History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Part 211

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 875

USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time > Part 211

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).

The school and Church history of Irving Park will be found in the sketch of Jefferson town. The popu- lation of Irving Park is now about seven hundred.

IRVING PARK BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOHN BUTLER, blacksmith and wagon-maker, at Gleeson's Corners, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, near the town of Bally Castle, about 1547. When he was about five years old his parents settled in Montreal, Canada. At the age of twelve he left home and went to live with a marriedl sister in Upper Canada. Ile was almost immediately bound as apprentice to the blacksmith trade, serving his time with the well-known carriage-maker George A. Brown. A few months after completing his apprenticeship he went to Albany. N. Y .. and froin there, after an interval, to New York City. In the latter city he became connected with the ller- ring Safe Company. In 1965 they sent him to Chicago to take charge of a department in the works in that city. Shortly after- ward hic engaged in contracting for the manufacture of the safes. hiring his own assistants. Ile remained with the Herring Safe Company about ten years, and then opened a large blacksmith and wagon making shop in Chicago. This continued until t882, when be removed to theeson's Corners Mr. Butler was married in Niles Center, Cook County, to Miss Elizabeth A. Gleeson, daugh- ter of Thomas Gleeson, of Jefferson. They have two children- Anna E. and May J.

RUSSELL Ó. DUNNING, commission merchant. Chicago, a son of D. S. Dunning, was born in DuPage County, III., Novem- ber 13. 1848 He graduated at the Cook County Normal School. at Englewood, a member of the first graduating class. Afterward he attended the Agricultural College, at Champaign. Ill., some two years. Ile removed to Cook County with his father in 1965, and remained associated with him in business until 1875, when the firm of K. O. Dunning & Co. was organized. He married in Jefferson Township, October 21, 1875, Miss Ellita Mercereau, of Jefferson. They have two children-Gertrude and Andrew.

JAMES T. GLEESON, proprietor of the Seven-Mile House, Gileeson's Corners, was born in the city of Chicago February 4. 1562, and was educated in the public schools. In esso he engaged In the saloon business in the city, which continued until 1551. when he took his present place. The Seven-Mile Hlouse is on the site of the old Buckhorn Tavern, which was kept by Major Noble for many years, and was a well-known landmark to the old settlers,

THOMAS GLEESON, old settler, was born in Queens County, Ireland, about ($22, The heads of the family for genera- tions had been stone cutters, and Thomas at an early age began the trade, which he followed in different parts of England until 1$54, when he emigrated and located in Westchester County, N. Y. In 1855 he came West and settled in Chicago. In 1857 he began business on his own account in contracting and building, which he continued until 1871, when he bought land in Jefferson Township, and removed to what is now known as Gleeson's Corner, the junction of FIston Road and Clybourn Avenue, where he erected several handsome buildings, and opened the "Seven Mile House." Hle operated this hotel until 1979, when he turned it over to his son. During his residence in the city Mr. Gleesan Imih the North Skle water works, the residences of George MI. Pullman, G. M. Thompson, three or four of the most prominent churches in the city, and many other private and public buildings. Mr. Gleeson was married in Queens County. Ireland, to Miss Elizabeth M. Dugan, of that county. Mrs. Gleeson's mother lives with them, still active. though over one hundred years old, Mr. and Mrs. Gleeson have four children-Edward, James T., John, and Eliza, now Mrs. Butler.

11IRAM F. HOLCOMB, president Holcomb Manufacturing & Plating Company, Chicago, was born in Windsor, Conn .. December t1, 1834. At the age of fourteen years he entered the employ of the Rogers Brothers, manufacturers of silver-plated ware, Hartford, Conn. Ile afterwards followed the same trade in New York and Philadelphia. In the spring of 1860 he settled in Chicago, where he connected himself with plating works, and was in business for himself for a time. Then selling out to the Chi-

cago Nickel Plating Works, he acted as their superintendent for twelve years. In tsSi he organized the Holcomb Manufacturing Company, and has done a very successful business. He employs eleven men in the manufacture of plated ware, making a specialty of fine bronzing. He has been a resident of Irving Park some ten years. During that time he has been a member of the Board of Trustees five years, being three years I'resident of the Board. Ile is at the present time president of the school board. Mr. Holcomb is a member of Garden City Lodge. No. 141. A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 43; St. Bernard Commandery, No. 35: and Oriental Consistory, S. P. R. S. Ile is a P. W. M. of Garden City Lodge, and was grand lecturer of the State about three years. Ile is also a member of Home Lodge, No. 416, I. O. O. F., and Chicago Encampment No. to,

WILLIAM JOHNSON, Township Assessor, was elected to his first term in the spring of 1882, and re-elected the following year. Ile was born in Sweden December 24, 1832. As a boy he adopted the life of a sulor, and followed this upon the sea until 1852. In that year he located in Chicago, sailing upon the lakes until 1857. Hle then removed to Minnesota, where he engaged in farming in Wright County until 1865. After an interval devoted to mining in Idaho Territory, he returned to Chicago, where he opened a boot and shoe store. In ts6; he sold out and stbse- quently engaged in fishing some four years. After this he kept a toll gate on the Elston Road some two years, then bought a country store business, which he operated about two years, since then has engaged in farming and gardening. He was married in Chicago, March 20, 1867, to Miss Minnie S. Brown, a native of Sweden. They have five children-1.otta, Charles W., Clara, Lida and Edna. Mr. Johnson is a member of Providence Lodge, No. 710, Λ. F. & A. M.

GEORGE W. JONES, Postmaster and dealer in groceries, provisions, coal, etc. The business was established in 1870 by Kace & Co., whom Mr. Jones bought out in 1883. Mr. Jones was born in St. Lawrence County, N. V., in 1838. He began business life in Sandusky City, Ohio, and afterward engaged in the lumber business in Sanilac County. Mich. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 3d thio Cavalry, and served until the chose of the war. Ile was l'ontmaster of the cavalry department of the Army of the ('umberland, with the pay of a lieutenant-Colonel. In 1865 he returned to Sandusky City, where he was on the staff of the San- dusky Daily Register until 1968, when he removed to Chicago, In this city he engaged in dealing in grates and mantels, afterward ackling the tin and galvanized iron manufacture. Selling out the former department in 1870, he continued in the latter until 1878. From that time until 1883 he engaged in mining in Col. orado and New Mexico, Mr Jones was married in Sandusky, Ohio, May 30, 1966, to Miss Rose, M. Dewey, of that rity. They have three children-George C., Irving P'. (the first child born in Irving Park) and Rosa M. Mr. Jones is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the G. A. R. of Colorado. Ile is still Mayor of the town of Maysville, Colorado. Ile has been a delegate to both county and State conventions.

R. R. MATES, architect and contractor, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in January. 1933. In 1849 he came to the United States and located in Chicago, where he learned the car- penter's trade, serving his time with Jacob Harris. In 1853 he removed to Barrington Township and engaged in contracting and building on his own account, and resided there until the breaking out of the war. Ile enlisted in the early part of 1862, in Company E, 113th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately elected Third Sergeant. After the fall of Vicksburg, he raised a company of colored troops in Corinth, Mississippi, which was mustered into the service as the Second United States Heavy Artillery, shortly afterward changed into Company E, tith United States Colored Infantry, of which he was appointed Second Lieutenant, and remained with them until the close of the war. Mr. Mates during his services took part in the siege of Vicksburg, and battles connected therewith, Arkansas Post, etc., and had inany engage- ments with colored troops against General Forrest and others. On the che of the war he returned to Barrington and resumed his pro- fession. In 1869 he settled in Irving l'ark, where he has since resided. Ile has built all the principal residences in Irving Park, in addition to many in Barrington, Wauconda, Zurich, etc. Mr. Mates was married in Lake County, Ill., January 4. 1859. to Miss Annie Laurie, daughter of Jolin Murphy, a wealthy farmer of Lake County, who came to Chicago in 1836, and after ten years' resl- dence there settled on Government land. Their children are- lillie, now Mrs. J. Lanborg, Fred and Frank (twins), Charles and Richard.

11. REHWOLDT, architect, Chicago, was born in Mecklen- burg-Schwerin, Germany, in 1832. After leaving school, he began the study of architecture, spending some time under the instruction of the master mason engaged in the building of the ducal palace at Schwerin. In 1852, he came to the United States and was engaged

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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY.

as architectural draughtsman in Memphis, Tenn., many years. In 1862 he settled in Chicago, and five or six years later opened an office on his own account. He has been largely engaged in church work since that time, the St. Joseph convent, ilestruyed in the fire of 15;t, being an example. Ile hastlesigned most of the residences in Irving l'ark, having resided there since 1570.

M. 11. REYNOLDS, M. A .. clerk of the Board of Trustees, was first elected to his present position in 1879, and re-elected in 1880. 1882 and 1883. He was born in Putnam County, N. Y .. March 12, 1944. Ilis parents moved to Katonah, Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1847. He was partially educated there, afterwaril pursuing his studies in Genesce Wesleyan Seminary, the L'aiversity of Michi- Kan, and finally entering the Rochester I'niversity, from which he graduated in 1866, with the degree .A. B . the degree M. . \. being confered by his als .. mater in 186g. In 1866 he located in t'hicago, and engaged in reading law: was admitted to the Itar in 1967. and immediately engaged in practice in the city, which continued until he removed to Irving Park about t8;t. "Here he engaged in the practice of his profession; also dealing in real estate. until clerted Clerk. Mr. Reynolds was marriedt in Lockport, N. Y., in tsto, to Miss Matilda L. Hunting, of that city. They have four children- Fred 11., Josephine G., Ralph R. and Alice. ;

HUMBOLDT PARK,

Humboldt Park P. O., commonly called Humboldt, is a thriving suburb of Chicago, situated immediately north of Humboldt Park. The original plat comprises eighty acres-the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 36. Township 40, Range 13. cast, By streets it is bounded as follows: north by Armitage Avenue; east by California Avenue; south by North Avenue, and west by Humboldt Boulevard. Prior to 1870 this cighty-acre tract was surrounded by a common rail fence and planted to corn. A frame shanty was the only residence upon it. The location is on a ridge from seventeen lo nineteen feet above the Chicago datums. At the time above mentioned it was owned by Burling & Davis, of New York City, hut during this year 1870 it was sold to Hansbrough & Hess for $2.500 per acre. They divuled the tract into sixteen blocks, with the fol- lowing streets: Humboldt, Heine and Mozart running north and south, and Cortland, Bloomington and Wan- bansia running east and west. About this time Henry Greenebaum became interested in the suburb, and made such immediate and extensive improvements in the place that its success was at once assured, from which fact he became known as the " Father of Humboldt Park " He was very enthusiastic as to its carly devel- opment, on account of its proximity to the park bearing the same name and its nearness to Chicago. He erected four houses-very neat two-story frame structures- at a cost of $2,000 each, for which he soon found pur- chasers. This was in 1872. By the time there were thirty houses in the suburb Mr. Greenebaum procured the organization of the Humboldt Park Literary Union, which furnishes social and literary advantages for such as desire to avail themselves of them. Humboldt Park lunlge, No. 658. 1. O. O. F., was organized also almt the same time. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company extended a branch road to the place am erected a deput there, thus providing easy access to the chy, and the street-car tracks were extended from Milwaukee Avenue along North Avenue to California Avenue, thus adding the great advantages of street-car communication with the city of Chicago, The post- office was secured early in the history of the place, a drug store was established and now there are, besides, a number of other stores. Settlement is now extending west of the boulevard and east of California Avenue. and there are aboutt fifteen hundred people there in all. The population is composed of Americans, Germans and Scandinavians, and are peaccable and industrious. Up to the present tinte they have depended on wells for

water, but now there is an attempt being made to obtain water by connection with the city water works.

HUMBOLDT PARK BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

MARTIN BROSTMEYER, of the firm of Freese & Brost. meyer, was born in llesse-Cassel, Hiermany. December 31. 18;3. where he was educated. At the age of fourteen he commenced the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed there until 1870, when he came to the United States and settled in Chicago. Ile has since been engaged constantly at his trade. Ile was married in Chicago, September 19, 1880, to Miss Annie Laulerbach, a native of Penn- sylvania. Mr. Brostmeyer is a member of the Social Workmen of Chicago.

CHARLES D. CAMP, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in Wayne, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. November 25, 1844. Ile went to Cleveland in 1857 and attended school two years, after which he was employed as a clerk in the City Bank of Cleveland until enlisting, April 19, 1862, in the 841h Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three months, The regiment was mustered out September 20, of this same year, and nn reorganizing for three years was consoli- dateil with the 124th Ohin. He was a member of Company li of the 124th until October, 1863, when he was discharged for disa. bility. Returning to Cleveland, he engaged in telegraph and rail- way service, in connection with which he came to Chicago in 1864, and was afterward stationed at Fort Wayne. St. Louis, Decatur and Springfield in the same service. He commenced the study of meilicine at Springfield, III .. in 1874, attending St. Louis Medical College, and after practicing a short time removeil to Chicago in 1275, He attended Rush Medical College the following winter. and commenced practice in Chicago in the spring of 1879, which he has continued to date. Dr. C'amp is a member of the Chicago l'athological Society, is a Royal Arch Mason, Surgeon of Post No. 29, 4%. A. R., member of Chicago Council, No. 6, Order of Chosen Friends, and of the Telegraphers' Mutual Benefit Association; for the last two societies he is medical examiner.

I. C. CERTI, manufacturer and dealer in all kinds of furni. ture. The business was established originally in Chicago in 1875. and removed lo present stand in 1863. lle keeps a full line of gouds: having the only store of the kind in town. Mr. C'urth was born in the Khinish Provinces nf Prussia, August 8, 1848. After leav- ing school he learned the trade of cabinet-maker and wood-worker. In 150; he came to the United States, Incaling in Baltimore, follow- ing his trade there and in other parts of the United States until le settled in Chicago in 1875. Hle was married in Baltimure. April, 1866. 10 Miss Danner, n native uf Berlin, Prussia. They have four children-William, John, Albert and Emma. Mr. Curth is a mem- ber nf K. of P., 1. O. O. F., and of the Turn Verein.

FITZPATRICK BROS., dealers in groceries and provisions, were born in Chicago. Thomas E. Fitzpatrick formerly engaged in saw-milling and himber business in Michigan and Arkansas. Bernard Fitzpatrick was for some years a draughtsman in the L'ity Engineer's office, Chicago: afterward engaged upon topographical work in Mexico, and later in Oregon.

FREESE & BROSTMEYER, wholesale manufacturers of bedsteads of all descriptions. This, though a young firm, already gives promise, their business being an increasing one. The firm was organized in 1883, when their present building was erected. They employ fourteen hands and turn out ten dozen bedsteads weekly. John 11. Freese was born in the city of Oldenburg, Ger- many, April 6, 1859. lle engaged in cabinet-making with his father at an early age. In 1975 he came to the United States and settled in Chicago, where he engaged in wood turning natil the present firm was organized, lle was married in Chicago May 20, 1881. 10 Miss Rumsfeld, a native of Oldenburg. They have one daughter, Alma.

FREESE & HAMLINE, wholesale manufacturers of bureaus, bereau frames and wash-stands, This business was originally es- tablisheet in 1972 lw Freese & L'o., the four partners doing all the work, aut was subsequently enlarged frum time in time. The buildings they now occupy were erected in 1980. The main build- ing is a frame Jructure, 00x124 feet in area, three stories in height. In adhtion in this they have a brick building. 35x65 feet, two stories, containing the drying kilns, engines and boilers. They employ sixty seven persons and turn out eighty-five pieces daily. J. D. F'reese, the senior member of the firm, was born in Oldeu- burg. Germany, February t, 1851. After leaving school he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and followedl it in Germany until rafn. In that year he came to the U'nited States, and after working at his trade one year in Marengo, lowa, he bnally settled in Chicago, where he worked as a journeyman until he startedl for himself m 1572. lle was married in Chicago October 3, 1872, to Miss t'ank line Lehmkuhl, a native of Ohlenburg, Germany. They have there children-Herman. Henry and Ida.

R &' FRERKSEN, Pustmaster, and drater in drugs, fancy gonds, elc., was born in schleswig-holstein, Germans

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON.

to the United States in 1868, settling in Chicago, where he engaged in clerking. In 1974 he began clerking in drugs, continuing in this capacity until 1852, when he established the business which he now operatex. In November, 1882, he was appointedl l'est master. Mr. Frerkset: is a graduate from the Chicago College of l'harmary.

JULIUS T. GIL.MERTSON. grocer, established business May, 1853. Ile was born in Christiana, Norway, August 8, 1838, lle was apprenticed to the grocery business at the age of fifteen. and continued in it there until 1867, when he came to the United States and settled in Chicago. Ilere he engaged in general occupa- tions until 1876, when he entered the emplay of Sprague. Warner & Co., with whom he remained until 1883. Ile was married in Christiana, Norway, to Miss Nine Evanson. Mr. Gilbertson is a member of the Scandia Lodge, No. 1211, K. of 11.

JOHNSON & ELLERSON, manufacturers of sideboards. center tables, etc. The business was originally established in Chi- cago in 1877. then employing some eight or ten men. Their present establishment was erected in t483. It is a frame building. three stories in hight, 40x90 feet in arca. They employ thirty-five men and turn out abrit Son pieces monthly. Astux Jottssux, the senior member of the firm, was born in Norway March 7. 1846. After leaving school, at the age of fourteen years, he was taught the management of wood-working machinery, In 1466 he came to the United States and settled in Chicago. Ile was engaged in running wood-working machinery, and also in wood carving un. til he organized his present business. He was married in Chicago September. 1868, to Miss Audrea Nelson, a native of Norway, They have six children-Emma M., Nels T., Julia A., Homer 1)., Ilattic and Lottic T.

JAMES A. KEENEY. of the firm of D. F. Keeney & Son. dealers in real estate. This firmn is the leading one in town. They have disposed of two sullivisions of thirty acres cach in the last two years, and have had entire charge of real estate matters in the town of l'ennock. James .\., now junior member of the firm, was bors. in Des Moines, lowa, March 27, 1804. 11i- parents removed to Cook County in 186g, where he received his education, finishing at the Evanston high school. llc commenced his business life in 1881. llis father, D. F. Keeney, is a member also of the prominent real estate firm of J. F. Keeney & Bros., of Chicago.

ION. AUGUSTUS KOVATS. Justice of the Peace and dealer in real estate, also representative of the Traders" Fire Insur- ance Company. Judge Kovats was born in Hungary August 22. 1930. Ile entered a military school in 1948, and on the breaking out of the revolution in 1848 took up arms under Kinsuth. On the suppression of the movement he was ordered into the ranks of the Austrian Army. While in that position he accompanied an Nus. trian Army in Schleswig-holstein. He succeeded in evading his officers at Hamburg and took ship for London, where he arrived in th30. The following spring he called for New York, arriving in March. Shortly after he organized a force to assist General Lopez in his Cuban expedition. The party got as far as Savan- nah and there learned of the capture of Lopez. The party then dissolved and Mr. Kovats remained in the South, engaged in giv- ing instruction in sword exercise. The secessionist feeling at the time being strong, and his sympathies being with the Government, he son returned North, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, In 1856 he settled in Chicago, engaging in various occupations until ts6t. when he raised a company known as the lincoln Rifles, This company was mustered into the United States service as Company F. 24th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, of which he was commissioned Captain. In December, 1963. he resigned on account of wounds, and shortly afterward was appointed Captain by President Lincoln in the United States Veteran Corps; also Major, and was honor- ably discharged for gallant and meritorious service during the war, June 30, 1860. After the war he was for a few months Inspector of Customs at t'hicago, after which until 1870 he was Justice of the l'eace. Ile then opened a real estate and law office in the city, lle removed to Jefferson in 15;r, and has since been twice elreteil to his present office, Judge Kovats was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1852 to Miss Martha A. Wallace, of that city. They have one son. Eugene G., and also an adopted daughter.

PETER NEFF, grocer, established business in May, 1883. lle was born in Bladen, Germany, March 14, 1828. After leaving school he was apprenticed to a tanner. In ti4g he came to the I'nited States and engaged in tanning in Mullica Ilill, N. J .: after- ward in l'hiladelphia and l'honixville, Penn. In 1852 he setiled in Chicago, where he engaged in the sale of paints, oils, etc. Be- ing burned out in 1871, he started again and continued until 1877. llc then closed out his business and removed to Yankton, Dak .. where he engageil in the same business until 1383, when he started in the grocery business.

S. B. PARKER, foreman. Armitage-avenue stables of the West Division Railway Company, was born in Alblon, Orleans Co., N. Y., July 23, 1824. llc was brought up on a farm and followed that business until 186t, when he removed to Chicago. Ilere he

at once became connected with the horse railroad system. After about ten years he was then appointed foreman of the Cottage tirove barn, on the South Side; was afterward transferred to the West Side, and took charge of the present stables on their erection. Ile was married in Shelby. N. Y., in 1860, 10 Miss Emma L .. Nor- man, a native of the latter State. Mr. Parker is a life member of Superior Lanlge, No q11, A. F. & A. M.

FRANCIS De PFUHL, attorney for the school board and Board of Trustees, Jefferson, was born in the city of P'resburg, Hungary, in 1825. Ile took a collegiate course in his native city, and also a course In a law school. Afterward he settled in New York City, where he was admitted in the Bar in 1851, and was engaged in practice until 1855. In the latter year he removed to Chicago, about five years later returning to New York to take a position as attorney for the Long Island Railway Company. In 1861 he was offered and accepted the same position upon the Chi- cago & North-Western Railroad Company, with headquarters in Chicago. From 1871 to 1876 he held a position as attorney for the New York C'entral & Hudson River Railroad, with headquarters in New York City. In 1876 he finally settled in Chicago, where he has engaged in general practice. Ile married in New York City, in 1853, Miss Mary A. Clark, of that city. They have five children-Clarence, Frank, Bola, Mary F. {now Mrs. C. P. Russell), and Anna. Mr. De I'fuhl is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Fraternity, also of the Consistory In Scottish Rite.

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History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Part 211

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas Number of Pages: 875

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 875