Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 75

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 75

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Moved by a desire to know more of the world and to find a wider field of usefulness, Mr. Frankenstein left the home of his youth in 1875 and came to the United States. After spending a short time in Florida he continued his journey to Chicago, where he was not long in making his ability known. For four years he was head clerk in the pharmacy of C. C. Clacius & Company, where his services were entirely satisfactory to

his employers. But as his thirst for knowledge was not satisfied and as he realized that his labors would have a greater value to mankind if his studies were continued, he decided to take a course of study in pharmacy. With this in view he returned to Germany in 1879 and entered Leipsic University, from which he was graduated two years later with high honors. He then con- tinued his studies for seven months at Wiesbaden, taking as a specialty analytic chemistry. In October, 1881, he accepted a position as manager of a large prescription drug store in Hamburg, where he remained until 1885. In August of that year he severed his business connections in Germany and again turned his face toward America.

In June, 1886, he opened a drug store in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This venture proved so suc- cessful that the business was continued until 1894. With that strange unrest peculiar to men of scientific attainments, the subject of this sketch decided to continue his research, and at the same time to increase the value of his services to mankind by pursuing a course of study at Rush Medical College. He entered that insti- tution in 1894, but was prevented from realiz- ing his laudable ambition by his untimely death, October 1, 1898.

Aside from his scientific nature, Mr. Franken- stein possessed social qualities of no mean order. He was a genial conversationalist, speaking flu- ently in five languages, and generous almost to a fault. His skill as an entertainer was greatly in-

515

JOSEPH HERMANN.

creased by his rare musical genius and his friends often called upon him to play the piano, on which instrument he was a fine performer. He sought to cherish the welfare of his family with a jealous care, and with them his happiest hours were spent.

Fraternally he was connected with the Royal Arcanum, and with the Masonic order, both in Germany and America.

Max L. Frankenstein was married October 4, 1887, to Bessie, daughter of James and Hattie (Shaw) Wilmont. James Wilmont was born in London, England, whence he emigrated about 1840 to Toronto, Canada, where he spent his re- maining years, dying at the age of seventy-six. He was a typical English gentleman of the old school and was loved and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Wilmont was born in Toronto, where she died aged forty-six years. Of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilmont the only one living is Mrs. Frankenstein, who was born in Toronto September 9, 1859, and educated in her native city. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein who will greatly miss the kindly care and guidance which their father was so well fitted to give. Their names, with date of birth of each, are as follows: Beatrice, Septent- ber 9, 1889; and Virginia, October 29, 1891.

Mrs. Frankenstein was previously married to the Honorable J. K. Fairman, who was born in Elmira, New York January 3, 1849. He was a man of considerable reputation as an editor, be- ing connected with the Elmira Advertiser, and took an active part in state politics. At one time he was Clerk of the Assembly at Albany. He was a thirty-second degree Mason. He died in Chicago August 14, 1885, and was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery at Elmira, New York. His father, Charles G. Fairman, was forty-five years a journalist and became known throughout the country. He was founder, and for many years editor, of the Elmira Advertiser and was promi- nent in public affairs. He was at one time in charge of the insurance department of the state administration at Albany. He was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was advanced to the head of the order in the state, occupying the exalted position of Grand Master in 1878-79. He was born at Lewiston, Niagara County, New York, and died at Elmira, same State, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-two years. Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Fairman were the parents of one child, Edith, born January 24, 1881, at Elmira, New York, who now resides with her mother.

JOSEPH HERMANN.

OSEPH HERMANN has been identified with the business interests of Chicago forty-five years, and is an honored representative of the German-American population who have con- tributed so largely to the successful upbuilding of the city. He was born in Cologne, Germany, February 17, 1830, and is a son of Charles and Katherine Hermann, both natives of Cologne. After acquiring a good education in the parish school of his native village, Joseph Hermann

learned the trade of butcher with his father, and continued to follow that occupation while he re- mained in the Fatherland.

In September, 1853, Mr. Hermann decided to seek his fortune in the New World, and bade adieu to home and friends. He sailed from Ant- werp and, after an uneventful voyage of fifty- four days, landed in New York. He remained there about three months, working at his trade, and then came to Chicago, arriving early in

516

GEORGE NEHER.

1854. For two years he worked at his trade as a journeyman and, with his savings earned in that way, embarked in business for himself by opening a meat market on Milwaukee Avenue. Later he established a slaughter house near a small hamlet then known as Holstein. That part of the city, now densely populated, was then an open prairie and considered quite a long dis- tance from the city.

He was not long in building up a profitable trade, which he successfully carried on several years. While the Civil War was in progress, he was engaged for a time in shipping cattle to Allegheny and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which proved a profitable industry. About 1864 he started a meat market on the southwest corner of Noble and Cornell Streets, when that part of the city contained but a few scattering houses, where he did a large trade until 1876, when he rented his store and retired from business. In 1880 he resumed business at the old stand, but six months later was succeeded by his sons, who bought him out. Since then, Mr. Hermann has lived in retirement.

During the years of his active life he won success. By making wise investments in real estate he has become the possessor of much valuable property, and is numbered among the wealthy mnen of the north western part of the city. In 1889 he built his pleasant and commodious residence at No. 414

North Robey Street, where he is spending the evening of his life in contentment, enjoying the fruits of an industrious and well-ordered career.

Mr. Hermann has never aspired to public office of any kind, but has supported the Demo- cratic party ever since he became an American citizen. He has always evinced a progressive spirit by his willingness to assist in the promotion of all measures for the benefit of his home city.

On the 11th of March, 1857, he married Miss Dora Goppelsroeder, who was born in Baden, Germany. They were the parents of a large family, only four of whom are now living: Dora, wife of Christian Klingel; William, Christ and Mary, the last-named of whom brightens the home of her father with her cheerful presence. Mrs. Hermann passed to her reward June 29, 1897. She died as she had lived, in the faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Her- mann and the other members of the family belong to St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church.

In 1858 Mr. Hermann generously assisted his parents and the remainder of the family to emi- grate to the United States. Of the five children born to Charles and Katherine Hermann two are deceased, and those living are: Joseph, whose name introduces this article; Anton; and Sophia, wife of Siep Dornbos. The father died in Chi- cago many years ago, and the mother July 7, 1898, at the age of ninety-three years.

GEORGE NEHER.

G EORGE NEHER, JUNIOR, a prominent business man of Lyons, was born in River- side, Cook County, Illinois, June 15, 1861, and is a son of George Neher, senior, and Elizabeth (Mitsch) Neher, natives of Germany, who are further mentioned on another page of this work.

George Neher, the man whose name heads this article, was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. In the spring of the year 1883, he left the farm and was employed in the office of Dr. Congdon for a period of one year. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Neher embarked in the drug business, in which he has successfully

517

J. F. LEONHARDT.

continued since that time. From a small begin- ning he has made many improvements, and his business has become the principal one of its kind in Lyons and one of the finest in the country. Since 1883 Mr. Neher has carried the mail be- tween Riverside and Lyons, which is, in itself, a great responsibility.

He was married November 24, 1886, to Fan- nie, daughter of John and Eva Caccer, a native of England. During her infancy Mr. Caccer died, and the mother afterward married Philip Zacher. The family then removed to Hamburg, Germany. At the age of sixteen years Miss

Caccer returned to England, and four years later came to Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Neher have three children, Agnes, Henry and George. Mr. Neher and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and are influential and charit- able adherents of this organization. Mr. Neher is one of the enterprising business men of Lyons, and is progressive in all his ideas. He has never sought public office, but is staunch in upholding, by voice and vote, the principles of the Republi- can party. He is well known and respected by his fellow-citizens, and his social relations are the best.

JACOB F. LEONHARDT.

ACOB FREDERICK LEONHARDT was born in Baden, Germany, January 1, 1831, a son of John and Elizabeth Leonhardt, both of whom died in Germany. John Leonhardt was a manufacturer of wine. He was the father of seven children, only two of whom came to America, the subject of this notice and Christ, of No. 202 Canalport Avenue, Chicago.

Jacob F. Leonhardt received a good education in his native land, after which he learned the trade of shoemaker. In 1853 he came to the United States and came directly to Chicago, where he had some acquaintances. He possessed limited means, but had a good trade and was willing and ready to apply himself in achieving success. He was occupied at his trade in the interests of others for a few years, and subsequently began business on his own account, by opening a shoe store on the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets.

Hecontinued in business several years. About 1869 he moved to Harrison Street, near Fifth Avenue, where he was burned out in the fire of 1871, losing nearly all he had accumulated. A

few months after the fire he started the same business on Sherman Street, and continued in trade until about 1885, when, owing to failing health, he retired from active business, having accumulated a fair share of this world's goods.

Mr. Leonhardt was a substantial, loyal citizen, who did all in his power to promote the best in- terests of the city. He was a member of the old Volunteer Fire Company several years. In social organizations he took an active interest. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Druids and the sons of Herman. The death of this be- loved and honored man occurred May 25, 1891. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church and long attended St. Paul's Evangelical Luth- eran Church while it was in charge of Dr. Hart- man, and contributed to its support with great liberality. He was a man of generous impulses and exercised true charity with a kind and un- selfish hand.

Never a politician in any sense of the word, he usually gave his support to the Republican party. April 10, 1856, he married Miss Dorothy. Fred- ericka Kludas, daughter of John and Marie

518

C. W. FREDERICKS.

Elizabeth Kludas. Mrs. Leonhardt came to Chicago in 1854, with her brothers Frederick, who now cultivates a farm in Iowa, and William, who follows the same occupation in Kansas. The following year her parents came, and with them their son Joseph, who lives in Chicago. The mother died here in 1876, and the father, Janti- ary 1, 1880.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonhardt had four children, but the eldest died at two years of age. Fred- erick is a telegraph operator; William is city salesman for the Chicago Coffin Company; and Minnie, the only daughter, is the youngest. All reside at home with their mother. The family is one of eminent respectability, and the members have a large circle of friends.

CHARLES W. FREDERICKS.

HARLES WILLIAM FREDERICKS, a prominent painter contractor, was born in Warren, Ohio, July 13, 1856, a son of Joseph and Hannah (Nagle) Fredericks, both na- tives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. The paternal grandfather of the man whose name heads this article, John Fredericks, was a native of Germany, and was a pioneer of Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Joseph Fredericks was a farmer and now resides in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Charles W. Fredericks was reared in the town of Sharon, from two years of age, and was edu- cated in the common schools of that place, also taking two years at Hiram College. At the age of seventeen years he began life for himself, traveling about the country. He learned the painter's trade at the Buckeye Reaper Works, in Canton and Akron, Ohio, and afterward became a finisher in the Jewett & Goodman Organ Fac- tory at Cleveland, Ohio. He then settled at Grand Crossing, Cook County, Illinois, where he lived four years, during which time he was em- ployed by the Pullman Car Company, and the Petzeke Cabinet Works as a finisher. After spend- ing a month on the lakes, for his health, he went to Castleton, Dakota, where he purchased a farm of forty acres.

Mr. Fredericks shortly after located in Rock-

ford, Illinois, where he spent one winter and afterwards was employed as journeyman painter, in Lyons, three or four years. In 1889 he em- barked in business as a contractor, the firm name being Wool & Fredericks. This partner- ship continued one year, after which Mr. Fred- ericks purchased the interest of his partner and has since continned the business alone, and added paper·hanging, calcimining, glazing and cornice painting to the enterprise. He has all the energy and force of character which is found in the Ger- man descendant, and has been very successful.

December 11, 1892, Mr. Fredericks was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth, danghter of George and Elizabeth (Mitsch) Neher, of Lyons Township, and their only son is named Lawrence Joseph. A biography of Mrs. Fredericks' father appears 011 another page of this volume.

Mr. Fredericks is a highly respected citizen of Lyons and is a staunch and valned advocate of the interests of the Republican party. For a number of years he has been known as an expert workman. He is a charter member of the Eureka Gun Club of Lyons, and has won a number of medals at the contests in which that organiza- tion has taken part. He makes occasional trips to the principal duck shooting resorts of Indiana and Illinois for sport and recreation.

519

MICHAEL KOENIG.

ICHAEL KOENIG, who is now living re- tired on North Robey Street, was born in Baden, Germany, December 4, 1838, and is a son of Adam Koenig. His mother died when he was five years old, and he was reared on a farm until about fifteen years of age, when his father died, leaving him an orphan. From that time he was forced to support himself and it was a sad beginning for a young man, without father or mother to guide him. He had attended the parish school and acquired a fair education.

March 10, 1856, he left the Fatherland and went to Liverpool and from there took a sailing vessel bound for New York. After a stormy and tedious voyage he landed in New York May I, of that year. He located in Syracuse, where his step-sister was residing, and worked a short time for a butcher, and a few months in the salt works in that vicinity. He came West to Chicago in the fall, arriving September 15. During the first winter here he was employed by an ac- quaintance that he had made while living in Germany, receiving three dollars per month.

The following spring he went to Du Page County and worked on a farm nearly two years. He returned to Chicago and, not being too proud to take up any honest employment he was able to obtain, was in service as a laborer for a short time. He was enabled to purchase a horse and dray and did expressing for Rundel Brothers one year, when he sold it and continued in the em- ploy of this concern thirteen years, which shows as well as anything could in his history, that he

is possessed of great strength of character and integrity. He subsequently returned to the oc- cupation of teaming, and when Rundel Brothers started a planing mill, he continued in their em- ploy until the fire of 1871.

After this destructive calamity he was an em- ploye of Miller & Decker, who laid out the sec- tion known as Lawndale, and drove the first load of lumber to that suburb. He was then living in the depot. Subsequently entering the service of the Blatz Brewing Company, he was induced to enter the catering business and op- ened a saloon on Blue Island Avenue, between Sixteenth and Eighteenth Streets. After two years he removed to Milwaukee Avenue and Rucker Street (now Center Avenue), and con- tinned the business four years. He then con- ducted a like business at the corner of Madison and Dearborn Streets, later removing to Fifth Avenue and Randolph Street, in the basement of the old Metropolitan Hotel, and remained ten years at this location, prospering rapidly, and has been able to live in retirement since.

In 1885 he purchased property on West Chi- cago Avenue, for twelve thousand dollars, which he later disposed of. He now owns Nos. 404 and 406 North Robey Street, a three story brick house on Potomac Avenue and No. 659 North Western Avenue. He has ever taken a lively interest in politics, and supports the Re- publican party. He has been prominent and in- finential with that party, having stood by it since he became a voter, and often attending city and

520

BERNHARDT SINK.

county conventions. He organized the first Re- publican club in the old Fourteenth Ward, and is a member of the Bavarian Society.

Mr. Koenig was married in 1858 to Miss Theresa Edbauer, a native of Bavaria. They had five children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are: Mary, wife of Charles Thomp- son, residing on the corner of Noble and Cor- nelia Streets; and Rosa, wife of Edward Robin- son, who is located at the corner of Talman Av-

enue and Bloomingdale Road. The mother died February 1, 1892, mourned greatly by her fam- ily and many friends. The members of the fam- ily are connected with St. Boniface's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Koenig were married in this church and celebrated their silver wedding in Aurora Turner Hall.

In 1892 Mr. Koenig visited the land of his birth and spent two months in the Fatherland, visiting the principal cities of Germany.

BERNHARDT SINK.

B ERNHARDT SINK, who is one of the re- tired business men of Chicago, is a true son of a race noted for sturdiness of character and energetic pursuit of purpose. Born August 20, 1832, in Baden, Germany, Bernhardt Sink is the only son of Andrew and Francisca (Doll) Sink. His only sister was named Clarice.

Mr. and Mrs. Sink died when their son was a small boy, and he was reared by his aunt, The- resa Beck, who married Stephen Brust. Before he was twenty years old he decided to come to America, and arrived in New York February 24, 1852. He was in the State of Michigan five months and was employed in a sawmill at Escan- aba; he came to Chicago in 1857, and was six- teen years in the service of P. L. Hathaway, who has to this day a coal yard. Mr. Sink then decided to change his occupation and purchased three hundred acres of land in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, which he cultivated twelve years.

He then removed to Winona, Minnesota, where lie carried on a boarding-house one year. From that time until 1895 he was hostler for the Chi- cago City Railway Company. At this date he retired from active life, and is enjoying the fruits of his labor of many years. He has resided at No. 5834 Dearborn Street for the past five years.

Mr. Sink was married, April 27, 1857, to a very worthy woman, who became a helpmate to him and an aid to his success in all things. She was Margaret Weiss, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Havener) Weiss, and was born March 15, 1840, in Prussia. Her father was born March 15, 1811, and died February 24, 1892.

With his wife and children William Weiss came to America and retired from active life. He was a member of the Independent Order of For- esters. His wife was seventy years of age when she died in the fall of the year 1885. Their chil- dren were eight in number, brief mention of each of whom is here made: Elizabeth married Clem- ens Till, and resides at No. 3238 Leavitt Street; Mrs. Sink is next in order of birth; Peter resides on Twenty-fourth Street, near Wentworth Ave- nue, and is employed as a private watchman; Minnie married John Steffens, and resides at No. 6432 Rhodes Avenne, her husband being now retired; Joanna married Peter Konzen, a sawyer, and resides at No. 5458 Dearborn Street; Katrina married Nicholas Paullery, and resides on Twen- ty-fourth Place, near Wentworth Avenue; Mary married Paul Kirtz, a watchman, and resides at No. 4828 Atlantic Street; William is next in order of birth.

521

ANTON SCHERMANN.

Mr. and Mrs. Sink have a very harmonious fireside, and have been blessed with nine chil- dren. One son, William, was born January 29, 1859, married Addie Rieck, and is residing at Waukesha, Wisconsin. Christian is mentioned on another page in this volume. Christina, born December 13, 1863, married John Huebsch, and resides at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mr. Huebsch is one of the firm of Huebsch Brothers, laundry proprietors. Mr. and Mrs. Huebsch have two children: Bernhardt and Lora. Barbara, born August 11, 1865, resides with her parents. Kath- arine, born March 12, 1867, married George Baber, and lives in Eau Claire; her children are named Margaret and Joseph. Bernhardt, born April 8, 1869, died May 14, 1877.

Elizabeth, the next in order of birth of the children of Bernhardt Sink, was born September 20, 1871. She married John Gray, and her children were named: Margaret, Mary and Viola. Peter, born September 28, 1873, married Anna Hugnelet. Joseph, born August 7, 1875, is at home with his parents, as is also John, born August 12, 1877. Mrs. Sink came to America alone in 1856, aud her sister Minnie came over in 1868.

Mrs. Sink's father had a sister, Mary Weiss, who was one of the oldest settlers in Chicago. She married Joseph Schumacher and lived at Fifth Avenue and Harrison Street. They had one son, who is still employed on the police force of the city of Chicago.

ANTON SCHERMANN.

A NTON SCHERMANN, who has a residence and office at No. 633 Noble Street, repre- sents a number of steamship lines as their passenger and ticket agent in Chicago, and has been engaged in that line of work about thirty years, and has been a resident of Chicago since June 1, 1851. Mr. Schermann was born May 24, 1818, in Poland, and belongs to a family remark- able for the longevity of its members. His ma- ternal grandfather died at the age of one hundred and sixteen years, his grandmother at one hun- dred and six years and his mother at the age of ninety-nine.

Mr. Schermann was educated in the schools of his native place, and at the age of thirteen years began learning the trade of carpenter. I11 1840 he joined the Prussian army and served ten years in the fortifications at Stettin. After leaving the army he kept hotel for a year and one-half. This venture not proving profitable, lie resolved to come to the United States, and March 8, 1851,

sailed from Hamburg. After an ocean voyage of ninety-five days he arrived in New York, and ten days later in Chicago.

He occupied himself at the cabinet-maker's trade three years, in the service of a Mr. Mor- gan, and a few years for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company in its shops. In 1862 or 1863 he began business for his own interests, starting a catering establishment on Augusta Street. He was the first to locate on that street west of Elston Road. He followed this business twenty years, and with the profits, purchased property on Noble Street, where he now makes his home.

While located there he accepted the agency of the American Steamship line, later the Amster- dam, and then the German Lloyd, and has since represented those companies. Since quitting his former business he has devoted all his time to the steamship lines and real estate. Mr. Schermann has always taken an interest in tlie

522

KARSTEN MIKKELSEN.

politics of his adopted country. He cast his first presidential vote in favor of Mr. Buchanan, in 1856, but since that time has supported the Re- publican party and was an active worker for the success of the party. He has been a member of Goethe Lodge No. 329, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, many years and also the cabinet- maker's society. For thirty years he has be- longed to the order of Druids, in which he was secretary about sixteen years. In 1875 he was presented with a handsome gold watch by the members of Humboldt Lodge, Ancient Order of Druids, in recognition of his services, and in 1881, with a valuable gold medal, by the same lodge, both suitably inscribed.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 75

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