USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 21
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Alois Hunkeler grew up to earnest, industrious manhood in his native land, receiving a sensible educational training there, but when he attained his majority, he began an apprenticeship to the butchering trade, which, when completed af- forded him the means of acquiring a good liv- ing. In compliance with the laws of his coun- try, he served his period in the Swiss army and was a loyal soldier. In 1882 he decided to seek: his fortune beyond the seas, and came direct to Chicago. Soon after his arrival in this city, he obtained employment with Rudolph Weber, as a butcher, remaining in this connection for four months, when he went to St. Louis, Mo .. where he continued to follow his trade, with
John Foerstel, but within a short time returned to Chicago. In time he secured employment in a dairy and later in a brick yard, and during the winter of 1553-4, worked in the packing-house of Libby, MeNeil & Libby. In the spring of 1584, he formed a partnership with Fritz Stettler for the purpose of conducting a milk business in Chicago, and so continued for eighteen months, when the partnership was dissolved, each member of the firm continuing in business in- dependently.
In 18:5 Mr. Hunkeler returned to Switzerland and after a visit of several months he returned to Chicago, the same boat bearing Miss Eliza Kneubuehler, an old sweetheart of his. She was born September 21, 1860, a daughter of Johann and Elizabeth ( Stoker) Kneubuehler. These young people were married soon after their ar- rival in Chicago, on May 27, 1885. . Soon there- after Mr. Hunkeler purchased a lot on Melrose avenue, Chicago, and erected a small house, and this continued to be the family residence for four years. Later he rebuilt the original house making it a two-story frame structure, and in it he carried on a milk business, handling the product of thirty cows, and selling milk and dairy goods. In 199 Mr. Hunkeler sold his milk business, rented his property and with his wife and a son who had been born to them, made another trip to Switzerland. They en- joyed a four months' reunion with their rela- tives and then came back to Chicago, where in November, 1549, Mr. Hunketer embarked in a first-class buffet business on Canal street, near Van Buren, where he remained for nine months, and then secured the corner location at Canal and Van Buren streets. There he continued for many years, and did a large business. From 1594 to 1sos he was also interested in handling horses upon an extensive scale, buying in the country and shipping to Switzerland and Bel- ginm, making one or two trips in connection with this line of business each year. In 1898 he sold his Melrose avenue property, and in 1599 sold his buffet business, soon thereafter buying a fine residence property on Paulina
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street. He then practically retired for several years, but as he was a man of active habits and fertile brain, he began looking about for an- other profitable investment, finding it in the spring of 1903, when he secured a ground lease of ninety-nine years on the property at the cor- ner of Adams and Clinton streets, on which he erected a handsome three-story and basement brick hotel, modern in every respect, containing thirty-six bedrooms, a fine buffet and restaurant and barber shop. Here he established himself in business as a hotel man, naming his property the Hotel Rigi. This hostelry has become very well and favorably known to the traveling pub- lic and Mr. Hunkeler has enjoyed a large and profitable patronage since the inception of his house. He now has an option on the ground, and has arranged for the purchase of it.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunkeler have become the par- ents of seven children, of whom only three are living : Hans, Emil and Paul. Mr. Hunkeler belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is a lead- ing member of the Schweizer Mannerchor of Chicago, and a number of other Swiss societies in the city. The success which has attended Mr. Hunkeler has not been achieved along any royal road to fortune, but is the outcome of per- sistent, intelligent and thrifty endeavor along lines with which he was acquainted. He has dealt fairly and honorably with everyone, and his business associates regard him with personal friendship. Ilis countrymen in Chicago look to him for leadership, and his influence among them is powerful and is directed towards ele- vating them and making of them good citizens for their adopted country.
MARY AUGUSTA (GAGE) PETERSON.
Within the past quarter of a century the gentler sex has made rapid strides forward. Although always recognized as the influence behind the workers of the world, it has not been until recent years that a woman was per- mitted to give full scope to her ability and demonstrate her power to cope with almost every phase of life. The work has just been commenced, although there are a few who have forged ahead of their companions and already made their names stand for much that is ele- vating and learned in the world's work. One of these scholarly and capable women is Mrs. Mary Augusta (Gage) Peterson, whose efforts in behalf of the conservation of forestry, and the proper development of educational facili- ties and charitable movements, have made ber a national character. Mrs. Peterson, widow of the late Peter S. Peterson, was born at Boston, Mass., October 2, 1844, and is a worthy product of that most learned city. Both families are old in this country, John Gage and Richard Kim- ball having arrived in the Colonies in 1630. com- ing from England. John Gage was a member of the staff of Governor Winthrop, the first governor of the colony of Massachusetts. She laid a good foundation for her educational train- ing in the excellent public schools of Boston, later attending Abbott Academy of Andover, Mass., for two years, and Mt. Holyoke College, from which she was graduated as well as from the State Normal School of New York.
On October 27, 1865, Mrs. Peterson was mar- ried to Peter S. Peterson, the pioneer nursery-
man of Chicago. He had founded the nursery that bears his name on Lincoln and Peterson avenues, Chicago, the largest nursery devoted to ornamental purposes in this country. When they were married the husband was still in a struggling state, and Mrs. Peterson took hold with a ready vim which characterizes her ac- tions. As long as her husband's business and family required attention, Mrs. Peterson devoted herself to them, but hers was too well developed an intellect to lie fallow, and she soon began interesting herself along educational, religious and charitable lines. Naturally fond of nature, and having had her perceptions sharpened by her association with her husband's work, she became interested in the study of forestry, and traveled extensively to pursue her research work. In time she collected one of the finest and most complete libraries in the world on forestry and the conservation of the natural resources of the country along this line, and has received signal recognition not only from her own people, but those of foreign lands. Mrs. Peterson was chair- man of the forestry department of the general federation of Women's Clubs for many years, and since 1907 she has been frequently called upon to present her views upon the lecture platform, not only relative to forestry, but other subjects to which she has given time and at- tention. She it was who was selected to make the address on "forest conservation" at the open- ing of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition at Seattle, Washington, in 1909. In addition Mrs. Peterson has been for years identified with the
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development of the manual training school move- ment, especially that devoted to the domestic sciences, and is well posted with regard to what has been accomplished both here and in Europe. She was deeply interested in the domestic science department of the Armour Institute, from its inception until it was dis- continued, and she was one of the body of women who took under advisement the desir- ability of its separate maintenance. Since it has been conducted by a board of women selected from various clubs, she has been an officer, and as the School of Domestic Arts and Sciences, it is known all over the country as one of the best institutions of its kind. Since 1905 Mrs. Peterson has been either a director or trus- tee of Mt. Holyoke College and gave to it Peter- son Lodge to be used as a home for its retired teachers, some years ago. Mrs. Peterson was one of the organizers and incorporators of the Chicago College Club in 1907, continuing ber active membership ever since, while at the same time she has served it as an officer. For several years she has been president of the Mt. Holyoke Alumnae Association.
About forty years ago Mrs. Peterson founded the Bowmanville Sunday school, from which the present Congregational Church has grown, and she is now one of its most liberal supporters and active members. Not only has she taught Bible study classes on Sunday, but several evenings during the week, and she is frequently called upon to address audiences upon religious and missionary subjects. Devotedly attached to her late husband, Mrs. Peterson has since her mar- riage displayed a deep interest in Swedish
art, culture and advancement. In her home she has some notable collections which display the arts and crafts of Sweden, while she has often- times lectured upon these interesting subjects, thus enlightening and broadening public opinion. Recognition of her services to the Swedish peo- ple in America was given by King Gustav, who conferred the Order of Vasa upon her son, Wil- liam A. Peterson. This honor was the outcome of a recommendation by the Swedish minister at Washington, setting forth the state of affairs to his ruler. In addition to her other labors, Mrs. Peterson has found time for literary work, and is the author of the "Nature Lover's Creed," which is in use in the public schools throughout the United States, as well as of other equally creditable writing.
In order to inform herself firsthand upon the questions which were interesting her, Mrs. Peter- son has traveled extensively, having visited the Holy Land and Egypt twice, and Europe many times. Her home is in Chicago, and her rest- dence at Lincoln and Peterson avenues is one of the most beautiful and comfortable in the city. As her inclinations have led her, she has remodeled it, and it is filled with trophies of her travels. Her choice library of rare books finds a fitting setting, as do her collections of objects of art, baskets, lighting devices of all periods, of Indian relies, and from the windows can be seen the exquisite grounds, artistically laid out with a view to affording pleasure to the eye. The whole home is an epitome of the life and mentality of the owner, and from it she radiates a powerful influence for good and a moral and intellectual uplift.
JOHN HALL SHERRATT.
The study of the life and accomplishments of a successful man, is full of educational value, especially when such a person has achieved tangible and practical results, and has raised the standard and set an example which goes to form a real bulwark of Americanism. A comprehensive knowledge of such a man brings appreciation of him and his motives, and when he is one who has already answered the eternal roll call, gives his memory that credit due it seldom awarded to the living. The late Captain John Hall Sherrait, a leading factor in the commercial and social life of Rockford for many years, and a man who was honored by election to the highest office within the gift of the city, was one who never shirked a duty,
but marched ahead to meet and conquer any enemy, either personal or one which threatened nation or community. His battles were many, for he never ceased to be a soldier in the army of Common Welfare, but in the end victory perched upon his standard and went with him into the Great Beyond. Captain Sherratt was a native product of Winnebago County, was born within its confines in 1845, and passed from this mortal life in Philadelphia, Pa., March 15, 1906. He was a son of Thomas and Lydia (Holmes) Sherratt, natives of England, early settlers of Winnebago County. They had two daughters and three sons, Captain Sher- ratt being the second in order of birth. The elder brother, Thomas, was a very brilliant
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scholar. Ile enlisted in the Seventy-fourth III- nois Volunteer Infantry, as did Captain Sher- ratt. The elder brother had already entered college and John had passed examination for entrance at the time of enlistment. The former was injured in the battle of Stone River and sent home on account of disability. He finished his college course, purposing to devote his tal- ents to the practice of his chosen profession, the law, when death claimed him, at the age of twenty-two years. As he had never fully recov- ered from his injuries, he was as truly a victim of the great Civil war as though he had been killed on the battle field.
Captain Sherratt's early education was in the Rockford schools. When only seventeen years old, he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered Into the service on August 7. 1862. Although he enlisted as a private his conspicuous bravery resulted in successive promotions until at the age of nineteen years, he was.a captain, being placed at the head of a company in the Forty- second United States Colored Troops, in 1864. On January 31, 1866, he was mustered out of the service, having been a brave and valliant soldier.
Returning to Rockford where all his interests centered, he embarked in the insurance busi- ness and found its requirements admirably fitted to his capabilities, so that he entered a broad field of useful endeavor, becoming secre- tary of the Forest City Insurance Company, January 1, 18SO, and Jater was made its execu- tive head. During a trip to California in 1880, admirers of his ability and business acumen had him placed upon the ticket of his party for mayor, entirely without his consent or knowl- edge. Ile was elected by an overwhelming ma- jority and the first intimation he had was the news that he was mayor-elect of Rockford. Although he had not sought the honor, Captain Sherratt made the city one of the best mayors it ever had, and the people rose in a body and demanded that he consent to run for a second term, but he felt that he could not conscien- tiously give the city what he felt it required. and at the same time continue to discharge the heavy duties he had already assumed, and so declined further honor. In addition to his operations along insurance lines, Captain Sher- ratt served as president of the Third National Bank of Rockford from 1597 until his untimely demise : was a director of Rockford College from 1900 to 1902, when he was made president
of the board of trustees. For years, he was one of the most efficient members of the library board, and played a conspicuous part in the furtherance of every public measure looking towards the betterment of conditions in his beloved city. From the organization of Nevius Post and Legion, he was an enthusiastic mem- ber and was the first president of the Rockford Country Club, of which he was also the organ- izer. During the Spanish-American war, Cap- Sherratt was president of the Winnebago County Army and Navy League. At the time of his death, he was senior vice-commander of Chicago Post of the Loyal Legion, in which he took a deep interest. In spite of his material successes, it is claimed that he was essentially a soldier, and only a business man because of necessity.
On July 9, 1873, Captain Sherratt was united in marriage with Harriott E. Wight, daughter of the Hou. James M. Wight, one of the well known attorneys of Rockford. Captain and Mrs. Sherratt were happily mated, having many common interests, and were devotedly attached to each other. His death severed not only the ties of matrimony, but a friendship that was sacred in its character, so close and intimate bad it been. Both loved books and travel, and as they rounded out their useful happy lives together, they became more and more congenial. and looked forward to passing the evening of their existence, hand in hand. Captain Sher- ratt was a life-long student, possessing most wonderful powers of concentration. In his home he felt that business should never be mentioned. That was the place for his family and friends and he always delighted in being a host, and was a gracious one. Captain Sher- ratt's health failed him, and he sought relief at the Medico-Chirurgical Hospital at Philadel- phia, but in vain. In spite of skilled surgical aid, he sank to rest. regretting to the last the impossibility of passing his last moments at Rockford. His remains were returned to this city of his love, and lay in state at Memorial Hall. All vied with each other to render him honor. Mayor Jackson appointed a committee to prepare and engross suitable resolutions ex- pressing the sympathy and regret of the city government. The council attended the funeral services in a body. The flag for which he had risked his boyish life and had ever afterward supported with his manhood's purpose, floated at half-mast over the city, while all that was mortal of this truly great man lay in Memorial
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Hall where he had so often been on former occa- sions. There was not a dry eye in the vast concourse that gathered to look their last upon his beloved face, when his many virtues were touchingly spoken of in the able funeral ad- dress. Practically the entire city followed the
funeral cortege to the cemetery where now lies the body of Captain Sherratt, but his soul had already returned to the Maker who had sent it here to dwell for a too brief period in an earthly tenement, as unsullied as on its natal morn.
ALBERT JOHN OCHSNER.
Among those men whose names have figured prominently in connection with the medical pro- fession of Chicago during the last quarter of a century and whose labors have proved most valuable and effective both in private practice and in college and hospital work is Dr. Albert J. Ochsner, whose carcer is typical of modern progress and advancement. Dr. Ochsner was born in Baraboo, Wis., April 3, 1858, a son of Henry and Judith ( Hottinger) Ochsner, early pioneers of that state, and earnest intelligent people who were ever ready to do their part in the world's work for civilization and progress. The educational advantages of Mr. Ochsner were those afforded by the public schools of his native town and the University of Wisconsin, he being graduated from the latter institution in 1SS4 with the degree of B. S. He also re- ceived the degree of LL. D. from that institu- tion in 1909. Having decided upon the practice of surgery as a life work, he accordingly matric- ulated at the Rush Medical College, and was graduated from that institution in 1886 with the degree of M. D. After graduating from Rush Medical College, he became interne in the Pres- byterian Hospital. He then studied two semes- ters in the University of Vienna and one in the University of Berlin. Upon returning from abroad, he became the chief assistant to Pro- fessor Charles T. Parkes, at the head of the surgical department of Rush Medical College. This position he held until the death of his chief three years later, when he continued in this same position under Prof. Nicholas Senn for four years, the latter having been appointed to the chair made vacant by the death of Dr. Parkes.
No better indications of a man's real worth and character, and of his skill and proficiency can be established than the opinion entertained for him on the part of his professional col- leagues and the eminent positions he fills in the colleges and hospitals of the city. Dr. Ochsner is chief surgeon to the Angustana and St. Mary's Hospitals, Professor of Clinical Surgery in the
Medical Department of the University of Illi- nois, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American Sur- gical Society. a member of the Southern Surgical and Gynerological Society, the American Med- ical Association, American Clinical Society, Chi- cage Medical Society, Chicago Pathological So- ciety and the Chicago Surgical Society, of which be is ex-president. Dr. Ochsner is a man of broad information along many lines, and besides his valuable service in the colleges and hospitals of Chicago, he is the author of many works, of which the most important are "Handbook of Appendicitis," "Textbook of Clinical Surgery," a book of "Hospital Construction" and a book on "Exophthalmic Goitre," and also numerous monographs on surgical subjects. He holds to high ideals in his professional service and his work is characterized by a devotion to duty. His professional service has ever been dis- charged with a keen sense of conscientious obli- gation and his skill is evidenced through results which have followed bis labors.
Dr. Ochsner was married in Chicago April 3, JSES, to Miss Marion Mitchell, of that city, a lady of culture and refinement, and to this union two children were born, namely: Albert Henry and Bertha. The family home at No. 2106 Sedgwick street is a hospitable one where good cheer always abounds and where the doctor and bis family delight in entertaining their many friends. While Dr. Ochsner has been promi- bently identified with the medical profession of Chicago for nearly three decades, he has like- wise taken an active interest in the city's wel- fare, and never hesitates to advocate or oppose any measure of project which, in his judgment. merits endorsement or opposition. Though quiet and unosteatatious in manner, he is ree- ognized as a man of earnest purpose and pro- gressivo principles, and no citizen of this city has in larger measure the esteem of his fel- lows, nor exerts a stronger influence for the promotion of good citizenship. He is a member of the University, Germania and Maennerchor
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clubs and is interested in all that pertains to modern advancement and improvements along material, intellectual and moral lines. He has
always studied and fostered movements which aim to improve the public weal and his chari- ties are numerous.
JOHN S. METCALF.
The exacting conditions of twentieth century progression have resulted in specialization in every line of industrial and constructive activ- ity. Men of conspicuous ability have proved beyond question, by experiment and consecutive action, that the best and most productive re- sults are secured by a single-hearted devotion to some particular line. The reason for this is palpably evident. With so many competitions it is an impossibility for any one man to be- come an expert in all lines, and therefore those who aim for the stars take the logical method for reaching heights unattainable to those who are content with the lower rounds of the lad- der. The late John S. Metcalf, founder and president of the Jobn S. Metcalf Company, en- gineers and builders of grain elevators, was one of the first of his profession to recognize the truth of the statement that he who dissipates his energies in all directions reaches no definite goal, and for the past quarter of a century con- fined his operations exclusively to the building of grain elevators.
The birth of Mr. Metcalf occurred In Sher- brooke, Province of Quebec, Canada, March 7, 1847, and he died March 4, 1912, at his residence, No. 1023 Maple avenue, Evanston, Ill. He was educated in the district schools of Cookshire and the academy of the same place, and in 1870, desiring a broader field of endeavor, came to the United States, and locating at Indianapolis, Ind., commenced upon the work which was ulti- mately to yield him such large results and a distinction that was practically international. He organized the company that bore his name some forty years, and founding it upon broad principles, built it up to immense proportions upon the same lines, adhering closely to his orig- inal ideas throughout the remainder of his life, holding always that nothing but the best is worth while. Among important building contracts carried out by his company may be mentioned : the Burlington elevator at St. Louis, the C. B. & Q. elevator at East St. Louis, the Missouri Pacific at Kansas City, the Southern Pacific at Galveston, the Grand Trunk elevators at Port- land, Me., Midland, Ont., and Montreal, Canada,
the Manchester Ship Canal elevator at Man- chester, England, and the Canadian Pacific ele- vators at Victoria Harbor, Ont., Canada. Many of these buildings are immense and their con- struction involved the expenditure of millions of dollars. They are all recognized as being the most perfect of their kind, and exponents of the best methods of efficiency in rapid handling and proper storage of grain. Social by nature, Mr. Metcalf belonged to the Union League Club, the Chicago Engineers Club, the Montreal En- gineers Club, the Western Society of Engineers, the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers and the American Railway and Maintenance of Ways Association. His professional knowledge and ability fitted him to be a valued member of the clubs of his compeers, and he was honored by them both as an engineer of exceptional ability and a man of high character and delightful personality.
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