Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 94

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 94

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

April 4, 1876, Mr. Goetz was married to Miss Minnie Ruehl, who died January 3, 1890, leaving no children, but deeply mourned by her husband and relatives. Mr. Goetz was married the second time to Miss Lena Wacher, daughter of William Wacher, November 5, 1893. Mrs. Goetz was

born November 1, 1861, in Kur-Hessen, Ger- many, and came to America when she was thir- teen years of age and located in Chicago.

Mr. Goetz is a Freemason, having been raised in 1881, in Lakeside Lodge No. 739. He is also connected with Chicago Chapter No. 124, Royal Arch Masons, and Chevalier Commandery No. 52, Knights Templar. He was knighted in 1891. He is loyal to the Republican party and uses his influence and vote in its favor. Mr. Goetz has constructed one of the finest flat buildings in Chi- cago. It is finished in hard wood throughout its interior, is heated with hot water, and every improvement of the day is found in these well- arranged, comfortable flats. Being a practical mechanic Mr. Goetz took personal charge of the construction of this building.

Mr. Goetz has been many years an employe o the postal department and during the time has had many varied experiences. He has been care- ful of his means, and though not miserly in any way, has taken pride in accumulating a com- petence which will make his last days comfort- able.

HENRY OCKENHOLT.

ENRY OCKENHOLT is one of the repre- sentative, self-made men who came to America from foreign parts in search of richer fields in which to advance in social as well as financial condition. He began on the lowest round of the ladder and climbed through his own efforts and sturdiness of character, without prac- tical aid from any one. He has amassed a com- fortable estate and has a thriving and growing business. His carpet-cleaning establishment is at No. 952. Milwaukee Avenue, and his residence is at No. 363 Division Street.

Henry Ockenholt was born in Denmark, April

14, 1845. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and six years in the army of his native country. He came from the army a sergeant, having attended military school at the same time. In 1873 he decided to cast his for- tunes with those of the New World and arrived in Chicago in that year. He was employed by John B. Drake, as assistant furniture man in the Grand Pacific Hotel, and was subsequently head man for three years. He was always very faithful and concentrative in whatever he undertook and was a valued employe.

In 1880 he spent some time with carpet con-

652

FREDERICK WEYER.

cerns, and was occupied thus in various estab- lishments until 1882, when he launched into busi- ness for himself on Milwaukee Avenue, since which time he has been at the same business and has an old and reliable name built up for himself and those who.will succeed him in the enterprise. Since May, 1898, he has had R. Morrison for a partner, and they employ six or eight people continuously. He has been successful beyond his hopes.

Mr. Ockenholt is an active member of the Society Dania, with which he has been identified twenty years, holding the office of president seven years. He is one of the founders of the Danish Aid and Relief Association and is an in- fluential member of the Danish Lutheran Church, proving that he spends time in preparing for the future, as well as in enjoying this life and laboring for the present. He was a leader of the Sunday School, and is recognized as a stanch pillar of the church. He is also a member of the National Union.

Nothing is more conducive to the spiritual and moral growth and to the success in general of a man than a good and harmonious mind to co- operate with him throughout life. Thus did Mr. Ockenholt make a wise choice in selecting Miss Bertha Wiese for his helpmate and comfort in life. She was born in Denmark and came to America when twenty years of age. They were married in Denmark September 14, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Ockenholt are blessed with only one child, Ida, who remains with them, to brighten their home. She is a graduate of the Wells School and received a medal for her delightfully interesting and instructive essay on the subject of Patriotism. It was filled with many truths which we like to hear, and withal was so pleasing that she and her parents may well be proud of her efforts. She is an honor to her name and a com- fort to her parents.

Mr. Ockenholt is independent in his local vote, but upholds the candidates of the Democratic party in national affairs.

FREDERICK WEYER.

REDERICK WEYER was born Decein- ber 5, 1838, in the village of Hohen- feldt, Prussia, and is a son of Frank and Mary Weyer. He is a well-known and loyal citizen of his adopted country. Frederick Weyer came to America when still very young and sought the advantages of a free country, where there were but few of his friends.

His brother, Jacob Weyer, emigrated from the land of his birth in 1851, and landed in New York. Frederick Weyer reached New York July 5, 1853, and started in life at the barber's trade, in the employ of Philip Schintz, on Greenwich

Street. He remained in the employ of Mr. Schintz until he came to Chicago, in May, 1855. This was then but a small city and its subsequent growth was foreseen by few. He entered the en- ploy of Jacob Manz, on Wells Street, near Ran- dolph, and, after four years in this service, opened a business of his own on Fifth Avenue, near Randolph Street. He had but one chair when he started, conducting the business entirely alone. He was subsequently located at different points down town, and continued the business until 1887, since which time he has been prac- tically retired.

653

JENS RASMUSSEN.

Mr.' Weyer's son, Henry, succeeded to this business and Mr. Weyer assisted him at times, but has since been retired from active business life. He was married in May, 1868, to Miss Louisa Platka, who was born February 15, 1847, in Dolton, Illinois.

Henry Weyer was born May 1, 1861, on Clark Street, in Chicago, and was educated at the Jones School, which he attended until 1876. He en- tered his father's barber shop at this time and has continued at this occupation since that time, taking charge of the business at a later date. He remained located at No. 413 Clark Street until 1893, when he removed the same to No. 5542 State Street, and has remained at this location since that time. He was married March 29, 1885, to Miss Nettie Seib, daughter of Carl Seib.

Mrs. Weyer is a pleasant, genial lady, and is a native of Ainesville, Indiana, where she was born January 21, 1851.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weyer are two in number, Henry Frederick Alonzo, born April 16, 1886, and Augusta Anna Katha- rine, born May 13, 1888. Henry Weyer is in- dependent in his political views. Frederick Weyer was father of another son, Joseph, whose name heads an article on another page of this work.

Frederick Weyer is a member of the German Order Harugari, Lodge No. 367, aud is a valued and honored member of the German Lutheran Church. He votes in favor of the Republican party in national affairs, and in local politics votes in favor of the man best fitted for office.

JENS RASMUSSEN.

ENS RASMUSSEN is a native of Fyen, Den- mark, and was born July 30, 1848. His parents were Rasmus Henriksen and Abelone Maria, who had eight children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. Both parents were born in Fyen, in the same year, 1801, and both lived until the ripe old age of eighty-two years, when they passed away in their native town. All of their children grew to maturity and are widely scattered, four still residing in Denmark, one in Nebraska, two in Wisconsin, while Jens Rasmussen has been a citizen of Chi- cago many years.

· Mr. Rasmussen was reared and educated in his native town, where he also learned the busi- ness which he has ever since followed, that of a practical tailor. He served three years as an ap- prentice without compensation except his board. After completing the term of his apprenticeship

he went to Copenhagen and followed his trade a short time. He came to America in 1870 and went first to Racine, Wisconsin, where he remained one year, and then came to Chicago and 'im- mediately secured employment at his chosen trade. Three years later he visited his native home and spent about nine weeks with his par- ents. He has a unique and enviable record as an employe, having been continuously in the service of one firm for twenty years.

He was married in 1875 to Miss Anna Johanna Christiensen, who was born in Gellinger, Jutland, Denmark, and came from her native land to Chi- cago in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen have seven children, all living. They are: Mary, William, Olga, Lillie, Edward, Louis and Henry.

In 1882 'Mr. Rasmussen purchased the house at No. 297 West Chicago Avenue, in which he was married, and where he now resides. His

654

FREDERICK HEIMERDINGER.

sterling qualities are shown in the fact that he has made a home for himself and family by his own efforts, and for almost twenty-four years been a householder in the city. Here le has reared his large and interesting family, and it is fair to promise that here he will end a prosperous and useful life.

Mr. Rasmussen is a valued member of the

Danish Benevolent Society, and is also connected with the Journeymen Tailors' Union of America, and the Knights of Honor, and for ten years was associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is independent in his political views and supports the candidate he thinks best quali- fied to faithfully discharge the duties of official station.

FREDERICK HEIMERDINGER.

- REDERICK HEIMERDINGER, one of Chicago's most energetic and representative citizens, is an old and faithful employe of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, and is a man of remarkable character and physique. He was born August 23, 1840, and belongs to that sturdy race of people whose men are bound to succeed and who come to America for the purpose of bettering their finan- cial as well as social standing, and who nearly always further their desires. His parents were George and Kate (Helmeier) Heimerdinger, and resided in Germany all their lives.

Carl and John Heimerdinger, brothers of the man whose name heads this article, came to America in 1851, and their success induced Frederick to emigrate in 1861. He located in Cleveland, Ohio, and was employed in a brewery in that city ten years, having become familiar with the business in his native land. In 1871 he removed to Chicago and spent two years em- ployed in Gottfried's brewery. After seven sub- sequent months in McAvoy's institution of a like nature, he was one year in Seipp's brewery. Since that time he has been with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, where he began transferring grain. He was made

watchman in the yards at Englewood and is oc- cupying that position at the present time, hav- ing been with the company for a period of nine- teen years.

Conducive to the happiness, success and gen- eral welfare of a man is a genial, helpful and harmonious mind in his life companion. Such is the character of the lady Mr. Heimerdinger was so fortunate to become united with, their mar- riage being celebrated October 24, 1865, Mary Fullmer becoming his wife. She was born No- vember 24, 1847, and her parents died when she was a mere baby.

Mr. and Mrs. Heimerdinger became the par- ents of ten children, of whom brief mention is made as follows: Kate, born November 24, 1869; Mary, born July 5, 1870, died at the age of nine months; Frederick, born January 31, 1873, lived to the age of twelve years and seven days; Charles, born January 31, 1872, lived nine weeks; George, born October 16, 1876; Mamie, born May 9, 1879, died at the age of three years and nine days; Charles born September 16, 1881; William, born March 16, 1885; Violet, born July 6, 1887, and Myrtle, born May 2, 1890. The family is a very interesting one and the children are an honor and credit to the name they bear.

LIBRARY OF THE GIONITH 50 ALISAGAING

CHRISTEN RASMUSSEN.

655

CHRISTEN RASMUSSEN.

HRISTEN RASMUSSEN, who is among the retired business men and the prominent and highly respected citizens of Chicago, was born July 24, 1841, at Snnderved, Schleswig, at that time a part of Denmark. He is a son of Christen and Katharine (Jacobson) Rasmussen, who were both natives of the section where their son was born. They died at the ages of ninety and sixty years respectively. The father survived his worthy wife thirty years, and died January 12, 1892. At this time his son, Christen, was on a visit to his native land, but did not reach his father's home until after the latter was gone. Christen Rasmussen, the father, was a skilled mechanic and wood carver, also being an effi- cient gun-maker. He retained his faculties until the day of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Christen Rasmussen were the parents of four children: Anna M., widow of Johann Ropeke; Katharine, Christen and Jacob. The grandfather of Christen Rasmussen, whose name was also Christen, lived till a very old age, reaching his eighty-first year.

Christen Rasmussen, whose name heads this article, was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, where he learned the trade of a shoe-maker and followed the same for many years with great success in Denmark. He was married in his native town, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Christian and Ellen (Jessen) Dreier; natives of Denmark, where they both lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen sailed from Denmark on an Allen Line steamer, July 28, 1871, traveling by

way of Quebec, and arrived in Chicago August 18, 1871. They arrived just before the great fire of that year, and Mr. Rasmussen was employed at his trade by Solomon Marks, ou Canal Street, and resided on Milwaukee Avenue, and therefore escaped damage from the fire. He had been in the employ mentioned but six months when he was promoted to the position of foreman, and continued in the same capacity for four years, proving himself a competent and skillful work- man and one worthy of consideration.

In 1876 he became established in a business for his own interests in South Englewood, and continued successfully about ten years. At the same time he conducted a grocery store and post- office, having been appointed postmaster by President Arthur, January 26, 1883. He served in this capacity until November 16, 1890, when he retired from business. In commercial and business life he was a just dealer, popular with all, polite atid attentive to all with whom he dealt, and to these qualities he owes his success. He is enjoying the fruits of his labor, taking advant- age of his well-earned rest from the cares and trials of a business life.

Mrs. Rasmussen is a woman of strong charac- ter, having always proved herself a great assist- ant to her husband and a helpmate in the full sense of the word. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen are well known in South Englewood, where they have many warm friends. Mr. Rasmussen has an untarnished reputation as a business man, and an aid in all enterprises which would tend to up-

656

C. J. STANG.

lift the minds of his fellow-men and benefit the community. He has never been even a local politician, but has always exerted his wide influ- ence in political affairs for the interest of the Republican party. His opinions are much sought on all local or national conventions.

Mr. Rasmussen has invented several articles which have proven of value to mankind, among which is a folding chair, which can be made into a very comfortable piece of furniture, in the

shape of a reclining chair. He is now engaged in perfecting and has applied for a patent on a hood which may be attached to any stove or pipe, to draw away any odors generated in cooking. It is simple and easily constructed, and will prove of great value to house-wives. In 1891-92 Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen enjoyed the pleasures of a visit to Europe, spending seven months abroad, visiting old friends and the familiar scenes of his childhood.

CHARLES J. STANG.

HARLES JOHN STANG, a skillful work- man and intelligent and progressive citizen of Chicago, is a native of the city, born Sep- tember 22, 1858, at the corner of Fourteenth Street and Fourth Avenue (now Custom House Court). Extended mention of his parents, Fred- erick and Fredericka Stang, will be found on another page of this volume.

The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the Haven School, and subsequently attended a German Lutheran school. At the early age of fourteen years he began the battle of life, and his early experiences developed those qualities of character which make the successful American. It is the boast of this country that any man can make something of himself financi- ally, morally and socially, if lie adopts the right course. Mr. Stang has been industrious and attentive to the march of improvement, and is, therefore, posted in all matters relating to his trade, as well as the affairs of the nation and the world.

His first business employment was in the capacity of cash boy in the retail store of Marshall Field & Company. After one year of this em- ployment, he served a like period with Dickinson & Skinner, wholesale commission dealers.

During the next six years he was employed by E. J. Riley, an upholsterer, the early portion of this service being devoted to the acquirement of a mastery of the upholsterer's art. He next engaged with Gannon & McGrath, with whom he continued two and one-half years, after which he took charge of Mr. Riley's workshop for a period of one year and again entered the employ of Gannon and McGrath. He was four years with Deimel & Brothers, nearly a year with Taylor & Meltousch, during which time he was in charge of their shop, two years with R. Di- amond & Brothers, two with J. S. Wilkins & Company, and five years with their successors, T. L. Sloan, Divinnie & Company. At present writing he is in the service of the Chicago Carpet Company, being one of its most useful artisans. The long periods spent with the same employers prove the integrity, industry and ability of Mr. Stang. The workman who aims to keep abreast of the times must have opportu- nity to observe the methods of different shops, hence Mr. Stang has made many changes at liis own option, in order to secure this obvious ad- vantage.

October 29, 1880, lie was married to Miss Minnie Schwartz, who was born in Chicago

657

H. M. SCOTT.

February 13, 1859, and is a daughter of Louis and Lena (Dietloff ) Schwartz, of German birth. They came to Chicago in 1856. Mr. Schwartz was drowned in Lake Michigan April 23, 1885, and his widow now resides on Wentworth Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Stang became the parents of three children, born and christened as follows: July 3, 1881, Lillian (died June 3, 1886); July 26, 1887, Marie Louise Johanna; December 22, 1889, Arthur Louis.

Mr. and Mrs. Stang were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and remain true to this faith, but now attend the services of the Oakland

Union Church. Being of a social and genial disposition, Mr. Stang has become popular with the members of Court Apollo No. 96, Independ- ent Order of Foresters, of which he is a member, and is at present its financial secretary, having passed all the official chairs. In matters of pub- lic policy, he adheres to the principles of the Re- publican party. He is thrifty and ambitious, and has built a handsome residence on RhodesAvenue, near Sixty-fourth Street, where he has been liv- ing since 1888: With a congenial and faithful helpmeet, a lady of intelligence and refined character, his home is a happy one.

HENRY M. SCOTT.

ENRY MEAD SCOTT, justice of the peace, in the town of Harvey, Illinois, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born August 2, 1842. He is a son of one of the fore- most lights of that city's legal profession, John L. Scott, who stood high as a lawyer, in a c'.y noted for its men of forensic ability and lega attain- ments. His long and successful career at the bar was closed only at his death, which occurred in 1860. Those familiar with the men whose voices were strong in the great questions that culminated in civil strife will readily recall the name of John L. Scott, of Cincinnati. His widow has survived him for nearly forty years and now resides with her son at Harvey, where she is widely aud most favorably known.

The boyhood of Henry M. Scott was passed in the city of his birth, acquiring an education in the common branches, supplemented with a course in a commercial school. It was intended that he should take a full college course, but the death of his father demanded a material change in his plans. He found it necessary to become an earning factor and took a position under the

then most prominent insurance man of the Ohio Valley, J. B. Bennett, general agent of the Atna Insurance Company. Here he remained for some years, when, in 1866, he joined the westward migration and spent some time in the states of Missouri and Illinois. For ten years subsequent to 1870 he was engaged in general merchandising at McLeansboro, Illinois, after which he took charge of the collection depart- ment of the firm of Hoover & Gamble, extensive manufacturers of harvesting machinery at Mi- amisburg, Ohio. While traveling in connection with that work, he learned of Harvey and its promising future and decided to cast his lot with its citizens. In October, 1891, he engaged in the then attractive business of dealing in Harvey real estate, to which he has since added insur- ance, and his books show a choice line of risks carried for the Pennsylvania of Philadelphia and the Prussia National, of Stettin, Germany.

In April, 1897, he was chosen justice of the peace and to-day is doubtless the most popular administrator of justice in the community. An active Democrat and a firm believer in the doc-

658

JOHN LEGGATE.

trines of his party, he takes a liberal view and is fully abreast with the spirit of the times. Mr. Scott was married in 1871, at McLeansboro, Illi- nois, to Miss Lilly Walcott. They have one daughter, Mary Rankin, a graduate of the Harvey High School and a popular member of society.

In company with other genial spirits, Mr.

Scott has become a fancier and breeder of homing pigeons, and has a choice number of species of birds in his flock. Endowed with the qualities of head and heart that attract people, Mr. Scott has hosts of friends who are true, and recognize in him a man of honesty of purpose and true nobility of character.

JOHN LEGGATE.

OHN `LEGGATE, past commander of Gen. Silas Casey Post No. 555, Grand Army of the Republic, is an eminently respectable gentleman, and one of the best-known men in the southwestern part of the city. Of a character as rugged as the hills of his native Scotland, he has made an impress for good upon the locality in which he has lived for more than a third of a century, that will long survive him. He was born September 15, 1841, a son of John and Eliza (Fleming) Leggate, natives also of the "Land of Heather and Thistle." They came to America in 1848, settling first in New York City. In 1854 they removed to London, Ontario, and two years later came to Chicago.

In the public schools of New York John Leggate, junior, received all the education that he was privileged to obtain. Before reaching his majority he had become proficient as an engineer, being thus occupied in August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Four days later he was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, his regiment being in Willichs Brigade, Dunham's Division of General Buell's Army. In the campaign that fol- lowed was fought the battle of, Perryville, in which he participated, receiving there his baptism of fire. Subsequently his regiment passed to Gen- eral Rosencranz's command, which was engaged

in some of the hardest fighting of the war. Among the battles which followed, in which he was personally engaged, may be mentioned Stone River, Liberty Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, at which last-named battle a bullet ploughed its way across the lower part of his face, when in a hand to hand struggle at quarters so close that the powder from guns burned the faces of men on either side of the conflict. His regiment suffered terribly in that fight, serving then in the Twentieth Corps under General McCook.

The army then fell back to Chattanooga, and a little later fought the sanguinary battle of Mission Ridge, losing heavily again. Then under General Sherman he went with his command to the relief of Burnside, who was "bottled up" at Knoxville, and the following winter was kept busy looking after Gen. Joe Wheeler's cavalry, which was a source of great annoyance to the Union Army. The following spring they were in Georgia under Sherman. At Rocky Face Ridge he was quite severely wounded, incapacitat- ing him from duty and causing him to be sent to the hospital. When he recovered he rejoined his regiment, before the battle of Kenesaw Mountain was fought, and took part in that en- gagement. He subsequently fought at Peachı Tree Creek, Jonesboro and Lovejoy. At Chiat- tanooga the Twentieth and the Twenty-first

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 94

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