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here in the seventeenth century, at Swansea, Mass. The mother was also a native of Fort Ann. Her death occurred December 31, 1900, when she was eighty-nine years old, as she survived her husband seven years, he passing away in 1803, aged eighty-five years. Both were consistent members of the Baptist church. They had five sons and three daugh- ters: the Rev. Warren, deceased; Julius, de- ceased ; Ellen, widow of R. D. Baker of Aurora ; Frances, widow of Warner E. Wright of Aurora ; James O., deceased; Sarah A., de- ceased wife of L. F. Liscom of Hinsdale, N. H .; Orvin T. and Jobn T.
After a youth spent at Fort Ann, where he attended the common schools of his locality, James O. Mason began earning his own living. At first he secured employment at farm work, and assisted his father in his wagon shop, but he was not satisfied with conditions, seeking wider fields, and so in 1868 he came to Aurora,
Jumom
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and thereafter was devoted to his adopted city. Ilis first employment after coming to Aurora was as a clerk in the grocery of Robert Pier- pont, but his ability and ambition were too great to permit his being tied down to any such work, and within three years he was on the road as a traveling salesman for. Fogg and Son, Chicago seed dealers. During the three years he spent in this line of endeavor he gained a valuable knowledge of men and condi- tions, and used it to advantage during the re- wainder of his life. Mr. Mason was identified with the Baptist denomination, and not only gave liberally toward its support in money. but lent bis influ- ence and contributed Lis rime to advance its interests. His fraternal connections were with the Waubonsie Lodge, I. O. O. F. Politically, he was a strong Republican, although he never would accept publie office, aside from that of city treasurer of Aurora, In which capacity he rendered services so valuable that the city benetitted very materially from his administra- tion. He always took a warm interest in the Y. M. C. A., and it was Insgely due to his ef- forts and influence thet the present beautiful Association building in Aurora was erected. Successful himself, Mr. Mason was always will- ing to lend a hand to help any young man tinued in charge for four years more. In 1895, . whom he deemed worthy of assistance, and there are many successful business men today, who owe their prosperity to Mr. Mason and his sage advice.
Leaving the road, Mr. Mason established him- self in the bakery business, selling at wholesale anul retail for twenty-seven years, or until this concern was absorbed by the National Biscuit Company, following which, Mr. Mason con- the Aurora Corset Company was organized by Mr. Mason and some associates and he became its treasurer, and carried its affairs on success- fully, until it is now one of the leading indus- tries of Aurora. He was largely interested in what was at first the Aurora Watch Company, but is now the Hamilton Watch Company, of Lamuster, Pa. Ever since its organization, Mr. Mason was a director of the Western Unffed Gas and Electric Company. For years he was vice-president of the German-American National Bank of Aurora. For a period he was treasurer for the State Home for Girls at Geneva, Ill. Ile was a director and interested supporter of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation.
On September 30th, 1875, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Roma L. Adams, daughter of Charles H. and Harriet (Coleman) Adams of Fort Ann, N. Y. One son, Marquis Edgar Mason, was born of this marriage. This son was educated in the public schools of Aurora, the University of Wisconsin, and the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated in 1904, and is now a chemist of note in Chicago. He married Laura A. Rice, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. M. S. Rice of Aurora. Mrs. Mason, with her son and his wife, survive Mr. Mason. Throughout his life,
Mr. Mason's death, which occurred June 24, 1912, did not come as a surprise to his friends and business associates, as he had not been in good health for some time. The funeral was held at his late residence, on June 27. 1912, the Rev. Dr. John L. Jackson of Bloomington, Ill., a former pastor, was in charge of the cere- monies, and spoke touchingly with reference to Mr. Mason and his life work. The remains were laid at test in Spring Lake Cemetery. In the death of Mr. Mason, Aurora suffered a very distinet loss, not only in matters of social, commercial and industrial interest, but in everything that relates to the well-being of the city at large. He was domestic in his habits and a lover of his home and family. As a business man he was very thorough in his undertakings, was frank and open, and kind to his employees. A man of strict integ- rity, he was broad-minded and liberal in his views, and yet when convinced of the right of a question, steadfast in holding his opinion. It will be a long while before his place is filled in business circles, and it can never be taken in his family, where he was a striking person- ality, one to be honored as well as loved.
ISRAEL PARSONS RUMSEY.
As the metropolis of the great Middle West, and one of the most important commercial cen- ters of the country, Chicago has long taken a leading part in the history of the day, and has attracted to it some of the master minds not
only in the various learned professions, but those who are capable of controlling the affairs of mighty concerns. This feature alone is one which has contributed largely to Chicago's su- premacy, as it is a fact that the interests here
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demand strenuous action and trained ability, and where men possessing these qualities con- gregate, success is sure to follow, and a further enlargement of business fields and operating opportunities. No man ever rose above his fel- lows unless he possessed something more than they, advantages of money, mind or native abil- ity, and oftener than ever, the first plays but a small part compared to the power of the lat- ter. The career of Captain Israel Parsons Ram- sey, president of the well-known commission house of Rumsey & Company, of No. 141 West Jackson boulevard, proves the truth of the fore- going and points out to others the road to suc- cess.
Captain Rumsey was born at Stafford, N. Y., February 9, 1836, a son of Joseph E. and Lucy M. (Ransom) Rumsey. After attending an aca- demic school, at the age of seventeen years, he left it to become a clerk in a Buffalo dry goods store, in the employ of his uncle, E. H. Howard. The spirit of the great city imbued him with some of .its resistless force, and he was fired with an ambition to make something of his life beyond that indicated by mere material pros- perity. Feeling that youth was better served in the cities further west, he went to Keokuk, Ia., in 1857, and there continued clerking, later own- ing and running a newspaper route from one o'clock a. m. to seven o'clock a. m. Never losing faith in himself, or ceasing to hunt for suitable opportunities, he became manager of a hardware store and by order of the owner moved it to Chicago in 1857, and in 158 left that desirable connection to engage with Flint and Wheeler. commission merchants, and in this line found his life-work. In 1860, the firm of Flint, Hoyt & Rumsey was organized. this being one of the early commission houses of the city. The con- cern has developed into the present one of Rumsey and Company, being comprised of Mr. Rumsey and his eldest son, Henry A., he being the head. This firm ranks with the leaders in this field, and is one of the most extensive re- ceiving houses on the board. In addition to this connection, Captain Rumsey is also inter- ested along other lines, being president of the Prairie State Grain Elevator Company, and a director of the Belden Manufacturing Company.
In 1861, he was instrumental in organizing Taylor's Chicago Battery, which was in the service of the state until mustered into the United States service on July 16, 1861, as Com- pany B, First Illinois Light Artillery. Mr. Rumi- sey was elected junior Second Lieutenant, and
later senior Second Lieutenant, and served with the battery through its memorable career, acting as Assistant Adjutant to General W. H. L. Wal- lace at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, General Wallace being mortally wounded in the latter engagement. During the siege of Vicksburg, Mr. Rumsey was promoted to the rank of Cap- tain, and served as such until the expiration of the battery's enlistment in July, 1864, when he was honorably discharged, and returned to Chi- cago. He saw much active service during his military career, participating in a number of hard-fought battles, including those of Bellmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Siege of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, in the campaigns of the Army of the Tennessee, the Atlanta campaign and others.
Captain Rumsey has been active in reform politics, especially in securing high license laws. He has served as president of the Citizens League for suppression of the sale of liquor to minors and drunkards, since 1877. In 1906, he was instrumental in having passed a state law prohibiting saloons within one and one-eighth of a mile of army posts or naval stations. He was also instrumental in awakening public interest and having gambling prohibited in Chicago, some years ago. He also waged war ou the notorious gambling interests in Lake County just across the Cook County line, to which those desiring to gamble could go for twenty-five cents the round trip. In less than eighteen months of hard fighting, Captain Rumsey succeeded in rid- ding Lake County of what he felt was a terrible incubus. No citizen of Chicago has accomplished more for good government, pure politics and the upholding of honorable principles than Captain Rumsey. In addition, he has been prominent along other avenues, for he served on several committees for securing for Chicago the Colum- bian Exposition, and was chairman of the financial committee which raised money for erecting the Grace and Sixth Presbyterian churches, both of which he served for several years as an elder. For the past twenty-six years he has been an elder of the Lake Forest Presbyterian Church. For eighteen years he was a member of the Board of Managers of the Presbyterian Hospital. His relations with the Loyal Legion and George H. Thomas Post No. 5, G. A. R., are useful to his old comrades, and he is also an honored member of the Union League Club of Chicago.
Captain Rumsey was married in 1867 to Miss
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Mary M. Axtell of Batavia, N. Y., and they had six children, namely: Juliet Lay; Lucy Ran- som; Henry Axtell ; Minnie May; Frances, who died in infancy ; and Wallace Donnelson. Pub- lic spirited and charitable, Captain Rumsey bas always given generously towards those meas-
ures which he believes will tend towards the betterment of the masses, and carries into his every-day life the principles he professes in his church associations. The family residence is at Lake Forest and the members of the household all are held in the highest esteem,
JOSEPH J. ELIAS.
While instances are many of men who have been attracted to America by the opportunities offered to those possessing ambition and de- termination, and have, through the possession of these qualities, risen to place of prominence in the communities in which they have cen- tered their activities, it is doubtful if a better example of this class of self-made man could be found than Joseph J. Elias, of Chicago. Arriving in this country a poor immigrant lad, he has worked with his hands and traveled the familiar but difficult roads which chance opportunities open to the aspirant from foreign lands; and, while his numerous business in- terests have called for his utmost attention, he has not been indifferent to the duties of citizenship, as his connection with affairs of a public nature will amply testify. It is not within the province of this review to enumer- ate the diversified experiences that have marked the career of this energetic Chicagoan, but brief sketch will serve to show the steps by which he has risen from poverty and ob- scurity to a position where he is looked to among prominent business meu for counsel and leadership.
Joseph J. Elias is a Lithuanian, born in the village of Alexandry, Lithuania-Russia, April 15th, 1877, one of five children, all yet living, of John and Agnes (Jasulis) Elias. Mr. Elias secured a liberal education in the public and high schools of Russia, where he was grad- uated at the age of fifteen years, but, like thou- sands of others of his native countrymen, could see no future before him in his native land, and accordingly, in 1893, emigrated to the United States. He left his country with a capital which he felt assured would care for his needs until he could establish himself upon a firm footing in his new home, but while on ship-board the trusting Lithuanian lad was robbed by unscrupulous persons, and when he arrived at Ellis Island he was absolutely penni- less. Through the activities of government authorities, he was found a position with a Connecticut farmer, and two months later was
possessed of five dollars and a new pair of shoes, Subsequently, for three months, he worked as a section band, with Italian laborers, on a gravel train, this employment re- imbursing him at the rate of one dollar and thirty-five cents per day. Mir. Elias then en- tered the employ of Arrey, Maddock & Locke, tanners of St. Regis Falls, N. Y., his connection with this firm lasting for seven years and two months, where he became a foreman and young- est leather inspector in the United States. At the expiration of this time, realizing the need of further educational training, he entered Notre Dame University, and for two years studied diligently. In the meantime, during vacations, he worked in the dry goods store of Lederer & Oppenheimer at Forty-seventh street and Ashland avenue, Chicago, as a general salesman, and on completing his studies centered his whole attention upon his work for this firm, his merit eventually winning for him the posi- tion of assistant manager.
In the vicinity of the Union Stock Yards, Mr. Elias's abilities were not long unrecog- nized. At the organization of the Union Stock Yards State Bank, he was elected its manager, which position he held for the term of four years. until he was elected a county com- missioner. His active mind and energetic spirit have led him to interest himself in various other ventures of a financial and commercial nature. He is now president of the Prince Vytauto Lithuanian Building and Loan Asso- ciation. In 1910 he established the Town of Lake Savings Bank and Safety Deposit Vault Company, of which he has been president to this time, and is the owner of the building which it occupies at Forty-sixth and Wood streets. In addition, he is treasurer of the Commercial Wheat Growers' Company of Can- ada, a large corporation of Winnipeg, Canada, and of the Lake Building Material Company, of Chicago. His fraternal connections include membership in the Knights of Columbus, also membership in the Knights and Ladies of Honor, of which he is a state trustee, and in the Catho-
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lic Order of Foresters, and in the latter he is chief ranger of S. D. Court, No. 1577. He holds membership also in the Hamilton Club, and in the Cosmopolitan Sick Benefit Society. His re- ligious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Elias is an expert linguist, speaking Lithuanian, Russian, Polish, Bohemian, Sla- vonian and English fluently. At this time he is chairman of the State Lithuanian Republican Alliance, and re-elected president of the United Lithuanian Societies of Chicago. His entry into publie life occurred in 1903, when he was appointed by Judge Tuthill an honorary pro- bation officer of the Juvenile Court. He was
appointed in June, 1900, to the oflice of deputy sheriff, and in August of that year became the Republican candidate for county commissioner. His subsequent election gave him a majority that left no doubt as to his universal popu- larity, which office, that of county commis- sioner, he has held for the term of four years. Within twenty years, Mr. Elias has risen from the penniless, hard-driven farm hand to the recognized man of affairs; further commentary upon his career would be superfluous.
On May 21, 1006, Mr. Elias was married to Miss Martha Paskewicz, and they have had two children : Leonard and Marcella.
ARTHUR VERNUM GREENMAN.
Probably there is no profession that demands so much tact, judgment, patience, specialized knowledge and natural executive ability as that of the school master, and the man or woman who enters into this important field, selecting it as his calling, must be prepared to make many personal sacrifices, to endure many dis- appointments, to often spend himself for others without apparent gratitude in return, and to give the best years of his life without the emoluments that equal effort would surely bring in any other profession. It is a profession for which there are no weights and measures. The material with which it deals is rather that life stuff upon which impressions are eternal and affords the man who would serve the race an opportunity than which there are none greater. One who dedicated his life to the work in this spirit was the late Arthur Vernum Greenman, who for nineteen years was superintendent of the schools of West Aurora.
Arthur V. Greenman was born at Leonards- ville, N. Y., July 3, 1852, but was reared at Mil- ton, Wis., whither his parents, Jonathan V. and Euretta G. (Easterbrook) Greenman, had moved in 1857. The ancestry is English and the parents of Professor Greenman were born and married in New York. From childhood the youth was an ambitious student, and after at- tending the public schools of Milton he took a preparatory course at Milton College and then the regular scientific and classical studies of the course. It was during his college years that the eye difficulties developed which were to handicap Mr. Greenman throughout his life so that for twenty years all his study was done
through the eyes of others who read to him. His fitness for the teaching profession and love of the work helped him to succeed in spite of this overwhelming difficulty.
Leaving the state of Wisconsin in 1878, Mr. Greenman located in Davis Junction, where he taught for two years. For the five years fol- lowing he conducted the schools of Creston, Ill., going in 1885 to the larger schools of Rochelle, Ill. Upon each of these places he left the im- press of his character. Possessed of the high- est educational ideals, his schools were brought into line with the best and a wholesome educa- tional sentiment created. In the larger life of the community, his influence was widely felt as an impulse toward progress and an enriched life. In 1890 Mr. Greenman became superin- tendent of the schools of West Aurora and this remained his field of greatest effort and achieve- ment. With the schools of the city divided into two systems, each was of a size to be personally supervised, forty teachers being under his direc- tion.
Mr. Greenman always appreciated the advan- tage of a small school system and the conse- quent closer contact between teacher and pupil. From the start he sought to better conditions in every way and advance the educational standard. A thorough student of the science of education and possessed of a natural instinct for child psychology, Mr. Greenman made his schools a living, growing organism responsive to the best in the teacher and pupil. A grad- uate of one of his schools came to bear a stamp of efficiency that could not be mistaken. As was natural, a man of his ability attracted
الشقةست ختار
AV. Grumman
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attention from the outside and he was fre- quently honored by calls to positions in larger cities. These he invariably declined, for his heart was centered in his work at West Aurora and he wished to remain and watch the prog- ress of his pupils while they remained under his control and to be able to follow them when they passed out into the larger and more per- plexing School of Life. To still advise, to fur- ther encourage and to be able to approve, these things were near his heart. A close student himself, there is no doubt but that he really sacrificed his health through his untiring ef- forts for others and through his passion for reading, study and research. When stricken with typhoid fever he had no reserve strength to fall back upon and he passed out of this life on October 6, 1009. The funeral services were held on the Friday following his death. The entire community mourned the loss of one of the most valued citizens, and hundreds of his former pupils followed his remains to the cemetery, their tears mingling with those of kindred.
A spontaneous and beautiful memorial service was held for Mr. Greenman in Aurora, where some of those who had known him best gladly bore witness to his worth. Dr. E. C. Colwell. president of the Board of Education, testified touchingly to the warm personal friendship which had always existed between Prof. Green- man and the board, declaring that the members had always depended upon the noted educator for advice and practical assistance, George H. Todd spoke upon Mr. Greenman as a man and citizen, declaring that the city would long miss him, and that his work would live after him. HIarvey Gunsel, an old pupil, told of the influ- ence this kindly, learned man had upon his life and that of his schoolmates. Charles P. Burton dwelt upon the spiritual nature of Mr. Green- man, and held him up as one who had triumphed over handicaps that might have intimidated one less courageous. Senator A. J. Hopkins reviewed Mr. Greenman's educational work and spoke of the powerful influence for good he bad wielded both in the schoolroom and in the city. H. D. Judson, superintendent of the Bur- lington schools and a close friend for many years bore witness to the power of Mr. Green- man's personality and the stimulating, enno- bling influence be had exerted over many lives.
His memory was further honored at a meeting of over 1,000 teachers at Springfield, December 20, 1909, when Str. Greemman's virtues and ability were extolied by his contemporaries, among whom was W. L. Steele, superintendent of the Calesburg schools, who but spoke the thought of all present, when be paid tribute to Mr. Greeuman as a formative influence in the life of the association and in the educational work of the Siate. He was always active in the Illinois State Teachers' Association, at one time was its president and much of its progress may be attributed to him and his interest in it and its members. Many organizations passed resolutions of regret, sympathy and apprecia- tion, testifying to the wonderful breadth of his influence.
Mr. Greenman was married December 3, 1874, to Miss Catherine Calkins, and they had one daughter born to theia, Ella M. As said before, Mir. Greenman was a deep student of the sci- ence of education and, in addition, was a teacher by birth and temperament. He was also a maker of teachers and the beginner in that profession was fortunate indeed who had Ins constructive and stimulating supervision. It was Mr. Greenman who planned and worked for the establishment of the departments of Do- mestie Science and Manual Training, for he was keeuly alive to the benefits accruing, and long before the taxpayers, or the board itself, realized the necessity of giving pupils training along useful and practical lines. To quote from a memorial to Mr. Greenman published in pamphlet form by the Board of Education : "He possessed in full measure the supreme gift of the teacher-the perfect union of power and purpose to put light and joy and truth and beauty into other lives. No one who knew Mr. Greenman will challenge his right to stand with the few who combine a natural aptitude for teaching with the executive force necessary to energize a body of teachers." His prime inter- est was in character forming education. Of a deeply spiritual nature himself and long a val- ued and active member of the New England Congregational Church, his religion was of a full-lived, virile sort which commended itself to both his teachers and pupils. The lack of moral and religious training in public education was keenly felt by Mr. Greenman and to him is due
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the impulse toward the psychological and ped- agogical study of the subject of religious educa- tion which has been made a feature in the various teachers' associations in the state. His work is now done; his book of life is closed, his education here is finished. We shall never know how much the world owes to the men who keep clear those two springs of life-our faith and courage. Arthur Vernum Greenman was
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