USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > Biographical and genealogical record of La Salle County, Illinois. Volume I > Part 7
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Upon the 10th of August, 1884, Mr. Ackermann married Miss Adolph- ine Hoebel, a native of Germany, but who, for a number of years had resided in Colorado. This worthy couple have numerous friends and well-wishers in Streator, among both the German and English citizens.
FRANK E. M'MULLAN.
One of the youngest successful journalists of Illinois is the gentleman whose name heads this article, the publisher of the Weekly Enterprise, of Grand Ridge, LaSalle county. From his boyhood he has been deeply inter- ested in newspaper work, and, under the judicious tutelage of his father, the late lamented James E. McMullan, himself a very enterprising journalist, he mastered the details of the business when he was a mere youth, and has steadily and ambitiously striven to attain higher things in his chosen pro- fession.
The birth of James Espey McMullan occurred in a farm-house in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1840. He not only learned agriculture in its various branches but also became an expert carpenter, following that calling for a number of years. He was married in the Key- stone state, June 2, 1870, his bride being Miss Arabelle Bute. Three children blessed their union, of whom the eldest, Minnie, is the wife of W. J. Dearth, of Chicago; Frank E. is the subject of this sketch, and Arthur G. is a student in the Grand Ridge schools. In 1875 the family removed to Grand Ridge, with which place the interests of James E. McMullan were thenceforth to be associated. In 1882 he purchased the hardware business of E. Finley, to whom he sold out at the end of three years. Then for a few years he gave his attention to the buying and selling of live stock, and to the real- estate business. At one time he owned a large section of the land in the south end of town, where some of the finest residences here have been built within the past few years, owing to his liberality and enterprise. In 1891 the Grand Ridge Building & Improvement Company was organized, with Mr. McMullan as president, and the same year he was placed in charge of the newspaper known as the Herald, which was published by the Building & Improvement Company under the name of the Herald Publishing Com- pany. After two years of practical experience as manager of the journal the paper was sold to Mr. C. R. Bruer, who carried it on until the plant was destroyed by fire, November 17, 1893, and even then endeavored to continue the business by having the press work done at Streator. This was unprofit- able, and, believing that the time was ripe for another venture, Mr. McMullan purchased a new and complete printing outfit, and on January 4, 1894, the
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first issue of the Weekly Enterprise was published by the firm of J. E. McMullan & Son. From that day until his death the senior partner lost no opportunity to build up the paper, which was essentially devoted to the promotion of the local welfare. Among the numerous industries and organizations with which he was prominently connected were the Grand Ridge Electric Light, Power & Creamery Company, and Cigar Factory No. 793. The first mentioned company, organized in 1892, erected the first power-house and introduced the fine electric-light system in this place. Unfortunately, the plant was burned to the ground July 19, 1892, though it has since been rebuilt. . The creamery plant suffered the same fate, and it, too, has been re-established. Until his death Mr. McMullan was a stock- holder in the new electric-light concern and in the cigar factory, both of which commanded a liberal patronage. He was an ardent Democrat, but though frequently urged to accept public office, he firmly declined, with one notable exception, when, yielding to the earnest wishes of some of his nearest friends, he acted as supervisor for one term, refusing a renomination. In his domestic life his most lovable traits of character were shown, for, while he was extremely popular with his business associates and the public in general, he reserved for the dear ones of his home circle the noblest and richest side of his nature. A thousand hearts, probably, were deeply saddened and touched when the news came of his sudden demise, March 6, 1896, in the fifty-seventh year of his age, and his memory is tenderly cherished in the hearts of a host of sincere friends.
Frank E. McMullan, who is ably carrying on the newspaper work inau- gurated by his father, is, as stated previously, a young man, as he was born barely twenty-three years ago. He grew to manhood here and received his preliminary education in the public schools of Grand Ridge, subsequently attending the Ottawa Business College. When about seventeen years of age he entered the printing office, and since that time has steadily risen in the journalistic world. Under his systematic business policy the Enterprise is rapidly progressing, and now commands the respect of the public. It aims to present the news, local and general, in a concise, readable manner, and as it is independent in its political attitude it can offend no one on that score. The office is well equipped with modern machinery and printing supplies, a fine press and engine and job-printing presses. The regular subscribers number about one thousand and the circulation is, of course, considerably larger. Though still publishing the Enterprise, Mr. McMullan has again entered Knox College, at Galesburg, for the purpose of finishing his education.
In his personal political views Mr. McMullan is a Democrat, and has taken a very active part in local campaign work. He is at present serving on
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the county central committee and is now a village trustee. Possessing musical talent, he has been the leader of the Grand Ridge Cornet Band for some time. Socially he is held in high esteem, and is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was mar- ried recently, on the 25th of January, 1899, Miss Carrie B. Leighton, one of the most popular young ladies of this place, becoming his bride. She is a daughter of L. K. Leighton, a well known citizen, and is accomplished and justly admired for her numerous sterling qualities.
ALBERT F. SCHOCH.
No citizen of Ottawa is more thoroughly representative or more devoted to the promotion of her welfare than Albert F. Schoch, whose name is widely known for the prominent part he has taken in local affairs. Without doubt he is one of the most progressive and public-spirited men of Ottawa, and his means and influence have been used unsparingly in advancing enterprises, industries and improvements in this place, now one of the most flourishing towns of northern Illinois.
One great reason for the interest which Mr. Schoch takes in everything relating to Ottawa is that he is one of her native-born sons, his birth having occurred forty-two years ago, on the 18th of December, 1857. Both of his parents, Philip and Caroline (Sulzberger) Schoch, were born near Stras- burg, Germany. The father was born in Gerstheim, Alsace, July 26, 1832, the mother born in Obenheim, Alsace, May 6, 1835. They came to the United States in 1851, locating in Ottawa. The father had learned the trade of making light and heavy harness in his native land, and he is still carrying on the business which he established in this town nearly half a century ago. The wife and mother departed this life June 1, 1885.
Albert F. Schoch is a gentleman of scholarly tastes and attainments. He is proficient in literature and science, and reads and speaks French and German almost as readily as he does English. He is proud of the fact that he obtained his elementary education in the public grammar and high schools of Ottawa, and subsequently he pursued a special course of study in a French school for two terms. When he was about eighteen years of age he took the competitive examination for admission to West Point, standing second among the twenty-two young men who presented themselves for that rigor- ous ordeal.
In the fall of 1873 the business career of A. F. Schoch commenced by his accepting a position as a clerk in the postoffice under J. R. Cameron. At the end of sixteen months he became connected with the National City Bank
al I Achurch
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of Ottawa, with which institution he has since been closely identified. He proved his fidelity and perfect trustworthiness as a messenger boy, and at the end of three years was promoted to the post of bookkeeper. Three years more rolled away, and his merits and stability of character being fully recognized by the officials of the bank, he was elected as a member of the board of directors January 13, 1885, and was appointed assistant cashier on the 4th of the following month. At the end of five years, during a part of which period he had acted in the capacity of cashier, he was advanced to the honored office which he has since occupied, that of vice president of the bank. He holds à similar position in the State Bank of Seneca, LaSalle county, having been elected to the vice presidency of the institution at the time of its organization. He is treasurer of the Valley Building & Loan Association, is the owner of considerable valuable real estate and other property, and has numerous investments. In view of the fact that he com- menced his business career empty-handed, his success is the more remark- able, and his record must prove an inspiration to many a young man now starting out, as he did, with no capital save brains, integrity, determination and perseverance-which, after all, is the best capital, and without which wealth, influence and position amount to naught.
Had not great financial enterprises and a multiplicity of interests demanded a large share of his time and energy Mr. Schoch might have occu- pied almost any local office within the gift of the people for many years past. Though he has been overtaxed at times, he has endeavored to do his duty by the public in spite of this fact, as will be seen by the brief summary fol- lowing : from 1891 to 1895 he was mayor of Ottawa; from 1889 to 1891 he was city treasurer; for two terms he was a member of the board of education; was school treasurer of the congressional township, No. 33, range 3, from 1887 to 1889; was a member of the volunteer fire department for sixteen years, and was prominently mentioned at the last Republican state conven- tion for the state treasurership. While he was mayor he succeeded in having many material improvements instituted in this place, such as the paving of streets, the laying of sewers and the building of the waterworks. He refused to allow his name to be used as a candidate for the mayoralty a third term, and retired from the office with the good will and admiration of the people for his wise, progressive policy. He has been appointed by Governor Tanner as a member of the board of special commissioners to inspect the Chicago drainage channel.
Fraternally Mr. Schoch is eminent commander of Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, K. T., which position he has occupied for three years. At the forty-third annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Illinois he was elected to the position of grand warder. He belongs also
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to Humboldt Lodge, No. 555, F. & A. M., and to Shabbona Chapter, No. 37, R. A. M., and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Upon the 17th of December, 1879, Mr. Schoch married Miss Minnie Wolfe, a daughter of Henry Wolfe, a leading citizen of Ottawa, and they have three children, namely : Carrie S., Lulu C. and Esther S. The home of the family is unpretentious, but is a home in the best sense of the word, and to the most casual observer gives evidence of the culture and excellent taste and traits of character of its inmates.
VICTOR J. PELTIER.
The founder and superintendent of the Novelty Glass Works, a flour- ishing industry of Ottawa, is Victor J. Peltier, a native of the province of Lorraine, France (now German property), where his birth occurred some sixty-six years ago. His father, Joseph Peltier, was born in the same locality and spent his whole life there, and the mother, Barbara (Kresly) Peltier, was a native of Alsace, Germany.
When he had completed his education our subject commenced learning the glass-blower's trade, which calling was followed by his father, and, having mastered the business, he worked as a journeyman, chiefly in the city of Lyons, France. In 1859 he sailed for America in the good ship Aerial, bound for New York, and for a score of years he was employed at his trade in that city. In 1882 he came to Ottawa, and for the next three years was connected with the bottling works. In 1886 he and his son founded the Novelty Glass Works, which has since risen to prominence among the indus- tries of this place. All kinds of colored and opalescent glass are manufac- tured here, and the products of the plant find ready sale, not only throughout the United States, but in Europe as well. Mr. Peltier is a practical and skilled workman, and not only superintends and directs the financial and commercial part of the business, but also personally supervises the actual manufacture of the glass. He employs from twelve to fifteen men and is steadily increasing his force of helpers. His excellent management and judicious control of the affairs of the business have resulted in well deserved success, and the prospects for the future are certainly flattering, as the merits of his glass have become known far beyond the seas, and "once a customer, always a customer" is the rule with all firms having dealings with him.
In 1862 Mr. Peltier and Miss Mary Peltier, daughter of Francis Peltier, were united in marriage. Her family, of the same name but not related to our subject, came to this country from Germany in 1859, and the parents both died in New York city. Peter V., who was associated with his father in busi-
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ness in the Novelty Glass Works of Ottawa, died December 12, 1893, and two other children of Victor J. Peltier and wife have been called to the silent land. Those living are Louise, wife of Theodore Zellers, of Ottawa; Mary, Mrs. Fred Heiser, of this place; Joseph E., who is employed in the glass fac- tory; Emma, bookkeeper of the glass works; Sellers, superintendent of the factory ; and Kate, who is at home. Mrs. Zellers is the mother of four children and Mrs. Heiser has six children.
The home of V. J. Peltier is a substantial one, built of brick, and having pleasing surroundings. In his political creed he is a Republican, and relig- iously he and his family are parishioners of St. Francis German Catholic church. Fraternally Mr. Peltier belongs to the Chosen Friends' Benevolent Insurance Association.
WOODRUFF A. MOREY.
Woodruff A. Morey, president of the First National Bank of Marseilles, Illinois, was for many years the leading lawyer of the village. He was born in Manlius township, LaSalle county, July 24, 1840, being the only son in a family of five children whose parents were Vivaldia and Emily (Brown) Morey. The father was born in Orange county, New York, and was one of the family of twelve sons and four daughters of Hazard Morey, of Welsh descent. Vivaldia Morey grew to mature years in New York and about 1831 removed with his parents to Ashtabula county, Ohio, and after a few years' residence there moved to this county, in 1836. He purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres in what is now Manlius township, upon which he resided many years, carrying on general farming until he had reached an advanced age. In 1881 he moved to Petoskey, Michigan, where he died in October, 1895, in the consciousness of a well spent life, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. His wife, Emily, died at the same place two years before, when eighty-four years of age. She was a daughter of Lysander Brown and Salley nee Everest, and was born and reared in Bethany, Genesee county, New York, where she was married October 17, 1831. One of the ancestors of Emily Brown was banished from the Massachusetts colony with Roger Williams. It was he for whom Brown University, at Providence, Rhode Island, was named.
W. A. Morey grew to manhood on the farm upon which he was born. There he attended the district school and obtained his preliminary education. Later he entered Knox college and afterward attended the public and pri- vate schools in Ottawa. He then took up the study of law under the instruc- tions of Hon. Washington Bushnell, a leading attorney of Ottawa. He was admitted to the bar before the supreme court at Ottawa in 1861, and soon
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after began the practice of his profession. In a short time the firm of Rice & Morey was formed and a general law practice was carried on, the partners being J. B. Rice and W. A. Morey. This connection was dissolved by mutual consent, and our subject, on account of ill-health, retired to the country where with his father he carried on farming for two years. This work, how- ever, did not afford sufficient scope to his abilities and he resumed his pro- fessional career in Marseilles, to which city he moved in 1868. He there held for many years the office of village treasurer and clerk. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, having been a member of the board of directors and the board of education continuously for more than twenty-five years.
He was a successful practitioner and was in active practice until 1887, when he purchased of J. N. Chappel the latter's interest in the First National Bank of Marseilles, an institution that was organized in 1871 and of which Mr. Chappel was president. Since the purchase he has given his entire attention to banking and has held the office of president continuously since becoming identified with the institution.
Mr. Morey was united in marriage to Miss Helen Belknap, who died leaving two children, Harriet and Mabel; but the former died May 23, 1896. On June 13, 1872, he married Miss Addie Sherman, daughter of Orrin and Caroline (Lathrop) Sherman, of Batavia, New York, and a native of Genesee county, that state. To this union one son, W. A. Morey, Jr., was born, May 24, 1880, and at present he is a college student. Mr. Morey is and has always been a Republican in politics, conservative in his views and well posted on all topics of the day, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a man of quiet and retiring disposition, always found at home after business hours in the society of his own family, surrounded by the best books and magazines of which he and his family are especially fond, counting among their possessions a library of rare value. Mabel Morey occupies at present a business position with a law firm in New York city, receiving from the Governor the appointment of notary for the firm. Mr. Morey will visit Europe the coming season on a combined business and pleasure trip.
EBIN JENNINGS WARD.
Ebin Jennings Ward, the popular ex-mayor of Marseilles, LaSalle county, is one of the native-born sons of the town, his birth having occurred here September 2, 1854.
The first mention we find of the Ward family in America was of William Ward, in 1639, in Sudbury, Connecticut. In direct descent, his son Samuel
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was born September 24, 1641, and died in 1729. His son Joseph was born in 1670 and died at Marlboro June 30, 1717, aged forty-seven. Phineas Ward, born August 5, 1705, died October 19, 1756, aged fifty-one. Captain Josiah Ward, born September 4, 1741, was an officer in the Continental army and died February 27, 1795, in Henniker, New Hampshire. Josiah Ward was born September 15, 1769, and died in Croydon, New Hamp- shire, in 1826. Dr. Daniel Ward was one of the pioneer physicians of this place, loved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. A native of Croydon, New Hampshire, born June 6, 1810, he was a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Hoyt) Ward, the latter a daughter of a Revolutionary war soldier. The father of the Doctor died when the latter was sixteen years of age, but he received an excellent education for that early day; and in 1834 the Vermont Academy of Medicine bestowed upon him the degree of Doctor of Medicine, upon his completion of his prescribed course of study. Two years later he came to Illinois, and, after residing in the town of Hennepin, Putnam county, for a short period, he located permanently in Marseilles, where he built up a fine practice and reputation for skill. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Mary Ann Goldwaite, of Newport, New Hampshire, and their three children were Ada A., Zina G. and Mary H.
Ebin J. is the only child of the second marriage, his mother having been Julia Belle, daughter of Levi Jennings, of Fall River, Illinois. On the mother's side were Moses Jennings, who was born August 19, 1733, and died March 26, 1813; and Levi Jennings, born July 10, 1778. His daughter, Julia Belle Jennings, was born November 13, 1819, and married Daniel Ward October 25, 1853; she died at Marseilles September 6, 1862, and was survived several years by the Doctor, whose death took place in Marseilles, March 21, 1873.
The boyhood of E. J. Ward passed quietly in this town, where he was a pupil in the grammar schools for years. In order that he might enjoy better educational advantages, he went to Chicago, in 1871, and during the following four years attended the old central high school of that city. Thence going to Yale College, he was graduated in 1878, and at once entered upon a course in civil engineering in the same institution. Having completed his work in that department in 1880, he entered the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company as a civil engineer, and for a short time assisted on construction. Later he was assistant engineer in charge of bridge con- struction for two years with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company.
The great project of the Chicago drainage canal becoming an assured enterprise, Mr. Ward went to Chicago and from 1890 to 1895 was one of the assistant engineers along that route for the wonderful water-way. During his connection with the sanitary district of Chicago his work consisted largely
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of a careful inquiry into the feasibility and practicability of a deep water-way to connect the western end of the sanitary canal at Lockport with the Missis- sinoi river by way of the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers.
Mr. Ward has won the highest praise for his eminently satisfactory labors, and is looked up to as an authority in his line. For the past four years he has been living retired at his pleasant home in Marseilles, devoting his time to his private business interests. He owns considerable valuable property, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of this place. Politically he is a Republican in national affairs, reserving the right of independent action in local elections, where the suitability of the nominee for a given position takes precedence of everything else. In 1897 Mr. Ward was honored by his fellow citizens, who elected him to the position of mayor. During the two years of his term of office, he made a record of which he may justly be proud.
On the 5th day of October, 1881, Mr. Ward married Miss Anne Ran- dolph Vaughan, who was born January 27, 1857. They have one daughter, Julia Jennings, born April 4, 1887. Mrs. Ward, a lady of fine education and social attainments, is a daughter of Dr. Isaac P. Vaughan, of Glasgow, Missouri.
B. B. HOLLAND.
The Pioneer Fire-Proof Construction Company, of Ottawa, one of the largest industries of the kind in the United States, if not in the world, has for its local general manager and superintendent B. B. Holland, a gentleman well equipped by years of experience for so important and responsible a posi- tion. A brief description of this valuable plant may prove of interest to the general public.
Organized in 1880, under its present title, the Pioneer Fire-Proof Con- struction Company rapidly rose to prominence and now occupies a distinctive place in the world of business. The officers are Colonel G. M. Moulton, president ; C. F. Eiker, treasurer, and W. A. Moulton, secretary. The com- pany owns large fire-clay banks, a mile and a half distant from the works, and connected therewith by their own private electric railway, and, including said clay banks, the property in possession of the concern here amounts to about two hundred and fifty acres. The output of the works, exclusive of fire-brick, paving and sidewalk brick, is estimated at about fifty thousand tons per annum. The chief product is hollow tile, now so extensively used in the construction of fire-proof buildings, and particularly in the noted "sky-scrapers," or tall office buildings, where a skeleton of steel framework carries the entire weight of the walls and flooring. In such modern structures
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