Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 35

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 joint ed
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell publishing company
Number of Pages: 1290

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On November 15, 1893, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Auna Augustus, a daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Augustus, the former of whom is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of one son, Henry A., who, with his mother, survives. Mr. Jones is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary L. Jones, of Paris, Ill., and by a sister, Mrs. Nettie Klum, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Although a sufferer for some five years prior to his demise Mr. Jones did not relinquish his grasp on affairs until it was absolutely neces- sary, and never lost his interest in public mat- ters. Possessed of a broad mind, a keen busi- ness sense, and a thorough realization of the possibilities of his business and community, Mr. Jones developed into one of the leading com- mercial factors of Edgar County, and the in- Huence of his accomplishments will long endure.

OTTO L. SCHMIDT.

One of the men who has made a name for himself among the successful practitioners of Chicago is Dr. Otto L. Schmidt, with ottices at No. 5 South Wabash avenue. Dr. Schmidt was born at Chicago in 1863, a son of Ernst and Theresa Schmidt, natives of Germany, who came to Chicago in 1857 when it was still a comparatively small city. Dr. Schmidt grew

up within its contines and when old enough at- tended the New Haven school and later the Central high school, at that time located on West Monroe street, and had the distinction of being graduated therefrom in the class of 1850, the last to be sent forth from that insti- tution. Having decided to enter the medical profession, Dr. Schmidt matriculated at the

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Chicago Medical College, which later became the medical department of the Northwestern University, and was graduated therefrom in 1883. For the following two years he was in- terne at the Cook County Infirmary and the Alexian Brothers' Hospital, both of Chicago. To still further pursue his studies, he went abroad and took a post-graduate course at Wurzburg, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. Re- turning to Chicago, Dr. Schmidt entered upan. a general practice. At present he is a physician to the Alexian Brothers' Hospital and consuit- ing physician to the Michael Reese and Ger- man Hospitals. For many years he has been connected with the Chicago Polyclinic as pro- fessor of internal medicine, and is a recognized authority upon many subjects. Professionally he belongs to the Chicago Medical Society, the

Chicago Academy of Medicine, the American Medical Association and the Chicago Society of Medical History. He is also active along other lines, belonging to many social and charitable organizations, is president of the Illinois His- torical Society. a vice-presheat of the Chicago Historical Society, a trustee of the Illinois State Historical Library, president of the German- American Historical Society of Illinois, and a member of the Illinois Centennial Commission. Socially be belongs to the Chicago Athletic Club, the South Shore Country Club, and the Germa- ria Maenner-Chor.

In 1501 Dr. Sebmidt was united in marriage with Miss Emma Seipp, 5 daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Orb) Sempp, and they have had three children: Ernest C., Alma C., and C. Tessa.

SENECA D. KIMBARK.

It is scarcely possible to mention the hard- ware trade of the past or present in Chicago without recalling the name of Seneca D. Kim- bark, so important was he for years in the development of the iron and steel industries and in the establishing of manufacturing concerns which continue to expand their already vast volume of business. For sixty years he was an honored resident of Chicago, beginning and end- ing his business life here, although his business judgment and practical knowledge were useful to the whole country. Seneca D. Kimbark was born March 4, 1832, at Venice. in Cayuga County, N. Y., later accompanying his parents to Livingston County, where his father carried on farming. He attended the district schools, also academies at Geneseo and Canandaigua, in this way preparing himself for teaching school during the winter season, his summers being occupied with farm work. However, neither farming nor teaching filled the measure of his ambition, and as the home neighborhood offered no other path in which he could reach a wider field, in 1852 he came to Chicago and in the following year was engaged by the iron firm of E. G. Hall and Company, shortly afterward be- coming the junior partner in this firm. In 1960 the firm became Hall, Kimbark & Co., which changed in 1873 to Kimbark Brothers & Co., and in 1876 Seneca D. Kimbark became sole pro- prietor. The firm had passed through the heavy losses entailed by the great conflagration of 1871, in which Mr. Kimbark's personal losses were also severe, taxing his energy and busi-

ness sagacity to the farthest limit to keep from going down with the heavy tide. Few did more to help in rescuing the city from the dangers and difficulties which confronted it even while his own business life was in a precarious con- dition.

Mr. Kimbark's early political affiliations were with the Democratic party, but his views changed as public measures of national impor- tance were promulgated and when the Repub- lican party was organized he identified himself with it and so continued. At the outbreak of the Civil war he early defined his own posi- tion and was an unswerving supporter of the Government. Several of the younger members of the Erm of Hall & Kimbark enlisted and Mr. Kimbark contributed largely to the financing of the company known as the Kimbark Guards, and, with the other members of the firm, con- tributed generously to the war funds. He never accepted public office because of his high ideals of the responsibilities connected with the same, but gave loyal support to those in whose judgment and integrity he could place confi- dence. Among his business associates as in the community at large, he was noted for his busi- ness honor. His sympathies were keen and broad, honce he was ready to cooperate with his fellow citizens in schemes to advance the general welfare and was ready to further move- ments to ameliorate the condition of his fellow men and to assist in times of national disaster. Ile was proud of his city and carefully, as far as able, guarded her interests. In 1869, when

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the South Park system was under considera- tion, Mr. Kimbark, with Chauncy T. Bowen and James H. Rees, were appointed three commis- sioners to locate the same, and to their excel- lent discrimination the city owes Washington and Jackson Parks as the sites are today. In the controversy relative to the ownership of the lake front, Mr. Kimbark always opposed any further encroachment by private interests. Mr. Kimbark was an honored member of the Union League Club almost from its organization ; be- longed also to the Calumet Club and was a charter member of the Washington Park and Chicago clubs. While identified as a member with no church body, he was liberal in his gifts to every denomination, his broad sympathies enabling him to see pure Christianity as the groundwork for every belief. Practical moral- ity was to him more than technical differences and into his daily life he brought this principle. In 1856 Mr. Kimbark was united in marriage

with Miss Elizabeth Pruyne, a daughter of Hon. Peter and Rebecca Sherman Pruyne, the former at one time a colleague of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas in the Illinois State Senate. After the death of Mr. Bruyne, Mrs. Prayne became the wife of Thomas Church, an early citizen of Chi- cago. Mrs. Kimbark has always been noted for personal qualities which have made her admired as well as beloved. Two sons and two daugh- ters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kimbark, both of the latter, Charles A. and Walter, having been associated in business with their father and displaying many of the qualities which made him a man of so much worth to his city. Walter Kimbark, the younger son, passed away in 1905. Marie Kimbark, and Phoebe Grace, now the wife of Frank J. Hornell, of Chicago, were the daughters. Mr. Kimbark retired from business in 1904 and died at Chicago, August 13, 1912, at the age of eighty-one years.

HARRY C. ROBERTS.

No man is placed at the head of any con- cern without having carned such a promotion. To successfully discharge the duties of an execu- tive position, whether it be that of some finan- cial institution, a manufacturing plant, or of a nation, requires certain traits of character, unusual capabilities and the power to sway others and direct their actions. Every man is not fitted for such a task; many are developed for such work through successive promotions, while others are born with the power to lead their associates. The executive of a financial institution is confronted with many problems for not only must he be conservative in han- dling the funds of his depositors, but he must also have a keen insight into human nature, and the ability to judge wisely and rapidly with regard to the character of investments. Ilis mind must be capable of laying the plans for others to carry out, that will bring to his bank prosperity and yet at the same time place and keep it in the ranks of the sound financial estab- lishments of the country. It is not only in . the great centers of civilization that these capable, keen leaders of men are found. The smaller cities develop men of equal strength of character and firmness of decision, and Prince- ton is no exception to this rule, for in Harry C. Roberts, president of the First National Bank of that city, Bureau County has one of the most reliable men of bis class in the state.

Mr. Roberts is a product of the Prairie State, having been born at Peru, LaSalle County, III., November 6, 1851, and comes of the stock that has given the United States some of its most brilliant men, for his paternal grand- father, John Roberts, was born at Waterford, Ireland, where he became a successful lawyer. He had three brothers, Major-General Abraham Roberts; Sir Samuel Roberts, who distinguished himself as a captain in the English navy ; and General Thomas Roberts who was also con- nected with the English service, as a general in its army. Abraham Roberts was the father of Lord Roberts, the distinguished English gen- eral. familiarly known to all British subjects as "Little Bobs," the hero of the whole army. Abraham Roberts, father of Harry C. Roberts, was also born at Waterford, Ireland, but came to the United States in the early forties. A man of superior ability, he found action at Pittsburgh, Pa., Vicksburg, Miss,, and St. Louis, Mo., but in none of these places did he meet with the conditions for which he was looking, and finally he settled in Bureau County, Ill., and for a number of years was connected with the mercantile life of this section. His death occurred at Dover in 1860, where he had spent his last years. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Zearing, came of German de- scent, but she was born in Pennsylvania, and was brought to Bureau County, Ill., when a

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child, her family being among the pioneer ones of this county, where members of it took an important part in the making of its history. Martin Zearing came to Bureau County as early as 1833, but did not bring his family until 1836, the journey being made in the old and tire- some way on a flatboat down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi River to Hennepin, from whence the trip was finished by teams and wagons to Bureau County. The government tract of land entered to Martin Zearing, is still owned by members of his family. From the foregoing it can be easily seen that Mr. Roberts comes of distinguished ancestry on both sides of his family, and his history shows that he has lived up to the traditions of his forebears.

Harry C. Roberts attended the public schools of his neighborhood, and Dover Academy and learned much from observation and reading. In 1869, he came to Princeton and until 1871, found congenial employment in the book store of R. B. Foster, but in that year, seeking a change, went to Ackley, Iowa, where he spent a fruitful six months as a clerk and book- keeper in a private bank. Returning on May 27, 1872, to Princeton, he entered the First Na- tional Bank, as clerk and bookkeeper, and thus began the career for which he was so eminently fitted. His ability was recognized from the start, and he rose, becoming assistant cashier on August 26, 1875; cashier on Janu- ary 9, 1877, and on August 11, 1911, was raised to the executive chair. Since October 2, 1882,

Mr. Roberts has been on the directorate of the . bank, and has been instrumental from that date in shaping the policy of his institution. A natural leader of men, Mr. Roberts has worked hard to secure excellent educational privileges for the children of Princeton, directing many of his efforts as a member of the school board.

On May 16, 1878, Mr. Roberts was married to Emma E. Steckel, a daughter of Solomon and Emeline ( Heinley) Steckel, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Roberts was born in New York City, September 13, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts became the parents of the following children : Beulah, who was born June 30, 1855, died August S, 188S; Helen M., who was born June 20, 1889, married William R. Babb of Chillicothe, Ill., and has a son,-William Roberts; Grace E., who was born February 3, 1502; and Ruth H., who was born January 1, 1594. Mr. Roberts belongs to Princeton Lodge No. 5ST, A. F. & A. M .; Princeton Chapter No. 25, R. A. M .; and Temple Commandery No. 20, K. T. A man of broad sympathies, keen in- sight and publie spirit, Mr. Roberts is a power- ful factor in the progressive movements of his community, and has won a recognized position among the really big men of his part of the state. Mr. Roberts has been very active in the First M. E. Church and has been an offi- cial in the church practically from the time he became a member. His family are also mem- bers of this church.

Mr. Roberts has always been a Republican, but never in the sense of an office seeker.

HENRY SCHOELLKOPF.

It would be difficult to properly and justly review the history of Chicago and its responsible men through whose activities and public-spir- ited endeavors this metropolis bas attained its present superiority, without giving due atten- tion to the life of Henry Schoellkopf, who for sixty-three years was a resident here, and dur- ing that period prominently identified himself with the city's progress. He was born at Gocp- pingen, Germany, April 23, 1826, a son of Henry and Susan Schoellkopf, most excellent people who early taught him habits of self-reliance and frugality which were to prove so useful in after life.

The educational advantages of Henry Schoell- kopf were obtained in the excellent private schools of his native land and he was well grounded in the essential principles. Even be-

fore he had attained his majority, he had begun supporting himself, but soon realized that in his own country there were few opportunities offered to an ambitious young man compared to those afforded in the United States. Accord- ingly he sailed for the latter country in 184S. After his arrival, be spent some time at Buf- falo. N. Y., where his abilities enabled him to efficiently fill the position of bookkeeper in one of the savings banks of that city. What was then the West beckoned him, however, and in 1851, he came to Chicago, establishing himself in a grocery business at the corner of what is now Fifth Avenue, but was then Wells Street, and Washington Street, and the house he then founded, in a small way, has been developed until it is one of the best known and most relia- ble in the wholesale and retail grocery trade in

Ingallo Carleton.

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Chicago. For more than half a century, he has been located at what is now No. 311 West Randolph Street. The growth of his business has kept pace with that of the city, and it is worthy the metropolis in which it is situated. Many of the original customers are still re- tained, and there is no other establishment in the trade that stands any higher in public con- fidence. The management is broad in character and progressive in spirit, and new methods are being constantly adopted, but not until they have been thoroughly tested.

Mr. Schoellkopf was married at Akron, Ohio, in 1864, to Miss Emma Kochler, the daughter of Dr. Robert Koehler, a well-known Reformed Evangelical clergyman, who served the Union Army as chaplain in the Civil war, and they be- came the parents of five children, namely : Henry Jr., Emma, Minnie, Ida and Edward. Mrs. Schoellkopf died May 14, 1903, after a happy married life of forty years. She was a lady of many admirable traits of character, and was beloved by all who knew ber. She al-

ways enjoyed to the fullest measure her husband's confidence. Although quiet and unos- tentaticus in manner, Mr. Senoglikopf has many warin friends, and those who knew him best recognize in him a man of earnest purpose not easily swayed by passing events. In his busi- hess relations, he ranks with the best men of the city, for he is honorable, prompt and true to every obligation, and his humane sympathy and broad charities have brought him into con- tact with humanity and gained him the warm friendship of many. To have lived as he, gain- ing confidence and respect, and forging to a foremost piace among the sterling men of his city, means much, especially in these days of constant competition and laxity in fulfilling moral obligations on the part of some. His riches are not all entered upon his account books, for nmich of his wealth is garnered in the hearts of those to whom he has been a true friend, a wise adviser, and at all times a strong influence towards clean living and civic patri- otism.

INGALLS CARLETON.

Whether owing to climatic conditions or plan- etary influences, it seems strangely apparent that men of especial prominence and greatness were born in that decade of the past century which gave to the world this notable pioneer, the late llon. Ingalls Carleton. In the long line of distinguished men whose life and work have contributed towards the upbuilding and maintenance of the Commonwealth of Illinois, no one stands more truly for solid worth and dignitied capability than he. He was the eldest son and second child of the late Jeremiah Carle- ton, of Barre, Vermont, and his wife, Betsey Robey Carleton, of Dunstable, New Hampshire. The other children were as follows: Betsey Marcus, Charlotte and Silas. Ingalls Carleton was born in Marshfield, Vt., March 30, 1824, of English descent, and was a representative of the twenty-sixth generation from the noted Baldwin De Carleton, who lived in England in the year 1066, and whose descendants occu- pied Carleton Hall for 600 years. Later, other descendants of prominence appeared, among whom were Sir Dudley Carleton, a statesman, who was created Viscount Dorchester by Charles I, and died in 1651, and Sir Guy Carle- ton, first Governor General of Canada, and the first Lord Dorchester.

Among the Carleton family of this country

are found farmers, soldiers, ministers and men of letters. Ingalls Carleton's son, Leonard Ingalls, represents the twenty-seventh, and his grandson, Robey Freeman Carleton, the twenty- eighth generation. Mr. Carleton was entitled to, and his son naturally succeeded to the title and the family coat of arms of Oxfordshire, London and Surrey, the motto of which is, "Non ad Perniciem."

Ingalls Carleton was educated in the public schools of his native town, and when young taught three winter terms of school. He rep- resented his district in the Vermont legislature in 1855. In 1856 he came to Rockford, but soon returned to his Vermont home, where he was re-elected to the legislature. In 1857 he again came west and located in Rockton, where he formed a co-partnership with the late George HI. Hollister, and built a large flouring mill and elevator, and engaged in the milling and grain business. After a successful ten years' busi- ness the firm sold its milling interests. Mr. Carleton removed to Rockford, where he re- sided until his death in 190S. The family resi- dence on East State street is one of the most beautiful homes in the city, and has been occu- pied by the family since 1877. Here Mrs. Carle- ton resides.

Not only did Mr. Carleton hear the great

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Lincoln-Douglas debate in Freeport in 1:58, but he attended the reunion celebration fifty years later. In politics he was an earnest Re- publican. He always took a deep interest in public affairs and by his generosity aided in the development and substantial growth of the city.

He was married at Rockton in 1869 to Miss Amy Lawrence, a daughter of Luther and Adelia (Loomer) Lawrence, of Rockton, Ill. Mrs. Carleton's father traces his ancestors to Sir Robert Lawrence of Ashton Hall, England, who was knighted in the year 1190. Among his descendants have been many people of promi- nence and worth. Conspicuous in this country were Amos and Abbott Lawrence, of Groton, Mass., the original home of John Lawrence, of Suffolk, England, who settled there in 1635. Mr. and Mrs. Carleton had one son, Leonard Ingalls, who was born at Rockton. He is a man of fine character and is a true scion of the ancient gentle family of Carletons. His wife is Alice (Freeman) Carleton, a daughter of the late William Edward and Sarah ( Hill) Free- man, of Cheltenham, England. In life Mr. Freeman was one of Rockford's oldest and best

known business men. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Ingalls Carle- ton, as follows: Leonard Ingalls, Jr., who died January 20, 1902, aged two years; Robey Free- man, born August 28, 1902; Leon Lawrence, born July 6, 1904; and Alice Elizabeth, born January 5, 1907.

Ingalls Carleton was a broad-minded man, energetic and honorable, whose word carried weight. A leader of men, he understood human nature, and knew how to sway those about him, and, fortunately for them and for his community, his influence always tended toward moral uplift and the betterment of existing cou- ditions. His business operations, directed by his able and ripe judgment, netted him a hand- some fortune. and proved the truth of his claim that a man could be thoroughly honorable in his dealings, and yet accumulate considerable property, provided he be willing to exert bim- self and act according to his conscience. MIr. Carleton has passed from this life, but his in- fluence remains, and its effects will long be felt in the community where he was so potent a factor for good.

JESSIE PALMER WEBER.

Mrs. Jessie Palmer Weber, librarian and editor, was born at Carlinville, Ill., and is a daughter of the late Gen. John M. and Malinda A. (Neely) Palmer. She was educated in the public schools of Springfield and by private tutors; and was graduated at the Bettie Stuart Institute, Springfield, Ill., under the principal- ship of Mrs. M. McKee Homes, a noted teacher. Her home has always been at Springfield. She was married in 1881 to Norval W. Weber, now deceased, the youngest son of George R. Weber, for many years editor of the Illinois State Register. She has one daughter, Malinda, who is the wife of Dr. J. W. Irion, a prominent phy- sician of Fort Worth, Tex.

From 1891 to 1897, Mrs. Weber was secretary for her father, Gen. John M. Palmer, during his term in the United States Senate, and was a clerk for the senate committee on Pensions, of which General Palmer was chairman, 1893-1897. On January 1, 1SOS, she became librarian of the Illinois State Historical Library, which position she now occupies. She was one of the founders of the Illinois State Historical Society, 1899, and has been a member of the board of directors of the society since 1004. At the annual meeting

held in Bloomington, in January, 1904, . Mrs. Weber was elected secretary of the society, and has been reelected every year since that time. In April, 1908, the Quarterly Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society was founded and Mrs. Weber became editor-in-chief, and as- sisted by a board of associate editors has con- tinned to edit the magazine from its foundation. She is also the editor of the Annual Transactions of the Historical Society. In 1903, through the efforts of the Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution, the site of old Fort Massac, near Metropolis, Ill., was purchased by the state of Illinois, and this historic site became a state park. Mrs. Weber has been a member of the board of trustees of Fort Massac Park since 1004, and ever since has been secretary of the board.

The Forty-eighth General Assembly of Illinois created a commission to prepare for the celebra- tion in 1918, of the centennial of the admission of Illinois into the Federal Union. Mrs. Weber was, by the resolution creating the commission, consisting of fifteen commissioners, made a member of the Centennial Commission and upon

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Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 35

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 joint ed Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell publishing company Number of Pages: 1290

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 joint ed
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell publishing company
Number of Pages: 1290