he was there to execute. During the celebrated Cronin trial, he was detailed to work up evidence for the State, and he was engaged in this for several months. It was to his indefatigable ef- forts that the State was largely indebted for its success, and it was Mr. Hedrich who, after weeks of searching, finally ran down and captured "Little Kunze."

Mr. Hedrich was in the Haymarket riot, and

also the riots in Southi Chicago. He was greatly feared by the lawless element in the city, and he received many letters threatening his life. He was a member of General Hancock Post, No. 560, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was adjutant eight years, and also quartermaster for a considerable length of time. He was also an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, af- filiating with Lincoln Park Chapter, and of the order of Maccabees. Mr. Hedrich was a social gentleman, and decidedly popular with a large number of friends and acquaintances, who always delighted in doing lıim honor.

He was married in Chicago, January 27, 1875, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Mathias Barcal, an old settler of the city. Their union resulted in nine children, all of whom are living, namely: Arthur Edward, Stella, Katie, Walter, Josephine, Archibald, Percy, Ella and Thomas.

Mr. Hedrich died August 29, 1896. He was a kind and indulgent father, and his death left a void in the family that can never be filled. His life's work was well and thoroughly done, and he left to his children as a legacy the heritage of a name free from the taint of dishonor.

HENRY WIETOR.

ENRY WIETOR, a successful florist of the old town of Lake View, is a native of the locality, born at Calvary November 6, 1861, -a representative of one of the old families. His parents are George and Lena (Reinberg) Wietor, both natives of Germany. They were married in Paris, France, where they lived a few years be- fore coming to America. Having resolved to seek a home in the free country across the Atlan- tic Ocean, they set out in 1857, and came direct to Cook County. Their fortune was yet to be inade, and Mr. Wietor accepted any honorable

employment which came in his way. He was in debt on arrival, but his patience and industry were rewarded, for he was able, after half a dozen years of toil, to purchase twenty acres of land with his savings. He engaged in market-gar- dening, and was successful, so that his old age is being spent in quiet and contented retirement from labor. His four children are still living, namely: Katherine, wife of John Muno (see biog- raphy in this work); Henry, whose name heads this sketch1; Mary and Nicholas, still residing with their parents.

514

CAPT. P. N. HAGEN.

Henry Wietor was educated at Saint Henry's parochial school, and he received practical train- ing on his father's domain. He started a green- house in 1883, in which he cultivated vegetables until 1892, and since that date has given his attention to the production of flowers. He is a member of the Rogers Park Floral Company, with salesroom at No. 41 Wabash Avenue, Chi- cago. His greenhouses cover a space of twenty- five by one hundred twenty feet each, and num- ber twenty-six, all devoted to the growth of roses and carnations. His success is due to his con- stant exercise of industry, combined with good judgment and prudent care.

Mr. Wietor is numbered among the faithful communicants of Saint Henry's Roman Catholic

Church, and he is a member of the Catholic Or- der of Foresters. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, but gives little attention to practical politics, preferring the sure gains found in careful attention to his own business to the emol- uments and attendant worries of public service.

October 7, 1889, he was happily wedded to Miss Maggie Evert, who was born in the same locality as himself, and is a daughter of Franz and Mary Evert, both of German birth. One son, named George Wietor, has come to the home of Mr. Wietor. As a result of the careful train- ing the son is receiving, he may be reasonably expected to follow in the footsteps of his father, reflecting credit upon his parents, and upon his native place.

CAPT. PETER N. HAGEN.

D APT. PETER N. HAGEN, of Rogers Park, is a native of Kragero, Norway, born in 1836, and is a son of Martin and Ellen Hagen, natives of Norway, who died in their native land. The boyhood of Peter N. Hagen was passed in Kragero, a place somewhat noted for the high character of its schools, where he received a prac- tical education, and received papers showing his efficiency. . His father was a sea-faring man, and at the early age of thirteen years young Peter was placed before the mast.

His career as a sailor is an interesting one. He has visited all of the Mediterranean countries, Russia, and many other European parts. For nine months he was aboard the Norwegian war ship "Disaderia," while on her first trip, and which proved to be her last. That was in 1854.

In 1856 he came to New York aboard one of his country's merchant vessels. He then shipped on American and other vessels, and later returned to Norway. In 1863 he returned to America and

settled in Chicago. He followed the lakes for a while, having secured a one-third interest in the schooner Pilot, which he sailed as commanding officer for six years. Leaving the lakes, he was appointed a patrolman on the city police force and served three and a-half years, proving him- self a brave and efficient officer and securing the confidence and esteem of his superiors on the force. The Great Fire of 1871 occurred during the time he was on the police force.

In 1881 he went to Rogers Park to take charge of the toll gate, which position he held five years, until the abolition of the toll road. Subsequently he received an appointment as policeman, being the only night police in the place, which position he creditably filled for two years, to the satisfac- tion of the trustees and citizens. Since then he has been employed in various ways, at the present time being engaged in the oil and gasoline busi- ness.

In Rogers Park he has a pleasant home, ow11-

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WILLIAM STEAD.

ing one acre of ground at Rogers Avenue and Robey Street. He lias been twice married, botlı wives being now deceased. He has two children living-promising boys-Richard and Harry. Sadie, his only daughter, died late in December, 1893.

Captain Hagen is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, and in politics is a stanch Re-

publican. He is the eldest of eleven children born to his parents, of whom ten are living, and all reside in Chicago.

Captain Hagen is a well-preserved man, con- sidering his years and the exposure he has expe- rienced. He has a large acquaintance with the old settlers of the city; as well as many men of the representative and official classes.

WILLIAM STEAD.

ILLIAM STEAD, a wealthy farmer of Niles Township, residing on section 34, and having land in sections 34 and 35, is a native of Yorkshire, England, born April 10, 1822. He is a son of John and Hannah (Grange) Stead. John Stead died when William was but seven years old, and his widow married again.

Not being satisfied with the treatment he re- ceived from his step-father, William Stead re- solved to leave home, and at the age of ten years he ran away, becoming the master of his own for- tunes, and beginning the battles of life for himself. Although so young, he endured the hardships and difficulties he encountered with patience that would be considered remarkable in a much older person. His opportunity for acquiring an educa- tion was extremely limited, and he was able to spend only a few months at school, which barely enabled him to read and write. He found em- ployment as a farm laborer, and so carefully saved his earnings that he had accumulated sufficient money to defray the expenses of his marriage, in March, 1848, to Miss Ann Hannican, and to pay their passage on a sailing-vessel to the United States.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, 8th ed., Part 74

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