Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 114

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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O'CONNELL, Cornelius .- Springfield is one of the most delightful residence communities within the confines of the whole Commonwealth. There are gathered congenial people, bound together by civic pride and commou interests, who, work- Ing in concert, produce conditions that are al- most ideal. For this and other cogent reasons, many men locate in the city when they have re- tired from the activities of a business career, and among those who have shown such good taste and common sense, Is Cornelius O'Connell, a retired baker, whose residence is at No. 1511 East Jefferson Street. He is a native of Ire- land, born in County Clare, a son of Patrick and Ellen (Killcain) O'Connell, both of whom spent their lives in Ireland, where they died.

After a boyhood spent in his native place, Mr. O'Connell learned the haker trade in Mill- town, Ireland, and In 1857, wishing to take ad- vantage of the opportunities offered in America, he came here, landing in New York City, whence he proceeded direct to Bloomington, Iil. There for a year he found employment at his trade, but left that city for Jacksonville, which con- tinued hls home for one year more, when he settled in Springfield. Until 1900 he worked as a baker, then retired, feeling that he had done his full duty. During the Civil War, like so many of his compatriots, Mr. O'Connell served hls adopted country, giving much appreciated service as government cook at Camp Butler. His political affiliations are with the Demo- cratic party. In religlous faith he is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Mary's Church.

In May, 1864, Mr. O'Connell was united in marriage with Ellen Long, the ceremony being performed iu Springfield. Mrs. O'Connell was born in Tipperary, Ireland, where she lost both parents, following which she came to America with an aunt. The following children have been born to Mr. aud Mrs. O'Connell : John and Cornelius, both of whom Ilve in St. Louis; Charles lives In Springfield; Mary is the wife of Samuel Bloom and lives in Springfield; Su- sau lives in Chicago; Jennie lives at home and is iu the employ of the Illiuois Watch Com- pany; and Theresa is the wife of Harry Har- bold, of Chicago, who is in the employ of Swift & Company. There are twelve grandchildren in the family, of whom Mr. and Mrs. O'Connell are exceedingly proud. Mr. O'Connell is one of the substantial, reliable men of his community. He remembers well the earlier days of the city, aud, having come to it when Lincoln and Doug- las were something more than mere names, he recalls these distluguished men very well, and relates many luteresting stories of them and their associates.

O'CROWLEY, Daniel (deceased) .- It is seldom indeed that the public receives such faithful service from one of its officials as was rendered by the late Daniel O'Crowley, who was for twenty-eight years au employe of the Recorder's Office iu Springfield. Mr. O'Crowley for this loug period, displayed a conscientious regard for fulfilmeut of duty, aud as a citizen and official was esteemed and houored. He was born in County Cork, Irelaud, April 2, 1834, a son of Dauiel and Mary Langtou O'Crowley, also na- tives of County Cork, where both died. Mr. O'Crowley's father was a general merchant.

Daniel O'Crowley secured his education In the County Cork schools, after leaving which, he served as a Customs House official in Ireland for some years. At the age of twenty-five, he left the Emerald Isle for New York City, from whence he went to St. Louis, Mo., and thence to Jacksonville, Ill., where he engaged in school teaching. He arrived in Springfield in 1858, and the outhreak of the Civil War found him, an employe in the Settlers Department at Camp Butler. In 1864, he entered the Record- er's office, and from that time until 1892, he served falthfully and well, performing his duties In such a manner, that it was next to impossible to secure a man to take his place. In 1892, he retired from active life. His death occurred suddeuly at his home, iu Sprlugfield, on March 13, 1910, his funeral belng from the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, of which he had for many years been a devout member.

Mr. O'Crowley was married May 11, 1864, at East St. Louis, Ill., to Mary Kavanaugh. Eleven children were born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are: Mrs. C. H. Jones and Mrs. F. W. Conron, of Minneapolis, Minn., Daniel L., married and residing in Mis- souri, being connected with the Cudahy Pack- ing Company; John M. and Charles J., residing

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in Minneapolis, Minn .; and Josephine L., Flor- ence L., and Vita Aiice, all of whom reside at home. The family are well known soclaily, and take an active part in affairs of the Catholic Church.

OGG, Basil W., a progressive young business man of Springfield, Ili., was born at Scottville, III., August 25, 1883, a son of F. T. and Aiice (Gobie) Ogg, both natives of Scottvilie, the father born in 1854 and the mother iu 1862. The parents came to Springfield In 1890 and have since made their home In the city. The father was engaged in the harness business in early Ilfe, but after coming to Springfield became a traveling salesman and has since continued that line of work for a harness company. He is a Democrat in politics and is affiliated with the United Commerclai Traveiers Association and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife had three children: Diemple, wife of Joseph Conrad; Basil W .; Roy A., a druggist, ali residents of Springfieid.

At the age of seven years Basil W. Ogg ac- companied his parents to Springfieid and there received ils education, attending the Edwards and, later, the Stewart and Hay (now kuown as the Lawrence) Schoois.' Upon leaving school he learned the trade of cigar maker aud, in 1903, established a business at his present io- cation, 1006 South College Street, his factory being iocated in the rear of his residence. He has built up an exceiient trade and won quite a reputation as the manufacturer of the "400," the "Oggesta" and the "La Ziiia" cigars, made to seil at a popuiar price. His business struc- ture is 22 by 60 feet, and he has a daliy out- put of 5,000 in a busy season, empioying then about twenty-five men. He Is weii regarded in business circies and has a reputation for strict honesty and integrity.

October 5, 1902, Mr. Ogg married Miss Bar- bara Marie Dieboid, daughter of Roman Die- boid and Eilzabeth (Stremsdoerfer) Dieboid, born in Springfield, October 10, 1881, and left an orphan in early childhood. One son has blessed this union, Stewart B., born November 14, 1905. Mr. Ogg is affiilated with the Eagles, the Elks, the Masons and the Maccabees. In politics he is a Repubilcan and in religious views a Protestant, while his wife is a Cath- oiic. He Is a member of the Springfield Com- mercial Association, the Travelers' Protective Association and the Order of Red Men.

OGLESBY, Richard James. (Vol. I, p. 408.)

OLDFIELD, Seth A., photographer, Spring- fieid, Ill., was born in Jacksonvliie, Iii., August 12, 1873, a son of William Henry and Sarah (Trigg) Oldfield, both natives of England, the former born near Manchester and the latter near Sheffield, that country. The Oldfields are one of the older families of England, their genealogy being traceabie as far back as 1600. William Henry Oldfield after coming to Amer-

ica first settied at Toronto, Canada, whence he came to Iilinois, in occupation was a contractor and builder, and in 1880 removed to Wichita, Kan., where the family remained until his death in 1895.

Seth A. Oldfield received his education in the public schools of Wichita, Kan., and Lewis Academy. In eariy ilfe he devoted his time iargeiy to outdoor pursuits, and being able to handle a gun expertly, became an enthusiastic huuter, and now has a hunter's lodge on Quiver Lake, near Havana, Ill. He early turned his attention to photography, and having become an expert in that line, has traveied quite exten- siveiy over the United States In the prosecution of his profession in which he has won a high reputation. His business iocation is at 1111/2- 1131/2 South Fifth Street, city of Springfield.

Mr. Oldfield was married Juiy 26, 1903, to Miss Effie Grogan, daughter of Elijah Grogan, one of the oider class of settlers in Springfieid and a veteran of the Civil War. In religious faith Mr. Oidfield is a Presbyterian aud mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church of Springfieid, and in political views is a Democrat. A man of modest and retiring manner, he has estab- lished for himseif a favorable reputation as a ·citizeu and business man.

O'REILLY, Rev. Patrick Joseph, pastor of St. Joseph's Roman Cathoilc Church, of Spring- fieid, is one of the most beioved of the clergy of that city. He is a native of Ireiand, born at Arvagh, County Cavan, September 21, 1858, the elghth child born to Patrick and Catherine O'Reilly. He was sent to the natlonai schoois until sixteen years of age, when his parents de- cided to educate him for the priesthood, and he was entered at St. Mary's college at Arvagh, then conducted by his cousin, Rev. James Duffy. At the expiration of seven years he was sent to Montreai, Canada, arriving in September, 1879. There he eutered Grand Seminary, and took a course in philosophy and theology, being or- dained priest on December 25, 1883, by the Right Reverend Archbishop Fabre., Following this he was sent to Virden, III., as pastor of St. Cath- erine's Church there, continuing untii 1887.

While serving in this capacity, Father O'Reilly built Girard St. Patrick's Church, and the Church of the Sacred Heart In Frankllu, being transferred to the latter parish iu 1887 and taking charge at Frankiin and Waveriy. Dur- ing his occupancy he made many improvements, including the building of a church and parson- age at Frankiiu. On May 3, 1893, the house and church were destroyed by fire and they were rebuilt by Father O'Reilly. On July 1, 1893, he was transferred to St. Patrick's Church at Aiton. Ili., where he remained until September 1, 1907. At that time he was piaced in charge of St. Joseph's Church, of Spring- field, where he has since remained. Father O'Reilly, is a inau of deep reading and wide sympathies, and one who weil understands and appreciates hils people's needs. Because of his

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comprehension and wise guidance, he is much · beloved. The financial condition of his parish is excellent, owing to his judicious management.

ORENDORFF, Alfred (deceased), former prom- inent lawyer and leading citizen of Springfield, Ill., was born on a farm in the northern part of Logan County, Ill., July 29, 1845, the youngest of a family of four sons of Joseph and Elizabeth (Stevens) Orendorff, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Henderson County, Ky. The Orendorff family in Illinois was descended from Christian Orendorff, who was a military officer in Germany, married a Miss Elizabeth Miller, of a prominent Ger- mau family, and came from Wurtemburg, Ger- many, in 1751, first settling with his family in Lancaster County, Pa., but a few years later removing to the vicinity of Sharpsburg, Md. Their second son, Christopher, was married at Hagerstown, Md., in 1791, to Elizabeth Phillips, and soon after spent some time in Georgla and South Carolina, but finally settled in North Carolina, where, on November 25, 1804, their son Joseph Orendorff, the father of General Al- fred Orendorff, was born. Christlan Orendorff and family later resided successively for a time in the States of Tennessee and Kentucky, but in 1818 came to Washington County, Ill., whence a few years later they removed to the "Sangamo Country," settling on Sugar Creek, then a por- tion of Sangamon County, but which, on the or- ganization of Logan County in 1839, was em- braced in the northern part of the latter. Here Christian Orendorff and his family opened up a farm and built and operated on Sugar Creek the first water-power grist-mill in that part of the State, and here, on June 23, 1833, the son Joseph was married to Elizabeth Stevens, who, as already explained, was a native of Hender- son County, Ky.

Alfred's father, Joseph Orendorff, died Sep- tember 18, 1854, when the son was little more than nine years of age, and soon after the mother, with her family, removed to Lincoln, which was founded about that time and named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, later becoming the county-seat of Logan County. Here Alfred re- ceived his primary education in the common schools, later taking a course in the Wesleyan Academy at Bloomington and in the military school at Fulton, Ill. In May, 1864, when less than nineteen years of age, Mr. Orendorff took the lead in organizing Company I, One Hundred Thirty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was mustered in for one hundred days, and of which he was promptly chosen and commissioned Captain, serving through its period of enlist- ment and being mustered out at Camp Butler, near Springfield. Later he turned his atten- tion to the study of law, taking a course in the Albany (N. Y.) Law School, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and in the autumn of 1867, was admitted to practice in the State of Illinois. Taking up his residence in Springfield, he soon after became

the junior member of the law firm of Herndon, Zane & Orendorff, this relationship continuing until June, 1873, when Mr. Zane having been elected to the circuit bench, the firm became Herndon & Orendorff. In April, 1877, Mr. Herndon having retired from active practice, Mr. Orendorff entered into partnership with Hon. James A. Creighton, present Justice of the Circuit Court for the Springfield District, which continued until Mr. Creighton's election in 1884 to the judgeship which he still retains. His next partnership was with Robert H. Patton, which lasted for several years. Evidence of his prominence in and his devotion to the profes- sion, is furnished in the fact of his election as the first Secretary of the Illinois State Bar As- sociation on its organization in 1877, and hls subsequent election as its President. On several occasions. he served as delegate to the National Bar Association, and in 1906, was elected as delegate to the International Law Association which held its session that year in the City of Berlin, Germany.

Reared as a Republican, General Orendorff's first political 'relations were with the Repub- lican party, of which in 1870, he was the chosen candidate for State Senator, but failed of elec- tion in a strongly Democratic district. In com- mon with many other members of the Republi- can party in 1872, he aligned himself with what was known as the "Liberal Republican Party," in support of Horace Greeley for President and in the same campaign was elected Representa- tive in the General Assembly, receiving the sup- port of the regular Democrats and serving as a member of the Judiciary Committee during the two sessions of that body. His subsequent po- litical relations were uniformly with the Demo- cratle party, which he served as Member, Secre- tary and Chairman of its State Central Commit- tee, and Delegate to the numerous local State and national conventions, and was twice, 1880 and 1884, the candidate of that party for State Treasurer. In January, 1893, he was appointed Adjutant General by Governor Altgeld, and held that office three years, resigning January 4, 1896. His experience as a soldier and his knowl- edge of military affairs rendered his administra- tion of this department highly satisfactory.

The most active efforts of General Orendorff's later years were devoted largely to the interests of the Illinois State Historical Society, of which he was a member for many years, and was chosen President in 1905, serving continuously in that capacity for the remainder of his life. A sketch of his career published in the Quarterly Journal of the State Historical Society for the month of October, 1909, says "He loved the Illi- nois State Historical Society and no detail of its affairs was too small to secure his interest and he labored for it unceasingly."

Other business interests besides the practice of his profession with which General Ordendorff was associated, included the German-American Loan Association, of which he was Vice Presi- dent for many years; Director of the Guarantee

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Abstract Company, as oue of the organizers of the Springfield Improvement Association ; Presi- dent of the Frankliu Life Insurance Company, and, at the time of his death, President of the Internatlonai Bank & Trust Company, of Vinita, Okla. He was aiso prominently identified with the various fraternal and social organizations, incinding the Order of Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks, Sangamo Club, Iroquois Cluh, of Chicago, Workmen, Woodmen and others. He was es- peciaiiy active in conuectlon with the Order of Odd Fellows, having served as Representative to the State Grand Lodge, Grand Master and as Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Worid. He also served as President of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, was associated as Repre- sentative of the State Historical Society in 190S, to the celebration of the Semi-Centennial of the Lincoln-Dougias Dehate of 1858, and as a char- ter member of the Lincoln Centennial Associa- tlon, took part in the honors paid to the memory of Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1909.

"On June 22, 1870, General Orendorff was mar- ried to Miss Julia J. Williams, a daughter of Coionei John Williams, one of Springfieid's most distingnished citizens, who was for fifty years a leading merchant, and for many years Presi- dent of the First National Bank of that city. Mrs. Orendorff's death occurred May 27, 190S. Their three children, John, Aifred, Alice Eliza- heth and Lydia Edna, all survive. The son re- sides in Jopiin, Mo., and the daughters occupy the family homestead on South Second Street in Springfield. "General Orendorff's mother and three hrothers ali preceded him to the beyond. His mother died May 16, 1866 ; his hrothier Chris- topher, June 28, 1862; Rohert, December 21, 1879, and James in 1902."

Generai Ordendorff's death occurred as the result of a protracted illness, October 22, 1909, and the event was depiored hy a large circle of friends in his home city and throughout the State. Among the many earnest tributes pald to his memory none are more worthy of our men- tion in this connection thau those expressed hy Honorabie J. Otis Humphrey. of the United States District for the Southern District of Illi- nois, and Judge James A. Creighton, his former business partner in Springfield-the former in an address hefore the Odd Fellows Grand Lodge, November 18, 1909, and time latter in an address hefore the Illinois State Historical Society at its annual meeting in May, 1910.

OSBURN, James R., now living retired from ac- tive iife at the home of his son-in-law, George W. Meredith, at 1172 North Third Street, Springfield, was horn at Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, January 6, 1842, and served in the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry during the Civil War. He is a son of William B. and Rebecca (Rankin) Os- hurn, the former horn in Westmoreland County, Pa .. and the latter in Fayette County, Pa. The father was a carpenter and contractor in Ohio, and he and his wife had eleven children. The

father of Mrs. Rebecca Oshuru, Robert Rankin, was wounded in a hattle in the War of 1812, and after being carried off the field lived to reach his home, hut died a few hours later.

James R. Osburn spent his boyhood at Cadiz, Ohio, receiving his education in the publlc schools of that place, and upou leaving school began working with his father in a blacksmith and machine shop. At the time of the Civil War he eniisted in Compauy E, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served creditabiy and bravely for three years. At the close of the war he entered the employ of C. Auitman & Company, of Canton, Ohio, and continued this occupation until 1900, when he moved to Spring- fieid and retired from active life. He had the requisite qualifications for a successful sales- man and had the confidence and respect of his customers and employers alike.

Mr. Osburu was married, at Cadiz, Ohio. De- cember 25, 1873. to Miss Editha Dickerson, who was born in New Athens, Ohio, daughter of Joshua aud Mary A. (Harris) Dickerson, both of whom were horn in New Athens. Children as follows were horn of this union: John W., a machinist, married and residing in Springfield ; Margaret, Mrs. George W. Meredith, lives in Springfield; Frank A .. a machinist, is married and lives in Canton, Ohio; James E., chief mu- sician in the First United States Artillery, sta- tioned at Fort Siil, Okia., is aiso married. Mr. Osburn is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Springfield, and has heen a life-long Republican. He takes an active interest in public affairs, althoughi he has never cared to hold office limseif. He is a member of the Baptist Church. The family is well and fa- vorably known in Springfield, where they have many friends.

OSENTON, John S .- The work devolving upon the county officiais is of such importance that it cannot he over-estimated. Especially is this true of that connected with the superintendence of the poor farm, where the county's unfortunates are cared for. Sangamon County is to he con- gratulated upon its present superintendent. John S. Osenton, a practical business man, and sym- pathetic official, who, while protecting the in- terests of the tax payers, knows how to give those under his charge efficient and thorough supervision. Mr. Osenton was born in Gray- son, Carter County, Ky., August 2, 1858. heing a son of Henry K. and Sciotha ( McAllister) Osenton, natives of the same county as their son. Henry K. Osenton was a blacksmith and mer- chant, who never ieft Kentucky, John S. Osen- ton being the oniy oue of the family to locate in Illinois.

After attending the common schools of Car- ter County, Mr. Osenton worked as a day iahorer at whatever work came to his hand, gaining a wide and varied experience. When lie came to Sangamon County, in the spring of 1878, he found employment as a farm laborer, but iu the faii began manufacturing tile, to meet a growing

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demand for that material. For ten years this work engrossed him, and then he branched out into a paving business, and was thus engaged, when appointed superintendent of the poor farm. For the following three years, he acted in this capacity, then retired to take np farming on his own account. In 1901, he was once more called upon to accept appointment to the same office, and for three years more, he gave his services, but again left to carry on his own farm. He was too valuable a man for the people to allow him to remain in private life, however, and for the third time, in December, 1908, he was placed in charge of the poor farm, which is still under his supervision. This property contains 197 acres of excellent land on which corn is raised as the principal crop, although there is sufficient stock for the use of the institution, it being the aim of Mr. Osenton to produce all the inmates need in the way of green vegetables and meat. Beiug a practical farmer, and fine business man, Mr. Osenton knows how to make the farm support its inmates, and is a very busy man, attending as he does to his own excellent farm of 176 acres, as well.

Mr. Osenton was married June 22, 1886, in Buffalo, Sangamon County, III., to Lillie Brad- ley, daughter of Enos and Sarah Bradley, of Buffalo, natives of Illinois, who had lived in Buffalo for many years. They have been dead for some years, and were most excellent people. Mr. and Mrs. Osenton have had a family as fol- lows : Harley . B., Edna Fern, Reed G., Shelby M. Mrs. Osenton died in October, 1908. On October 16, 1909, Mr. Osenton married Ida Kaylor, daughter of Daniel Kaylor, of Buffalo, a farmer and estimable citizen.

Fraternally, Mr. Osenton belongs to Pickwick Lodge, No. 589, K. of P., of Buffalo, and has filled the majority of the offices in it. His fam- ily are members of the Methodist Church, which he attends, and contributes largely towards its support. His father and brothers all espoused the cause of Democracy, but since the second Grant campaign, Mr. Osenton has been a Re- publican and is very promiuent in the party in Buffalo, being a member of the County Central Committee and is frequently sent as a delegate to conventions. Upright, honorable, conscieu- tions, Mr. Osenton is an excellent example of the self-reliant man who has worked his own way in life, asking favor of no one, but working hard and saving his earnings. Such a man is a valu- able addition to any community.

OSTERMEIER, George Frederick, an enterpris- ing young business man of Springfield, Ill., and a member of the jewelry firm of Ostermeier & Trunk, was born near Springfield, November 11, 1877, a son of Angust C. and Augustine (Krieger) Ostermeier. August C. Ostermeier was born in Germany, May 6, 1842, and his wife in Darke Connty, Ohlo, March 18, 1853. He came to America with his parents, at the age of eleven years. The family settled first in Ohio, but later Mr. Ostermeier moved to

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 114

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774