USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 64
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On January 17, 1863, Mr. Dyniewicz was mar- ried to Miss Albertina Krygier, of Roznowo, Province of Posen, Prussian Poland, daughter of John Nepumocen Krygier, and to this union there have been born eight children : Casimir W. ; Angela, wife of Paul A. Leischner; Wanda, wife of Joseph Kwasniewski; Edwin M., editor of the Gazeta Polska; Leon W., owner of a book bindery: Mary P., wife of Stanislaus Ku- flewski, serving his second term as county com- missioner of Cook county; Yadwiga, wife of Leon J. Nowak. an attorney of Buffalo, N. Y. ;
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and Matthew J., a Chicago lawyer. Mr. Dynie- wicz has twenty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, of whom he is justy proud.
Mr. Dyniewicz is a member of St. Stanislaus B. M. Roman Catholic Church. He is identified with the Polish National Alliance and is a patron of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ile is a Republican in politics, but always maintained his paper along independent lines. Although a patriotic citizen of his adopted land, he has ever retained an intense love for the country of his birth, and the first present he gave his wife before their marriage, and one that she still cherishes, was the reproduction of a pin, the emblem of Poland, with the name of Boze Zbaw Polska thereon. Mr. Dyniewicz now lives
retired in his comfortable homoe in Cragin Sta- tion, corner of Diversey and North Sixtieth avenues, where he occupies himself in carrying on a nursery business. Here was celebrated his golden wedding anniversary, January 17, 1913, when the relatives and many friends of the venerable editor came to pay their respeets to one who had the distinction of being blessed by Pope Pius for the good he has done in the interests of humanity in general. The head of a family wbese members have distinguished themselves in various walks of life, with a long and honorable career that is marred by no stain or blemish, Mr. Dyniewicz may pass his remaining years in contentment, satisfied in the knowledge that his life has been one of usefulness to his fellow men.
WILLIAM ADDISON ROBERTSON.
William Addison Robertson was born October 27, 1803, in Liberty County, Va., a son of Dr. William and Elizabeth (Burton) Robertson, the latter a daughter of Robert Burton, a Vir- ginia planter. In 1813 the family moved to Harrodsburg Ky., where the father was en- gaged in the practice of medicine for many years, and where both parents passed away. In Harrodsburg William A. Robertson received his early education. After some preparation, he entered Transylvania University (now the University of Kentucky), at Lexington, where he took his medical degree, and following this was engaged in a general practice at Harrods- burg for one or two years. There he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Clark, and in 1828 moved to Edwardsville, Ill., where he continued in practice for some years. Doctor Robertson moved to Carlinville, Maconpin County, Ill., in 1838, and this community con- tinued to be his field of labor until the early
'60s, when he retired from the practice of medi- cine and devoted the rest of his life to his books; he was a student and a scholar, and always lent his moral support and financial assistance to the encouragement of movements making for the advancement of education and morality and a higher citizenship. When he died, on February 5, 18SO, his community lost a man who had for years been a vital force in its very life.
Doctor Robertson's first wife died, and in 1844 he was married to Nancy Hill Holliday, daughter of Rev. Charles Holliday, a pioneer Methodist Episcopal minister of Illinois. Five children were born to this union, as follows: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Maj. A. W. Edwards; Ellen, who married John Mays Palmer : William, who married Margaret Geld- er; Charles, who married Alice Venable; and Anna, who is the wife of Frank W. Burton, of Carlinville, Ill.
FRANK W. BURTON.
Frank W. Burton, junior member of the old- established law firra of Bell & Burton of Carlin- ville, has long been a prominent figure in many of the legal controversies of Macoupin County, in which his unerring judgment and ability to provide the solution of many complexities have proven his right to be numbered among the dis- tinguished members of the bar of this part of the state. Mr. Burton as a lawyer, conducting cases from their earliest consultation through their preparations in his office and conflicts at
the bar, to the final engrossment after the last decree of the last tribunal, is systematic, pa- tient, vigorous and powerful, and is recognized as a most valuable associate and powerful an- tagonist. The birth of this able attorney oc- curred at Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, III., October S, 1857, he being a son of Henry W. Burton, who was born in Connecticut in 1819, and died in Carlinville, Ill., June 28, 1904. In 1839 Henry W. Burton came to Macoupin County, Ill., and became a merchant at Wood-
John Griffiths
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burn and afterwards at Bunker Hill. In 1868 he was elected Circuit Clerk on the Democratic ticket, and re-elected to the same otlice in 1872, holding the office continuously until 1876. Mr. Burton held other county offices, either as chief or deputy for twenty-five years. In 1844 he married Cornelia Rider, born in Carrollton, Greene County, Ill., where her father, a native of New York, had come in pioneer days, becon- ing a merchant and farmer. The birth of Mrs. Burton occurred in 1826, and she died in 1872.
After passing through the local common schools Frank W. Burton entered Blackburn University, Carlinville, Ill., from which he was graduated in 1876, following which he read law with Charles A. Walker, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. Immediately thereafter he en- tered upon a general practice at Carlinville. where he has since remained. In 1896 he and A. H. Bell entered into their present partner- ship under the name of Bell & Burton. Mr. Bur- ton is a man whose abilities were not intended for local recognition alone. While a member of the Forty-third General Assembly of his state, in 1902, he proved himself a most capable legis- lator, and gave his constituents and state such excellent service that the Democratic party in
his district sent him to the Senate in 1904, and he was re-elected to that body in 190S. During the last two sessions he had the distinction of being the leader of the minority. From 15 4 to 1892 Mr. Burton was state's attorney of Macoupin County, and was one of the most vigi- lant officials ever to occupy this important office. For two years he was master-in-chan- cery, and in every walk of life has proven hit- self entirely worthy of the trust reposed in him.
On November 25, 1880, Mr. Burton was united in marriage with Miss Anna Robertson, daugh- ter of William A. Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have had the following children: Cor- nelia Rider, who married Dr. Herbert T. Harris of Basin, Wyo .; and Robert, who is now an attorney of Rapid City, S. D., was graduated from the law department of Yale. Mr. Burton is a Mason, a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and is interested in all three orders. In addition to his legal business Mr. Burton is and has been a director of the Carlinville National Bank of Carlinville for years. Treasurer, financial agent and member of the board of trustees of Blackburn Univer- sity, Mr. Burton renders valuable services to the cause of education in these connections.
JOHN GRIFFITHS.
In these days when so many men are proven unworthy of the trust reposed in them it is gratifying to review the history of one who always kept his life free from contaminating infinenees, no matter what his surroundings, and was fearless in his support of what he deemed was right. Unfortunately for his com- munity John Griffiths, formerly of Batavia, never was called upon to hold high office, but went out of life as quietly as he lived, content to do his duty as a private citizen. Hlad he been given the opportunity to bring to bear upon the administration of affairs his keen conviction of justice and high moral sense those coming under his influence would have been benefited, and politics would have been purified. How- ever, the life of such a man was not lived in vain. Although his sphere was somewhat cir- cumscribed, he did his full duty and gave his world a saner, cleaner view-point. Mr. Griffiths was born in New York State, August S. 1832, son of John and Margaret Griffiths. These parents came from England to the United States in 1830, settling in New York State, from
whence they moved to Batavia, III., in 1836, and there rounded out their useful lives.
John Griffiths attended the public schools of Batavia, but added to his knowledge there ac- quired by years of useful observation. In 1851, fred by the accounts of the fortunes to be gained in California, he went to that state, when only nineteen years of age. For the fol- low ing six years he remained there, having a varied experience as prospector, miner and owner of a pack train with which he carried supplies to the mining camps. During this period his work brought him in contact with the roughest elements, but he never allowed his as- sociates to change his morals or influence his views of right living. In 1857 he returned to Batavia, and took up land, developing into a very successful farmer and large property owner. Until 1890 he continued to operate his land, but in that year he retired and lived apart from active business for twenty years, although he retained his holdings. On April 26, 1910. after a long and eminently useful life, he passed to his last reward, content with what he had
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accomplished. Mr. Griffiths was one of those who are interested in agricultural improve- ment, and for many years was a member of the State Agricultural Society. While not a mem- ber of any religious denomination, he supported the local Methodist church, and attended serv- ice there. Ile was always a Republican in politics.
On April 14, 1861, Mr. Griffiths was married to Laura Harker, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Harker of Batavia, natives of Eng- land, who long lived in Warrenville, III. Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths became the parents of three daughters: Mrs. E. T. Warne, who with her husband is living retired from farm work at Eola, Il .; Mrs. W. D. Hawks, who is the wife of a retired farmer of Batavia, and has two children: Della Hawks, who is twenty-one years old; and Lyle Hawks, who is nineteen years old; and Mrs. W. S. Ravatt, who is the wife of a motorman of Aurora, IN. Mr. Grif- fiths was a strong temperance man. During his early life he saw so many evil effects from drinking that he never forgot the strong impres- sion given him, and not only never drank him- self, but did all in his power to reform those who were inclined to indulge themselves. Ile
was not content to merely set a good example, powerful as that was, but spoke against the evil and in favor of Prohibition upon every suit- able occasion. A man of strong determination, he never allowed adverse circumstances to over- come him, but fought them until he came off conqueror. Few men love their homes more than did Mr. Gritliths, who was never happier than in the midst of his family circle. Although he was retired from the outside world for twenty years, he was not idle, but gave his at- tention to many matters and was one of the most potent influences for good in Batavia. When the news reached his associates that he was dead all experienced a keen, personal loss, for he had warmly attached himself to his friends. His family was overwhelmed by ex- pressions of deep sympathy, and his funeral was largely attended by those who felt privi- leged to thus pay him honor. With the laying to rest of his remains in the beautiful City of the Dead where they now repose, passed all that was mortal of John Griffiths, but his spirit lives on, and the influence of his deeds still exists to bear witness to his morality and purity of life.
PIERCE HEFFERMAN.
Each man has to work out his destiny accord- ing to his own ideas. Some make a success of their life efforts, others fail, but it is usually found to be true that the men who accomplish the most are those who concentrate on some special line, and direct all their energies towards its successful prosecution. In the case of the late Pierce Hefferman, his record shows that he was a man who thoroughly understood his business, and was never afraid of the hard work connected with it. As a result, he left his family not only wealth, but the heritage of a good name and the memory of a kind husband and father. For years he was one of the sub- stantial men of Jacksonville, and the city bene- fited by his connection with it. for he was a practical business man, who believed in action rather than words. Although he no longer directs his affairs, he had so firm a grip on them that after his death they could be handled profitably by others. Mr. Hefferman was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, May 2 -. 1828, and be died at Jacksonville. March 30. 1912, after a long and useful life of eighty- three years.
In 1852, Mr. Hefferman came to the United States, seeking better conditions, and spent some time in Boston and Pittsburgh, but not being satisfied with either city, came on west to Jacksonville. Immediately after coming here, he became associated with Mr. Alexander, the great stockman, and this influenced the after life of the ambitious young Irishman. Mr. Hefferman had had some experience in han- dling stock, and Mr. Alexander found him a valuable man. He sent him to New York and other points with shipments of cattle, and his reputation as a reliable and hard-working man grew so that his services were sought by Isaiah Strawn, who held a high position among cattle men. Mr. Hefferman saved his money, and as soon as he was able invested it in farm land. He bought a farm, and handled cattle on his own account. After a number of years he moved his family to Jacksonville, he built a comfortable residence there, and in it he died.
On July 5, 1870, Mr. Hefferman married Elizabeth Dunn, born in Ireland, one of four sisters to come from Queens County to the United States. One of these died at Boston.
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A half-brother, James Gorman, came to Illinois, but died in Morgan County, having been a brick manufacturer. One of Mrs. Dunn's sisters, Mary Ann, married Dominick Barrett, and now lives in St. Louis. The other sister, Margaret, married William Begnel, and died in Febru- ary, 1008, although her husband survives her. Mrs. Hefferman came to Jacksonville about 1867, and was in the employ of a pioneer fam- ily by the name of Wolcott prior to her mar- riage. She died May S, 1903, having had the following children : Mayme E., who has re- mained at home: Nellie, who married F. L. Weber, a commercial salesman of Peoria, has one son-Francis; and Michael D., who is a cigar maker. married Elizabeth Devlin, and has one son, Donald Joseph.
Mr. Hefferman was a Democrat, but never sought public office, preferring to exert his in- fluence as a private citizen. Both he and his estimable wife were Roman Catholics, and
were original members of Our Saviour's parish. They were generous contributors towards the building of the church edifice erected by the Rev. Father F. Costa. They were good people in every sense of the word. Taking their pleas- ure in their home and their children, they al- ways had charity for their neighbors, and made friends wherever known. Their homely vir- tues are worthy of emulation, not only by their children and grandchildren but others, who could not do much better than to live as did these two, who always did their full duty and lived up to what they thought was right. Their names do not appear in the records of the great of earth, but they were something more, they were honest, worthy, kindly citizens of their adopted land, and the world is better for their having lived in it and their children, reared carefully by them, are left behind to up- hold the honor of their name.
GEORGE W. MOSER.
The executive head of one of the largest and best known wholesale paper houses in Chicago, George W. Moser is an example of that spirit of enterprise which has so distinguished this city for the last half century. Here have been founded. fostered and expanded the great busi- ness projects which have carried the city's name and fame to far distant lands, often arousing surprise, envy and emulation and ever command- ing admiration. Behind these great enterprises stand the able men who organized them and have consistently carried out the policies which have resulted in such commercial prosperity. Belonging to this class of euergetic and capable business men is George W. Moser, who needs no introduction to the people of Chicago, for this is his native city and here, for forty-eight years, he has been identified with the wholesale paper trade.
George W. Moser was born at Chicago. Ill., March 9, 1850, and is a son of Philip and Mary (Sands) Moser. They were early pioneers and long respected residents of this city. The pub- lie schools afforded the boy educational oppor- tunities. He early developed the commendable ambition to be self supporting and in 1862 be- came a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and in 1863-4 and 5 con- ducted a newspaper route for the Chicago Eve- ning Journal. In 1866 he became an employe of Laflin, Butler and Company and remained
with this house for five years. In 1872 he en- gaged with Bradner, Smith and Company and remained with that firm for four years, then entered the employ of F. P. Elliott and Com- pany, as manager, with whom he remained for eighteen years. In 1893 he organized the Moser- Burgess Paper Company, which, in 1901 became the Moser Paper Company, of which Mr. Moser is president and treasurer. Thus, for almost a half century, Mr. Moser has been in the same line of business and his judgment is valued in everything connected with the wholesale paper trade. Under his progressive policy rapid growth and permanent trade relations have characterized this house and as it stands today, a momment to Mr. Moser's superior business qualifications, its importance is second to none in the country.
Mr. Moser was married in the city of Chicago, November 27, 1873, to Miss Mary J. Leslie. The family home is at Oak Park, one of Chicago's most beautiful residence sections.
Originally Mr. Moser was a Republican in his politieal affiliations, but in late years has to some extent manifested allegiance to the Pro- gressive party, taking no very active part in polities, however, aside from casting the weight of his influence in support of men and measures working for the public good. Mr. Moser is a member of the Chicago Association of Com- merce, of the Illinois Manufacturers Association,
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and of the Credit Men's Association. He finds recreation as a member of the Chicago Athletic, the Westward Ho and the Chicago Automobile clubs. In all his associations, with friends, ac- quaintances, business competitors and the pub- lic at large, Mr. Moser impresses through a pleasing personality and is widely esteemed. Ile
is interested in all that pertains to substantial progress in his native city, in all the cultural activities and material advancement that make notable the twentieth century, and, as far as lies within his power exerts his influence in these directions.
SAMUEL KOOGLER.
It is oftentimes easier for a man to achieve renown and a place in the esteem of his asso- ciates through some brave or daring deed, that, while productive of great results is not the out- come of any special planning, than for another to so direct his actions during a life that stretches way beyond the usual allotment, as to accomplish the same end. While there is more time for planning in a long life, than in one of shorter duration, more opportunities for achieve- ment, there are also more obstacles to meet and temptations to be overcome. There are but few men who can successfully pursue their callings and also serve acceptably as public officials, often, in this relation, being called on to sae- rifice private interests for civic betterment, for the public spirited man is of necessity one who thinks of his community before himself. He must plan upon a large scale and carry out undertakings for the public weal, even if in so doing he retard his personal progress. This term, public spirited, is oftentimes given to men who have no real right to it, but one who de- served it in the highest conception of the word was the late Samuel Koogler, of Champaign. He was born February 14, 1825, and passed away August 23, 1914, so that he was eighty- nine years, six months and nine days old at the time of his demise. Greene County, Ohio, was the place of Mr. Koogler's birth, and he was a son of Jacob and Catherine ( Bates) Koogler, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Jacob Koogler was in the war of 1812, and was captured, but made his escape at the time of Hall's surrender, and found his way back to Ohio. He and his wife died when Samuel Koog- ler, their youngest child, was six years old, and the latter lived with a sister until he began to be self-supporting. The other children were: Jacob Funk, Adam, Conrad, Sallie Patten and two daughters who died in infancy.
Samuel Koogler attended the public schools of his native county. At the age of nineteen years, he moved to Greenville, Ohio, and while there, together with Henry Garst of that place,
entered into a contracting business and built some of the old time plank roads, and was also in a drug and grocery business, but later sold his interests and moved to Marion, Ind., where be conducted a general store. Selling it in 1852, he started then for Illinois. The trip was made in a covered wagon as far as Le Roy, McLean County, his sole possessions at that time being his wagon and team and $100 in money. For one year he did teaming from Bloomington to Le Roy and back, and then rented land of Ike Williams, in Scott Township, Champaign County, paying during the four years he occu- pied it, an annual reutal of $600, which was a hitherto unheard of rental. At the time he located on this farm, he was one of thirty-six who had occupied it and was the only one who remained for any length of time. Having pre- viously traveled through this region, and as far west as Davenport, Iowa, he appreciated the future possibilities of land in this county, and from 1856 to 1861, devoted himself to acquiring it, securing 900 acres of railroad land in Scott Township, and broke the sod with teams. He was a man open to new ideas and it is believed he bought the first mowing machine in this section of Illinois. Having heard of this invention. he drove fifty miles to Bloomington, where the implement was on exhibition, but could not secure one, but learned of one for sale at Clinton, so he drove thirty miles further and was able to buy it. As there were no rail- roads through this section at that time, his trav- eling was done with a wagon and a team of horses. He succeeded in his agricultural work, and, as able, purchased good stock, and devel- oped into a heavy raiser and feeder of stock, shipping first to New York, but later to the Chicago markets. For some ten years he was in partnership at Seymour, Ill., with Captain B. F. Cresap, under the caption of Koogler & Cresap, for the purpose of buying grain, feeding cattle and hogs and conducting a general mer- chandise business. At the expiration of the ten years, the partners sold to Robert Johnston and
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Samuel Kogler
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James Karr, and this business is still conducted by a Mr. Karr. When he retired in 1893, and located at Champaign, he was recognized as one of the leaders in the cattle and grain business. His operations as a shipper of grain were car- ried on upon an extensive scale, and he was a charter member of the Indianapolis Board of Trade.
Mr. Koogler married ( first) at Greenville. Ohio, Lucy Vantilburg, a native of that state, who died in 1865. They had four children : Helen B., who married Edgar Plummer, resides at Decatur, Ill .; Lizzie, who married Frank Jones, resides at London, Ohio; Oella, who married Edgar Conkling, is now deceased; and William, who died in infancy. In 1866 Mr. Koogler was married (second) to Miss Sallie Adams, born in Ohio in 1834, and died in 1867. One child was born of this marriage, Lucy, who died when four years old. Mr. Koogler was married (third) in McLean County, to Miss Jennie Plummer, of Ohio, and they had one child, Frank S. She was a daughter of Daniel and Eliza ( Hunt) Plummer, the former of whom was captain of Company H, Seventy-sixth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. He lost his life through exposure at the siege of Vicksburg. Three of his sons were in the service, and they all returned home safely. Mr. Koogler became the grandfather of the following
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