Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 103

Author: La Salle Book Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : La Salle Book Co.
Number of Pages: 910

USA > Illinois > Cook County > Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899 > Part 103

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Mr. Stelter and family are connected with the Christian Church, and he is independent in pol- itics, voting for the man, instead of for the party.

719

P. P. REISENHUS.

PETER P. REISENHUS.

ETER PETERSEN REISENHUS, presi- dent of the American Glove Company, and one of Chicago's successful and progressive business men, is a native of Denmark. Heis the eldest of a family of three sons and one daugh- ter born to Hans Christian Petersen and Ellen C. (Petersen) Reisenhus. The family name comes from a mansion called Reisenhus, on a large estate situated eighteen miles from the east coast of Jutland, Denmark, which was owned for several generations by the family, and when the father of the subject of this sketch was born, Hans C. P. Reisenhus was a soldier in the Dan- ish army, during the war of 1864 with Germany. He is now living in Fövling, Jutland, where his wife died several years ago.

Peter P. Reisenhus was born May 16, 1859, at Undrup in the peninsula of Jutland, Denmark. When he was seven years old his parents moved to Fövling, where he attended the common school until the age of fourteen years. He was then sent to the city of Horsens and apprenticed for five years to a large mercantile establishment. During four years of that time he attended a commercial college, where he learned the English and German languages, bookkeeping and cor- respondence. He thus acquired a thorough prac- tical knowledge of correct business methods. After his term of service expired he spent six months with another similar concern, and then engaged with Jacob Moller & Company, a large firm of distillers, as English correspondent and general office mau. Their trade being almost ex-

clusively with Great Britain; he thus became acquainted with many business men of that coun- try, as well as renewing the acquaintance of sev- eral of his schoolmates who were filling positions in English commission houses. He remained with the above firm about six months and then visited his parents, spending a couple of weeks among his friends. In May, 1880, he went to Newcastle, England, thence to Liverpool, where he accepted a temporary position as assistant clerk in a commission house, remaining two months.

Finding that opportunities in the English sea- port were not as great as he expected, he acted on the advice of a friend and bought a ticket to Philadelphia, from which city he continued his journey to Chicago, where his friend occupied a lucrative position. He arrived in Chicago Sep- tember 1, 1880, with two dollars in his pocket and borrowed three dollars, that he might pay a week's board in advance. Two days later he began work in the shipping department of the Munson Belting Company, where he worked at a small salary several months. He spent his evenings for two years attending night school at the Scandia College, then in existence, and lo- cated on Morgan Street, near Grand Avenue. Thus he became capable of taking up work for which his previous training had prepared him. In February, 1881, he secured a position as book- keeper for the firm of Mattson & Aeppli and re- mained in their employ until they failed, January 4, 1890.

JAMES MORAN.

720

Having resolved to enter business on his own account, he had, during his years of labor for others, made it a rule to save a part of his earn- ing for future investment. In February, 1890, in company with his brother, Henry Reisenhus, and others, he organized the American Glove Company, under the laws of this state, and was made president and treasurer. At first they did a jobbing trade, with an office at No. 507 North Robey Street. The following year they built a small one-story building at their present location and began the manufacture of gloves and mittens, with a small force. The business has grown under the judicious management of Mr. Reisen- hus, and their premises were enlarged from time to time. In 1891 they built their present plant at Nos. 325 to 331 Bloomingdale Avenue, and their trade has grown to meet their added advan- tages. They now employ about seventy-five people in the factory and have six traveling sales- men. The territory in which their product is used reaches as far east as Wheeling, West Vir-

ginia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It includes the states of Michigan, Ohio, part of Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illi- nois. Peter P. Reisenhus is president and treas- urer of the company, his brother, H. P. Reisen- hus, being secretary.

The subject of this sketch was married in Chicago, in 1885, to Miss Katie H. Jensen, who was born at Thorup, Jutland, Denmark. They are the parents of one son, James Arthur. Mr. Reisenhus is a member of Covenant Lodge No. 526, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has held all the important offices in the subordinate lodge of the latter and is also a member of Vic- tory Encampment No. 108, of which he was one of the organizers. During the life of this body of Odd Fellows he has at two different times held the office of Chief Patriarch, and was in 1898 elected representative to the Grand Encampment and is at present the Deputy of that grand body.

JAMES MORAN.

AMES MORAN, who is one of the most en- ergetic and active citizens of Chicago, was born December 18, 1856, at the old Bridge- port lime kiln, in that city. He is of the enter- prising character which is invariably to be found in the race of which he is a descendant. His par- ents, Patrick and Mary (O'Brien) Moran, were natives of Ireland.

Patrick Moran was born in Sligo, Ireland, and died in 1862, in Chicago, at the age of sixty-two years. His wife died in 1866, aged forty-seven years. This couple was united in their native land and came to America in 1851. They resided in New York five months and subsequently jour- neyed on to Chicago. Patrick Moran was em-

ployed in the Huff slaughter house, and contin- ted there until his death, when he was mourned by his relatives and many friends. Mrs. Moran had some brothers, who reside in Bloomington, Illinois, at the present writing. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Moran were named as fol- lows: Mary, John, William, James and Annie.

James Moran attended the Holden School until he reached the age of thirteen years. He then entered the Bridgeport Rolling Mills, where he earned steady promotion. In 1879 he went to Joliet, where he spent some time working in the mills, and on his return to Chicago resumed his former employment. In May, 1892, he entered the service of the Illinois Central Railroad Com-

721

J. C. STOFFREGEN.

pany, as special policeman. He was subsequently interested in various enterprises until August 3, 1895, when he established a coal business at No. 747 East Sixty-fourth Street, and has since been located, in his own interests, at this point.

Mr. Moran is a member of Tent Apollo, Knights of the Maccabees, and is highly respected by his brothers in the order. He is a refined and educated gentleman, and stands high in the esti- mation of all who know him.

JOHN C. STOFFREGEN.

OHN CONRAD STOFFREGEN, who is a type of the German-American citizen, is a most enterprising business man, having all the vitality and force characteristic of his race, and, though not born in the Land of the Free, is loyal to its interests. He was born October 15, 1853, in Hanover, Germany, a son of Henry Stoffregen. For mention of his ancestry refer to the article on the life of T. F. Stoffregen, on an- other page of this work.

Mr. Stoffregen came to America with his par- ents in 1867, reaching Chicago in July of that year. He was first employed in the sash, door and blind factory of Hall & Winch, located on Clark Street, near Twelfth Street. After being thus occupied three years he entered the service of Paul Kleinert, a hotel keeper. He was with Mr. Kleinert from 1871 to 1878.

At this time Mr. Stoffregen visited Colorado with the idea of engaging in mining. This ven- ture was very successful and he made a strike of five thousand dollars for his first important move. He later received fifteen thousand as his share in another strike, and remained in the West until 1884. On his return to Chicago he started a liquor establishment at the southwest corner of Sixty-first and Halsted Streets, and subsequently sold it to Charles Wirth. In May, 1891, he opened a like business on Archer Avenue, which he conducted until May, 1894. Since that time he has been retired from active business. He is

the owner of the property at Nos.2032-34 Archer Avenue, which is improved by frame buildings.

In 1888 Mr. Stoffregen purchased a two-story flat building at No. 6208 Morgan Street, and rents one flat, while he occupies the other with his family. He retains an interest in a mine on Clear Creek, Lake County, Colorado. He was first married in September, 1884, to Minnie, daughter of Henry Engle. She was born in Ger- many and died in this country in 1885. For his second wife he married, March 10, 1886, Miss Elizabeth Bliss, daughter of Christopher Bliss, a native of Illinois. She died May 6, 1888. Feb- ruary 26, 1891, Mr. Stoffregen was married to Miss Anna, daughter of August and Amelia (Hossenritter) Vohl. She was born in Apple- ton, Wisconsin, October 9, 1873.

Mr. Stoffregen is a member of Hutton Lodge No. 398, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed through all the chairs. Mrs. Stoffre- gen is connected with Germania Lodge No. 45, Daughters of Rebekah, and is at present the Noble Grand of the lodge. She is a member of the German Order Isolde Verein, and lias served for a time as financial secretary. Mr. Stoffregen votes in favor of the Republican party at all times, and has served as judge of election.

He is a fine example of the Americanized Ger- man of the best type, and though of small stature, is possessed of much vitality. He has the stead- fastness of purpose and industry peculiar to his

722

VALENTINE RUSSER .- H. O. HANSEN.

race, and his success is proof of his progress since a very charming lady, who would grace any his first entrance into a business career. Death household. She is well educated and takes a lively interest in questions of the day and in civic societies. has seen fit to deprive him of his partner twice, but the present Mrs. Stoffregen is a model woman,

VALENTINE RUSSER.

ALENTINE RUSSER, who was one of the most promising young men ever cut down by the Reaper-Death-was killed at Boone, Iowa, in the very prime of manhood, while mak- ing a journey to Denver, Colorado. He was born May 28, 1839, being twenty-nine years of age at the time of his death. He was a brass moulder and married a daughter of a very well- known and highly respected family. This lady, Mary Huguelet, was born in December, 1838, and is connected with the Chicago family of that name which is extensively represented in this work.

Mr. and Mrs. Russer became the parents of four children, of whom only one is now living. Louisa, the oldest, died at the age of twenty-four years. Julia lived to be eight years of age, and

Henry died when twenty-seven. He married Clara Reef, and their children were named Lily and Frances. John, the youngest of the number, was born March 5, 1862, and was married May 22, 1889, to Mary Davis. Their children are as follows: John Henry, born August 6, 1890; Gertrude Louisa, April 6, 1892; and Thomas Edward, January 7, 1893. The family of John Russer is a very interesting one, and each child shows good breeding and does credit to the rear- ing it has received.

Mr. Russer is a valued and respected employe in the japanning department of the American Cycle Company. He has been with this concern three years and is skilled and competent in this line of business.

H. OLUF HANSEN.

OLUF HANSEN, who is very prominent in the business of manufacturing tobacco into twists and snuff, is also one of the most prom- inent politicians and workers for the city in his vicinity. He has held many public offices, and

is now the possessor and conductor of a successful business. Born November 30, 1844, in Denmark, he began at an early age to learn the trade of a sail maker. He served in the Danish navy for eleven months in 1864, and came to the United

723

C. F. BAUM.

States in May of the year 1867. He came direct to the city of Chicago, and during the first year of his residence in this city sailed on the Great Lakes.

He subsequently began to occupy himself at his chosen trade, and in 1873 obtained the position of foreman at the factory of David McCollum. Mr. Hansen then engaged in business for him- self, at Nos. 206, 208 Milwaukee Avenue. After continuing four years, he was employed in the County Agent's office, as special agent to exam- ine applicants for aid, being able to speak the German and Scandinavian languages. In 1879 he was water inspector and later division clerk and subsequently was appointed chief inspector, having fifty men in his charge.

In 1890 and 1891 he was West Town Collec- tor, running ahead of his ticket about two thousand

votes at the election in 1890, and about three thousand in 1891. He refused a re-nomination the next year. For a period of about ten years he was on the County Democratic Committee, and has taken a great interest in political matters. He established his present business in 1885, and since 1892 has given it his entire attention. He is a past officer in the order of Knights of Pythias, and is now a member of Denmark Lodge No. 112, and is identified with Richard Yates Council, of the Royal Arcanum.

Nothing is more conducive to the success and happiness of a man than a congenial and helpful life companion. Such is the harmonious mind and character of the lady of refinement and culture whom Mr. Hansen obtained for a wife. In Octo- ber, 1875, he was married to Miss Sophie F. N. Moller, a native of Denmark.

CHRISTOPH F. BAUM.

HRISTOPH FREDERICK BAUM. Ger- Eschwege, Germany, a son of Jacob and Dorothea many loses many of her best citizens by her exacting military laws. In time of peace patriotism does not impel a man to waste three of the best years of his life in military drill and manœuvre. If the Fatherland were threatened by a foreign foe thousands of America's best citizens would probably even now go to her defense.

Christoph Frederick Baum at the age of nine- teen found himself with a trade on the threshold of an active business life, but compelled by the laws of his native land to practically sacrifice three years in the army. His thoughts reverted to our Land of the Free and his feet soon followed his thoughts, and he is to-day one of the most prominent business men in the metropolis of the West-Chicago.

He was born January 31, 1853, in the city of

(Gebhardt) Baum. He attended school until fourteen years of age, obtaining a practical edu- cation, and subsequently learned the trade of weaver and became an expert in all its lines. He spent three years at this occupation. He was the only one of his father's family to emigrate from Germany, and reached Chicago November 8, 1872.

Having a taste for the business of a merchant, he purchased a lot of goods in the spring of 1873 and sold them throughout the country. He fol- lowed this line of business eighteen months, learning a great deal about the country in that time. In the fall of 1874 he entered the employ of A. P. Fiedler, located on North Avenue, deal- er in and manufacturer of dress, cloak and hat trimmings. In 1875 he became foreman of the

724

C. F. BAUM.

concern and served thus until September, 1881. He then established a dress and cloak trim- ming business for his own interest on Fifth Ave- nue, having for a partner Amie Ernst, the firm name being Baum & Ernst. In January, 1884, Mr. Baum purchased his partner's interest, and conducted business under his individual nanie. In January of the next year he admitted G. P. Gerlach and Charles Wirths to partnership, the firm name becoming C. F. Baum & Company, and at the expiration of two years he again bought out his partners. Two years later he removed to Madison Street, and in January, 1894, he admitted John Lefrentz and Frank Wilhelm, and formed a corporation entitled The C. F. Baum Company. In November, 1897, John Lefrentz sold his interest and retired, owing to ill-health.

Mr. Baum was married February 8, 1876, to Caroline Kern, daughter of George Kern. Mrs. Baum is a native of Alsace, France (now in Ger- many), and came to America in 1873. Her birth occurred July 12, 1851, in the city of Thann. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Baum were five in number and are accounted for as follows: Christoph Frederick Edward, born December 11, 1877, died October 29, 1892; Caroline, born May 4, 1879, died May 21, 1880; Oscar Gustav, born June 3, 1881, is employed in his father's office; Emil, born August 29, 1883, died November 29, 1883; Freda Blanche, born September 10, 1888, is a school girl, at home.

Mr. Baum is connected with Germania Lodge No. 182, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He has served in the offices of Junior and Senior Warden and First and Second Steward. He has never risen higher in the Masonic order because he believes that the bone and sinew of the order is found in the Blue Lodge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baum are members of the Normal Park Chapter No. 211, Order of the Eastern Star, auxiliary to the Masons. He is connected with Schiller Lodge No. 15, Knights of Pythias, has held all offices in the lodge, and has represented it six terms in the Grand Lodge. He is independent in political views, voting for man rather than for

party. He was reared a Protestant and is true to the teachings of his fathers.

A great lover of music, Mr. Baum is a patron of musical organizations. He is an honorary member of two of the largest German singing societies in Chicago-the Sennefelder, of the North Side, of which he has been a member eighteen years, and the Frohsinn, of the South Side. Though he does not read music himself, he looks forward with pleasure to the concerts given by those organizations, and never misses them.

The goods of the C. F. Baum Company re- ceived highest award at the World's Fair, 1893. The line of business is peculiar, and there are not more than five first-class establishments in this line in the United States, two being in New York, oue in Philadelphia and two in Chicago. Mr. Baum's house ranks second only to that of his old employer, A. P. Fiedler. The business occupies two stories at Nos. 220 to 228 East Madison Street, or floor space of ninety by three hundred eighty feet, all of which is completely occupied. The machinery used is of the latest design and consists of complete plants for braid- ing, spinning, weaving, knitting, covering and twisting-in short, all machinery necessary for all lines of textile work. The firm manufactures about twenty different lines of goods, among which may be mentioned, trimmings for ladies' and gentlemen's wear, military suits, braids of all kinds and millinery goods. The raw material is practically all imported-the silk coming from China and Japan, gold and silver from Germany, and mohair from England.

The concern has six traveling salesmen, who are on the road nearly all the year. When Mr. Baum came to America he was still in his minor- ity and was under obligations to his parents. He therefore sent them part of his earnings, not because they particularly needed it nor that they exacted it, but from his sense of justice. He showed that a dutiful son could complete his ma- jority away from home without the aid of his par- ents, and still fulfill the requirements of such a son, although thousands of miles removed from their loving presence.

725

P. J. THORNUM.

He is now a man of domestic tastes and has a delightful home, magnificently furnished, located at No. 6543 Lafayette Avenue, where he has resided for the past nine years. His two children have every advantage that life and the improve- ments in the city of to-day can give them. The son assists his father in his office, and the daugh- ter gives her attention to her studies and especial- ly to music. That Mr. Baum is a natural leader

is demonstrated in his business career. He was not with his old employer long before he was managing the business. Such a man does not remain employed longer than pecuniary condi- tions require, and much time did not elapse until Mr. Baum was at the head of his own estab- lishment. He is now in a leading position in the business of the country and has the best wishes of his friends.

PETER J. THORNUM.

ETER J. THORNUM. Many men in the great whirl of the business and social world of the city of Chicago are prominent in one line or manner, and obscure and unheard of in other enterprises. Eminent and honored is the one who succeeds in the political, business or so- cial history of his time. Peter J. Thornum has made a place for himself in the political world, by strict attention to the local affairs of his neigh- borhood, and still stricter notice of the national matters concerning the people of his adopted country. He has been recognized as a leader, and partially recompensed with various offices in the gift of the people.

He has become well known in the business world by his enterprising dealings and a display of tact and trustworthiness to those with whom he has associated. Beginning on a small scale, he has been the head of a business which em- ployed many men. He has become prominent socially through his attention and practical aid to fraternal organizations.

His parents reside in Denmark, where he was born March 10, 1844. He was reared in the re- gion of his birth until he reached the age of four- teen years, and was then employed as cook on a vessel, leading the life of the average seaman

until seventeen years old, when he was promoted to mate. His history goes to show that he was bound to succeed in whatever he undertook. In 1862 he entered the United States navy, and con- tinued in that service four years. In 1866 he sailed on the Great Lakes between Buffalo and New York, and in the same year he located in Chicago, still continuing on the Great Lakes, but making this city his home. In 1870, while mate of the vessel "Badger State," he was shipwrecked, and the vessel was lost, though the passengers were all rescued. He continued sailing until 1871, when he was again shipwrecked on the schooner "Sevant," which went down five miles from shore, and everyone on board was lost ex- cept Mr. Thornum, who was picked up by a passing vessel next morning. The vessel left Chicago the day of the never-to-be-forgotten con- flagration of 1871, the weather at the time being very cold.

Mr. Thornum then abandoned life on the lakes and followed the occupation of painter, doing con- tracting, and employing many men in his business. He continued to be thus occupied until 1884, when he located in Winslow, Jackson & Talman's subdivision, erecting a residence on Seymour Street. In 1877 he removed the house to his

726

HENRY MALZACHER.

present location, at No. 704 West North Avenue. He was one of the first to locate on that street and, while still contracting for painting, in 1880, he engaged as agent for fire insurance and has continued in that business since. His store, es- tablished in 1877, was the first on North Avenue. He transacts more insurance business than any other agent in that part of the city. He repre- sents the German of Freeport and the Milwaukee Mechanics' Insurance Companies.

In 1869 Mr. Thornum was married to Miss Christina Jepsen, a resident of Chicago, but a native of Denmark, having come to America at the age of twenty years. Their four children are named: Frederick, Emma, Selma and Thyra, and all reside at home. Fred is watchman for the Board of Education and Selma is attending the Chicago Business College.

Mr. Thornum always favored the Democratic

party with his influence, and has been water and building inspector, besides holding various other offices. In 1882 he was nominated for the office of state senator, as the opponent of William E. Mason. He is a member of Wicker Park Lodge No. 281, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been through the chairs. He is a member of the Danish Brotherhood, and many other societies. He was vice-president, representing the West Side, of the Democratic County Central Committee, with which he has been identified several years, at the same time that Charles Thornton was vice-president from the South Side. Mr. Thornum participates in all important political matters, and is authority on all happenings since his residence in Chicago. He is manager of the Chicago edition of the Dan- ish Pioneer, the largest and most important Danish .. paper in America.

HENRY MALZACHER.

ENRY MALZACHER is a member of one of the oldest German-American families that settled in Chicago, if not the very first one that located permanently in this city. He enjoys the distinction of having been the first male child born in Chicago of German parents. He first opened his eyes to a view of this world December 7, 1836, on Lake Street, between La Salle and Wells Streets, the latter street being now Fifth Avenue. His parents were Louis and Mary (Beimann) Malzacher.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 103

Author: La Salle Book Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : La Salle Book Co. Number of Pages: 910

Author: La Salle Book Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : La Salle Book Co.
Number of Pages: 910