Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 12

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

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 12

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Mr. Bird is a Republican, and has served as Township Assessor with satisfaction to his con- stituents, and credit to himself. Fraternally, he belongs to the order of Elks, No. 158 of Springfield, the Modern Woodmen of America of Mechanicsburg. In religious belief, he is a Methodist and belongs to that church in Mechanicsburg. He empioys the latest methods and machinery in his farming, and his success goes to prove that scientific farming is the kind that pays the best in the long run. Belonging to a very prominent family, Mr. Bird is main- taining its prestige and snstaining the reputa- tion of his people for honorable dealing.

BIRNBAUM, John .- Every branch of industrial activity finds expression in the business life of Springfield, and the men who are engaged in maintaining the present high standard of ex- cellence for which the city is noted, are well fitted for their work. One of the men who have been engaged in their present lines of business all their lives, having grown up in it,

aud oue deserving of special mentiou, is the veteran cigar manufacturer, John Birnbaum. He was born iu La Porte, Ind., September 25, 1857, being a sou of Johu and Elizabeth ( Miet) Birnbaum, who came to Indiana upon locating in America at the time of their emigration from Gratz, Austria, their uative piace. The father had been a shoemaker before coming to America.

The family moved to Springfield when John Birnbaum was a lad, and he attended the schools there, at the same time iearning the cigar-making trade. He was but seventeen years of age when he began working at it, and he has continued makiug cigars ever since, now having a factory of his own. However, al- though he has employes, he works in the fac- tory himself and personaliy snperintends every- thing, which insures the excellence of his prod- uct. Among his specialties are Lenora and Lone Jack, both of which are deservedly popu- lar with smokers. His shop is clean and sani- tary, and he takes great pride in turning out only the best of goods.

A strong Republican, Mr. Birnbaum has been called upon to represent his party in the City Council from the Third Ward. He belongs to Teuton Lodge No. 166, I. O. O. F., of Spring- field; Capital Camp No. 333, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Cigarmakers' Union.

On October 10, 1882, Mr. Birnbaum was mar- ried in Springfield to Anua Hockenyos. Her father, who was a farmer, is dead, but her mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Birnbaum have two children : Blanche Elizabeth, born May 3, 1887. and Raymond J., July 19, 1888. Mr. Birnbaum owns his factor as well as his home at 700 North First Street, where he and his wife welcome their many friends with cordial hospitality. He is a good business man, al- ways giving a square deal to his customers, and never taking advantage of anyone. He inherits from his parents the sturdy virtues of the Aus- trian race, which have been grafted upon those of his own land, and in consequence he enjoys the universal respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought into contact.

BISCH, Charles T .- Probably there is no man better known in the Masonic fraternity the State over. than Charles T. Bisch, of Spring- field, whose devotion to the order, his zeal in furthering its work and his knowledge of its ceremonies and benefits make his services cs- pecialiy valuable in connection with his order. He is recognized as a inan of high purpose, thoroughly imbued with the majesty and signi- ficance of the ritual, and earnest in his endeavor to extend the influence of the order in all its degrees There is scarcely any honor that can be accorded a Mason that has not been, or could not be, his, yet he is just as much inter- ested in the work of the Blne Lodge as that of the Commandery. He enjoys in a high degree the respect of his brother Masons, who know and appreciate what he has heen and is to Masonry. Ife is well known, however, outside of fraternal

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circles, for he has spent his life in Springfield, and from hoyhood has employed his time in advancing his interests, broadening his mind, and assisting in the development of the city. Merchant and capitalist, his various business interests have ied gradually to his present work and he is now perhaps the most efficient and capable funerai director iu his part of Illinois. Born in Springfield, July 28, 1860, he comes of good German stock on the paternai side, his father, Philip Bisch, having heen horn in Lor- raine, Germany, September 24, 1825. In 1852 Philip Bisch came to America, iocating in what was then the viliage of Chicago, in 1853. There he met and married, February 20, 1855, Isabelle French, horn near Buffalo, N. Y., March 14, 1839. For a year succeeding their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bisch resided in Chicago, then went to Kansas City, hut believiug it was too far west, then came back to Iliinois, and settled in Spring- field in 1856, that city continuing to he their home. The father established himself in a furniture husiness, becoming a prosperous mer- chant and much-esteemed citizen. His death occurred January 10, 1889, but his widow survives, still making her home in Springfield. Seven children were born to this couple, six of whom are living, aud of them all Charles T. is the eldest. Philip Bisch was one of those sturdy, upright men, whose desire was to do his fuli duty and live according to the teachings of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a consist- ent inemher.

Charles T. Bisch grew up iu Springfield as a happy, healthy, normal lad, attending school and forming and enjoying friendships with his mates. Like a sensible man, his father had him learn cabinet-making, and this has in- fluenced his business life, for all his operatious have been along lines connected with this trade. After a three years' apprenticeship. in 1875, he accepted a clerkship with a furniture firm, and within two years became so efficient that he was made its manager. Iu 1880 he, with his father and brother, formed a partnership for the pur- pose of handling furniture, but at the death of the father Mr. Bisch purchased all the interests and continued the business alone, until 1893, when he sold to engage almost immediately in a carpet business. Until 1901 he remained in the latter line, but selling out, turned his at- tention to undertaking and has found employ- ment in this work for his abilities and sym- pathetic capabilities. Not only must a man have training and experience, to be a good fu- neral director, but he muust be born with that comprehension and appreciation of the suffer- ings of others that allow him to sympathize and express his sorrow so as not to intrude upon the grief of the afflicted.

Mr. Bisch belongs to Springfield Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M .; Peoria Consistory S. P. R. S., Thirty-second degree; Mohammed Temple of Mystic Shrine; Laila Rookh Chapter, No. 218, Eastern Star; Princess of Jerusalem White Shrine Sangamou Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F .;

Prairie State Encampment, No. 16; Lilla Lodge No. 63, S. of R .; Pawuee Tribe No. 66, I. O. R. M .; Iliini Council No. 6, D. of P .; Loft No. 6612 Haymakers; Capitol Lodge No. 14, K. of P .; Tekoa Temple No. 99, Pythiau Sisters; Me- dina Temple, No. 99, D. O. K. K .; Springfield Lodge No. 158, B. P. O. E .; Laurel Council No. 929, R. A .; Prosperity Camp No. 1418, M. W. A .; Capitol District Court No. 20, C. of H. He has served officially in several lodges, and in 1898 was elected Great Sachem of Illinois by the Great Council of Illinois Improved Order of Red Men, and has served the order as Great Representative to the Great. Council of the United States for ten years. In addition to these various fraternal counectious, Mr. Bisch has found time to he active in the Y. M. C. A., of which he has heeu a member for thirty years, serving at one time as its Treasurer, and is now Vice-President and Director. He is an inde- pendent Republican. Since 1875 he has been a ineinber of Grace Lutheran Church.

On October 28, 1884, Mr. Bisch was married in Springfield to Anna McCauila, born in Spring- field, May 22, 1865, whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. McCaulla served during the Civil War, but died at its close in 1865. His widow survived him until 1907, when she too passed away. One son, Harold P. Bisch, was horn August 14, 1885, in the city of Springfield. In 1906, when the son attained his majority, his father celebrated the eveut by taking him into full partnership, and now has the assistance of this promising young man in ali his opera- tions.

Ali his life Mr. Bisch has been interested in traveling and he and Mrs. Bisch have been in every State and Territory of the Union. In addition he has traveled extensively in Cuba and Canada, and he and his wife are contemplating a tour of the world in the near future. It is only justice to add that there is not a transac- tion in his life of which he feels ashamed, uor any that he would wish to live over because of neglect of duty or failure to give just due to others. His record is clean, his honor uusuliied, and among his feilow citizens, his name stands for what is hest aud truest.

BISSELL, William H. (Vol. I, p. 48.)

BLACK, Frank P., for several years past a resi- dent of Springfield, was born in Decatur, Iil., August 30, 1864, and is a son of John Henry and Elizabeth (McDonald) Biack, the former now deceased and the latter a resident of Decatur. Both were born in Ireland, and were brought to the United States hy their par- ents, in early life. For over thirty-five years John H. Black was engaged in mercantile husi- ness in Decatur, being a shoe dealer. He and his wife became the parents of five sons and one daughter, namely : Frank P., whose name stands at the head of this sketch ; E. J., who is in the employ of The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company ; John G., an engineer employed on

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

the Terminal Railroad, who lives in St. Louis, Mo .; Louis W., manager of the Imperial Laun- dry Company, at Albuquerque, New Mexico; Haubert B., a mechanical draughtsman and civii engineer, living at Saginaw, Mich .; Miss Marie, living with her mother in the old home at Decatur.

Mr. Biack received his early education in Catholic parochial schools and in the public and high schools of Decatur. He attended De- catur Business College for a time and during the years 1SS2-83 was a student at Notre Dame University, where he won honors In elocution, artistic penmanship, drawing and athietlcs. The first work in which he was engaged was carry- ing morning and evening papers, and selling Chicago and St. Louis papers on Saturdays, and later he became clerk In a furniture store. In 1884 he entered the empioy of W. F. Busher & Company, shoe dealers, of which firm his father was a member. The partnership was dissolved in 1885 and Frank P. Black entered into partnership with his father in the same business, in Decatur. Although a liberal pat- ronage was extended to the company, a chain of unfavorable circumstances caused their fail- ure in 1887. Mr. Biack was employed for a time as reporter, and city editor of various local papers, and then he established in his home town, a Catholic newspaper, entitled "The Cath- olic Eye." He was compelled to discontinue this publication in 18SS, however, on account of lack of capital. He next established a produce and vegetable business, using the name Blax Green Grocery, but disposed of his Interest in 1889 and accepted a position as traveling salesman for a Boston shoe house, a line for which he was well fitted by training and experience.

In 1891 Mr. Black took up the business of ad- vertising, soliciting contracts to furnish various kinds of special advertising. He furnished pro- grams for Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Balley, and Forepaugh, in the show business, and later contracted to furnish special programs for race meets. In the latter line he established an en- viable reputation, his programs being novel and attractive, showing the colors worn by the vari- ous drivers or jockeys, the numbers, the names of the horses, and giving other interesting and valuable information. He furnished them for race meets in nearly every large city in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was also employed at times as Clerk of the race course and Starting Judge. His services were in great demand, not only in America, but he received offers of positions in England, Australia and France, to furnish programs similar to the ones which had gained him such a wide reputation at home. While thus en- gaged he spent the winter months in Decatur and Springfield, devoting his time to newspaper and advertising work. In 1894 he gave up trav- eling to assume the management of the O. & W. Shoe Company's store in Decatur, and while thus employed a special representative of Paine's Pyrotechnical Display Company, of

New York City, called upon him with an offer of a salary of three hundred dollars per month and expenses, to travel as their advertising representative, through Europe, but for the second time he refused an opportunity to go abroad, on account of home tles. While living in Decatur he was for some time manager of the Riverside Park Theater, and the Crown Roiier Skating Pavilion. He was also inter- ested in establishing trading stamp stores in various Iliinols cities

In 1896 Mr Black removed with his family to Shelbyville, Ill., where he managed a shoe and gents' furnishing business for B. P. Dear- ing, holding this position until the death of his wife, after which he accepted a position of traveling salesman for the Hendricks Vance Sinoe Company, of Indianapolis. Soon after- ward, however, he turned his attention to ad- vertising and special newspaper work, in which he had had considerabie experience, and for which he had naturai ability. He published severai newspaper editions of the industrial and business interests of various cities, and in 1889 formed a partnership in the business of Mr. H. C. Hyer, which lasted one year, then both entered the employ of The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, publishers of State and county historical works. Mr. Black remained with the firm until 1905, then entered the em- pioy of the Munseil Publishing Company, of Chicago.

On October 27, 1886, at Shelbyvilie, Ill., was soiemnized the marriage of Mr. Biack and Mary Loulse, daughter of Mathias and Mary Ann (Kinsiey) Diliey, who was born in Tren- ton, N. J., September 5, 1863. Her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother of Dub- lin, Ireland, and both are now deceased. Five children were born of this union: Francis, born July 26, 1887, and Gertrude. born March 23, 1888, both deceased ; Ethel L. M., born February 12, 1889, a stenographer and book-keeper in the employ of the Mitchell Drug Company, Spring- field; Grace E., born January 1, 1891, wife of William Mckinney, of Chicago; Ruth F., born September 18, 1892. a trimmer in the millinery department of the firm of Westenberger & Wet- terer, of Springfield. The three last-named were educated in the Ursuline and Sacred Heart academies in Springfield. The mother of these children died November 28, 1898.

Mr. Biack was married (second) at St. Mal- achi's Catholic Church in Geneseo, Ill., to Miss Minnie Schaefer, born in Hampton, Ill., August 12, 1877, daughter of Adolph and Catherine (Dodt) Schaefer, both natives of Germany. who were married at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., when - Mr. Schaefer was leader of the Fifth United States Infantry Band. This band ac- companied President Grant when he made a tour of the country. Mr. Schaefer gave lessons on the flute to Gen. Nelson A. Miles, and is an accomplished musician. He is now in the em- ploy of B. F. Bowen & Company, publishers of historical works. By his second marriage Mr.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Biack has had four children : Catherine Leonora, born December 21, 1902; Mary Louise, August 9, 1904; Frances Pauline, December 9, 1906; Henrietta Margarette, November 25, 1908.

Mr. Biack served eight years as a member of Company H, Fifth Regiment Illinois National Guard, and saw active service in several strikes and riots. He and the other members of the family are identified with St. Agnes Catholic Church of Springfield, and in politics he is a Democrat in National and State politics, but in local ciections favors the men and measures he thinks will best represent the interests of the people. He has never sought public office. He is possessed of more than ordinary ability as a salesman and solicitor and has been very suc- cessful along severai lines of work in this capacity.

BLACK, George N .- Probably there is no one man in the history of Springfield and Sanga- mon County whose labor, influence and co- operation have been a stronger moving element in their business, political. intellectual and moral development, than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Black rose to prominence through the inherent force of his character, the exer- cise of his native talent and utilization of op- portunities, and the high regard in which he was uniformly held comes through the fact that he was largely an ideal of American manhood. Whiic he had controlled extensive and impor- tant business interprises, they were largely of the character that promote public progress as well as individual prosperity, and his efforts were directed along many lines in which the community has been the sole recipient of benefit. His connection with the public inter- ests of the city were of a mnost practical and helpful character, for he aided in shaping the municipal policy and in promoting the edu- cational, æsthetic and moral development of Springfield. His patriotic citizenship and in- terest in community affairs found manifestation in his zealous iabors for improvements instituted through aldermanic measures. through his efforts in the upbuilding of the public library, and through the institutions of many trade in- terests affecting the material growth of this portion of the State.

Mr. Black was born in Berkshire County, Mass., March 15, 1833, a son of William M. and Persis (Fuller) Black. In the paternal line he was descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His grandfather, who came from Scot- land to America in 1775, served for two years as a captain in the American Army and then as Clothier General of the State of New York, throughout the remaining period of the war. In the maternal line Mr. Black was a direct de- scendant of John Alden and Dr. Samuel Fuller. both of whom came to America in the May- flower in 1620. Mr. Biack's death occurred April 22, 1908, and the city lost one whom it

had come to hold in the highest regard and es- teem.

After attending the public schools Mr. Black acquired an academic education and at the age of fifteen years came West, locating in Van- dalia, Ill., where he engaged in clerking for his brother in a general store for two years. In 1850 he came to Spriugfieid and began his busi- ness career as a clerk in the dry goods house of Coionel John Williams, whom he served in that capacity for six years and then became a part- ner in the business, this relation being main- tained for twenty-five years, during which time the enterprise proved a highly profitable one. In later years Mr. Biack had been eugaged in the promotion of various interests, and suc- cess in a marked degree always attended his ventures. He was President of the Aetna Foundry and Machine Company and a former Director and Treasurer of the Springfield Furniture Company. He was also the sole owner of the business conducted under the name of the Barclay Coal and Mining Company, of Springfield, and a Director of the Sangamon Loan & Trust Company, of the Springfield Iron Company and of the Springfield Electric Light and Power Company, ali of which are prosper- ous concerns and are important factors in the business and commercial life of the city.

No citizen took a more active interest in the developinent of Springfield or worked harder to secure its growth than did Mr. Black, who gave freely of his time and means for the establisil- ment of manufactories and the building of raii- roads, upon which two enterprises the building and prosperity of a city always depend. IIe was instrumental in the building of the Pana,

Springfield & Northwestern Railroad and was a Director and Secretary of the company for many years; this line is now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern. He was one of the ten influential men who built tile Gillman, Clinton & Springfield Railroad, now a branch of the Illinois Central, and served as a Director and Treasurer of the company. He was one of the prime movers toward securing contributions for the Springfield & Northwest- ern Railroad, contributing most generously him- self, and continued to operate the road as Re- ceiver and General Manager until 1880, when it passed into the hands of the Wabash Railroad Company. He was one of the promoters and a Director of the St. Louis, Peoria and Northern Railroad Company, and through the advance- ment of shipping facilities he. contributed in no small measure to the material upbuilding of Springfield and to the development of nat- ural resources of this portion of the State.

Mr. Black also took an active interest in city and State politics. He served as a member of the Municipal Council and for sixteen years was Recciver for the United States Land Office at Springfield, to which position he was ap- pointed by President Lincoln in 1861. He was an active and an influential Republican and for

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

eighteen years was Chairman of the Republi- can Central Committee, showing in his control of the political forces strong powers of manage- ment and thorough understanding of the con- ditions, and so controllig all factional elements as to produce harmonious results.

Mr. Black, being a lover of books, had one of the finest private libraries in Springfield, embracing many choice and rare volumes. He was Director of the City Public Library from its establishmeut and was iater President of the same. He traveled extensively throughout America and the Old World and was a man of wide iuformation, possessing that liberal cul- ture which comes from travel and study. He was noted for his social quallties, as well as for his eminent business ability, and in re- ligious faith he was a Presbyteriau, having been a regular attendant at the First Presbyterian Church since he first came to this city.

On the 24th of October, 1859, Mr. Black was married to Miss Louisa I. Williams, of Spring- field, Ill., and they became the parents of four chiidreu, of whom two are living : John W. and Anna Louisa, the latter the wife of Dr. Ster- icker, of Springfield. The family has long maintained a foremost position in the leading social circles of the city. Mr. Black, however, numbered his friends in all walks of life, for he was ever quick to note true character worth, aud upright manhood could always win his re- spect and friendship. On the other hand, there is no man in Springfield who did not honor and esteem George N. Black, for throughout his entire career he manifested those sterling traits -honor in business, patriotism in citizenship and fidelity in social and home relations- which in every land and clime command con- fidence and good will.

BLACK, Henry Ciay (deceased) .- Faithful per- formance of duty, earnest endeavor, kindness of heart and honesty of purpose were a few of the striking traits of character of the late Henry Clay Black, formerly a resident of No. 1117 South Third Street, Springfield. He was born in Bond County, Ill., January 22, 1848, a son of James R. and Sarah (White) Black. The education of Henry Clay Black was ob- tained in the country schools of Macon County, and he continued to reside with his parents for several years after leaving school, learning the blacksmith trade. In 1883 he came to Spring- field, where he obtained employment with the Wabash Railroad Company, and continued with that concern until his death. His faithfulness and conscientiousness made him a valued em- ploye and his loss was felt by the company and his fellow workers. He was an Odd Fellow, belonging to Dove Lodge No. 600, of Warrens- · burg. Ill political faith he was a Republican, but never cared for public honors. Early in life he joined the Presbyterian Church. The death of Mr. Black occurred May 22, 1889, and his re- mains were interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery,

where his last resting place is marked by a beautiful mouument, put up by his sorrowing family.

The marriage of Mr. Black occurred iu Macon Couuty, Ill., September 16, 1877, when he was united with Ellen Cline, born September 21, 1841, in Montgomery County, Ill., daughter of Reuben and Sarah Cline. By a former mar- riage Mrs. Black had one child, Cora, born in Litchfield, Ill., May 18, 1865, who married Frank Underwood, an engineer in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. Mr. Under- wood came from Van Wert County, Ohio. Mrs. Underwood died, leaving two children: Frauk, who died in 1893, and Kern who lives with his grandmother. Mrs. Black is a charming lady, beloved by her family. She has known much trouble but bears it with Christian fortitude and tries to forget her own sorrow in minister- ing to others.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 12

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