USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 87
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Mr. Stuckart was born in New York City, November 6, 1853, a son of Conrad and Mar- gretha Stuckart, who removed to Chicago when he was a child. His educational advantages were those afforded by the public schools of Chicago, and the Bryant and Stratton College. He began his commercial career as a dealer in house furniture and hardware on Archer Avenue when twenty-two years of age, succeeding his father, who had founded the business at the same site in 1804. The store is located at 2515 to 2519 Archer Avenue, and is the largest and most com- plete of its kind in that section of the city. Mr. Stuckart has continued actively in business at this same location since 1875, and is today one of the oldest active merchants from point of years in business, now living in Chicago.
Having always been deeply interested in the affairs of Chicago and Cook County, Mr. Stuck- art's sympathy and support has ever been with the measures that in any way benefit the West- ern Metropolis. His patriotism in the welfare of his adopted city, and the interest he has shown at all times for the public good, has placed his name high in the estimation of his friends, and has made him one of the most popular leaders in local politics in the county. A stalwart Democrat in his political affiliations, he has always taken an active interest in the success of his party, few being more active in the promotion of progress and few enjoying a
higher standing. In 1502 te was elected Alder- man from the (rben) Sixth Ward, and served in that capacity for four years, filling that posi- tion with credit to himself and satisfaction to the general public. In is9s he was elected South Town assessor, and filled that position for one year. From 1903 to 1905 he again served as Alderman, this time from the (present) Fourth Ward. In April, 1911, he was elected City Treasurer of Chicago, and in November, 1914, was elected treasurer of Cook County, a position he now fills with the same competency and fidelity that has ever characterized his publie carcer, being the only man in Cook County who has ever had the honor of filling both the City and County Treasurer's office.
Mr. Stuchart was united in marriage in June, 1876, with Miss Anna Lizott, and to this union were born three children: Frederick, who con- ducts the store for his father; Viola and Elsie (twins), the former being the wife of Henry Stressenrouter, and the latter the wife of Clif- ford Tobey, both of Chicago. The mother of this family died in January, 1892, and in June of the following year, Mr. Stuckart was united in marriage with Miss Mary Weber of Milwau- kee, who died in December, 1907, having borne her husband one child, Rose, who became the wife of Walter Marggraf of Chicago. Mr. Stuckart is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and belongs to the Ger- mania, Sportsman, Hardware and Press Clubs of Chicago, being a life member of the latter. He is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Freiheit Turner Society. In business life he is alert. sagacious and reli- able ; as a citizen he is honorable, prompt and true to every engagement, while in private life he is genial and whole-souled, a delightful host and always a welcome guest and under all cir- cumstances he measures up to the highest stand- ards which make of the individual a service- able factor in the world's work for advancement.
As a business man, a county and city official, a friend of education, and the supporter of all worthy movements which have their root in unselfish devotion to the best interests of the country, Mr. Stuckart has left and is leaving
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his impress indelibly inscribed upon the his- tory of Chicago, and no citizen of this city has in larger measure the esteem of his fellows, nor exerts a stronger influence for good government. Though quiet and unostentations in manner. he has many warm friends, and the high position he holds is the merited reward of earnest. hon- est efforts. His life has been one of continuous
activity in which has been accorded due recog- nition of labor. Few have shown greater ex- centive ability and few have been more active in business circles. He is interested in all that pertains to modern advancement and improve- ments along material, intellectual and moral lines, and his charities extend to many worthy enterprises.
JACOB S. McFERREN.
To successfully manage vast property in- terests and at the same time give freely of judgment and efforts towards a betterment and administration of civie conditions, requires more than ordinary ability. Many men achieve pros- perity; others rise to high positions within the gift of the people, but all do not prove equally efficient along both lines. When a man is found, however, who has demonstrated his ability as a sound, reliable and successful business man. willing to assume the responsibilities of pub- lic life, the office he accepts benefits accordingly. Such a man will give to the duties of his po- sition the same conscientious and capable ad- ministration that resulted in his material ad- vancement, and what this country needs more than anything else is just that kind of effort from its men in administrative office. Hoopes- ton has benefited greatly from the fact that upon three different occasions its municipal affairs rested with the virile capitalist, patri- otic citizen and successful business man, Jacob S. McFerren, one of the best known residents of Vermillion County.
Mr. McFerren was born in Warren County, Ohio, October 1, 1846, a son of William M. and Eliza (Snyder) MeFerren, the former of whom was a merchant, a native of South Carolina, who died in 1594. There were two sons and two daughters in the family. namely : Alvira B., who married Ed. Griffith, cashier of the First National Bank of Hoopeston: Mrs. Mary Huey, who is of Hoopeston; Pingree; and Jacob S. After taking a public school course in his native county, Jacob S. McFerren attended the Bartlett Commercial College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and entered the store of his father. When ouly fif- teen years old he was made a co-partner with his uncle in a business at Level. Ohio, the lat- ter furnishing the capital, and the former at- tending to the management of the affairs. The business was conducted under the firm name of J. S. MeFerren & Company, and Mr. MeFerren received half the profits. Two years after the
formation of the firm, the uncle lost heavily through grain sperulations, and the firm of J. S. McFerren & Company was closed, although all dolts were paid in full. This honorable action, however, left Mr. MeFerren with but $300, all that remained from the $3,000 he had saved during the life of the concern. Many young men would have been discouraged, but Mr. Me- Ferren never learned the meaning of that word, so sought employment, leaving Ohio in August. 1SC5, for Paxton, Ill., where he took charge of the books of J. W. Scott, and later went with R. Clark, an old-time merchant of Paxton, serv- ing there as bookkeeper for one year. Mr. Clark then being in failing health, turned over his business to his nephew and Mr. McFerren, and the firm of Clark & McFerren was formed. Both young men were energetic, and from the start prospered. enlarging their stock whenever needful, and building up an immense trade. Their interests grew, until Mr. MeFerren de- termined to embark in a real estate and bank- ing business, and associated himself with T. W. Chamberlain under the style of McFerren & Chamberlain. This firm opened a bank at Hoopeston, August 1, 1872, and so sound was the foundation, that the bank passed success- fully through the panic of 1873. In 1874, on account of ill health, Mr. Chamberlain retired. and Mr. MeFerren assumed full charge, and his bank has developed into one of the most reli- able and sound banking institutions of his part of the state. Not confining his operations to any one line. Mr. MeFerren now owns 4,500 acres of finely improved land surrounding Iloopeston, which is valued at from $200 to $250 an acre. As a member of the firm of Moore & McFerren, he operated largely in real estate, the firm owning immense landed interests in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee. As they took hold of these tracts of land, the partners developed the property, secured transportation facilities, encouraged the location in them of
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manufacturing and commercial institutions, and turned farming sections into urban communities. The firm built twenty miles of railroad from Luxora, Ark., to Big Lake, called the Missis- sippi, Big Lake & Western Railroad, which is part of a trunk line from the Mississippi River to Joplin, Mo. In addition to an immense saw mill at Luxora, the firm owns one at Pitman's Island and another at Woodstock, Miss., each having a capacity of 25,000 feet per day. while three other saw mills owned by it. turn out 20,000 feet per day. At Memphis, Tenn., the firm owns a double band saw mill with a ca- preity of 50,000 feet per day, the plant having been erected at a cost of $75,000. In addition, the firm owns a large box factory at Memphis.
Mr. McFerren has been largely interested in promoting home industries, and was one of the owners of the Union Tin Can Company, which he helped to found. When this concern was merged with the American Can Company. he became a heavy stockholder in the latter. He is joint owner with A. H. Trego of the Hoopes- ton Canning Company, which plant is devoted exclusively to canning corn. Mr. MeFerren built the Wildon block at Hoopeston, at a cost of $00,000. This is a fire proof building, named for his two sons, Will and Don. As a proof of his confidence in the future of Hoopeston, Mr. McFerren has invested a third of a million dol- lars in its realty, and looks upon this as one of his best investments. He was made Hoopes- ton's first mayor, and at once entered upon an active war against the liquor interests. suc-
ceeding in closing all the saloons during his first term, and has exerted so powerful an in- fluence ever since, that Hoopeston has continued dry ever after. He worked to secure street improvements, including the paving, and has ever given his support to measures looking to- wards reform, progress and moral uplift. He has been treasurer and director of the district Agricultural Society, school treasurer of town- ship 23. range 12, and one of the projectors of the Ford County Agricultural Society. Not only has he contributed liberally towards churches and benevolent enterprises, but he has gen- erously supported the public library, and buying the old fair grounds of thirty acres at a cost of $6,000, presented the property to Hoopeston as a park.
On April 4, 1871. Mr. McFerren was mar- ried to Miss Susie P. Clark, a daughter of R. Clark, who died on July 28th of the same year. Later he married ( second) Miss Lida A. Schultz. who died in 1804, leaving two sons, William and Donald. In 1897 Mr. McFerren married (third) Miss Lottie L. Schultz, a sister of his second wife. The McFerren residence is one of the handsomest in Hoopeston, and in it is shown an old-time hospitality not often found in these days. Although a man of distinction. Mr. Mc- Ferren is as easy of approach as any man in Hoopeston, and takes his honors quietly and without ostentation. It is needless to say that his name stands with the people of Hoopestou as a synonym for public spirit and disinterested patriotismi.
ARTHUR W. ALLYN.
It is claimed that the men who have devoted a portion of their time and energies to the army. are better fitted for any line of endeavor in after life than those whose civilian training lacks the discipline given by military surroundings. It is certainly true that some of the most successful and potent factors of the country have been men who have shared with their country the capabilities with which they were born. Merit is recognized in military circles, and the ambi- tious young officer is given a chance to prove his mettle and develop those characteristics which will make a useful member of society when he leaves the army for civil life. One of the men. for many years associated with important events in the history of Chicago, was the late Major Arthur W. Allyn, who was born at Hartford. Conn., February 1, 1843, a son of Timothy Allyu.
He was descended from Colonel Job Allyn, one of the first settlers of Connecticut. Timothy Allyn and his father were among the founders of the Aetna & Hartford Fire Insurance Com- panies, and continued to be heavily interested in them until death claimed thein.
Arthur W. Allyn first attended a private school, and later Trinity College at Hartford. Con. His father and Abraham Lincoln were warm personal friends, and the latter was vis- iting the Allyn home the day Major Allyn was graduated from college. That same day. April 17. 1561. the young man enlisted as a private in the Union Army for service during the Civil War. in Company A. First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. This regiment was organized at Hart- ford. Con., and mustered into the United States service for three months, April 22, 1861. It was
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moved to Washington, D. C., and put on duty at Camp Corcoran in May, 1861, to act in de- fending Washington. In June, the regiment was advanced to Falls Church, Va., and discharged June 26. 1861. Mr. Allyn then accepted a com- mission as first lieutenant of the United States Army. He was brevetted captain, December 31, 1862, for gallantry in the battles of Shiloh and Murfreesboro, Tenn. On June 24, 1864, he was made captain of Company A, Second Battalion, Sixteenth United States Infantry, and brevetted major, March 13, 1865, for faithful and meritori- ous services during the war. He was attached to the Fourth Brigade, Third Division, Army of Ohio, on December 16, 1861, so serving until December, 1862, when he was transferred to the Fourth Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps, Army of Ohio. Later he was transferred to the Fourth Brigade, First Division, Ceuter Army of the Cumberland, and from January, 1863, to April of the same year he was with the Fourth Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. At the latter time, he was trans- ferred to the Third Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps and remained in it until October, 1863. He then was transferred to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and remained until August, 1864. At that time he was on separate duty for the Army of the Cumberland until June, 1865. Un- til February, 1SC2, he was on service duty at Bacon Creek, Ky., and then marched to Nash- ville, Tenn., where he remained until March 3. From Nashville he went to Duck River and Savannah, where he was from March 16 to April 6. On April 7 he took part in the battle of Shiloh, and was in the advance on and Siege of Corinth, a period extending from April 17 to May 30, and until June 10, he was on service duty at Corinth, when he marched to Iuka, Miss., and thence to Tuscumbia, Florence, and Huntsville, Ala., the campaign lasting from June 10 to July 5. He then marched to Louis- ville, Ky., in pursuit of Bragg's Army from August 24 to September 26. From Louisville he marched to Crab Orchard, still in pursuit of Bragg, from October 1 to 15, and was in ac- tion at Dog Walk, October 9. From October 9 to November 7, he was on march to Nashville, and remained there until December 25. On that day he was in the advance on Murfreesboro, the march lasting until December 30. Then he was in the battle of Stone River on that date, and also on December 31, and January 1 to 3, 1863. Following this he was on duty at Mur-
freesboro until June, 1864, when he was de- tached from his command and made inspector- general of the regular brigade staff of Colonel O. L. Shepherd, acting as such from January to May, 1863. From June 24 to 30, he was in the Tullahoma campaign, and the fight at Hoover's Gap, June 25-26; on July 1, helping to oc- cupy Tullahoma. From August to November, he was in the Chattanooga campaign and was in action near Dug Gap. September 11; the bat- tle of Chickamauga, September, 18-21; the siege of Chattanooga, September 24 to November 23; the battle of Chattanooga, November 23-25; Orebard Knob aud Lookout Mountain, Novem- ber 25; battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25; Graysville, November 26; Ringgold, Novem- ber 27. From February 22 to 28, 1864, he was in the campaign about Dalton, Ga., and from February 23 to 25, was at Rocky Face Ridge. From February 25 to 27, he was in the engage- ment at Buzzard's Roost, and from May to August, was in the Atlanta campaign, being in the following engagements: Rocky Face Ridge, May 8-11; battle of Resaca, May 13-15; Kings- town, May 19-22; battles about Dallas, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Allatoona Hills, May 25-June 4; New Hope Church, May 28-June 1; operations . against Kenesaw Mountain, June 2-July 2; Pine Mountain, June 14; Lost Mountain, June 15-17; Pine Knob, June 27; assault on Kenesaw Mountain, June 27; Neal Dow Station, July 3- 4: Smyrna Church, July 4; Chattahoocheeiver, July 6-17; Peach Tree Creek, July 19-20; Siege of Atlanta, July 22-August 25, including the battle of Atlanta, July 27-31, and the battle of Jonesboro, August 31 to September 1. He was then ordered to Lookout Mountain and was on duty there until July. 1865, and was on duty at Nashville, Tenn., as commanding Company A, Second Battalion, and at Chattanooga, un- til March, 1866. From then until December of that same year, he was stationed at Memphis, Tenn .. when he was transferred to Company B, Thirty-fourth Infantry, and was on duty at Nashville until March 1S. 1867. From then until November, 1SGS, he was at Granada, Miss., and from there was sent to Holly Springs, Miss., to remain until April. 1869. On April 14, 1869, he was transferred to Company B, Sixteenth Infantry, and was on duty at Jacksonville, Miss., until November, 1876. From then until the month of June, 1877, he was at New Or- leans, La .. and was then at Fort Sill, I. T., until December, 1879. On April 30, 1880, he re- signed his commission as brevet major.
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On resigning from the army, Major Allyn came to Chicago and opened a furniture store on the corner of Thirty-ninth street and Cot- tage Grove avenue, where he was in business for a number of years. He then assisted in founding the Oakland National Bank, of which he was made vice-president, and he beld that office at the time of his death. He also dealt extensively in various stocks and securities. He was a man of wonderful memory, and had a remarkable aptitude for figures. After leaving the army he still took great interest in military affairs. A Catholic in religious belief, he car- ried his creed into his every day life. Very much of a home lover, he took his deepest pleasure in the society of his family.
While still connected with the army, he mar- ried Miss Annie Bankheard. They had one child, Insil, who died. His first wife died, and Major Allyn married (second) Jennie Regan, of
Chicago, who also died. Two of their children are still living, namely : Irene, who is Mrs. David Brown, of Springfield, S. Dak .; and Arthur, of Chicago. On July 5, 1894, Major Allyn married (third) Mrs. Elizabeth Boyle Wallace, formerly Elizabeth Boyle of Indiana, Pa., a daughter of William and Eliza (Sebring) Boyle, natives of Tyrone, Pa. Mr. Boyle was in a banking business in Pennsylvania until his death. Mrs. Boyle died October 30, 1911. By her first marriage, Mrs. Allyn had a daughter, Helen, whom Major Allyn adopted and became very much attached to her. She is now an opera star of considerable magnitude, who has studied extensively in Chicago. She was the only one of her class to receive a scholarship at the Metropolitan Conservatory of New York. After two years there, she studied under some of the best instructors of Europe.
ALBERT FRANKLIN DICKINSON.
While changes have taken place in the nomenclature of different important business houses of Chicago, many of them are in reality the same concerns that were founded in the early day of the city's history, and some have the advantage of being governed by members of the same family who were originally responsi- ble for their establishment. The advantages of such conditions are easy to determine, and are generally recognized, for interest is always sustained and oll standards maintained when no radical changes have been effected in the management. Among other houses of its kind in the metropolis of the west the one operating under the title of The Albert Dickinson Com- pany, buyers and sellers of seed grains, not only is a leader of its kind at home and abroad, but is the outgrowth of the grain produce and seed business established in 1854 by Albert Franklin Dickinson.
Albert Franklin Dickinson was born at Haw- ley, Franklin County, Mass., June 28. 1809, a son of Samuel and Jemima (Harden) Dickin- son, who were worthy representatives of okl New England families, prominent in the early history of Massachusetts. After attending the schools of his native county, Albert F. Dickinson became a teacher, and taught at Savoy and Adams, Mass., leaving the schoolroom at the latter place to accept a clerkship in a dry goods establishment. Later, he moved to Cur- tisville, Mass., to become agent for its two cot-
ton factories, his duties including trips to New York City to purchase raw cotton and sell the manufactured goods. In 1840 he visited Chi- cago and his brothers in Wisconsin, but not finding a favorable location in the West, he returned to Massachusetts and purchased and operated a grist-mill at Curtisville. In addi- tion to his business interests, Mr. Dickinson becaine a potent factor in politics, and was made selectman, justice of the peace and post- master. In 1848, he was further honored by being elected on the Democratic ticket to the state assembly, and in 1852, moved to Albany to engage in a flour and commission business. From Albany, he later went to Buffalo, and formed a partnership with Chester Hitchcock and for a time continued in business at that place.
In 1854 Mr. Dickinson came to Chicago, and founded the house which developed into The Albert Dickinson Company. In the following year he sent east the first carload of wheat ever shipped out of Chicago, being the largest shipment of grain out of the city at that time. In the early days of the Board of Trade he became one of its members, paying five dollars for his seat. At his death March 7th, 1SS?, this board passed the following resolutions of respect :
"Resolved-That in the death of Mr. Albert F. Dickinson this association has lost a mem- ber who in his long intercourse with us as a
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business man always commanded our sincere respect as a man of an exceptionally high sense of commercial honor, and whose integrity was never questioned in the many transactions in which he was engaged during his residence in the city." In the great conflagration of 1871, his business was completely wiped out, and everything was lost with the exception of his books, which were saved, but unfortunately many of his creditors were unable to meet their obligations as they had suffered so severely by the fire, and in 1872. he retired, and his sons, Albert, Nathan and Charles, and his daughter, Melissa, took over the business and bent every energy towards its upbuilding.
While residing at Adams, Mass., Albert F. Dickinson was married, in 1836, to Miss Ann Eliza Anthony, a daughter of Humphrey and Hannah Anthony, and an aunt of Susan B. An- thony, the famous writer and lecturer. Mrs. Dickinson was a model wife and mother, who endeared herself to all fortunate enough to come within her refining influence. Ten chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson, six of whom grew to be useful men and women : Hannah, who became the wife of Charles C. Boyles, now a retired dry-goods merchant, re- siding at Winnetka, Illinois; Melissa, who was formerly secretary of The Albert Dickinson Company, and died in 1910: and Albert, Nathan. Frances and Charles, who are now active mem- bers of The Albert Dickinson Company. Mr. Dickinson was always active in the business and civic life of Chicago, and in the perform- ance of any task that was rightfully his, he never faltered or neglected any duty. He never betrayed any trust, and he stood as one for whom his fellows had only words of praise, respect and good will. He was especially ac- tive in furnishing food and clothing to the soldiers during the Civil war. when they were in Chicago, and whenever they were here at the Soldier's Rest, which was located on the lake front, he always took a keen interest in their welfare, and insisted on having them
made as comfortable in every way as possible. On investigation at one time he found that they were suffering from seurvy, the cause of which was the lack of vegetables, and onions were considered a specific for that disease. The sol- diers arrived on Sunday morning. and Mr. Dickinson soon acquainted himself with their condition and needs. The owner of the only warehouse containing a supply of onions was adverse to letting them go, but Mr. Dickinson informed him that they must be had at any cost, and if he refused to sell them, he would break the store open and appropriate the goods by force. At this the merchant agreed to sell the onions, and they were purchased and pre- sented to the soldiers. This, however, was only one of many kind acts of his life, for which he was noted. His charities extended everywhere and often his own business was crippled in be- friending others.
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