Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 59

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 59

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Conducive to the success and happiness of a man is a helpmate like Mr. Oesterle obtained, to make his domestic life one of peace and quiet.

Mr. and Mrs. Oesterle became the parents of five promising children, of whom brief mention is made, as follows: Annie Sophia, born in March, 1875; Frederick, December 18, 1880; Frank, February 28, 1882; Edward, December 28, 1883, and Josie, January 8, 1892.

Mr. Oesterle was reared a Roman Catholic. He is a member of Court Conklin, Independ- ent Order of Foresters, and is connected with the German Order of Harugari. He is not confined to any party in politics, but votes for the man he believes best fitted for the office. He is a man of refined tastes, as is shown by the general ap- pearance and furnishing of his comfortable home and surroundings. His family of children is an interesting one, and it is subjected to the best of rearing, as Mr. Oesterle realizes that his children are going to help make up the coming generation.

NICHOLAS ECKHARDT.

2 ICHOLAS ECKHARDT is a prominent German-American pioneer of Chicago, who has resided continuously in the city since 1855 and has been active in promoting the best interests of the city. He was born in Hessen-Kurhessel, Germany, September 9, 1832, a son of Jacob and Katherine Eckhardt.

His father died before Nicholas was born, and his mother subsequently married Henry Hamel. Mr. Eckhardt came to the United States in 1849, and in 1854 the family followed, and all remained in New York until 1855, when they removed to Chicago. Here Mrs. Hamel died in 1892, mourned by many friends and relatives. The eldest son, Louis, died in1 1872.

Nicholas Eckhardt was educated in the parish school of his native village and, on leaving school, learned the trade of cabinet-maker. He worked at this trade in New York and, after

coming to Chicago, followed the occupation of carpenter about ten years. From the first he took an active interest in the affairs of his adopted country and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860. He has supported the Republican party since then, and has been an important factor in promoting its success.

In 1872 he was elected alderman from the old Fourteenth Ward and was re-elected in 1874, serving capably four years. In 1856 he joined the old volunteer fire company, serving until 1859, when the companies were put under pay by the city, and remained a member of Island Queen Company No. 4 until 1866, when he re- signed. He then engaged in the saloon business on Erie Street for a few months, and removed to No. 448 West Chicago Avenue. In 1871 he purchased the ground, and built his present large and commodious quarters in 1885. In 1879

403

G. A. HIMLER.

he was appointed assistant county agent by the Board of County Commissioners, and held the office eight years. He is a member of Goethe Lodge No. 329, and Humboldt Encampment No. 101, Independent Order of Odd Fellows' and of the Knights of Pythias, and has belonged to the Firemen's Benevolent Association since it was first organized. He is public-spirited and has always favored everything for the best interests of the city.

In 1858 he married Sophia Kramer, a native of Germany. They have six children, namely: Louis W., deputy county clerk in the county comptroller's office; Anna M .; Caroline, wife of Tony Mann, of Chicago; Matilda, now Mrs. Marshall; Fred W. and Nicholas A. The men- bers of the family are connected with St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church and are highly respected, as influential in all things for the promotion of the church.

GEORGE A. HIMLER.

C F EORGE ANDREW HIMLER, who is one of the most energetic citizens of Chicago in his line of business, comes of that nation whose men have ever been known for their per- severance and sturdiness of character. He was born December 7, 1860, in Wurtemberg, Germany, a son of Henry and Katharine (Spriegel) Himler.

Henry Himler met a very sad death in the sum- mer of 1861. He was a mail carrier for the Ger- man Government, and was interested in an ex- press business besides the above-mentioned occu- pation. A freight wagon fell on him and caused his untimely death. He was in the prime of life, having reached the age of forty-two years. His widow is still living in Germany, having reached the age of seventy-three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Himler had four children, of whom brief mention is here made: Sophia came to America in 1869, and married Frederick W. Rackow, whois now retired, and resides at No. 4440 Wabash Avenue. John is employed in the Stock Yards, and resides at No. 2908 Fifth Avenue. Henry died at the age of twenty-two years, and George Andrew, the youngest of the family, is the subject of this article.

He reached Chicago in the spring of 1872, and was employed by his brother-in-law, Frederick

W. Rackow, located at the corner of Thirty-first Street and Wentworth Avenue, in the milk busi- ness. In 1876 he left this employ and was occu- pied in different ways for a period of three years. He spent two and one-half years in the service of the North Chicago Street Railway Company, and subsequently a like term with the Chicago City Railway Company, being a conductor the last two years.

Mr. Himler then started business in his own interest, dealing in milk, and located at the cor- ner of Fortieth Street and Armour Avenue. He had a partner for a short time, and continued alone at this location three years. He then re- moved to the corner of Forty-fifth and State Streets, where he remained but a short time, and later conducted a grocery and milk depot at the corner of Forty-fifth Street and Wentworth Ave- nue a short time. For five years he dealt in milk alone at the corner of Forty-fifth Street and Wa- bash Avenue. Since May 1, 1895, he has been at No. 5522 Dearborn Street, which place he purchased.

Mr. Himler was married May 6, 1883, to Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick and Katharine (Gimble) Muench. Mrs. Himler was born July 12, 1862, at the northeast corner of State Street

404

PETER LAWRENCE.

and Eldridge Court. Her father died in April, 1893, and his remains were interred in Oakwoods Cem- etery. He was born July 21, 1836, in Wurtem- berg, Germany, and came to America in 1857, locating in Chicago. He was employed by the Mahla & Chappel Chemical Company twenty-five years, and was later employed in the interests of the Seipp Brewing Company until 1891, when he retired.

Frederick Muench bought property at No. 2822 State Street, in 1866. In1 1874 he erected the build- ing that now stands at that place. He married Katharine Gimble, who was born March 12, 1845, and died May 17, 1863. She lived in Chicago her entire life and was the mother of one child, wife of the man whose name heads this article. Fred- erick Muench married for his second wife, Mary Egner, December 25, 1866. She now resides at No. 4556 Indiana Avenue with her children.

Mr. and Mrs. Himler have one child, Carrie, who was born July 25, 1884. The widow of Mrs.

Himler's paternal grandfather, Sophia Muench, came to America and died here April 18, 1893, at the age of eighty-three years. Frederick was her eldest child. Christine, the second, married Mar- tin Bermele, and resides at No. 2969 Archer Avenue. Mr. Bermele is retired from active life. Katherine married Philip Grede, a carpenter, and resides at No. 845 Forty-fifth Street. Adam and Christian reside in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

G. A. Himler is connected with Court Imperial No. 173, Independent Order of Foresters, and Jackson Council No. 38, North American Union. He is a stanch Republican, and is a man of upright character and unquestionable principles. H

ever advocates the side of right and is in favor of all movements that will tend to uplift the minds of the people in general. He was reared a Protest- ant and is true to the teachings of his fathers. His fireside is one of harmony and comfort, and his genial companion is a lady of refinement and good taste.

PETER LAWRENCE.

ETER LAWRENCE, a well-known citizen of the northwestern part of Chicago, was born in Denmark August 2, 1845. He secured his education in the seaport town of Copenhagen and being brought into contact with many who either followed the sea or gained their living by ocean trade, he began to look forward to a sailor's life at an early age. When but fif- teen years old he became cabin boy on a Danish vessel which carried him to England, where he changed to an American ship bound for New York. He continued on the sea until he reached the age of twenty-five years, and by strict atten- tion to his work, coupled with a desire to excel, he rose to the rank of mate.

In 1870 he resolved to quit a sea-faring life,

and having a natural liking for machinery, he apprenticed himself to learn the machinist's trade. He applied himself faithfully to the busi- ness for a period of three and one-half years, and then secured employment in a hat factory. He became very efficient in this line of work, and decided to make the machinery of hat factories his specialty. He worked in various like establish- ments in New York City ten years.

In 1884 he removed to Chicago, where he secured employment in the hat factory of A. A. Turner, where he remained until 1895. Mr. Lawrence became one of the most skillful men in his line of work and was able, by due care, to accumulate quite a capital from his earnings. He therefore concluded to enter business on his own1

405

JACOB NELLES.

account, where his ability in that direction could have greater scope. With this end in view he opened a liquor store in 1895, and has continued the enterprise since. The venture has proved satisfactory from a financial point of view and has considerably bettered his fortune. He con- ducts a neat and business-like establishment and enjoys the patronage of the best people of his locality.

While residing in New York, in 1872, the sub-

ject of this notice was married to Anna Jane Lucy, who was born in Ireland and came to New York at the age of fifteen years. They have been the parents of six children, only two of whom are living: Peter, junior, and Agnes. Tlie latter is the wife of Ezra Gedultig, of No. 558 North Hoyne Avenne, Chicago. Mr. Lawrence is a member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he uses his vote and influence in support of the Republican party.

JACOB NELLES.

? ACOB NELLES, who is engaged in the undertaking business at No. 596 Milwaukee Avenue, has been a resident of Chicago many years. He was born December 10, 1836, in the village of Stommlen, in Rhenish Prussia, Germany, a son of Heinrich and Anna Nelles. The father was a farmer by occupation. His wife died in Germany when Jacob was eleven years of age. The family of children numbered seven, but one daughter, Gertrude, sixteen years of age, was killed by the cars while on the way to the West, at Dunkirk, New York.

Isabella, of this family, is now deceased. Ade- laide, now Mrs. Dufrenne, resides at Middleton, Wisconsin. Jacob is the next in order of birth, Wynand and Mathias reside in Chicago, and So- phia is the wife of Charles Reich, of North Wood Street, same city. The father died in Chicago January 23, 1874, while on a visit to his sons.

Jacob was the first of his father's family to come to America, and arrived in 1856. The re- mainder of the family came in the spring of 1857, and settled in Dane County, Wisconsin, where the father purchased a farm and cultivated it un- til his death. Jacob Nelles was reared on a farm and educated in the parish schools until he reached the age of fourteen years. He was con-

fined by work at home until he emigrated, with his uncle. They sailed from Antwerp, on the "Richard Mosay," arriving in New York after a journey of forty-six days.

On their arrival he went to Monroe County, Wisconsin, where the uncle purchased a farm. He relates that the following winter was severe, and feed, as well as provisions, was high in price. He paid sixty dollars for a ton of hay. In 1857 his father's family arrived in America and went to Dane County, Wisconsin, where his father lo- cated on a farm, and Jacob was in his employ un- til 1862, when he came to Chicago. He was first employed in this city by John Phillips, in a chair factory, and later by Furst & Bradley, who were manufacturing farm implements. In 1872 Mr. Nelles entered the wholesale grocery of Boyce, Fay & Conkey, as porter. He was in the service of this concern ten years, and subse- quently purchased a milk route and followed that business for a period of eight years, and was quite successful.

In 1891 he established an undertaking busi- ness, in company with C. H. Sigmund, at No. 440 Noble Street. This connection continued bnt one year, when Mr. Nelles formed a partner- ship with Mr. Hilgers, and the name became

406

OSCAR MEISTER.

Nelles & Hilgers. They purchased the business at his present location of Peter Miller. In 1895 Mr. Nelles purchased his partner's interest, and has since conducted the enterprise alone.

It can be said, to the credit of Mr. Nelles, that he has taken a lively interest in the affairs of his adopted country. He votes in favor of the Dem- ocratic party, and, while in Wisconsin, was con- stable and town treasurer in Cross Plains, Dane County. He is a member of the Catholic Order

of Foresters. November 2, 1869, he married Miss Margaret Moll, a native of Germany, and a pleasant and congenial life companion she has proven to Mr. Nelles. Five children have blessed this union, namely: Frederick, William, Wyand, Anna and Katharine, the last named being the wife of George Du Plain. Mr. Nelles and family are members of St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church, and enjoy the confidence and respect of a large circle of acquaintances.

OSCAR MEISTER.

SCAR MEISTER, who is engaged in an undertaking and embalming business at No. 357 West Division Street, is a member of an old pioneer family and has spent almost his entire life in Chicago. He is the eldest son of Charles and Augusta (Doll) Meister. For further men- tion of his ancestors refer to biography of Charles Meister, on another page of this work. He was born in Saxony, Germany, April 24, 1854, and was only a few weeks old when his parents began their journey to the United States.

Oscar Meister received his education in the public schools of the city and attended Dyren- furth's Business College three terms. After leaving school he learned the trade of up- holsterer and worked at the business eight years. In 1877 he went to Bement, Illinois, and estab- lished a furniture and undertaking business, but returned to Chicago after two years. He subse- quently opened an undertaking and livery busi- ness at Milwaukee Avenue and Division Street, and conducted a successful trade ten years at that location. At the end of that time he re- moved to his present place of business. He has always taken an active interest in the political questions of the times. He was formerly a Re-

publican, but left that party in 1896, with many others, being a strong advocate for the free and unlimited coinage of both gold and silver.

Mr. Meister is a member of Lessing Lodge No. 557, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Northwestern Lodge No. 338, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is besides these, a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of Honor and the Knights and Ladies of Honor, having served as Grand Treasurer in 1894 in the last mentioned order.

Besides being successful in many undertakings of business, Mr. Meister was very fortunate in securing for a wife, a pleasant, congenial lady of refinement, Matilda, daughter of Charles Ort- mann, who became Mrs. Meister September 26, 1878. Two children blessed this union, and have been named Viola and Chester. Mr. Meis- ter is endeavoring to do his best for his children and make them a credit to mankind in general and to the name they bear. They are both inter- esting and of pleasant dispositions.

Though not connected with any religious de- nomination, Mr. Meister was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and encourages any move made for the benefit of the people.

407

ADAM BLACKBURN.

A DAM BLACKBURN, who is a descendant of a very old English family, was born Feb- ruary 10, 1833, in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He is a son of John and Ellen Black- burn, and is one of Chicago's most worthy and respected citizens. His grandfather, John Black- burn, was a florist and gardener, whose children were: John, Robert and Tho.nas. John Black- burn, father of the man whose name heads this. article, was a blast-tender in Moslam's foundry in Burnley. His children were Margaret, Alice and Adam. The first daughter was boru in 1827, is married and lives in Burnley. Her sister, born in 1829, is also married, and living in the city of her birth.

Adam Blackburn learned the trade of cotton- spinner in Burnley, and at the age of fourteen years entered upon the struggle of life, immedi- ately drawing journeyman's wages. He was oc- cupied as spinner until the Civil War broke out in the United States, and emigrated to America in 1863, arriving in Chicago July 23. He left Liverpool July 1, on the "Edinboro." With his wife and four children, he entered life in America with a persevering spirit and energy that was ad- mirable.

He began shoveling grain for the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad Company, and after a short time re- solved to learn the occupation of a coffee roaster. He therefore entered the employ of A. N. Thomp- son, on Canal Street, since which time he has been in his service. The firm name later became

Thompson & Taylor, and is now the Thompson & Taylor Spice Company. The concern moved to No. 40 South Water Street, and was burned out at the time of the great fire of 1871. They returned to the old building on Canal Street and later were to be found at No. 40 South Water Street, in their former quarters. The concern built at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Lake Street and is now located at that point.

For twenty years Mr. Blackburn had charge of the coffee roaster and later took charge of the night watch, in which capacity he is now serving. He has held this position the past eleven years and is one of the best and most diligent men in the firm's employ. Twenty years ago he pur- chased his present property, at No. 244 Bissell Street, and has since resided at this number. He has always lived on the North Side since locating in Chicago, and was at one time at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Cass Street. He lost all his buildings in the great fire and was later lo- cated on Townsend Avenue near Chicago Avenue.

October 9, 1854, Mr. Blackburn was married to Miss Elizabeth Astin, daughter of John Astin. She was born July 14, 1836, in the town of Leeds, Lancashire, England, and died April 13, 1887. Her remains were interred in Rosehill Cemetery. Of her sons, William M. and John Edward, further notice appears elsewhere in this volume. Thomas Astin, the youngest son, was born March 17, 1860, in Burnley, England. He attended school at the Newberry School until fif-

408

HERMAN BRAUN.

teen years of age, and then took a business course at the old Metropolitan Business College, which lasted six months. He was some time at the Kinzie School, also. In the summer of 1871 he entered the store of Marshall Field & Company, as cash boy, and lost his position at the time of the fire. He then entered the employ of the Thompson & Taylor Spice Company, and for a time was in the mill. He has been doing clerical work for the concern since 1892.

Thomas Astin Blackburn was married October 10, 1887, to Corrinne Dugas, daughter of Benja- min Nicholas and Vitiline (Proulx) Dugas. Mrs. T. A. Blackburn was born in Kankakee, Illinois, January 12, 1870. For her ancestry refer to article on the life of B. N. Dugas, on another page of this work. The children of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Blackburn are as follows: June Eliza- beth, born June 9, 1891; James Clarence, October 30, 1892; and Percival Thomas, July 3, 1890, died November 16, 1890. Elizabeth Ellen is the

youngest child of the man whose name heads this article, and was born Jannary 9, 1862. She mar- ried Frank Spamer, and resides at No. 303 Shef- field Avenue.

Adam Blackburn married, for his second wife, Mary, daughter of James Franklin and Bridget (Barry) Robinson. She was born April 22, 1864, 011 a farm three miles from Thorn Hill, Ontario, Canada, and came to Chicago in 1868. Her chil- dren are as follows: Oliver, born February 7, 1890; George Evans, July 6, 1892; Wendell, July 24, 1895; Dwight Moody, who was born May 24, 1897, and died November 7, 1897; and Eugene Field, born Sepember 14, 1898.

Adam Blackburn is a Republican, and votes in favor of the candidates of this party at all oppor- tunities. He was active in the Odd Fellows in England, and belonged to the I. N. G. Lodge of Burnley. It is one of the oldest lodges in that country, and in the year he left for America he was Past Provincial Grand Master.

HERMAN BRAUN.

ERMAN BRAUN, JUNIOR. The most skilful and noted musicians have been Ger- mans, or descended from this sturdy and cultured race, and the following article on the life of one of the finest musicians Chicago boasts, proves the rule. Herman Braun, junior, is the son of a well-known musician and has for many years been connected with the Thomas Orchestra. He was born April 3, 1863, in Milwaukee, Wis- consin, a son of Herman and Dorothea Brann. For further mention of his ancestry, refer to arti- cle on Herman Braun, senior, on another page of this volume.

The subject of this sketch attended the Kinzie School until he was fifteen years of age, and be- gan the study of music at twelve years of age.

His first lessons were given by William Fehl, now leading violinist of the orchestra at McVicker's theater, all his study being on the violin. After a short time under the instruction of Adolph Ro- senbecker, he took lessons of Sammel Jacobson, professor at the Chicago Musical College. He studied music six years, making a specialty of the violin, under instructors, and has never ceased to keep his attention on the progress of the World of Music. For fifteen years he has been with the Chicago Orchestra, his first work being at Mc- Vicker's Theater, when he was but fourteen years of age. He gives lessons to pupils at their homes or his own residence, and is pronounced a pro- ficient and altogether profitable instructor.

Since 1893 Mr. Braun has possessed the house

409

G. H. WELBOURN.

which he occupies, at No. 5614 Dearborn Street, a comfortable and desirable home. Nothing is more conducive to the success and happiness of a man, no matter what his vocation, than a pleas- ant, helpful life companion, such as Mr. Braun was able to obtain. He was married April 5, 1885, to Mary Magdalena, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Lippert) Nurnberger. Mrs. Braun was born June 28, 1862, at the corner of Clark and Ontario Streets. For further mention of her ancestry refer to biography of Christian Henry Nurnberger, on another page of this work.

Herman Braun is connected with Lincoln Coun- cil No. 9, Royal League. He is a member of the Chicago Musical Society and Chicago Aschen- brodel-Verein. He is independent in political views, voting in favor of the man, who, in his opinion, is best fitted to fill public office. Mr. Braun's talents cannot be overrated, and by pa- tient application he has attained a degree of skill in violin-playing that is seldom equaled, and sur- passed by but few in Chicago. The above-men- tioned fact is proved by his long service with the Chicago Orchestra, the famous Thomas organiza- tion.

GEORGE H. WELBOURN.

EORGE HENRY WELBOURN, one of the native sons of Cook County, is now engaged in business in his native place. His grand- father, Thomas Welbourn, was an early resident of the county, and is mentioned at some length in this volume, in connection with the biography of W. T. Welbourn.

John Welbourn, father of the subject of this sketch, was born April 10, 1839, in Lund, York- shire, England, and came to America with his father's family in 1845, arriving at Chicago and Summit on the fourth day of July. He wasearly accustomed to assist his father, as far as he was able, in the conduct of his daily labors, and never enjoyed any educational advantages ex- cept such as the broad American civilization af- fords to every intelligent citizen. At the time when the family settled at "The Summit," there were no schools within his reaclı, and he soon set out to make his own way in the world. The early death of his father increased his responsi- bilities, and at the age of twelve years he began as a farm laborer. Of his monthly stipend of seven dollars, six-sevenths were regularly turned over to his mother, to assist her in caring for the

younger children. These early experiences taught him to be frugal, and his natural industry in- sured his advancement in the world. After a time he was enabled to fill a man's place on the canal, in railroad labor and elsewhere. For a period of two and one-half years he tilled forty acres of land which he rented, and at the end of this period he purchased a house in the village of Summit and turned his attention to teaming. This occupied him twenty years or more, and his diligence and good management enabled him to purchase land which he tilled. This ground was sold to the Sanitary District of Chicago for the use of the drainage canal, and Mr. Welbourn re- tired from active labor. At this time he pur- chased the hotel which is operated by his son, with whom he continues to reside. His first house in Summit was burned after the war (as afterwards discovered, by an incendiary, who took this means to hide the theft of a sum of money from the house). This was a hard blow to Mr. Welbourn, as all his savings were lost, but he did not repine, and set to work to repair his fortunes.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 59

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