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 II > Part 71
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Edward J. Birk, one of the most enterprising of the younger busi- ness men of Chicago and a charming companion whom it is a pleasure to meet, is a son of Jacob and Magdalena ( Welflin) Birk, and was born in this city April 2. 1867. He was educated in the public schools, at St. Ignatius college and Bryant & Stratton's Busi- ness college. At the age of 18 years he became office boy and stock- man for Hamill & Laskey, but about a year later accepted a clerk- ship with Hamill & Congdon of the Board of Trade. In 1889 he went to San Francisco and for ten months was in the employ of
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Horst Brothers, hop brokers. He then returned to Chicago and be- came an apprentice with the Wacker Birk Brewing and Malting company in order to learn every step of the brewing business. He completed his studies and researches with a course in the Wahl & Henius Brewing academy. In 1891 he became connected with the Birk Brothers Brewing company and was elected to the position of secretary and treasurer and has filled the same with credit ever since. He is also president of the firm of Edward J. Birk & Brother, brewers and bottlers of Weiss beer, which business was established in January, 1909. Few men who are obliged to bear the stings and arrows of a business career are able to shoulder the burden as placidly and smilingly as Mr. Birk. His good fellowship is spark- ling and contagious. He is a member of the Chicago Athletic, Illinois Athletic, South Shore Country, Chicago Automobile and other clubs, and the Germania Maennerchor and the Society of Brew- ing Technology. On October 5, 1892, he married Amanda Markers, a native of Chicago, and they have one child, William J.
Albert S. Klein, president and treasurer of the A. S. Klein com- pany, dealers in floor coverings and manufacturers of window shades and picture frames and mirrors, with plant and offices at 409-413 South Green street, is a native of Chicago and was born February 17, 1859, being the son of Frederick W. and Caroline (Kemmler) Klein. The parents were both natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to the United States about the year 1852, locating in Chi- cago, where the father engaged in the manufacture of brushes at Jefferson and Madison streets. He died March 17, 1871, but his widow still survives and resides in this city. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Albert S .; Frederick W., secretary of the A. S. Klein company ; George (deceased) ; Lena, wife of Joseph Downey, former commissioner of public works and later a member of the Board of Education; Ida, unmarried and living with her mother.
Albert S. was educated at the public schools and at Bryant & Stratton's Business college. At the age of 14 years he began work for the Shober Lithographing company, as an apprentice, in order to learn that trade. Before completing it he began work for F. E. Colwell & Company, manufacturers of picture frames and mouldings, which business he thoroughly learned during several years of service. He then engaged with Rice & Thompson in the same busi- ness at 259 Wabash avenue. Later this company moved to 409-13 S. Green street, where they erected a large building-five stories and 75x125 feet. In 1891 Mr. Klein began business at 161 Fifth avenue, but a year later, so large had become his business, he was forced to secure larger quarters which he found at 157-9 S. Jeffer- son street. In June, 1899, Mr. Klein bought the Rice & Thompson plant on S. Green street, and is located there at the present time. His business is large and profitable, and his success is due mainly to his
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own exertions, ability and sound judgment. " He is a member of the Royal League, Royal Arcanum, Chicago Athletic club, Illinois Athletic association and the Germania Maennerchor club. January 7, 1892, he married Bertha Birk, daughter of Jacob and Magdalena Birk, and to this union two children have been born, Mildred Mag- dalena and Albert S., Jr.
Harry B. Rouse, president of H. B. Rouse & Company, manu- facturers of printers' specialties and weight motors, with plant and office at 2214 Ward street, was born at Morris, Ill., December 8, 1861, and is a son of Burdett C. and Eliza J. (Lannan) Rouse, na- tives of New York and Illinois respectively. The father, when one year old, was brought to LaSalle county, this state, in 1833, but later was taken to Grundy county where he lived until the second year of the Rebellion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B., 88th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, known as the "Second Board of Trade Regiment,". and after serving for a short time became sick from exposure and died March 25, 1863, and now lies buried in the National Cemetery at Murfreesboro, Tenn. His widow subsequently married Samuel T. Alling and now resides at Long Beach, Cal.
Harry B. was educated in the public schools, and at the age of 14 years began work for the Bloomington Chair company, and later accepted a position on the Bloomington Pantagraph, manufacturing department. Later he secured a position as traveling salesman for the Western Publishing house. In January, 1885, he came to Chi- cago and began work for the Shniedewend & Lee company, manu- facturers of printers' machinery, but six years later changed to the Mckellar Smith & Jordan company, type founders, which concern in 1892 was merged with the American Type Founders company. Mr. Rouse remained with the latter company until 1897 and later occupied a position with R. Hoe & Company, manufacturers of print- ing presses. In January, 1901, he established an independent busi- ness on Dearborn street, and two years later, in company with Wil- liam J. Knoll, established a plant on Huron street, continuing there until 1904, when they removed to their present quarters. They were incorporated in April, 1906, under the name of H. B. Rouse & Com- pany, with Harry B. Rouse president ; William J. Knoll, vice-presi- dent, and Walter A. Sittig, secretary. In 1898 Mr. Rouse invented a lead and rule cutter which was patented in May, 1900, and now sold all over the world, being one of the chief articles manufactured by this company. The invention took first prize at the Paris Ex- position of 1900, and the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, in 1901, receiving the highest award. Since his present company was founded Mr. Rouse has invented and patented twelve other devices of use to printers, among which are composing sticks, register hooks, plate holders, printers' blocks, a safety device for acetylene gas generators, etc.' Mr. Rouse was married July 25, 1895, to Mrs. Fannie K. Upp.
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Edwin Cooper is a son of Thomas and Eleanor ( Hewson) Cooper, and was born in Orland township, this county, November 5, 1862. He was reared on his father's farm and has followed farm- ing all his life. He received his education in the public schools, and on February 4, 1891, was united in marriage with Edith E. Har- wood, who also is a native of this township. She was born July 19, 1873, and is a daughter of John and Mary A. (Merrill) Har- wood, pioneers of Cook county. Soon after his marriage, Edwin and wife settled on the old Harwood homestead and there resided for about ten years, when they moved to the farm where they now reside in Section 9, Orland township. There he owns sixty acres of land and eighty acres more in Section 15 of the same township. He is one of the substantial citizens of this part of the county. He and wife have the following children : Raymond M., born April 15, 1892; Mabel J., born October 13, 1893 ; Lavera A., born January 18, 1896; Edwin T., born January 16, 1904; and Laurence E., born February 17, 1906.
John J. Slomski, who conducts a general steamship agency at 2138 W. Eighteenth street, was born in Fremont, N. Y., August 10, 1874, and is a son of Charles and Magdalena (Dumalski) Slomski, The parents were natives of Poland, came to the United States in 1872 and located in Sullivan county, N. Y., where they remained until 1880, and then came to Chicago. Here the father died in November, 1898, at the age of 55 years. These parents had three children who grew to maturity, as follows: John J., Kate, wife of Ceslaw Rafinski and Charles.
John J. was reared in Chicago after the age of six years and was educated in St. Albert's parochial school and the public schools of the city. Thereafter for several years he secured employment in various factories and other establishments, but in 1904, opened on his own account a general steamship agency on West Eighteenth street, and has succeeded in building up a large and profitable busi- ness. For five years he has served as notary public. On November 29, 1899, he married Anna, daughter of John and Veronica (Maz- orowski) Zielinski, of this city, and they have one daughter, Gertrude M. Mr. Slomski and family are members of St. Ann's Polish Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the Polish Turners, and in politics affiliates with the Republicans.
Rev. Charles A. Erkenswick, pastor of St. Dionysius Roman Catholic church, at Hawthorne, is deserving of more than passing mention for the work he has accomplished in raising his parish to one of the most important in the country. Father Erkenswick was born in Chicago, May 6, 1868, a son of Fred and Catharine (Gergen) Erkenswick. Hubert and Margaret Gergen, his maternal grand- parents, emigrated to the United States in 1843, locating in Chi- cago when it was little more than an overgrown frontier village, and here acquiring valuable real estate holdings. Until 1871, when his
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property was destroyed by the great fire, Hubert Gergen worked at his trade of shoemaker and conducted a shoestore, after which he retired from active business pursuits. Fred Erkenswick came to the United States with his mother in 1856, when he was 16 years old. He was a carpenter by trade, at which he was employed until he entered the employ of the Government as inspector of lumber. In 1883 he became associated with the John Wilkinson Co., and for eighteen years had charge of the cabinet department of this cor- poration. In 1901 he retired from active business pursuits and he and wife are living a retired life on Franklin street. The names of their four children are Hubert J., Charles A., George B. and Fred N. Charles A. Erkenswick received his earlier education in St. Joseph's parochial school, Chicago, and his classical training at St. Benedict's college, Atchison, Kan., later taking his theological course at St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, Wis., where he was graduated in 1892. On June 29th of the latter year he was or- dained to the priesthood in Chicago by Archbishop Feehan, and his first work was that of assistant pastor of St. Theresa's parish, Chi- cago, where he remained until July 1, 1905, then being appointed to his present position at Hawthorne. In this connection a brief sketch of the parish would be appropriate. The preliminary organiza- tion was effected during the summer of 1889 by Rev. Father Denis Thiele when more than $900 was pledged. Shortly thereafter the present site was bought, and in 1900 the present church was erected at a contract price of $4,000. The first mass was read by the late Rev. Father Kavalage. Rev. Father Thiele was the first pastor, and in 1901 a school was established. Rev. Father D. Konen succeeded Father Thiele and he in turn by Rev. Father Erkenswick, the present pastor. The parish, through the indefatigable labor of its pastor, has prospered incredibly, but the changes made have been gradual and on a strict business basis. Numerous societies have been organized, schools brought up to a high state of efficiency, debt has been liquidated, improvement of building and equipment has been accomplished and loyalty and sacrifice have been continually in evidence. Since July 1, 1895, Father Erkenswick has been the guiding hand and directing factor in the affairs of the parish.
Rev. John Dettmer, present rector of St. Anthony's German Roman Catholic church at Twenty-fourth Place and South Canal street, was born in Olpe, Westphalia, Germany, January 28, 1859. His classical and philosophical education was received in the gym- nasium of Rheine near Munster, where he spent eight years in study. In 1882 he came to the United States and entered St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, where he pursued a full course of study and where he was graduated in theology with high credit. On the twenty-fourth of June, 1886, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Heiss, of Milwaukee. His first appointment was as assistant pastor of St. Francis Assissi church at Newberry avenue
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and Twelfth street, Chicago, where he served ably and faithfully for a year and a half. He was then promoted pastor of St. George's parish at Thirty-ninth street and Wentworth avenue. While thus connected he built a new church structure with school and parochial buildings adjoining at a total cost of about $100,000. He greatly increased and strengthened this organization. On January 9, 1909, he was appointed irremovable rector of St. Anthony's church and has the honor and distinction of being the only irremovable German priest in the city. At present St. Anthony's church has a member- ship of 600 families or about 3,000 souls. In the parochial school are about 500 pupils under the instruction of twelve sisters of Notre Dame. The high school connected with the church was established by Father Dettmer in 1909, and has an enrollment of about forty students. Father Dettmer has charge and has one assistant-his brother, Rev. William Dettmer. All property at St. Anthony's is free from debt, money is in the treasury and the parish is in a flourishing condition.
John W. Becker was born April 9, 1864, and is a son of Herman J. and Elizabeth M. (Ravensburg) Becker, both of whom were natives of Oldenburg, Germany, and came to Chicago in 1867. The father was for a time connected with the old banking firm of Beuler & Company on the West Side, and later with the department of In- ternal Revenue and still later was engaged in the wholesale liquor business at 99 Randolph street. He is at present employed in the office of the County Clerk, and for the last twenty years has been an active Republican of the Twenty-fifth ward.
John W., his son, was educated in the Chicago public schools, and while yet quite young was employed as office boy by Keller, Sturm & Company. Later he occupied a position in the stock department of Jansen, McClurg & Company, continuing there for three years. At the age of 19 years he engaged in the real estate business at Lincoln and Sheffield avenues, but two years later became chief clerk of the Town of Lake View. He served as clerk and assistant chief clerk in the County Treasurer's office under Mr. Kern, and from 1894 to 1902 was chief clerk. He then established the tax agency business at 100 Washington street under the firm name of John W. Becker & Co. He is a Republican and has for several years been a member of the executive committee of the Twenty-fifth Ward Republican organization. He is a Shriner in Masonry and a member of the Eagle River Fishing & Shooting club and the Rotary club. He married Esther M. Walker, of Boston, on November 18, 1900, and they, with their daughter, Helen Margaret, reside at 541 Oakdale avenue.
Judson McFell was born September 12, 1859, and is a son of Joseph and Cynthia (Olds) McFell, of Port Dover, Canada, where for forty years the father was captain on the Great Lakes, prin- cipally Huron, Erie and Ontario. In 1890 he retired from active
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service, but is still living and active at the age of ninety years. The mother died in 1900.
Their son Judson was educated principally in the Collegiate In- stitute at Ingersoll, Ontario. Came to Chicago in 1881 and accepted a clerkship with S. A. Kean & Co., bankers, with whom he re- mained for a short time. In 1882 he joined the construction depart- ment of the Western Electric company, and was thus connected for over ten years. In 1893 he founded the McFell Electric company, with offices in the Rookery building, and later moved to the Mar- quette building, finally locating at the present manufacturing plant at 565 VanBuren street. The company has always done a general contracting business, and for the last seven or eight years has done nearly all the electrical work for the Illinois Central Railway com- pany.
Mr. McFell has invented and taken out patents on several elec- trical devices, one of which is a combination firealarm and watch- man service system, which is so constructed that an alarm will be received at a central station even if the circuit wires are broken or short-circuited. One of his latest devices is a selective calling ap- paratus, to be used in connection with telephones for train despatch- ing on railroads. A number of railroad stations may be connected on one circuit and anyone of them may be called from any other, ringing two or more bells at each station if desired, the entire ap- paratus being worked from one main set of batteries.
Mr. McFell is a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, National Union and Royal Arcanum. The family resides at 7209 Union avenue.
John S. Wayman was born April 21, 1858, and is a son of Wil- liam Wayman, a native of England who came to the United States and settled in Chicago in 1837. His mother was Jane Outhet, who came to Chicago in 1832 with her parents. They died about two years after coming to this city. The mother lived in Fort Dearborn, but after the death of her parents she lived with the family of Daniel Elston on Elston road. The father spent four years as a journey- man, learning the wagon makers' trade, and in 1844 established himself in that business on Randolph street and employed several men. In 1850 he bought ground at Desplaines and Carroll streets, built a shop and moved his business there and continued wagon making until 1865, when he was appointed by Governor Yates one of the first police commissioners of Chicago under the new law. The first police station on the West Side was located at the corner of Union and Randolph streets. In 1861, William Wayman, A. C. Coventry and Fred Tuttle were the first commissioners. He also served as alderman from the old 6th Ward in 1854, and in 1872 was elected to the lower house of the Legislature.
He was one of the appointed committee of one hundred ap- pointed as an escort to President Lincoln's body from Chicago to
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Springfield. Previously he was one of the old volunteer firemen. Mr. Wayman was active, able and prominent. In 1892, having retired from active business, he died, aged 74 years. Elizabeth Outhet, sister of John S. Wayman's mothier, came to Chicago as a baby in 1832 and is to-day the oldest living native and resident of the city. She lives in Oak Park and is active and bright at the age of 78 years.
John S. was educated in the public schools. He early learned the wagon makers' trade and was at work in the shop of his father at the age of 17 years. Later he worked with C. Stone on W. Lake street, but in 1878 he located an independent shop at Lake and Green streets. In 1882 he located at the corner of Canal street and Milwaukee avenue. In 1883 he formed a partnership with Thomas G. Murphy, under the firm name of Wayman & Murphy, with shops at Sangamon and Randolph streets, and in this block they have since remained engaged extensively in the manufacture of carriages and wagons. In 1907 they built a large structure at Lake and Sangamon streets, covering a tract 250x100 feet. They em- ploy about fifty men. Mr. Wayman is a Republican and a member of the Illinois Athletic club, Royal League and the Masonic order, being high up in the latter. In 1907, in conjunction with E. X. Cummings and Frank E. Locke, he was instrumental in having Randolph street widened from Halsted to Sangamon streets. On October 31, 1887, he married Lucy M. Whittier, of Joliet, and they have one son, John W. The family residence is at 724 North Pine avenue, Austin.
Theodore F. Decker was born December 21, 1868, and is a son of Ferdinand F. and Emily Decker, natives of Southern Württem- berg, Germany. The father was an extensive manufacturer of steam engines and general machinery, employed over 1,000 men and in the '70s conducted one of the largest machine shops and foundries of its kind in Europe. He built the famous tunnel which connects Switzerland and Italy, one of the largest and most difficult engineering feats of the kind ever finished. He also erected many large and intricate bridges. He was active and prominent in public affairs and died in 1883 at the age of 49 years; his widow is still living and strong at the age of 75 years. They were the parents of four children.
Theodore was educated in the public and high schools and finished with a thorough course in manual training, graduating in 1884. Two years later he came to the United States and for a while was in the employ of Gormley & Jeffries, manufacturers of bicycles. Later he had charge of the repair and assembling department of their works. In 1891 he opened an independent retail store for bicycles at 310 W. Division street. He has taken several extensive trips through Europe. In 1896 he disposed of his bicycle store and embarked in the real estate business at 2749 W. Division street, under the firm name of Hanson & Decker-mortgages, loans, itt- Vol. II-42.
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surance, general real estate and safety deposit vaults. He is thus actively engaged at the present time. He is a member of the Humboldt Park Improvement club, the Masonic fraternity and is an active Republican. In 1906 he married a young lady of Water- town, Wis., and they have one child, Elenor, born March 27, 1909. They reside at 664 Wellington avenue.
Albert H. Hollander was born in Germany, August 18, 1866, and is a son of Joseph and Caroline ( Marks) Hollander, who lived at Cologne, Germany, where the father was a horse dealer and was authorized to buy horses for the Government during the Franco- Prussian war. Both parents died in 1871, leaving three boys- Edward S., Benjamin E. and Albert H.
The latter was educated in the public schools of Chicago after the age of 14 years. He came to America with an aunt, Mrs. Lind, with whom he lived for a number of years after his arrival in Chi- cago. He first worked for Mr. Lind who was engaged in teaming. In the meanwhile, until he was 16 years old, he attended the Wicker Park schools. In 1887 he engaged in the teaming and expressing business at 1521 Milwaukee avenue with L. J. Baer, but in 1893 this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Hollander opened in- dependently an office at 1215 Milwaukee avenue and engaged in the moving business. In 1894 the concern was incorporated as the Hollander Express & Van company, Mr. Hollander becoming presi- dent. In 1905 they built a large, modern, six-story, fireproof, storage warehouse at 1616 and 1618 Milwaukee avenue, corner of North avenue, the structure occupying 50x119 feet of ground space. They also opened an office at 2005 Milwaukee avenue, with branches throughout the North Side. They now have the largest warehouse of the kind on the North-West Side. Mr. Hollander is president of the organization of Furniture & Van Mover Express company, and in 1906-7 was its treasurer. He is interested in public affairs. and in 1905-6 was chairman of the Democratic ward organization. He is a member of the Masonic order. In 1903 he married Mary Trimpler, of this city, and they have two children-Joseph A. and Ethel M. The family residence is at 2005 Milwaukee avenue.
Chauncey F. Newkirk was born December 8. 1858, and is a son of Charles C. and Frances M. (Barnes) Newkirk, the mother be- ing the daughter of Rev. Chauncey Barnes, of Utica, N. Y., who distinguished himself in the Empire state. The Barnes family is of English and Scotch descent, coming originally to the American Colonies about the year 1700. Rev. Chauncey was a minister of the Christian church and became well and favorably known in that portion of New York.
Charles C. Newkirk was taken to Ingham county, Mich., when a boy and was there reared and educated in the common schools. He became a painting contractor. At the age of 50 years he moved to Harbor Springs where he yet lives retired. He was a member of
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the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company K, during the Rebellion and served with credit three years, receiving a severe wound at the battle of South Mountain. He is 72 years old, and has always been a Republican in his political views. He and wife be- came the parents of four children, of whom one is deceased : Chauncey F., John L., a Methodist minister of the Detroit Con- ference, Sarah D., now Mrs. B. R. Barber of Kalamazoo, and Carl C., an editor in Michigan.
Chauncey F. was educated in the public schools at Dansville and the Normal school at Ypsilanti, Mich. Later during several sum- mers he attended the University of Michigan, teaching during the winter months. He finally entered the law office of E. D. Lewis at Williamston, Mich., took a thorough course of study and was duly admitted to the bar in 1880 at Mason. He practiced for a time at Weberville and later at South Lyon, but finally accepted the superintendency of the schools of the latter and was thus occu- pied from 1881 to 1885. At the same time he was village attorney and in 1884 founded and edited the South Lyon Picket. In 1885 he went to Harbor Springs and was elected superintendent of schools, whereupon he disposed of his paper. In 1888 he was elected Super- intendent of the State Public school and held the position until 1891, with offices at Coldwater. He then became Chicago manager for Houghton, Mifflin & Company, publishers, of Boston, and was thus connected until 1900, when he resigned and accepted the position of manager of the school book and map department of Rand-McNally & Company and is thus occupied at the present time. His duties are important and include bringing out new school books, critical constructive work and educational specifications. Dodge's geography, prepared under his direction, was adopted by the Chicago School board. Over one hundred school books brought out by him are in use throughout the country. He is a Republican and active in the politics of the 26th Ward. He was defeated with his ticket for alderman in 1906, although reducing the opposition majority by about 2,000. From 1895 to 1902 he served as president of the precinct. In 1904-5 he was president of the Ravenswood Business Men's association, and has served as chairman of the Y. M. C. A. for several years. Mr. Newkirk is Past Master of Ravenswood Lodge No. 777, A. F. & A. M., Past High Priest of Columbia Chapter No. 202, R. A. M., Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Siloam Council No. 53, R. & S. M. and is the present Eminent Commander of Illinois Commandery No. 72, K. T. He is at present Grand Lecturer for the Grand Chapter of Illinois, is an ex-president of the National Union, and belongs to the City, Ravenswood Golf and Masonic Standard clubs. He is a Congregationalist and a trustee of the Ravenswood church. February 8, 1889, he married Rose E. Dean, of Weberville, Mich., and they reside at 4313 N. Hermitage avenue. Their only daughter, Fern E., recently became the wife of John F. Rossall.
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