USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 78
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period afforded. But life on a farm did not appeal to him and when eighteen years of age he began a mercantile career by entering a dry goods store, where he remained as a clerk for three years. The horizon there was nar- row and he was ambitious. The lure of the west came upon him, and bidding adieu to home and friends, he turned his face towards the fer- tile fields of Ilinois. He arrived in Alton in December. 1848, the city which continued his home for fifty-five years, and where he passed to his rest on March 19, 1903. When he landed in Alton there were no railroads, no telegraph lines, no street railroads, ro public utilities whatever. All was crude and elemental, but he lived to see the city of his choice possessed of every modern improvement and innovation, and in the gradual development of these essen- tials of civilization he hore no small part. He began his business career in Alton in a modest way as clerk in the store of P. B. Whipple.
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Later he engaged in the hardware business with the late Arba Nelson, as junior partner in the firm of Nelson & Hayner. As the years passed by he engaged in additional lines of activity. One of these was the operation of a saw mill and box factory, he taking up what had been a losing business and developing it into a highly remunerative property. He also became head of the firm of J. E. Hayner & Co., of St. Louis, western representatives of the Walter A. Wood Co., manufacturers of the newly-invented self- binder mowing machines. It was Mr. Hayner who introduced the now famous self-binder to the farmers of the west. The first western trial of the new invention took place on what was known as "Job's Ranch," near East Alton. The machine was crude and wire was used instead of twine in binding the sheaves. The inventor. or demonstrator, experienced much annoyance while making the rounds of the field by the un- equal tension which occasionally snapped the wire (a difficulty subsequently overcome), but the demonstration was so much of a success that Mr. Hayner saw for the machine a great future. He took hold of it and pushed its in- troduction with such energy that the self-binder soon became as much a necessity of the farm- er's equipment as the harrow and the plow. Back of the public utilities of Alton and of various manufacturing and financial enterprises stands the figure of Mr. Hayner. In the early days he financed the gas company and saved it from failure; he rescued the infant glass industry from threatened extinction and placed it on its feet ; he was the power behind the first street railway in its struggle for existence, and came to the aid of the original waterworks company when more funds were imperatively needed to complete and operate the enterprise. The same is true of various industries. While he did not originate the public utilities referred to, he came to their aid in critical times and assured their development and success.
His career was the more remarkable from the fact that it was never marred by speculative ventures. He won financial supremacy and af- fluence by virtue of qualities possessed by few. He never seemed rushed or hurried but always had time to chat with friends or to listen to those who desired his aid or counsel. He loved his home city and furthered every project for its advancement and upbuilding. As an in- stance, he had been a friend and helper of the public library from its inception, and when the
time came that he could look back upon a life of satisfying achievement a desire came to him to share his prosperity with others. In no way, he thought, could this be better accom- plished than by providing for the literary ad- vancement and culture of his own and future generations. That the impulse should come to him, also, to dedicate the completed work to the companion who had been one with him in devotion to the same ideal, was a natural evolu- tion. In expression of this desire he built and presented to the association, for the use of the public, the splendid "Jennie D. Hayner Memorial Library." The spacious and at- tractive edifice, admirably adapted for its pur- pose, is one of the ornaments of the city. To perpetuate its work he so generously endowed it that it will be for all time a center of edu- cational progress-absolutely free of expense to the public-no tax being necessary for its main- tenance as in other cities. Says a writer in a memorial sketch of Mr. Hayner: "His business career was a supreme success because above all other great qualities towered one dominating attribute, and that was character, the vital force that underlies all true greatness. This friend and brother, for he was this to all his townsmen, 'sleeps the sleep that knows no wak- ing,' but his character lives immortal and in- destructible. His real success consisted in ere- ating this vivifying essence which alone is sat- isfying and lasting. One of his most beautiful traits was his interest in and sympathy for young men. Doubtless the memory of his own early struggles was ever present with him. Many men, now prominent, could be named who owe their station in life to the kindly advice, the helping hand and the material aid of John E. Hayner. His own prosperity, instead of inspiring pride and arrogance, developed the desire to help others along the road to high achievement. Quietly, unostentatiously but continuously, none knew of it but the recipients, and many there are that can testify that they owe all they are to the inspiration of his aid and counsel. His material charity was abounding and perennial. He sought out and relieved the poor and needy. No good cause appealed to him and found him unresponsive. The churches had in him a liberal supporter. Ministers of the gospel found in him a gener- ous, sympathetic friend who appreciated the high calling to which their lives were dedicated. His personality was engaging. He had a
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friendly smile and a genial greeting for all he met. Rich or poor received from him the same unfailing courtesy. He was always the pol- ished, unassuming gentleman. Mr. Hayner was a constant reader of the best literature. His attainments were broadened by extensive trav- els in this and foreign lands. He was thor- oughly posted on political and economie topics, and though pronounced in bis own views was tolerant of others. During the war for the Union he was liberal in contributions to the soldiers in the field and the sufferers in military hospitals. He was an ardent anti-slavery man and was long interested in the project for build- ing a monument in memory of Elijah P. Love- joy, and those connected with him in that un- dertaking can testify that his generous aid at its inception and the impulse he gave the asso- ciation were the mainsprings which eventuated in the erection of the beautiful and stately memorial to the first anti-slavery martyr which now adorns the City Cemetery. And within its shadow he lies at rest."
The lines preceding refer mainly to Mr. Hay- ner's public and business relations, but a word in regard to his domestic life may not be inap- propriate. He was married three times. His first wife was Miss Laura Scott. of Craftsbury, Vt. ; his second Miss Jennie D. Drury, of High- gate, Vt., and his third Miss Mary Caroline Keith, of Sheldon, Vt., who survives him. Of
his children four died in infancy. Mrs. Florence E., wife of Dr. W. A. Haskell, and daughter of his first wife, is the only survivor. It was in the home that Mr. Hayner's noblest and most inspiring traits found their fullest fru- ition. His family had ever the first place in his thought and affection. It is such a home life as he ever enjoyed that is the foundation of all noble publie endeavor. The outer life radiates therefrom and is simply its reflection and wider expression. As Mr. Hayner's prosperity in- creased his investments broadened. He became interested in various outside enterprises, such as the waterworks in Atchison, Kan., and a great cotton mill at Brighton, near Chicago, which had a phenomenal success until destroyed by fire. His genius for finance naturally led him into banking and he was called to the directo- rates of various such institutions. He was vice- president of the First National Bank, and after its mergence with the Alton National became president of the Alton Savings Bank and vice- president of the Alton National. He was a large stockholder in the Illinois Trust and Sav- ings Bank of Chicago, and also held stock in St. Louis banking institutions. He was likewise interested in railway enterprises and was a director in the Kansas City branch of the Chi- cago & Alton. This enumeration gives an out- line of his varied activities.
HENRY WESTON MAHAN.
During the score of years that Henry Weston Mahan has figured prominently in the financial life of Chicago, he has proven his ability as a banker and his worth as a man. Upon no other class do the responsibilities of a community rest as heavily as they do on the shoulders of the men in whose capable hands lie the reins of finance. As the banks of a community are, so is the community itself; so can it prosper, or so does it sink into decay. The very life of the country depends upon the strength and probity of those who control the financial in- stitutions of the land. Every man is not fitted by nature and training to assume the duties pertaining to a banking career, so that it is a self-evident fact that when a man makes a success of this kind of work, he must be pos- sessed of unusual ability and strict probity of character.
Henry Weston Mahan was born at Weathers- field. MeHenry County, Ill., December 3, 1854,
a son of Rev. Isaac S. and Jane II. (Lindsey) Mahan, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, re- spectively. These parents were among the pioneer settlers of MeHenry County, Ill., and the father exerted a powerful influence for good as a minister of the Baptist faith. Dur- ing his latter years, removal was made to Chi- cago, where he died in retirement in 1893. His widow, who survives him, continues to make her home at Chicago.
After a boyhood spent at Centralia, Ill., where he attended the public schools, Henry W. Mahan entered the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1876. For the fol- lowing few years he was associated with the business interests of Champaign, Ill., and then entered upon his banking career as cashier of the First National Bank of Urbana. Ill., hold- ing that responsible position for five years. In 1890, he left Urbana, attracted towards Chi- cago, and for three years thereafter, be was
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engaged in a real estate business, but feeling that the banking business appealed to him more directly than any other, he became cashier of the Oakland National Bank, which is located at Oakwood boulevard and Cottage Grove avenue. In 1902, he disposed of his interest in that institution and organized the Drexel State Bank, which he served as its first president. continuing as its executive until February, 1909. Feeling the need of a change, he spent a few months in western states, and then returned to Chicago and organized the South Side Bank. of which he is president. This solid institution opened its doors for business September 15, 1909, and since then its deposits have increased from $135,700 with which it began business, to $1,500,000. This remarkable growth demon- strates beyond any question that the people of the neighborhood have full confidence in the bank, and endorse it as an institution that af- fords security for depositors. The courtesy of the management has become proverbial, this being enforced by the following, who are the officials and directors: George B. Robbins, C. H. Randle, Nate R. Salsbury, Isaac N. Powell, John Chesire, Oscar F. Schmidt, F. A. Randle, H. W. Mahan and A. R. Fay. With the re- sources of over one and one-half millions, and a strong, experienced management directed by men who are residents of Chicago who have demonstrated their ability both in times of financial depression as well as in general pros-
perity, to handle the affairs of such an insti- tution, this bank gives assurance of continuous growth and has already established an envi- able record among organizations of its class. Mr. Mahan is also interested in the Washing- ton Park National Bank, of which he is presi- dent.
On January 11, 1877, Mr. Mahan was mar- ried to Miss Isotta Carley, a native of Cham- paign, Ill., and their children are: Mark C., Henry W., Jennie, who is the wife of Garland Stall, vice-president of the Washington Park National Bank of Chicago; Margaret W., Ade- laide S., and Maud L. Mr. Mahan belongs to the University Club and the Bankers Club, and for three years was president of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. He largely con- fines his energies towards the upbuilding of the institution of which he was the founder, and has every reason to be satisfied with the success that has attended him in this connection. A man of wide information along many lines, Mr. Mahan has kept in close touch with all that pertains to modern banking and finance. His personal acquaintance with citizens of note is a broad one, and his spirit of good fellowship makes life brighter for those with whom he comes in contact. He is interested in all that pertains to modern progress and improvements along material, intellectual and moral lines, and his charities extend to many worthy enter- prises.
GEORGE A. DUCKER.
A man who distinguishes himself upon the field of battle, or in the legislative bodies of his country, is held up to public view and his virtues or failings receive instant attention. The services rendered by men who belong to the class always before the public, are frequently valuable, but there are duties just as important, performed by the man who raises up a monu- ment in the form of a mercantile house which supplies the people of his community with necessities and luxuries, and affords employ- ment to many who otherwise might not have their capability properly tested. The late George A. Ducker of Joliet, Ill., will long be remembered as one of the captains of industry of his city, who, waging a constant fight against the enemy of high cost of living, won many victories, in the fruits of which his patrons and employes participated.
George A. Ducker was born in Mokena, Ill., April 16, 1559, a son of James and Jeanette Ducker, and came naturally by his mercantile inclinations, for his father started a general store on the site of the present large establish- ment that bears the family name. At first it was like similar establishments in a country town, but the father was a progressive man, and early associating his son with him, built up a flourishing concern prior to his demise in 1886, although in later years its patronage fell off to some extent. In the meanwhile, George 1. Ducker, in 1874, when only sixteen years old, began as cashier and bookkeeper for his father, while he was continuing his studies un- der private instruction. When he was eight- een years old. he became connected with the sales department, developing into the buyer for the business. By 1885, however, he felt the need
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of a wider field, and went to Red Cloud, Neb., where he opened a store of his own, and con- ducted it with profit until he was called home by his father's death in December, 1885. As soon as he acquainted himself with conditions, he took over his father's property and began enlarging and developing the business upon an extensive scale, until, at the time of his own death, he had one of the largest department stores of Joliet. So important was his estab- lishment considered that the corner upon which the store was located, bore the familiar name of Ducker's Corner, and about it centered some of the most important business of the city. The character of the proprietor, the quality of his stock, the reliability of his service and the reasonableness of the prices combined to bring to the store many patrons, and the annual busi- ness transacted was immense. The employes became inbed with the spirit of Mr. Ducker and strove to give to him and the public the best of themselves, and when Mr. Ducker died, they felt they had lost their best friend.
Social by nature, Mr. Ducker took pleasure in fraternal connections, and belonged to Mat- teson Lodge. A. F. and A. M .: Joliet Chapter ; Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T., and Medinah Temple, N. M. S. He was also a member of the Elks, acting as one of its board of trus- tees, and was affiliated with the Modern Wood- men of America and the Eagles. While not a politician in any sense of the word, upon several occasions he responded to popular demand and held office, heing elected on the Democratic ticket. Among other offices, he was deputy supervisor in 1895, and was chairman of the purchasing committee for the courthouse and jail, as well as a member of a number of other committees. In religious belief Mr. Ducker was a Universalist, and was prominent in that congregation at Joliet. having served in the capacity of trustee. Ile belonged to the Union Club ; the Commercial Club, which he served on the board of directors, and was vice presi-
dent of the Merchants' Association. He was one of the organizers of the Joliet Evening Herald, acting as vice president, and was also vice president of the Pizzard Piano Company of Joliet, Ill., and was a stockholder in the Joliet National Bank and the Joliet Title and Trust Company. He was one of ten men who founded the new Elmhurst Cemetery, in 1908.
On July 8, 1886, Mr. Ducker was married to Miss Florence Rathbun, a daughter of Valentine and Mercy J. (Smith ) Rathbun, the former hav- ing been one of the agriculturalists of Du Page County, Ill., for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Ducker became the parents of two children : Edna M. and George A., Jr., both of whom sur- vive.
The strenuous efforts Mr. Ducker made throughout his business career to give each duty its full measure of attention, resulted in a strain that ultimately killed him, and he died March 25, 1913, at Joliet. of cerebral hemor rhage after an illness of several months. Im- pressive funeral services were held at St. John's I'niversalist Church, on the following Wednes- day, the Rev. Walter H. Macpherson officiating. His remains were laid to rest in Elmhurst Cem- etery. The executive committee of the Mer- chants' Association passed appropriate resolu- tions relative to Mr. Ducker, and sent a copy of them to the family. With the passing of Mr. Ducker came a lesson which may well be engraved upon the hearts of all those striving to realize success. He achieved much because he never neglected the small things, nor stooped to petty ones. His business was carried on upon broad lines and he took pride in being honest first, and successful afterwards. To him there was no royal road to fortune for he trod pa- tiently and conscientiously the beaten one of earnest endeavor and honorable principles, and in dying left behind not only large commer- cial interests, but a record that shows no stain in either business or private life, and no man can do more.
MARTIN WALD.
In any growing locality, whether it be de- veloping from wilderness to settlement or from city to metropolis, the changing conditions offer splendid returns to foresight and business saga- city. The man who can foresee the strategic commercial situation may claim a conquest as surely as can he who cunningly secures advan- tage in martial strife. It was through his
ability to predict where trade would develop ; where competition would, for long, be absent. that Martin Wald was enabled to amass a com- fortable competence. For over thirty years he engaged in the clothing business in Chicago, and enjoys the distinction of being the first to establish a clothing store on Milwaukee ave- nue, which is now a prominent business center.
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Martin Wald was born in the Rhine lands, Mutterschied, Germany, July 4, 1854, third son of Peter and Katherine Wall. His education was completed in the common schools of Ger- many. He came to America in 1871, and made his first residence at Milwaukee. Here he en- gaged in the business of retailing clothing, for some two years, then took up a like occupation at St. Louis, where the work appeared more promising. Some four years he remained here and then took some time to himself for the purpose of traveling. In 1883 be undertook his chosen branch of industry in Chicago, locating at the corner of Halsted street and Canalport avenue. This store he used for just one year, then removing to Milwaukee avenue and Divi- sion street, where his establishment was for a long time the largest of its kind. In 1901 he sold out and re-established himself on West End avenue in Chicago Heights. This property he owned until his death, and it is now super- vised by his wife and son.
Mr. Wald was married, on October 21, 1882, to Miss Marie Schulze, who was born in Pots- dam, Germany, September 6, 1860, a daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Beuster) Schulze. The marriage ceremony was performed at Chi- cago, where the bride's parents had located some years previously, and where the father
had retired in 1SS1. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wald, two girls and one boy, namely : Harriet Katherine, Martin Frederick and Marie Caroline. Mr. Wald always bad his greatest pleasure in his home. He was an ar- dent student of nature and enjoyed the pleas- ures of travel. His financial independence en- abled him to devote much of his time in his later years to the personal pleasures of himself and family, and he made a visit to his old home in Germany which resulted in great satisfaction to him. On his return to Chicago he made fre- quent pleasure trips throughout this country, and just a few weeks prior to his death took a delightful journey to Hot Springs, Ark. Politically Mr. Wald was a Democrat, and in local social circles was allied with the Germa- nia Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Elks. He was a devout attendant at the Catho- lic Church, of which he was a member. The sad death of Mr. Wald occurred at his resi- dence, 6208 Ellis avenue, November 16, 1911, and he was interred in the family lot at Rose- hill Cemetery. The members of the Elks Lodge had the ceremony in charge, and the touching service, held at his residence, was a fitting tribute to the memory of the man it com- memorated.
FRANKLIN C. POST.
Seventeen of the forty-five years of the life of the late Franklin C. Post were connected with the city of Canton, Ill., and with the excep- tion of two years of absence in military service, were passed in the midst of the stirring events of the city's business activities and as a par- ticipant in its municipal, political and social growth. It is known as a positive fact that never before the war between the great forces of the North and the South had it been shown how fiercely civilians could battle, and it is also known that these same soldiers, when the war had closed, returned to the occupations of peace, strengthened by the years of discipline. even if weakened in physical power. Franklin C. Post bad been reared in a family of Quakers, a faith which advocates universal peace, and has no sympathy for war; yet, when the time came, he answered his country's call. and sub- sequently distinguished himself on various san- guinary battlefields. He practically sacrificed his life on the altar of the Union, for he lived
but ten years after the close of hostilities; but in these short ten years he accomplished much in the field of business, and was instrumental in assisting Canton's advancement in a number of ways. Nearly forty years after his death, there are still many residing in the city who remember him as a man of sterling ability, while his name is indelibly written upon the roll of Illinois' military heroes.
Franklin C. Post was born November 16, 1830, on a farm near Union Springs, Cayuga County, N. Y., and was reared in a family which taught him to be sincere, practical and industrious. He was given ordinary educational advantages, but made the most of his opportunities, and became well informed on a number of subjects. At the age of twenty-eight years, he left his eastern home and came to Copperas Creek Landing. Ill .. to take charge of the warehouses at that point. On September 20, 1802. he was married to Miss Laura V. Wilson, who was born at Winchester, Scott County, Ill., daughter
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of James M. Wilson and wife, the former born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Kentucky. Three days after his marriage, October 2, 1862, Captain Post left his young bride and enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in almost continu- ous service until disabled by gunshot wounds, September 2, 1864. While on his way home from the hospital he was robbed of his carefully- prepared diary, his commission, and other valu- able papers, at Marietta. Ill. The loss of these papers precludes the idea of definite detail in recording the Captain's military career, but the facts set down after his return home will show that he had a remarkably active and valiant service. He was mustered into the United States service by J. C. Long. and remained in constant command of his company until May 2, 1863, when appointed provost marshal at La- Grange, Tenn. During this time he was on duty at Jackson. Tenn., in command of the provost guard, under General Hulburt and Capt. S. A. Stockdale, P. M., and his duties as provost marshal continued until June 9, 1863, being then relieved, as his corps, the Fifteenth, had marched towards Vicksburg, a few days previously. His transportation, with a squad of men, occurred from Memphis. Tenn., June 11. 1863, and soon after he was again in command of the company, and continued thus until he was overtaken by illness, while lying at Sny- der's Bluff, during the Vicksburg siege. After the surrender of that place, the Fifteenth and several other corps went into quarters at Camp Sherman, and in an order dated August 9. 1803, Captain Post was detailed as a member of a court martial which remained in session about six weeks. Upon its adjournment, the members were granted thirty days' leave of absence, and on his way home Captain Post was taken ill with ague and camp diarrhea, which kept him from the service for sixty days. He then rejoined his company on the Nashville & Chat- tanooga Railroad as the army was moving across from Memphis to Chattanooga, and was in command thereafter until May 1, 1864. In the meantime, he was in the assault on Mis- sionary Ridge, where he was shot in the right wrist, and was in the forced march from Ross- ville to Knoxville, to relieve General Burnside. During the winter the company marched from Scottsboro to Cleveland. Teun., and from there to Buzzard's Roost, under General Palmer. Part of the winter the regiment lay along the
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