USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 79
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railroad two miles south of Scottsboro, where Captain Post was on duty as brigade officer of the day. On April 7, 1864, he became com- mander of the regiment, and remained as such until the return of the major, on the 24th, and at that time the whole army was under march- ing orders, and he was ordered to act as major, as Colonel Dickerman was absent on leave from April 14th, and the lieutenant-colonel was on detached service, thus leaving the regular major in supreme command. Major Wellison was wounded and left the field the morning of May 13, and Captain Post succeeded to the command, Colonel Dickerman returning to the regiment the same day. Nevertheless, Captain Post acted as field officer up to June 27, when, during the assault on Little Kenesaw Mountain. the lieutenant-colonel was slightly wounded and Captain Post again succeeded to the command. On May 28, Colonel Dickerman was killed at Dallas, and on June 15 the regiment. under Captain Post, charged and took the Confederate lines after a short and desperate struggle. From June 27, 1864, until September 2, 1864, Captain Post was in continuous command of his regiment, by reason of the death of Colonel Dickerman and the wounding of the lieutenant- colonel and the major. During this time the heavy battles of July 22, when the regiment took 115 prisoners on the left of Atlanta, and July 28, when General Hood made five separate assaults on the corps on the right of Atlanta. On August 15, Captain Post was shot across the neck by a sharpshooter while on the skir- mish line, and on August 25 was shot in the left side while standing talking to General Harrow. On September 1, 1864. the regiment was in the Jonesboro fight, and on the following day was in the advance in pursuit of the Con- federate troops. It was on this date. at about five o'clock in the afternoon, that Captain Post. while assisting in the taking of a line of bar- ricades, was shot in the right breast, the bullet breaking three of his ribs from his breastbone. Added to this, like all of Sherman's men, he had been under fire for 100 days, and was com- pletely exhausted. He was carried from the field and the next day taken to the general hospital of the Fifteenth Corps, at Marietta, but erysipelas was discovered in his ward and the men were sent on to Nashville. From there Captain Post went to Canton, Ill., and for the following six weeks was under the care of Doc- tor Fleming, and it was long ere strength re-
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turned to him and he was able to take up the activities of citizenship.
After somewhat recovering his health, Cap- tain Post was for some time supply mau at the locks on the Illinois River, but later entered business life as the proprietor of the hardware and implement store, which at this time, is owned by H. H. Orendorf, at Canton, but the cost of his devotion to his country became apparent and his death occurred July 26. 1875. Captain and Mrs. Post were the parents of two sons: Wilson E., who is now a gunsmith, and resides in Connecticut ; and Ally C. The latter. a brave son of a brave father, enlisted in Com-
pany M, Fifth I. N. G., during the Spanish- American war, and died at Chickamauga, of pneumonia, May 31 1898.
Captain l'ost was a Republican, and might. in many instances, have been elected to public otlice if his ambition had lain in that direction. He was prominent in the quasi-public life of literary, social and philanthropie associations, both civil and military, and was widely known in the Masonic fraternity. Although he has long been deceased, the memory of his brave and helpful career still remains as a solace to his widow, and a pleasant memory of the many who were proud to call him friend.
HUNTINGTON MASON.
It is not remarkable when a man is spared to round out three score years and ten, if he accomplishes much, and leaves the world better for his having lived in it, and a name and for- tune behind him, but it is worthy of more than passing comment when one, whose span of life failed to reach over four decades, was equally successful in every respect. The late Hunting- ton Mason was a man of progress. He never paused to deliberate whether another method might save him, but forged ahead to bring about whatever eud he had in view. Ilis mind reached out to grasp new problems, and his experiences but stimulated him to increased effort. While he never neglected business, he still found time to develop social graces, and in his home and friendly circle, was a central figure. Mr. Mason was born at Chicago, March 19, 1876, a son of Edward G. and Julia ( Starkweather) Mason. and grandson of Roswell B. Mason, who was mayor of Chicago at the time of the great fire. Edward G. Mason was born at Chicago, but his wife was a native of Massachusetts. For many years back, the male members of the Mason family have been graduated from Yale and are faithful sons of Old Eli. Edward G. Mason became one of the forceful lawyers of Chi- cago, and at an early day was president of the Chicago University, and later was the executive head of the Chicago Historical Society.
Huntington Mason attemled the Harvard pub- lic school, of Chicago, following which he took a preparatory course at Andover, Mass., later still entering Yale University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1899. Following this he. tutored in the east, but coming back to Chicago, entered the Corn Exchange Bank, as credit manager. His next business association
was with the Western Trust, and Savings Bank, also as credit manager, but after three years, he retired for a year. Re-entering business life, he was cashier for the old firm of Fisk & Robin- son, dealers in stocks and bonds, one of the best known houses of its kind in the country. His three and one-half years' association with this house gave him such an insight into finan- cial matters, that when Charles Counselman was made manager of Spencer Trask & Co., Mr. Mason was made assistant manager, and the house developed additional prestige in their stock and bond transactions. In the fall of 1912, Mr. Mason severed his connections with this house, and the following spring, organized the firm of Mason & Co., he being the head of the concern, with offices in the Merchants Loan & Trust Building. Death severed his association with the house he had founded. and put an end to his activities, May 25, 1914.
On October 19, 1907, Mr. Mason married Ger- trude M. Southerland of Chicago, a daughter of the late P. J. Hanrahan, and his wife Mary ( Kent) Hanrahan, natives of Chicago and Hart- ford. Conn., respectively. Mr. Hanrahan, a man of considerable means, made his home at Chi- cago. Mr. and Mrs. Mason became the parents of one daughter, Margery, who at present is at school.
Mr. Mason was a Democrat in politics, but the heavy claims of his business affairs pre- vented his taking any active part in public mat- ters. The Presbyterian church held his member- ship. Mr. Mason has passed from this mun- dane sphere, but during his brief moment here he did much to advance many interests, just as members of his family have been noted for doing, and the world is the gainer for his having
تليون منذ اكت أخضر
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been born into it. With the passage of time will come merciful alleviation of the deep sorrow such a loss entails to a family, but a remem- brance of a kindly, generous nature, genial man-
ner and forceful personality like his will live on, just as the ripple born of the throwing of a stone into the lake he knew and loved so well, never loses its energy.
CYRUS I. ALCOTT.
That individuals do not find the groove for which they consider themselves especially fitted is due largely to their inability to prepare them- selves for those grooves which they could fill profitably and honorably. In tracing the lives of prominent men in the agricultural industry it is found that the progressive characters have never lacked opportunity-that opportunity has not signified so much as the man. This applies especially to the men who have made Fulton County, Ill., one of the garden spots of the state. Taking up land which had only been partially prepared, introducing new methods and ideas, utilizing every foot of their property and engaging in all forms of activity pertaining to their vocation, they have not alone revolution- ized farming, but have steadily brought their county to the forefront among the leaders in the state. The late Cyrus I. Alcott, of Fairview, was a man who never lacked opportunities, be- cause where he did not find them he created them. Born near Fairview, March 20, 1844. a son of Henry and Martha (Foster) Alcott, he spent his entire life in Fulton County. and his record was ever that of an upright and honor- able man of affairs.
The parents of Mr. Alcott came to Fulton County with ox-teams, and settled on land en- tered from the government, here passing the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits. , This land is still in the hands of their descend- ants. The father died June 5, ISSS, at the age of seventy-six years. while the mother passed away in 1877, when sixty-five years of age.
They were the parents of two children: Mary C., who makes her home with Mrs. Alcott at Fairview ; and Cyrus I. The father accumulated 1,000 acres of land, and in addition to carry- ing on general farming did a large business in raising stock.
'Cyrus I. Alcott received his education in the public schools, and was brought up to the work of a farmer, and reared by earnest parents to habits of honesty and industry. He was reared with the knowledge that he was to succeed his father, and at the time of the latter's death took charge of the farm, which he operated up to the time of his own demise, April 16, 1909. His death was sudden and was caused by heart disease. Ile and his sister were the owners of 1,100 acres of land, which are now managed by Mr. Alcott's widow and sons. Early in his career, he embarked in sheep raising, and this he made a prominent part of his activities. Politically, he was a Democrat, but public life never attracted him, he being content to devote his time to the peaceful pursuits of the farm. With his family, he attended the Methodist church.
On November 18, 1SSO, Mr. Alcott was mar- ried to Miss Josephine Fisher, who was born August 17, 1851, near Canton, Fulton County, 111., a daughter of John and Melissa (Maxwell) Fisher, and to this union there were born three children, namely : John Henry, who died at the age of eight years; and Leonard Curtis and Guy Fisher, who are engaged in operating the old homestead.
ISAIAH CLARK GARY.
Dr. Isaiah Clark Gary, founder, owner and executive head of the People's Hospital and Training School for Nurses at Chicago, is a vital factor in the life of this city, where his philanthropy has been the means of bringing health, hope and happiness to thousands. By dint of his own efforts he has risen from ob- seurity to prominence. Ile was born near Cum- berland, Md., March 4, 1858, a son of William Henry and Rebecca (Gaumer) Gary, and is one
of the many sons of that state who, by charac- ter and achievement, have attained prominence and reflected credit upon the city of his adop- tion. His rudimental education was obtained in the subscription schools of his native county, and upon the removal of the family to Tama, Iowa, in ISGs, he became a student in the public schools there. In 15$4 he entered the Wilton (Iowa) Academy, where he took a scientific course, and pursued his studies in
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that institution until 1886, bravely working his way through the academy, and obtaining his education through his own efforts.
Having decided upon the study of medicine, he came to Illinois and over since has been a resident of Cook County, matriculating in the medical department of the Northwestern Uni- versity in 1886, and graduating from that in- stitution in 1889, with the degree of M. D. He worked his way through the medical course as he had previously done at the academy, making a good record in his studies, despite the out- side duties he was obliged to perform. In 18SS he was made assistant physician at the Armour Mission dispensary, and for two years assistant city physician of the Central South Side. After graduation, he established himself as a gen- eral practitioner in the center of a densely populated, largely foreign section of Chicago, and his first office room was at the corner of Archer avenue and Twenty-second street, in the same building in which he established the People's Hospital and Training School for Nurses. His life and practice here brought him into close touch with the great mass of suffering humanity, and his keen insight into human life and affairs, together with his kind- hearted sympathy, soon led him to recognize the need of the people, and in 1897 he decided to found a hospital to be conducted on ethical and philanthropic principles, which was to be especially adapted to meet the needs of the people in moderate and humble circumstances. The plan was executed without the aid of sub- scriptions or outside contributions, and proved a success from the beginning.
Under the management of a man so emi- nently qualified and fitted for his life work. the success of the undertaking was at once as- sured, and Dr. Gary deserves great credit for his efforts toward filling a long felt need. Since its beginning the hospital has received more than ten thousand bed patients, and twenty thousand personal injury cases, and no insti- tution in the city has done so much with such limited facilities. Located on Twenty-second street and Archer avenue, in the midst of the congested manufacturing. railroad and lumber district of the South Side, the People's Hospital has done a wonderful work in administering to the needs of the people who apply for aid, and Dr. Gary has made it a rule never to turn away an emergency patient under any circum- stances, whether rich or poor. The aim of this great institution, as of every true physician, is
to alleviate suffering and prolong life, there- fore, all emergency cases are given first aid and that without ascertaining the ability of the pa- tient to pay, and no patients are turned away until they can be safely removed. The hospi- tal fees are moderate in all cases, and many worthy patients are cared for without compen- sation. Since starting this work Dr. Gary has never turned away a single ambulance pa- tient, aud there is not a police patrol nor station in the city but knows that if they cannot take their patients elsewhere they are sure to find an "open door" at the People's Hospital.
It seemed a misfortune when in the spring of 1906 it was known that the remodeled flat building on Twenty-second street and Archer avenue had been sold and must make way for the onward march of commercial enterprises, but time proved it was a blessing in disguise, for it necessitated the formation of a move- ment which started the erection of the new building for the People's Hospital on those grounds. On June 16, 1907, with a cash fund of only $1,300, ground was broken, and the building begun and the raising of money and construction of the building progressed grad- ually, and all was completed in November, 1911, at a cost of $60,000. The building is four stories high, 10x100 feet, pressed brick . front, fireproof and modern in all its furnishings and equipments. The hospital is an open one, pa- tients may receive the attention of their own family physician or the attendance of the phy- sician at the hospital, or physicians may bring their patients to the hospital and treat them in either a private room or ward. Patients of all kinds are admitted with the exception of the insane and those suffering with contagious diseases. The wards and private rooms on the second floor are used for general medical and surgical patients, the ward and rooms on the top floor are used chiefly for patients suffering from the diseases of metabolism, a trained dietician being in charge of this department. This floor, being unusually light and airy, af- fords an ideal rest cure for those suffering from mental overstrain who cannot afford to go to the fashionable watering places or make a change in climate. On the first floor of the building there are a few rooms isolated and specially arranged for the reception and care of cases suffering with acute delirium.
The people in the vicinity early recognized the good work that was done at the hospital and in 1904 they organized the People's Hospi-
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tal Benevolent Association, with the aim and object to enlist the unity and sentiment of all members, to promote moral and hospital aid to the deserving poor, and to promote social intercourse among its members by holding a charity ball in the Seventh Regiment Armory the latter part of January of each year. The proceeds of these charity balls are used to main- tain free beds for emergency patients who are unable to pay or for worthy sick poor who shall be recommended by the Chairman of the Com- mittee of Council.
The People's Hospital and Training School for Nurses is one of the most noteworthy insti- tutions of its kind in the city of Chicago, and too much praise cannot be accorded Dr. Gary for the philanthropie and humane work he has accomplished along these lines. The institution does not receive any state, county or municipal aid, and it is to be hoped that many will be- come annual benefactors to this noble cause. Dr. Gary is a man of marked intellectual ac- tivity, whose labors have given impetus to the work of science. He has displayed a capability
along educational lines, and in the practice of his profession bas shown that his training was thorough and comprehensive. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Illi- nois State Medical, and the Chicago Medical societies, having served as president of the stock yards branch of the latter institution. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., K. O. T. M., Royal Arcanum. North American Union, Royal League, and Loyal Order of Moose, and a consistent member of the Central church. In bis political affiliations be manifests his al- legiance to the Republican party, but takes no active part in politics aside from casting the weight of his influence in support of men and measures working for the public good. His pro- fessional service has ever been discharged with a keen seuse of conscientious obligation, and his skill is evidenced through results which have followed his labors. He is interested in all that pertains to modern progress and advance- ment along material, intellectual and moral lines, and his charities extend to many worthy enterprises.
JOHN WILLISTON COOK.
Holding an acknowledged position among Illinois educators, John Williston Cook, presi- dent of the Illinois State Normal School, at De- Kalb, has risen steadily in his profession from the time of attaining his majority, reaping the rewards of a life devoted to the highest ideals of his honored calling. Ile was born in Oneida County. N. Y., April 20, 1844, and was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, the family settling in MeLean Coun- ty, a year and a half later moving to the village of Kappa. Mr. Cook there spent the rest of his boyhood and youth, passing his time in much the same manner as other youths of the village, attending school, clerking in a store, and assist- ing his father, who held the position of station agent of the railway company. He also spent two years in farming on his own account, but when he was eighteen years of age entered the Illinois State Normal University, at Normal. In 1865 he was graduated from that institu- tion and entered upon his career as an edu- cator, in which he has met with such unquali- fied success. Ile was first employed as principal of schools at Brimfield, Peoria County, and the following year was called to take charge of the grammar school department in connection with the State Normal School. In 1SCS he was ap-
pointed to supply a temporary vacancy in the Normal school faculty, and the following year was permanently employed to take charge of the work in reading. He was appointed to the chair of mathematics and physics in 1876, act- ing in that capacity until 1890, when he was made president of the institution. In 1809 he accepted the presidency of the Northern Illinois State Normal School, at DeKalb, a position he has since retained.
Mr. Cook, as will be seen by a pernsal of the above, is fundamentally and essentially a Nor- mal school man. His entire career has been most earnestly devoted to his work, but he has also found time to take up various other inter- ests, being a public speaker whose services are in constant demand, and withal a man whose intellectual gifts have been blended with a kindly view of life, brought about, no doubt, in large measure, by his constaut association with the young. There can be no more honored call- ing than that of the educator. The opportuni- ties to instill in the pliant minds of the young the lessons of morality and good citizenship have brought to this calling a set of earnest, hard-working men and women, whose work re- fleets a refining influence over their community. Mr. Cook has ever been faithful to the best
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traditions of his chosen profession, and numbers of his former pupils have gone forth into the world and, by their accomplishments, have shown the influence of his teachings. As the directing head of one of the finest institutions
of its kind in Illinois, Mr. Cook maintains the dignity of his position, but is at all times ap- proachable, ready and willing to give his aid in untangling the problems of the school room or of life.
WILLIAM A. GEBHART.
With the exception of one year, the entire business career of the late William Albert Geb- hart was passed within the limits of the city of Galesburg, Ill., where his standing among men of affairs was high. His connection with the wholesale and retail feed business made him known to the trade all over the state, and his rare abilities made it possible for him to successfully hold his own in the fierce com- petition that marked the growth and develop- ment of this part of Illinois. As a public spirited citizen he could at all times be abso- lutely depended upon to associate himself with other earnest and progressive men in working out problems calculated to benefit Galesburg and its people, and when he died there was created a vacancy that has since been difficult to fill. William A. Gebhart was born at Log City, Ill., August 27, 1855, in one of the historic buildings erected by the early settlers of Knox County. He was the son of Allen R. and Eliza A. Gebhart, who moved to Galesburg in 1862. The father, Allen R. Gebhart, was a son of Kentucky, where he was reared, and engaged in agricultural pursuits after concluding his schooling. In the year 1850 he moved to Knox County, Ill., settling on a farm in Henderson Township. Mr. Gebhart improved and culti- vated this place until 1862, when he moved his family to Galesburg, where he engaged in a lathing and plastering business during the rest of his active life, passing away in 1889, at the age of sixty-three years. The mother, Eliza A. Gebhart, passed away at the home of her daughter in Holdrege, Neb., March 26, 1913, being in her eighty-first year. AAllen R. Geb- hart was a veteran of the Mexican War, in which he fought as one of the members of the first regiment that left Louisville, Ky. In politics he was a staunch Republican.
The education of William A. Gebhart began in the district school, in the vicinity of his father's farm, which he attended until he was ten years of age, and it was completed in the public schools of Galesburg. In his sixteenth
year he laid aside his text books and began earning his own living. The first work that offered happened to be teaming, and for forty years he was identified with that line of busi- ness. About twenty years ago he began dealing in hay and straw, and as this venture proved to be remunerative he followed it in connection with his teaming business. Mr. Gebhart was a practical man, enterprising and industrious, and met with great success in his undertakings, owing to his close application, unceasing effort and good judgment.
On March 4, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Feather, a daughter of Albert and Diema Feather, and a native of Kentucky, her birth having occurred in Taylor County, on February 23, 1862. Her parents were also natives of the Blue Grass State, from whence they moved to Illinois in 1883, locating in Knox County. They are now residents of Galesburg. Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart were the parents of five children, namely : LeRoy, who died in infancy ; Charles, who died when eleven years of age; Harry C., who was graduated from Galesburg high school in 1905, and Knox College in 1911, is now studying medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor ; Erminie, who is a graduate of Galesburg high school, class of 1907, and Brown's Business College; and Bessie, who died when she was eleven years of age.
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