Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 47

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 47

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Mr. Spamer landed in New York October 6, 1857, after a tiresome journey, with a brave heart and a determination to succeed. He had learned the trade of cabinet-maker, having served three years as apprentice after reaching his fourteenth year. He was occupied at that trade until he came to America, with the exception of two years and two months, parts of 1848, 1849 and 1850, when he was in the German army. With liis wife and three children Mr. Spamer arrived in America and remained in New York, after which he removed to Beverly, Massachusetts. One year subsequently he went to Boston, Massachu- setts, and resided a short time in Cambridge.

He was in Boston at the time the Civil War broke out and enlisted June 13, 1861, in Com- pany C, Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteer In- fantry, thus proving his loyalty to his adopted country. He was wounded in the right side at the first battle of Bull Run, the injury being slight. He was a prisoner of the South ten months and ten days, and was in Richmond, Virginia, from July 21, 1861, until December,

and was then sent to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from which point he was taken to Wilmington, North Carolina, to be exchanged. He was sent to Sal- isbury, North Carolina, however, some hitch occurring in the proceedings. He was exchanged at Salisbury. His enlistment being for three months only, he was discharged after his ex- change. He was stricken with scurvy during his service and was very sick for a time.

On his withdrawal from the service of the Gov- ernment Mr. Spamer traveled as helper in the service of the Artist Glass Company, traversing much of the country. He continued with that concern until he came to Chicago in July, 1865, and then occupied himself at his trade. He en- tered the service of Herrman & Rigger, located on Division Street, remaining thus occupied two years. He later became an employe of Adolph Seller, located at the corner of Washington and Canal Streets, assisting in the manufacture of billiard and pool tables. He remained in this employ until the concern passed into the hands of the Brunswick-Balke Company, when he be- came collector for the last-mentioned firm. He left this service to establish a catering business of his own, starting in 1884 at the corner of North Avenue and Halsted Street.

After two months he sold the business to Philip Karpan and occupied himself at his trade for a time. He subsequently started a boarding house on North Avenue. He sold out after one year and started again at No. 264 Larrabee Street,

322

P. E. HUGUELET.

which he continued two years. He has worked at his trade since that time, two years being em- ployed by the city. He manufactures a com- pound called celery extract and also celery salt.

Mr. Spamer was married, November 14, 1852, to Miss Eliza Margaret Schmidt, daughter of Johann George and Katharine (Hoffman) Schmidt. Mrs. Spamer was born February 2, 1827, in Germany, and is a pleasant and refined woman, a helpmate in every sense and a worthy character. Mrs. Spamer's grandfather was John Adam Schmidt, whose wife was Elizabeth Rock- mir. Her paternal grandfather was John Hoff- man.

Mr. and Mrs. Spamer became the parents of

five children, of whom mention is here made in brief : Caroline was born May 6, 1851, married Conrad Limn, a carpenter, and resides at Hinck- ley, De Kalb County, Illinois; their children were named: Henry (deceased), Fritz and Mary. George Frederick, the second of the children of Frank Spamer, died at the age of seven weeks. Katharine was born May 23, 1854, and died July 1, 1892; she inarried Herman Arnold and resided in Chicago. She left the following children to mourn her loss: Charles, John, Ida and Herman. Theodore, born Jannary 9, 1857, died at the age of four years. Frank, born after the family reached America, is the subject of another article in this work.

PIERRE E. HUGUELET.

IERRE EMANUEL HUGUELET, a re. spected and worthy citizen of Chicago, has been identified with the interests of the city for many years, and is loyal to his adopted coun- try. He was born December 5, 1842, in Canton Berne, Switzerland. For further mention of an- cestry refer to biography of Louis Huguelet, on another page of this work.

At theage of twenty-two years he entered the employ of George Metz, a hardware merchant, and was occupied as a laborer one year. He then entered the employ of George Sands, who conducted a brewery, with whom he continued two years. After one year in the service of the McCormick Reaper Works he entered the employ of John Waldo, with whom he remained the same length of time. During the next year he was in the sash and door factory of S. D. Russell. For a time he did teaming with his own horses, and again entered a sash and door factory, operated by C. J. L. Meyer.

The fact that he was in the service of the last

named employer eighteen years goes to prove that he is possessed of integrity and strength of char- acter. For three years he has been occupied in teaming, in the interests of Lawrence Huck, lo- cated at No. 62 Crosby Street. He is a valued and honored employe, and is respected by all who come in contact with his genial nature.

Mr. Huguelet was married to Miss Amala Laura, daughter of Gottfried and Christine (Meyer) Seidenschwanz. She was born Septem- ber 29, 1839, in Saxony, Germany, and is a con- genial and helpful life companion and a comfort to her husband. With her parents and nine other children, she arrived in Chicago September 1, 1847. They had landed in Quebec and traveled from there to Buffalo, and by steamer "Niagara" to Chicago. They spent forty-two days in a sailing vessel on the ocean. The father and four children died two months after their arrival in America. The children who died were named: Herman, Carl, William and Godfrey.

Mrs. Seidenschwanz kept the family together

323

ADAM BOETTIGER.

and purchased a land claim from Mr. Bright. She paid seventy dollars for the claim, and the house where Mr. Huguelet now lives stands on the ground. The old house was burned in the fire of 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Seidenschwanz were the parents of ten children, of whom the following brief mention is made:

Christoph, born March 29, 1828, married Doro- thy Rehm, December 12, 1854, and resides at No. 267 Rush Street. Augusta married Christian Haas, who came to America in 1852. His chil- dren are three in number, as follows: Frederick, who keeps a meat market at the corner of Oakley Avenue and Thirty-third Street; Emma, wife of Edward Harsh, living at the corner of Thirty- third and Leavitt Streets; and Christian T., the youngest, residing with the man whose name heads this article. Minnie, the next in order of birth, married Tobias Almendinger (now de- ceased), and resides on Wilton Avenue, near Waveland Avenue. Amala is Mrs. Huguelet. Emma married Benjamin Slater, who is retired,

and resides at No. 22 Chestnut Place. Frederick resides at No. 23 Chestnut Place.

Mrs. Huguelet's paternal grandfather had three children: Gottfried, Christoph and Gottleib. Her maternal grandfather, George Andrew Meyer, married Christina Miller, and their children were named Christina and Andrew. They had a farnı in Germany. The children of Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Huguelet were seven in number: Amala W. S. was the oldest. Augusta died at the age of six months. Edward Jule Eugene was the next in order of birth. Maud Augusta died at the age of five and one-half years. Frances Elizabeth died when ten years of age. Emily Christina married Frederick Seidenschwanz, junior, and her hus- band being now deceased, she is living with her parents. Minnie Julia is the youngest.

The house Mr. Huguelet resides in was erected by Henry Fuller in 1872, and he has occupied it with his family since 1874. He is loyal to the Republican party, and his influence is used for the right in all instances.

ADAM BOETTIGER.

DAM BOETTIGER, who is living in retire- ment, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many, November 12, 1829. He was edu- cated in the parish school until fourteen years old, and was then confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He then served an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of stone and brick mason, at which he worked until he immigrated. In June, 1854, he went down the River Rhine to Rotterdam, and then to Havre, when he took passage on a sailing ship that carried over five hundred passengers.

The ocean voyage of forty-six days was a very unpleasant one and fraught with many trying

and sad incidents. The cholera broke out on board ship, and one hundred and sixty-eight people died and were buried in the sea. After this the black small-pox broke out just before coming in sight of New York.

After arrival in New York Mr. Boettiger came directly to Chicago. Three days after he arrived in the city he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, as a mason, to assist in building the freight depot. He was occupied at his trade, as foreman in the service of other men, until 1873, with the exception of one year, when he was a contractor, in company with Charles Meister. In 1873 he was appointed by

324

LOUIS HANSON.

the commissioner of public works of Chicago to the position of building inspector. As this was shortly after the fire of 1871, he had very much work to do. He superintended the erection of the Halsted Street viaduct, the Lake Street bridge and the Harrison Street police station, in 1873, and served as local inspector of buildings and street improvements under Mayors Heath and Colvin.

Mr. Boettiger held this position until 1880, when he was appointed chief inspector, by Mayor Harrison. He served during that gentleman's administration, the full term under DeWitt C. Cregier and a part of the time under the adminis- tration of Mayor Washburne. He held this po- sition until the 21st of February, 1894, having faithfully served the city's interests for a period of eighteen years, after which he retired from active business life.

Mr. Boettiger has always taken a lively inter- est in the affairs of the city and was active in the support of the Democratic party, although

for a time after becoming a citizen he supported the Republican party. He keeps himself well ill- formed on the questions of the day. He is a member of Goethe Lodge No. 329, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Humboldt Encamp- ment No. 101, of the same order.

Mr. Boettiger was married February 22, 1857, to Miss Louise Voss, who proved to be all that a · man could desire, to lighten his burden of hard- ships and responsibility. Mrs. Boettiger was born in Braunschweig, Germany, came to Chicago in1 1855, and died February 27, 1895. She had five children, only three of whom are living at the present writing, namely: William, who is in the employ of Marshall Field & Company, and resides at Hinsdale; Louise, at home; and Adam, who is employed in the Union Trust Company's Bank. The members of the family are connected with St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church and are highly respected in the community where they dwell, in harmony with each other and the world in general.

LOUIS HANSON.

OUIS HANSON, a well-known manufac- turer and business man of Chicago, was born in Denmark September 16, 1843. He remained in that country until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he resolved to seek his fortune in the United States, and ac- cordingly crossed the Atlantic to Portland, Maine. He spent one year in that city, finding employment in a picture frame factory, and re- ceiving one dollar per day for his labor. In 1866 he removed to Boston, where he secured similar employment. Hearing of greater advantages for ambitious young men farther west, he came to Chicago in 1867 and at once secured work. He proved to be industrious, and continued

working in various factories, carefully saving all he could, and learning as much as possible of the business ways of the country ..

In 1871 he resolved to start in business for him- self, and, with this in view, formed a partnership with David Goodwillie. The firm began the manufacture of picture frames, and a year later Mr. Goodwillie's sons took his place in the firm, this partnership continuing until 1874. In that year Mr. Hanson and nine others bought out the Goodwillies for $3,400, and remained in the bus- iness until 1877, when the subject of this notice was able to buy out his partners and take entire control. Thus, by diligent attention to his work, he became owner of a growing business,

325

F. V. HOFMANN.

which, under his careful personal management, has increased to a wonderful extent. Having begun at the bottom round of the ladder, he is familiar with every detail of his establishment, and is thus able to give instruction and advice wherever needed. Several departments have been added to his factory and he now manufac- tures various articles, besides mirror and picture frames and mouldings. Some of the largest bar- ·

ber shops in both East and West have been fitted up with furniture manufactured by Mr. Hanson. In October, 1898, he made and shipped a large barbers' case to Johannesburgh, Africa. In his business career, Mr. Hanson has not been with- out his discouragements. I11 1880 his entire plant was burned, including tools and machinery. His courage did not abate, however, and within three days he bought an entire plant and contin- ued his business at No. 151 Washington Street. In 1883 he had so far recovered his loss that he was able to build his present large and commo- dious plant at Nos. 136 and 138 North Curtis Street. This building is one hundred thirty feet by sixty feet in dimensions, and in it are em- ployed about ninety hands. In the year 1892

they received the sum of $40,000 in wages. The product of this factory is well known all over the country, and is sold from Maine to California.

In May, 1870, Mr. Hanson was married to Miss Caroline Nortensen. Six children have been boru of this marriage, all of whom are liv- ing at home and all were born in Chicago. Their names in order of birth are: Maria, Martin, Lizzie, John, Rosa and Louis. They have re- ceived the best of educational advantages and have all been carefully reared. Their home is a fine residence at No. 668 North Hoyne Avenue. This house was first built in 1879, but was re- built in 1891.

The subject of this sketch may well be proud of his business career, having advanced by his own efforts from poverty to independence and wealth. He recognizes the broadening influence of travel, and has visited many scenes of interest both East and West. He has supported the Republican ticket for many years, and voted both times for General Grant, of whom he was a great admirer. He is a member of the National Union and of the Dania Society.

FRANK V. HOFMANN.

RANK VALENTINE HOFMANN, a pop- ular citizen of the village of Lyons, was born in Chicago, June 11, 1866, a sou of Valentine and Barbara (Veit) Hofmann, both na- tives of Germany, the former of Hessen-Darm- stadt and the latter of Baden. Frank V. Hof- mann's paternal great-grandfather, George Hof- mann, a tanner by trade, died at the age of one hundred and thirteen years. His son, Alois Hofmann, came to America in 1846, with his family, and located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1849 he removed to Sharpsburg, the same

State, and a suburb of Pittsburgh. Here he owned and operated farm lands and was extensively en- gaged in the cooperage business, manufacturing staves and nail kegs. He was also a talented musician of his day, and died at the age of eighty- seven years. .

Alois Hofmann was twice married. His first wife was Anna Mary Wilhelm, grandmother of the man whose name heads this article, and his second was Frances Yaeger. Valentine Hof- main was born March 15, 1831, and came to America with his parents in 1846. While em-

326

THORE TOLLAKSON.

ployed in the factory of his father, his right hand was severed by a buzz saw. In 1855 he arrived at Chicago, without one cent to his name, but soon became associated with his brother in the hotel business, with a dairy attached. During the gold excitement at Pike's Peak, he traveled overland with team and wagon to the gold fields. He was away from home about one year and paid his expenses back by playing the violin for money.

In the early part of the sixth decade of the present century he embarked in the meat busi- ness, at the corner of Throop and Madison Streets, Chicago, and from there removed to Twelfth Street and Western Avenue, near the Stock Yards, where he had one of the largest slaughter houses in the city at that time. He slaughtered cattle by the carload, for the trade and for him- self. In July, 1870, he located in Lyons, where he engaged in the meat and hotel business, con- ducting the market for a very short time, how- ever, and later giving his whole attention to the hotel, which he successfully conducted until his death, in March, 1882. He was six years at the corner of Joliet and Ogden Avenues, and the same length of time on the property on the latter avenue, now conducted by his sons, Frank and John, which he purchased in 1876. After his death his widow and son continued the business four years and rented it for twelve years. Since March, 1898, the sons, Frank and John, have taken it in charge.

Valentine Hofmann was married February 14,

1862, to Barbara, daughter of John and Mary (Ehrhart) Veit, of Baden, Germany, who came to the United States in 1852, and located in Chi- cago. John Veit was a weaver by trade, but on coming to Chicago, engaged in gardening and also carried on a dairy. The issue of this union was seven children: Katharine (Mrs. John Leach), Frank V., John A., William, Elizabeth, Mar- garet and Mary. Mr. Hofmann died of pneumo- nia, March 8, 1882, at the age of fifty-one years. He was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catho- lic Church, of Lyons, a strict disciplinarian-pro- gressive, and an advocate of the public school system.

Frank Valentine Hofmann was reared in Lyons, from the time he reached the age of four years. He was educated in the public schools and served a three-years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed twelve years, principally as a contractor. March 1, 1898, with his brother, he became proprietor of the famous summer re- sort now known as Hofmann Brothers Park, to which is added a cafe and restaurant. They have made it one of the most popular resorts in the suburbs of Chicago, for recreation and for parties, both public and private.

Mr. Hofmann is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He is serving his fifth year and third term as Village Trustee, and is among the popular and progressive young business men of Lyons. As to politics he is a Democrat, staunch and true to his party, and arguing in favor of it at all opportunities.

THORE TOLLAKSON.

HORE TOLLAKSON, deceased, was one of the worthy sons of Norway who have as- sisted in the building up of the great city of Chicago. He was born April 24, 1845, in Rose-

land, Flekkefiord, on the rugged coast of Nor- way, where he spent the first sixteen years of his life. He then reinoved to the great seaport town of Stavanger, and served an apprenticeship with

327

MICHAEL SCHIESS.

a cabinet-maker. In 1872 he resolved to try his fortune in the New World, where many of his countrymen had found comfortable homes, and with this in view he made his way to the great western metropolis, Chicago, arriving there May 16. He soon found a demand for his services, and began working in a shop at piece work.

Soon after he concluded that he would begin business for himself, where he would receive the entire benefit of his efforts, and formed a partner- ship with a man named Oleson, for the manu- facture of furniture. Their machinery was first run by a windmill. This partnership was soon dissolved and a new firm was formed, consisting of Mr. Tollakson and Mr. Thorsen. They be- gan their business in Canal Street, but subse- quently removed to a building at the corner of Lincoln and Kinzie Streets. This was the same building in which Mr. Tollakson worked when he first arrived in Chicago. The business grew rapidly until 1882, when they built a factory on Armour Street, between Austin and Grand Ave- nues. About a year and one-half later they ad- mitted to the firm Nels Arnesen, and the concern was incorporated as the Central Manu- facturing Company. Mr. Thorsen was president during the first year, but from that time until his death Mr. Tollakson filled that office.

Coming to this country a poor man, but with

abundant courage and strong determination to succeed, the subject of this notice rose above obstacles and secured for himself and his family a competence. Among his business associates he was greatly respected and his honesty and in- tegrity were well known. He invested quite ex- tensively in real estate, possessing a number of lots and other valuable property. Politically he was a supporter of the men and issues of the Re- publican party, but never sought political favor at the hands of his fellow-citizens. He was a genial companion and was a popular member of the Columbia Yacht Club. He died on the 2d of April, 1898, and was mourned as a loving husband and father and as a kind neighbor and friend.

October 27, 1881, Mr. Tollakson was married to Miss Annie Wang, who was born in Norway February 10, 1856. She came to America with her parents when but six months old, and the family settled at Woodstock, Illinois, where the father died. Mrs. Tollakson came to Chicago with her mother, at the age of twelve years, and completed her education in the schools of that city. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tollakson, as follows: Mabel C .; Theodore Irv- ing, who died at the age of seven months; Susanna, who died at the age of five days; Florence T. and Pearl C.

MICHAEL SCHIESS.

M ICHAEL SCHIESS is a highly respected old settler of Chicago. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January 19, 1834, a son of John and Dorothy Schiess, both of whom passed away in his native land, where they spent their entire lives. Of the ten children born to this couple, the six following became residents of the United States.

Katharine, now Mrs. Hettinger, lives in Ohio; Michael is next in order of birth; Christina Spate, deceased; Margaret, deceased; Paulina, widow of Mr. Heber, of Chicago; and John, of Dakota. Michael was the first to emigrate. He was edu- cated in parish schools until lie was fourteen years of age, and after being confirmed, went to learn the trade of a baker.

328

JAMES THORSEN.

He came to America in 1851, landing in New York April 14. Three days later he went to Buffalo, New York, where he spent about a year, and subsequently came to Chicago. He at once began learning the trade of carpenter and contin- ued to work at this until 1857, when times be- came so hard that work in his line could not be obtained. He then decided to engage in any work he could obtain, and for a few years rented land on Grand and North Avenues and made hay for a livelihood. He was industrious and eco- nomical, and saved enough of liis earnings to invest in a lot on the corner of Center and West Chicago Avenues, and later purchased another piece of property.

This investment was profitable and he still owns the property and has resided on this place since 1857. During his long residence in the city he has been variously employed, part of the time as laborer and at teaming. Mr. Schiess has never taken an active interest in political affairs and never aspired to public office of any kind.

He was very fortunate in securing an amiable life companion in the person of Mary, daughter of John and Katharine Ueble, a native of Wurtem- berg, Germany, whom he married July 8, 1855. Mrs. Schiess' father came to Chicago in 1852, the mother following in 1854, with the six chil- dren, arriving August 15. The father died of cholera October 6 of that year, and the mother survived until February 10, 1884, being seventy- six years and six days old at the time of her death.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ueble are: John, deceased; Mrs. Schiess; Barbara; Anna, widow of Victor Walter; Katharine, wife of August Dorring, of No. 896 West Monroe Street; and Conrad, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Schiess have four children, namely: Anna, wife of Albert Ohl- endorf, of Chicago; John, a clothier; Edward; and Mary, wife of Dr. A. R. Martin, of No. 732 Hoyne Avenue. The family is connected with St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and each one is influential in promoting all meas- ures for the good of mankind.

JAMES THORSEN.

AMES THORSEN, deceased, was among the earliest citizens of Danish birth to make his home in Chicago. He was born May 22, 1825, in Schlesin, Holstein, Denmark, now a part of Germany, the only son in a family of three children. He was educated in the schools of his native city and in his youth spent some time in the Danish navy. At the age of nineteen years he made the long journey to California, where he remained about ten years. He was in that state at the time gold was discovered and became a miner, eventually owning a mine.

About 1854 he returned to Denmark with his savings and entered the brewery business, which

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 47

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