USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 18
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
In 1900 Mr. Darling became a member of Columbia Post, No. 706, G. A. R., and in 1903 was unanimously elected commander of the post. At a banquet given by the post Febru- ary 25, 1902, he responded to the toast "The Flag," and his address upon that occasion brought him into prominence as a public speaker. In an address at Urbana, Ill., May 30, 1908, he spoke earnestly and forcefully against the spirit of false teachings that tend to corrupt men and lead them away from the truth: On January 1, 1910, Mr. Darling ad- dressed a camp fire held in Memorial Hall, Chicago, which was regarded as a masterly arraignment of certain abuses. At Freeport, May 30, 1910, he again gave voice to his senti- ments in powerful diction and with enthusiastic marshaling of his facts, pleading for the pres- ervation of a true patriotism in all its purity. At the tomb of Lincoln, on Memorial Day, 1912, Mr. Darling paid a beautiful tribute of praise to the great Emancipator, which in part is as follows :
"There is no place more sacred, where lovers
.
893
HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
of liberty turn their faces or wend their way, than is this shrine around which we have assembled. He who slumbers here bore the Cross of Civilization to its loftiest height and there consecrated it with his own life's blood. The lessons taught by Abraham Lincoln and the sublime example of those who sustained him throughout the years, will endure as long as the spirit of free government endures. Abra- ham Lincoln regarded man as the noblest gift of an immortal creation, and his life teaches us that justice, integrity and mercy should mark his every deed. It was his resolve to live only in the Sunlit-zone of absolute truth ; he abhorred the darkness and he refused to walk in the twilight of questionable things. Ilis wisdom, his far-seeing vision and his great integrity enabled him to advance even to the vanguard among the world's foremost leaders, doing his duty as God had given him to see it. He took a land whose skies were dark with human bondage; he left a nation blessed with liberty and peace. With all his masterly strength he grasped the flag as it was falling prone, and powerless upon the ground. He razed upon it; he saw its stars growing dim, fts stripes tattered, its blue field torn. He saw vengeful hands rending it in twain. Hle un- furled it; he held it fast; he lifted it toward the sky. Only darkness met his gaze. He stretched his strong arms higher, holding it far above. It pierced the clouds. He saw them part. Ile beheld a burst of sunshine; then a traitor's blow, and his brave eyes closed for- ever. But on high and written all over its immortal folds, Justice dipping her pen in his outpouring blood, wrote in letters that will never fade, Liberty, Lincoln. The very life of this republic rests upon the virtues of Abraham Lincoln's deeds. His works are as the founda- tion rock upon which this structure of Ameri- can liberty stands. If patriotism sleeps, or stands idly by, while that rock is being as- sailed, then another age will ery out in anguish even as did the prophet to apostate Israel, 'Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn.' To you, men and women of America, to you I appeal: Go forth and teach true American patriotism, the patriotism of Washington and the fathers, the patriotism of Lincoln, of Grant, of Thomas. of Logan, and of the legions who fought that liberty might live and that Old Glory might remain in the sky. As we go to our respective homes let us resolve anew that those who suffered and those who made the
sacrifice shall not have suffered and sacrificed in vain. And of those who perished, and of those who have gone hence, let us out of full hearts continue to sing our anthems to their undying praise :
Go to their graves, O, Columbia fair- Go to their graves and scatter there Sweet flow'rets of a thousand hues-
Flow'rets that bloom in the matin dews; Scatter them-scatter them deep- Scatter them o'er where heroes sleep.
Go forth where the far-flung prairies lie --- Where 'neath the blue of a bending sky, Bright roses beam, and beckon and say -- Take of our bounties this beaut'ous day ; Scatter them-scatter them deep; Scatter them o'er where heroes sleep.
Go to the bills where the laurel grows- Where soft winds sigh-where the tempest blows,
Gather the choicest gifts of God That spring from the rich and rugged sod ; Scatter them-scatter them deep- Scatter them o'er where heroes sleep.
Go to the tomb where the chieftain lies, Where carved in rock of heroie days A story is told-of viet'ries won- Honors achieved-of duties well done.
Then softly approach that spot pressed down Where the stone lies low, the name "I'n- known"-
"Unknown"-unknown in the sight of God? Hle knoweth who sleeps beneath the sod.
'Twas a mother's boy-a brave loving lad, Who knew no glory save his nation's good ; Earth's bosom holds him in sacred embrace. Nor time, nor storms shall his glory efface. Entwine 'round the tomb and the lowly grave Blossoms of beauty for the true and brave ; Scatter them-scatter them deep --- Scatter then o'er where heroes sleep.
"In closing let us look forward with that hope which, as it has been said, 'springs eter- mal in the human breast.' A third of a con- tury hence, when the last lingering survivor shall have crossed to the other side, if grati- tude speaks, she will say: all honor to our Nation's soldier dead. A half century hence.
894
HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
when the wealth and influence of this repub- lic shall have climbed higher and still higher, if truth speaks, she will say :
This never could have been Had not Abraham Lincoln stood Firm as a rock while the battles raged- While the blood of patriots Poured out like falling rain.
"A century hence, when the deathless deeds of our Nation's defenders shall be fully recog- nized-when the glory of this government shall have reached its highest tide-then, if integrity speaks, she will say :
This heritage was secured Through atoning blood Where freedom's pennon flew- Where bayonets flashed- Where batteries roared- Where the earth's torn bosom, Crimsoned in martyr's blood, Closed over the silent forms Of Liberty's dead.
"A thousand years hence, when a higher civilization shall have come-when God's hand :shall be even more manifest, guiding this his chosen people-may we not believe that a Nation-wide patriotism will then speak and say :
Had it not been
For the heroism of those who wore the blue In the great struggle between right and wrong-
Had they not rallied and stood Like walls of living fire Around the Stars and Stripes- "Then, in those mighty days, :Sovereign law would have been blotted out, And constitutional liberty would have perished And faded away like a dream of things that were ---
Like a dream lost in the vortex of time forever.
"As long as nations live and republics en- dure, true patriotism will pay homage at this tomb.
Abraham Lincoln! Immortal name,
That fairest stands among the sons of fame.
"The storms of centuries may sweep and surge around this memorial-this altar of pa-
triotic love; the ravages of time may success- fully assail these towering facades; but the virtue of his deeds will endure as long as bea- con fires burn, making bright the portals of this republic redeemed in a martyr's blood and dedicated to better days. These figures, typi- fying service and sacrifice; these statues repre- senting heroism and patriotism, all these may perish and fall, but so long as pulses throb to unselfish deeds, so long as the incense of truth burns on loyal hearthstones, the record of those who rallied at Abraham Lincoln's call-who detied the furies of rebellion, who saluted death in the name of liberty and humanity, their record will endure, ever growing brighter and brighter, even as a lifted constellation in the heaven of man's noblest memory, making clear the path up which all peoples of the earth shall come in God's appointed time."
Mr. Darling is a life member of the Worces- ter County ( Mass.) Commandery of Knights Templar, and also of the Massachusetts Con- sistory of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, as well as of all the intermediate Masonic bodies. He is also a member of "The Lincoln Fellowship" of New York, and an hon- orary member of the "University Alliance In- ternational Congress of Arts and Science," with offices at New York. In consideration of his public services, and his efforts in teaching the true patriotism, Coe College of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 11, 1913, conferred upon Mr. Darling the degree of Doctor of Laws.
In 1570, Mr. Darling married Miss Sarah Winchester of Worcester, Mass. She was a most estimable and devoted wife and mother, rearing a splendid family of one son and five daughters, five of whom are now living, the youngest daughter, Grace, having died in 1912 at the age of twenty-seven years. Two of the daughters and the son are married. There are four grandchildren. Mrs. Darling died in 1906. In 1910, Mr. Darling married (second) Mrs. Sarah Katherine Harwood of Decatur, Ill., the widow of Kilburn Harwood. Mrs. Darling is a woman of marked intellectual power, and of rare executive ability. While living at Deca- tur, her former home, Mrs. Darling was identi- fied with much philanthropie and charitable work. For several years she was president of the Macon County Hospital board. In the or- ganization known as the Woman's Relief Corps, she has occupied many positions, for several years being state organizer. During six of the ten years' existence of the Woman's
895
HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
Republican State Committee of Illinois, she held the office of president. She was one of the prime movers in organizing the Macon County Illinois Soldier Monument Association. To carry out that most praiseworthy work, she secured a charter and was made treasurer and
solleitor. Success crowned her untiring ef- forts, and an imposing monument occupies a consplenous place in Central Park, Decatur. Mes. Darbug is in full sympathy and accord with the literary and patriotic work of her husband.
ALEXANDER FRANZ JOSEPH TETZE.
The artistic temperament bagets splendid work which is destined to live when it is directed by trained faculties and cultured taste. Those who possess talents along artistic lines have, especially during late years, found expression for them in designing and furnishing decora- tions for residences and business houses which not only afford pleasure to the eye but serve as lasting educational factors in the development of the public. Those who are rearing stately structures for various purposes recognize the importance of these decorative artists and en- gage those whom they feel certain will give to their buildings the necessary beautifying touches. Such men are not easy to find, for the demands of the day require that a decorator must not only be an artist but that he must also be a master of his business in a practical way. He must allow for the ravages of time and a city's clouded atmosphere, take into consideration the effect of artificial lighting, and the contrasts between the decorations and the brilliantly dressed throngs which are likely to crowd the rooms he is handling. Such a man was the late Alexander Franz Joseph Tetze of Chicago, who was admittedly one of the leading decora- tors of this section.
Alexander Franz Joseph Tetze was born at Vienna, Austria, May 15, 1863, a son of Alex- ander and Frances (Malone) Tetze, natives of Germany. The father belonged to the old Von Tetze family, originally very strong in European affairs, but the "von" was dropped when the name was transferred to American shores. The name Alexander has been in the family for over 300 years, always being given to the eldest son. The educational training of Mr. Tetze was ob- tained at private art schools of his native land, his parents wisely developing their son's un- doubted talents, for he was undoubtedly born an artist. In 1880 he came to the United States, and located on Humboldt boulevard, Chicago. He associated himself with the Brunswick-Balke Company as designer, continuing with that con- cern until he went with Keinan Bros. Manu- facturing Company, becoming one-third owner
of it, and being the company's designer. In 1002 Mr. Tetze organized the firm of Tetze & Mullen, manufacturers of fixtures, and in 1904 he went into a partnership with A. D. Plamon- dou under the name of Plamondon & Tetze, in- terior decorators, and continued this association until his death, October 1, 1914. This firm was recognized as being one of the best in the coun- try, and among other contracts executed by it were the following: The decorations for the Blackstone hotel, the Louis XVI room in the Annex, the Blue room in the Stratford hotel, much of the work for Marshall Field & Co., Stillson's new restaurant on Madison street, and the Weeghian restaurants, as well as some of the most beautiful and costly apartment houses in the city. Mr. Tetze possessed remarkable artistic ability and untiring zeal and enthusiasm. He was ever striving to create something better than he had hitherto produced, and when ci- gaged in his work he lost all consideration for anything else, many times sacrificing financial gain in order to bring about the effects he de- sired. His work received the highest praise from those who are competent to pass upon such artistic results, and he admittedly raised the standard and influenced others to emulate his example. It will be difficult to fill his place in the artistic world, and in his death Chicago has lost one whose life was spent in an endeavor to make more beautiful the world and educate the masses to an appreciation of the artistic possibilities surrounding them. At the time of his death he had just completed decorating to his satisfaction his beautiful south side resi- dence.
On August 28, 1900, Mr. Tetze married Miss Lillian Axe of Montana, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sophia (White) Axe, natives of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Axe went to California, from his native state, in 1849, but later located at Dillon, near Butte. Mont., where he became promi- nently identified with large mining interests. Mr. and Mrs. Tetze became the parents of one son, namely, Alexander Francis, who promises to develop much of his father's artistic ability.
896
HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
Mr. Tetze was a man of pleasing personality, and unlike many of his profession, was immacu- late in dress. A thorough gentleman in the highest sense of the word, he lived up to his convictions and never permitted anything of a
gross nature to approach hin. He was a mem- ber of the South Shore, Chicago Athletic and Germania clubs, and in them was greatly appre. ciated.
FREDERICK AUGUST LEUSMAN.
Medical science has so progressed that ad- vances are made in it almost hourly. Specializ- ing observation on disease has worked marvel- ous changes in methods of treatment; tireless theoretic experiments have proven the truth of contentions, and only after results have been demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt, are dis- coveries given to the public. In the work of the past quarter of a century are to be noticed such practical advances as the development of bac- teriology, the partially successful efforts to wipe out tuberculosis, bubonic plague, cholera, diph- theria, typhoid, spinal meningitis, and similar maladies. This marvelous progress has not come naturally, but is the outcome of the tireless, aggressive and self-sacrificing work of the men who have devoted themselves to the profession of medicine. One of the men whose name will ever be associated with this most honored of all callings is Dr. Frederick August Leusman, whose untimely demise cut short a useful career, and deprived Chicago of one of its eminent men. Dr. Leusman was born at Breslau, Silesia. Ger- many, March 12, 1853, a son of Baroness von Steinwehr Leusman and nephew of Baron Adolph Wilhelm von Steinwehr. a general who commanded a division of the Union Army dur- ing the Civil war, also published a series of geographies, map and gazetteer of the United States, his death occurring at Buffalo, New York, February 25, 1877. Dr. Leusman was graduated from the university of his native city in 1876 with the degree of B. A. He being the eldest son, it was the intention of his parents to educate him for Forestry so as to fit him for the management of their estate, as is the European custom: but he had a great desire to study medicine, and after serving in the German army he. upon the death of his mother, came to the United States in 1577. when a young man of twenty-four years, settling at Chicago which continued his home until his death August 3. 1913. After locating at Chicago he bought a drug store and took a course In pharmacy in the Chicago School of Pharmacy, and later entered the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, completing his course in that institu- tion in 1889. Following this he became con- nected With the faculty of his alma mater, specializing in genito-urinary diseases, retaining that chair until within two years of his death. His practice was very large, for he was ad- mittedly one of the authorities not only on his one specialty, but upon alnost all matters per- taining to his profession, while his research work will continue to be of lasting benefit to generations to come. Becoming a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, he contributed many very valuable articles for technical magazines. For several years he was attending surgeon at the German American Hospital and professor of genito-urinary surgery at the Jenner Medical College. Dr. Leusman founded the Chicago Hospital College of Medicine and was its dean and professor of surgery. As but natural, he belonged to the Chicago Medical Association, the Illinois Medical Association, the American Med- ical and Scientific Association and the Urilogical Society. He was a Kriger-Verien, having gained this title through service in the German army. For years he was deeply interested in the work of the American Geographical So- ciety, cud was a man whose activities were spread over many subjects, and whose capabili- ties appeared to be equal to almost any demand made upon them.
On April 25, 1882, Dr. Leusman was married to Miss Emily Wild of London, England, a daughter of Benjamin and Emma (Powell) Wild, natives of Germany and Wales. Mr. Wild was a jeweler in business at London for fifty-five years. Mrs. Wild dying. the husband came to Chicago to join his daughter in 1:97, and lived at Chicago until his death in 1904. One of the lovable characteristics of Dr. Leus- man was his quiet. undemonstrative philan- thropy. Not only did he cheerfully respond to countless calls made upon him from those whose circumstances were such that any adequate reimbursement was impossible, but when he found want in a home he returned, loaded with baskets of food and clothing. In his life and
;
Fra. Leurman
897
HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
work Dr. Leusman proved the truth of the say- Ing "the medical profession is a divine one, for it not only cures, but saves," and he took pride in the fact that so much of his effort could be
directed towards wiping out of those scourges which in the past had wiped out whole com- munities, and laid waste the work of years.
RICHARD S. THOMPSON.
As an endnent attorney, distinguished states- man, honored veteran of the Civil war, and a man of unswerving honesty of purpose and un- blemished moral character, the late Richard 3. Theugron ranked among the leading men of Chicago. Ile was born at Cape May Court House. Cape May County, N. J., December 27, INit, a son of Richard and Elizabeth ( Holmes) Thompson.
Richard Thompson, father of Colonel Thomp- son, was born at Fishing Creek, Cape May County, N. J., December 3, 1795, and died Sep- tember 27, 1857, at the homestead, Cape May Court House, N. J. His wife, whom he mar- tied February 15, 1823, was born at Cape May Court House, N. J., February S. 1800, and died there January 13, 1844. He was a member of the General Assembly of New Jersey, and also of the Council of New Jersey, while his business connections were with shipping interests, as he was a large ship owner.
Richard S. Thompson, when only thirteen years old, entered the Norristown Academy, Pa., aud from that time until he volunteered in the servire of his country during the Civil war. he pursued the life of a student, being graduated from the law department of Harvard College in 1861, and admitted to the Philadelphia bar in the spring of 1862. For about one year, he was a member of Captain Biddle's Artillery Com- jany of Philadelphia, but in August. 1862, il twelve days, he enlisted a full company from Cumberland County, N. J., and with it joined the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, at Woodbury, as Company K, of which he was made captain. In September, 1862, while this regiment was stationed at Ellicott's Mills, Md., Captain Thompson was appointed assistant pro- vost marshal, under General Wood, and on Feb- ruary 16, 1803, after the regiment had joined the Army of the Potomac on the Rappahannock above Falmouth, Captain Thompson was ap- pointed judge advocate of a division court mar- tial. He was promoted to the rank of major of the regiment, on February 25, 1864, and to that of lieutenant-colonel, on July 2. 1864. Colonel Thompson participated in the following engage- ments : Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Falling
Water, Auburn Mills, Bristow Station, Black- burn's Ford, Robinson's Tavern, Mine Run, Deep Bottoin, North Bank of James River and Reamus Station. In the last named battle, on August 25, 1864, he was twice wounded, once in the hand, and later in the side, from which he did not recover mail in May, 1865.
On the morning of July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, he was placed in command of the charge on the Bliss barn made by Companies A, C, D, F and K of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. They captured the barn, took a number of Con- federate prisoners, and held the position until several batteries of the Confederate artillery were concentrated on the barn, but in the end, the Union forces took their prisoners and re- turned to their main line. On June 11, 1561, he was placed in command of a provisional bat- talion at Alexandria, Va., with which he fe- ported to General Butler at Bermuda Hundreds. On June 26, 1864, he rejoined his own regiment. On August 20, 1864, Colonel Thompson was made officer of the day by General Hancock, on the north bank of the James River, where he was left in command of the corps, pickets and skir- mishers during the withdrawal of the troops to the south side of the river. For his services on this occasion, he received an autograph letter from General Hancock, complimenting him for the manner in which he preformed the duty as- signed him. During December, 1864, while still on crutches. Colonel Thompson was appointed president of a general court martial at Phila- delphia for the trial of officers, on which service he continued until he tendered his resignation on the ground, that being unfit for active duty. he felt that those who were in the fiekl perform- ing his duties were entitled to promotion. On February 17, 1865, he was honorably discharged by reason of wounds received in battle. He com- manded his regiment for a long time with the rank of captain, and also with the ranks of major and lieutenant-colonel.
On June 7. 1865, he married Miss Catherine C. Scovel. a daughter of the Rev. Alden and Elizabeth Barber ( Hutchinson) Scovel. Rev. Alden Scovel was born at Peru, Berkshire County, Mass., April 4, 1801, and died July 16,
898
HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
1889, at Chicago. His marriage was solemnized September 27, 1827, his wife having been born at Princeton, N. J., June 6, 1SOS, and died at Chicago, November 5, 1892.
In October, after their marriage, Colonel and Mrs. Thompson located at Chicago and there he entered upon the practice of his profession, thus continuing until he retired in 1912. In 1869, he was appointed corporation counsel of the village of Hyde Park, then a suburb of Chi- cago, and now a part of the city, holding that office until 1875, when he was appointed counsel of the South Park Commissioners, and thus continued until 18SO. In 1872, as Republican candidate, he was elected a member of the Illinois Senate for four years, and as senator
of the Second District of Illinois he became well known throughout the state as an able parlia- mentarian, and on several occasions the press throughout the commonwealth declared him as able a one as had ever occupied a seat in the Illinois Legislature.
Colonel Thompson was a member of the Illi- nois Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Western Society of the Army of the Potomac, the Union League Club, the Kenwood Club, the Chicago Bar Association, and ranked among the leading members of the Chicago bar. St. Paul's Epis- copal Church held his membership. Ile died at his home No. 5400 East End Avenue, Ghicago, Wednesday, June 3, 1914.
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.