USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 40
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ability and tenderness of his wife found full expression, for she cared not alone for his per- sonal wants, but attended to his business as well. Lieutenant Tornbull participated in the historie battle of Missionary Ridge and other later engagements, but in October, 1804, re- signed his commission and was discharged and returned to this city in time to vote at the elec- tion in November.
Lieutenant Fornbuli was appointed postmas- ter of Monmouth by President Lincoln soon after his return, but his commission was signed by President Johnson. The latter tried to re- move biit from office later, after he had been elected mayor of the city, but the Senate re- fused to confirm the act of the president and Mr. Turnbull resigned the office of mayor and held the position of postmaster until 1887. In 1:01 he was appointed by Governor Fifer to serve out an unexpired term as a registrar in the grair. office of the railroad and warehouse commission and served in that capacity two years Later he returned to Monmouth and from that time on heid numerous civil offices. He was police magistrate for several years, and was town clerk and justice of the peace for a long period. During his earlier years he was put forward several times as a candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress, but could never be induced to make an active cam- paign for the nomination, although urged by bis county and friends in other counties of the district. He ever took an interest in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic and was one of the founders of General Crook Post No. 81, which is at Kirkwood, Ill., about seven miles southwest of Monmouth, this being established through bis efforts. An earlier post with which he was also identified was chartered in July, 1866, but on account of political feeling in those days was disbanded. On September 10, 1883, McClanahan Post No. 330 was instituted at Monmouth and Mr. Turnbull kept up his membership in Posts No. 1 and 330 all the rest
of his life. He was devoted to duty as a soldier and no less as a civilian. The educa- tional problem claimed his interest and intelli- gent cooperation from early years and he was made chairman of the first high school board of Monmouth and continued in that office until 1×91 when his appointment as registrar in the grain office by Governor Fifer made his absence from home necessary and he resigned. He never lost interest, however, in the claims of higher education.
в. Ю. Жаджи
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Mr. Turnbull was always ready to help a com- rade and in fact, it was owing to his inability to refuse aid that kept him from becoming a rich man. His religious connection was with the First United Presbyterian Church. A robust appearing man, weighing in the neighbor- hood of 225 pounds, it was difficult for him in
his later years to go to and from his business, which was carried on almost entirely by his de- voted wife. He made friends wherever he went, his honesty and whole-heartedness winning him the regard of all with whom he came into con- tact. When he died May 25, 1913, the whole city mourned.
HENRY HURLBUT WAGNER.
Were a record kept of the daily trials, of ad- verse circumstances overcome and responsibili- tles faithfully carried out by every business man, much valuable information would be pre- served, for it is by the little things of life that a man's character is determined, and his worth to the community proven. The majority stand forth advantageously under stress of powerful circumstances, and on the spur of the moment develop into heroes, but it is the one who can endure the everyday burdens, discharge insignifi- cant duties acceptably and come out of it all successfully, who can be accounted a real man. Business life serves to develop many of this class, and to them is due the material welfare of the community in which they live. Stone by stone they build the foundation of their enter- prices, not in a single moment of emblazoned glory, and because of this very fact, their build- ings stand firm no matter what winds and storms of adversity beat against them, DeKalb has numbered among its dependable citizens men of the above class and one whom all held in the highest esteem was the late Henry Hurlbut Wagner, whose operations as a dry goods mer- chant in that city for many years, gave him prestige and wealth, and his city distinction.
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Henry H. Wagner was born July 6, 1847, in LaSalle County, Ill., a son of Joseph and Lois (Hough) Wagner, who came from New York State to LaSalle County. The father died when his son, Henry IL .. was very young, and the child had the misfortune to lose his mother when he was but two years old. The orphan lad grew up in an agricultural district and at Ottawa, Ill., and his early manhood was spent on a farm in the Somonauk Creek district. On the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Wagner took a definite stand, and although still a lad. in 1864. he enlisted for service in defense of his country, in Company K. One Hundred and Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, and was hon- orably discharged in 1865.
In 1875 Mr. Wagner established his business house at DeKalb, and continued to operate it
until the time of his demise, developing into one of the substantial men of his country, and one who always stood for what was best and most desirable. His house is one of the best known in this section, and his name has long been Synonymous with fair and honorable dealing and uprightness of purpose.
On March 24, 1871, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage with Nancy E. Waite, a daughter of William W. and Sarah Jane (Streetor) Waite. Mr. Waite was a native of Vermont. and became a cotton merchant, at Rochester, N. Y., where he died in 1856, having devoted his mature years to this line of endeavor. Mrs. Waite, who was of Massachusetts birth, after the death of her husband, came to DeKalb, and located about fifteen miles from that city, in the township of Shabbona, where she died within two years of her arrival. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner became the parents of the following children : Eva W., who married Elmer E. Embree, is living in DeKalb ; Cora Frances, who married Vere C. Goodyear, lives in DeKalb; Elvin Henry Wagner, who is a first lieutenant in the Twenty-ninth Infantry, United States Army, married Florence Greene, a daughter of Charles F. and Elizabeth (John- son ) Greene; Nina W., who married Harrold Hemenway, a son of Charles F. and Mary E. ( Harrold) Hemenway, lives at Moline, Ill. ; Hayden Waite, who is a first lieutenant in the Third Cavalry, United States Army, married Bersie Aspenwall, a daughter of John and Juliet ( Wilson) Aspenwall ; and Harry Hough, who is living at home, is carrying on his father's bust- mess at DeKalb. The grandchildren in the fam- ily are as follows: Waite Wagner Embree, Henry Hough Embree, Nancy Louise Embree. Gertrude Elizabeth Goodyear, Katherine Louise Goodyear, Henry Arthur Wagner, Elizabeth Florence Wagner, and John Aspinwall Wagner.
Mr. Wagner belonged to the Modern Wood- mien and to Merritt Simonds Post No. 283. G. A. R. While not a member of any religious or- matization, he attended the Congregational church and was a generous contributor to its
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support. A very strong Prohibitionist through principle and conviction, he was never afraid of voicing and supporting his ideas, and while a very unassuming man, exerted a strong in- fluence for good, especially in this direction. Generous to a fault, he gave liberally towards the establishment and maintenance of public libraries and philanthropie societies, and was ever ready to assist in developing business proj- ects which his mature judgment deemed feas- ible. No matter at what loss, he always kept his word, and no one ever trusted him in vain. In his death DeKalb not only lost its oldest business man but also its most highly respected one, and as a token of respect, during the hours of his funeral. all of the business bouses closed
their doors. Various commercial interests with which he was connected held special meetings and adopted resolutions of regret and sympathy, and all honor was accorded him that could be rendered such a man. Mr. Wagner died April 27, 1914, his death coming somewhat suddenly after an illness of about a week. His business connections with DeKalb extended over a half century, and surely no more fruitful years have come to any of its citizens, than those that Mr. Wagner spent in this city. A real man in every sense of the word, his memory is cherished, and his example followed, and although he is dead, his spirit lives on in the community where he was once so important a factor.
JAMES STEVENSON EWING.
James Stevenson Ewing was born in Wood- ford County, Ill., July 19, 1835. In 1858 be graduated from Centre College, at Danville, Ky., and immediately thereafter commenced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in Bloomington in 1868, in partnership with his cousin, Adlai Ewing Stevenson, the two having been of the unusual relationship of cousin on both the paternal and maternal sides. The firm soon became one of the leading law firms of central Illinois. Mr. Ewing was possessed of a remarkably strong judicial mind, and the two
lawyers combined all of the qualities needed for success. They were both active Democrats of unusual political ability. After several terms in Congress from the Bloomington district, Mr. Stevenson became vice president of the United States. Mr. Ewing was often in demand in Democratie councils, in both state and nation, having served with distinction on the highest committees of the Democratic party. From 1893 to 1897, by appointment of President Cleveland, he served with ability as Minister to the King- dom of Belgium.
CLAAB ONNO COLLMANN.
For more than sixty years the late Claab Onno Collmann was a resident of Freeport, JII., and during that time was so closely identified with the business, insurance and financial in- terests of the city that he left an indelible im- press thereon, his name being at all times synonymous with upright and straightforward dealing. He was possessed of but meagre cap- ital when he first came to this country, but so forceful and well-directed were his efforts that he had accumulated a handsome competence by the time of his death and occupied a high posi- tion among the men of substantiality here. Es- sentially a business man, he cared but little for public life, and yet he was ever foremost in his support of good public movements, and was usually to be found among earnest, zeal- ous and public-spirited men whose main object was the advancement and progress of the com- munity. His career was useful, helpful and clean, and it would be hard to find a man who
had, in a greater degree, the esteem of his fel- low-citizens.
Mr. Collmana was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, November 1, 1822, a son of Onno and Elina ( Kremer) Collmann. He re-' ceived ordinary educational advantages, at- tending the common school, and when still a youth entered upon his career as a hand on his father's farm. Mr. Collmann was twenty- eight years of age when he came to America. Like thousands of his fellow countrymen he could see naught ahead of him in his native Fatherland except long years of arduous labor with little hope of gaining more than a doubtful success. Accordingly, like them, he turned his face towards the land of promise, and in 1850 first set foot on American soil. His parents and sister accompanied him on the journey, and the family located in Freeport, whence two brothers had preceded them. Shortly thereafter, the family removed to a farm in Silver Creek Town-
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ship, Stephenson County, Ill., and there the parents continued to reside until their death, being successful in developing a productive and valuable farm and making themselves a com- fortable home.
During the next five years Claab O. Collmann worked with a purpose in view, and in 1955 returned to his native land and when he again came to America he brought with him Miss Afke Rademaker and her parents. On June 17, 1855, at Freeport, Ill,. Mr. Collmann was married to Miss Rademaker, and they became the pa- rents of the following children: Rose W., who married Hon. John Meyer; John S .; Elena M .; Margaret G .; Jane W., who married George A. Lounsberry ; Onneus ; William C .; Harry and Charles C. Mr. Collmann bought a farm on his own account and continued to work it until the fall of 1866, at which time he came to Free- port and settled his family in the rooms above a general store, which he conducted at the cor- ner of Galena and Van Buren streets. He con- tinued there in the mercantile business until May, 1876, at which time he organized what was known as the German Bank, with owner- ship resting with Hettinger, Collmann Brothers & Company. The bank was incorporated in 1504, Mr. Collmann being elected president, and continued to be the directing head of this in- stitution up to the time of his retirement. In
1805 was established the German Insurance Company, of which Mr. Collmann was presi- dent for many years. In addition to these en- terprises, Mr. Collmann dealt largely in Illinois and Iowa lands, and in all of these ventures was successful because of his excellent business abilities, his quick perception of an opportunity and his able executive management. For years he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he was a deacon. His politi- cal faith was that of the Democratic party, but at times his judgment led him to cast his vote for a man of another party. His son-in- law, Mr. Meyer, was a prominent Chicago law- ver and Republican politician, and served as a member of the Thirty-fifth, Thirty-sixth and Thirty-eighth General Assemblies, and in the Thirty-ninth was elected and served as speaker of the House right up to the time of his death.
Mr. Collmann was extremely fond of his home, and occupied a beautiful residence in Freeport, where he passed quietly away August 13, 1912, being later buried in Oakland Cem- etery. The salient features of his career were close application, thorough investigation and mastery of every subject that came within his range, unflagging perseverance and resolute purpose, and to these he owed his steady ad- vancement from a humble beginning to a promi- nent place and financial independence.
CYRUS HALL ADAMS.
Like a successful general, the prosperous re- tired business man can look back upon many battlefields on which he vanquished the enemy, and brought his cohorts into a period of peace and plenty. During the progress of his battle of life an American trader in commercial affairs must be ever alert to seize upon each advan- tage as offered, and never to relax his vigilence until increasing years permit him to retire with honor. The results of his struggles; the in- fluence of his campaigns carefully planned and sagaciously carried out; the prosperity that has accrued ; and the prestige others as well as himself, have gained, remain with him, and make happy and contented his years of peaceful retrospection. During the period of his activity Cyrus Hall Adams was a powerful factor in the development and maintenance of the grain trade of Chicago, and his connection with the Chicago Board of Trade resulted in some very important changes in the policy of that body.
Cyrus Hall Adams was born at Kerr's Creek,
Rockbridge County, Va., February 21, 1849, a son of Hugh and Amanda ( McCormick) Adams. The Adams family was founded in the American Colonies by Robert Adams in 170S. He came to Campbell County, Va., about that date. from England, where he was connected with the nobil- ity. The first Adams to locate in Rockbridge County, Va., was John Adams of Timberridge, whose son. John Adams of Rockbridge Baths, married (first) Jane Hutcheson of Scottish descent, and (second) Margaret Mellhenny. By his first marriage, John Adams had eight children. of whom James was the father of Hugh Adams, A sketch of Hugh Adams appears elsewhere in this work.
Coming to Chicago in 1857, Hugh Adams two years later, with his brother-in-law, Cyrus II. McCormick founded the grain house of Cyrus II. McCormick & Company. Having been brought to what was to become a great metropolis, in childhood, Cyrus H. Adams received his educa- tional training in the public schools of this city,
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and the old Chicago University. As was but nat- ural, after completing his studies, he entered the grain house of his father and unele, in 1867, and in 1871, was admitted as a partner, the name being changed to McCormick Adams & Co., and still later to Cyrus H. Adams & Co., when two of his younger brothers, Hugh Leander and Edward Shields Adams were admitted to the firm. Becoming a member of the Board of Trade, Mr. Adams soon became one of its most forceful workers, and from 1871 to 185, he was a member of the Arbitration committee, the Appeals committee, and of the board of direct- ors. He was largely instrumental in drafting and putting into use the "Rules and Regula- tions" of the board and to him belongs the credit mainly of devising and establishing its "clearing house and delivery system," which almost revolutionized its methods, and greatly assisted in making Chicago a center for the grain and provision trade of the middle west. With failing health, however, Mr. Adams realized that he must relax his hold upon active business affairs and in 1859 he retired, although nothing will ever cause bim to lose his interest in the progress of events. For many years he was a director of the National Bank of America.
A member of the Presbyterian church, a trustee of the McCormick Theological Seminary, and of the Elizabeth McCormick Memorial Fund, a governing member of the Art Institute of Chicago, a member of the Board of Governors of the Presbyterian Hospital for years, he has more than played his part as man of broad ideas and unfailing charity. The Union League, Onwentsia and the Saddle and Cycle clubs hold his membership, and profit by his connection with them.
On September 26, 1878, Cyrus II. Adams was married, at Chicago, to Miss Emma J. Blair, a daughter of Lyman Blair, and they have one son, Cyrus H. Adams, Jr., who married Mary Shumway. He was educated at Princeton Uni- versity and the Northwestern Law School and is a member of the Chicago bar. Mr. Adams maintains an office at No. 140 West Van Buren street, and while practically retired, he usually spends a part of each day there in order to look after his private affairs. The family residence at No. 711 Rush street. is one of the quiet, ele- gant homes of Chicago, where Mr. Adams and his family delight to welcome their friends.
HUGH ADAMS.
In reviewing the history of Chicago, especially that portion which has reference to the estab- lishment and growth of the grain trade, and the foundation of those houses which were to so largely influence the development of this branch of Chicago's commercial activity, it is interest- ing to note that the majority of the men who took part in this work, were those who brought with them from other parts of the country, unblemished reputations for honorable dealing, and dignified capability for accomplishment of purpose. Indissolubly associated with the grain history of this part of the country and that of the Board of Trade, is the name of Adams, for not only did his sons win success and fame as honorable members of the Board of Trade and grain merchants, operating upon a large scale, but Hugh Adams, now deceased, was instrumental in founding, in conjunction with his brother-in-law, the firm of Cyrus H. McCor- mick & Company, afterwards changed to Me- Cormick, Adams & Co .; later becoming Cyrus H. Adams & Co. and now operating under the name of Edward S. Adams & Co.
Born in Rockbridge County, Va., February 10,
1820, Hugh Adams came of an old and honored family which was founded in Virginia by Rob- ert Adams of England, who settled in Campbell County, Va., in 1708. Hugh Adams was a son of James and Sarah Adams, and a grandson of John Adams. On May S, 1845, he married Aman- da J. McCormick, a daughter of Robert and Mary Ann ( Hall) McCormick, and their chil- dren were: Mary Caroline, who was born April 21, 1846, married John E. Chapman, who died January 4, 1852, having had two children, Anna, and John Adams; Robert McCormick, who was born October 21, 1847, married Vir- ginia Claiborne, and they had the following children, Hugh C., Mildred Kyle, Amanda Mc- Cormick, Natalie, Virginia C., Robert McCormick and Marian Kyle (twins), and John Belling- ham ; Cyrus Hall, who was born February 21. 1849, is written of at length elsewhere in this work : James William, who was born January 2, 1553, married Grace Clark and they have two children, James W. Jr. and Robert; Ella Sarah, who was born March 10, 1855, married Willis E. Lewis, and they had one child, Gene- vieve ; Hugh Leander, who was born May 5,
Tuy July Youy.
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1.57, married Susan Kirby, died June 4, 1891, having had the following children, Hugh Lean- der, Letitia and Azalyn; Edward Shields, who was born December 12, 1859, married Amie Ir- win ; and Amanda Virginia, who was born March 3, 1×62, married Wallace Farwell Campbell and they had two children, Mary Virginia and Ruth.
Although he had been successful as a mer- chant in his native state, Hugh Adams came of that stock which produces pioneers, and in 1857, be sought a wider horizon in the then village of Chicago. It took an optimistic spirit to fore- Nº the magnificent future before the Illinois settlement by the lake, but Mr. Adams was a man who looked beneath the surface, and meas- ured things other than by the requirement of smail undertakings. In 1859, he founded the grain commission house which is still operated by members of his family, and became one of the first members of the Board of Trade, with which he was connected until his death at Chi- cago, March 10, 1SSO. A man of strong religious convictions, he united with the North (now the Fourth) Presbyterian Church upon coming to Chicago, transferring his membership from a
church of the same denomination in his old home, and ever afterwards was a constant at- tendant upon its services, and a worker for its cause. His greatest pleasure was found in his home, and belonging to the old school, he en- deavored to iustil in his sons his own love of honesty, his integrity of purpose and his high standard of living, and all profited by his exam- ple and teachings. Perhaps no better idea of his worth as a citizen, and his standing as a business man can be given than the following excerpt from the resolutions adopted by the Chicago Board of Trade upon the occasion of his death :
"Whereas it has pleased The Divine Provi- dence to remove suddenly from our midst, by death, Mr. Hugh Adams, for over twenty years a member and formerly a director of the board, therefore, Resolved: That in the decease of Mr. Adams, we recognize the loss of one of the oldest and most valued members of our asso- ciation, and one who, by his unswerving integ- rity as a merchant, and by his genial disposition and pleasant demeanor, endeared his memory to us in no ordinary measure."
JOHN JAMES VAN NOSTRAND.
Recognized as the second largest metropolis of the country, Chicago has long been an im- portant commercial center of the United States. Its geographical location and trade resources and its vast surrounding grain-producing dis- tricts make it unquestionably one of the most important grain markets in America, if not in the world. The grain commission business is here in the hands of some men of high standing and national prominence and among those dis- tinguished in this field of activity is John James Van Nostrand, whose career is typical of mod- ern progress and advancement. It is not neces- sary to seek far for the secret of his success for his close application, indefatigable energy and progressive methods have laid the foundation of the enterprise which he has built up. The biographer in reviewing the lives and characters of prominent men is naturally led to compare achievements and motives and to draw the deduction that success is a result of experience and sound judgment, as in nearly every case it can be easily proved that these men are those who have devoted their lives to deep study and close application and from the beginning placed due valuation upon honor, integrity and deter- mination. These are traits of character that
generally insure the highest emoluments and greatest reward-and to these may be attrib- uted the success that has rewarded the efforts of John J. Van Nostrand.
As a defender of the American flag during the great struggle for supremacy between the North and the South in the Civil war, as a business man, a philanthropist, a friend of education and the supporter of all worthy movements which have their root in unselfish devotion to the best interests of the country, John J. Van Nostrand has left and is leaving his impress indelibly in- scribed upon the history of Chicago, and no .citizen of this city holds in larger measure the esteem of his fellows, nor exerts a stronger influence for the promotion of good citizenship. Mr. Van Nostrand was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 26, 1844, a son of Isaac and Catherine (Rose) Van Nostrand. His educa- tional advantages were those afforded by the public schools of his native state and Washing- ton County, Iowa. Imbued with the patriotic spirit characteristic of true Americans . he, when eighteen years of age, tendered his serv- icos in defense of the U'nion, enlisting in Com- pany H. Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Sep- tember S, 1862, and served with his regiment,
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