USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 22
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In 1873 Mr. Metcalf was united in marriage with Alice S. Richey, who survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf had four daughters, three of whom survive him, namely : Mrs. Charles C. Bonar of El Paso, III .; Mrs. P. E. Thomas of Somerville, Mass. ; and Miss Kate L. Metcalf of Evanston, Ill. The funeral services held over this truly remarkable man, at his late residence, were presided over by the Rev. Dr. Clarke of the Second Presbyterian Church of Evanston. The remains were tenderly laid to rest at Rose Hill, but the spirit of the man lives on, and dominates the lives of not only his own family, but those with whom he was associated in business or at- tracted to him socially. A good judge of human nature, Mr. Metcalf seldom made a mistake in his choice of friends, and it is a noted fact that those whom he depended upon in his busi- ness operations, were men of high character, thoroughly responsible, and able to carry out whatever duties were assigned them. Charitable, kind-hearted, genial, Mr. Metcalf will long be remembered as one of the leading spirits of Evanston, and a prominent figure in the busi- ness world. Countless numbers mourn the pre- mature termination of this useful, honorable life just when it was at its richest fruition.
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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
WILLIAM HENRY DEXTER.
Self help has accomplished about all the great things in the world and the door of opportunity has generally been opened by the men who have found success awaiting them within. In every city every year there are thousands of young men who cherish ambitions in one direction or another, but how few ever reach the top of the ladder. It requires a brave heart to fight one's way through discouragements, temptations and momentary failures, but that many have suc- corded is proved by the long list of names hon- ered in the business world through life and re- called with respect and admiration after their work in life is over. These remarks are par- ticularly applicable to the late William Henry Dexter, who for many years was prominently Identified with the manufacturing interests of Chicago, and the loss of such a man to city, busi- ness circles and family, is irreparable. In every relation of life he recognized his duties and per- formed them faithfully, industriously and con- scientiously. He was a man who lent his in- fluence to every good and worthy cause as a citizen and every enterprise with which he was connected benefitted through such association. In his own line of work he built up a vast busi- ness through his power of organization and his ready recognition of the practical needs of the world. In the conduct of this business he be- came a recognized factor in the manufacturing world and through the methods he employed se- cured well merited esteem. He had a wide ac- quaintance with men of capital and influence and with a broad outlook and from his wealth of experience, often counselled with them. When Chicago lay in ashes he was a boy but later years reveal him as one of the potent fac- tors in the upbuilding of the present mighty city.
William Henry Dexter was born at Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha County, Wis., April 16, 1860. He was a son of Walter L. and Catherine (John- son) Dexter, the former of whom was born in Kenosha County, a son of John Dexter, who was one of the history-making men of Wisconsin, to which state he moved from New York, in pio- neer days. The Dexters acquired large bodies
of land and the father of the late William Henry . Dexter still lives on the farm on which he was born. Catherine (Johnson) Dexter was born in Ireland. William Henry Dexter was the eldest born of his parents' family of six children and was given no educational advantages beyond the opportunities in the country schools. Had it been otherwise he might have been highly successful in professional life, as in youth he cherished an ambition to become a physician. As a first step in that direction he became a clerk in a drug store in Kenosha, but subse- quently returned to the home farm and took over its management and remained there until he was thirty years old, when he came to Chi- cago. Accepting the first promising position that offered, he entered the employ of a stone quarry company, but later became an accountant and afterward general manager for the Wisconsin Dairy Company of Chicago and continued until 1894, when, with a Mr. Devlin as a partner, he went into the business of selling butter. This opened up what he realized might be made a very profitable business and within a few years he em- barked in the manufacture of this necessary com- modity, establishing his factory at No. 1219 Wabash avenue, Chicago. He made a specialty of the manufacture of sweet, wholesome, pure butter, doing a wholesale business entirely, and through his energy and enterprise so expanded the business that his house became supply for distribution all over the United States. He had so busy a business life that it left but little time for outside interests, but he was widely known in commercial circles and, had he so desired, might have been known in public affairs. The country needs men of his calibre, men honest, etlicient, far sighted, keen and resourceful.
Mr. Dexter was married September 26, 1894, to Miss Marianna Whyte, who was born in Ot- tawa, Canada, a daughter of Robert and Ruth (Henry) Whyte. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dexter: Howard W., Walter E. and Robert W., all of whom, with their mother sur- vive him. Mr. Dexter's death occurred June 1, 1914.
GEORGE LEININGER.
George Leininger, M. D., superintendent of the Chicago State Hospital for the Insane, at Dun- ning, Ill., ably fills a gravely important posi- tion. The achievements of medical science
through the study and efforts of modern physicians are astounding the world and per- haps along no line have scientific experiments been followed by greater results than in the
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better understanding of mental defectives, the amelioration of their condition, and, in many cases their ultimate cure and restoration to the activities of normal life. Many physicians and surgeons have well trained minds and technical manual skill, necessary adjunets to snecess in the profession, but by no means all possess the steady nerve, the unerring judgment, the special power of diagnosis which is in continual de- mand in exercising care and medical supervi- sion over the demented. Dr. Leininger has proved to be possessed of these qualifications.
George Leininger was born at Archbold, Ful- ton County, Ohio, May 2, 1856, and is a son of John and Mary (Bender) Leininger. After at- tending the public schools in his native place and reaching the point when a choice of life work became advisable, he decided upon the study of medicine and after proper preparation entered Wooster University, at Cleveland, Ohio, and was graduated from that institution in 1881 with the degree of M. D. Ile entered into practice at Red Wing, Minn., in 1886 removing from there to Chicago, where he engaged in medical practice, and for several years was on the faculty of the Northwestern Dental Col- lege as professor of anaesthetics, and from 1593 to 1895 he was police surgeon. For some years Dr. Leininger was also president, treasurer and a director of the International Chemical Com- pany. As an educator Dr. Leininger was capable and his lectures were well attended by the stu-
dents, in his private practice he gained the con- fidence of the high and Jowly and since assuming the duties of his present responsible office, has still further added to his professional reputation.
Dr. Leininger was married at Bremen, Ind., in 1851, to Miss Mathilda Schuster, and they have three children : Leonard J. G., Otto Wil- liam and Emil A. H. A Democrat in his political affiliation, Dr. Leininger has been a faithful party adherent and is a prominent fac- tor in the Cook County democracy. For several years he was a member of the Democratic Coun- ty Central Committee and also of the Democratic County Central Committee, being addition- ally very closely allied in political feeling with the German-American element in Cook County. In 1897 he was elected collector of West Town, Chicago, and in 1898, was elected supervisor, and in 1900 and 1902 was an alder- man from the Sixteenth Ward, and was chief surgeon of the coroner of Cook County in 1900- 1901 and 1902. On April 4, 1913, he was elected superintendent of the Chicago State Hospital for the Insane, at Dunning, IN. During his twenty-eight years of residence in Chicago Dr. Leininger has proved his worth as a business man and citizen and at the same time has not overlooked the opportunities for arousing pub- lic sentiment in favor of higher ideals. wider outlook and better ways of advancing human happiness.
RALPH W. KING.
There are several reasons why the proprietor and owner of the old and well established hay, grain and feed house of the R. W. King Com- pany, Ralph W. King, has succeeded in life --- energy, system and practical knowledge, The range of his activities is now large, but from the beginning of his career Mr. King has sought to work steadily and well for ultimate results, and has never been content to labor merely for the present. Ilis offices and elevator at Root and La Salle streets, Chicago, are a landmark for many of his older customers, just as he and his house stand for sound, honest business deal- ing and good service. Mr. King was born at Three Rivers, Mich., October 6, 1571, a son of Jasper and Helen L. (Greene) King, both na- tives of Ohio, where the father was born in Maumee County, November 11, 133, and his wife in the same county, November 13. 1:37. The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. King was
a native of Germany, who founded the family in America. He was one of the body of Hessians employed by the English in their fight against the Colonists, and while in one of the engage- ments of the Revolution. was taken prisoner. The principles for which the Colonists were fighting then became clearly understood by the gallant soldier and he east his lot with the Colonists, and the last two years of the con- fiet fought on their side. After the war he settled in Pennsylvania, later going to Manmee County, Ohio, entering a large tract of land from the government, which remained in the hands of his descendants for many years.
William King, a son of the founder of the family in this country, and grandfather of Ralph W. King, was born in Maumee County, Ohio, where he spent his life. During the War of 1$12, he served bravely as a soldier, as did his father. Jasper King, a son of William
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King and father of Ralph W. King, married in his native county in 1849. Soon after the close of the Civil war, in 1865, he moved to Three Rivers, Mich., where he established himself in a mercantile business and conducted a farm in conjunction with his store, the former being adjacent to the village. He continued in busi- ness until 1SS7, when selling, he moved to Chi- cago, where he resided until his death, which occurred November 20, 1903. His widow subse- quently moved to Pasadena, Calif., where she now lives. This was a warlike race, for Jasper King, following the example of his father and grandfather, fought for the defense of his coun- try, as a soldier during the Civil war, organ- izing the first company in his part of Ohio, Company L, Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, of which he was made captain. Later he was promoted to the rank of colonel of the regiment, and was discharged as such. Colonel King and his wife had the following family : Mary, Julia, Rose, Lillian, Harriet, John W., Charles G., Laura and Ralph W.
Ralph W. King received his preliminary liter- ary training in the public schools of Michigan, and the Cook County High school, being grad- uated from the latter in 1889. After finishing his school course, he became a salesman for Marshall Field & Company, remaining in the employ of that company until the fall of 1892. when he established his present business at the location he still occupies. Since then he has developed his business from the initial small concern it was to the flourishing company of today. This house is one of the largest of its kind in Chicago, and its financial strength is
equal to the volume of its business. In 1896, Mr. King built an elevator on his site with a capacity of 35,000 bushels, one of the largest in this part of the State.
On June 30, 1807, Mr. King was united in marriage with Miss Nelora S. Borden of Chi- cago, born in this city. September 1, 1877, a daughter of Seymour S. and Nelora ( Andrews) Borden. Mr. and Mrs. King have become the parents of four children : Jasper S., Ralph W. Jr., Winifred and Helen. Mr. King belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he is past mas- ter of Windsor Park Lodge No. $36, A. F. & A. M., Chicago Chapter No. 127, R. A. M., Apollo Commandery No. 1, K. T., Oriental Con- sistory and Medinah Temple. He is also a mem- ber of the Elks. Socially, Mr. King belongs to the City, Illinois Athletic, Rotary and Chicago Motor clubs. In connection with his business interests, Mr. King belongs to the Chicago Board of Trade, the Feed Dealers' Association, and the Association of Commerce.
A man of unusual business capacity, his years of orderly and abundant work have resulted in acquired wealth and the sane enjoyment of it, and he has at the same time maintained his interest in securing and preserving the welfare of his community. He has given a strict atten- tion to his business, conducting it with a thoughtful and intelligent management which could not help but bring about satisfactory re- sults. Mr. King keeps himself thoroughly posted on public events and matters of general interest and is highly esteemed as a forceful, substan- tial man and excellent citizen.
DAVID W. AVERILL.
Among the members of the medical fraternity who, through their attainments and activities have occupied important places in the com- munity and their profession, none stood higher than the late Dr. David W. Averill, of Chicago, whose death occurred August 2, 1802. A skillful practitioner in both medicine and dentistry, he was also for some years engaged in the manu- facture of proprietary medicines, and in every walk of life was a citizen whose career was a credit to himself and his community. Doctor Averill was born in Canada, of Scotch parentage, and inherited the sturdy virtues of his ancestors. Self-educated. he began life with no other re- sources than the talents with which nature had endowed him. He determined to direct his
energies into those channels wherein keen in- tellectuality as well as close application are de- manded, and, having prepared himself for col- lege, entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated. The breadth of his course was indicated in the fact that the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery were both conferred upon him. He was a classmate of the famous American dental surgeon, Doctor Evans, who became a leading practitioner at Paris, France, where his success was such that at his death he left an enormous fortune.
Following his graduation, Doctor Averill came to the Middle West, settling first at Mineral Point, Wis,, where he opened an office. He
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made friends readily because of a genfal nature and unfeigned cordiality, and this, together with his skill in his professions, soon enabled him to acquire a fine practice. Believing that a larger city would afford him a still greater opportunity, he removed to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he came to be regarded as one of the leaders in both the field of dentistry and that of medicine. Still he sought a wider scope for his labors, and subsequently came to Chicago, where for a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of a proprietary medicine, anti-morbific, a remedy which he made from his own formula. As a result of careful and intelligent business management, success came to him and at his death he left a substantial competence. He passed away August 2, 1892, at the age of fifty-two years, and was laid to rest in Oakwoods cemetery.
Doctor Averill represented a high type of citizenship, was a kind-hearted, lovable man, and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him. Many traits of his character suggested a superior individuality and an influence that was elevating to all who came within Its radius. He held membership in the Episcopal church, and found in its teachings the motive of his conduct. While a resident of Ottumwa, Ia., Doctor Averill was united in marriage with Mrs. Thomas Doney, whose maiden name was Addie M. Morse. She is a native of Streets- boro, O., and is a daughter of Andrew J. Morse, a native of New York, who came to Chicago about 1860. Mr. Morse married Mary Packer, a daughter of Jesse and Amy (Gould) Packer, the latter being a daughter of Thomas and Amy (Weatherhead) Gould. Thomas Gould was a son of Lieutenant Stephen and Esther (Wilder) Gould, and was a native of Sutton, Mass. He joined the Minute Men at Warwick, Mass., at the time of the war for American Independence, and continued in the Revolu- tionary struggle through an extended period, winning a lieutenant's commission. His wife was a daughter of Captain Aaron Wilder, who was also an active soldier in the Continental Army. Andrew J. Morse, father of Mrs. Aver- ill, was educated for the ministry, being or- dained in the Methodist church, and for some years afterward engaged in preaching. At th' time of the gold excitement in California, he made his way to that state, where he remained for several years, and upon his return to the Middle West settled at Chicago, where he was engaged in a cooperage business. Mrs. Averill
was educated at Willoughby, O., and at Palmer's Academy on State street, which she attended after the family's removal to Chicago. In early womanhood, she became the wife of Thomas Doney, a native of Paris, France, and a son of Thomas Doney, Sr., the celebrated steel engraver, who, on coming to America, resided for a time in New York, but later removed to the West and passed away at Elgin, Ill. Thomas Doney, Jr., became identified with the wholesale grocery trade of Chicago, being a member of the firm of Sayers, Gilmore and Doney, whose place of business was at No. 85 South Water street. He died at Chicago. His only child, Henry Eugene Doney, entered the employ of Marshall Field and Company, in the wholesale house, where the young man was assigned to duty in the cashier's office. He advanced rapid- ly, and before long was offered the position of auditor with Fowler Brothers, meat packers. He was subsequently placed in charge of the finances of that firm at Albany, N. Y .; was with Morris Bros., of Chicago; later was employed at the refining plant of Davis & Jacobson, at Denver, Colo., and their successors, a large German syndicate, until failing health necessi- tated a change, and he took charge of the man- agement of an extensive farming property be- longing to his mother near Momence, Ill. He was married at Denver, Colo., to Mrs. Ava Gris- wold. By a former marriage, with Miss Helen Gross, he became the father of one son, Henry Eugene, Jr., born January 19, 1896.
After the death of Doctor Averill, Mrs. Aver- ill became the wife of William II. Eastland, whom she survives. She makes her home at Chicago, and is well-known and prominent in social circles of the South Side. She is a mem- ber of the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion. In the management and care of consid- erable property, she has shown rare business ability. She takes a most helpful part in char- itable work, and has been president of the Womens' Relief Corps, the Auxiliary of Colum- bia Post No. 175, of the Grand Army of the Republic, doing much active service in the work of that organization; and is a valued member of the Arche and Unity clubs, being chairman of the philanthropic work for two years in the Arche Club and she has held other positions on the committees of this club. In religious matters she holds membership in McCabe Memorial Methodist Church at Fifty-fourth street and Washington avenue.
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HEYWOOD COFFIELD.
Educational work is very exacting in the de- mand it makes on its devotees. Ostensibly the duty of the pedagogue is to install a practical, working knowledge for each of his pupils; but equally important is his correlative, though less direct function, of instilling character and worthy precepts through his unavoidable, per- sonal influence. The first duty calls for a man of knowledge and of specialized training; the second for a capable and conscientious person whose life and mode of living provide a fit cri- terion for the younger generation. When a man combines the possession of these attributes with the exclusion of strongly detrimental char- acteristics, the early, formative years of future citizens may be safely intrusted to his care. Such a man is Heywood Cotfield, born near Arenzville, Cass County, Ill., January 10, 1863, a son of Rev. Alfred and Hester B. (Wagle) Cotfield, natives of North Carolina and Illinois respectively.
During the first twelve years of his life, Hey- wood Coffield's home was in the vicinity of Arenzville; but in his thirteenth year his pa- rents removed to Humboldt, Neb., and there the family spent the next decade. He received his education in the public schools of Illinois and Nebraska and in Chaddock College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Ph. B. Later he took a short course in a business col- lege, which has since proved of considerable value to him in various ways. Teaching became his chosen vocation and since his first position he has taught over thirty years. He was first engaged in the ungraded schools, but subse- quently became either principal or superintend- ent of larger, more important institutions. He had charge at Verdon, Neb., two years; at Arenzville, Ill., for five years ; at Meredosia, Ill.,
for six years; at Chandlerville, Ill., for four years; at Girard, Ill., for three years; at Up- per Alton, Ill., for one year ; at Edwardsville, Ill., for four years, and at White Hall, Ill., where he has been for the past two years and has inaugurated a splendid system of school su- pervision and management. Much of Mr. Cof- field's work has been in institutes and normal schools, and he is at present recognized as a progressive leader in that department of the educational field.
In 1984, Mr. Cotfield was married to Miss Phoebe E. Brandow, of Humboldt, Neb., and to him and his wife has been born one son, Alvin Ray, who was graduated from the White Hall High school and is now teaching. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while socially Mr. Coffield is affiliated with the Masonie order and the Odd Fellows fraternity, as well as numerous teachers' organ- izations. Ile has written many articles for the press, especially for school periodicals, and has an interesting and delightful record as a lec- turer. At one time he undertook the editing of a newspaper, but the work proved distasteful to him and, after a little more than a year, he left the staff and devoted his entire interest to school work. Mr. Coffield has had very agree- able success in his chosen line of work. From the start he was exceptionally fitted for the duties and responsibilities involved, and he has invariably given his best efforts toward the bet- terment and growth of the institution in his charge. He has had a personal interest where some other might have felt only a business obli- gation, and he has left behind him, in the hearts of his former students and in the rec- ords and traditions of the schools a warm ten- derness and respect.
WASHINGTON PORTER.
Chicago is the home of many of the kind of men who when a struggle between the two sec- tions of the country was precipitated, left the individual interests for the larger and more humane ones of the nation, and responding to the call of President Lincoln, flocked about the flag, and followed it to the front, shielding it with their bodies, and protecting it with their arms. Not only did a number of these men who are now honored veterans of the Civil war, prove themselves brave soldiers during their
military service, but coming back home they developed into citizens of worth and business assets in their communities. Some attained to wealth and high standing, perhaps all the more because of their stern training as soldiers, and from the depths of their wholesome hearts they still feel and respond to whatever appeals to their patriotic spirit. Among those who have become thus distinguished whom Chicago is very proud to acknowledge and accept, Wash- ington Porter occupies a foremost place, not
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only as a public-spirited citizen, pioneer fruit merchant and successful business man, but also as a veteran of the Civil war. Ile is a product of Illinois, for he was born in Boone County, October 26, 1543, a son of Thomas W. and Char- lotte (Lane) Porter. These parents were out of the ordinary, and their influence no doubt materially assisted in the shaping of their son's character. Born in County Norfolk, England, they received collegiate educations, both being graduated from leading institutions of learning in their native land. Marrying in 1820 they sought broader opportunities beyond the sea, and coming to the United States in 1:30 they spent a short time on Long Island, N. Y., from whence they soon moved to Buffalo, where Mr. Porter found the opening for which he was seeking, and established himself in a mercantile business in that city, conducting a general store there until 1837. In 1838, influenced by accounts of the newly opened-up territory of Illinois, he came to Boone County, and securing a large tract of government land, devoted himself there- after to farming and stock raising, dying upon his property in 1882, aged seventy-nine years. Hle had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1873, she passing away aged seventy-three years. A man of exceptional business ability, he suc- ceeded remarkably well in his undertakings and died a man of large means. At the same time he gained for himself a well-merited reputation for sagacity and sound judgment, and his ad- vice was sought by those who desired assistance. After the formation of the Republican party he gave it a devoted service, although he could not be prevailed upon to accept of publie office. Thomas W. Porter and his wife became the parents of nine children : Thomas W., Henry, Charlotte, Anna, Robert, James, Elizabeth, Washington and Frederick C., all of whom are deceased except Washington Porter, whose name neads this review.
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