USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > Chicago and Cook County official Republican directory and sketch book, 1900 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
"Honesty with the public" was the secret of its success. Starting as he did with but twenty-two employes, the business so grew that in 1896 it became one of the largest bicycle factories in America and employed 750 men. All this was accomplished in four short years. In the early part of 1896 he received a satisfactory offer for his interests and sold out to the Fowler Cycle Manufacturing Company. Arrangements were completed for a tour around the world, but were never carried out, as the spirit of hustling still moved him, and an opportunity presenting itself for the purchase of a bicycle factory in Worcester, Massa- chusetts, pleasure was abandoned and "hustling" in the east became his lot. The names "Trinity " and "Fowler" are closely interwoven, as it was the only "Frank T. Fowler" that made both wheels. In 1897 at Worcester, Massachusetts, he commenced the building of the "Trinity," and never before (with the single exception of the "Fowler ") did any wheel rise so rapidly in public esteem. In the latter part of this year the Fowler Cycle Manufacturing Company failed and again Mr. Fowler hied back Chicagoward and purchased the plant outright, and in 1898 again returned to the making of the "Fowler." Some men seem born to rule, and Mr. Fowler is one of that fortunate class. In political, as in business life, Mr. Fowler has achieved success. In the late city election he was approached by the people to stand for aldermanic candidate in the Thirteenth Ward, and for a time withstood the earnest request of his political well-wishers, but after repeated solicitations, he came to the decision that he should sink his private prejudices against a political life and do his duty toward his party and the people who needed representa- tives that were fearless in the face of temptation-to accept was to act-and never before was a ward in the city so completely stormed in a political campaign as was the Thirteenth. Mr.
158
Fowler was nominated on a Monday evening-nomination accepted at 10 p. m .- at 8 a. m. Tuesday morning, presses roll- ing out campaign matter-at 5:30 p. m., same day, bill posting was commenced and by the following morning as the people went to their work they found his announcements everywhere. And all this work, which would have ordinarily consumed a week's time, was accomplished by Frank T. Fowler within twenty-four hours. This hustling was but characteristic of the man, and those who knew him intimately were not surprised, as they expected it of him. Not only once, but four or five times was the ward covered with printed matter, much of it being of the best class of campaign reading ever produced in Chicago, all of it strikingly original. The better element of voters flocked to his support and it was only a question as to what majority he should poll. He was elected by some 1,500 votes over his opponent and ran ahead of his ticket over 1,900.
If honesty of purpose, fearlessness to denounce wrong, to do unto others as you would they do unto you, is the best type of a man, Mr. Fowler is in the true sense of the word "A MAN." While his political life has been but a brief one, the future lies before him, and it is needless to predict that it will be a brilliant one.
With lovers of legitimate sport he is "a good all round man " and popular with all branches of athletics. To his energy the success of the West Side Driving Association is largely due, having served it as president since its organization three years ago. He is always in " Harness " so to speak, to push the inter- ests of the association to which the West Side residents are indebted for so many enjoyable matinees.
In the cycling world Frank T. Fowler is known from Maine to California, and is perhaps the most widely personally known bicycle manufacturer in America.
He is President of the Illinois Cycling Club, the largest organization of its kind in the world, and holding the position he does, enables the club to profit by his untiring efforts in their behalf.
The man who acquires the success that Mr. Fowler has, at such an early age, is truly to be envied.
159
STATE SENATOR FRED A. BUSSE.
WHO IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CLEAN CUT REPUBLICANS IN COOK COUNTY.
State Senator Fred A. Busse, is beyond doubt the most pop- ular Republican of German American descent in Cook County to-day. To Mr. Busse alone belongs the credit of his popularity which extends not alone from one end of Cook County to the other, but throughout the entire state of Illinois.
While a member of the legislature Mr. Busse distinguished himself by not alone voting against, but bitterly opposing every questionable measure that came before that body, including the notorious Allen bill, the gas trust, consolidation and frontage measures, as well as several other questionable measures ..
The people of his district recognized his ability and honesty of purpose, and rewarded him for same by the nomination and election as State Senator.
Here again Mr. Busse distinguished himself in the upper branch of the legislature by securing control of the Senate, and
160
blocking the wheels of corrupt legislation, which previously existed in that body.
It was largely through the efforts of Senator Busse, that the repeal of the Allen bill was secured. This one act alone, not to mention the numerous popular measures which he lent his support to, endeared him to the hearts of not alone the people of Cook County, but throughout the entire State of Illinois.
Senator Busse was born on the North Side, March 3, 1866, and his politics has always been that of Republican. He has long been recognized as a leader in North Side Republican politics. He was at one time elected north town clerk, and was for a number of years connected with the north town collector's office.
In 1895 Mr. Busse was elected to the lower branch of the Fortieth General Assembly of the Illinois Legislature, during which time he made a record that was gratifying to his friends, and pleasing to the public in general (corrupt legislation pro- moters excepted).
His record in the lower house was the basis for promotion to higher honors, and on that account alone the voters of the Twenty-first District honored him with the nomination, and elected him to the State Senate. While in this branch of higher legislation as in the lower house, Mr. Busse remembered his obligation to the public, and though he became leader of the Senate, he never changed the course from that mapped out by honest Fred Busse, and never will no matter what office he holds.
Senator Busse resides in the Twenty-second Ward, and is secretary of the Northwestern Coal Company. He enjoys an excellent political and business reputation.
Wise political prophets predict for Senator Fred A. Busse, a very brilliant political career.
161
MILTON J. FOREMAN.
THE POPULAR YOUNG REPUBLICAN ALDERMAN FROM THE FOURTH WARD- WHO STANDS FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT AND CLEAN POLITICS.
Alderman Milton J. Foreman of the Fourth Ward is a splendid type of the bright brainy successful self-made Chicagoan.
Mr. Foreman was born in Chicago, January 26th, 1863, where he has ever since continued to reside, and like many other successful self-made men, received his early education in the public schools of this city and though he left school at the tender age of thirteen, being at that time compelled to depend upon his own resources, with the indomitable will power of a true young American he set out to seek employment, and the first position he secured was that of stock boy with the well known firm of Keith Brothers & Company, wholesale merchants, located at 237 and 239 Jackson Boulevard.
Mr. Foreman though quite young at that time, soon dis- played such marked ability that he rapidly rose from one position
162
to another until he became one of the companies most valued salesmen, afterwards he became a stockholder in the corporation into which it ultimately grew, and in which he is still interested.
Mr. Foreman whose ambition did not rest at the success which he achieved from a commercial standpoint, joined the Cavalry Squadron of the Illinois National Guards, and soon rose to the rank of Captain. At the breaking out of the Spanish-Amer- ican war he entered the service of the United States as Captain of volunteers and was assigned to duty as Quartermaster of the first Illinois volunteer cavalry.
Previous to this time Mr. Foreman was a student at the Chicago College of law, from which institution he graduated on or about that time. It was during the time that his regiment was quartered at Springfield, and just before its departure for Chickamauga, that Captain Foreman presented himself to the board of examiners for admission to the bar, and was one of eleven out of ninety-nine to successfully pass the examination. It has not often occurred in the history of Illinois that a candi- date for admission to the bar went before the examining board in uniform on the eve of his departure for active service in the army of the United States, such as Mr. Foreman did.
When the Illinois Volunteer Cavalry was being mustered out of the service, the department at Washington in recognition of his splendid record tendered Mr. Foreman without solicitation a commission as Captain in the regular army, which he declined to accept on account of previous business arrangements.
Mr. Foreman is still in the military service of the state, being promoted to Major and is in command of the second squadron of the Illinois State Cavalry.
When the attempt was made in the city council to pass the fifty year street railway franchise, Mr. Foreman organized what was known as the anti-boodle league, and acted as its chairman, and it was largely through his efforts that public opinion on the subject became effective in controlling legislation, and prevent- ing the passage of said ordinance. His services in this direction were invaluable to the public.
Without solicitation Mr. Foreman received the Republican nomination as alderman from the Fourth Ward, in the spring of 1899, to which position he was elected by a large majority, not withstanding the fact that an independent Republican, and a
163
strong Democratic candidate were pitted against him. He is a firm believer of government of the people, by the people and for the people. He is opposed to class legislation or special privileges without just compensation to the city.
In politics Mr. Foreman has always been a Republican having served nineteen years in the ranks of that party as one of its most zealous and loyal supporters.
While a member of the city council Alderman Foreman has unceasingly advocated the paving and cleaning of streets, not alone in his own ward the fourth, but throughout the entire city; besides this he is one of the strongest advocates of just compensation for all franchises, and his vote has never been even once recorded in favor of any questionable measure that came before that body.
To Alderman Foreman more than any one else the public owe a debt of gratitude for his untiring effort to purify politics in the city council, which he has succeeded in doing to a great extent.
Alderman Foreman is a very brilliant lawyer of remarkable ability, and is a member of the well known law firm of Felsen- thal, D'Ancona & Foreman, of 43 Stock Exchange Building.
He is a model alderman in whom the public may repose the most implicit confidence. From present indications it seems a bright political future awaits Alderman Milton J. Foreman.
164
-
ISAAC N. POWELL.
CHIEF CLERK OF THE CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS.
WHO HAS GIVEN UNIVERSAL SATISFACTION TO THE PUBLIC.
Hon. Isaac N. Powell, who is a prominent Republican, is eminently qualified and admittedly the most competent chief clerk ever appointed to the responsible position which he holds under the Board of Election Commissioners of Chicago.
Mr. Powell was born at Woodstock, Ontario, December 23d, 1866. His father was George, and his mother Matilda (Mac- Ardle) Powell.
Both parents of Mr. I. N. Powell, the subject of this sketch, were born in Ireland, and came to Canada in 1830, where his father was engaged in the wagon and implement manufacturing business up to 1869, at which time Mr. George Powell, father of
165
the subject of this sketch, removed to Richmond, Missouri, with his wife and family of twelve children, where he re-engaged in the farming implement and wagon manufacturing business.
Isaac N. Powell, the subject of this sketch, was only three years of age when his father removed from Canada to Missouri, and like many other successful self-made men, received only a limited education in the public schools of his adopted town (Rich- mond), where he afterwards became a studious and most indus- trious employe of his father.
In 1885 Mr. Isaac N. Powell came to Chicago and took a business course at Bryant & Stratton's college. After completing this course he obtained a position as book-keeper with the well- known wholesale commission house of Ender & Ender, then located on South Water street.
In 1890 Mr. Powell obtained a position as compiler of Fed- eral census, and later on served as deputy city clerk from 1891 to 1893 under J. R. B. Van Cleave.
In the spring of 1893, Mr. Powell was elected sergeant-at- arms of the City Council, which position he held up to December, 1894, at which time he was appointed assistant chief clerk to Henry L. Hertz, who was then chief clerk of the Board of Elec- tion Commissioners.
Mr. Isaac N. Powell was promoted to the position as chief clerk of the Board of Election Commissioners of Chicago in 1895, which position he has held ever since, and during said time has rendered universal satisfaction to the public in general.
While Mr. Powell is a Republican, and even has been a mem- ber of the Republican County Central Committee from the First Ward for a number of years, yet it is an admitted fact that while in the discharge of his duties as chief clerk of the Board of Election Commissioners, Mr. Powell knows no party, and acts as an official of non-partisan in that capacity, and the only one thing that he strictly adheres to is competency and strict discip- line of his office force.
The ballot is a sacred document and treasured as a precious jewel by all citizens, not alone of Chicago, but of the State and Nation.
When the Election Commissioners of Chicago selected a custodian of elective rights of citizens of Chicago in the person of Isaac N. Powell, it may be very truthfully stated they made
166
no mistake, as Mr. Powell always lives up to the strictest letter of the law.
Mr. Powell, besides being a member of the Republican County Central Committee from the First Ward, where he has resided ever since he became a resident of Chicago, is also a member of the Hamilton Club and several other Republican and fraternal organizations.
He was married to Miss Gertrude Hamacher, of Richmond, Missouri, February 6th, 1895, and one boy, three years of age, bless their union.
Mr. Powell resides at 339 Michigan avenue. We predict for him a very bright political future.
.
.
157
CHARLES CHAMPION GILBERT.
ATTORNEY FOR THE SANITARY DISTRICT OF CHICAGO.
Hon. Charles Champion Gilbert, who is the head legal advisor of the great American water-way, known as the Sanitary District of Chicago, was born at Louisville, Ky., November 17, 1859. His father is General C. C. Gilbert of the United States Army, and his mother Mattie (Prather) Gilbert, daughter of James Watson Prather, who was one of the oldest and most highly respected resident of Louisville, Ky.
General C. C. Gilbert, father of the subject of this sketch, graduated from West Point in 1846, at which time he joined the United States Army as Second Lieutenant of the First Infantry. He served all through the Mexican War in said capacity, and for brave and fearless services rendered, was promoted to First Lieutenant at the close of said war. He served on frontier duty from the closc of the Mexican War up to 1850. And from 1850 to 1855 served as instructor at West Point, and during the Civil War he served on the field as Brigadier General and Major Gen-
168
eral with the Army of the Cumberland and Tennessee. After the close of the Civil War, he continued to serve on re-construc- tion and fronticr duty up to 1886, at which time he was retired from active service, having at that time served the required forty years active duty in the army. He is still living and never fails to visit Chicago, Washington, Baltimore and New Orleans every year.
Mr. Charles Champion Gilbert, who may well be proud of his parentage, received his early education in the public schools of his native city, Louisville, Ky., and the Kentucky Military Institute at Frankfort, Ky.
Later on he graduated from the Columbian Law School at Washington, D. C., in 1882, and was admitted to practice at the bar by the Supreme Court of the State of Iowa, where he was later on appointed assistant United States Attorney with headquarters at De Moines.
In 1886 he moved to Chicago where he has ever since been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law.
He was appointed assistant Corporation Counsel by Mayor Washburn, and later as special assessment attorney, and in both positions made a splendid record both for himself and the adminis- tration as well as giving satisfaction to the taxpayers and the public in general.
Mr. Gilbert was at one time associated with the law firm of Ex-Governor John M. Hamlin and Curtis H. Reemy, and later on became the law partner of Edward Maher, the firm name being Maher & Gilbert.
He was engaged in the law practice alone from May to Decem- ber 1, 1898, during which time he enjoyed a lucrative practice.
In December, 1898, Mr Gilbert was appointed attorney for the Sanitary District of Chicago, the appointment being by unanimous consent of the board, and during his administration it will be remembered some of the most difficult legal questions had to be fought, which has resulted almost in unanimous victory for the Sanitary Board, through the superior legal ability of Mr. C. C. Gilbert.
The subject of this sketch has been a lifelong devoted Republi- can, and is the descendant of a family of Republicans whose exist- ence in the United States can be traced back to 1640. For Mr. Charles Champion Gilbert we predict a bright future.
169
HON. DAVID KALLIS.
THE POPULAR COUNTY COMMISSIONER WHO SACRIFICED HIS BUSINESS TO FEED, CLOTHE AND SHELTER THE STARVING POOR OF CHICAGO IN 1893.
Hon. David Kallis, who is at present serving his second term as County Commissioner of Cook County, is beyond doubt one of the most popular members of that body in Cook County. And while speaking of his popularity, it is not intended by any means to cast any disrespect upon other members of the Board of Cook County Commissioners.
The one thing which endeared Mr. Kallis to the hearts of the people of Chicago, and the one thing which will not soon be for- gotten, is the fact that he even sacrificed his own extensive busi- ness to contribute to the wants of the starving poor of this city during the extreme hard times which existed under the reign of ex-President Cleveland in 1893.
Commissioner Kallis, who was the orginator of the soup-house system then started in Chicago, gave so liberally towards the
170
support of the wives and children of many of the unfortunate sufferers of the city of Chicago that Mr. Kallis himself was compelled to sacrifice his own extensive grocery business.
This grand work of charity as administered by Mr. Kallis to the poor sufferers of Chicago will continue to exist in their minds as a living monument erected to the memory of Com- missioner Kallis, and it is almost needless to state that his name will be eagerly sought by voters on any ticket on which it may appear.
County Commissioner Kallis, who is the subject of this sketch, was born in the domain of the Czar some forty-two years ago.
His early life up to ten years of age was spent in the home of his father, who was the Burgomaster of his native city, and an influential citizen.
His mother impressed him with many of the high attributes of character of which he is so largely possessed, though he was at an early age deprived of her maternal influence.
At the early age of ten years Mr. Kallis emigrated to the United States, and at that tender age came alone to the city of Chicago, where he has resided ever since. He immediately began the battle of life as a match peddler, and soon became a familiar character among the business men of this city.
At eighteen he engaged in the grocery business for himself, which vocation he followed for several years, and later on branched out into the stationery and printing business, in which he was engaged up to 1893.
During the winter of 1893, when thousands of this city's poor were starving, he sacrificed his business in their interest, and became the originator of the so-called soup house for the feeding of the wives and children of our unfortunates.
During a whole month he alone secured provisions for twen- ty-five thousand souls. At this time it will be remembered suf- fcring and destitution existed to such an extent in the city of Chicago that the corridors of the city hall and county building were ordered kept open nights to give shelter to the thousands who could not procure shelter for themselves.
In the summer of 1894 Mr. Kallis continued his philanthro- pic efforts to aid the poor and oppressed by shipping 2,000, 000 pounds of food and clothing to the Pullman strikers, among whom untold suffering and want existed at the time.
171
-
In 1894 Mr. Kallis was elected County Commissioner as a Republican, which he has always been. During his first term as County Commissioner he clearly demonstrated his ability in the painstaking manner in which he at all times protected the expenditure of the public funds.
At the expiration of his term as County Commissioner he was appointed deputy sheriff of Cook County, which position he held up to the time he was re-elected County Commissioner in 1898.
The office of County Commissioner is possibly not well under- stood by many. They are the guardians of the poor unfortunate orphans which are cared for by the Board. The poor unfortu- nate insane of Cook County are also under their care and super- vision. They control and direct the management of Cook County hospital, which is one of the grandest institutions of its kind in the United States. They are also the fountain of supplies for the feeding of the poor in times of need.
For faithful performance of such humane services as those none can gainsay that the subject of this sketch is not more than amply qualified to meet every requirement. This well known, large hearted, kind, charitable County Commissioner is never tired doing favors for some deserving poor unfortunate, and but few Republicans in the city of Chicago to-day are more widely and popularly known than he is, and it can also be said that when it comes to a popular vote but few can boast of a larger follow- ing than County Commissioner David Kallis, better known as the "Irish Jew."
172
HON. DANIEL A. CAMPBELL.
THE HONEST, HONORABLE STATE SENATOR FROM THE NINETEENTH DISTRICT OF CHICAGO.
Hon. Daniel A. Campbell, who so very ably represents the Nineteenth District of Chicago, in the State Senate of Illinois, is a lawyer of remarkable ability.
In the legal profession, as in politics, he ranks very high in the community of this state, as a very able, honest, honorable and thoroughly conscientious member of the Chicago bar, as well as that high law-framing body known as the Illinois State Senate.
Senator Campbell, was born at Elgin, Kane County, Illinois, June 23, 1863. His parents were old respected residents of Elgin, where his father, Alexander, done a successful and extensive mercantile business.
The parents of Mr. Campbell, the subject of this sketch, af- terwards removed to Pecatonica, Winnebago County, Illinois, where they are still engaged in business.
173
Senator Daniel A. Campbell received his early education in the public schools at Elgin, where he afterwards graduated from the high school. Later on he attended the Union College of Law at Chicago, where he completed his legal study, and was admitted to the practice of law in the Appellate Court of Cook County March 5, 1886. Mr. Campbell removed to Chicago April 1, 1885, and has ever since resided in this city. Being an earnest worker for the success of Republican principles, and a man of sound but rare judgment in the councils of his party, he soon became very prominently known as a faithful worker and un- tiring advocate of sound Republican principles. Mr. Campbell was first elected member of the General Assembly in 1892, from the Nineteenth Senatorial District, and for faithful services ren- dered was elected to the State Senate from the same district in 1894, and again in 1898, where he succeeded in making an enviable record.
Senator Campbell voted against the notorious Allen and gas trust bills, and in fact he opposed every questionable measure that ever came before the house or senate during his term of office.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.