USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > Biographical history of the American Irish in Chicago > Part 31
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to and fro (a distance of over ten miles), on Saturday afternoon, for this purpose, intending to complete his studies, and to eventually occupy a superior position. Just about this period, however, the war broke out. At the time his most intimate friends and asso- ciates were slaveholders. He liked the South and the southern peo- ple, but abhorred secession. He believed that he owed it as a high and sacred duty to volunteer his services in the cause of the Union, and for the protection of the American flag.
Upon the firing of Fort Sumter, he decided to relinquish his position as school-teacher, and shortly afterwards joined the army, receiving from the governor of Maryland permission to organize a company at Annapolis. But as was to be expected, at the first com- mencement of the war, the cause of the Union and Union sentiment generally was but very weak in this locality, and his efforts not meeting with that immediate success which his ardent nature de- sired, he abandoned this undertaking. Still, however, determined to do what he could, and to aid the Union cause, whose side he had espoused, and whose principles he believed in, and for whose su- premacy he was willing to risk even life itself, if need be, he went to Washington, and here joined the Fourteenth New York Volun- teers (one of the infantry regiments organized about this time), previous to the first battle of Bull Run, and remained with his com- pany until the expiration of his term of enlistment, serving most of his time as a non-commissioned officer. He was in a number of the most prominent battles in which the Army of the Potomac was at this time engaged, including Hanover Court House, Second Bull Run, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, etc., and the battles before Yorktown, etc. He was the first man in his regiment who was struck by a bullet during the siege of Yorktown, though not seriously wounded. During the battle of Malvern Hill, a portion of his pants was shot away, while, as is well known, the "Four-
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teenth" suffered heavily in killed and wounded, and in that battle alone lost one-third of the entire number engaged. Ilis many hair- breadth escapes, the many narrow and close calls he received, and the incidents and dangers through which Colonel Rend at this time passed, would fill a much larger space than we now have at our disposal. His time of enlistment having expired, he was finally mustered out of service, afterwards paying a brief visit to his friends in Massachusetts. Here at a social gathering he became ac- quainted with a lady for whom he formed a strong attachment, the result of which was a speedy engagement. With the promptitude of action and sincerity of mind so characteristic of him, then as now, he proposed marriage and was accepted, agreeing to defer the cere- mony for twelve months or so, and believing the West to offer good opportunities for a young man to engage in the struggles of life, and as affording good and rapid chances of advancement, he immedi- ately made for Chicago, arriving here during the latter part of the war, and the day following secured a position in the surveyor's de- partment of a railroad company locating a line from Madison to Winona. Mr. Rend, having a fair theoretical knowledge of survey- ing, and a natural fondness and aptitude for mathematics, he deter- mined to take this up as a profession, and to turn his knowledge in this direction to a good and practical account, continuing in this occupation until winter set in and necessitated the abandonment of the survey until the following spring. Returning to Chicago, he soon secured a position, this time in the freight depot of the Northwestern Railway Company, being appointed foreman of this department. And it was while here that Mr. Rend formed, per- haps, the basis of his fortune, for in conjunction with the cashier of this depot he started a line of teams, and thus inaugurated a busi- ness, which in course of time, owing to its rapid developments, and increase, necessitated his close and individual attention, for his position with the railway company had insured him plenty of work
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in this direction, and enabled him to build up a remunerative and successful business. Finding his capital increasing, and the oppor- tunities good, while his capacity for work seemed even then, as now, almost unlimitable, he decided to embark in the coal trade, taking as partner Mr. Edwin Walker, who has now been for over twenty years intimately connected with him, not only in financial matters, but in the closer friendship of private life. It was not long ere the firm of W. P. Rend & Co. became the largest merchants engaged in the eastern soft coal trade in the whole West, intro- ducing also not only the far-famed "Hocking Valley" coal in this city and in the markets having their headquarters in Chicago, but were the first who recognized its various qualities, and through whose instrumentality the first train load was brought from that locality. And thus their business grew and developed, until at last they found it necessary to open up and operate mines in Ohio and Pennsylvania in order to keep pace with the extensive demand which their business had established. At present Mr. Rend is per- sonally the proprietor of three of the largest mines in western Penn- sylvania, owns a half interest in three mines in Ohio, the owner of two mines in Ohio, and a half owner of two others in Pennsylvania, whose combined output give employment to over two thousand men. He, individually, and his firm own seventeen hundred and fifty freight cars, employed in the transportation of their product. Having headquarters at Chicago, their main operations are in the markets of the various northwestern states. The total output of their mines exceed one million tons per annum, their shipments ex- tending to Canada, where they sell to railroads and to dealers, while they supply with coal large manufactories of Ohio, Illinois, and many other states. They also supplied for years several railroad companies with the entire fuel used on their lines. From Mr. Rend's mines in Pennsylvania, large amounts of coal are sent by rail to Cleveland and Erie, and thence to Duluth and various ports
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on Lakes Michigan and Superior. Besides the interests already named, Mr. Rend is extensively engaged in the production of natural oil from several wells sunk on his Laurel Hill mining property in western Pennsylvania.
His property is in the heart of the great oil belt, lying partly in Washington and partly in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and which has become the most prolific and most wonderful oil-produc- ing territory ever yet discovered in this country. In spite, however, of the seemingly unlimited demands upon his time-and being en- gaged in and conducting such an extensive business as he does -- Colonel Rend still manages to find time to devote to many matters of public importance. His advocacy of the temperance cause is well known, and though believing more in the effects of moral suasion, rather than compulsory and legal means, he is, however, now, and always has been, an ardent champion of its principles, and it was, in fact, at his suggestion that Bishop Ireland of St. Paul sent Father Cotter (now bishop of Winona) on a temperance crusade throughout Ohio and Indiana, with the result that seventeen thou- sand took the pledge, while upon Father Cleary's continuance of this good work, over seventy-two thousand names were added to the temperance cause, the whole expense of which crusade was-let it be said to his credit-borne by Colonel Rend.
Several years ago our subject was elected by the Second Regi- ment, Illinois State Volunteer Infantry, as lieutenant-colonel of this regiment, and this position he retained for a number of years.
Of much literary ability, he is a frequent contributor to the press on political and other subjects of a public nature, while he is ex- tremely fond of mathematical subjects, and reads the Latin classics in the original with ease and fluency. Politically he is independent, but at a time was prominently identified with the Republican party. He is a believer in men and measures, rather than in party. Fre- quently approached with a view to nomination for the mayoralty
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and other prominent positions, he has hitherto steadily declined to allow his name to be used in this connection. Holding and exer- cising a potent influence in labor matters, he has always taken a deep interest in all subjects and problems affecting the interests of employer and employe, while he has succeeded in assisting to establish more friendly intercourse between the miners and em- ployers throughout the coal regions of many states. Six years ago, aided by a few friends, he succeeded in the inauguration of a move- ment of industrial conciliation in the mining regions of Ohio and Pennsylvania. That it has been successful (though previously un- tried in this country) is saying but little, while its influence and result have been in every way satisfactory, and have much tended to maintain that good feeling which should exist between miners and operators. He is a strong believer in arbitration and councils of conciliation, as opposed to lockouts and strikes. He was the first president of a meeting held some years ago for this purpose, and sent the first address that was ever issued in behalf of this movement, and by his speeches and writing in the public press has helped, to no small extent, to mold a sentiment favorable to this solution of what had hitherto been a problem of considerable diffi- culty. This movement has prevented strikes and labor conflicts in western Pennsylvania and throughout Ohio in nearly all of the leading mining districts for five years, while previously one or more strikes occurred every year. The results being so beneficial to the cause of labor, it may be imagined in what esteem, high respect and confidence Colonel Rend is held by the miners of this country, and by a body of men for whom he has done so much. If evidence were needed on this point we have but to mention one case, and it is similar to numerous others, where the miners of northern Illinois selected Colonel Rend as their representative, a former miner, by name of Williams, representing the operators, and Lyman J. Gage, Esq., forming the third party, at an arbitration case which was in-
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tended to act as a test for the settlement of the entire mining ques- tion in northern Illinois. Nine years ago one of the most bitter struggles that had ever taken place between capital and labor occurred in the Hocking Valley region of Ohio. Taking sides with the men, believing them at the time to be in the right, he had as opponents forty coal operators, backed up by a number of railroad companies, and in particular the Hocking Valley Railroad Co. This company becoming so incensed at his (Colonel Rend's) action in the matter, endeavored to vent their spleen on him by refusing to allow him cars, and by advancing the freight rates and otherwise restricting his business operations. They attempted to make it impossible for him to successfully operate his mines, but in this they failed. Colonel Rend was not the man to bow submissively to this or any other company, being aware that he but exercised the rights of any ordinary citizen in doing what he did. Entering an action in the federal courts, he petitioned for and obtained a mandatory injunction compelling the railroad company to furnish him cars at the usual terms. Firmly maintaining his original position, he compelled the company also to recognize and to pay that due re- spect to his interests which the magnitude of his operations war- ranted. A strong and firm believer in legal methods, his position once clear, and his cause just, he is aggressive and extremely posi- tive in character, and though his necessity of recourse to law has been but little, whenever such necessity occurs, he is seldom to be found on the losing side.
Of medium height, robust build, and somewhat fair complexion, he is of a sanguine, highly nervous temperament, possessing much foresight, keen perception and administrative ability of no mean order; he is extremely energetic and a great worker.
He is a Catholic in religion. As is well known, he is singularly free from all religious prejudices, a hater of bigotry in every form, and one who abhors religious controversy, and everything which
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tends to create animosity and ill-feeling between citizens and people of a common country.
Married December 27th, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth C. Barry (born in Nova Scotia and of Irish parentage). Their home at 153 Ashland Avenue is noted for its elegance and comfortable surroundings.
ALEXANDER H. REVELL.
Alexander H. Revell was born in Chicago, January 6th, 1858, and is, therefore, at the time of this writing, thirty-nine years of age. It is about this time in a man's life, that, in most biographies, he begins to show promise that in later life ripens into fruition. But in Mr. Revell's case, although his battles were yet before him, there is a long and honorable list of struggles to be recorded, many a vic- tory to be marked and a final achievement to be shown such as would creditably mark a life career of double the number of years. The story of Mr. Revell's life is thoroughly American Irish, thor- oughly Chicagoan, indeed. It is a record of victories snatched from apparent defeat, of compelling adverse fate to be his slave and not his master. It is a glowing example of what honesty and perse verance, when animated by indomitable will, can do.
His father was the late David James Revell, and his mother, Margaret Revell, nee Dorgan. At the time of his birth his parents lived on Van Buren Street, very near where the Board of Trade Building now stands. Mr. Revell, the elder, was a grocer and had a large business. He is remembered by many old Chicagoans as a man of sterling worth and untiring energy. Believing fully in the
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great future of Chicago, Mr. Revell invested his earnings in houses which he built on leased grounds. The great fire of 1871 swept away the earnings of years, and a few months after the conflagra- tion he died.
Young Revell was then but thirteen years of age. He had been a steady attendant up to this time at the old Jones School, on the corner of Clark and Harrison Streets. A new and greater problem now confronted the boy. He had not only an education to acquire but a living to make. From the wreck of his father's fortune there remained a horse and wagon. With these and his American "grit" for capital he attacked the hard problem cheerfully. Night schools gave him an opportunity to win an education; the day was his fight- ing time for bread and butter. For a while he earned money by delivering trunks from the Rock Island Depot. This was not very productive work, however, and the young lad then showed that keen appreciation of the opportunities at hand which has charac- terized his whole life. The streets of the city were filled with clouds of gritty, sharp dust from the cinders of the great fire, which was extremely annoying. He started to sell goggles, and for a time did a thriving business. He also distributed hand-bills on the street; later he was to be found in a lamp factory polishing lan- terns. He was saving money all this time, and next started a little grocery store, shortly after a flour and feed store, and finally a small furniture store.
In 1874, the "hard times" year, the young storekeeper, still alive to the signs of the times, sold out his little business and started out with his horse and wagon again. His work was chiefly delivering goods to and from the various auction-houses. He took a deep in- terest in the goods he was hauling for other people; soon he be- came a purchaser on his own account and delivered his own goods. All was fish that came to his net; he invested in coffee, in books, in hardware, furniture, soap, hats, caps, in any merchandise that of-
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fered him a profit. A story of these early days is illustrative. Not long before Christmas he stumbled across a large lot of castile soap in an auction-house, brought in from a bankrupt concern. He bought six boxes at three cents a pound and started out to find a customer. In a short time he was successful, selling to a grocery firm these six boxes at six cents a pound. With this money he re- turned to the auction-house and got an option on the whole stock. With a few samples he started out again to find a buyer. He walked into a big wholesale grocery house on Lake Street and showed his samples. The merchant tested the soap, asked a few questions, and, surprised at the youthfulness of his customer, re- quested him to wait while he went out and looked it up. Young Re- vell waited a half an hour, but when the merchant returned made his sale at seven cents a pound, netting three hundred and seventy-five dollars by the transaction. Part of this money made what might have been a dull Christmas very bright and cheerful for his family, and part went to join other savings in the state savings institution. A short time afterwards this bank failed, and young Revell had but his bank book left, every cent was swept away; but he had more years and more experience and his "grit" was still with him.
Swallowing down all useless sighs, he began to seek employ- ment in some business house. Among others, he applied to A. T. Stewart & Co, who had just opened a western branch in Chicago. He was offered seven dollars a week to work in the carpet depart- ment, but having fixed eight dollars as his minimum he refused the offer. Finally he secured employment in a furniture store on Fifth Avenue. By hard, steady work he saved in two years three hun- dredd dollars. His self-reliance found that capital enough, and with a fellow-clerk, J. E. Geohegan, since deceased, he opened, in 1878, an unpretentious little store at No. 77 Fifth Avenue. Young Revell was then but twenty years of age, it is to be remembered. The little business was well managed and prospered accordingly.
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In one year the partners moved into ampler quarters. This same year he bought out his partner's interest. From that time the business has grown to the present vast building with its forty de- partments, its army of clerks and salesmen and its enormous and varied stock. Besides the great retail establishment that bears his name, he is also president of the A. H. Revell Manufacturing Co., which occupies a huge building on the corner of Polk Street and Fifth Avenue, and gives employment to over two hundred men.
Parallel with his financial winnings have been his social and educational conquests. The race for money did not blind him to the necessity for brain wealth. Mr. Revell is a director in several educational, benevolent and social organizations. The Marquette Club, of which he was president in 1889-90, owes its position in the front rank of Chicago clubs very largely to his excellent judgment and tireless energy. He is a member of the Chicago Board of Edu- cation, and also, as one of the directors and member of the execu- tive committee of the World's Columbian Exposition, he was untir- ing in his efforts for the success of that great enterprise.
He has traveled extensively in the four quarters of the globe. He is thoroughly alive to the interests of his native city.
In politics Mr. Revell is a Republican, and interests himself ac- tively in all elections, municipal, state or national.
Such is his public history. Personally he is a genial, frank gentleman, with a cordial. cheery voice. a pleasant smile and a decided firm grasp of the hand for his friends. All are indicative of the man. He is anything but an autoerat ; a eurt command never leaves his lips, but in either of his great establishments, or wherever he makes a request, he finds instant and willing obedience. No man knows better than he the trials of the workingman's life, and that knowledge stands him in good stead. His successes have not been too great for him. He set out to succeed, kept his aim steadily in view and reached it.
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Such is the history of his early manhood, indeed of his boyhood. Before him stretches out a long series of years. Judging from the record of the past, from the knowledge of the present, it is safe to say that other and greater honors and triumphs await him in these coming years. However that may be, there is a great value in the history of his life for young men.
Alexander H. Revell has to trace his successes primarily to the excellent and specially American Irish trait or characteristic summed up in the word "backbone." Under adversity, failure, set- backs, obstacles, he stood upright, and with honest perseverance and manhood fought steadily until he had conquered every obstacle to the success he, from the first, determined to attain.
JOHN T. DONAHOE.
The subject of the present sketch is another well known mem- ber of the legal profession in this city. He was born April 14th, 1853, at Bennington, Vermont, and is the son of Patrick and Ellen (Gilnaugh) Donahoe, both of whom were natives of County Long- ford, Ireland. Patrick Donahoe was imbued with the revolutionary feeling, both himself and his brothers being members of the society in Ireland which instigated the rising in 1849. His father came to the United States about 1846 (being compelled to leave Ireland on account of the interest he had taken in the revolutionary movement, his brother having been arrested and lodged in jail for the same cause), settling first in New York City, and later in Bennington, Ver- mont, where he took up the occupation of a potter. In 1857 Patrick
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Donahoe moved to Grundy County, Illinois, and engaged in farming, dying there in 1869. The mother of the subject of this sketch re- mained in Grundy County until 1896, when she moved to Chicago, and now, over seventy years of age, is enjoying the evening of her days. The late Archbishop Higgins, who took such a prominent part in the Repeal Movement, of O'Connor's time, was one of her cousins.
John T. Donahoe, who was educated in the public schools of his native place, afterwards began a course of self study, and by the time he was twenty had secured a position as teacher in the public school. Here he remained twelve years, studying law dur- ing the latter portion with Hon. Judge Carter. In 1887 he was ad- mitted to the bar, and deciding to dare fortune's favors in a big city, arrived in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day of that year. He en- gaged offices, at once started in practice, and determined to win or lose on his own merits, decided not to associate himself in busi- ness with any partner. His success was immediate; he is rapidly making his way to the front, and in 1893 received the nomination as Circuit Judge of the People's party, but was unsuccessful in se- curing the office.
Mr. Donahoe is a man of varied abilities, and during his school days, and while engaged in teaching, he aided in the cultivation and working of a farm, a tract of four hundred acres, which he and his youngest living brother had saved sufficient money to pur- chase, and which they now hold except for eighty acres which was presented by both brothers to their mother. He has always been a member of the People's party until the last election and is now a Democrat in his political views, and intends remaining such as long as their present policy is continued, and a Roman Catholic by religion. Mr. Donahoe is yet a bachelor and makes his home, in which he delights to dispense hospitality, with his mother and sister.
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MICHAEL J. DUNNE.
The legal profession of Chicago possesses no more respected representative than Michael J. Dunne, who is an honor to the land of his birth as well as to the country of his adoption.
The subject of this sketch was born at Tully, County Kildare, Ire- land, October 1st, 1839. William Dunne, his father, was a native of Queen's County, but owned considerable property in Tully, County Kildare, where his high character obtained for him a number of local positions of honor and importance. But Ireland was groaning under innumerable oppressions, and when in addition, disasters and losses in business supervened, he gave up the fight and started for the new world, trusting to retrieve his fortune, and to afford his children a broader and freer field in life. A brave man, the diffi- culties and dangers of an unknown land held for him no terrors. He came direct to Chicago, then a very small place. In the summer of 1850, both he and his surviving children, suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Mrs. Dunne with four of his children. William Dunne survived her for many years, dying at the good old age of eighty-six years.
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