USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 62
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David Lee Taylor was born at Geneseo, Ill., in 1866. The greater part of his youth was passed at Grinnell, la., and there and at Des Moines, he began his business carcer with banking institutions, laying the foundation for the remarkable financial knowledge and ability shown by him in later years. While a resident of Grinnell, Ia., Mr. Taylor married Miss Ellen Whitman of Des Moines, and not long there- after came to Chicago. Foreseeing the unde- veloped opportunities in the advertising field, he associated himself with Frank B. White Company, advertising agents, and subsequently became an officer and stockholder in that com- pany. Recognizing the remarkable success made by Mr. Taylor in developing advertising and selling campaigns, Mr. A. L. Thomas induced him to become a member of the Lord & Thomas organization, with which he remained until the death of Mr. Thomas. Shortly thereafter, he resigned the vice-presidency of that concern to accept the same office with the Long-Critchfield Company. In 1908 he became president and general manager of that company, and in 1910 the firm was re-organized under the name of the Taylor-Critchfield Company, with Mr. Tay- for as its president. In writing of his success, an associate delineated his character far better than could the layman: "His ideas on adver- tising plans, copy and merchandising were seemingly inexhaustible, brilliant in their origi- nality, yet, without exception, sound, sane and
practical. No problem was too difficult for him to undertake-no obstacle too great to sur- mount. The impress of his work has been left of advertising and merchandising for all time. To the Taylor-Critchfield Company, Mr. Taylor has left the heritage of a good name and in- tegrity, of clean and open business methods- a steadfast policy of honorable and efficient service." On April 17, 1911, there gathered at the Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, advertising men from all parts of the country, at a banquet given in Mr. Taylor's honor. Some 400 adver- tising men united in expressing it as their opin- ion that "Dave" Taylor was a man's man.
The following obituary was written by one of his associates: "David Lee Taylor-man. He would have asked for no better epitaph. It is as he would have written it for his own best friend. For it sums up in a word the fine, strong, true attributes that shone throughout his whole career. The big-heartedness, the gentle kindliness, the man-to-man fairness that everybody recognized and admired were thus expressed. Only such a man could have held the love and loyalty of his associates as did Mr. Taylor, and it is only such a man whose passing-on could have brought such deep and reverent sorrow to every member of the organ- ization of which he was the head. The adver- tising world today mourns D. L. Taylor. The publishers of America have lost a valued friend. No tribute could have been more touching, no evidence more final as to the wonderful esteem in which Mr. Taylor was held, than the sor- rowing hundreds who gathered at his bier to pay a last tribute of respect to this man who was a man-this friend who was pure gold. It has been said that Mr. Taylor had more friends than any other advertising man, and it is not hard to believe this in view of the expressions of personal sorrow that have flooded the Taylor-Critchfield offices, from those whom he knew and those whom he served, from one end of the country to the other."
Mr. Taylor was a martyr to his work. He labored day and night ; he thought no tax upon his energy or strength in behalf of the business too great. But not even his magnificent physique and iron constitution could stand the long continued strain. He passed away at his home. No. 5757 Woodlawn avenue. Chicago, October 22, 1912, and was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery two days later.
Among the many touching tributes received by the family, perhaps those more acceptable
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than any of the others are the following: "David Lee Taylor as I knew him through twelve years of friendship and business deal- ings, was a big man-big in every way. Great hearted. kind, considerate at all times and with a deep rooted and never changing affection for his family and friends. He was capable of great concentration in business and in play. A lover of all forms of clean manly sport, game to the end as both winner and loser. I knew him as an employe of an advertising agency, and as the head of his own company and to all his friends he was always Dave Taylor-good fellow -- at home, anywhere, on account of his great personality. A man of great courage- of absolutely clean morals-of a disposition as bright as the sunshine was Dave Taylor. Sin- cerely, H. C. Phelps." president of the Ohio
Carriage Manufacturing Co. of Columbus, O. To his intimates his devotion to his wife and sons, and love of home were his dominant char- acteristics. Ilis six sous, Whitman, Ellsworth, Phillips, Winfield, David Lee, Jr., and Gerard, were a constant source of joy, and he was never so happy as when, surrounded by his loved ones, he was devising something for their bap- piness with the intensity which marked his buisiness career. Mr. Taylor's untiring energy which contributed so largely to his success was due in a great degree to the inspiration and incentive given him through the love and loyal- ty enjoyed in his home life. His ambition for a broad life of service, centered in his keen in- terest in the welfare and happiness of his family.
JOHN FRANKLIN SMULSKI.
Tracing the lives of prominent men of Chi- cago, it is easy to see that progressive char- acters have never lacked for opportunities, and that opportunities have not signified so much as the man himself and the problems of pro- fessional, industrial and financial life in Chi- cago have been solved in many ways by the ability of individuals. With the expansion of trade, the need of capital for building up and maintaining the many gigantic industries and institutions, there has arisen a need for con- certed efforts, but the personal factor has al- ways been potent. During the last half century, the financial institutions of the city have played an important and most helpful part, and one of the men of financial integrity is John Frank- lin Smulski, banker and lawyer, whose career has been interesting and is typical of modern progress and advancement. Alert and enter- prising, he early utilized the opportunities offered in this city, both for business and pro- fessional advancement, and, in each, has at- tained thereby notable success. Close applica- tion, indefatigable energy, integrity and deter- mination have constituted the foundation of his achievements. He was born in Posen, Po- land, February 4th. 1867, and is a son of William and Euphemia ( Baleer) Smulski. His educational advantages were those afforded by the schools of Germany. Canada and the United States. He was for three years a student in the Government Military High school, in Ger- many, two years was at St. Jerome's College, in Berlin, Canada, and for one year was in the
law department of the Northwestern University of Chicago.
Mr. Smulski began his commercial career in the newspaper and publishing business at Chi- cago with his father, who had established in 1569, the first Polish newspaper in the United States. He continued in this field of activity for five years, and then engaged in teaching at the St. Stanislaus School, Chicago, for one year, and also contributed numerous articles to the American and Polish newspapers. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1890, and became a member of the law firm of David, Smulski and MeGaf- fery, remaining an active member of this firm until 1905. In 1906, he organized the North- western Trust and Savings Bank, of which he is president. He is also the executive head of the Pulaski Lumber Company, and is a man whose judgment in financial matters is con- sidered authority. Mr. Smulski has served as alderman from the Sixteenth Ward two terms and from the Seventeenth Ward one term. He served as city attorney from 1903 to 1905, and from the latter year to 1907. he held the office of state treasurer of Illinois. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for mayor in the primary election of February, 1911: for six years was a member of the board of West Park Commissioners, of which he is ex-president ; was treasurer of the Chi- cago Association of Commerce, in 1911; and was chairman of the Convention Bureau, in 1914. He was appointed a Knight of the Order of Franz Joseph, by the Emperor of Austria,
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in 1910. He is a member of the Press, the Union League and the Chicago Athletic clubs.
In Chicago, June 7, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Smulski with Miss Harriet Mikitynski, a lady of culture and refinement, and their home at No. 2138 Pierce avenue is one where genial hospitality is dispensed to their many friends. Mr. Smulski is widely known as a man of substantial worth, one whose judgment is sound and sagacity keen. He never has been known to sacrifice a safe conservatism
to personal ambition, in all his career having sought advancement founded upon well estab- lished business principles. Fow men of the country are better informed concerning the financial problems which are always an issue in the management of large interests. He is concerned in all that pertains to modern ad- vancement and to improvements along material. intellectual and moral lines. He makes no show of his charities but they extend to numberless worthy enterprises.
FRANK B. SMITH.
Sometimes the best results in life are attained through some accidental occurrence. A man may start out purposing to devote his time and energies to a certain line of work, but often because of impaired health, be diverted from this channel into another, which proves much more desirable. Natural tastes are worth cul- tivating. Some are born with a leaving in one direction, while others could never succeed in this line, but can accomplish much in another. The profitable growing of flowers and piants de- mands more than an acquired knowledge of their requirements. To attain the best results requires a natural taste for the work. One of the largest and finest florist houses in central or southern Illinois, had its beginnings in the individual taste and inclinations of a man and his wife. The late Frank B. Smith of Dan- ville originally had made no plans to become a florist, but, a time came in his life when he and his wife both found that they were especially fitted for this work, and they developed their natural aptitude and built up a large and sub- stantial business.
Frank B. Smith was born at Painted Post. N. Y., October 12, 1848, a son of Joseph Smith, who came to Vermilion County, Ill., at an early day and became one of its prosperous citizens. Frank B. Smith attended the public schools in this county, and took a commercial course at Stockwell, Ind .. following which he became asso- ciated with his father in a grain business at Myersville, he having charge of the outside buying. In-1875 he came to Danville and bought a one-third interest in a mill, on what was then Mill street, now Logan avenue. the rest of the stock being owned by Joseph. Smith and George Giddings. Although he was successful in his mill business, Mr. Smith's health failed. and he finally traded his milling interests for a farm on Vermilion street, then some distance outside
the city. Moving on this place in January, 1879, he began the raising of early vegetables, fine poultry and pet stock, becoming one of the best known breeders of this stock and raisers of fancy poultry in the state, specializing in Bluff Plymouth Rock chickens, of which he made an- aval exhibits. He also paid considerable at- tention to small fruits, especially to straw- Ferries, and was thorough in whatever he undertook. Both he and his wife loved flowers, and Mrs. Smith had her flower-beds and win- dow-boxes from the time they moved on their rural estate. It was her success in this line that prompted Mr. Smith to buy from a Mr. Klingenspoor, the only greenhouse then in Dan- ville, although it was with the idea of also de- voting a large space to start small fruits and vegetables. Experiments in raising plants and flowers, however, proved that this particular line of the work was the most congenial, and when he realized that there was an excellent opening for a florist's business, he established what has been developed until it is now the largest and best in the county. As he concen- trated his efforts more and more on his green- houses, he had less need for extensive acreage, and therefore laid out his property in town lots, which he made beautiful with trees and shrubbery. His sons. Herbert and Joseph, were reared in the business, and when Mr. Smith died May 13, 1906. they were able to assume charge, and later they opened their bandsome sale and display rooms, on North and Vermilion streets, which are largely patronized.
On January 27, 1874. Mr. Smith married Miss Flora Shockley, of Greenfield. Highland County, Ohio, a daughter of Joshua A. and Helen F. (Merrill) Shockley. The father of Mrs. Smith was born near Dover, Del .. and died March 21. 1914. at the age of eighty-nine years, hut the mother lives at Danville, being now aged eighty-
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four years. She was born near Columbus, Ohio, and is the only surviving member of the Merrill family. The late distinguished Bishop Merrill of the Methodist Episcopal church was her brother. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of four children : Raymond Delbert. who served in the artillery during the Spanish- American war, married Nina Jump, a daughter of Perry Jump, and for a time was wire chief of the Danville Telephone Co., but in recent years has devoted himself to an automobile and automobile supply business at Danville ; Joseph J., who served as sergeant of Battery A., with his older brother during the Spanish-American war, married Leona Burgoyne, of Danville, a
daughter of Jaines Bergoyne, and they have one (laughter. Letitia; Herbert B., who also served in the Spanish-American war, is president of the Ilinois-Indiana Florist Association, married Luella Prouts, of St. Joseph, Mo., and they have three sons, Frank B., Herbert David and Ray- mond Joseph ; and Juliet Jean, who is the widow of John E. Lee, of Danville, has one son, John Ersom. Mr. Smith was a Republican in politics but, aside from serving as a director of the Roselawn school, did not accept any office. He beiongel to the Knights of Pythias, and the Court of Honor. The Methodist church held itis membership, and he lived out in his life the creed he professed.
EDWIN HEMENOVER.
As Canton has become, year by year, a more and more important commercial and railroad center, its business has naturally increased, and its transient population has become of a mag- nitude which has been a constantly growing tax upon the capacity of its hotels. Until the erec- tion of the present splendid Canton House, the city could boast of no hostelries to compare with those of the great cities of the Middle West, and the man whose enterprise, confidence in the city's development and firmu courage made possible the building of this house of enter- tainment is accordingly numbered among the city's benefactors. He has long since been suc- ceeded by his son, and the latter has also passed away, yet not until he furthered greatly the work which his father commenced and made his name known to thousands who enjoyed his hospitality. To the traveling public which has had occasion to visit Canton, any introduction to the name of Edwin Hemenover would be entirely superfluous. As proprietor of the Can- ton House he proved himself a genial boniface, in business circles he was known as a man of high ability and the strictest integrity, and in public matters showed himself a citizen who entertained high ideals of public service and who discharged the duties of citizenship ac- cordingly. He was born May 7. 150, at Ilo- boken, N. J., and was a son of William II. and Julia (Barton) Hemenover.
William H. Hemenover was a distinguished New York editor and a power in democratie cir- cles in the East, but just prior to the out- break of the Civil war came to Illinois, and first settled at Goodhope, shortly thereafter moving to Canton. Ilere he engaged actively in political
matters and served as mayor for two terms, also for many years was judge of the city court. In the meantime, he embarked in the hotel busi- ness, and as bis reputation and popularity grew his establishment became too small to accom- modate the rapidly increasing number of guests. Accordingly, he erected the Canton House, which he continued to conduct until the time of his retirement. He was a man widely and favorably known, in business, political and social circles, and numbered his friends by the hundreds.
Edwin Hemenover was about two years of age when he accompanied his parents to Good- hope, Ill., and a little older when he came to Canton, so that practically all of his career was passed in this city. His education was secured in the public schools, where he showed himself a close and assiduous student. When his father opened the Canton House, he received his intro- duction +o hotel work as a general helper, grad- ually working his way up to the position of manager through faithful work and a thorough knowledge of all the details of the business. At the time of his father's retirement, in 1893, he became proprietor of the hotel, and continued as such to the time of his death, July 10, 1913. His house became extremely popular among those of the traveling public who appreciated real comfort, an excellent cuisine and attentive service, and who knew that their every require- ment would be gladly and intelligently catered to. Mr. Hemenover understood thoroughly the political questions of the day, and his interest in the success of the Democratic party was keen, although he at no time expressed a desire for personal preferment. His religious belief
Educ Himennen
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was that of the Episcopal church, the move- ments of which he supported liberally, and his hand was ever extended to assist those who had been less fortunate in life than he. He eli- joyed the companionship of his fellow-men, and held membership in the local lodges of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in all of which he had numerous friends.
On December 20, 1892, Mr. Hemenover was united in marriage with Miss Julia Evelyn Gertiser, one of Springfield's brilliant and hand some young ladies, daughter of Frank A. and Sophia (Hubert) Gertiser, honored people of Springfield, and to this union there was born one daughter, Demmon Hart, who, with her mother, survives. Mrs. and Miss Hemenover are widely known in social circles of Canton and have been active in the work of the Episcopa! church. In an editorial, a local paper spoke of
Mr. Hemenover's life as follows: "Mr. Hemen- over was one of Canton's army of great and loyal citizens, He brought renown and pop- ularity to Canton by his courtly and winning welcome to hundreds of distinguished visitors from distant places. Many of the nation's great men were his guests. Cantou's chief attraction for these distinguished visitors was the courtly aud beautiful hospitality shown them by Mr. and Mrs. Impover. May this editor be par- doned for this personal alinsion that for long years Mr and Mrs. Hemenover have treated hij almost as devoted sons and daughters treat their father. We caunot find words to tell the story of their friendship. And since his death the metropolls will be lonesome as never before to this old editor whose friends here have been silently vanishing year by year, like snowflakes on the river's brink. It is hail and farewell for a little while to another noble friend. 'When such friends part, 'tis the survivor dies.'"
THOMAS W. DODGE.
In tracing the lives of men who have met with success in their undertakings in any community, it will be found that each one possesses in com- mon certain qualities and among them are bi- cluded ambition, industry aud perseverance. To these, as in the case of Thomas W. Dodge, presi- dent of the First National Bank of Malta, are added sound judgment, unswerving integrity and a thorough appreciation of responsibility, that produce a man of force, usefulness and un- doubted achievement. Such men are rare. Often- times it happens that a man will find a royal road to fortune through the influence of others or by the weight of his money, but for him to forge ahead and achieve distinction requires just those dominant characteristics mentioned above. Malta is fortunate in having such a man in its midst, and doubly so in the fact that the finances of so important an institution as the First National Bank, are in the hands of so capable a man.
The birth of Thomas W. Dodge occurred May 30, 1838, at Mount Holly, Vt., and he has al- ways been proud of his birthplace, although he is not of New England ancestry on both sides. The father, Thomas Dodge, was born at Dun- ham Flats, Lower Canada, February 2, 1809, and the family moved to Mount Holly, Vt., in 1S11. He married Eliza Conant, who was born September 12, 1807, at Townsend, Mass. They removed to Vermont and settled in Rutland
Ceants, and from there the family came to Illi- nois in 1803, locating in De Kalb County. There the mother died in 1875, the father surviving until 1893.
Thomas W. Dodge attended the district schools of Rutland County, and later an acad- emy at Chester, Vt., from which he was cred- itably graduated in 1860, and began his ex- perience as a money earner in a scholastic posi- tion, teaching school for seven years, and prov- ing that he was admirably fitted for the work through natural ability and conscientious study. After his arrival in De Kalb County, however, although he taught for two years, his mind was turning in another direction, and he bought a farm in Malta Township, and in operating it proved himself as excellent an agriculturist as he had been an instructor. From time to time he added to his original purchase until he owned over 1,000 acres of land. For many years he devoted his time and attention to the devel- opment and further improvement of his various holdings, and on account of his mature judgment and keen foresight, his ventures and experi- ments in farming and stockraising usually proved profitable. Naturally industrious, and interested in his work, it was not until 1005 that he consented to retire from the management of his farm. At that time he erected a comfortable residence at . Malta. Upon settling at Malta, Mr. Dodge became interested in the First Na-
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tional Bank of that city, and in December, 1912, he was made its executive head, a position he is still capably filling.
In 1867, Mr. Dodge was united in marriage with Miss Eugenia Upham, who was born at Windham, Vt., and died at Malta, Ill., Decem- ber 28, 1912, aged sixty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge became the parents of the follow- ing children : James W., who was born July 26, 1868, married and has four children : Mabel, who was born April 30, 1871, married Charles Adams, and they have two children ; Arthur V., who was born August 3, 1875, is married and has two children : Roy E., who was born De- cember 29, 1870, is married and has five chil- dren; Nellie E., who was born April 10, 1882;
and Mary E., who was born July 26, 1SS7, mar- ried Ray Dejbridge.
From the time he located in Malta Township, Mr. Dodge has been getive as a desirable cit- izen, uphelding law and order, and giving hearty support to movements for the general welfare of the community In bis political tendencies, he has been a Pepublican, and in 1\59 was first elected supervisor of Malta Township, and has served acceptably and continuously ever since, and his capability was recognized by his elec- tion as chairman of the board in 1908. A man of charitable impulses, be bas always given lib- erally to those who needed assistance, and is a man highly esteemed by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.
DANIEL B. QUINLAN.
As one of the most representative and oldest established undertakers of Chicago, Daniel B. Quinlan belongs to that class of men in his line who have raised their calling to a profession, and conduct their work scientifically and ex- pertly. For the past thirty years he has been in business at his present location, No. 3115 State street, Chicago, and during that time has seen remarkable advances made in his line of work. The modern undertaker must possess many qualities for he must not only understand his business thoroughly, but in order to gain the confidence and desired friendship of his clients, must possess a sympathetic manter and infinite tact. Hle is called into a family at a time of greatest grief, when ordinary duties are suspended, and there is a necessity for kindly action and expert advice. Those who possess these qualifications are the ones who are re- membered gratefully by those whom death hos brought into business relations, and among such none stand higher than Mr. Quinlan.
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