USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 20
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Mrs. Margaretha Rohr, daughter of Michael Hoffman, and widow of Dr. Frederick Rohr, was born at Chicago November 9, 1859, and was educated in the public schools of this city. On May 25, 1886, she married Dr. Frederick Rohr who was born at Kenosha, Wis., August 25, 1558, a son of Nicholas and Marie Rohr. Dr. Rohr was educated in the public schools of Kenosha, the training school of Watertown and Bennett Medical College of Chicago from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of M. D. Subsequently he was graduated from Rush Medical College, and then spent two years abroad studying at Vienna and Heidelberg uuider some of the most distinguished physicians
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and surgeons of those cities. Upon his return to Chicago he began an active practice which terminated with his death, January 27, 1911. Dr. Rohr belonged to the Wisconsin Society and the Germania Club. Dr. and Mrs. Rohr became the parents of five children: Frederick W., who was graduated from the Chicago Latin School in 1907, the University of Chicago in 1912, and the Rush Medical College in 1914, with a degree of M. D. ; Adele, who in May, 1912. became the wife of William R. Elden, western agent for the Lidgerwood Manufacturing Co. of Chicago: Herbert J., who is a student in the Lane Technical School of Chicago; and George and Otto who are deceased.
In the death of Dr. Rohr, Chicago was bereft
of a valuable citizen, a skilled and conscientious physician and surgeon and one who was a friend to every worthy enterprise. While some years have elapsed since the demise of Dr. Rohr, his influence has not ceased to be a potent factor among those with whom he associated. His labors for many years were a tangible element in the medical profession of Chicago, and have left their impression upon the history of his country. Mrs. Rohr still maintains her home at Chicago, and is well-known in the social circles here. She takes an active part in charitable work and is an exemplary woman of refined tastes, and her friends are as numerous as her acquaintances and entertain for her the warmest regard.
BENJAMIN F. RUBEL.
In order to make successful such large bust- ness enterprises as rule the commercial world, there must be men of great ability, keen com- mercial sense and unlimited industry, first to be found, later to foster and subsequently to bring to completed importance these same con- cerns. Among such men stood the late Benja- min F. Rubel, who was identified for years with some of the leading business concerns of Chicago, was likewise connected with social and religious bodies and was deeply interested in various charities. Benjamin F. Rubel was born September 17, 1866, at Chicago. and died at his home, No. 4337 Grand Boulevard, in the same city April 18, 1813. He was a son of Isaac and Frances (Strauss) Rubel, who came to Chicago in 1859. The surviving brothers and sisters are: Maurice, Isadore, Harry, Mrs. Emma (Rubel) Block, and Mrs. Clara (Rubel) Kaufmann.
During the boyhood of Benjamin F. Rubel the family lived on the West Side, Chicago, and he was mainly educated at the Marquette puh- lic school. Ile entered into business soon after leaving school, with the firm of Isaac Rubel & Son, his father being the senior member of this firm, and remained until 1897, in these years learning all about the manufacture of
steam fittings. His tastes, however, lay in an- other direction and after leaving his father's works he entered into partnership with Giacomo Allegretti, organizing the Rubel and Allegretti Company, wholesale and retail dealers and manufacturers of candy. When this firm was finally dissolved, Mr. Rubel took over the retail business interests and continued in this line until his death, becoming widely known as a manufacturer and dealer in fine confectionery. He had additional business responsibilities and interests and was sole owner of the Fleisch- man Floral Company, which he had entirely controlled for twelve years.
. Mr. Rubel was a member of the Chicago Sinai Congregation. He was probably one of the most conscientiously charitable men in the city, giving generously wherever need was brought to his notice and was one of the philanthropists who assumed heavy responsibilities in regard to the Chicago Hebrew Institute, the De Borah Boys' Club and the Miriam Girls' Club. He enjoyed social relaxation and was a valued member of the Illinois Athletic and the Stand- ard clubs. After an illness of but one week, Mr. Rubel passed away dying from an attack of pneumonia. He was laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. Mr. Rubel was unmarried.
ALEXANDER HUGH FERGUSON.
The men who have devoted their lives to the onerous but most worthy profession of medicine and surgery should receive the homage of all. The great body of physicians and surgeons of Chicago is largely represented by men who are
noted for their skill, kindness and great gen- erosity. Among the distinguished physicians and surgeons whose career graced the history of the medical profession of this city was the late Dr. Alexander Hugh Ferguson. He was
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Olay Hugh for July
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a native of Ontario, Canada, born February 27, 1853, and was a son of Alexander and Annie (McFadyen) Ferguson, both natives of Argyle- shire, Scotland. Dr. Ferguson received his lit- erary education in the Rockwood Academy and the Manitoba College of his native country. He began teaching school at an early age, follow- ing this vocation some years, and later was in- structor in the Manitoba College. He subse- quently entered the medical department of Trin- ity University of Toronto, Canada, from which institution he was graduated in 1SS1, with the degree of M. B. and later in the same year re- ceived the degrees of M. D. and C. M. from: the same institution and also earned by com- petitive examination a Fellowship degree. Dur- ing this year he visited a number of the noted American hospitals and in 1889 he visited those of London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Berlin, tak- ing a course at Koch's laboratory in the latter place. In 1881, Dr. Ferguson began the practice of his chosen profession at Buffalo, N. Y., but. after a short stay at that place he returned to Winnipeg. Manitoba, where he resumed the prac- tice of medicine and continued in practice at that city until July, 1894. He took an active part and was instrumental in founding the Man- Itoba Medical College, in which, for three years, he was professor of physiology and histology, and professor of surgery from 1886 to 1894. He was a member of the general staff of the Win- nipeg General Hospital, surgeon-in-chief of the St. Boniface Hospital and chief operator at the Brandon and Mordon hospitals of Manitoba. He was the first president of the Manitoba branch of the British Medical Association, and was a member of the Provincial Board of Health. In December, 1593, he was elected professor of surgery in the Chicago Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital. He also served as sur- geon to the Chicago Post-Graduate Hospital and to the Cook County Hospital for the Insane. In 1900 he became professor of clinical surgery in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of the University of Illi- nois. He was surgeon-in-chief to the Chicago Hospital for ten years and was consulting sur- geon to the Cook County Hospital and to the Mary Thompson Hospital. He was appointed First Lieutenant of the United States Medical Reserve Corps in 1911, and filled the position with distinction and honor. During his many years in practice he devised many important operations which are acknowledged everywhere by surgeons and which gave him an interna-
tional reputation in medical circles. In 1906 he was decorated by the late King Carlos of Portugal), Commander of the Order of Christ for his excellency in surgery. He received a high and greatly deserved honor in 1910 by being elected to the presidency of the Chicago Medical Society, an office in the medical world second ofily in importance to the presidency of the American Medical Association. He was a member of the British Medical Association, the International Surgical Association, the Amer- ican Medical Association, the American Surgical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Chicago Gynecological Society, the Chicago Surgical Society, fellow of the Chicago Academy of Medicine and the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, also ex-presi- dent of the Tri-State Medical Association and the Western Surgical and Gynecological Asso- ciation, fellow of the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association, and member of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association, honorary member Michigan State Medical Association, Wayne County Medical Society and Michigan Tract Medical Association. Outside of the purely professional field he was a member of the leading literary and social clubs in Chicago, including the University Club, the Press Club, the South Shore Country Club, etc. Dr. Fergu- son was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a thirty-second degree Mason, and had the respect of all who knew him. He stood high in his profession as a physician and surgeon and had many friends.
Dr. Ferguson was married in 1882 to Miss Sarah Jane Thomas of Nassagaweya, Canada, and to this union two sons were born, Ivan Havelock and Alexander Donald. Dr. Ferguson was devoted to his profession in which he achieved many honors by his industry, his un- limited energy, his conscientious work, his per- severence and his unwavering courage. He was publie spirited and charitable and always found time in his busy professional career for study- ing and fostering movements which aimed to improve the public weal. Ilis death which oc- curred October 20, 1911, from septicemia, due to blood poisoning contracted while performing an operation at St. Luke's Hospital during the summer of 1911, removed from Chicago one of its most eminent and skilled surgeons. His benevolence was unostentatious and genuine and there is nothing in the story of his life to show that he ever for a moment sought to compass a given end for the purpose of exalting himself.
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He championed measures and aided the suffer- ing and accepted as his reward that thrill of delight which always accompanies victories achieved. It is but just to say of him as a professional man that he ranked with the ablest ; as a citizen he was honorable, prompt and true to every engagement; as a man he enjoyed the esteem of all creeds and political proclivities; as a husband and father he was a model worthy of all imitation. He was unassuming in his manner, sincere in his friendship, steadfast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. Through- out his career of useful professional life his duties were performed with the greatest care and scientific accuracy. He spoke kindly of his friends and neighbors and professional col- leagues and was always quick to see and appre- ciate the good in others. He was never too busy to be courteous and cordial and yet he never allowed anything to interfere with the careful and honorable conduct of his profession. His life, in short, in its various phases was well balanced and made him highly esteemed in all those circles where true worth is received as the passport into good society.
His two sons, Ivan Havelock and Alexander Donald, are worthy descendants of a distin- guished father. The former and eldest son, Ivan Havelock, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 14, 1884, moving to Chicago with his par- ents when ten years of age. His early literary training was obtained in the public schools and
later in the University high school of Chicago, from which he was graduated. Subsequently he attended the University of Illinois, and later entered the medical department of the Univer- sity of Chicago, in which he was a student until 1909, when he was compelled to abandon his studies on account of ill health. Since the death of his father in 1911, he has devoted his time to the management of his father's estate. Ile is a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and of the Colonial Club of Chicago. Following in the professional footsteps of his father, is Alexander Donald Ferguson, the younger son, who is also a native of Winnipeg. Canada, and born April 10, 1886. He received his education in the Michigan Military Academy, at Orchard Lake, Mich. In 1907-OS he was manager of the Chicago Hospital under his father and in September of the latter year he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Illinois, and was graduated from this insti- tution in 1912 with the degree of M. D. In December of the same year he began the practice of his profession with offices at No. 32 North State street, where he has since continued with success. Dr. Ferguson was married in Chicago, September 25, 1912, the lady of his choice being Miss Dorothy Williams of Chicago. He is a member of Phi Rho Sigma and Delta Alpha Epsilon fraternities and of the Colonial Club of Chicago.
NILES THEODORE QUALES.
The broad field of medical service, profound research, useful teachings, skillful surgery, main- tenance of public health, as well as the manifold duties pertaining to a general practice, all com- bine to make of the physician and surgeon a man of broad ideas and consummate ability. In order to take up his profession at all, the medical man must first be well grounded in the ordinary courses, and then follow years of in- dividual effort both as to practice and theory before he can at length take his place in the long line of men who press ouward towards the goal of distinction. All do not reach it, for many fall out, but those who become known in general practice or along special lines have to keep abreast with others of the same mind and bent, not resting until the desired end is gained. The history of the Chicago medical profession shows many instances of merit rewarded, and ability recognized, and in few cases more so
than in that of Niles Theodore Quales, one of the eminent physicians of this city.
Niles Theodore Quales was born at Hardan- ger, Norway, January 17, 1831, and died at Chi- cago, Ill., May 23, 1914. He was a son of Targiles J. and Gurine (Tioflet) Quales, most excellent people to whom he owed his early educational training in private schools. Later he attended the Agricultural Institute of Hard- anger, from which he was graduated in 1851. Still later he entered the Royal Veterinary Col- lege at Copenhagen and was graduated there- from in 1856, following which he held a govern- ment position until 1850. In that year he re- signed his position to emigrate to the United States, and upon landing in this country came direct to Chicago. Upon his arrival here he obtained employment at a railroad office until his enlistment in August, 1861, for service in defense of his adopted country, as a member
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of Company B, First Illinois Artillery, thus continuing until 1803, when he was placed on detached duty at General Sherman's Headquar- ters, being put in charge of the veterinary hospital at Nashville. He was also an assistant at the post hospital, and so continued until his terin of service expired. During this period of usefulness he began studying medicine and later matriculated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated with his degree in 1566. Soon thereafter he became house physician and surgeon of the Cook County Hospital, thus continuing until 1867, when he established himself in a general practice, in which he reaped many returns. For some years he was connected with the North Side Free Dispensary and was made city physi- cian in 18GS. Later he was physician to the Scandinavian Immigrant Aid Society, and from 1870 to 1877, he was surgeon to the United States Marine Hospital. Dr. Quales was the prime mover in establishing the Norwegian Tabitha Hospital and was head physician of the same and a member of its board of trustees. He belonged to the Chicago Medical society, the Illi- nois State Medical society, the Scandinavian Medical society, which he has served as presi- dent, and the American Medical Association. A religious man, he was one of the founders of the Wicker Park Evangelical Lutheran Church, and
the Lutheran Deaconess's Hospital, of which he had been attending physician since 1904. In addition he was one of the founders and later the president of the Norwegian Old People's Home Society, and a member of the board of directors of the Chicago Evangelical Lutheran Seminary at Maywood, IM. On April 1, 1910, Dr. Quales received the Order of "St. Olaf"' from Haakon VII, King of Norway.
Dr. Quales resided at No. 1951 Fowler street, where he maintained his office, and although he had long passed the span allotted mankind, he continued in active practice, a number of his old patients clinging to him and relying upon his skill.
In 1870 Dr. Quales was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Lowson, and they became the parents of three children : Iver L., Martha, and Nellie Ruth.
Ever since he received his degree Dr. Quales devoted himself, his time, energy and life to the preservation of public health and the alleviation of human ills. His had been no easy task, nor had it always been remunerated as was befitting his high standing and undoubted great work, and yet he cheerfully accepted the disadvan- tages, made the countless sacrifices asked of him, and felt compensated by his realization that his life had not been lived in vain.
FRANCIS LANGE.
The Rev. Francis Lange, pastor of St. Josa- phat Polish Roman Catholic Church of Chicago, is one of the scholarly, able and conscientious priests of this city, whose influence over his people has been gained through earnest work and a thorough comprehension of their needs. Strangers in an unknown city, these foreign- born people need the comforting advice and kindly care of their priests much more than those who understand every phase of cosmo- politan life. Thus it is that those of the clergy who are assigned to parishes such as the one mentioned above bave difficult tasks before them, but none fail, for they are men of unusual ability and dignified capability who know how to reach their people and hold their confidence. Father Lange was born in German Poland, West Prussia, December 13, 1857. His preliminary education was received in the village schools of Domatowo, while he attended the gymnasium for his classical courses, in the city of Neustadt. On November 1, 1884, he landed in New York
City, and soon thereafter began the study of philosophy at St. Francis seminary, Milwau- kre, Wis. In 1855, he entered St. Mary's semi- mary at Baltimore for his theological studies, and in 1SSS was ordained to the priesthood at Chicago, by the late Archbishop Fechan in the Cathedral of the Holy Name. On September 28 of the same year he became assistant priest of the church of St. Mary of Perpetual Help of Chicago, remaining there for ten useful months.
On September 14, 1859, he was appointed pas- tor of St. Josaphat's parish, now an irremovable rectorship. Father Lange built the present church editice, a fireproof structure costing $140,- 000. The parish now comprises over 1,000 fami- lies, or a total of 5,000 souls. The excellent school, conducted in conjunction with the church, is under the supervision of fourteen sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, and there are 940 mmpils enrolled. The societies con- nected with the church number seventeen and the Sodality of St. Joseph has ninety members,
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all of whom have the name of Joseph. The men's Temperance Sodality has 400 members, while the Ladies' Sodality has $35 members. The Young Ladies' Sodality has 450 members. The parish was organized in May, 1884, and on May 14, 1909, they celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary, when the Right Rev. Paul P. Rhode pontificated. In 1913 Father Lange erected a new St. Josaphat hall school building at a cost of $72,000, which in addition to the old school will accommodate 380 extra pupils, and the hall will seat 800 people.
The present St. Josaphat church edifice is the first absolutely fireproof structure built in Illinois for religious purposes. Father Lange
Is assisted by two priests in his work, but he is the center about whow all revolves. A man fitted by long training, experience and natural inclination for his work, he has achieved won- ders in his parish, and not only has brought about many material naprovements, but has awakened and kept alive a steady flame of en- thusiastic interezt, and pride on the part of his people. He has taught them to take their re- ligion into their everyday life and make others better because of it. The influence of such a man and those he teaches is unlimited and must always work out for the betterment of hu- manity.
LEMAN D. DOTY.
. In every great industrial organization there are men holding responsible positions who are constantly placed before the public and given the bulk of the credit for whatever success is attained. Behind these men, however, are the men who actually do the work. We hear but little of these men, but in reality they deserve a large share of this credit. Leman D. Doty was one of these men who, for years, held an important position with the Illinois Steel Com- pany of Chicago, and who assisted in founding and building up the city of Gary, Indiana, and the huge industry carried on there.
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Leman D. Doty was born in Dansville, N. Y., October 3, 1846. He was a son of George and Emma (Bottom) Doty, natives of the state of New York, where the father was a merchant dur- ing his early life. Later, the family moved to Amboy, Ill., where Leman D. Doty spent his boyhood, from the time he was ten years old un- til he entered business life. He received his edu- cation in the public schools of Amboy, and, de- ciding to become a telegraph operator, learned telegraphy and was made operator for the Illi- nois Central Railroad at Scales Mound, Ill., where he remained for six years. During this period, by hard study and the improvement of his time, he learned bookkeeping, which enabled him to accept a position as accountant for the Champion Furnace Company at Champion, Mich. His association with this firm was terminated by the destruction of the plant by fire in 1874, following which he went to Ishpeming, Mich., to accept a position as accountant in Austin's Market House, a large wholesale and retail es- tablishment. Ile remained with this firm for three years, when he was offered a position as
bool:keeper for Westlake & Bronson, dry-goods merchants, in Marquette, Mich. In 1880 Mr. Doty returned to ishpeming where he entered the offices of the Cleveland Iron & Mining Com- pany as general accountant, remaining there until 1886, when he came to Chicago and entered what was destined to be his life work, the steel industry, aud became an official of the Illinois Steel Company by being appointed distributing agent. Within two years he was promoted to purchasing agent, which position he held until his retirement in 1910. His death took place May 24, 1014.
On September 9, 1873, Mr. Doty married Miss Harriet L. Harvey of Mt. Clemens, Mich., daugh- ter of Noah and Lydia ( Cole) Harvey, natives of the state of New York. Mr. Doty is survived by . his wife and four children: Leman E., who is assistant superintendent of the coke plant of the Illinois Steel Company, at Gary, Ind. ; Eva L., who is the wife of Rev. S. S. Thompson, now in the Philippine Islands; Harriet M., who is the wife of F. B. Wirt, an architect of Chicago ; and George H., who is in the real estate business In Chicago.
During his long association with the Illinois Steel Company, Mr. Doty became closely identi- fied with its policies, knew personally all of those officials whose names will be linked in history with the steel industry, and was most highly appreciated and esteemed by them. As an indi- cation of the high regard in which he was held by his fellow directors and associates in the Illinois Steel Company, they presented to the family. after his death, a beautiful memorial volume bound in leather. As a further token of respect, the offices, of which he formerly bad
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charge, were closed on the day of his funeral and every official of the company attended the services.
Mr. Doty was a Methodist in religious faith and a Republican in politics. He was a man of the highest standards and ideals and endeavored
to assist others to attain them. In the death of Mr. Doty, the Illinois Steel Company lost one of its most valued executives, Chicago one of its most exemplary citizens, and in bis family it caused a vacancy which can never be filled.
ALOIS HUNKELER.
In touching upon matters of importance rela- tive to the business growth and development of Chicago which has risen to second place among the mighty cities of the country, it is but fitting to dwell upon the services rendered by those captains of industry who have made possible present existing conditions. Without their vim and enterprise Chicago could never have reached its present prominence, for no city or country can be greater than the rank and file of its citizens. These meu have rendered in- estimable assistance to their communities, deal- ing direct with stout realities instead of offering vague theories, and consequently have achieved remarkable progress in their business enter- prises. These representative men have come from all over the world to participate in the formation of a mighty empire of industrialism, and one who has borne well his part in the city's achievements is Alois Hunkeler, proprietor and owner of the Hotel Rigi at the corner of Adams and Clinton streets, Chicago. Mr. Hunkeler was born in Switzerland, Schoetz, Kt. Luzern, December 25, 1858, a son of Johann and Kath- arina (Kneubueber) Hunkeler, both natives of Switzerland, born in 1816 and 1820, respectively. These parents married in Switzerland, and spent the remainder of their useful lives within its confines. Always farmers, they became exten- sive landowners and people of substance in their own country.
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