USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 47
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The Illinois River flows through one of the richest farming regions in the United States and vast wealth will be accumulated here from the disposal of the natural products of the soil through easy transportation, should Leon Me- Donald's vision ever become a fact. Since 1908 a large part of his time was given to the pro- motion of the deep waterway proposition and the rehabilitation of the old canal. The various matters involved required that he should make many trips to Washington, D. C., to get into close, personal touch with the canal commis- sioners, the State department heads and the Secretary of War. Diplomacy enters into every phase of public effort and no one was better equipped for its exercise than was Mr. Me- Donald. He had substantial ideas of his own which he desired to further for the public
good, one cherished design being to have Illinois appropriate enough money to rehabilitate and preserve the old canal, and through his investi- gations an old law was discovered providing for the reverting of the canal to the Federal Goverment in case the State did not provide for its maintenance. Without ever having at- tended either a law or engineering school, he was competent in both professions, his thorough knowledge securing the confidence of trained men in both lines. His knowledge of engineer- ing came entirely through his connection with the Illinois and Michigan Canal but was so complete that he was once summoned as an expert witness in an engineering case and re- ceived a fee for his expert testimony. It was Mr. McDonald who gave the engineers of the Sanitary Canal the idea of the "Butterfly Dam" which was constructed entirely from his suggestions. It was while on one of his public spirited missions to Washington that he con- tracted the cold that developed into pneumonia, and was so complicated with other troubles, that after an illness of five weeks death term1- nated his life and closed a career that from start to finish had been one of honor and use- fulness. Not only was he gifted with rare in- tellectual powers and virile manhood of the best American type, but he possessed an even, equable temperament and so winning a per- sonality that strangers easily became ac- quaintances and acquaintances desired his friendship.
On September 21, 1898, Mr. MeDonald was united in marriage with Miss Clara Augusta Rudd, a daughter of Charles H. and Esther ( Leonard) Rudd, of Oberlin, Ohio. Her grand- fathers were among the early settlers of the Western Reserve. Mrs. McDonald is a grad- uate of Oberlin College and at the time of her marriage was principal of the Lockport High School. Four children survive: Donald. Leon, Louise and Esther.
Mr. McDonald was ever a stalwart champion of Republican principles and for over twenty years was a member of the Republican Central committee and for a long period was at the head of the executive committee. Recognizing his ability and worth, his fellow citizens fre- quently imposed on him official duties involy- ing trust and responsibility and several times he served as Mayor of Lockport. It was dur- ing his second term that Lockport's system of waterworks was built. In the interim between his appointment in 1897 and his death, January
ممطلية
Philbrick
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17, 1914, canal conditions passed through some of the most critical experiences in its existence. For the part he played in securing valuable rights belonging to the State, thereby saving State property and rights worth several millions of dollars, Mr. McDonald earned appreciation even far beyond that given him. He was first elected Mayor of Lockport in 1895 and again in 1911 and served until 1913. He was prominent in fraternal circles and was affiliated with the
I. O. R. M., the Sons of Veterans and the Mod- ern Woodmen, and was one of the charter members of the Elks Chapter at Joliet, of which he was Second Exalted Ruler, and was the first to ever complete a full term. Ile was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, and among the vast concourse gathered to honor his mem- ory were found people of every class and dig- nity, the highest and lowest uniting in their sorrow for the loss of one so worthy.
SOLON PHILBRICK.
One of the greatest ideals of the American people is that which means equality before the law. In the hands of the judiciary rests the in- terpretation of the law. It follows therefore that care, discrimination, close examination of an individual's public acts and his standing in private life is given before he is chosen to hold the power, that in any community, civilization demands for orderly living, for civic advance, for peaceful progress and for general content. A man who is selected for the place of honor so described, must have, together with the record of an upright life, many other qualifica- tions and these include a comprehensive knowl- edge of the law, a high moral standard, together with a sympathetic understanding of the frail- ties of human nature, ability to evenly balance testimony, and the courage to make decisions without fear or favor. Such a man was the late Judge Solon Philbrick, long a distinguished resi- dent of Champaign County.
Solon Philbrick was born at Adeline, Ogle County, Ill., June 20, 1800, and died at Spring- field, Ill., April 13, 1914, a son of Mayo Hazel- tine and Mary (McFarland) Philbrick. Mayo Hazeltine Philbrick was born at Belford. Waldo County. Me. He moved first to Ohio. and then to Ogle County, Ill. He served from the begin- ning until the close of the Mexican war, and then returned to Ogle County, and this con- tinned his home until 1877, during which period he was engaged in a mercantile business, but in that year he moved to Chicago and estah- lished himself in the same line there. Ile died in the year 1887, while on a visit, at Roxbury, Mass. In 1852 he married Mary McFarland, who was born at Hagerstown, Md., in 1 31. and moved to Ogle County, Ill., with her parents in 1848. At the time of her husband's death she came to the home of her son, Judge Phil- brick, where she passed away in 1910. She and her husband had five children, three of whom
survive. namely: Ethan, who is a civil en- gineer, resides at Baldwin, Ga .; Alvah, who is also a civil engineer, resides at Biloxi, Miss. ; and Margaret, who is the wife of William T. Butler, a contractor of Seattle, Wash.
In 1880, when twenty years of age, Judge Philbrick, then a student, came to Champaign, and four years later was graduated from the University of Illinois. Finding that his tastes and talents lay in the direction of the law, the young man entered the office of G. W. Gere for study, and in 1887, was admitted to the bar and at the same time was received by Mr. Gere as a partner, the firm becoming Gere and Philbrick. This proved a strong combination and the partnership continued until Judge Philbrick was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Circuit bench, in January, 1903, due to the election of Judge F. M. Wright to the Federal bench. This honor came to him as a just recognition of his legal ability and other qualifications, but his accept- ance of it was made at great financial sacrifice to himself, as, at that time, he was enjoying the patronage of the most reliable and desirable clientage of any lawyer in Champaign County. In June. 1903, he was elected to a full term and in 1909 his services were extended to the Appellate bench. Wisdom and efficiency marked his whole career and in the estimation of his fellow citizens and judicial associates his loss was universally deplored.
In 1591 Judge Philbrick was married to Miss Caroline J. Thomas, a daughter of Daniel M. and Louisa L. (Fletcher) ( Whitney) Thomas. Mr. Thomas was born at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1510, and Mrs. Thomas, at Troy, N. Y., in 1822. Mr. Thomas came to Illinois about 1 30, settling in Grundy County, where he continued to reside until 1:72. In that year he retired to Odell, Ill .. where he died in 1850. Mrs. Thomas had removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after the death of her husband, which thereafter continued to
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be her home, but died in 1509, while visiting her daughter, Mrs. Philbrick, at Champaign. Mrs. Philbrick was the youngest in a family of five children, namely : Myron; Lida C., who is the widow of J. C. Gallier, a retired merchant of Chicago; Mary E., who is the widow of M. B. Consigny formerly an accountant of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, resides at Chicago; Attie May, who died at the age of five years; and Mrs. Philbrick. Judge and Mrs. Philbrick became the parents of two daughters, Lois and Gladys. both of whom reside with their mother at the family residence, on the corner of John and New streets, Champaign.
At the time of Judge Philbrick's death every possible mark of honor was shown his memory, from the sending of a private car to Springfield to convey his body home, to the closing of the city's business houses during the simple serv- ices, such as would have been his wish, in the
First Presbyterian Church, at time of burial. For many years he had been prominent in the ranks of the Republican party and at one time was a member of the Republican State Central Committee. Early in his legal career, he served as city attorney of Champaign, as master-in- chancery, and as a member of the board of equalization. He was also captain of a com- pany in the Illinois National Guard. His was too busy a life to afford many periods of recre- ation, but he never lost his interest in the great American game of base ball, in which, during his college days, he had gained reputation as a pitching star. He was identified fraternally with Champaign Lodge No. 308. B. P. O Elks. Champaign Lodge No. 333 1. O. O. F., and Valiant Lodge No. 130, Knights of Pythias. He also belonged to the Champaign County Bar Association and the Country Club.
CONRAD FURST.
In a history of the State of Illinois, in which a large part is devoted to the lives of the men, who, through industry, courage, ability and per- sonal integrity have been builders of its great- ness, no name is more worthy of mention than that of Conrad Furst, who, for many years was one of the men of action in the manufacturing industry at Chicago, and still controls his large real estate interests.
Conrad Furst was born in Ottweiler. Rheinish Prussia, Germany, June 24, 1820, and is a son of Andreas and Louise (Kleber) Furst. His educational advantages were those afforded by the public schools of his native country, aud his environment was such as to make him self reli- ant and self supporting in early youth. Imbued with the tenacity of purpose characteristic of the German people he bent his energies to the accomplishment of his purpose to come to the United States to seek a better field for his activ- ities than his own land at that time offered. Through native resourcefulness and much self denial he acomplished this purpose, and on June 3, 1549, a few days before his twentieth birthday, reached Chicago. For three years thereafter he was employed by J. C. Littlefield, who was a pioneer wagon and carriage manufac- turer, and during the last two years of his serv- ice, Mr. Furst was foreman of the shop. William H. Spearing, a half-brother of Mr. Littlefield, succeeded the latter and Mr. Furst remained one year with the new firm and in 1853 became
a partner of Mr. Spearing and in June, 1854, purchased the latter's interest. In October, 1854, Mr. Furst admitted David Bradley to partner- ship and the firm name became Furst & Bradley. From this time on he devoted himself exclu- sively to the manufacturing of plows and other agricultural implements, thereby contributing much to the opening of the vast western prairies to cultivation. In 1872 the business was incor- porated as the Furst and Bradley Manufactur- ing Company, of which Mr. Furst was president until 1SS1, when he withdrew on account of impaired health and spent four years abroad. In the meanwhile he had acquired other busi- ness interests and responsibilities and was pres- ident of the Machinists' Supply Company from 1SS5 to 1893, in which year he sold out his busi- ness and practically retired. During his active connection with the above concern, his sons were associated with him as officials, William C. Furst being vice-president of the company, and Ed- ward A. Furst being treasurer. In connection with his sons he still looks after and conducts the affairs pertaining to his real estate holdings, which are very valuable, and each day may usually be found at his offices at No. 192 North Clark street, Chicago. Time has dealt kindly with Mr. Furst, his eighty-five years of life hav- ing left him vigorous both in mind and body.
Mr. Furst was married at Chicago, Jannary 6, 1860, to Miss Dorothea Kroeger, who died May S, 1906, mourned by all who knew her. She
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was an exemplary woman and had many en- dearing and amiable traits of character and her friends were as numerous as her circle of ae- quaintance and entertained for her the warmest regard. She enjoyed the fullest measure of her husband's confidence and theirs was a mutual trust which paid large dividends in the love, honor and gratitude of their carefully trained children, three in number : William C., Edward A., and Mrs. Louise C. (Furst) Erust.
Residing in Chicago for sixty-five years and prominently identified with the business inter- ests here almost as long, Mr. Furst has lived through and has contributed to its period of most wonderful development. Ile, with men of his day, passed through the trial of fire in 1871, and since then has watched, almost with a parent's pride, the city's rebuilding and increas- ing importance. Always taking a deep interest in the city's welfare at every stage, he has
given his sympathy and support to all measures which he has deemed permanently beneficial. He has long been recognized as a man of earnest purpose, of great enterprise, and of remarkable business foresight. Mr. Furst is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church but his gener- ous donations to charity have not been confined to this avenue of benevolence. Although no poli- trian, he has, for years, east his vote with the Republican party in support of men and meas- ures meeting with his ideas of liberty and jus- tice, principles ever dear to the German as well as American born. In private life Mr. Furst is a man of genial disposition, kindly and compan- jonable, and his recollections of earlier Chicago are interesting in the extreme and show the conditions which faced business men here sixty years ago, and in himself, in his efforts and suc- cess, is an illuminating example of the strong and forceful men the times demanded.
MILLARD MARTIN HUGHES.
One of the best known insurance men in the state of Illinois was the late Millard Martin Hughes, for a number of years district manager at Joliet for the National Casualty Company, of Detroit, Mich. His connection with this office gained him a wide acquaintance, where his genial disposition, his loyalty and his con- stant inclination to be helpful to his fellows made him a general favorite with all. A pecul- iar and particular genius is necessary to the man who would acquire success in the insur- ance field. The business is like unto no other. and many men who have risen to prominence in other lines have scored naught but failures when they have entered insurance. Mr. Hughes, however, possessed the essential qualities of acumen, a pleasing personality and a thor- ough knowledge of human nature, and with these as his stock in trade achieved an enviable success. Although he did not take a prominent part in political life, he was known everywhere as a good and public-spirited citizen, and did much to promote the welfare of his adopted city and its people. His death caused universal sorrow.
Millard M. Hughes was born at Grand Rapids, Mich., March 16, 1856, and was a son of Peter and Orpha (Bissel) Hughes, natives, respec- tively, of Pennsylvania and Michigan. When he was still a lad the family moved to Saginaw, where he grew to manhood, obtaining an ofdi- mary public school education. Even in youth
be displayed great industry and energy, and when he had completed his schooling, went to a lumber camp in the north woods of Michigan, where he acquired experience and also learned useful lessons of life. He spent short periods in various other lines of endeavor before finally establishing himself in the grocery business with his brother, at Saginaw. Here his fore- sight, judgment and acumen assisted him ma- terially in the building up of a large and pros- perous trade, but in the intensity of his labors, he neglected to care for his health, and he was eventually compelled to give up his business and seek a different climate. Accordingly, he be- came a traveling salesman for the National Cash Register Company, and while thus en- gaged, in 1893, first came to Joliet. Impressed by the business opportunities in this growing city, he entered its commercial life as the pro- prietor of a photographic studio, placing his younger brother, Marshall Hughes, in charge. When the latter died, Mr. Hughes went to St. Louis, disposing of the photographic business to HI. W. Harper, and entered the decorating business in partnership with an experienced decorator, being thus engaged during the World's Fair period. While in St. Louis ho was induced by his old friend, D. E. Thomas, to accept a position with the latter's newly organized National Protective Association, which has subsequently become the National Casualty Company. Mr. Hughes began his serv-
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ices with this company in the capacity of dis- trict manager, his duties being the appoint- ment and instruction of agents throughout the state of Illinois. This task completed satisfac- torily, he located permanently in Joliet, where he established an office, and where he continued to represent his company up to the time of his death, March 8, 1913. Mr. Hughes was seri- ously sick for a period of seven weeks. He was first treated at home and later removed to the hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate a part of one of his legs. A second operation followed, and blood poison set in throughout the system, death eventually ending his sufferings. The funeral was largely attended
and was held from the Richards Street Meth . odist Church, be having held membership in the men's class of that congregation. Private services were held at the family home, No. 605 Second avenue, and interment was made at Elmhurst. Mr. Hughes was a member of Paul Revere Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, with the members of which he was very popular.
On November 24, 1898, Mr. Hughes married Miss Bertha Marion Tower, of Manchester, N. H .. daughter of Warren H. and Elizabeth (Freeman) Tower. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes had one son, Lester Warren, born August 2, 1001.
JOHN J. RONAN.
To that class of representative citizens who work with the full measure of manly strength for individual success but also unselfishly en- deavor to promote public prosperity, belonged the late John J. Ronan, whose death occurred following weeks of serious illness at his home at De Kalb, Ill., October 25, 1909. He was born on February 25, 1861, at Sutton, Canada, and was a son of Thomas and Mary (Perry) Ronan. The father was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the mother of Eng. land. The family moved to Chicago, Ill., when John J. Ronan was six years old, but in the following year came to De Kalb, settling here permanently.
Mr. Ronan always considered it a matter of good fortune that he had been able to live through his developing years in a progressive city, attributing his congenial surroundings to family and friends, early making and always retaining a large circle of the latter. A com- mon school education was his preparation for business and the only special advantages he ever had were those he provided for himself. He chose painting and decorating as an occu- pation and through thrift and honesty was able to expand it so that he became one of the leading men in this line at De Kalb, employing a large force and filling many important con- tracts. Afterward he embarked in the furni- ture business and then added undertaking and conducted the same until the close of his busi- ness life. He was at the head of many exten- sive building projects, built the business block on the corner of Main and Fourth streets and when stricken, had just let the contract for a
large structure on the corner of Fourth and Locust streets. He owned considerable valu- able property including bis fine residence at No. 510 North Seventh street. He was in- volved in some extensive building propositions and just at the time of his death the De Kalb Trust and Savings Bank was being established in his business block, he being vice president of that financial institution. Everywhere he was recognized as an honest and upright man and his fellow citizens elected him to public office and he served ably and conscientiously as a member of the city council for about twelve years. In politics he was a Democrat.
In 1555 Mr. Ronan was married to Miss Min- nie Weston, and two of their children survive: Mabel, now the wife of William P. Ballon of De Kalb, and they have two children, Margaret Louise and Charlotte Irene; and Ellsworth Ronan, who was a student in the Illinois Uni- versity. The parents of Mr. Ronan died at De Kalb, the other members of their family be- ing: Richard of Sycamore, Ill .; William of Aurora, Neb. ; Mrs. Mary Lyon of Eddyville, Ia. ; Mrs. R. C. Davy and Mrs. Rachel Weston,
of De Kalb; Francis of Chicago; James of Chicago; and Theobald of Elgin. Mr. Ronan
was a Mason and belonged also to the Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World, Elks, the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, and often served on business and benevolent boards and committees. In infancy he was baptized in the Catholic church. Since his decease his business affairs are in the hands of his widow and children.
J. J. Roman
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WLADYSLAW AUGUSTYN KUFLEWSKI.
Other of the learned professions minister to the needs of the people, but none holds the im- portance of that of medicine. Man can adjust his quarrels without the aid of members of the bar and bench. He can work out his own sal- vation, but life itself depends upon the skill of the physician and surgeon. Long before there were records made of any nation, the "medicine man" held an honored position, and it is remark- able what these men knew, considering the fact that so many important facts pertaining to the human body then were unknown. As civiliza- tion advanced, so did the dignity and promi- nence of the men who kept alive those who made progress possible, until today there is no class of men so highly respected and honored as those who have devoted themselves, their lives and their talents to the amelioration of the ills of humanity, and the prevention of the spreading of disease. Chicago is the home of some of the most eminent of these distinguished men, and among them one who is held in grateful esteem is Dr. Władysław Augustyn Kutlewski, who was born at Jaroszewo, Posen, Poland, May 26th, 1870, a son of August and Salomya (Kalacin- ska) Knflewski. After attending during boy- hood the private and high schools of his native land, he came to America in April, 1SS6, and thereafter continued his studies at evening school in Chicago. In due time he entered the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and later matric- ulated at the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Chicago, from which he was grad- uated April 3, 1894, with the degree of M. D. Soon thereafter, he established himself in a general practice, but later took up special work of surgery and has been a professor of surgery at the Chicago Clinical School, surgeon of the Second Regiment of the Illinois National Guards, attending surgeon of Cook County Ilos- pital, and is now attending senior surgeon of St. Mary's of Nazareth Hospital. He is also a member of the Board of Education of Chicago, having at one time served that body as vice- president ; was president of the Chicago Public Library ; is chief medical examiner of the Polish National Alliance of the United States of Amer- ica, and was president of the Polish National Library. He was grand marshal at the unveil- ing of the statues of Brigadier-Generals Pulaski and Kościuszko at Washington, D. C., May 11, 1910. Ile was also a delegate to the first Polish
Congress at Washington, and chairman of the finance committee in May, 1910.
Dr. Kutlewski is a student of no mean ability, and has given to the world the results of his years of investigation, being author of "Sterili- zation of Books," "How to Celebrate Independ- ence Day," "Alcohol and Its Action on the Iu- man Body," "How to Vaccinate and Why," "The Technique of Minor Surgery and Its Impor- tance," "Anaesthesia and Anaesthetics," "To Do Away with the Germladen Cup," "The Im- portance of Cleanliness." "The Fracture of Femur and Its Treatment." The latest theories known under the name of "Dr. Ketlewski's Am- bnlatory Treatment of Fractures of the Lower Extremities," does away with the tiresome confinement to bed after an accident, and makes it possible for the patient to walk im- mediately after the treatment. He has also devoted much time to lecturing and writing upon subjects pertaining to tuberculosis and how to check this fearful disease, his articles appearing in the leading journals devoted to the profession. Professionally. he belongs to the American Medical Association, the Associa- tion of Military Surgeons, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Chicago Medical Society, the Chicago Surgical Society, Ilinois Surgical Society, and the Polish Medical Society of Cra- cow. Poland, and Chicago Academy of Surgery. He was one of the organizers and is a charter member of the Polish-American Medical Associa- tion. Socially he is a valued member of the Chicago Athletic Club and discharges the pleas- ant duties pertaining to this association, as he does all others, thoroughly and well.
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