Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 86

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 86

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On the fotlı of February, 1886, Mr. Cossitt married Miss Margaret A., daughter of Dr. George M. Fox, a prominent citizen of La Grange, whose

biography appears elsewhere in this work. Four children have been born to them, namely: Frank- lin D., named for his paternal grandfather; George M., named for his maternal grandfather; Jean, who bears the name of her maternal grandmother; and Margaret, her mother's namesake.

In 1889 Mr. Cossitt was elected Trustee of the village of La Grange, and has twice been re- lected, now serving his third term. In 1892 he was elected Highway Commissioner of Lyons Township, and is now Treasurer of that town1- ship. In political sentiment, he is a Democrat, and is now serving his second term as a member of the County Democratic Central Committee. The prominent part which he has taken in public affairs, and especially in the upbuilding of this community, entitles him to representation among the public-spirited and progressive citizens of Cook County.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

HENRY JOHNSON

(From Photo by W. J. ROOT)

591

HENRY JOHNSON.

ENRY JOHNSON, a prominent business man of the northwestern part of the city, is one of that group of valuable citizens who have gained wealth and business standing entirely through their own resources. He was born in Denmark June 28, 1844, and is a sou of Jens and Caron Hanson. His father was a butcher by trade and carried on a business of his own in that line.

Henry Johnson was educated in the common schools of his native land, and having learned the butcher's trade he continued with his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years. Hethen left home, and in 1866 came to America, locating at first in Wisconsin, where he worked in a saw mill. He came to Chicago the next year and for a period of sixteen years worked in various fur- niture factories of the city, acquiring considerable mechanical skill and saving quite a sum of money. He next opened a furniture factory on Erie Street, in company with Hans Paulson, but two years later sold out his interest and again took up factory work.

In 1886, for the second time, he entered busi- ness on his own account, establishing an under-

taking office at Nos. 794 and 796 West North Avenue. So successful was this venture that he has continued the business at the same location ever since. He erected the building at the above number in 1885, and in 1897 built another building at No. 264 Milwaukee Avenue, where he has another undertaking establishment. He also con- ducts a fine livery in connection with each branch. In the conduct of his affairs he has ever been en- ergetic and economical, the result being that all his efforts have been crowned with the greatest success.

Mr. Johnson was married in 1869 to Miss Kittie Rasmonson, who died in 1891. She was the mother of two children, William and Amy, both living. Mr. Johnson was married in 1892 to Gensena Marie Madsen. Two children have blessed this marriage, Gensena and Lenora Chris- tina.

The subject of this sketch is a member of the Knights of Honor, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. He has held various offices in these orders and is pop- ular among their members. Politically he sup- ports the Republican party,

592

JACOB SCHNABLE.

ACOB SCHNABLE has been a resident of C Chicago more than half a century, and has witnessed almost the entire growth of the great Metropolis of the West. His interests have been with it and the people that reside in it, and his influence has been used in their favor at all times. He was born in Alsace, then a part of France, November 6, 1826, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret Schnable, both natives of Alsace.

Jacob Schnable, senior, was a farmer by occupation, and in 1845 both parents, with two daughters and two sons, left their native land on April 16, bound for the New World. They sailed from Havre on a sailing vessel and forty- five days later landed in New York. They came direct to Chicago, as their proposed destin- ation was the State of Illinois, where a neigh- bor had located a year previously. Arriving at Chicago they stopped for a few days on Clark Street.

There were seven families who came together from the same place, and they separated, three families going to Naperville, in Du Page County. Four families, including that of Mr. Schnable, removed to Lake County. At Wheeling Mr. Schnable met an acquaintance who induced him to go to Long Grove, Lake County. There he subsequently purchased a farm and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred July 1, 1868, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died January 14, 1871, in the seventy-sixth year of her age. Their children were: Jacob, of this article; George, a tiller of the soil in Lake

County; Sarah, who died in Lake County; and Ellen, wife of Daniel Roth, who resides at the corner of Hoyne and Haddon Avenues, Chicago.

Jacob Schnable, whose name heads this notice, was educated in the parish schools of his native place. He was sixteen years old when he entered into a two-years' apprenticeship to learn the cabinet-maker's trade. After his arrival in Chicago he was employed at this trade by John Weir, and later with Clark & Hesse, located at the corner of Madison aud Dearborn Streets. For a period of eighteen months he was with Coe & Mills, and subsequently entered the em- ploy of Jacobus Brothers, in their factory. He continued thus occupied about nine years, and then entered the service of Cleveland & Russell, having charge of a machine for making sash and doors. After the business went into the hands of S. I. Russell, he continued with him and was occupied at general machine work.

Being a natural machinist, he could turn his hand to any kind of mechanism, and liis services were valued at all times in this line. After Mr. Russell removed to Twenty-second Street and established a planing-mill and box factory Mr. Schnable became the engineer. Later Mr. Russell removed to the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets and with F. W. Krause carried on the business of the Franklin Machine Works.

Mr. Schnable did nearly all kinds of work, from putting up machinery to pattern making. He remained there until the partnership was dis-

593

CHARLES PETERSON.

solved, after which he went with J. O. Perin and operated an engine for him for a short time. He was subsequently in the employ of J. K. Russell, located at the corner of Fulton and Des Plaines Streets, and managed a stationary engine for him until Mr. Russell sold out. Mr. Schnable re- mained with the successors until July, 1893. He was economical and saved his earnings, and in- vested in a lot on Pearce Street, where he built a house. He later sold this house and built a larger house on the same lot. In 1881 he erected a house ou Superior Street, and in 1892 purchased property at No. 318 North Robey Street, and built his present commodious residence, where he and his estimable wife live in retirement.

His first presidential vote was cast for Lewis Cass. He supported John C. Fremont in 1856, and on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks. He supported it for several years, but lately has acted independently, sup- porting the man whom he thinks is best qualified to properly discharge the duties of official station. He has been a member of Harmonia Lodge No. 221, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,

since 1864, and is a member of Germania En- campment, and his wife of the Rebekah degree, in the same order.

In the fall of 1854 he married Miss Barbara Sigwalt, who came to Cook County in 1844. They have two children: Emil Rudolph, a civil engineer, resident of Ravenswood; and Clara Emma, a successful teacher, who is em- ployed in the Wells School. Mrs. Schnable died March 1, 1874, inourned by her family and many friends. In 1881 Mr. Schnable married Mrs. Augusta, widow of Conrad Bodenschatz. She was born in Prussia, Germany. By her first marriage she has two sons, Jacob and Henry, both of whoni have been several years in the em- ploy of H. M. Hooker & Company. Mr. and Mrs. Schnable are Protestants, but not connected with any religious organization. Mr. Schnable is an interesting, intelligent man, who keeps him- self informed on the questions of the day, and converses freely on many interesting incidents in the early history of Chicago. He has witnessed the growth of the great city from a population of about twenty-five thousand people.

CHARLES PETERSON.

mnost upright citizens of Chicago, was born January 17, 1844. At the time of his birth his parents, John and Eliza Peterson, resided in Smoland, Sweden. Though he never forgets the beauties of the land of his birth, he is loyal to his adopted country.

John Peterson, his wife and four children, ar- rived in Chicago July 18, 1854. They reached Boston July 4, having sailed from Guttenburg, Sweden, eight weeks and three days previously.

C HARLES PETERSON, who is one of the John Peterson was a cabinet-maker and liad pos- sessed his own shop in his native land. O11 reaching Chicago he located on the West Side, on Austin Avenue. He was employed in a lumber yard, following the trade of a carpenter. The climate did not agree with him in this city, and in 1858 hie removed to Porter County, Indiana. He lived there until his death, and his remains were interred in that place. He was born Decem- ber 2, 1816, and died December 6, 1887. Mrs. John Peterson was born in 1810, and died in 1869.

594

JOHN OTT.

Her children were: Andrew, John, Charles, Annie, August (deceased), August, and one daughter who died young.

Charles Peterson left his father's farm in Indi- ana in 1864, and located in Chicago. He learned the painter's trade with John Walsh, who was lo- cated on Ontario Street, and with whom he re- mained three years. He subsequently did jour- neyman work and after the fire of 1871 contracted for his own interests. He is at present occupied as journeyman. Being very successful and eco- nomical, in 1884 he was able to erect a residence at No. 6747 Lafayette Avenue, where he has since been located.

Mr. Peterson was married December 13, 1872, to Miss Emma Anderson, daughter of John and Mary (Monson) Anderson. Mrs. Peterson was born May 1, 1849, at Sabe, Smoland, Sweden, and came to America in 1864. Her children are as follows: Alma Josephine, born December 16, 1873, died September 22, 1875; Martha Emma Alice, born January 25, 1876, married James E. Freeman, and resides at No. 6844 Wabash Ave-

nue, her only child being named Catherine; Carl Oscar August, born January 24, 1878, died March 25, 1879; Alice Christina, born December 6, 1879; Oscar Edwin, born January 24, 1882; Carl Robert, born March 15, 1884, died October 9, 1884; Anna Mabel, born October 7, 1885; Harry Arthur, born January 1, 1888; Raymond W. born October 3, 1890; Carrie Esther Marie, born May 30, 1893; and an infant boy, born December 28, 1895, died next day.

Of a cheerful disposition, Mr. Peterson is al- ways entertaining and a pleasant companion. He is a good conversationalist and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Mrs. Peterson is of a like temperament and their children, seven of whom are still at home, partake of the character- istics of their parents. They are bright, wide- awake and up-to-date Americans. Mr. Peterson's pleasant home on Lafayette Avenue was the third built in the block, and is one of the neatest and handsomest on the street. He has never sought public office, but upholds the principles and can- didates of the Republican party.

JOHN OTT.

] OHN OTT. Histories of the great Chicago fire tell of many cases where the work of re- construction was begun before the blackened bricks and stones were cold, but there is au- thentic record of only one instance in which the rebuilding of a burned structure was commenced so quickly that the still-smoldering ruins set fire to the first scaffold erected.

John Ott, of No. 626 North Robey Street, was the hero of that instance, which was due to the great energy that is a marked characteristic of his life. He erected the first building on North Clark Street (at No. 625) after the fire, and the scaffold was built amid ruins which were so hot

that it was set on fire and quickly consumed. Another scaffold was promptly raised, and the building that followed still stands as a monument to the pluck of a typical Chicagoan.

Mr. Ott has been prominently identified with the building interests of Chicago inany years and is one of the most popular men in that line of business. He was born in Holstein, Germany, on the 30th of August, 1840, and is a son of Peter and Dorothy Ott, both of whom died in the Fatherland.

After leaving school, where he received an excellent education, John Ott learned the trade of carpenter and followed it until April, 1863,

595

C. F. GRIINER.

when he sailed from Hamburg on the clipper ship, "John Bertram." Fifty-three days later he landed in New York, after a stormy passage. With the same farsightedness that he subse- quently displayed in business, he selected Chi- cago as the city offering the greatest induce- ments to the honest young man who wanted to cut out his own fortune, and came here direct.

At the end of five years, during which time he worked on a salary, he had saved up enough money to go into business for himself, and hung out his sign as a contractor and builder. He was successful from the first and the fidelity with which he executed all his trusts laid the foun- dation for a valuable and enviable reputation. He was kept very busy after the fire of 1871, and in that and the succeeding four years built many residences and business blocks in all parts of the city. In 1874 he started a lumber yard on the north branch of the Chicago River, at the foot of Lessing Street, two blocks west of Halsted Street, which is now conducted under the name of the Ott Lumber Company.

In 1896, after a successful career of spotless in-

tegrity, Mr. Ott laid aside the cares of active business life, and retired to enjoy the fruits of his labor. In1 1883 he returned to Germany and spent three months visiting the scenes of his boy- hood days. He has always manifested a keen interest in public affairs, and has shown his sin- cerity and unselfishness by never seeking office of any kind. In national politics he supports the Republican party, but in local affairs he is for good government, regardless of party.

Mr. Ott is a member of Goethe Lodge No. 329, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to which he has belonged twenty-eight years. He is also a member of Humboldt Encampment No. 101, of the same order, and of Teutonic Maennerchor. June 5, 1864, Mr. Ott married Miss Fredericka Hock, and they have five children, namely: Mary, wife of William A. Boettiger, who is em-

ployed by Marshall Field & Company, and re- sides in Hinsdale; John F., Herman A .; Dora, whose husband, Adamı Boettiger, is with the Union Trust Company; and Bertha. The family has long been identified with St. Peter's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church.

CHRISTIAN F. GRIINER.

e HRISTIAN FREDERICK GRIINER, M. D. C. Man's wonderful ability in over- coming natural obstacles and carrying on trade has been greatly increased by the use of animals, and especially the horse. The connec- tion of that noble animal with the history of men and nations is well known, and, though steam and electricity have lowered his pride, the horse is still an important element in the business and pleasure of man. Therefore, one who puts forth his effort to increase the comfort and utility of the horse follows a dignified and necessary call- ing. Such is the business of the man whose

name heads this article, for he has advanced in this line from the work of shoeing the horse to attending to the animal's diseases in a scientific manner.

He was born in Denmark, May 10, 1866, and spent his school days and early boyhood near the place of his birth. His parents being poor he was obliged to earn his own living, and conse- quently began life as a blacksmith. For lack of opportunities he might have continued in this calling if he had remained in his native land, but he resolved to seek greater advantages in Amer- ica. In 1886 he crossed the Atlantic and located

596

A. T. LINDBERG.

in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he commenced learning the English language and worked as a horseshoer. In this work he became very skillful and took pride in his knowledge of the hoof of the horse and its needs. After two years at this location he removed to Chicago, where he con- tinued the same work. Here he had excellent opportunities for observation, and gained a repu- tation for careful, intelligent work.

In 1889 he opened a shop of his own at No. 88 1 West North Avenue, and soon secured a large patronage among those who required expert work in his line. Two years later he built his present shop and residence at No. 792 West North Ave- nue. His large experience has made him famil- iar with the symptoms and treatment of many of the diseases peculiar to horses, and he decided to add to this knowledge by a scientific study of veterinary surgery. He accordingly took a course in the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he was graduated in 1897. Since that

time he has practiced in his profession and has conducted a veterinary hospital at the above number. He has also kept up his horseshoeing establishment, where he employs the most skilled workmen to be obtained. Thus he has attained a laudable ambition and, though he began life in his adopted country without capital, he has accu- mulated property which places him beyond the reach of want. As he is just entering the prime of life a bright future is before him, which, if he but pursues the same course which he has fol- lowed in the past, will be crowned with success.

In 1893 Mr. Griiner was married to Miss Caro- line Schneider, and their union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Arthur, born January 19, 1897. The subject of this sketch belongs to Garden City Lodge No. 141, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Royal League, the Royal Arcanum and the State and City Veterinary Associations. In politics he is a Democrat.

AXEL T. LINDBERG.

A XEL THEODORE LINDBERG, who car- ries on an undertaking business at No. 261 Grand Avenue, is an enterprising man who has resided in Chicago nearly a third of a century. He was born in the southern part of Swe- den, July 13, 1849, and is a son of John and Lena Lindberg, who came to America about 1864. They had four sons and four daughters, namely: August, who is in the employ of Marshall Field & Company; Christina, wife of Carl Lindahl; Axel T., of this article; Charles, also with Mar- shall Field & Company; Emma; Fred, who is in business at the corner of State and Illinois Streets; and Tillie, deceased. The father died in Cook County about 1878, and the mother passed away in Chicago in 1882.

A. T. Lindberg was reared to farm life and educated in the public schools of his native land. He came to America in 1868, being the last of the family to emigrate, and came directly to Chicago to join his parents. Soon after his arrival he entered the wholesale house of Marshall Field & Company, as a porter, but was soon taken into Henry Field's office as a clerk. Active, ener- getic, capable and prompt in the discharge of every duty, he was promoted from time to time until he became one of the most successful sales- men in the employ of the firm, and remained with them nearly seventeen years.

In 1884 he formed a partnership with Mr. Segersten in the undertaking business, at No. 121 East Chicago Avenne. This connection con-

597

T. F. STOFFREGEN.

tinued a year and one-half, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Lindberg started his present business, which he has since conducted with gratifying success. Mr. Lindberg supports the candidates of the Republican party in national elections, but acts independently in local affairs.

In 1875 he married Miss Julia Severson, of Stoughton, Wisconsin. In social and fraternal societies he takes a lively interest, being a mem-

ber of the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Chosen Friends. Mr. Lindberg is not a meni- ber of any religious organization, but is a man of good morals and exemplary habits, and con- tributes liberally of his means to the support of the different churches in his vicinity, and freely gives his influence in support of every worthy enterprise.

THEODORE F. STOFFREGEN.

HEODORE FREDERICK STOFFREGEN one of the most prominent citizens and business men in the vicinity in which he resides, was born June 7, 1864, in Hanover, Germany. His parents were Henry and Augusta (Mertens) Stoffregen. Henry Stoffregen was born January 1, 1824, and died in the spring of the year 1867.

He was a cloth weaver by occupation and mar- ried for his first wife Louisa Mertens, and his children were named: Augusta, born July 9, 1851; William, who still remains in Germany; and John, who lives at No. 6208 Morgan Street, Chicago. John Stoffregen came to America in 1865, and located in Chicago. His uncle, August Stoffregen, had located here twenty-five years before.

In 1852 Henry Stoffregen married Augusta Mertens for his second wife, a young lady who was no relation of his first wife, though of the same name. She was the daughter of Frederick and Doretta Mertens, and was born December 15, 1832, in Osteroda. Her paternal grandfather was William Mertens, who had three children: Frederick, Louisa and one other whose name is not recorded. Mrs. Stoffregen and her step- daughter, Augusta, and Theodore, who was then but three years of age, reached Chicago July 1,

1867. She had but little money and immediately began to seek employment to support herself and family. She conducted a boarding house seven years at the corner of Thirty-ninth Street and Wentworth Avenue, and subsequently went to live with her son, and still makes her home with him.

Theodore F. Stoffregen attended the Springer School, where he graduated, and night sessions of Bryant & Stratton's Business College. He began to work for P. D. Armour at the Stock Yards, as cash boy, and later began to cut meat. He continued thus occupied seven years in the retail department, and the same length of time in the wholesale department. He then ventured into business for his own interests, and located at No. 3908 Wentworth Avenue, keeping a meat market. After three years he sold out and en- tered the employ of the Calumet Canning Com- pany, at the southwest corner of Canal and Jackson Streets, filling the position of shipping clerk three months. He subsequently entered business with John Ramm, the firm name becom- ing Stoffregen & Company, located at No. 3858 Wentworth Avenue. He remained at this loca- tion in the business of selling ineat two years before he embarked in the same business at No. 6708 State Street. In1 1892 he divided the busi-

598

CHARLES MEISTER.

ness, retaining his shop on State Street. He ers. He is a member of the German Lutheran purchased property at Nos. 6718-6720 State Church, and is independent in his political views. Street and erected a building on the ground, conducting a like business at this number, and in 1898 built at No. 6718, having made the pur- chase in 1897. He now has both places occupied by his store, and conducts one of the most suc- cessful and extensive grocery stores and meat markets in East Englewood.

Mr. Stoffregen was married March 11, 1891, to Minnie Otto, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Arnold) Otto. She was born on Harrison Street, near State Street, March 4, 1864. Her father resides at No. 7030 Rhodes Avenue. Mrs. Stoffregen is the mother of three children. Theo- dore Edward was born January 2, 1892, died No- vember 27, 1892; Alma Roberta was born July 22, 1894; and Irene Augusta, January 9, 1897.

Mr. Stoffregen was made a Mason in Waldeck Lodge No. 674. He is also connected with Acme Tent, Knights of the Maccabees; and Court Conklin No. 162, Independent Order of Forest-

Although of foreign birth, Mr. Stoffregen was brought to America when so young that he is in all essential respects an American. He is very loyal to the interests of his adopted country, has a good business established, and is on the rapid road to success. He is a man of pleasing address, which he inherits from his mother, who is a lady of extraordinary strength of character and bravery of heart. She emigrated from her native land with but little of this world's goods, and three children to care for, the youngest-the man whose name heads this article-scarce out of arms. She did what she could that her children might be given the advantages of life in the New World, and it is no more than just to say that in hier old age, the evening of her life, she is amply repaid in seeing three of her children more than prosperous and an honor to her and themselves as well as the world at large. She will have a happy home as long as she is spared to them.

CHARLES MEISTER.

HARLES MEISTER, who died at his home No. 142 Fry Street, January 15, 1899, after an illness of but a few hours, was a builder and contractor in Chicago nearly forty years. He was born in Schwarzburg, Sunderschausen, Germany, July 25, 1824. His parents were William and Dorothy Meister, both of whom died in Germany.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 86

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