Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 7

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 7

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Frederick W. Otto was the first of his father's family to make his way to America, and located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He was a merchant in that city, and also at Centreville. He returned to his native land in 1873, not being taken with the outlook of life in America. His sisters, Car- olina and Christina, came to America about 1848, and located at Sheboygan. Edward was the next to emigrate from his native land and came to America in 1854, his brother coming one year later.

Edward Otto reached New York November 26,

1854, and traveled directly to Sheboygan, Wis- consin, which city he reached in January, 1855. He learned the trade of piano-maker in his native land, but followed it here but a short time. He was employed in his brother's store, as clerk, two years. He subsequently spent some time in trav- eling and went first to Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1857, where he witnessed many ante-war fights. He there saw James Lane, or "Jimmie," as he was called, in his prime. He was occupied at general labor, and went to St. Louis in 1859, sub- sequently locating in New Orleans, and in May, 1861, returned to St. Louis. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Second Missouri Home Guards Reserve Corps, and served three months. He was mustered out by General Fremont, and in August, 1861, enlisted in Company G, Second Missouri Volunteers. The regiment was mus- tered in the fall of 1862, after the battle of Cor- inth, having been in southern towns the balance of the time.

In the fall of 1862 Mr. Otto returned to Wis- consin and was in the service of his brother, Fred- erick, until the fall of 1863, when he located in Chicago. He purchased a grocery on Clark Street, near Harrison Street, with Henry Boelle as a partner; the latter shortly afterward sold out to Mr. Otto, who retained possession but one

C. H. MENZEL.

year, subsequent to which time he became an em- ploye in Stone's piano-factory on Clark Street. For a short time he was in the service of Kenower Brothers, and followed the trade of carpenter continuously from that time until he started the sash and door business in 1866, on Archer Ave- nue, near Twenty-second Street. His partner was Frederick Matthews, and the firm name be- came Otto & Matthews. The partnership con- tinued until 1872, when he bought out his part- ner and conducted the business alone until the great panic, when business was so dull that he closed up his factory for a time.

In 1877 he opened again on Halsted and Twenty-fifth Streets, and after one year located at No. 3100 Halsted Street, with Frank Brehm for partner. He continued to operate the two establishments, the latter being a manufacturing venture. Mr. Otto was in partnership with Mr. Brehm five years, and sold his share in the fac- tory to his partner in May, 1884. In the fall of that year he started in business at the corner of Wentworth Avenue and Forty-third Street, deal- ing and manufacturing. He purchased a factory in 1886, at the corner of Halsted and Sixtieth Streets, and kept both places until 1893, since

which time he has lived retired. He erected buildings at Nos. 243 and 245 Forty-third Street, near Wentworth Avenue, and traded them for property at No. 7030 Rhodes Avenue, where he has since resided.

In April, 1863, Mr. Otto was married to Miss Elizabeth Arnold. Mrs. Otto was born Decem- ber 3, 1840, in Germany. Her children are ac- counted for as follows: Minnie married Theodore F. Stoffregen, of whom further notice appears elsewhere in this volume. Johanna died at the age of two years. Edward is at home. Charles is the next in order of birth, also at home. Louisa is with her parents. Robert is the youngest liv- ing, three having died in infancy.

Mr. Otto is a Republican. He was instrumen- tal in rebuilding the city after it was destroyed by the fire of 1871. He is a man of much experi- ence in travel, and his desire for adventure led him into many dangerous places and positions. During the days of John Brown and James Lane, he was in Kansas and was in danger at one time of losing his life. Mr. Otto is the possessor of a most pleasant home on Rhodes Avenue, near Seventy-first Street, where he resides with his family.

CHARLES H. MENZEL.

HARLES H. MENZEL, who belongs to that noble and representative class of citi- zens known as self-made men, is one of the oldest men in his business on the Northwest Side of Chicago. He began on a very small scale, and it was through his own efforts and perseverance that he attained the place he now holds in the estimation of the people and the business world of our city. He comes of the sturdy and self- willed German nation, and has all the admirable traits and characteristics of his race. He was

born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, March 31, 1848. At the age of fifteen years he commenced a four years' apprenticeship to the tinsmith's trade, and at nineteen began to work as a journey- man.

In 1869 he began life in Chicago, having come to America in that year. He was employed by others about four years, and subsequently entered into business with George Strauss, establishing a hardware store. They continued on Milwaukee Avenue eight years and later removed to a situ-

BERNT MOE.

ation nearer the center of the city. After one year Mr. Menzel erected a building at No. 468 West North Avenue, where he has since done a thriving and successful business.

Mr. Menzel deserves great credit from the fact that he started as a poor yonth and has reached his present standing only through continued at- tention to his own interests, and his wealth is more appreciated by himself and family from this fact. He has erected a very fine and comfortable residence on Tripp Avenue, and possesses a summer home at Round Lake, Lake County, Illinois.

December 25, the day of great joy to the popu- lation of every Christian country, in the year 1874, Mr. Menzel was married to Miss Eliza

Petersen, a native of the same land as himself, who proved to be a very congenial and helpful companion. They became the parents of four daughters and one son, who were named as fol- lows: Amale, Magdalena, Selma, Henrietta and Charles N.

Mr. Menzel is a well-known man in the vicinity where he resides and is highly respected and honored by all who are acquainted with him, in a business or personal manner. He favors the Republican party by voting for its candidates, and is a communicant of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, thereby aiding the religious as well as the business and social portion of the neighbor- hood. He is recognized as a man of conscientious motives and sound judgment.

BERNT MOE.

B ERNT MOE, who deserves great credit for his substantial progress in a strange land, amidst strong competition, passed away at his home on Scott Street, Chicago, February 10, 1898. He was born May 30, 1845, in Thrond- hejm, Norway. He was educated in private schools of his native land, and came with his parents to America in 1861, being then sixteen years of age. They settled in Nioga, Illinois, where the elder Moe engaged in farming.

In 1862 the subject of this sketch came to Chicago in search of fortune. He entered the service of William Waters, of Hyde Park, as a boy of all work about his employer's premises. The latter was secretary of the land office of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and secured a position for the youth, in whom he took a keen interest, as office office boy in his department. Young Moe was industrious and studions, and endeavored to qualify himself for usefulness to his employers. His fidelity and application

were soon rewarded by his appointment to a clerkship, for which he was fully prepared by previous study and observation. This connection was speedily broken off, by his enlistment as a soldier in defense of his adopted country.

He enlisted in January, 1865, as a member of Company I, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and continued with the regiment until it was mus- tered out at the close of hostilities. His youth had prevented his earlier enlistment and, though he saw little active service in the field he showed his loyalty and courage in the most practical manner. At the time he entered the service, no one could tell how long the war would continue, and he cast his lot with his country's defenders, in hope of doing active duty.

On his return to civil life, he resumed his posi- tion as clerk in the offices of the railroad. He won rapid promotion, and continued to hold po- sitions of trust and responsibility throughout the remainder of his life. He was advanced from

GEORGE NEHER.

clerk to paymaster, which position he held eighteen years, but was forced by ill health to give it up. He was then given an easier occupa- tion in the land office, as assistant land com- missioner, where he was serving at the time of his demise.

It is easy to imagine the difficulties encountered by a youth in his position on arriving in America. He had first to master a strange language, and then to demonstrate his capability and integrity by hard work, and won a place in the confidence and respect of his superiors which continued to the end of his life.

Among the treasures preserved with just pride by his family are testimonials from prominent railroad officials, among whom may be mentioned President Stuyvesant Fish, of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and E. T. Jeffrey, President

of the Rio Grande Western. The latter said: "He is one of the most loyal, faithful and trusty men I ever came in contact with. It was his nature to be loyal and true, and impossible for him to be otherwise." Mr. Fish said: "His record with our company is one of which any man can be justly proud."

He was married July 6, 1869, in Chicago, to Miss Alphene Elefson. They were the parents of three daughters: Martha J., Bertha Olive and Laura Bernice. Mr. Moe was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, with which his family is also affiliated. On his removal from a useful career, before the close of his fifty-third year, his remains were deposited in Graceland Ceme- tery. His memory will long be cherished by a mourning circle of friends and by a deeply be- reaved family.

GEORGE NEHER.

EORGE NEHER, for a period of forty years a resident of Lyons Township, and one of its most prominent farmers and dairymen, was born October 15, 1831, in Ham- bach, Hessen-Darmsdat, Germany, a son of Lorenz and Katherine (Neher) Neher. His paternal grandparents were Lorenz and Eliza- beth (Dorn) Neher, farmer and wine-growers, and his parents were cousins.

The subject of this sketch was reared in his native place and educated in its common schools. He was made of the stuff out of which good American citizens are made, and was not con- tented with his lot at home, so resolved to remove to the free land across the sea, of whose oppor- tunities he had heard. Soon after attaining his majority he set out, and landed in New York City June 5, 1853. Proceeding direct to Chicago, lie reached this city on the thirteenth of the same

month. He remained here one year and then went to Michigan and was employed in the pineries for a period of four years. Being indus- trious and prudent in the care of his earnings, he was now prepared to make an investment on his own account.

October 11, 1858, he settled in Lyons, where his home has continued ever since, and where he has won a place for himself among the respected and prosperous residents. For six years he en1- gaged in farming and dairying on the land now owned by Mrs. Katherine Neher, and then moved to Western Springs, where he remained a year, engaged in the construction of the embank- ments of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Rail- road at Western Springs and Highlands. He then purchased his present farm and immediately occupied it. His handsome residence was con- structed in 1871. He is among the most pro-

NICHOLAS SCHOENECK.

gressive and successful farmers in the township, and the same sturdy character which brought him to America and established him in an independ- ent position has made him a leader in the social, moral and material affairs of the community.

In 1859 he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Lorenz and Agnes (Schuster) Mitsch, natives of Germany. Nineteen children were given to Mr. and Mrs. Neher, of whom only eight are now living, namely: George, Frank, Henry, Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles W. Fredericks), Anna (wife of Joseph W. Robb), John, Abbie and

Agnes. Mr. Neher and family are identified with the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Neher has always taken an active part in the direction of local political affairs, and has served twelve years as School Director of Lyons Village. He was Township Trustee three years, Postmaster at Lyons nine years, four years a member of the Village Board and two years its President. He supports the principles of the Republican party, but receives the votes of all classes of citizens when a candidate, thus proving his great popularity.

NICHOLAS SCHOENECK.

ICHOLAS SCHOENECK. If a residence of considerably over half a century and active identification with the upbuilding of a great and prosperous community make one a pioneer, then Nicholas Schoeneck is entitled to a conspicuous position among the thrifty and loyal German-Americans who "blazed the trail" into Cook County. He has been here since 1844, and during the past forty-five years has been an esteemed resident of the West Side. Instead of sitting idly by and watching that portion of the city grow as other men in his position might have done, he has materially assisted in its develop- ment.

Mr. Schoeneck was born in the village of Shadeken, near the city of Meinz, in Germany, January 17, 1830, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Lies) Schoeneck. His father was a wine merchant and was a member of a very old and respected family. In 1844 the family, which then consisted of the parents and seven children, came to seek their fortunes in the New World, with its freedom of thought and action and bright prospects for those with willing hands. The other children were John, Jacob and

William, who have since died; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Weber, a biography of whom appears on another page of this volume; Philip, who now lives on a farm at Northfield, Cook County; and Christina, wife of John Eiszner, of Chicago. Nicholas was the fourth in order of birth.

In those days sailing vessels were the only means of trans-oceanic transportation and the trip from Antwerp to New York required thirty- three days. The family came direct to Cook County, where the father purchased a farm, which proved to be a profitable investment. The mother died on the farm in Northfield, De- cember 17, 1875, aged seventy-five years, and the father's end came in Chicago, July 14, 1882, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-two years.

Nicholas Schoeneck was well educated in the public schools of Germany and increased his fund of knowledge after coming to this country. He worked on his father's farm until he was nearly twenty-one years old, when he came to Chicago and learned the trade of wagon-making with Henry Weber, in whose employ he remained forty-two years, most of the time as foreman of

C. H. SMITH.

his shop. In all that period he lost only eighteen weeks, when he had been disabled by an acci- dent.

In national affairs he has usually supported the Republican party, but in local politics he is independent. He is a member of Germania Lodge No. 182, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; has been a member of Harmonia Lodge No. 221, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, over forty years, and of Germania Encampment, No. 40, same order, nearly as long.

October 6, 1855, Mr. Schoeneck was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Philip Wohlheter, who was born April 19, 1838, in Alsace, which then belonged to France. They have eight chil- dren living, and have lost five, the oldest son, William, having died in 1898. Those living are: George, who is in the employ of the United States Express Company; Henry, who is mana- ger of Kirk's soap factory; Louis, also employed by the United States Express Company; Charles, who is bookkeeper at Kirk's soap factory; Edward, employed in the American Exchange National Bank; Louise, wife of Joseph Noll; Carrie, wife of Henry Repenning; and Emma, now Mrs. Francis Foskett. All are residents of Chicago.

Mr. Schoeneck was brought up in the Lutheran Church and the members of his family adhere to the same faith. He was one of the promoters in

the organization of St. Peter's Evangelical Church, about 1861, for which he purchased the site from an Indiana farmer. He solicited sub- scriptions, and was himself a generous contributor to the building fund. He was made a member of the building committee after the congregation was organized, and was superintendent of the Sunday School ten years. Ever since then he has continued to manifest a deep interest in the church and parish school, and has given both his financial support.

When Mr. and Mrs. Schoeneck located where they still reside, at No. 412 West Chicago Avenue, in 1855, there were but few settlers west of the river. That now densely populated portion of the city was then mostly open prairie, and the few scattering settlers were engaged in growing vegetables. They have borne their share in bringing about the wonderful transformation that has resulted in the Chicago of to-day, and are still in the enjoyment of good health, and relate with much interest many incidents of the time when the city was in swaddling clothes.

In 1892 Mr. Schoeneck was awarded a hand- some gold medal by the German Old Settlers Society, for having served one employer longer than any other person present. He is a loyal citizen, of correct habits, who has always given his influence to every measure for promoting the best interests of society.

CHARLES H. SMITH.

HARLES H. SMITH, a resident of Lyons Village for twenty-five years and justice of the peace for the past eleven years, was born in Chicago, April 19, 1866, a son of Charles and Mary (Knieff) Smith. He is of German ancestry, having all the sturdiness of muscle and character which, as a rule, is found in that race.

His father took an active part in the Revolu- tion of 1848, in Germany, and left his native country after it was over. He located in New York, and was very prominent as a contractor in the building of the Erie canal. Prior to the year 1857 he settled in Cicero Township, where he was foreman of a stone quarry, at what is now

J. P. HANSON.

Hawthorne, until 1864. He was a resident of Lyons from 1872 until the date of his death, January 26, 1896.

From 1867 to 1892 Charles Smith, senior, was a trusted and honored employe of Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company, one of the largest hardware houses in Chicago and the West, as gen- eral salesman, with full charge of city trade. He acted in this capacity twenty-five years. His wife was a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Sand- meyer) Knieff, both natives of Germany, and pio- neers of Cicero Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven survive: Charles H., Frank P., Katharine S., Mrs. E. C. Becker, George A., William A. and Oscar H.

Charles H. Smith, whose name heads this arti- cle, has resided in Lyons since his ninth birth- day, being educated in the public schools, with a two-years' course in sciences, and receiving a diploma from a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College in 1882. His business career began when he was eighteen years of age, in 1884, as proprietor of a general store in Lyons, which he continued until 1891. He subsequently be- came a bookkeeper for the Steele-Wedeles Com- pany of Chicago. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, in which he is influential. He was nine years clerk of Lyons Village, served three years as school trustee, and is now a village trustee. He is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

JOHN P. HANSON.

OHN P. HANSON, the well-known cigar manufacturer of Chicago, was born March 22, 1843, in nor Tönnder, Schleswig, Den- mark. His education was such as the common schools of his locality afforded, and he remained in the vicinity of his birthplace until he reached his majority. In 1864 he resolved to seek his fortune in America, and following the footsteps of many of his countrymen, emigrated to Wiscon- sin, settling in Racine. Thence he wandered West and was employed by the Government in the building of Fort Lyons, Colorado. In 1867 he came to Chicago, where he worked as a mason until 1869. During that year he suffered from a disease which affected the bone of his left ankle and was obliged to undergo an amputation.

This misfortune disabled him for continuing the work in which he had been engaged and, after due consideration he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a cigarmaker, with Mr. Burckhart, at what was then No. 33 Milwaukee

Avenue. He worked faithfully to learn the busi- ness until October 4, 1872, when he had made sufficient progress to open a factory of his own. This he did, at what is now No. 361 Milwaukee Avenue. His business prospered, showing that he had made good use of his apprenticeship, and in 1879 he was able to build a factory and residence at No. 351, in the same street. In this building he has since continued his business, and has aimed to have the model cigar factory of Chicago. In fact it was so pronounced by three experts who were visiting this country from Germany. His output has greatly increased as his product gained reputation and, as early as 1883 he manufactured and sold four million cigars. He employs from sixty to seventy-five hands, and has two men on the road disposing of the product.

Mr. Hanson has invested his savings to good advantage in various business enterprises. He was one of the organizers of the American

A. C. F. KOCH.

Varnish Company, and still owns stock in that concern, which is in a prosperous condition, having in 1897 transacted business amounting to $280,000. He was also a promoter of the Mil- waukee Avenue State Bank, is one of its largest stockholders and on its board of directors. Among the other concerns in which he has stock might be mentioned the North Side Street Rail- road, the National Biscuit Company and the Chicago Heights Land Company.

He has always taken a lively interest in the af- fairs affecting the city, and especially the portion in which his home is located. Mr. Hanson has always been a very industrious man, and this, coupled with the most rigid economy in the be- ginning, accounts for his success in life. While still an apprentice, he was able to accumulate three hundred dollars, and during the first three months of his business career he doubled his in- vestment three times. During the first six years

that he conducted business for himself he worked almost night and day, allowing himself no more rest than nature absolutely demanded.

In 1868 the subject of this notice was married to Miss Kittie Rasmussen, the ceremony taking place at Racine, Wisconsin. Their union has been blessed with twelve children, six of whom are living, namely: Anna, who is her father's bookkeeper; Freda, residing at home; Rudolplı, a salesman for his father's factory; Carrie, a teacher in the public schools; Jennie, who gradu- ated in 1898 from the Wicker Park School, having the highest standing of any pupil in her class; and Robert, who is still attending school. Since 1889 the family has resided at No. 24 Ewing Place, in the elegant modern residence which the father built in that year. Mr. Hanson has been an honored member of tlie Knights of Pythias since 1873. In politics he is a Republi- can.

AUGUST C. F. KOCH.

A UGUST CHARLES FREDERICK KOCH, dependently. He is a member of the Stone- masons' and Bricklayers' Union, having been with this organization many years. Mr. Koch was born in Traptaw, Prussia, May 10, 1842, a son of Christoph and Christina Koch, both of whom died in the Fatherland, the former at the age of ninety-seven and the latter at ninety years of age. He attended the parish school of his native village until he had reached the age of fourteen years, when he was confirmed in the church.

who has been identified with the city of Chicago since November, 1867, the date of his arrival, is a stone and brick mason by trade. He was occupied at his trade in the city since that time until 1897, when he retired from active labor. He has been economical, and besides saving his earnings, lie carefully invested them in property which brought returns, and now enjoys a handsome competence. When he first arrived in Chicago he settled at No. 273 West Chicago Avenue, and purchased property in1 1870, which he still possesses. In 1887 he bought his present beautiful home located at No. 583 North Hoyne Avenue.

In national matters he lias supported the Re- publican party, but in local affairs lias acted in-

After leaving school he served a three-years' apprenticeship at the mason's trade, at which he worked until he was twenty years old, when he entered the German army in Koenig Grenadier Regiment No. 2, and served a little over three years, during the Austro-German War. He

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 7

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