USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 57
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cago; Arabella M .. wife of William McCreary ; Mrs. Underwood, wife of the deceased; and William, who was killed during the Civil war. Mr. Underwood is survived by three brothers: Joseph C., of Menasha, Wis. ; Thomas S., of Lancaster. N. H. ; aed J. Roger, of Kelly Lake, Wis. Mr. Enderwood's career was an example of spotiess integrity and unvarying adhesion to principle which is of priceless value, not only to his family but to the community in which he spent so many years and to which he con- triboted in so great a degree. The influence of such a life lives long after the man has Passed away, even though his name may fade from the memories of succeeding generations.
BENEDICT F. SHANAHAN.
Without the stimulus of ambition there are but few who have succeeded in the business world or learned professions and they have bent every energy towards some ultimate aim, and not rested satisfied until they had attained their ideal. These facts were early realized by Dr. Benedict F. Shanahan of Chicago, who has specialized in surgical cases to such an extent that his name is connected with some of the best and most aggressive work in his profession. Born at Shakopee, Minn., May 6, 1871, Dr. Shanahan is still in the very prime of life. He is a son of Jere- miab J. and Bridget ( Bergen) Shanahan, both natives of Ireland, who were brought to the United States in 1857. the two families locating in Indiana. In 1860 the young people married and moved to Chicago, where for many years Jeremiah J. Shanahan was a hardware and machinery dealer, and also was interested in farming. During the Civil war, however, he put aside personal considerations to serve his adopted country, enlisting in the Fifty-fifth In- diana Volunteer Infantry. For thirty-seven years he was identified with Minnesota polities, being chairman of local committees and active in national affairs. Seven children were born to him and his wife, all of whom are still liv- ing. He died in 1906, but his widow survives, dividing her time between her children and her summer home near Minneapolis, Mint.
During his boyhood Dr. Shanahan attended the country schools near his father's home, and afterwards pursued his studies at Shako- pee and Mankato, Minn .. until he had attained
his majority. He then entered the University of Minnesota, at Minneapolis, and was grad- nated therefrom with the class of 1891, thus acquiring a liberal literary education. He came to Chicago in 1892, and here matriculated in the Bennett Medical College, in which he com- pleted his course with the class of 1896. Broad practical experience came to him as interne in the Cook County Hospital, and after post-grad- nate work he received his diploma on July 8, 1897. Dr. Shanahan then entered upon a pri- vate practice at Chicago, and has since devoted his attention to his chosen profession, his labors being attended with gratifying results. Ile not only possesses the keen intellect which has ena- bled him to master scientific principles, but also the ready sympathy which promotes under- standing with patients and their needs.
Dr. Shanahan was married October 14. 1903, to Miss Elizabeth A. Dutch, daughter of George Imteh, a prominent business man of Niles, Mich .. and they have one daughter, Helen, who was born July 24, 1001. In his political views Dr. Shanaban is a Republican, and is conver- sant with the vital issues of the times. His religious faith is that of the Catholic Church, while his social relations are with the Illinois Club, and he is a life member of the Press Club of Chicago. Ile also belongs to the Chi- caro Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and the proceedings of these or- sauizations keep him in touch with what is being done by his profession, while from indi- vidual research and experience he has also learned many valuable lessons. Dr. Shanahan
J.J. Mckason
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has always held to high ideals, and lived up to them. Keeping in close touch with all te- search work, he has adopted the discoveries which he believed were worthy, and adapted others to the needs of his patients. While de-
voting himself to his professional duties he has always been found willing and able to as- sist in movements calculated to improve and raise social conditions and benefit the world generally.
LIVINGSTON THOMAS DICKASON.
Livingston Thomas Dickason was born at La Rue, Ohio, November 25, 1543. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted as a private in Com- pany H, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged as such at the expiration of this term of service on August 18, 1861. Ile again enlisted in November, 1861, as a private in Com- pany D, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On June 24, 1864, he was again discharged with the rank of sergeant, on account of wounds received in the battle of Chickamauga.
At the close of the war he went to Danville, Ill., where he became active in business and in
public affairs. He was elected mayor of the city of Danville, serving in that office for ten years. He was a close friend of Gov. Oglesby of Illinois and served on his staff with the rank of colonel, and he also served as colonel on the staff of Gov. Hamilton.
Mr. Dickason was a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, the Chicago Athletic Association, the Hamilton Club, the Chicago Association of Commerce, Midlothian Country Club, Columbia Post Number 706, G. A. R., and the Masonic fraternity. He died at Naples, Italy, March 22, 1913.
OWEN AMOS MEANS.
The pioneer families who passed through the vital drama that has turned the West into a paradise for the homeseeker, developing the wilderness into busy, thriving sections of the country, have reason to hold themselves re- sponsible for much of present-day progressive- ness. While many of those who suffered the actual privations of the early days have passed away, they have left behind them descendants who are capable of and active in promoting the good work. But for the pioneers, old Illinois would still be the home of the savage Indians, and their prey the not much more wild ani- mals. Chicago would be nothing more than a fort at the outpost of civilization, and her many sister cities non-existant. However, when the occasion demanded, there were found men and women of stout heart and willing hands to journey forth, and through sheer force of will and energy bring out of primeval conditions what has become twentieth century actualities. McLean County is proud of the fact that here located some of the bravest and ablest of the pioneers of early Illinois history, and none stand higher than do those bearing the name of Means. One of the men, who, although not a native of the state, spent practically his entire life in Illinois, and belonged to a typical pio- neer family, was Owen Amos Means.
Mr. Means was born in Lewis County, Ky., September 21, 1831, a son of Robert and Sarah
(Rumsey ) Means, natives of Pennsylvania. Robert Means migrated to Illinois in 1829, lo- cating in McLean County, of which he there- after remained a resident, dying there August 15, 1-35. He was an Old Line Whig in his po- litical convictions, while religiously he was a firm believer in the doctrines of the Methodist church, of which his wife was also a member. She was born November 10, 1795, and died at the home of her daughter. Mrs. James Mc- Mackin, March 1. 1875. Their ten children were as follows: Keturah, deceased, who mar- ried James MeMackin: Jemima and John, twins, both now deceased, the former of whom became the wife of A. G. Stansberry of Kansas, and the latter of whom died when fifteen years old: James R., deceased, who married Nancy Stansherry ; David D., who first married Mary Cline, who died after a few years of married life, and her sister, Rebecca Kline; Joseph K., who married Matilda Rankin, served as a sol- dier in the Union army during the Civil war, as a member of the One Hundred and Six- teenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, died at Vicksburg in 1863, leaving a widow and four chillren: Owen A., who was the eighth child ; Elizabeth, deceased, who became a Mrs. Green, and lives in Lynn County, Kas. ; and Margaret. who married James Vanscoyoe, is a widow and resides on the homestead of her parents.
Owen Amos Means remained on the home
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farm during the formative period of his life, and was carefully trained to habits of sobriety and thrift, and at the same time was given an excellent common school education. His first business venture was in the gold fields of Cali- fornia, and he succeeded fairly well Return- ing to Illinois, he located near Saybrook and began farming and buying and raising stock, and became the owner of 240 acres of land in Cheney's Grove, where he resided until he moved to Pontiac. In 1596 he moved his busi- ness interests to Anchor, and with his son, Amos B., carried on a grain business at that point, and at Cooksville, but finally retired, and passed away at Pontiac, February 20, 1914. Hle never held a political office, although he sup- ported the Democratic ticket. The Methodist church had in him a faithful and conscientious member.
On October 4, 1855, Mr. Means was united in marriage with Lydia Pitts, a daughter of William and Nancy ( Armstrong) Pitts, natives of Kentucky. The Pitts family moved to Illi- nois in 1855, and both the parents of Mrs. Means are now deceased. the father passing away June 6, 1857, and the mother. September 6, 1863. Mr. Pitts was a farmer and carpenter and an enterprising man and good citizen. Originally a Whig, he later supported the Democratic candidates. Like his son-in-law, he was a Methodist in religious faith. Mr. and Mrs. Pitts had the following family: John. who married ( first) Mary J. Zook, and (see-
ond) Mary Means; Lydia, who married Owen Amos Means; William, who died in infancy ; Lucinda, who is the widow of Grayville Ray- burn, of San Jose, Cal. ; Justina, who became. Mrs. Frazen, is deceased ; Thomas, deceased. who married Jane Stansbury, also deceased ; Charlie, who died when six years old; an un- named infant ; Nancy J., who is Mrs. Hall, of California ; and Owen, who died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Means had ten chil- dren, as follows: William, who died at the age of two years: Alvira, who became Mrs. Woodruff, of North Dakota, has two children- Owen and Gilbert; Bell, who became Mrs. Thornton, of Cullom, Ill .; Charlie, who is de- ceased ; Motie, who became Mrs. John Williams. of Colfax, Ill., has one child, John, Jr .; Lu- ther, who died at the age of seventeen years; Amos B., who is mentioned below ; Joseph, who married Bessie Daniel, of Flanigan, Ill., has two children, Dewey and Evelyn; Daisy, who is Mrs. King, of Peoria; and Jay, who married Carry Smith, of Pontiac, has one child, Lowell.
Amos B. Means, son of Owen Amos Means, was the son who was the most closely con- nected with his father and they were associated in business together for a number of years. He still carries on the grain house they estab- lished at Bloomington, Ill., and is numbered among the leading men of that city. He mar- ried Miss Vona Williams and they have two children, La Verna and Esther. Mrs. Means still resides in the old homestead at Pontiac.
FRANK A. KWASIGROCH.
Frank A. Kwasigroch, superintendent of the Carpenter Street Postal Station of Chicago, is one of the most efficient men in the servire of the government today, for his long experience and conscientious interest have combined to make him thoroughly conversant with the re- quirements of the people. The service from his station is almost perfect, and although it is one of the oldest in the city, owing to his progressive ideas, which found fruition in the plans for the present quarters, built in 1\9G. it leads the majority in point of practical convenience and fitness for the service for which it was designed. Mr. Kwasigroch was born in the Province of Posen, Prussian Poland, April 14, 1565, a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Zielinski Kwasi- groch. The parents songht better conditions for their children, in Chicago, to which city they immigrated from their native land in 1872, and
here the father engaged in merchandising until his death. He and his wife were the parents of children as follows: Andrew J .; Katie, who is Mrs. Michael Sinda : Mary, who is Mrs. John J. Wagner; John A. : Frank A. and Anna.
Frank A. Kwasigroch attended the St. Stanis- laus Kostka parochial school, and afterwards specialized in the Chicago College of Law. In 1890, he turned his attention to the handling of real estate, in partnership with the late Peter Kiolbassa. The latter was a man of some distinction, both as a veteran of the Civil war, and a business man and city official. He was city treasurer, commissioner of buildings, al- derman, and held similar offices with distin- guished capability, and left a creditable record behind him. In 1994 Mr. Kwasigroch was ap- pointed superintendent of the Carpenter street postal station and has been practically in
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John & Struclick
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charge ever since, although during the Spanish- American war he organized three companies of cavalry, his patriotism being of a high order. As a public official he has given universal satis- faction, and the people in his neighborhood have learned to depend upon him and to realize that through his efficiency they are given their pres- ent good service.
On February 10, 1802, Mr. Kwasigroch was married to Miss Rose C. Kiolbassa, a daughter of his former business associate. Five children have been born of this union: Hattie Marie, Eugene Vincent, Cecilia Rose, John Peter and Frank Thaddeus, the latter being deceased. Mr. Kwasigroch and his family belong to the st. Stanislaus Kostka Church. His wife has an international reputation as a vocalist and she is now the soloist of the Chicago Cathedral. In
addition to his public connections, Mr. Kwasi- groch is director and secretary of the Original Quartz Hill Gold Mining Co., headquarters in Chicago, and is a business man of high staud- ing and honorable repute. Fraternally he be- longs to the Knights of Columbus, Columbian Knights, Catholic Order of Foresters, the Polish Catholic Union, the Polish Maternity, and many other similar organizations.
Were all the post office men as capable as Mr. Kwasigroch, or if they took the enthusiastic interest he has always evinced in his work, there would never be any criticism of the de- partment. His influence over his men is so strong that each one strives to live up to what is expected of him, and the service profits ac- cordingly.
JOHN C. STREIBICH.
It would be difficult to speak too highly of a man who during his active life in any com- munity directed his strength and capabilities towards the upbuilding of those enterprises which add prestige to the locality, and provide employment for many of its workers. To be- come the head of such an institution requires more than ordinary ability and a strength of purpose which is not easily deflected from a certain course. Such men have lived and have made the world, through their passing, better and truer for their living. Perhaps no better example of a man of this kind can be found than the late John C. Streibich, one of the native sons of Peoria who brought fame to his city in its commercial circles, and demonstrated his ability to cope with the keen competition of modern trade and commerce, in such a fashion as to make him one of the leaders in his line in the state. Born November 27, 1SS, at Peoria, Ill .. he was a son of Frederick and Sarah (Bauer) Streibich. He received his edu- cational training in the public schools of Peoria, and as a youth became associated with the paper business. continuing to be connected therewith throughout the remainder of his life. In 1873, he began to work in a paper store, and con- tinued with this house until he embarked in a paper business for himself with capital saved from his earnings. Ile laid in a stock of com- mercial supplies, wrapping, building and roof- ing paper, commercial stationery and printing paper, and was exclusive agent at Peoria for the Globe-Wernicke Company, in handling its letter
files and cabinets, as well as of the Herring- Hall-Marvin fire and burglar proof safes. In these connections he proved himself possessed of more than ordinary business ability, and along these and other progressive lines built up connections which made him widely known at Peoria and in other thriving cities, and it was not long before his services were in demand in the handling of affairs which called for the exercise of foresight, acumen and executive power. He was made president of the Schembs Printing Company of Peoria, and a director of the Illinois National Bank, as well as of the Usona Manufacturing Company of Aurora, the latter being a large manufacturing concern of that city, in the conduct of which his business talents assisted materially in advancing its growth, as it did in all the concerns with which he was associated. In addition to these inter- ests, he was a stockholder in the State Savings and Trust Company. Since his death, which occurred February 16, 1913, when he was fifty- four years, two months and twenty days old, bis business affairs are being carried on by his family.
In 15$5, Mr. Streibich was married to Miss Camilla Klewe, a daughter of W. Klewe of Peoria, Il .. and they had one daughter, namely : Anna Adele. He was a Mason who attained to the Knight Templar degree, and belonged to the Mystic Shrine. He also held membership in the Number 20 Lodge, B. P. O. E. ; was a char- ter member of the Fraternal Reserves; and an organizer of the Improved Order of Red Men,
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and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. Social- ly he belonged to the Creve Coeur and the Peoria Country clubs, and was one of the found- ers of the Peoria Commercial Club in which he was one of the most active workers. Mr. Streibich did not allow himself to contine his activities to his own interests for he sought at all times to forward those things which his judgment told him would further the public welfare, and it was for this reason, primarily, that his death was such a severe blow to the community in which he had spent his busy, useful life.
The funeral service was in charge of the Blue Lodge Masons, and this lodge with the Knight Templar Commandery escorted the body to the grave. The Rev. H. Atwood Percival, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, joined
his fellow Masons in officiating. The board of directors of the Illinois National Bank en- grossed resolutions which in part were as fol- lows: "Be it Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to his family in their bereavement, with the hope that the intense love which he cherished for them will be changed into a mel- lowing influence which will tend to soften their sorrow and be to them a sustaining strength in their hour of trial. Be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be made a part of the records of the bank and that a copy be en- grossed and forwarded to his family and that they be published in the public press. (Signed) Frank T. Miller, John W. McDowell, Leonard Hillis. Committee ; William C. White, Ex Offi- cio."
ALEXANDER H. BELL.
Unless the modern lawyer is a man of sound judgment, possessed of a liberal education and stern training, combined with a keen insight into human nature and motives, there is not much chance of his meeting with success. The reason for this lies in the spirit of the age with all its complexities. Modern jurisprudence has become more and more intricate because of new conditions and laws, and the interpretation of them is left to the attorneys. Years of experi- ence, constant reading and natural inclina- tion are superinduced upon a careful training in the case of Alexander H. Bell, senior mem- ber of the law firm of Bell & Burton of Carlin- ville, whose career has been marked with many successful outcomes for his clients. His heart is in his work, and he brings to it an enthusiasm and belief in its importance which have resulted in his being entrusted with some of the most important cases ever brought to trial in Ma- coupin County.
Mr. Bell was born in Troy, Madison County, Ill., October 29, 1553, a son of Thomas H. and Julia A. (Hubbard) Bell, natives of Cambridge, Md. They came to Illinois in 1851 and set- tled at Troy in Madison County. In 1862 they removed to Jerseyville in Jersey County. In 1867, however, the family returned to Troy, Ill., but still later, they came to Carlinville, where the father is still residing, having never been a public man but content with doing his duty in a private way.
In 1870, Alexander H. Bell came to Carlin- ville, and entering Blackburn University, was
graduated therefrom in the class of 1875. While studying, Mr. Bell was also engaged in teach- ing, and became a popular instructor in Greene County, Ill., and in 1875 was made principal of the schools at Medora, Ill. In the meanwhile, he had commenced the study of law at Carlin- ville with C. A. Walker, and in 1877 was admit- ted to the bar. Immediately thereafter, he formed a partnership with W. E. P. Anderson, the firm being known as Anderson & Bell. In April, 1596, Mr. Bell formed his present asso- ciation with F. W. Burton, the firm style becom- ing Bell & Burton, and this has since continued to the mutual benefit of both partners. They carry on a general practice, and are fully occu- pied.
A prominent Democrat, Mr. Bell has always been very active in his party, and has the dis- tinetion of having been one of the original free silver men, and one who was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago in 1896, which nominated William Jennings Bryan for the first time for the presidency. He was chairman of the State Democratie Conven- tion in 1996. In 1878, Mr. Bell was elected city attorney of Carlinville, and served so ably that he was the logical candidate for the office of state's attorney, and was elected as such by an excellent majority. In 1892 he was elected mayor of Carlinville, and the city never had a more business-like or economical admin- istration than then. At present he is president of the school board, and has held that respon-
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sible office for several terms. He is now in his third term as master-in-chancery.
In 1880, Mr. Bell was made a Mason, and since then has risen rapidly in this order. and is a member of the St. Omar Commandery at Litchfield, and the Consistory at Springfield. Ill. He is Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and served as Grand Master from Oc- tober, 1907, to 1909. In 1912 he became Grand Orator, and at present is chairman of the cutli- mittee on the laws of the Grand Lodge. Owing
to his Knowledge of Masonry and his eloquence and power as a speaker, Mr. Bell is frequently called anon to address Masonic meetings.
In Derember, 1SZT. Mr. Bell was married to Flora G. Mounts. daughter of Leander W. Mounts, a contractor and lumberman of Car- linville. Two children have been born of this marriage, namely: Elizabeth, wife of Francis E. Baldwin, an attorney of Jacksonville, Il. ; and Robert H., a practicing physician of Car- linville.
ALBERT W. BEILFUSS.
Unselfish service for the public weal may some- times seem unrecognized, and the individual who offers himself for the good of his com- munity, is forced to make many sacrifices, but final appreciation comes, even if some of it waits until his ears are stilled in death. In a great center like Chicago, the problems confronting . the members of the city council are greater, by far, than those involved in the administration of some monarchies. These men not only have to work for their special sections, but for the city as a whole, and consider improvements and changes as citizens of Chicago, and not as resi- dents only of a particular ward. The cause of the people at large must be defended, and at the same time just consideration must be shown corporations, whose operations afford employ- ment to thousands who otherwise would be on the county for support. Immense amounts of money have to be handled intelligently and wisely, and the various departments conserving the health and protection of the city, must be considered. To be an alderman of the city of Chicago is an honor, but it is one that rests heavily upon the shoulders of the man to whom it is accorded, and requires ability, zeal, acumen and far reaching patience, in order that its duties be faithfully and acceptably discharged. One of the men who was an honor to the council and a credit to his ward, was the late Alderman Albert W. Beilfuss, known as the "Father of the Small Park System," a leader in politics for the past decade, and a member of the city council for eighteen years.
Albert W. Beilfuss was fifty-nine years old when death claimed him, as he was born in Pomerania, Germany, in 1554. He had been a resident of Chicago for thirty-eight years, when he passed away. July 30, 1914. In 1sos, the family, consisting of the parents, John and Caroline ( Luedke) Beilfuss and their son, came
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