Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 109

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 109

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

NORTH, Frank R., proprietor of the North Transfer Company at Nos. 417 and 419 S. Court street, with residence at No. 812 Woodlawn ave- nue, is one of the best kuown and most highly respected men of Rockford. He was born in Susquehannah County, Pa., November 25, 1850, a son of Horatio and Mary A. (Linderman) North. The parents were both born at Ithaca, N. Y., where they married. Until he was forty- five years old, the father was a shoemaker, but at that time, upon coming to Illinois, and locat- ing in Boone County, he rented land in Mau- chester Township, and engaged in farming. In a short time he was able to buy land, and improved it, living upon it for twenty years. He then sold it and secured property at Rock- ford, where he lived until his death when he was eighty-seven years old. The mother died at the age of eighty-two years. The father was a Republican, and he and the mother were con- sistent members of the Methodist Church. The paternal grandfather was a hotel man for a number of years, but later bought farm land in Crawford County, Pa., where he and the grand- mother both died.

Until he was five years old, Frank R. North lived in his native county, but in that fall he was brought to the vicinity of Beloit, Wis., where he remained until he was twelve years old. He then began working as a farm hand for the neighbors, and later went to Chicago where he engaged in teaming between Chicago and Riverside for six years. He was then engaged by the wholesale grocery house of W. T. Allen & Company, leaving that concern to go with the Boys-Fay & Conkey Company, wholesale gro- cers. After eight years' faithful service with that house, he came to Rockford, and was encouraged by conditions to establish his pres- ent transfer and drayage business, which he still continues. He is one of the best examples of a self-made man Rockford possesses. Begin- ning to be self-supporting at an age when the majority of lads are still regarded as helpless, he has steadily worked his way upward, and deserves unlimited credit for what he has accomplished. Mr. North owns 132 feet on Woodlawn avenue, on which he has a com- fortable modern residence, and he is erecting a fine modern flat building ou the north side of the same property. In addition to this, he owus his storage warerooms aud office at 417 and 419 S. Court street, and all of this property has been bought from his own earnings.

On August 25. 1880, Mr. North was married to Miss Nellie Doyle, a daughter of James and Mary (Maddigan) Doyle, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle were natives of Ireland who came to the United States at an early day, and located at Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. North became the par- ents of three children, namely : Bert, who died in infancy : Bessie Josephine, and Charles Nel- son. Mr. North is a Republican. He and his wife belong to the Methodist church, and are very highly esteemed in it as they are wherever known.

NORTON, Marcus Aurelius, county clerk of Winnebago County, and one of the most promi- nent men of this section, whose long and faith- ful service to the public merits unusual recog- nition, was born in Bridgewater, Mich., January 16, 1841, a son of Howel B. and Margaret (Cross) Norton. The family moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., when he was a child, and he be- gan his attendauce upon the public schools there, continuing his education at Rockford, to which place the family moved when he was eleven years old. He learned the moulder's trade and worked at it until the outbreak of the Civil war.

Ou September 1, 1861, Mr. Norton enlisted at Chicago, in Company G, Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to General Sigel's command. The regiment was sent to Missouri to assist in operating against General Bragg. After the battle of Pea Ridge, it went to Batesville and later was ordered to report to General Hallock in front of Corinth. After the battle of Shiloh and the evacuation of Corinth, the regiment joined General Pope and remained at Rienzi, fifteen miles south of Corinth, all sum- mer. In the fall the regiment was sent again against Bragg, and was later assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles of Perry Hill, Stone River and Chick- amauga. Mr. Norton continued with the Army of the Cumberland until the expiration of his term of service. After the capture of Atlanta, on September 15, 1864, he was honorably dis- charged at Atlanta, Ga. He was wounded and captured at Chickamauga, afterward was pa- roled and was detailed as a clerk in the Med- ical Director's office at Louisville, and was later given a furlough. After a month spent at Rock- ford, he returned to his command and continued to serve as a paroled prisoner in the Parole Camp at Benton Barracks, Mo., until he was allowed to return to his regimeut. His injury at Chickamauga was serious, as a bullet struck him in the lower part of the back, and glanced up and came out near the pit of his arm. This wound bled so profusely that he fell from weak- ness, and thus was captured by the enemy. His captors removed him from his position where he was then in danger of fire, as the district was burning, and they even filled his canteen and made him as comfortable as possible. Captain Hodges. of the Thirty-sixth Illinois, was also wounded, aud the two were placed together. After Mr. Norton's wound had been cleaned and dressed on the field, he was taken to a hos- pital. and although held a prisoner, was given excellent care. After his recovery he was pa- roled, as mentioned above. Mr. Norton had been reported killed, and the first intimation his fam- ily received that this was fortunately untrue was when he was found by his brother while convalescent. At one time during his military service Mr. Norton was honored by being chosen to bear a flag of truce to the enemy's lines to ask for a cessation of hostilities until a fire then raging could be checked. The request was granted. and soldiers from both sides united in

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the work of putting out the fire in the timber which was a menace to all.

After returning home, following his discharge, Mr. Norton worked at his trade until he was elected county clerk, in 1886, and he has suc- ceeded himself in this office ever since, being one of the most efficient officials the county pos- sesses. He is a member of the G. A. R., and was commander of Nevius Post for some time. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the Eastern Star, the Elks, and several other organ- izations. The Christian Union Church holds his membership.

On May 9, 1866, Mr. Norton was married (first) to Henrietta Gardner, step-daughter of David Reynolds and Martha (Braden) Reyn- olds. Mrs. Norton died June 11, 1899. Their one child died in infancy, On May 1, 1907, Mr. Norton was married (second) to Mrs. Sarah J. Holcomb, a daughter of Jerry and Celia Lillie, and widow of Thomas Holcomb.

OBERG, Alfred, foreman of the carving depart- ment of the Rockford Standard Furniture Com- pany, is a man who not only possesses practical skill but artistic perceptions as well and is justly counted as one of the most valuable men in his line in Rockford. He was born in Sweden, August 7, 1872, and there educated, coming to the United States in 1891, and locating at Rock- ford on November 22 of that same year.

After working for the West End Furniture Company for a short time, Mr. Oberg spent nine years in the employ of the Scandia Furniture Company and then learned the carving trade in which he developed great efficiency. He went to Chicago for a year, gaining thereby valuable ex- perience, and upon his return spent two years more with the Scandia Furniture Company. For the following year he was with the Forest City Furniture Company, and then, in 1903, entered the employ of his present company as foreman, and has so continued ever since. He owns stock in the company and is a man of considerable means.

On May 24, 1902, Mr. Oberg was married at Kewanee, Ill., to Ganey Gustavson, and their children are as follows: Martha, Marion, Gust and S. Stanley. Mr. Oberg belongs to several insurance organizations. He attends the Chris- tian Tabernacle. In politics he is a Republican, Steady, hardworking and reliable Mr. Oberg de- serves the prosperity which is his and stands very high among his associates.

OGILBY, Wallace C., partner of the Ogilby- . Lind Furniture Company, is one of the substan- tial young business men of the Forest City, and one who stands very high in public estimation. He is a native son of Rockford, born November 18, 1892. His father, Frederick Ogilby, was also born at Rockford and here received his educa- tional and business training, first engaging in farming, and later in a grocery business on South Winnebago street. For twelve years Frederick Ogilby conducted this grocery. He died in 1904, aged forty-nine years. He was a

Republican politically, and was a member of the South Winnebago Street Church, Rockford. His fraternal connections were with the Odd Fellows. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ida Peterson, survives and lives with her son, Wallace C.

Wallace C. Ogilby was educated in the Rock- ford schools, and then took a trip through west- ern Canada, visiting Saskatchewan, Medicine Hat, Regina, Saskatoon and other points of in- terest in the Dominion, but returned to Rock- ford to pursue a business life. Here, for a year, he was with the Barber-Coleman Company, ma- chinists. On leaving this concern he went with the Illinois Central Railroad as billing clerk, and after two years became associated with D. R. Mead in the furniture business on South Main street. Within a short time he was made secretary and manager of the East State Street Furniture store, and a stockholder in the com- pany. The company still maintains the furni- ture business on South Main street, as well as the one on East State street, of which Mr. Ogilby was in charge until September 1, 1912, when he purchased a half interest with Henry Lind and continues under the name of the Ogilby-Lind Furniture Company.

In 1914 Mr. Ogilby was married to Miss Ruth Trahern, a daughter of Harvey and Ada (Keeney) Trahern, of Rockford, Mr. Trahern being one of the proprietors of the Rockford Brass Works. In politics Mr. Ogilby is a Repub- lican, while his fraternal relations are with the Masonic order. A young man of unusual busi- ness ability, he has steadily advanced until he stands among the leaders in his line. Mr. Ogilby understands his business thoroughly and as his success has been secured through honorable methods and application of sound business prin- ciples, it is deserved.

OHLIN, Adolph, president of the Rockford Cedar Furniture Company, with residence at No. 1520 Eighth street, is the executive head of a concern whose product has gained a widespread popu- larity and is recognized as a leader in its line in the country. The factory is located at the corner of Tenth street and Eleventh avenue, and is one of the important manufacturing plants of Rockford. Mr. Ohlin was born in Sweden, September 11, 1870, and there educated, He remained at home until April 8, 1888, when he came to the United States.

After his arrival in this country Adolph Ohlin came as far west as Pullman, Ill., where for three years he was employed in the shops at that point, and then went to Chicago. In 1891 he obtained employment with the Smith & Bauer Piano Company, but in 1892 left that concern to come to Rockford, where he worked in furni- ture factories until 1897. Then he went to Oregon, Ill., and was employed by the Schiller Piano Company and was one of that concern's valued employes until 1902, when he returned to Chicago and spent a year as foreman of the Hobart M. Cable Piano Company. In November, 1902, he came back to Rockford and was a fore.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

man for the Haddorff Piano Company until 1911, when, with others, comprising John Erick- son, Casper Hallberg and Oscar Berjsten, he organized the Rockford Cedar Furniture Com- pany, for the purpose of manufacturing cedar chests and wardrobes. He has been the presi- dent of the company since its organization and much of the present prosperous condition is due to his intelligent management and far-sighted policy. The product is shipped from coast to coast and to Canada.

In 1898 Mr. Ohlin was married to Amanda Erickson, and they have two children : Adolph E. and Mildred, both of whom are at home. Mr. Ohlin belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Lyran Society. A skilled mechanic and a sound busi- ness man, Mr. Ohlin has been able to direct the affairs of his company and produce enviable results that place him among the successful men of his time and community.

OKERBERG, Erick. The late Erick Okerberg was the pioneer jeweler of Moline, Ill., and a man so widely known as to belong to all this section of Illinois. He was the father of Mrs. Augustus Nelson of Rockford. He was long one of the familiar figures on the streets of this city, and rightly deserves mention in a work of this class which seeks to honor those who have in any way contributed towards the upbuilding and prestige of Winnebago County. Mr. Oker- berg was born in Sweden, in July, 1821, and was there apprenticed to the watchmaking trade, which he learned thoroughily, later estab- lishing himself as a jeweler in his native land. In 1850 he left Sweden for the United States, and finding congenial conditions in Rock Island County, located at the capital of that county, where he remained for four years, and then moved his establishment to Moline. From the beginning he maintained the highest standard of excellence and the business he then founded is carried on along the same lines by his son, Erick, Jr. Until 1891 the elder Erick Okerberg continued the business, but ill health then forced him to retire. Mr. Okerberg was pos- sessed of exceptional skill as a jeweler and watchmaker, and many examples of his work are still in use at Moline and Rock Island. While he was in business in Sweden he made ninety- two watches. A clock that he made in 1856 is in use in the store he founded. He manufac- tured all his own regulators, and at the age of seventy-six years, completed a striking clock with every part of it his own handiwork.

After his retirement in 1891, Mr. Okerberg bought a farm three miles or more east of Mo- line, which is now East Moline, but he lived in Moline, residing at No. 764 Thirteenth street until his death. which occurred in 1904, when he was eighty-three years old. His widow sur- vives, and makes her home at Moline. When be was seventy-nine years old Mr. Okerberg took an interesting trip to Cuba for his health and while there bought considerable property.

On January 17, 1853, Mr. Okerberg was mar-

ried to Johanna Peterson, who came from Sweden to Moline in 1852. They had seven children, as follows : Emina, who married Au- gust P. Almgren of Chicago; Matilda, who mar- ried John A. Buford, and later Augustus Nelson, of Rockford ; Erick A., who is a jeweler ; Jennie, who is the wife of A. M. Anderson, of Columbia Park; Rosa, who is the wife of Carl Heine, of Chicago; Frank O., who is of Moline, Ill .; and Nellie, who lives with her mother.

OLSON, Gunard M. The ability and experience of some of Rockford's leading business men are recognized by capitalists of this and other cities, as is shown by their being chosen for positions of responsibility. An instance of this apprecia- tion is proved by the fact of the Hess Bros. & Co. department store, Rockford, in their selec- tion of Gunard M. Olson for their secretary, treasurer and manager. This popular establish- ment is located on E. State and Third streets, and is Rockford's largest department store, con- trolling an immense trade.

Gunard M. Olson was born in Smoland, Sweden, May 8, 1882, a son of John and Caro- line (Johnson) Olson, who were born near Kal- mer, Smoland, Sweden, and they came to the United States in 1886. They located at Chicago where the father conducted a coal and wood business until 1905, in which year the family came to Rockford and the parents live retired, their residence being No. 608 Gregory street. In politics John Olson is a Republican. He and wife belong to Zion Lutheran Church, and are esteemed as excellent people.

Gunard M. Olson spent his boyhood in Chi- cago, and attended its public schools. His first position with reference to earning money, was with the Chicago American, and he remained with this journal until 1903, when he engaged with the American Insurance Company. After three years, he went with the Barber-Coleman Company, and remained two years. In 1911 he became secretary and treasurer of the Hess Bros. & Co. department store, and three years later, on March 1, 1914, was made its manager. It probably would be difficult to find a man better fitted for the onerous duties Mr. Olson carries, and much of the popularity of this store un- doubtedly belongs to Mr. Olson's spirited busi- ness campaigns. He is a Republican. Emanuel Lutheran Church holds his membership and for ten years he has been one of its trustees. Dur- ing his earlier residence at Rockford, Mr. Olson took a trip that embraced a visit to his native land, Norway, Denmark, Germany and England, which was instructive and entertaining. Active, progressive, a hard worker and efficient man- ager, Mr. Olson deserves his business success and the confidence he inspires.

ORTH, Phillip, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and died in Winnebago County, III., in 1896. He came to the United States with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Orth, when a young man. The Orth family located in Rock Grove Township, Stephenson County, Ill., when

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it was still undeveloped, and there Phillip Orth married Annie Maria Jennewein, who died in 1906. She was a daughter of John Jennewein who came from Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, to Durand Township, Winnebago County, Ill., in 1845, and took up government land in Durand Township and Rock Run Township, Stephenson County. John Jennewein was one of the first settlers in Durand Township. At first he took his farm products to Chicago, one hundred miles distant. The first school was held in his home and he gave the land upon which the first school- house was erected. John Jennewein lived in Durand Township until his death in 1864, when he was sixty-five years old. His wife died a few years before.

Following his marriage, Phillip Orth farmed a part of his father-in-law's property, and then bought eighty acres of land on section 20, Durand Township, and still later eighty acres more, and continued to add to his holdings until he became a heavy landowner. He and his wife had the following children : Mrs. Jacob M. Best, Mary, Alfred, Barbara and Eva, all of whom are deceased; Jacob Lambert, who is living at Shell Rock, Iowa; Frank, who is in Minneapo- lis, Minn. ; Della, who married B. F. Hoover, lives in Stephenson County, Ill., Lottie, who lives in Durand Township, married August Helms ; and John, who lives in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Orth were members of the United Evangelical Church, and most excellent people. In politics Mr. Orth was a Republican, but he did not care for public honors.

OSBORN, Thomas F., foreman of the polishing department of the Schumann Piano Company, and a man of unusual ability and business acu- men, was born at Chicago, September 6, 1876. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, and began earning his own living when yet a lad, serving as errand boy for several stores before he began learning the machinist trade at which he worked for two years. He then engaged with the Kimball Piano Company and continued with it for about five years, when he was with George P. Bent of Chicago for two years. Leaving Chicago for Oregon, Ill., he was employed by the Schiller Piano Company for about eight years and then returned to Chicago to engage with the Schumann Piano Company. In about a year thereafter, when the plant was moved to Rockford, Mr. Osborn went with it, and has since continued with it, arriving in the city in 1904. He was then a polisher, and was pro- inoted to his present position five years ago.

Mr. Osborn was married to Tillie Ellis and they had one daughter, Ruby. After the death of the first Mrs. Osborn, Mr. Osborn married (second) Isabell McCormack. Mr. Osborn is a Mason and a member of the order of Ben Hur. Capable and expert, Mr. Osborn understands his business thoroughly, and while safeguarding the interests of his company, looks after his men by whom he is sincerely liked.

OVERHOLT, Earl D., manager of the National Five and Ten Cent Corporation, on Seventh street, Rockford, is one of the enterprising busi- ness men of the city. He stands very high in public estimation, and deserves the success he has attained. He was born at Taylorville, Ill., April 20, 1893, a son of Albert and Phoebe (Beaty) Overholt. The parents were born at Chillicothe, Ohio, but later moved to Taylor- ville, Ill., where the father became chief engineer for the Ora Home Milling Company at that point. He is now living retired. The mother also survives. The father is a Republican in politics, and fraternally belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.

Earl D. Overholt was reared in his native place and there educated. Going to Chicago, he connected himself with the Woolworth five and ten cent store at the corner of State and Monroe streets, and after eighteen months came to Rockford to become assistant in the store of that concern at the corner of E. State and N. Second streets. After a year, on April 15, 1915, he accepted his present position, and al- ready has justified his choice by the increase in business he has effected.

Mr. Overholt is essentially a self-made man. When a lad he began selling newspapers, saving all he could, and when he had accumulated $40 he bought an interest in a grocery. Still pru- dently saving all of his earnings he possibly could, he bought out his partner. In time he sold his business at a profit, and became associ- ated with the Litchfield Creamery Company, and for a year did very well, but he was attracted to the metropolis as a wider business field, and went to Chicago. There has been no wealth back of Mr. Overholt, nor any powerful outside interest ; he has simply been industrious, alert and economical, and used excellent judg- ment in making investments of time and money. He was married November 4, 1915, to Miss Floye Privott of Taylorville, Ill.

PADDEN, Edward, whose agricultural successes make him one of the representative farmers of Guildford Township, was born in this township, October 25, 1861, a son of John and Mary (Ford) Padden, natives of County Mayo, Ireland. Mrs. Padden with two brothers and a sister came to the United States about 1850, and located at Silver Creek, N. Y. A year later they came to Rockford and Mrs. Padden made her home with a Mr. Manning, a jeweler, and his family. Mr. Padden came to the United States in 1852, and was at Scranton, Pa., for a year, when he came to Rockford and worked as a farm hand until 1860, when he married, and bought four acres on sec- tion 23, Guilford Township, to which he added twenty-five acres, and still later, four acres. On October 25, 1889, he bought 105 acres on section 24, the same township, and moved to that farm. He remained on it until his death. About 1894 he sold the farm on section 23. In politics he was a Democrat, but never held any offices. The family belonged to the Catholic Church. These parents had four children, as follows : Edward ;

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Mary, who was born September 2, 1863, married Fred Shackell of Poplar Grove, Ill .; Anna, who was born November 12, 1865, married James Cook of Poplar Grove, Ill .; and John, who lives with his brother Edward, was born September 23, 1869. The father of these children died April 25, 1902, aged seventy-seven years, while the mother died November 3, 1910, aged seventy-five years.

Edward Padden was educated in the schools in his district, and took a two-years' course in a private school at Rockford, conducted by Pro- fessor Selby. He has spent his life on the home- stead farm, which he and his brother John bought after the death of the mother, and they work it in partnership. Both are unmarried. Edward Padden is a Republican. He has been a member of the township election board for over ten years, but never has aspired to office. He belongs to the Grange, and is an active factor in it. An industrious and thrifty man he has made his influence felt in his neighborhood, and stands very high in public esteem.

PAGE, Dorson D. The city of Rockford has its full share of men who, after many years of active business participation, have stepped aside from the paths of active labor in order to let pass the younger generation with its ambi- tion and enthusiasm. Among those who were long connected with enterprises here is Dorson D. Page, one of his city's well known and highly esteemed citizens, who is now living in com- fortable retirement at his pleasant home, No. 1204 Ferguson street.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 109

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972