Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 95

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 95

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659

J. C. LEONARD.

Army Corps became consolidated, forming the Fourth Army Corps, which was commanded by General Granger.

After the fall of Atlanta Mr. Leggate became attached to General Thomas's army, which was sent after Hood's army, the latter operating at the time to the Northward. That worthy and his army were overhauled at Franklin, Tennessee, where was fought one of the most stubborn battles of the war. This was followed by the battles of Columbia and Nashville, which com- pletely annihilated the rebel army. In these battles Mr. Leggate was personally engaged aud at Nashville received his third wound, landing him again in the hospital, where he remained until February, 1865. At this date he received a furlough and was sent home. He was muster- ed out of his regiment in June, 1865, being dis- charged as corporal.

Upon his return to civil life he settled in Chi- cago, where he has since lived. For eighteen years he held the office of justice of the peace, which length of time in the position attests his

marked ability in conducting the duties of the office. For a period of four years he had charge of the electric plant in the Chicago Government Building, and for a number of years he was central committeeman of his district. He is a stanch Republican, and ardently advocates his party's principles of governing. He is a valued member of Richard Cole Lodge No. 697, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a charter mem- ber aud was the first commander of Silas Casey Post No. 555, Grand Army of the Republic.

John Leggate was united in marriage Septem- ber 15, 1870, to Miss Nancy Mckay, who has borne him the following children: Rebecca; Ag- nes, wife of James Bain, and Eliza.

Mr. Leggate and his family are members of Brighton Park Presbyterian Church, of which for many years he has been ruling elder. As a man, Mr. Leggate has lived consistently with the highest requirements of life. Temperate in all things, just in all his dealings, courteous and charitable, his well-ordered life is worthy of emu- lation.

JOSEPH C. LEONARD.

OSEPH CURTIS LEONARD was born Oc- tober 31, 1840, in Manchester, England, and is a son of Thomas Leonard, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work.

Joseph C. Leonard was at school until he reached the age of thirteen years and was then three years employed in a grocery store. He came to Chicago in 1860 and went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, shortly after his arrival in the city. He went to Boston, Massachusetts, and spent one year, but May 6, 1862, he returned to Chi- cago and was employed by H. O. Maynard, au extensive hat dealer at No. 66 Lake Street.

He there learned hat cleaning and pressing, as he was with Mr. Maynard three years. In May of the year 1865 he enlisted for one hundred- days service in the army and was placed in Com- pany K, One Hundred Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted May 13, 1865, and was discharged October 1, 1865. He was sent on reserve business and did service in Ken- tucky and Missouri. On his return from the war Mr. Leonard entered the employ of D. A. Hughes, located at the corner of Monroe Street and Wabash Avenue, being occupied at his trade with this concern five years. Since December 20, 1879, lie has been identified with D. B. Fisk

660

ERDMANN HOFFMANN.

& Company, located at No. 103 Wabash Avenue. For the past twelve years he has had charge of the pressing department, being well posted in every detail of that portion of hat making or cleaning.

Mr. Leonard was made a Mason in William B. Warren Lodge No. 209, in 1876. He has never sought public office, but is loyal to the principles of the Republican party and upholds the candi- dates at all times.

ERDMANN HOFFMANN.

RDMANN HOFFMANN. Among the most prominent and sturdy citizens of the United States are many who were born in the Father- land and came to this country to better their finan- cial as well as social standpoints in life. Often our most influential politicians are of German parentage and make the best statesmen and rulers for the people. Erdmann Hoffmann was born August 29, 1835, in the town of Ketschdorf, Germany. His parents were Carl and Charlotta (Weiss) Hoffmann and were highly respected among their friends and acquaintances.

The maternal grandfather of Erdmann Hoff- inann was a follower of the tanner's trade and was very successful in his occupation. Carl Hoff- mann was born June 2, 1810, and died in the year 1856. He was a maker of saddles, and was twice married. His first wife, mother of the mat whose name heads this article, was born Noven1- ber 28, 1818, and died in 1840. She was the mother of Erdmann and Louisa. The latter died at the age of two years. The second wife of Mr. Hoffmann was Miss Theodora Menntzel and her only child was named Julius.

Erdmann Hoffmann was the only one of his father's family to emigrate from his native land and reached Chicago April 2, 1860. He was apt at the trade of a harness maker and at once be- came employed by Gustav Leverey, who was lo- cated on Randolph Street. In 1861 he established a business for himself on Archer Road, near Hal- sted Street, with Frederick Weiderman for part-

ner. After three years he changed his occupa- tion and opened a catering establishment on Blne Island Avenue, near Taylor Street, which he con- ducted two years. He subsequently took up the business of life insurance, handling policies in this line until 1872, when he started in the har- ness business on Sigel Street. In 1880 he located a harness shop at No. 105 East North Avenue, but after three years changed the location of his business to No. 113 of the same street. After five years he retired from active business life and has been occupied at intervals with general work.

Mr. Hoffmann was married November 29, 1861, to Miss Marie Magdalena Haster, who was born May 15, 1835. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann, of whom only four are still in the land of the living. Charlotta, born Octo- ber 31, 1862, died August 18, 1863; Julius, born January 11, 1864, died April 11, 1866; Amelia, born November 11, 1865, married John Wagen- berger; her second husband is Oscar Thomas Hill and they reside at No. 1087 North California Avenue; Mr. Hill is in the rubber stamp busi- ness; Frederick, born July 27, 1867, died No- vember 2, 1891; he married Emma Hager and she died at the age of nineteen years, leaving one child, Robert, who died at the age of one year, January 13, 1890; Minnie was born June 3, 1870, and was married March 17, 1887, to Frederick Kasten, who was born December 23, 1868; they have three children: Louis L., born August 24, 1888; Harry, December 13, 1892, and Julius,

661

L. C. E. DOERING.

May 6, 1895; Katharine, born Marclı 3, 1872, follows the occupation of a dressmaker and is very successful in the art; Julius and Marie were twins, born February 19, 1874, and lived but four weeks; Julius Edward, born November 8, 1875, married, November 25, 1896, Lilian Grace Hecht, who was born June 26, 1876; they have a daugh- ter, Marion, born July 31, 1898; he is a clerk on the Board of Trade and resides at No. 689 North Park Avenue.

Mr. Hoffmann is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, of which he has been financial secretary for several years. He is a man of

sterling worth of character, strong in his convic- tions of the right, and loyal to his religion. He is independent in political matters, voting for the man who, in his own mind, he believes to be best fitted to represent the highest interests of the people. His home is one of happiness, and per- fect peace and harmony reign supreme. All are congenial to each other and all work together for the good of those about them. Mr. Hoffmann is a model husband and father and has many friends wherever he goes. He is honorable and upright in business dealings, and just to all de- pendent on his word and generosity.

LOUIS C. E. DOERING.

OUIS C. E. DOERING, principal of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran parish school, has been identified with the educational in- terests of Chicago for nearly thirty years. He was born April 3, 1852, in Oldenburg, capitol of the Grand Duchy of the same name, Germany, and is a son of Conrad E. and Caroline (Mueshl- meister) Doering. His father is a prominent man in his native land, having been in the em- ploy of the Government as inspector of public buildings and all matters pertaining to that work. He held this position many years and in March, 1898, retired on full pay.

Louis C. E. Doering is the only member of his father's family who immigrated to America to find a home here. His mother died in Old- enburg in December, 1896. She was the mother of eight sons and one daughter, who is now also deceased, the sons being all living at the present writing. Louis C. E. Doering, of whose life this article treats briefly, is the oldest of the sons. August Doering is following the business of brew- ing in Rotterdam, being a brew master; Albrecht, who is in Bremen, is a manufacturer of cork

goods, and his business interests extend over the entire globe. Carl Doering is a noted tenor singer, having studied in Berlin, and became famous all over Europe. Ernst, of this family, is also a musician. Gustav and Paul are now re- siding in London, England, and Theodore, of Hude, Germany, is manager of large chemical works in that city.

Louis C. E. Doering was educated in the col- lege at the city of his nativity, from which he graduated at the age of seventeen years. He was counted among the youngest men that ever graduated from the said college. April 4, 1869, he departed from his home and one day later sailed from. Bremen Harbor on the ship "Balti- more," and landed in Baltimore, Maryland, some days later. He remained but a week in this city, however, before he continued his journey to Chicago. After reaching Chicago he was taken sick and was confined to his bed six weeks. August 30 of the same year he secured a position as instructor in a private school which was conducted by W. C. Fricke, now an ex- tensive real-estate dealer. He continued in this

662

E. R. MEAD.

capacity until the last of January, 1871. He was then called upon to fill the position of teacher in the Emanuel Lutheran Church school, then situ- ated on Brown Street, near Taylor Street. He then removed to South Chicago, where he was employed by the Lutheran congregation and spent one year there, after which he became principal of the branch school of the St. James' congregation. The school is situated at the corner of Fullerton Avenue and High Street, and Mr. Doering remained in this position seventeen years. In 1893 he entered upon the duties of instructor at the school of the Trinity Church on the South Side, which duties he continued to fulfill until February, 1896. At this date he accepted his present position, and has so well proven himself worthy of the trust reposed in him that he would be sadly missed should he be- come persuaded at any time to abandon it for a more profitable one.

Mr. Doering has taken a lively interest in public affairs and in 1892-93 was secretary of the committee of the Lutheran churches organized to oppose the Edwards law, which question was then before the public, and as such did a great deal of splendid work. He is a correspondent for the German paper, Staats Zeitung, and several other newspapers. He is a man of fine education, learned in books as well as in practical experience.

He is a typical gentleman, of scholarly attain- ments, and a musician of more than ordinary skill, having been connected with choirs since the year 1871. He is connected with two choirs at the present time. On Lutherans' Day at the time of the World's Fair he had charge of a chorus of three hundred male voices, and in recognition of his services was presented with a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed by the male choirs of the Lutheran Churches of Chicago. At the re- quest of his father he assisted the commissioner from Oldenburg and Hanover with the fine exhi- bition of coach horses at the World's Fair.

July 21, 1874, Mr. Doering married Miss Clara Buenger, a native of St. Louis and daughter of Theodore Buenger, who was for many years a teacher in the city of Chicago. The children of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. E. Doering are five in number: Theodore, Ludwig, Edward, Otto and Paula. To such men as Mr. Doering does the world of to-day owe many of its advantages for the furthering of knowledge and refinement. He is among those who would enjoy the universal education of the common people and the uplifting of all those desirous of becoming fitted to make for themselves a place in the world. He is a true and tried follower of the cause of right and is the promoter of all good to the extent of his power.

EDWIN R. MEAD.

DWIN RIPLEY MEAD, one of Chicago's representative citizens, and a member of the force in the government service, was born June 13, 1859. His parents, George W. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Mead, resided on Dearborn Street, between Van Buren and Harrison Streets, at the time of his birth.

After attending the Jones School until 1871 he

was a pupil in the Haven School one year. He subsequently entered the office of Dr. Hurlbut, remaining in his employ four years. After spend- ing one year as porter in the Wayland barber shop, at the corner of Clark and Washington Streets, he entered the wholesale millinery store of D. B. Fiske & Company, working six months as elevator man, after which he was given a posi-

663

H. J. TERRY.

tion driving a wagon, and was thus occupied five years. He was placed in the packing room and remained fifteen and one-half years. He left this employ to become a postman, which occupation "he has followed since.

February 17, 1886, Mr. Mead was married to Miss Emma Jennie, daughter of James and Jen- nie (Morris) Binga .. Mrs. Mead was born June 30, 1860, in Detroit, Michigan. Their only child, Ripley Binga, was born June 25, "1891. Mr.

Mead is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He was reared a Baptist, his parents being members of that denomination. He leads a highly worthy life and is a credit to the excellent rearing of his parents. His family ap- preciates him, and he is of settled domestic tastes, being never happier than when around his own fireside with his small group. Since 1895 Mr. Mead has resided at No. 1219 Sixty-seventh Street, and is well known and respected.

HERBERT J. TERRY.

ERBERT JABEZ TERRY. Among the so-called mechanics of the day are many who might better have followed some other occupation and left the work in that line for those who really understand machinery and the art of invention. Of the most skilled and successful mechanics of the city of Chicago at the present time is Herbert Jabez Terry. He is at present occupied with the manufacture of a strictly high-grade bicycle, which is named the H. J. Terry Special. The machine is one of the finest running and most durable on the market and is not to be classed with the usual run of special makes which encumber the market. Mr. Terry understands thoroughly how the wheel should be built and how it should run, and the appearance that will strike the eye of the public. His work gives perfect satisfaction in this line, as it has done before in other interests than the making of bicycles.

H. J. Terry was born April 28, 1850, at No. 49 Gardner Street, Springfield, Massachusetts. His parents were Jabez Carlos and Elizabeth Louise (Wood) Terry. His maternal grand- father was Homer Wood, who was born in Staf- ford, Connecticut. He died when about seventy- three years of age, in 1860.

Jabez C. Terry, father of the man whose name heads this article, was born in 1813, in Enfield, Connecticut, ou Terry Lane. No other families but those of the name of Terry resided at this place, and he lived on a farm until he reached the age of seventeen years. He then went to Springfield, where he entered a blacksmith shop. His bent was toward mechanics, and he was a designer at the age of twenty-five years. In 1863 he entered the button factory of Newell Brothers, as machinist. He later became their designer, and was employed at this concern con- stantly until the time of his resignation. He is considered one of the greatest designers of the day in the United States and to his genius as an inventor is credited the fact that the Newell Brothers Button factory is the greatest of its kind in the United States, and perhaps in the world. He is at the bottom of its success more than any other man. He invented practically all the ma- chinery which is used in modern times in the manufacture of buttons, and among his inven- tions is the revolving spirit level, which is so im- portant among the devices of button making.

In 1889 J. C. Terry retired from active life and is at present enjoying the fruits of his former efforts at his pleasant home in Springfield, Mas-

664

ANDREW CHRISTENSEN.

sachusetts. His wife was born May 17, 1818, and they became the parents of six children, of whom two died when very young. Emma Louise resides with her parents. Homer Wood is a maker of buttons, and resides in Springfield. He married Miss Evelina Plumb, and their only child bears the name of Ethel. Henry Jabez is next in order of birth. Frances Augusta married Eugene Gates, a druggist, and lives at Walnut Hill, Massachusetts. Their children are: Ernest, Raymond, Howard and Edith.

Herbert J. Terry attended the public schools of Springfield until 1866 and then became employed under his father's supervision at the button fac- tory of Newell Brothers. He was foreman after his father for a period of six years. He was there until 1875, and subsequently occupied a position at the pistol factory of Smith & Wesson. He was a sub-contractor and remained thus oc- cupied until 1878, when he went to New York City and started a button factory for F. Groat & Company, on Fourteenth Street, and remained until 1880. He invented a special machine for turning buttons front horn, besides seven other machines. His special blanker is of much im- portance and is an invention which is worthy to bear his name.

Mr. Terry returned to Springfield after leaving New York and manufactured buttons with his brother-in-law as partner, under the firm name of Gates, Terry & Company. He was with Smith & Wesson one year, and subsequently went to To- peka, Kansas, for a short time. His health was

very poor in 1887 and he came to Chicago in liope of improvement. He followed the occupation of painter some time after his arrival, and became occupied with the manufacture of bicycles in 1896. He has always been a very energetic busi- ness man, with an eye for the bettering of his finan- cial standing, and in 1896 he saw that there was money to be made in the manufacture of good bicycles. He therefore established a business at No. 6763 South Chicago Avenue, and has since carried on a successful trade with office and sliop at this location.

Mr. Terry was married August 9, 1873, to Miss Selina Elizabeth Newton, daughter of John and Harriet (Slater) Newton. Mrs. Terry was born in Eversham, near Birmingham, England, Octo- ber 29, 1849, and came to America in 1869. She is very talented in music and is a graduate of the Horton Musical College. She is a teacher of music and has great ability in reading. Her family was one of musicians before her time. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Terry are: Edward Herbert, Frank Clarence and Arthur Newton.

Mr. Terry was a member of Hamlin Lodge No. 27, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Springfield, Massachusetts, but is not active in the order at the present time. He is a Republi- can and has served as judge of election three years. He is a man of high honor and is to be relied upon in business or friendly relation without one doubt. His family is one that holds the respect of all who ever come in contact with its members, and he sustains his name well.

ANDREW CHRISTENSEN.

Å NDREW CHRISTENSEN. still active and influential men of the city of Chicago who are first on the list of worthy citizens, is Andrew Christensen. He was born

Among the March 16, 1850, in Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark (now Germany). His parents were Andrew and Agnes (Nelson) Christensen.

Andrew Christensen was the first of his father's

665

CHRISTOPH MILLER.

family to emigrate from his native land, and ar- rived in the United States in October of the year 1870. He was an efficient brick and stone mason and worked at his trade in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

He erected his first residence in Chicago, a substantial brick building, near the corner of Thirty-seventh and Dearborn Streets, in 1881. His next residence was near Eighty-fourth and Halsted Streets, built in 1891. His present resi- dence is at No. 7235 Rhodes Avenue, and he still owns the three.

He was married December 31, 1878, to Anna Johnson, daughter of Ely and Anna Matilda (Nelson) Johnson. Mrs. Christensen was born May 2, 1849, in Kloen, Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark (now Germany).

Her children are as follows: Annie Agnes Elizabeth, born November 25, 1880; Katharine Elenora, June 28, 1883; Christian Andrew, No- vember 30, 1884; and Esther May, April 6, 1890.

Mr. Christensen has never taken any active part in public life, and has always found better occupation for his time. He upholds the prin- ciples of the Republican party at all times, and is ever ready to argue in its favor. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, of true Danish type, and is hon - ored and respected by all, possessing the regard and friendship of a large circle. The family is connected with the Danish Lutheran Church, whose house of worship is located on Armour Avenue, between Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Streets.

CHRISTOPH MILLER.

HRISTOPH MILLER. Among the stanch and highly respected citizens of the town of Thornton is the gentleman under consider- ation. No man has done more toward the im- provement and permanent building of the com- munity than he, and none stands higher in the public estimation, being best loved by those who have known him best. A native of Hanover, Germany, he was born April 17, 1827, and has accordingly passed the threescore and ten years allotted by the prophet.

As a lad he was bound to serve a regular apprenticeship at the carpenters' and joiners' trade and devoted his youthful years most assiduously to the acquisition of the technical knowledge that has been his stay and dependence through many years of energetic and successful life as a contractor and builder. After completing the five years devoted to learning the trade, he con- tinued to work as a journeyman carpenter until

he decided to cast his fortunes in the New World, where many of his early companions had already gone and reported great opportunity for the young man.

Accordingly, in 1854, he crossed the ocean, coming direct to Homewood, then Thornton sta- tion, a village in itsearly infancy, having been start- ed the preceding year upon the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad. He entered upon his career in this country as a builder upon his own responsibility, and for upwards of forty years has devoted himself to the one chosen line of work and in it has reached high standing. With limited means in those early years, he found it necessary to adapt himself to the conditions of the day and suffered those pioneer privations and hardships incident to a new country, but by at- tending closely to the business in hand and being economical and free from bad habits (that he saw were loadstones to some of his friends), before

666

H. H. HIRSCHFIELD.

long he could realize a progress in financial and business standing. The principles of honesty, frugality and attention to business, adopted and followed in those early years, have been constantly adhered to throughout life and as a result his closing years are passing with a gratification in the way of temporal blessings and a consciousness of the highest esteem of his fellow-men.

Mr. Miller found the companion of his life in the new land, in the person of Miss Mary Peters, a lady of Prussian birth, who as a child came to America with her stepfather, Christian Corsten, who resided at Homewood until his death somne ten years since. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller consist of: Louis, who is engaged in busi- ness in Homewood; Louisa, wife of John Kruse, residing at Homewood; Minnie, wife of Fred

Bierfeld, of Thornton; Linnie, at home; Alvina, wife of John Bierfeld, also of Thornton; Bertha, at home; August and William, carpenters.

Not a partisan, Mr. Miller has chosen to cast his suffrage for men rather than for party. His choice, however, has been with the winning party during presidential elections from Lincoln to McKinley. Reared in the faith of his fathers, Mr. Miller has ever been a consistent member of the German Evangelical Church and has at- tempted to do his share in support of the gospel, and hy profession of principle and practical example has sustained and honored the faith he professes. Possessed of the finer qualities that endear men to each other, he stands to-day, a beloved husband, honored father and respected citizen.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 95

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