USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 39
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Tobias Weinshenker was born at Bobroisk, Minsk, Russia, January 15, 1844, a son of Boris and Lieba (Mogilner) Weinshenker, natives of that country, who both passed away there, the former in March. 1885, and the latter in April. 1900. Of his parents' nine children : Osip is a surgeon in the Czar's service, and participated in the Russo-Japanese war: Tobias was the second in order of birth; Nochem resides at Chicago: Theodore is a mechanical engineer of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Leopold is a druggist in Rus- sia: Joshua is a retired government produce purveyor in Russia ; and Mrs. August and Mrs. Weiner, both of whom live in Chicago. Boris Weinshenker, the father, was a purveyor to the Russian government as were the heads of the family for three generations before him, they supplying provisions and clothing for the army. In this connection it may be stated that prior to his coming to the United States, Tobias Weinshenker was instrumental in securing for Jewish soldiers of the Russian army, a fur- lough of twenty-one days to visit their families during the holidays. Up to that time only three days were granted them -- on the Jewish New Year and the Day of Atonement.
Tobias Weinshenker received his education in the schools of his native land, securing a thorough and comprehensive scholastic training. On completing his studies he at once engaged in the provision business, and was so employed until 1567. in which year he embarked for the United States with the intention of making his way to North Dakota to join a Russian student
colony, members of which, so he had heard, had taken up claims in that state. On his ar- rival at New York City, he found, upon investi- gation, that the colony was but an illusion. With the far sightedness natural to a man of his type. he recognized at once the unnatural life led by the Jewish emigrant compelled to live in the New York ghetto, and so decided that a western city would be preferable for settlement. so came to Chicago, making it his subsequent home. For a short while after his arrival in this city, he was employed in a humble capacity at the Union Stock Yards. but in 1549, he established himself in the mattress business at No. 349 West Chicago avenue. That continued the scene of his operations until 1597, when he moved to his own home, No. S17 North Ashland avenue, and there continued to reside and carry on business until his death. He was known as one of the best Hebrew scholars in Chicago, and conversed fluently in English, Rus- sian Polish, Bohemian, Hebrew, German and all of the Slavic languages.
It was, however, as a benefactor of the poor, that Mr. Weinshenker did his greatest work in Chicago. As before stated, according to his friends, he spent a half dozen fortunes bringing his relatives and former acquaintances in Rus- sia to America, and the Mohliver Society, named in honor of his widow's birthplace, has a mem- hership of 230 men and women, many of whom came to this country at his expense. In addi- tion, he did much to relieve the sufferings of his countrymen. He organized the Northwest Side Hebrew School ; was prominently identified with the Knights of Zion, the Chicago Hebrew Institute, the Marks Nathan Orphans' Home, the Sons and Daughters of Jacob, and the Royal Arcanum, of which he was a trustee. Mr. Weinshenker organized the Hebrew Free School and the Free Burial Society of the North- west Side. He was a trustee of the Jewish Old People's Home, and held membership in the North American Union and the B'nai Brith. His list of regular pensioners was large, and addi- tienally he was continually called upon to assist those in difficult straits. To hundreds his death was a sad blow. On two occasions, at least, through his efforts men were saved from the penitentiary, and he reformed them and secured them positions in which they were able to work out their own salvation. Politics never swayed him, and he always believed it every man's pre- rugative to cast his ballot for the man he deemed best fitted to govern, independent of party lines.
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On March 18, 1864, Mr. Weinshenker was married, in Russia, to Miss Elka Markman, the second of six children of Reuben and Mary (Kranin) Markman. Mr. and Mrs. Weinshenker became the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom came to this country with them, and of these nine survive, namely : Dora, who married Samuel Weinshenker ; Sophia, who married Ed- ward Weinshenker ; Mary, who married Charles Abrams; Charles, who is a manufacturer of mattresses; Mrs. Esther Natkin: Julia : Rose: Lewis T., who is a Chicago dentist ; and Maurice, who is practicing law before the Chicago bar. At the time of his death, Mr. Weinshenker had twelve grandchildren and one great-grandebild. Mr. Weinshenker was a man of an intense nature, with great ability for loving his fellow-
men, even to the detriment of his own interests. Ilis individuality was so strong that despite the fact that he came from a country of des- potism, and by birth belonged to the orthodox wing of Judaism, he dared oppose the conven- tional laws of society, if his judgment so die- tated.
The entire career of Mr. Weinshenker was one that ought to be emulated by the youth of any land, creed or station. His death was deplored because men of such type are not so plentiful that they can well be spared, and because it re- moved from Chicago a citizen who for a quarter of a century, had been connected with the things that go to make up what is best in the city's life.
WILLIAM PENUEL RICHARDS.
It is seldom that there is found in a com- munity, men as restless to reach still higher success, whether in business or political life. as in Jerseyville, and one there who has contented himself only with bringing into a perfect sys- tem the duties devolving upon him, so that he is now satisfied with the rewards which his years of usefulness have brought him in the confidence of the people and the respect of his associates, is William Penuel Richards. Rare as is this condi- tion, it is to be found and realized in his career which this sketch briefly and all too inade- quately portrays. Whatever work he has under- taken he has done well: every duty cast upon him has been efficiently discharged ; no one who has reposed confidence in him has been dis- appointed, and his accomplishments present an example worthy of imitation by all who are destined to follow in his footsteps. Mr. Rich- ards comes of an old and honored family, and was born at Jerseyville, Ill., June 11, 1865, a son of Captain J. L. C. and Mary A. (Corbett) Richards. Captain Richards was born at Spring- field, N. J., while his wife was born at Bristol, R. I. They were married at Jerseyville in 1859, Captain Richards having come to Illinois in 1855, and she in 1838, being brought here at the age of two years by her parents, Peruel and Charlotte (Bourne) Corbett. Mrs. Corbett was a daughter of Sherjashub Bourne, for- merly chief justice of Rhode Island, and a Revo- Intionary soldier of distinction. Penue! Cor- bett was a graduate of Harvard, Class of 1816, who later became a professor of his alma mater. and later president of a college in Mississippi.
In 1836, he came to Jerseyville, where he estab- lished the first reliable school of the place. His death occurred in 1878, when he was ninety years old.
Captain J. L. C. Richards was a contractor and builder and had a fine business when he enlisted and was made captain of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, in September. 1862, and gave his country three years of brave service. Re- turning home, he resumed his contracting, and so continued until 1877, when he was appointed postmaster. In 1882, failing health sent him to the Ozarks in Missouri, and later to Colo- rado Springs, Colo., where he died October 6, 190S. and his remains were sent back to Jer- sevville for interment. Captain Richards not only assisted in organizing the local G. A. R. Post, which he served as first commander, but he was captain of a military company, and was never found lacking in patriotism. The wife of Captain Richards died in 1894. having born him seven children all of whom are surviving.
William P'. Richards attended the public and high schools and was graduated from the latter in 1852. He entered the post office under his father. as deputy postmaster, and remained in the otlice until 1894. when he left it to em- bark in a hardware and furniture business and continued to operate it until 1SOS. In that year he opened up a produce business which he still conducts, and in the following year. 1899, he was made state agent for Missouri for the Mutual Life Insurance Company, so continuing until 1902. when he re-entered the post office
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Isaac Wallow
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as deputy, So efficient did he prove that in 1906, he was the logical man for the office of postmaster, and was appointed as such, and was re-appointed in 1912. This office is a very fuportant one. having eight rural free de- livery routes, four city carriers and three clerks. It is a second class office with an income of $12,000 annually. Politically, Mr. Richards is a Republican, and has been prominent in his party, for four terms serving in , the city council. He is a Knight Templar Mason and has taken the thirty-second degree as well.
In 1889, Mr. Richards was married to Lora A. Cowen, daughter of F. M. and Mary Cowen of Jersey County. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards: Theodore C., who is a student of Harvard, Class of 1916; and Bernice C., who was graduated from Forest Park University of St. Louis, Class of 1912. It is interesting to note that Theodore C. Rich- ards will be graduated from Harvard exactly one hundred years from the time that his grand- father Corbett was also graduated from that institution. The part that the Richards family has played in the progress of Jersey County is a matter of history, and well known to every-
one within its confines. Its representatives have been men of progress, enthusiastic in their work, and anxious to advance the general wel- fare of their community. It is such men as these who form the great backbone of any commonwealth and make possible the remark- able advancement that has marked the history of this country. Mr. Richards has been brought into contact with the leading men of Illinois, and numbers many of them as his warm, per- sonal friends, by whom his ability and integrity are correctly appreciated. The future holds mich in store for a man of Mr. Richards' cap- ability, but no matter what the sphere into which he may be called, he can be depended upon to give his duties the same zealous atten- tion that has rendered him so etficient as both postmaster and alderman of Jerseyville. The exigencies of any emergency in business or official life have been met ably and effectively by Mr. Richards, and the present magnificent work- ing conditions prevailing at the post office are due to his systematie efforts and dependable methods. Ilis reputation is firmly established throughout the state, and he can easily stand on his record for it is worthy of him.
ISAAC WALTON.
The builders of empires are not greater than the men who establish, organize and develop vast commercial and industrial enterprises that make communities the centers of a thriving trade and carry their name to the uttermost parts of the earth. Such men must possess many qualities. Their insight into business con- ditions must be keen and far-reaching; their knowledge of men profound, and their ability to grasp opportunities, unlimited. Without in- dustrial and commercial interests, no locality progresses, for such enterprises are the very life of a community. The investment and attrac- tion of capital, the employment of labor, and the consequent opening of new avenues of en- deavor to meet newly created demands, all in- fuse blood into the veins of a section and endow it with renewed vigor and strength. Fairbury is an excellent example of the above statement. With the location in its midst of several flourish- ing houses of the kind mentioned, its business life quickened, new interests were awakened, and it has developed into a prosperous comer of this part of the state. One of the men largely responsible for this desirable state of affairs was the late Isaac Walton, veteran, former gold
miner, business man, public-spirited citizen and philanthropist. He will long live in the memory of his fellow citizens,
Isaac Walton was born in Groveport, Ohio, August 29, 1642, one in a family of twelve chil- dren born to his parents. When only twelve years old, he left Ohio for Illinois, going to work for his brother-in-law, David Crum. in Belle Prairie Township, Livingston County. Still a lad at the outbreak of the Civil war, he was nevertheless ready and willing to offer his life in the service of his country, and enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained with his regiment until he was stricken with a severe illness about three years later. While yet in the hospital, hostilities were ended, and Mr. Walton was free to resume the occu- pations of peace. An interesting incident con- nected with his hospital experience is the fact that Mr. Walton never forgot the faithful serv- ices of his surgeon, and later in life, when he discovered that gentleman in need, he repaid his debt many fold. With the close of the war, Mr. Walton's venturesome spirit did not brook the restraints of an every-day existence, so he went to Idaho, and spent three years in that and other
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states where gold had been found, and had a pleasant and profitable experience. Later he visited those scenes with his wife. In 1867 he located at Fairbury, where he established him- self as a grocer in a small frame structure, fac- ing the public square. Although his first stock of goods cost barely $500, he was successful from the start, increasing his field of operation until at the time of his death, he was one of the leading business men of his county. In 156>, his brother, J. W. Walton, joined him, and the firm of Walton Bros, was formed, and the founda- tions laid for the present house of that name that has long been synonymous with honest deal- ing and uprightness of purpose, the state over. Although the firm suffered severely from several fires, the partners rebuilt and the present struc- ture is the finest of its kind not only in Fair- bury, but this part of the state. Mr. Walton continued the active head until his death, which occurred August 18, 1913. In addition to his large mercantile interests, Mr. Walton was en- gaged in rice growing in Arkansas, having 4,000 acres in rice in that state, and being the largest individual rice planter in the United States.
Patriotic to a marked degree, Mr. Walton never deemed himself an unusual character in this respect, and refused to accept a pension, although he gave three years of the best part of his young manhood to the service of his country. His death, due to apoplexy, occurred at St. Louis, while en route for home from Stuttgart, Ark. Interment was made in the Fairbury Cemetery, and the funeral was one of the most impressive ever held in this city.
Isaac Walton was twice married, first to Sally
Wilhour in 1900, who died after the birth of one child, that also passed away. On March 24, 1002, Mr. Walton was married to Miss Sally Thompson, of Ridgeway, Pa., who survives him. It would be impossible to say too much in praise of Mr. Walton. for he was a man of countless virtues and manifold charities. It was his pleasure. and he also considered it his duty, to render aid, in a quiet, unostentatious way, to young men who were struggling to get a footing. That bis judgment with regard to character was excellent is shown in the fact that very few of hiz pretages failed to prove worthy of his friend- ship and favor. A bit of bread, humanitarian views, his religion was of a nature to embrace all conscientious effort along right living, and he gave generously to all creeds, While he was a man of remarkable publie spirit, his inclina- tions did not run in the direction of office, he preferring to direct others rather than to seek advancement for himself, yet had he so desired there is probably no position within the gift of his fellow citizens that might not have been his, for he was held in the highest esteem. Success- ful not only in a material way, but also in the higher and vetter measure of manhood, Mr. Walton passed away, leaving behind him a rec- ord few can surpass or even equal. A most touching and truthful memorial was written of him by his pastor, Dr. A. Wirt Lowther, who in it mentions as salient characteristics of this man the following : Generosity, gratitude, granitic honesty, business sagacity, fidelity to duty, cleanness of living, and a religion of help- fulness, and in them is to be found the best obituary that could ever be written of him or of any other man.
JOHN J. KOSINSKI.
It is but seldom that an outsider understands or appreciates the work accomplished by the Roman Catholic clergy. Fortunately these learned and honored prelates give but little thought to the criticisms or lack of apprecia- tion on the part of the world, resting content with the realization that they have carried out the ideas of their superiors and achieved untold good for humanity. One of these distinguished clergymen of the Roman Catholic church is the Very Rev. John J. Kosinski, pastor of St. John Cantius Church, N. Carpenter street, Chicago.
Father Kosinski was born in the province of Posen, Prussian-Poland, July 5, 1570, a son of James and Veronica (Kolpacki) Kosinski, but
was brought to Chicago, Ill., the following year. For several years thereafter, James Kosinski was foreman of a Chicago factory, and later secured a political position under the adminis- tration of former Mayor Busse. The Kosinski family is of noble birth, but like so many others, was driven from Poland on account of participation in an insurrection against the gov- ernment. The grandfather had all his property confiscated and was compelled to cross the fron- tier to save his life. He enlisted in the Prus- sian army and participated in the Franco-Prus- sian war, holding a minor command in the Prussian Black Hussar cavalry, Father John J. Kosinski is the only survivor of the children
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born to his father's first marriage. Later James Kosinski married Victoria Kaczmarek, and by her he had nine children, six of whom are liv- ing: Felix, who served in the Asiatic squadron in the United States Navy; Stanislaus, who is a business man of Chicago; Frances, who is an organist and school teacher; Martha, who is the wife of John Kowalski, a real estate dealer of Chicago; Clara, who is a stenographer ; and Eugene.
Father Kosinski was reared in Chicago, and was graduated with distinguished honors from St. Stanislaus parochial school in 1852. Later he took a classical course at St. Jerome College, Berlin, Canada, being graduated therefrom in 1857, and in the fall of the same year he went to Rome, Italy, to join the congregation of the Resurrection Fathers, and attended the school of oratory at the Propaganda De Fide, and in due time received his degree of Philosophy at the Gregorian University at Rome. Then, on account of poor health, he was transferred to Lemberg, Austria-Poland, to continue his theo- logical studies. By this time he had exhibited such *exceptional talent and aptitude for his duties that he was summoned to occupy the chair of literature and classics at St. Jerome College, Ontario, Canada. Following this he was ordained to the priesthood through a spe- cial dispensation of the Holy Father, prior to attaining his majority, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Bowling, D. D., of Hamilton, Canada.
After teaching two years, Father Kosinski was transferred, by the authorities, to St. Mary's College, St. Mary's, Ky., and held the office of disciplinarian there for two years. He then served as vice-president of the college for
the succeeding two years, and in 1889 was sum- moned to his home, city to take charge of the newly erected Polish college of Chicago, and shortly thereafter was made its president, hold- ing that office until 1909. He has devoted his talent, energy and heart to the cause of the people of his parish and can look back with pride and gratification upon the good he ac- complished. The college was first started as a school in 1800, but its importance and useful- ness was immensely extended by Father Kosin- ski, who is recognized as one of the foremost educators of the United States, being particu- larly distinguished for his rare powers of ora- tory and persuasive speech. A talented linguist, in addition to his native tongue, he speaks Eng- lish, German, French and Italian.
On January 6, 1909, orders came from the headquarters of the Resurrection Fathers, at Rome, Italy, appointing him superior, and at the same time placing him in charge of St. John Cantius Church on Carpenter and Front streets, Chicago. Notwithstanding this charge, he is still connected with the project of erect- ing new college buildings at Avondale for the . education of the Polish-American youth, and is a director of the new corporate body, "The Polish-American Educational Institute." He is likewise president of the Polish Publishing Com- pany that issues the Polish Daily News. Father Kosinski is at the head of the largest Polish congregations in Chicago, if not in America, having from 2,500 to 3,000 souls in his charge. This parish is very well organized and has a splendid modern school with 2,000 pupils in at- tendance, conducted by the teaching nuns of Notre Dame of Milwaukee.
JOHN M. TURNBULL.
In the life and services of such men as the late Lieut. ("Capt.") John M. Turnbull. of Mou- mouth, Ill., may be found the assurances that give meaning to the notable promise of the framers of the Declaration of Independence that each individual shall have the privilege of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If all men were of as rigid probity, as clear understand- ing and as great and abundant sympathy as was Captain Turnbull no contention concerning this great claim would ever arise in any community. His was a life of earnest effort and of signal achievement and his memory is preserved not only in his family and wide social circle, but also in those larger connections which were in-
fluenced through his ability, patriotism and his kindly view of life that enabled him to smooth rough pathways for others by a genial presence and an understanding and forgiving spirit. Fortunate in a sturdy ancestry he continued to be representative of the solid and substantial qualities of his inheritance and to these added the attainments which experience gave, while his personality was such that it made him as welcome in the social circle as he was in bust- ness and miltary organizations.
John M. Turnbull was born July 23, 1-33, near Cedarville, Ohio, and was a son of David and Nancy (Mitchell) Turnbull. His grandfather, William Turnbull, was a native of Scotland, and
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married a member of the Marshall family of Tennessee. He was educated in the country school near Monmouth and began life as a farm- er on the Turnbull homestead, six miles north- west of Mommouth. In November, 1:54, he was married at Washington, Iowa, to Miss Anna I. Orr, who died in 1859, and to this marriage four children were born, all of whom are living: Miss Mary E. Turnbull, Mrs. Clara Pollock and Mrs. Jennie Adams, all of MeKeesport, Pa., and Mrs. Nancy Johnson, of Dunellen, N. J. Mr. Turnbull was married in 1892 to Mrs. Hattie A. Edwards (a soldier's widow at that time). who survives him, and one son was born to them : John M., Jr.
Lieutenant Turnbull was generally known as "Captain" Turnbull, but he always modestly de- clared he was not entitled to the rank of captain, although his comrades and those ac- quainted with his miltary record insisted that he was. When the Civil war broke out he eu- listed in Company C, Thirty-sixth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry and was made second lieu- tenant. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1862, after the battle of l'ea Ridge, Ark., and afterwards for two months in which the en- gagements of Perryville, Ky., Stone River and Murfreesboro, Teun., were fought, he was in command of the company. His modesty alone prevented his having a captain's commission, as he was entitled to it but did not ask for it. He was afterwards detailed for duty on the staff of General W. H. Lytle, and was in that service at the time of the general's death at Chickamauga. Lieutenant Turnbull participated in the Atlanta campaign with General Sherman where his command was under fire almost con- stantly for thirty days, and while inspecting the lines at Dallas, Ga., May 24, 1964, he was wounded. While inspecting the lines he came upon three men in the dark. He halted them and they stated they were members of a Michi- gan regiment which was encamped just ahead of them. Confederates were working in the front, throwing up earthworks, and when the party of four came close enough a sentry fired upon them. The ball struck the lieutenant in the left knee cap and shattered the leg so that it had to be amputated. The operation was performed on the field and had to be done in such short order that the surgeon made poor work of it, and the leg troubled Lieutenant Turnbull throughout the remainder of his life. During his last few years he was almost totally incapacitated and it was then that the courage,
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