Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 97

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 97

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Stephen Biesen was a ship carpenter in his

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PHILIP DIETER.

native land, and was a government employe, looking after the condition of wharves and tow- paths. He also learned the trade of basket ma- ker and followed this occupation after coming to America, until 1864. He then sold out to J. F. and J. E. Waite, and while conducting a saloon at No. 2100 Dearborn Street, made sidewalks. In 1859-1860 he was street foreman and again in 1868 to 1874, inclusive. . He was employed by the city and his family conducted the business es- tablishment until 1884. His widow still resides at No. 2102 Dearborn Street.

Peter Frederick Biesen attended school until he reached the age of fourteen years and re- mained at home until 1876. He then became a carrier in the postal service, and continued thus until August 1, 1885, when he entered the side- walk business, which he still conducts, having had H. S. Wheeler for a partner from 1888 to 1891.

He was married June 3, 1876, to Miss Hattie Leota, daughter of William and Mary (King) Reardon. Mrs. Biesen was born at Albany, New York, and came west in 1866. Her parents were born in Ireland. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Biesen was born November 8, 1887, and christened Harriet Frances.

P. F. Biesen is connected with the South Park Council No. 69, Columbian Knights, of which he is a trustee, and Court Apollo No. 96, Inde- pendent Order of Foresters. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party, supporting its candidates with vote and argument, using his influence at all times in favor of the party. He was employed as street foreman by the city during 1887 and 1888. In 1892 he erected a residence at No. 6601 Rhodes Avenue, where he has lived since that time. He was reared a Roman Catho- lic, and is true to the teachings of his fathers.

PHILIP DIETER.

HILIP DIETER. Among the early Ger- farming in Iroquois County, Illinois, near the man-born citizens of Chicago, was a native of Hessen-Darmsdat, and first saw the light February 16, 1835. At the age of eleven years he came with his parents to Chicago. They soon after removed to Naperville, Illinois, and pur- chased a farm, which the father continued to till during the remainder of his life.

In 1851, being then in his seventeenth year, the subject left home and went to California, where he engaged in gold-mining, packing freight over the mountains and in building sluices. Hav- ing invested his earnings in these latter occupa- tions, they were finally lost by his return to Chicago, in 1860. Here he engaged in the hotel business, opening the Du Page House, at Nos. 190-192 West Randolph Street, which is still in existence. He sold this in 1866, and engaged in

town of Clifton. Three years later he returned to the city, and located at the corner of North Park Avenue at Clark Street, where the Relic House now stands. Here he was burned out by the great fire of 1871, and went to Naperville, where he conducted his father's homestead one year.

October 9, 1872, he bought property at No. 12 South Water Street, where for more than a quarter of a century he conducted a restaurant and house of entertainment. His death occurred here December 9, 1897, from the effects of an ac- cidental pistol shot. He was alone in his room at the time and it is supposed that the weapon was accidentally discharged while he was ex- amining it. He had previously been afflicted with paralysis and died from the shock, rather

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REV. T. J. BUTLER.

than from the effects of the bullet, which entered his right groin.

Mr. Dieter was married August 18, 1863, to Miss Helena Bucher, a daughter of John Bucher, who was mayor of his native town for many years. He was the head of the firm of Bucher & Hiller, located at the corner of North Park Avenue and Clark Street, Chicago, the former street being then known as Franklin, when Lincoln Park was a cemetery. His wife, Katharine Bucher (no relative), was a daughter of Theodore Bucher, a prominent citizen of Leugman. Mr. Bucher came to Chicago from Switzerland with his fam- ily in 1853. Mrs. Dieter, who was married on her twenty-first birthday anniversary, is the mother of eight sons and six daughters. Six of the former and four of the latter are now de- ceased. The living are: Edward M., a druggist in Naperville, Illinois; Philip V., who lives with his mother and manages her business, which she has continued since the death of her husband; Helena L., wife of Joseph Birung, a machinist in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Com- pany, at Burnside; and Mary K., at home with her mother.

At the time of his death Mr. Dieter was the owner of extensive iron mines in Gogebic County, Michigan. He was a charter member of the Alter Wirts Verein of Chicago and was its first treasurer, which office he filled with fidelity twen- ty years, or until his death. At the end of his first ten years in this position he was presented by the society with an elegant gold medal in recogni- tion of his faithful service. During the week after his death would have occurred the twentieth anniversary of his official service, and the society had arranged to celebrate the event with a social gathering, to which a large number of his friends had been invited, but his death intervened and the event went uncelebrated. He was always an active leader in the Democratic ranks and had the offer of many offices in the gift of his party, but declined all such honors. He was a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and his remains were deposited in St. Boniface Cemetery. By his persistent industry le amassed a comfort- able fortune, and earned the esteem and good will of his acquaintances, who were especially numerous among the German-American citizens of Chicago.

REV. THADDEUS J. BUTLER.

EV. THADDEUS J. BUTLER, who was honored and appreciated by the Pope at Rome, and was loved and respected by a large number of Chicago citizens, was suddenly stricken in the midst of his labors for the welfare of his fellow-men, and died at Rome, Italy, of paralysis, in July, 1897. On the 18th of that month he was to have been crowned with the miter of the bishopric of Concordia, Kansas, and only the day before the news of liis death reached Chicago.

Father Butler was one of the most distinguished

clergymen in the west. He was a loyal Ameri- can, and from the beginning of the Civil War rendered valuable service to the national govern- ment. When the news came that Fort Sumter had been attacked by traitors, Father Butler at once took his position in support of the war, which he characterized as "Not unrighteous on our part, for we are to fight for a principle, and principles are worth fighting for, and even dying for." He became chaplain with the rank of cap- tain in the Irish brigade, under command of General Mulligan, which was active in Missouri

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REV. T. J. BUTLER.

and West Virginia. During the terrible week at Lexington, when, harried with hunger and thirst, Mulligan's men faced the overwhelming legions of Price, Father Butler did all in his power to maintain their strength and courage.

He was born in 1833 in Limerick, Ireland, and was a son of John and Mary Butler. The par- ents were in comfortable circumstances, and took care that their sons were properly educated. They were early designed for the ministry of the Cath- olic Church, and at an early age the subject of this sketch entered All Hallows College at Lim- erick. After graduating from this institution he was sent to Rome, where he continued to be a devoted student for five years, and his learning and talents won for him the highest respect of the clergy. He was honored by his fellow stu- dents in being chosen as prefect of one of their school divisions, and before he had preached a sermon the degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- ferred on him by the church.

While at Rome Father Butler made the ac- quaintance of Bishop Kenrick, who was there in attendance of the great council of 1854. From that primate he learned much about the United States, and immediately resolved to immigrate to this country. After making a visit to his people in his native place, he took passage for New York in 1855, and immediately upon his arrival proceeded to Baltimore. There he spent a few weeks at the residence of Archbishop Kenrick, and then proceeded to Chicago. The journey was a tedious one, by stage to Pittsburg, and thence by way of river and canal, past Cairo and St. Louis, to his destination. He had one warm friend and fellow-student here in the per- son of Dr. John McMullen, a native of Chicago.

In 1856 Dr. Butler was made assistant pastor of St. Mary's, the oldest church in Chicago, and professor of theology at St. Mary's College. Upon the succession of Bishop Duggan to the diocese in 1857, Dr. Butler was made his secre- tary and chancellor. He had learned stenog- raphy when only eleven years of age and this, together with his learning and love of music, made him very useful to the bishop and to the church. He was especially useful to old St.

Mary's and succeeded in making the musical por- tion of its service a function of the utmost attract- iveness. He was himself frequently seen in the choir, either as leader or in solo. Meanwhile he preached on nearly every Sunday and in 1859 was made full pastor of St. Mary's. His congrega- tion at that time included Senator Douglas and many other brilliant men.

Dr. Butler was a lover of mankind, and a vig- orous hater of the institution of slavery. Even while the municipal authorities debated and post- poned raising the national flag over the City Hall, the stars and stripes floated over the Bishop's residence. After Colonel Mulligan's regiment, which was captured at Lexington, had been ex- changed, Dr. Butler was assigned to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, but he continued with the regiment and went with it in the spring of 1862 to Harper's Ferry, and remained with its brave commander through a number of engage- ments in West Virginia. He was among the early members of the Chicago Commandery of the Royal League, and in that patriotic society he was a favorite.

Returning from the field to Chicago, he took up his work as pastor, and also taught theology in the University of St. Mary's by the Lake. By his untiring labors he strained his eyes, and in 1868 he was advised to go abroad for treatment. After visiting London, where he was treated by Sir William Wilde, oculist to the queen, he went to Paris, and later to Berlin. Finally, at Leipsic, Germany, he found treatment which restored his eyes. While in Germany he visited the famous composer, Franz Abt, at Brunswick, and while there his singing of church music and the com- positions of his host was warmly applauded by the large circle of musicians clustered at the com- poser's home. The latter subsequently dedicated four songs to Dr. Butler. On his return from the continent he visited Dublin, and here again his musical ability, both as vocalist and a performer on the violin, made him many warm friends. For seven years, on account of the weakness of his eyesight, he was largely retired from active cleri- cal labors. At the time of the great fire he was still pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Con-

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McROME MORSE, M. D.

ception. In this disaster, nearly all his library of three thousand volumes was destroyed. He saved a few books by burying them in the ground with his own hands.

In 1876 he was assigned to Rockford, Illinois, where he continued nine years with his brother, Rev. Thomas Butler, as assistant. This he con- sidered the pleasantest period of his whole life. He was very popular with both Protestants and Catholics, and served one year as president of the Rockford public library. Here his musical abili- ties were highly appreciated, and when the two brothers sang together, as they often did, they provoked great enthusiasm in their audiences.

In May, 1887, he succeeded Rev. John Wal- dron as pastor of St. John's Church, in Chicago. Here he preached every alternate Sunday, and on

those Sundays when he did not preach he took his place in the choir, and many of the people in the vicinity of this large and popular church, out- side of his own congregation, were wont to at- tend the services. He was master of several mod- ern languages, and when he held services in the Italian language, his church was always packed with the sons and daughters of Italy, to whom he was often of great service. With all his labors, which were conscientiously performed, he still found time for literary diversions and social in- tercourse. He loved to visit his friends through- out the city, and never denied himself to any who might call at his home. . In the death of this warm-hearted and large-brained man, the Catlı- olic Church and the great West suffered an irre- parable loss.

McROME MORSE, M. D.

M CROME MORSE, M. D., was born in tensive practice among the miners. Wishing a Oswego County, New York, August 14, closer touch with the profession in more populous districts, he settled at Harvey on May 6, 1891. Consequently, while there are others in the pro- fession who have practiced nearly as long as he, he antedates them all by several weeks. His prac- tice is of a general character, the conditions pre- cluding a large special practice. In the seven years that he has been active in this community he has made numerous warm friends, both as the result of his skill and success in medicine, and his genial manner and honorable method of dealing with all classes and under all circum- stances. 1858. His boyhood was passed mainly in the village of Mexico, New York, where he re- ceived a fair academic education. Upon commenc- ing life, in his early teens, as clerk in a grocery store, he became familiar with the interesting, though prosaic, details of that line of mercantilelife. Deciding upon the medical profession, he entered the medical department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, finishing the course with the class of 1883, and receiving the usual degree of doctor of medicine. This was the first class to complete the full three-year course, prior to that year the course requiring but two years.

Entering upon his practice at the thriving manufacturing village of Northville, Michigan, he soon after removed to the northern part of the state, locating at Negaunee, in the mining region, where for six and one-half years he had an ex-

While never an aspirant to public office, the doctor has decided political views, and affiliates with the Republican party. Naturally of a social disposition, he has become more warmly attached to many of his fellow-men by his relations with fraternal societies, including Magic City Lodge

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F. L. WOLVERTON.

No. 832, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has held the office of treasurer a few years, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Home Forum Benefit Order.

Dr. Morse was married May 19, 1897, to Miss Ala, daughter of S. L. Brown, of Harvey, Illi-

110is. Slie is a lady of refinement and education, having had some experience as a teacher in the public schools, as well as a teacher of music. She has also taken a warm interest in the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, with which she is closely identified.

FRANK L. WOLVERTON.

RANK L. WOLVERTON, one of the most skilled and competent machinists in Chicago, and at present with the George A. Fuller Construction Company, has worked on some of the best-known buildings in this city, such as the Masonic Temple, Marquette Building and the Stock Exchange Building. He was born Decem- ber 25, 1858, in the old Lake House, located at the corner of Rush and North River Streets. His parents were William G. and Elizabeth (Keating) Wolverton, and his paternal ancestors were English.

The grandfather, James B. Wolverton, was born February 7, 1754, in Nova Scotia. He was a lawyer and left for the United States when young and settled in New York state. He was married April 19, 1815, to Miss Mary M. Lamm- son, who was born October 11, 1797. Her peo- ple were farmers near Syracuse, New York. Af- ter his marriage he removed to Detroit, and later to Marine City, Michigan, where both he and his wife died, having become the parents of four children. Thomas, the eldest, was born July 9, 1816, and was married October 18, 1838, to Miss Phoebe Scott. He made his home in Saginaw, Michigan, where his family still resides. Jacob L. was born December 5, 1817. He was married October 28, 1840, to Electa P. Androus. He lived in Chicago, and was superintendent of the government ship yards at Chattanooga, during

the Civil War. His son, James, resides on Myrtle Street, Chicago. Elizabeth W., born August 16, 1821, married Edward C. Keating and resides at No. 6065 Edgerton Avenue. James H., born December 20, 1823, was never married, and died when a young man.

The maternal grandfather of the man whose name heads this article, William Keating, died in 1847. He was a traveling salesman until he re- moved westward to Sandusky, Ohio, and he then located on a farın. At that place he died, having reached the age of seventy years. His wife died at the age of forty-five, about the year 1840. Her children were: Mary, John, Sarah and Elizabeth.

William G. Wolverton was born January 3, 1832. His parents resided at Marine City, Michigan, at the time of his birth, and he died March 17, 1891, and his remains were interred in Oakwoods Cemetery. When a young lad he went out on the lakes and was a sailor until late in life. He was competent on board ship, as well as in all things which he undertook. I11 1860, he was made captain of the "Pilgrim," a lumber boat, on which he remained two years. He was then made first mate on the steamer "Susque- hanna." He subsequently went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and took charge of transports under the United States Government, occupying this position until the close of the war.

LIBRARY OF THE MONITHI 50 Alisaaniten

LOUIS SCHNADEL.

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LOUIS SCHNADEL.

With his brother, Jacob, he purchased the transport "Chattanooga," and after one year on the Mississippi, brought it to the Illinois River and made trips between La Salle and St. Louis, after which they exchanged it for a canal boat on the Illinois & Michigan canal, which he conducted but for a short time. In 1868 he left the water permanently and began contracting for placing heavy machinery. He placed the Twenty-second Street water works and Bridgeport pumping works, and the engines and heavy machinery of the gunboat "Concord," now with Admiral Dewey's fleet. It was then in the Cramps' ship yards. He was contracting in the interest of the Quintard Iron Works, which concern furnished material for the Chicago pumping stations, and operated under the name of William G. Wol- verton, contractor.

William G. Wolverton was married June 8, 1855, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wolverton was born April 22, 1835, in New Jersey, and was reared in Sandusky, Ohio. Her children are ac- counted for as follows : William Holly, born September 12, 1856, died November 23, 1858; Frank L., whose name heads this notice; George B., born October 14, 1860, died October 23, 1865.

Frank L. Wolverton attended private school

a short time, but is mostly self-educated, much of his knowledge being obtained in the vast school of experience. He was with his father until 1889, when he was made foreman of the John Craig Ship Building Company, at Toledo, Ohio, which position lie occupied two years. In 1891 he ac- cepted the foremanship of the Chicago Ship Build- ing Company at South Chicago. In March, 1893, he took charge of the machinery in Machinery Hall at the World's Fair. He was there until January 1, 1894. He has since been with the George A. Fuller Construction Company, as be- fore mentioned.

February 24, 1892, Mr. Wolverton was married to Miss Anna, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Frame) Mason. Mrs. Wolverton was born on the present site of the immense store owned by Seigel, Cooper & Company. Her mother now resides at No. 715 Homan Avenue. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton November 15, 1894, and was named William Mason. Mr. Wolverton is connected with the Columbian Knights and also the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers' Union. He follows the teachings of his forefathers in religious matters. He casts his vote in favor of the candidate representing the Republican party.

LOUIS SCHNADEL.

OUIS SCHNADEL, who lives in retire- ment, is an old pioneer of Chicago, having been a resident since 1854. He was born December 11, 1826, in Göggingen, Province of Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of Michael and Feronica Schnadel. Michael Schnadel was a watchmaker by trade. They had a family of two sons and a daughter, but all the family is deceased except the man whose name leads this article.

Louis Schnadel was educated in the public

school and at the age of fourteen years began the battle of life, serving a three years' apprenticeship at the tanner's trade. He subsequently traveled extensively in Europe, working in the many large cities as journeyman. May 1, 1854, he took passage at Havre, in the sailing ship "Switzer" and thirty days later was landed in New York. He came directly to Chicago from Buffalo, New York, in which city he settled for four weeks after his arrival in America. While

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W. H. STORMS.

in Buffalo he worked eleven hours a day for eighty-seven and one-half cents per day. He traveled westward to Chicago for the reason that he could command a salary of one dollar a day, working ten hours. He was with one firm eight- een years, most of this time occupying the position of foreman of the shop. He was a very frugal man always, and saved his earnings, with which he purchased real estate.

In 1855 he married Amelia Fogel, a native of Bavaria. In 1862 he bought property at No. 165 Division Street, and built a house, which was destroyed in 1871, at which time he lost nearly all his possessions in the great fire. He sub- sequently rebuilt his residence and remained at the same location until 1884, when he sold out and removed to Lake View. He has lived in re- tirement since 1883.

Mr. Schnadel cast liis first presidential vote in favor of Abraham Lincoln, in 1860, and has since that time supported the Republican party, but never sought public favor in the form of an office. Mr. and Mrs. Schnadel became the parents of three children, who are now all de- ceased. Mrs. Schnadel passed away in Septem- ber, 1879. In 1881 Mr. Schnadel married Mina Hoffman, a native of Prussia, who came to Chicago in 1880. One child, Amelia, blessed the union of this worthy couple. They are not connected with any particular church, but have a practical religion of their own belief, which is to do to others as they would that others should do unto them. They are prominent, law-abiding citizens and are highly respected and honored by all who come in contact with their genial natures.

WILLIAM H. STORMS.

ILLIAM HARVEY STORMS. Among the members of the well-known family whose name he bears, which has furnished prominent and honored citizens of Chicago, is William Harvey Storms. He was born Septem- ber 25, 1863, in Lockport, Illinois, and is a son of John L. Storms, of wliom appropriate mention is made elsewhere in this volume.

W. H. Storms attended school at Brookline and worked with his father at painting for a time. He served as clerk under Postmaster G. Q. Dow, in Hyde Park, and also as clerk in the drug store of Dr. Dow. He was subsequently employed in the grocery store of W. P. Hutchin- son, located on West Van Buren Street. He was a brakeman on the Illinois Central Railroad for a few months, and later was fireman on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. After running two years as

fireman he was made an engineer, and was in the employ of the railroad twelve years. In 1892 he abandoned the service of the railroad, having been on the Kansas City Division principally. During the World's Fair he was employed by Captain Bonfield as policeman on the Exposition grounds, and in 1895 returned to the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as engi- neer, running a yard engine for some time. He then made short runs out of the city, after which time he was on a suburban train, and was re- cently in service on the southern divisions of the line. During the past year he has been em- ployed by railroads to instruct men in the use of the air brake, taking contracts in this line of business.

He was married September 25, 1888, to Miss Harriet Alice Foote, a daughter of LeRoy T.

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ADOLPH VAN CLEEF.

Foote, of Slater, Missouri. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Storms are named Hazel Irene, Lydia Louise and Bertha.

Mr. Storms is an active member of the Masonic order, affiliating with Jacksonville Lodge No. 570, and Jacksonville Chapter No. 3. He is

also connected with the Brotherhood of Locomno- tive Engineers. Though never actively engaged in political affairs he upholds the principles of the Republican party, and his actions are ever in favor of the right and his character is thoroughly established as one of strength and reliability.

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Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 1899, Part 97

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