USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume I > Part 77
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Witold S. was educated in the parochial and public schools of the city and in 1902 began the study of law. He was duly admitted to the bar in 1906, and since has been in active and successful practice in this city. His practice which is large and lucrative is on the in- crease on broader lines. He takes a lively interest in local and State and national politics and is a Republican. He is a member of St. Hyacinth's Polish Roman Catholic church, Polish National Al- liance, King Ladislaus society, Modern Woodmen of America, the Polish Catholic Union, and the Thirty-seven club.
George C. Moore was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, on January 30, 1856, and is a son of John G. and Margaret (Bennett) Moore, both of whom were natives of the same county. The father was a merchant by occupation, and having amassed a comfortable competency retired from active business a few years before his death which occurred in 1895. George C. was educated in the public schools of his native county, receiving a fair education and being otherwise fitted in youth for a successful business career. In 1880 he came to the United States and was at first employed as a clerk in a wholesale grocery store, continuing thus engaged for several years. He was then employed by a commission house on South Water street, where he served as a salesman for about five years. In 1893 he engaged in the real estate business in Rogers Park, handling mainly residence property along Sheridan road, with offices in the Stock Exchange building. Later he moved his main office in the Stock Exchange to his branch office at the corner of Sheridan road and Greenleaf avenue. Among his other duties is the renting and selling of forty acres owned by W. M. Devine and valued at $1,000,- 000. He was one of the appraisers for North shore drainage canal in 1902. The Devine property borders on the lake and has a half mile of frontage. In 1907 he formed a partnership with his son, under the name of George C. Moore & Son. It should be said in this con- nection that Mr. Moore was one of the originators of the North- western Elevated extension over the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway tracks to Evanston, through the North shore properties.
He is a member of the Illinois Athletic and Hamilton clubs, and the Masonic Order. He was married on April 17, 1884, to Esther M. Marlow, of Chicago, and they have ten children, all residing at home: George W., Margaret M., Genette A., Esther P., Kathleen C., Ilene, Susie, Edith, Marie, Victor, the latter being six years old. The family resides at 1429 Chase avenue and attends the Episco- palian church.
Dietrich Muensterman, a successful and prominent farmer of Leyden township, resides on the old homestead where his father, Herman Muensterman, first settled in December, 1854. The father was born in Germany, March 11, 1806, and was a farmer by occupa-
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tion, but in addition was a cordwainer. He owned his home in the village and his house was of oak woodwork filled with stone. It was of great length and was partitioned so that the family could live in one end and the horse and cattle in the other, after the German custom. In the same village the family had lived for several genera- tions and were of an old and honorable German line of ancestry. Herman when young served as a soldier in the German army. Upon reaching manhood he married Marguerite Essmann, a native of the same village, born October 2, 1812. Their children were as fol- lows: Sophia, Marguerite and Herman H., who died in New Orleans. These three oldest came to America before their parents and the younger children. The remaining children were Otto, Adelaide now a resident of Chicago, Dietrich, Henry, John A. and George born in America and died an infant. All the others were born in Germany.
The three oldest children came first to America and settled in New Orleans. Marguerite married William Henne and Sophia married George Derkes, a native of Holland, who is now deceased. The parents and the other children crossed the ocean in September, 1854. During the trip a number of sailors mutinied, bored a hole in the bottom of the vessel and endeavored to sink it. Before the crew were aware of the danger there were nine feet of water in the vessel and it was obliged to put back to port. On the second attempt the machinery was seriously damaged from some mysterious cause and again the vessel was compelled to return. When it finally got away it required twenty-one days to cross to America. Arriving in New York they went immediately to Albany, thence to Buffalo, thence to Cleveland, thence to Cincinnati and thence to Louisville, Ky. In December, 1854, they came to Chicago and after investigating bought eighty-six and a half acres in Leyden township in the vicinity of acquaintances whom they had known in Germany. The family immediately began the task of improving this land. There was a small frame house on the tract but this was occupied. The family were members of the St. John's Evangelical church and crossed to DuPage county. Herman Muensterman was a Repub- lican and an early supporter of Abraham Lincoln. He was up- right, industrious and honest and did much for the improvement of the schools, churches and material interests of this portion of the county. He died on December 21, 1883, aged 77 years, 9 months, 10 days. His wife died in the fall of 1881.
Dietrich Muensterman was born in Germany on December 4, 1841, and received a good common school education in his native land. When brought to America he was nearly 13 years old. On his arrival in America he attended the public schools in Louisville, Ky., and upon his arrival in Leyden township he attended the parochial school of St. John's Evangelical church. He was confirmed April 15, 1855. He is one of the progressive and intelligent citizens of
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this portion of the county. He is a great reader and takes much interest in the progress of humanity. On May 19, 1865, he married in St. John's church, Rosetta Boesenberg, who was born in Leyden township, August 9, 1846, and is the daughter of Henry and Maria Boesenberg. On December 12, 1881, his mother died, after which his father remained with him until death. Dietrich has ever re- mained on the farm. In 1866 he built a frame house and later im- proved it with additions. He now owns one hundred and thirty- four acres of excellent farming land. He is a progressive, up-to- date farmer and has made a success of life. He has a large orchard of excellent apple trees on the farm. Dietrich and wife are the parents of two children as follows: Herman H., born February 2, 1866, and Rosie, born October 18, 1872. The latter married Henry Gewecke and lives on a part of the old home farm. Herman H. married Dora Rohlfes, born on October 13, 1870, the daughter of Adolph and Maria (Dettmer) Rohlfes. The Rohlfes' came from Germany about 1860 and were well-known settlers of this portion of the county. Herman H. and wife have two children, as follows : Edna R., born on the homestead August 12, 1890, and Alwin D., born September 8, 1891. All the family are members of the Evan- gelical church. Mr. Muensterman is a strict Republican and is prominent and thoroughly respected by all who know him. He has been road overseer, school director and is at present one of the school trustees. He also was highway commissioner for twenty-one years and was secretary of his church for the same period.
James Julius McComb was born in Chicago, February 14, 1857, and is a son of John B. and Mary J. (Mooney) McComb, natives of Belfast, Ireland, and who came to the United States in 1849. The father first secured employment with a gas company in New York City, but in 1853 came to Chicago and for seven years was connected with Julius Cook, house mover. For the succeeding fifteen years he was associated with Miller Brothers' ship-yard-now the Chicago Dry Dock company. In 1871 he became bridge tender at North Halsted street and the North branch and was thus employed for eight years. He then was given a position in the Chicago Northwestern railway shops. At the age of 72 years he retired from active business pursuits and finally passed away in 1899 at the age of 81 years, after a useful and honorable life. He was an active Republican and prominent in all worthy local affairs. His wife died when 75 years old. Their children were as follows : Mary J., James J., William, David, John T., Frank J., Hattie and Paul.
James J. was educated in the public schools and began business at the age of thirteen years with the Western Union Telegraph com- pany, at the same time taking night courses at Dyrenforth's college. He remained with this company until 1888, after which, until 1893, he was connected with F. J. Logan on the Board of Trade and later with George Thurber & Company, being a member of the latter
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concern. In 1894 he became secretary to Philip Knopf, county clerk, and was thus engaged for eight years. In 1900 he was elected a member of the State Board of Equalization, and in 1906 and 1908, he was elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture. Since 1888 he has been, the greater part of the time, a member of the Board of Trade. He is identified with the Press club of Chicago and Northwest club, also Pistakee Yacht club, Royal Arcanum, National Union and all the bodies of the Masonic order, being a past master of Oriental Blue Lodge No. 33 in 1892. In 1908 he was appointed by the Governor a commissioner to the corn exhibit at Springfield, and was a delegate the same year to the National exhibition at Omaha. He is a Republican and is active and prominent in city and county affairs. On March 27, 1883, he married Euphemia, daughter of Alexander Lyon Barnet, of Chicago, who established in 1851 one of the first distinctive plumbing houses in the city-Murry & Barnet. He made models and built the first fire plugs. After dissolving partnership, with Mr. Murry, he operated a brass foundry up to July, 1893. To Mr. and Mrs. McComb were born the following children: John B. and Gertrude Estelle. The family resides at 1047 North Hoyne avenue.
John T. McEnery was born April 30, 1860, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hanlon) McEnery, natives of County Limerick, Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic and came to Chicago in 1845 and the father started the first retail grocery on West Polk street at 850. He continued in the grocery business until his death, which occured in 1885. He became very prominent in public affairs- particularly in politics and was one of the most influential men of his day in this portion of the city. He was not an office seeker, but was a powerful and effective party organizer and was very useful in any cause he espoused-particularly among the Irish and gen- erally among public men. He helped organize the United Sons of Erin. His wife died in 1886. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, two of whom are deceased.
John T. was educated at St. Ignatius College, graduating with the class of 1878. He then took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business college. In 1882 he became collector for the Northwestern Railway company on the South branch, but upon the death of his father in 1885, succeeded to the grocery business of the latter. This he conducted until 1894, when he engaged in the real estate business at 115 Dearborn street and later at Blue Island avenue and Twelfth street. He is now located at 4041 W. Madison street, having safety deposit vaults and conducting a general business in real estate, loans and insurance. He is an active Democrat, but does not aspire to office. He was formerly president of the Nineteenth Ward Im- provement association and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Royal League and Royal Arcanum. On October 28, 1886, he married Mary A. Maun and they have the following children :
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Eugene and Josephine. The family residence is at 3621 Lexington street.
William McMaster was born at Havana, Huron county, O., and is a son of William H. and Ann (Clements) McMaster. The father, who for many years was engaged in the saw-mill business, died October, 1907. His wife had previously died in 1885.
Their son William was educated in the public schools of Nor- walk, O., and Galien, Mich. At the age of 16 years he began work in a stave mill and was thus occupied for four years. He then entered the engineering department of the Illinois, Indiana & Michi- gan railroad, but one year later entered the same department of the Michigan Central railroad. In 1894 he came to Chicago and ac- cepted a position in the engineering department of the Chicago, Hammond & Western railroad, but the following year went to Seattle where he remained five months engaged in buying material for the Robinson Construction company. He then returned to Chi- cago and for two years was engaged in cattle speculation at the Union Stock Yards. Then for two years he was commercial and purchasing agent for the Indiana Harbor railroad and for two years assistant purchasing agent for the Chicago, Indiana & Southern and Indiana Harbor Belt railroads and ever since industrial agent.
He is a Mason, a member of the Illinois Athletic club and the Chicago Traffic club. In 1890 he married Nan Waterhouse, and they reside at 5051 Forrestville avenue. Mr. McMaster's office is located at room 409, 144 VanBuren street.
Joseph Burton Noelle was born in this city February 8, 1868, and is a son of Frank J. and Elizabeth (Kerber) Noelle. The father was an active and successful engineer and served in the Union army during the Civil war. He is still alive, but his wife died a number of years ago.
Their son, Joseph B., was educated in the public schools of Chi- cago and at the age of 16 years engaged in the painting business as a journeyman and was thus occupied for two years. He then be- came secretary of the firm of J. G. McCarthy Co. and was thus as- sociated until 1908 when he organized the firm of J. B. Noelle Com- pany and became its first president. They have grown rapidly and have done a large business. Among the jobs of painting, finishing and decorating are Harold McCormick's residence at Lake Forest, J. Ogden Armour's residence, Government buildings and other large contracts. The firm has lately been awarded the $25,000 contract for painting, finishing and decorating the new Cook County Poor- house at Oak Forest. Mr. Noelle is a member of the Hamilton club, Masonic fraternity and the Royal League. His wife, who was formerly Anna F. Oyen, died in 1905. He is the father of two children : Irene and Burton. Mr. Noelle's residence is at 601 Ful- lerton boulevard and his office at 56 Fifth avenue.
John L. Novak, senior member of the firm of Novak & Steiskal,
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mortgage bankers and dealers in real estate, loans, insurance, etc., at 1817 Loomis street, was born in Velka-Chyska, Bohemia, June 16, 1856, and is a son of Frank and Anna (Musil) Novak. The parents passed their entire lives in Bohemia, and reared a family of seven children, of whom two reside in Chicago, John L. and Anna, wife of Joseph Cihak.
John L. was reared in his native country and received a good education in the public and high schools. He came to the United States at the age of 16 years and located in Chicago, engaging in the meat business, and in 1874 was one of the first to manufacture sausage for P. S. Armour & Co. under the superintendency of Patrick Cudahy. In the meantime he studied nights to perfect his English. A year later, he set up his own meat establishment and was thus successfully engaged for eight years.
With fluency of English now gained, he then began the study of business and commercial law at the West Side Business college in order to fit himself for the real estate business.
In 1886 he embarked in the latter and continued alone with suc- cess until 1890, when he entered into partnership with Frank Steis- kal, and added mortgages, loans, insurance and banking to the real estate business. They are thus successfully engaged at the present time.
On June 2, 1876, Mr. Novak married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Skarka) Novak, pioneers of Chicago, and by her had the following children : Mamie, wife of Edward C. Kaspar ; Rose, wife of Arthur C. Buttlar; Bessie, wife of Joseph B. Stonesifer ; Emma, wife of Benon P. Zelinski; Joseph F., Edward W., and Georgia L.
All Mr. Novak's children were educated in the public and high schools of Chicago, besides being given private instruction in musical schools and colleges of this city. The daughters are all efficient pianists, Georgia L., still studying music in the Columbia School of Music.
The eldest son, Joseph F., has taken up the study of law in the Chicago-Kent College of Law, is also an acceptable pianist, and is also meeting with success in literary work, and Edward W., the younger son, in addition to the public school education, is a graduate of the Metropolitan Business college and Barrett Institute.
John L. Novak is a member of the Illinois club; Ceska Beseda (Bohemia club) ; Pilsen Turners' association; Smetana Singing society ; Palacky Lodge of Odd Fellows; Iroquois club; Cook County Real Estate Board; Chicago Underwriters' association and secretary of the Domov . ( Home) Building and Loan association, since its organization in 1886.
He has always been active in advancing Bohemian interests and charities in this country. He is independent in politics, but usually affiliates with the Republicans. From 1905 to 1908 he was a direc-
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tor of the Chicago Public Library. He has declined many offered nominations for different political offices.
Dr. Frank J. Novak is perhaps the oldest, and is certainly one of the best known, Bohemian physicians of Chicago. He was born October 11, 1863, and when only four years old was brought to America by his parents, John and Mary (Kral) Novak, who located in Chicago. The father was a musician of note and won recognition as an orchestra leader of more than ordinary ability. He died in 1889 at the age of 62 years, followed by his widow in 1909, at the age of 69 years. They were the parents of the following children : Joseph, Frank J., John, Edward, Louis, James and Anna, wife of Joseph Hermanek. Dr. Frank J. Novak has passed his entire life, with the exception of the first four years, in Chicago. His early education was obtained in the public schools of the city, and later, taking up the study of medicine, he entered Rush Medical college from which he was graduated with the class of 1885. Since that date he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, at which he had been uniformly successful, and commands not only the respect and confidence of the public, but his fellow practitioners as well. In 1887, Anna, the daughter of Vaclav and Anna (Kohl) Prachar, pioneer Bohemian residents of Chicago, became his wife, and to their union have been born two sons: Frank J. Jr., and Otto E. Dr. Novak has offices at Eighteenth street and Ashland avenue and Eighteenth 'street and Center avenue. He is a member of the American Medical and the Illinois State Medical associations, the Chicago Medical society and of Arcana Lodge No. 777, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In politics he is a Democrat. He re- sides at 1812 Millard avenue.
Charles Novak, Sr., of the firm of Charles Novak & Son, 1654 Blue Island avenue, was born in the city of Ustin, Orlici, Bohemia. on September 16, 1851, and is a son of Frank and Barbara (Kaplan) Novak. Charles was reared in his native country until the age of 13 years and attended the German High school. He came to the United States on July 4, 1865, landing in New York City and lo- cated in Chicago where he attended the public schools about one year. His first employment was in the glazing department of a planing mill, and there he served for seven months. He learned the painters trade with Murray & Watson and was in their employment for fourteen years. He then engaged in business as a painting con- tractor, continuing thus successfully for eight years. In 1893 he opened a wholesale and retail establishment in paints, oils, glass, wall paper, etc., which is now the largest Bohemian establishment of its kind in the United States. In 1900 he admitted his son Charles, Jr., into partnership with him and assumed the name of Charles Novak & Son.
In 1895, after an absence of forty years, Mr. Novak visited his native land, and spent five months in seeing the principal places in
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Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and England. In 1874 he married Annie, daughter of John Cizkovsky, of Chicago, a native of Bohemia and a soldier in the Union Army throughout the Civil war. By this marriage there were two children: Charles J. and Rose, wife of Theo. J. Pelikan. His first wife died in 1889, and the following year he married Bertha Cizkovsky, sister of his first wife. He is a member of the Bohemia club, Bohemian Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he has been grand lodge representative twenty- five years; and 32d degree Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Chicago Association of Commerce, and in politics is a Republican.
John M. Nowicki, a prominent and successful real estate and fire insurance operator at 2117 North Robey street, was born in Brom- berg, Province of Posen, German Poland, on December 11, 1865, and is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Gwit) Nowicki who came to the United States in 1872 and settled in Chicago, where they still reside. They reared to maturity a family of five children, as fol- lows : John M .; Mary, wife of Zigmunt Brochocki; Andrew ; Hattie, wife of Stanley Olewnikowski; and Michael, Jr.
John M. was reared in Chicago after the age of five years and was educated at St. Stanislaus Parochial school and Bryant & Strat- ton's Business college. He early learned the painter's trade which he followed for seven years, after which he took charge of a de- partment in Smith & Barnes' Piano factory where he remained for three years. He has been engaged in the real estate and personalty business variously since 1889, and has been located at his present place since December, 1905. He has served as a notary public for about twenty years. He is a member of the Polish National Al- liance, Royal Arcanum, president of the White Eagle Business Men's association and other orders, and in politics is a Democrat. He has taken an active part in politics and represented his district two terms in the Legislature and in 1906-7 represented the Sixteenth Ward in the City council.
In 1888 he married Amelia, daughter of August Lick, of Chicago. They have five children: Leo T., Theresa F., John, George and Roman.
Dr. Edward J. O'Brien was born March 11, 1879, the son of James Edward and Margaret (O'Connor) O'Brien, natives of County Cork, Ireland. The family came to America and Chicago in the early '60s, and here the father engaged in the grocery business until 1897 at 3715 Morgan street, and previously at Maxwell and Morgan streets, and then going into the wholesale liquor. business at 2110-12 Twelfth street, making a specialty of altar wines, supreme rye and bourbon, and continuing thus employed down to the present time. The father has been active in politics and an organizer in his ward. He was solicited to run for both alderman and congressman, but declined. Both he and his wife are still active, and they were the
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parents of Mary, Johanna, Edward, John P., James E., Jr., Catherine William B. and Thomas A.
The subject of this review, Dr. Edward J. O'Brien, received his education in the parochial schools and at St. Ignatius college, later entering Rush Medical college and graduating therefrom with the class of 1906. After serving an interneship of one year in St. Joseph's hospital, Stockton, Cal., he returned to Chicago and en- gaged in the practice of his profession at 4005 W. Twelfth street. In 1900-1 he served as steward in Seventh Regiment armory and is connected with St. Anthony de Padua hospital. He was a member of the Seventh Regiment National Guards, and on October 15, 1901, was appointed second lieutenant in Company E., and in 1902 was made first lieutenant of some. Dr. O'Brien is identified with the Chi- cago American Medical societies, and is physician for and a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Catholic Benevolent association. Politically he is a Democrat. September 7, 1907, he was married to Mary Agnes Lynch, of Chi- cago, and to them were born James E. and John L. The family residence is at 4005 W. Twelfth street. His father-in-law, John Lynch, has been in the Fire Department for thirty-five years and was chief of the 15th battalion when he was pensioned off on account of age.
Rev. John Obyrtacz, the present able and efficient pastor of St. Hedwig's Polish Roman Catholic church at North Hoyne and Webster avenues, was born in Galicia, Austria, on May 26, 1873, and was reared to manhood in Cracow, Austria. In youth he re- ceived a good education, finishing with a classical course in the gymnasium at Cracow and with a theological course at the Gregorian university, Rome, Italy, from which latter institution he was gradu- ated with credit in 1895. The same year he crossed the ocean to the United States, came to Chicago and in due time was ordained to the priesthood in this city by the late Archbishop Feehan. His first charge was St. Stanislaus Bishop Polish Catholic parish, of which he became the founder and organizer. This institution is located at Fifty-third court and Belden avenue. The church and school together cost about $50,000, the priesthouse costing $5,000 and the convent building of the sisters of St. Francis, $5,000. In January, 1909, Father Obyrtacz was transferred to his present charge, where he now has a congregation of 2,500 families or 10,000 souls. He is assisted in the care of this splendid congregation by three assistants : Rev. Julian Burzynski, Rev. Anzelm F. Babski and Rev. L. Filipski. A parochial school in connection with the con- gregation consists of over 1600 pupils under the instruction of eighteen Sisters of Nazareth. Although Father Obyrtacz has been in charge of this splendid congregation but a short time he has made himself popular and is greatly beloved by the congregation.
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