USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 63
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Daniel B. Quinlan was born in Kane County, Ill., November 26, 1851, a son of Daniel and Julia (Gleeson) Quinlan, both natives of Ire- land, who came to the United States about 1530. locating first at New Haven, Conn., where the father established himself as a grocer, being engaged in this line of business in that city until 1840, when he came to Illinois, in search of better conditions, and settling in Kane County. became a farmer. There the good mother passed away in 1856. The father survived until 1-74. having left Kane County in 1862, moving to Chicago where the remainder of his life was spent. They had six children as follows: Mar-
garet and Mary A., both of whom are deceased ; John and James A., both of whom are retired residents of Chicago; Theressa J., who is the widow of H. H. Coyle. resides in Chicago; and Daniel B.
Daniel B. Quinlan received a good practical educatica in the public and parochial schools of Chicago, attending until he was sixteen years old, at which time he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad as a brakeman, and soon thereafter, in spite of his youth, was made a passenger conductor, and in 1874 received further promotion to the position of traveling passenger agent, being in charge of the western division, with headquarters at Omaha, Neb. In 1875, his value to the railroad and the appreciation which his superiors always showed him, were further demonstrated by his appointment as city passenger agent for the same road, at Chicago, with offices at No. 59 South Clark street. Notwithstanding his rapid advance and his successful career as a railroad man, in 1878, Mr. Quinlan resigned from the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad to accept the position of general eastern traveling agent for the Union Pacific Railroad, with head- quarters at Chicago, continuing his connections with this latter road until 1852, holding this same position. In that year, however, he re- tired from railroad work, and in May of that same year, established himself in his present business which be has since continued at the location he now ocenpies.
On September 29, 1881, Mr. Quinlan was united in marriage at Dubuque, Iowa, with Miss Katherine C. Lenehan, of that city, horn
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there March 13, 1855, a daughter of Barthol- omew D. and Mary ( McQuade) Lenchan, who were among the pioneers and most prominent citizens of that part of Iowa. Mrs. Quinlan died November 14, 1905, without issue.
Mr. Quinlan is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is president of the board of direc- tors of this order which has just completed a handsome $90,000 building at 62nd street and Cottage Grove avenue, Chicago, the present headquarters. He is also a member of the Na- tional Union, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, while pro- fessionally, he belongs to the Chicago U'nder- takers Association and the State and National Undertakers associations. In 1892, while presi- dent of the Illinois State Undertakers Associa- tion, Mr. Quinlan recommended a bill to the state legislature which stipulated that all per- sons engaged in an undertaking business must be proficient in anatomy, sanitary science and em- balming. This very important bill was passed in 1893, and is still in force, and gives great protection to the general public, as it aids in the prevention and widecast spreading of infectious and contagious diseases. In 1906, Mr. Quinlane's
qualifications received further recognition by his election to the presidency of the National Funeral Directors Association of the United States, and he justified his selection by many wise and just measures. Politically he is a Democrat, and has always taken a lively interest in local as well as national events, although nover willing to hold office. A man of wide charity, and deep sympathies, he gives gener- onsly, although many of his benefactions are unknown save to those upon whom they are bestowed. Proud of his city and state, Mr. Quiulan can always be counted upon to do everything in his power to advance public inter- ests and secure better government, and being a man of more than ordinary ability, his sage advice is often sought by his associates.
One of the most modern of undertakers, Mr. Quinlan is always on the alert to secure every improvement or take advantage of new discov- eries, and keeps his equipment abreast of the times in all particulars. He owns his own auto- mobiles which include an ambulance, hearse and private conveyances for the use of the family and friends in funerals under his charge. he using automobiles only.
ISAAC TAYLOR.
Peoria County will long remember with the deepest respect and gratitude one of its most beloved men, the late Captain Isaac Taylor. Ilis life was made up of useful deeds, and efficient service, and among the most important of his career was the inception of the Deep Water Way from the Lakes to the Gulf. for he had the foresight to see the future greatness of Chicago, when others scoffed at the idea that the city would ever possess, as he claimed, from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 population. No his- tory of Illinois would be complete without a concise, truthful biography of the life of a conrageous, energetic, dignified and kindly man such as he always proved himself : one who never added to or took from, but liked to give happiness, and in doing so, found his own. His record as a soldier during the Civil war, and as county treasurer of Peoria County for eleven years, but adds to the strength of the above statements. Captain Taylor was born at Saratoga, N. Y., April 22. 1836, grandson of Isaac and Betsy (Putnam) Taylor and son of Putnam and Martha G. (Seidmore). Betsy Putnam Taylor was a daughter of Gideon Put-
nam, and niece of Israel Putnam, all of Sara- toga, N. Y.
Captain Taylor grew up amid healthful rural surroundings and was taught farming in all its details, and at the same time was given such educational advantages as were offered by the district schools, he later supplementing this instruction by a year's course at the Jonesville Academy at Ballston Springs in Saratoga Coun- ty. N. Y. Following this he for four years studied law with Henry Grove and Elbridge G. Johnson of Peoria, Ill., finishing his legal studies in April, 1861. Ile was admitted to the bar at St. Paul, Min., and was hopefully determined upon his career, when the Civil war broke out. Intensely loyal, on October 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company HI, Third Minnesota Volunteer In- fantry, and was made a second lieutenant, sub- sequently being promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. and still later to that of captain. After the fall of Vicksburg he was promoted by the government to the office of Judge Advocate General. He served until the fall of 1864 under his first term of enlistment, then veteranized, continuing with his regiment until April 27. 1565, when he resigned. His was an able milf-
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tary record, characterized by marked bravery in times of great danger. At the battle of Mur- freesboro, Tenn., in July, 1802, the regiment was captured by the enemy under General Forrest, but Captain Taylor escaped and later was placed in command of a convalescent comp at Nashville, where the state house was their headquarters. Captain Taylor having escaped needed no parole and after the regiment was exchanged, he was ordered to the frontier against the Sioux uprising. He participated in the advance on Vicksburg in 1863, with the Sixteenth Army Corps under the command of General C. C. Washburn, and after taking part in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, his regi- ment was engaged in military operations in Arkansas, including the capture of Little Rock and its reconstruction. The regiment was also in the movement at Pine Bluff, Jackson and Duvall Bluff. In the meanwhile it was as- signed to duty with the Seventh Army Corps and Captain Taylor was placed under General Schaler to serve as Judge Advocate General of Little Rock on Schaler's staff. Ile had charge of many important cases during the remainder of his term of service, and in their conduct, as on the firing line, he proved at all times worthy of the trust reposed in him.
After his resignation Captain Taylor returned to Minnesota, rejoining his family at Trivoll a little later and remaining there until 1871, in which year he came to Peoria, and from then on became an active and powerful factor in the public life of the city. Robert Ingersoll ob- tained the appointment of assistant assessor of internal revenue for Peoria for Captain Taylor in 1869, and in 1870 he was elected county treasurer and retired from the former position to assume the duties of the latter. No higher testimonial of his faithfulness and capability could be given than his long retention in this position. Through appointment by Governor Oglesby he was made Canal Commissioner from 1885 to 1889, and again in 1993. Hle was also named as president of the special commission to inspect the Chicago Drainage Canal, his ap- pointment coming from Governor Tanner 1o May, 1599, while his incumbency in office con- tinued until 1900. his associates on this commis- sion being Colonel John Lambert of Joliet, and Colonel Al. F. Schoch of Ottawa. Without any doubt Captain Taylor was the first promoter of the idea of draining the sewage of the many millions of people from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. During the long nights when
the disease from which he suffered for so many years, kept him awake, instead of repining under his affliction, he sought to study over and work out problems affecting humanity, and this one of a deep waterway was one that he settled to his own satisfaction. At first it seemed almost impossible to enlist others, for as he often remarked to his wife, "It requires much time to educate Congressmen, Senators and the public, and I will never live to see the fruition, but my grandchildren may." Today, were he alive, it doubtless would be a gratifica- tion to him to see that the greatest authorities on these subjects have come around to his way of thinking. The Deep Waterway and his war record were a source of great pride to hin. Senator Bell died in the infancy of the Deep Waterway, but he received letters from him and other men of note commending him for his stand, and expressing entire faith in his judg- ment. These letters are cherished by his widow and children as testimonials to Captain Taylor's foresight and love of humanity. For twenty years he was chairman of the Illinois Valley Association, organized in 1SS7, through his efforts, for the purpose of securing legisla- tion from the general government for the crea- tion of the deep waterway between Lake Michi- gan and the Gulf of Mexico. In 189S Captain Taylor was commissioned by Governor Cullom colonel of the provisional regiment organized at Peoria for service in the Spanish-American war, although it was never called to the front. Many of its members had been like Colonel Taylor, in military service before, and all were actuated by a marked spirit of patriotism. Dur- ing the latter years of his life Captain Taylor was engaged in a real estate business and was so interested when death claimed him.
On October 15, 1860, Captain Taylor was married at Trivoli, Ill., to Mary Bartlett, a daughter of Melatiah Tobey and Mary (Loring) Bourne Bartlett. Captain and Mrs. Taylor had three children, namely: Alice L., who is the wife of Charles E. Bunn of Peoria ; Laura B., who is the wife of Herbert Walker of Chicago; and Isa Dean. The family has long been promi- nent in social circles. Captain Taylor was a Republican in his political views, and never faltered in his support of a principle or measure which he deemed best for the interests of the community at large. His life was always gov- erned by high principles, and he was a devout member of the Congregational Church. An ex- cellent type of progressive, patriotic American
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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
manhood, the weight of his character and ability carried him into important relations, and bad it not been for the asthma which afflicted him so sorely, he might have had his choice of many high offices, but as a lover of family life, he preferred the humble walk, that of contentment. and living for here and hereafter. In his owo words in reviewing his life work, he said sim-
ply : "I have fought a good fight and kept faith in the accomplishment. The only thing I gave up was the law." Every trust reposed in him throughout his entire life was faithfully ful- filled. His name stood as a synonym for those qualities which naan most admirable citizen- ship, and which men strive to acquire. "And his grasp was never above his reach."
JOIN R. DAVIS.
In the career of the late Jobn R. Davis was shown forth the fact that a man can dominste in more than one direction, and that some of the most successful business men and promi- nent citizens are those who have branched out and directed their abilities towards perfecting . varied business interests as well as raising the standards of their communities. Jacksonville has every reason to remember with pride and affection the man who as its chief executive, guided the destinies of the city during a very important period of its history. Many useful men now bearing their part in the world's work, although deaf and dumb, owe their pres- ent usefulness to the fostering care of John R. Davis, while many interests were stimulated and developed through his wise foresight and experienced judgment. John R. Davis was born at Jacksonville, May 23, 1564, a son of John and Fannie (Bonner) Davis, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of Ireland. John Davis came to the United States in 1848, and the following year joined that vast army that swept across the plains to the El Dorado California, where he prospected for gold with considerable success until 1854. In that year he returned as far east as Illinois. By trade he was a shoemaker, and had many of the sterling characteristics of his people. The death of John Davis occurred in 1901, his widow sur- viving him a year, when she too passed away. Until his death he enjoyed relating incidents of the days of the "forty-niners," and always welcomed anyone who had been in California during that period.
John R. Davis attended the public schools of Jacksonville until he was about nineteen years old, when he began learning the trade of a baker. Upon completing his apprenticeship. he was appointed instructor in this trade at the Illinois state school for the deaf and dumb. A man whose influence was felt even then, Mr. Davis constantly urged reforms, and it was during his incumbency of that position that
bread and cracker making machines and re- rolving ovens were installed. During all of the period he was at this institution he labored constantly to overcome the disability of his charges, and won their love as well as gained their attention. When there was a change of administration, he resigned and organized the John R. Davis Bakery Company and developed it into one of the sound institutions of Jack- sonville, seiling it finally on account of press of other duties. For years he had taken an active part in civic matters, and when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the city council, it was discovered that he was pre- eminently fitted for such an office, so he was placed upon his party's ticket for mayor and elected by the largest majority ever polled by a Republican candidate for mayor of Jackson- ville. Hlis administration was so popular that he was several times re-elected, serving in all three terms. Among other reformns that he inaugurated were the establishment of the pres- ent system of street cleaning, the fire and police patrol systems and promoted the improvement of the parks. During his incumbency of the ex- ecutive chair there was more paving done that during all the previous years of Jacksonville's history. In the Republican party his influence was always strongly felt, and for a great many years he was chairman of the Morgan County
Republican Central Committee. In 1900 he was chairman of the Morgan County delegation to the State convention and placed the name of Richard Yates in nomination for the governor- ship. When he ran for state senator in 1902, he was only defeated by a majority of 121, which was brought about more through party factions than anything else.
Mr. Davis always loved Jacksonville and was constantly endeavoring to better it and enlarge its confines. Some years ago he purchased a tract of land, laid it out and sold the lots to desirable people, thus giving Jacksonville a beautiful addition. Mr. Davis was one of the
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organizers of the Whitehall Sewer Pipe Com- pany and of the Ayers National Bank, and con- tinued a director of the latter until bis death. For several years he served as a trustee of the Central Illinois Insurance Association, and was president of the board until within two years of his death, when he resigned. In addition he found time to act as a trustee of the Odd Fellows Orphan Home at Lincoln, Ill. From boyhood he was a member of the Methodist church and was always ready to render expert assistance in the management of its affairs.
On January 1, 1890, John R. Davis married Miss Esther Woodall, who was born in England, but was brought to the United States by her parents, John and Ann (Hall) Woodall, when she was three years old. These parents located near Winchester, Ill., where Mr. Woodall is still living. Mrs. Woodall died at the age of thirty- eight years. Mrs. Davis was educated at Win- chester, where she attended the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of two
daughters: Lillian Hall and Esther, both of whom reside with their widowed mother. Mr. Davis was enthusiastic in his support of the Ma- sonic order, belonging to Harmony Lodge No. 3, of Jacksonville, A. F. & A. M .; Chapter No. 3, R. A. M .; Jacksonville Commandery, K. T .. and the Mystic Shrine of Peoria. He also belonged to the Odd Fellows and held office in the Grand Lodge of that order; and was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. On July 13, 1000, Mr. Davis died, and the whole community mourned his loss. On the day of his funeral, all the business houses were closed in order to show the respect felt for his memory. An immense concourse attended the last services held over him, his funeral being the largest private funeral ever held in Illinois. With his passing Jackson- ville lost an honorable business man, faithful official and patriotic citizen who had many friends and few enemies. His record both as an official and private citizen was blameless.
CHARLES A. PALTZER.
Charles A. Paltzer, president of the C. A. Paltzer Lumber Company, of Chicago, an organ- ization of financial strength and of country- wide reputation, is one of the able and forceful business men of this city. He was born in Binsfeld, Prussia, November 5, 1845, and is a son of Jacob P. and Mary C. (Faber) Paltzer, whom he accompanied to the United States in 1857.
In his native country Mr. Paltzer attended school and after coming to America had further advantages, becoming a student in the schools of Terre Haute, Ind., and later in the St. Louis University at St. Louis, Mo., where he was grad- uated in 186G. In 1867 he accepted a position as bookkeeper in a large St. Louis establish- ment ; in 1869 he entered the employ of Thomp- son Brothers and Company. lumber dealers of that city, and ever since has been identified with the lumber industry. He remained with the above firm and their successors. Thompson, Henry and Company, for five years, having charge of the latter's Chicago office in 1873-4. Upon the dissolution of the firm of Thompson, Henry and Company in 1874, Mr. Paltzer be- came a partner in the new firm of C. C. Thomp- son and Company, and this partnership existed for ten years. In 1SS4 Mr. Paltzer founded the firm of C. A. Paltzer and Company, which con-
tinued until 1804, when the business was in- corporated as the C. A. Paltzer Lumber Com- pany, of which corporation Mr. Paltzer has since been president.
Mr. Paltzer's career is interesting from the fact that it proves the value of persistency and self confidence, and shows the rewards that accrue from high principles of conduct carried into commercial life. He is an alert, keen, en- terprising business man; was president of the Lumber Dealers' Association in 1886-7 and again in 1902-4; also president of the Lumbermen's Exchange, in 1890-1. He has lived in this city through the period of its most astonishing de- velopment and has witnessed and contributed to its growth. From its ashes in 1871 he has seen its rebuilding in a manner that indicates the solidarity of its people and the continuance of its great enterprises. Under all circum- stances Mr. Paltzer measures up to the highest standards of citizenship and commands the respect and enjoys the confidence of the busi- ness community. His time has always been largely taken up with important business affairs but not to such an extent that he has been neglectful of the claims of charity or the priv- ileges that his means allow him in the way of public benevolence. He has been for many years and is now a member of a number of social and
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benevolent associations; a director of the Chi- cago Relief and Aid Society (now United Char- · ities) since 1895 and has done more than the average share in helping the needy.
His company has been a member of the Chi- cago Association of Commerce and the llinois Manufacturers Association since their organ- ization ; member of the Lumbermen's Association since 1874, and of a number of other associa-
tions organized for civic and commercial better- ment.
Mr. Paltzer was married December 5, 1STS, to Miss Clara C. Woodruff, a daughter of Wal- ter N. Woodruff, of Chicago, and they have had three children: Katherine W., Susan E. and Charles W., the last named being a prominent attorney of this city. Susan E., the second daughter, died March 4, 1906.
WLADISLAUS DYNIEWICZ.
Probably in no avenue of business do men become so widely known as in journalism, not always as personalities, but as influences, their printed thoughts reaching thousands where their spoken ones could be heard by only a score. Hence the responsibility of a journalist is of exceeding weight, and there have been times when a newspaper has forced reforma- tory legislation and changed publie politics. As the oldest Polish paper in America, the Gazeta Polska, published at Chicago, has be- come one of the leading representatives of the Polish race in the United States, and its ac- knowledged position as an influencer of public opinion has been gained under the careful and able management of its founder, Wladislaus Dyniewicz, who has been a resident of Chicago for more than forty-six years. During this period he has identified himself with various lines of activity which have contributed to the city's greatness, and although he is now living practically retired, he still manifests a com- meudable and public-spirited interest in all that affects the community in which be has spent the best years of his life.
Wladislaus Dyniewicz is of Lithuanian stock, and was born at Chwalkowo, Prussian Poland, June 13, 1843, son of Karol and Julianna ( Szul- czynski) Dyniewicz. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Dyniewicz, Adam Dyniewicz, left Lithu- ania in 1815, having incurred the displeasure of the government officials on account of his ac- tive participation in a revolutionary movement, and fled to Prussian Poland. While there he added the middle syllable to bis name, which has since been retained by his descendants.
Wladislaus Dyniewicz received an excellent education in the principal schools of Września, was there reared to manhood, and learned the trade of machinist. Like thousands of his coun- trymen, he early formed the belief that in the United States there was a wider field and greater freedom for the exhibition of his abili-
ties, and, accordingly, in February, 1866, he einbarked for the hospitable shores of America. Three months later the sailing vessel on which he had taken passage arrived at New York, from whence he made his way to Chatsworth, Ill., there securing employment at his trade in a sugar-beet factory. Mr. Dyniewicz's advent in Chicago occurred in the following year, when he entered the employ of the McCormick Har- vester Company as a machinist, and he was subsequently employed in lumber yards and in the shops of the Northwestern Railway Com- pany. He was faithful, capable and industrious, won the confidence of his employers, and was promoted to the position of gang boss, in which capacity be acted during the last three years of his stay with the railway company. It was while there that Mr. Dyniewicz invented the first safety valve used on locomotives, but, un- fortunately, he did not realize the full value of his invention and never had it patented. In 1873 he became the founder of the Gazeta Polska, a weekly publication, probably the first Polish paper established in America. Begin- ning in modest style, with a circulation that was decidedly limited even in the city of its birth, as the years passed it added to its scope, gradually extending its field to cover the lead- ing cities of the country. Ably handled, it was put on a sonud financial basis, and at the present time bas a circulation of about 26,000.
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