Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 93

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 93

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Philip Jaeger married for his second wife Minnie Jaeger, who is no relation of his by blood,

though of the same surname. Louis was the first of his father's family to emigrate, and located in Rochester, New York, in 1851. He came to Chicago in 1860, and died January 23, 1879. His birth occurred August 23, 1833. Louis Jaeger was in America ten years before his brother, Ernst, came over, intending to make his brother a visit. They were nearly of an age and were very fond of each other, and Louis induced Ernst to remain in the New World and assist him in his business, that of wholesale whisky and wine merchant. Their long and intimate busi- ness relations sealed the bond between them, and Ernst Jaeger was almost inconsolable when his brother died.

Mr. Jaeger reached Chicago in December, 1865, and was employed by his brother one year, after which he was made a partner, and continued in the business from January, 1867. The firm name became Louis Jaeger & Brother and the business was removed in 1870, from No. 221 Ran- dolph Street, across the street. The brothers lost all they had in the fire of 1871, and estab- lished their business again on West Twelfth Street, near Union Street, and remained until 1873. The concern was then located at No. 64 West Van Buren Street, where it continued until it was again burned out in 1875. The brothers then returned to their old stand on Randolph Street and remained until the death of Louis, in 1879, when Mr. Jaeger continued alone, under

644

ANDERS MADSEN.

his individual name. He subsequently removed to Jackson Street, near Fifth Avenue, and after two years again changed the location of the en- terprise to No. 61 West Lake Street, where it is to be found at the present time.

Mr. Jaeger has been very successful, financi- ally, and erected the first house in the block where he resides, at No. 5917 Dearborn Street. His pleasant and comfortable home has stood since 1886. He was married November 18, 1879, to Miss Marie Forster, a native of Ger-

many, who died January 17, 1894, at the age of forty-eight years. Though never a seeker after public office, Mr. Jaeger is a staunch Democrat. He is connected with Stephen A. Douglas Council No. 642, Royal Arcanum. He is a malı of education and refined tastes and takes pleas- ure in gratifying them. He is of a retiring dis- position and never seeks popularity, being recog- nized at the same time by his neighbors as a gentleman, and admired by all his acquaintances and friends.

ANDERS MADSEN.

A NDERS MADSEN, a well-known citizen and business man of the northwest portion of Chicago, was born June 1, 1843, in Langeland, near Rudkjobing, Denmark. His boyhood was spent upon a farm, and after re- ceiving a fair education in the common schools of that country, he resolved to follow the sea, which has been the natural home of his countrymen for many generations. Securing a position as cabin boy, he followed the sea for about eleven years, sailing under the flags of five different nations and having many adventures and strange experi- ences. He visited most of the ports of the Euro- pean countries, the West Indies, and the coast of South America. He visited the coast of Brazil in the coffee trade many times. Twice he inade the long passage round the southern point of South America, known as "doubling the Horn." He was shipwrecked on numerous occasions, once on the island of Syra in Greece, while on board a Belgian steamer. The vessel was re- covered and proceeded to Sebastapol, where it was repaired. He resolved to better fit himself for his duties by study, and accordingly spent eight montlis at the School of Navigation at Svend- borg, Denmark. He was then ordered to report

on board the receiving ship, whence he proceeded on board the new ironclad, "Peter Skran," which escorted the Danish Princess to Kronstadt, where she became Empress of Russia.

After a few more years spent on the ocean the subject of this notice followed the natural course of emigration and came to America, in 1870. He spent some time in Iowa and in 1871 came to Chicago, where he found opportunity to take up his old calling. For two years he spent the sum- mer months on the lakes and in winter found em- ployment in Chicago. In 1872 he was ship- wrecked at South Haven, Michigan, and returning to Chicago, at once started for his native land. In 1873 he again took up his residence in the Western metropolis, and having by careful econ- omy saved a sufficient amount, he engaged in business, opening a milk and butter depot at No. 51 West Ohio Street. This proved a paying establishment, and was continued until the spring of 1885, with satisfactory results. At that time a part of the business was sold and the remainder rented.

Having by this time a larger capital with which to operate, Mr. Madsen decided to start a real estate office and invested in building lots. On

645

R. J. ALLISON.

these he erected houses and business blocks, thus greatly adding to the value of his own and ad- jacent property. As there was a steady demand for such property he was able to dispose of his holdings at a handsome profit. In this way he has built and sold about fifteen houses in the city, besides dealing in other property.

In. 1885 he purchased a house at No. 203 Ever- green Avenue, which he rebuilt, and which has since been his home. He has seen many changes in the growth of Chicago, and can point with pride to the fact that he has been active in bring- ing about these changes. He laid out one tract of nine acres on Forty-second Avenue in lots, which are now included in the city. Though he came to America a foreigner, with small capital,

he has by industry and strict attention to the business in hand accumulated a fine property and inade a reputation, which will be a source of pride and gratification to all of his descend ants.

In 1873 Mr. Madsen was married to Miss Han- sine Johansen, who died in 1891, leaving six children: Alfred, William, Charles, Walter, Agnes and Olga. The father was married in the spring of 1893 to Karen Andersen. They are the par- ents of one son, Andrew. The family is con- nected with the Wicker Park Methodist Church, of which Mr. Madsen is a trustee. In politics he believes in the principles of the Republican party, but in local affairs is not strictly bound by party. ties.

ROBERT J. ALLISON.

OBERT JACKSON ALLISON, for many years a leading and influential citizen of Lyons Township, was a native of the town of Northeast, Erie County, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1832. His father, Robert Alli- son, was born in 1806, in the same town, where his father, William Allison, was among the earliest settlers. The wife of the latter was Ellen Hurst, of Irish parentage. The male progenitors of this family were Scotch, but William Allison was a native of the United States. Jane Allison, mother of the subject of this biography, was born in Whitehall, New York, and was a daugliter of Capt. Thomas Lyon, who served seven years in the Revolutionary army and had one of his limbs shortened as the effect of a wound received in battle.

William Allison was a blacksmith and farmer, and his son, Robert, became a carpenter and builder. In the spring of 1839 he removed to Chicago, and brought his family in the autumn11

of the same year. He constructed many buildings in the region devastated by the great fire of 1871. When he came to the city it had a population of only forty-two hundred souls, and no building was done in his time outside of Halsted Street, Chicago Avenue and Twelfth Street. He was drowned in the canal near Summit in the spring of 1858. His widow survived until September, 1882, reaching the age of seventy-three years. They had five sons and two daughters, four of whom are now living, and only one, the fourth, ever left Chicago. She lives in Mobile, Ala- bama. Following are the children, in order of birth: Benjamin F., Robert J., Thomas Lyon, Ellen (widow of James Quinn), Mary (wife of John Miller) and Richard and James (deceased).

Robert J. Allison was seven years old when he came with his parents to Cook County. He at- tended the public schools of the city, and from boyhood was known to his companions as "Hon- est Jack." Without the complimentary prefix,

646

FREDERICK WILK.

he was usually called by this contraction of his second Christian name. In 1849 he began driv- ing a packet team on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, and for several years was identified with operations on the canal. He made hay on the prairies, and took any honest employment that came to his hand. For a long time he labored on the farm of "Long John" Wentworth, at sev- enty-five cents a day.

In 1853 Mr. Allison married Ellen Kerrigan, of Irish parentage. He opened a general store at Summit, and was for more than a quarter of a century postmaster at that point. He also served as justice of the peace for about the same period. During his life he was several times elected as- sessor, tax collector and highway commissioner. Though he was not identified with any church

he was a highly moral citizen, and a worthy example to the rising generation. He was earn- est in his support of the principles of the Repub- lican party, but received the votes of all classes of citizens whenever he was a candidate for an of- ficial position. His influence was widely spread, and he died, deeply regretted, in September, 1891. Beside his widow, eight of his eleven chil- dren survive to mourn his loss, as follows: John T., Mary (Mrs. James Welch, of Summit), Kate (wife of William I. Cronin, of Chicago), Margaret, Frank, Robert, Sarah and Nancy. Agnes died while the wife of Fred Jenson, of Summit. The eldest son is general western agent of the American Forcite Powder Company, with office in Chicago, and resides at La Grange, Cook County, Illinois.

FREDERICK WILK.

REDERICK WILK was born June 9, 1825, in Straus, Mecklenberg, Gerinany, and is a son of Jacob Wilk. The latter was a labor- ing man in his native land, after leaving the pub- lic school. In 1854, the family, consisting of the parents and two daughters and Frederick, of this article, came to America. They sailed from Hamburg, Germany, landing in New York, whence they went to Columbus, Ohio, where the parents resided until their death.

Frederick is the eldest of his father's family; Hannah, of Columbus, is next in order of birth; and the third, Louise, wife of Reinold Pabst, re- sides at No. 516 Milwaukee Avenue. Frederick came to Chicago in 1857, and at once entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. He served a regular apprenticeship at the machinist's trade and continued to work in the shops of the company thirty-three and one- half years, proving his stability of character and

power to satisfy the demands of his employers. In 1892 he retired and has since enjoyed peace and quiet.

In Columbus, Ohio, about three months after his arrival there, he was married to Miss Fred- ericka Behnke, a native of Germany. Ten chil- dren graced this union, of whom seven are living. Frederick, junior, the eldest, is employed in the Union Trust Company Bank. Reynold is next in order of birth. William is a plumber in Chi- cago. The others are: Minnie, Anna, Louis and Adeline.

Mrs. Wilk died July 7, 1892, mourned by her family and many friends. The members of the family are connected with St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, where they are valued among its most influential workers. Mr. Wilk is a mem- ber of Goethe Lodge No. 329, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a highly respected citizen and a gentleman of the old school.

647

GEORGE HOFMANN.

G EORGE HOFMANN, a leader among the German-American citizens of Cook County, was born January 1, 1825, near the city of Baden, in Hessen-Darmsdat, Germany. His parents were Alloez and Anna Mary (Wilhelm) Hofmann. His paternal grandfather, George Hofmann, was a tanner by trade, and reached the remarkable age of one hundred and thirteen years. The maternal grandfather, Philip Wil- helm, was a farmer by occupation.

Alloez Hofmann came to America in 1846, and after remaining three years in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, settled in Sharpsburg, a suburb of that city, where he owned and operated a farm. He also engaged in the manufacture of staves and nail kegs, with gratifying success. He was well known through western Pennsylvania as a tal- ented musician, and attained the age of eighty- seven years, dying in February, 1882.

George Hofmann preceded his father's family to America, and arrived in New York June 15, 1844. He spent one year in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, and in 1845 came to Chicago. He imme- diately secured a tract of land at the intersection of Western and Ogden Avenues, where he planted the trees subsequently known as "Silver Leaf Grove," many of which are still standing. Here in 1855 he opened the hotel known as the Plank Road Hotel-afterwards christened "Silver Leaf Grove." In 1846 he added four acres which cost him one hundred dollars per acre. He re-

mained on this spot fifteen years, and during that time was engaged in the dairy business and in dealing in horses and cattle.

In 1864 he removed to Lyons and purchased a valuable property at the northwest corner of Ogden Avenue and Joliet Road, which he still owns, and where he was engaged in the hotel business until 1871. Since that date he has been a resident of Chicago. Upon his removal to this city he engaged in the bottling business, having his son for a partner, and continued twelve years. In 1886 they built a brewery on Green Street, between Madison and Washington Streets, which was operated by the Brewer and Hofmann Brewing Company, and Mr. Hofmann is still a stockholder in this institution. In 1896, with his sons, he built a brewery at Rockwell and Monroe Streets, which is operated by his sons and son-in- law, under the title of Hofmann Brothers Brewing Company. During his career Mr. Hofmann has engaged quite extensively in buying and selling real estate.

He was married, in 1849, to Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Smith) Welder, of Germany. Five children were born to them, namely: Alloez, John (deceased), George, Valen- tine and Elizabeth, the last-named being the wife of George Hermann. June 15, 1895, the family was bereaved by the loss of the wife and mother, who expired at the age of sixty-seven years.

Mr. Hofmann was among the organizers of

648.

HENRY WEDEKIND.

Cicero Township, and was one of the first school directors, holding the office for several years. He has always been an active member of the Roman Catholic Church and was the principal instigator of the movement which resulted in the erection of a house of worship for that sect in Lyons, being among the most liberal contributors

to that end. Politically he is a stanch Democrat. The success obtained by Mr. Hofmann is the re- sult of his energy and integrity. These quali- ties, together with his genial nature, have at- tracted and hield lifelong friendships and he is regarded with the highest respect and esteem in the circles which know him best.

HENRY WEDEKIND.

G ENRY WEDEKIND, a worthy pioneer of Cook County, was born in Gilten, province of Hanover, Germany, May 1, 1834. His parents, Henry and Mary Wedekind, were na- tives of Hanover and members of very old and well-respected families.

Henry Wedekind, senior, was a carpenter by trade, and followed his occupation in the Father- land. He was the father of six children, of whom Henry, the man whose name heads this article, is the eldest. Louise is the wife of Henry Timm, of Cook County; Sophia is the widow of Fred- erick Mahlmann, and lives in Chicago; Mary is the wife of Henry Fehrenkamp, of Morgan Park; William is a resident of Louisville, Kentucky.

In 1848 the family came to the United States and located on a farm near Desplaines, in the Town of Maine, Cook County, and commenced to till rented land. About ten years later Mr. Wedekind purchased a tract of eighty acres, and after following agriculture several years, he re- moved to Chicago and retired from active life. Mrs. Wedekind departed this life in 1881, hav- ing reached the age of seventy-four years, and Mr. Wedekind survived her until 1887, dying in his eighty-first year.

Henry Wedekind was fourteen years of age when his father removed from his native land, and received most of his education in Germany. He attended an English school through one win-

ter term, after immigrating to America, at what was called Babcock's Grove, Du Page County. Henry Wedekind, senior, had but one hundred dollars when he landed in America, and his chil- dren were required to assist in supporting the family. Before attaining his majority young Henry was employed five years by a Mr. Clark, who kept a country tavern in Du Page County and also conducted a farm. He afterwards as- sisted his father until the date of his marriage, and thereafter remained on the old farm. He was successfully engaged in agriculture until 1872. He purchased property in Chicago in that year, and has since lived retired in this city. A few years after his removal to the city he sold his farm property. His life on the farm had been one of quiet and industrious peace. He did not. aspire to public office of any kind, but gaye his support to the Republican party.

Nothing in more conducive to the happiness and success of a man than a pleasant, harmonious life companion, such as Mr. Wedekind obtained April 30, 1859, when he married Louise Giesecke, a native of Hanover, Germany, and daughter of John Giesecke. She came to America in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Wedekind became the parents of seven children, of whom two died in infancy, and Harvey, the second son, died in Chicago, in 1888. He left a widow and one son, Henry. Of the living, Louise is the eldest. She is the widow

649

FREDERICK BERGMAN.

of Herman Scheidelman. : Frederick is a litho- grapher in Chicago; Sophia is the wife of Joseph Schroeder, of Chicago; George, who married the widow of his brother, Henry, is the father of three children, George, Rena and Edwin.

The members of the family are connected with St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. When the first of the Wedekind family located in America, the country around Cook County was mostly an unbroken plain with but few white settlers. Game was plentiful and occasionally

small bands of Indians roamed through the settle- ments. Mr. Wedekind has not only witnessed the change that has taken place, but bore his share in bringing about the marvelous develop- ment. While not caring to be conspicuous as a leader, in any sense, he has given his support and influence to furthering every move for the benefit of the country of his adoption. By hon- esty and industry, assisted by his good wife, he has acquired an ample fortune, to enable him to enjoy in the evening of life a well-deserved rest.

FREDERICK BERGMAN.

REDERICK BERGMAN, a retired gardener of Chicago, has resided on the property he now occupies since 1853. He was born Oc- tober 28, 1836, in Westphalia, Prussia, and is the only living child of Frederick and Anna (Stern- brier) Bergman.

The father was a mason in his native land, from which he emigrated to America in 1839, first settling in New Orleans. He subsequently removed to St. Louis, whence he came to Chicago, and here located permanently. He shortly after- ward purchased two acres of land on North Wells Street, at what is now the corner of Carroll Street, and was the first settler in that portion of the city. Being without capital, he followed teamning and laboring for some years, and in 1848 bought twenty acres in section twenty-nine, Lake View Township, where he carried on farming and gardening. He disposed of his first purchase and later secured a tract of timberland farther north. Having left his wife and two children, a son and a daughter, in Germany, he intended sending for them as soon as he was able, but his wife died before this could be brought about, and shortly after the daughter followed her, so that the son was the only one to reach America.

About 1845 Mr. Bergman again married and of his second family three children are living: John, Herman and Louise. Mr. Bergman died in 1879, but his widow still survives, having reached the advanced age of eighty-three years.

Frederick Bergman of this sketch was about three years of age when his father left for Amer- ica, and a year later was left an orphan. He was supported by friends of the family for a few years, but knew none of his relatives except an aunt with whom he lived one year. He received the ordinary educational advantages and since the age of six years has been practically self-support- ing. He earned his first wages during his seven- teenth year, in a brick yard, and a friend of his father's having looked him up for the purpose of taking him to Chicago, he left his clothes and what money he had earned in order to make the journey.

In August, 1853, he sailed from Bremen for New York, spending six weeks on the water .. He proceeded at once to Chicago, where he joined his father and remained with him until he be- came of age. He subsequently worked for others for two years, saving two hundred dollars, with which modest sum he set up an establishment of

650

H. F. GOETZ.

his own after his marriage. By diligent applica- tion and hard work he accumulated one thousand dollars, which he loaned to a friend and lost. He then began investing his savings in building lots and at the time of his father's death owned ten lots and inherited eighteen more. He con- tinued his gardening operations until 1881, but since that time has devoted himself principally to building up and improving his property, also dealing more or less in real estate.

May 6, 1860, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bergman to Miss Augusta Arnhold, who was born May 11, 1843, near Nordhausen, Prussia, and came to Chicago the same year as her hus-

band. Her parents, Christian and Justina Arn- hold, both died in Chicago, the former in 1890, aged eighty years, and the latter in 1892, aged eighty-one years. Seven sons and seven daugh- ters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bergman, but only the following are now living: Frederick, in the employ of the United States Express Company; Augusta, wife of Henry Hachmeister, residing on May Street; George, Annie, Hattie and Frieda, living at home. The family is con- nected with the Independent Evangelical Church. Mr. Bergman has supported the Republican party since its organization, but has never consented to hold any public office.

HARTWIG F. GOETZ.

ARTWIG FRANZ GOETZ, who is one of the well-known citizens in the vicinity where he resides, is possessed of a beautiful, mod- ern home and a competence, which he has gained by his own qualities and stability. He was born in Germany, like many of our most successful citizens, and came to the United States to avail himself of the better opportunities offered in the comparatively new country. His birthplace is in Mecklenburg, where he first saw light February 22, 1846. He is a son of August and Caroline Hartwig (Beckman) Goetz.

August Goetz was born January 14, 1810, in Mecklenburg, and conducted his own tailor shop. He acquired considerable wealth, and died Jan- uary 24, 1890. His wife, mother of the man whose name heads this article, was born January 10, 1814, in the same place as her husband, and died January 23, 1890. Their deaths occurred only twenty-three hours apart and they were buried together. They were the parents of three

other children beside Hartwig Franz, brief men- tion of each being here made:

William, born January 31, 1838, was a high school teacher in Berlin, Germany, and died at the age of forty-two years. He was married but had no children. Louisa, born in 1840, married Ludwig Giertz, resides in Mecklenburg, Ger- many, and has two children, Hartwig and Henry. Christina, born April 19, 1844, died in 1884. She married and resided in Hamburg, but had no children. Hartwig Franz is the youngest, and the only one of this family to emigrate from his native land. The paternal grandfather, Johann Goetz, was a tiller of the soil and cultivated his own land. He was married twice and the father of H. F. Goetz was born of his first marriage. He had a son, Frederick Goetz, by his second marriage, who came to America in 1849, and located in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was one of the rebels of that period and was forced to flee from his home for his own safety.

651

HENRY OCKENHOLT.

Hartwig F. Goetz reached Chicago in Septem- ber, 1871, and followed the trade of carpenter. He was fortunate in choosing the time to come to this country, as he happened on a time when it was easy to find employment, in the year of the great fire. He entered the service of Charles Busse and remained eight months, and was em- ployed by the furniture concern of Elias & Ewers four subsequent years. He has been in the gov- ernment employ as mail carrier twenty-two years, since April, 1877.

Being of an economical and thriving disposi- tion Mr. Goetz has been enabled to build at dif- ferent times. He erected a house at No. 2834 Union Avenue, in 1883. In 1896 he sold this property, and in 1898 erected a three-story brick flat building at the southwest corner of Fifty- fifth Place and Prairie Avenue.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 93

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