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 77
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
-
754
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
Harrison street. Since 1901 he has been attending surgeon at the Cook County hospital, and since 1900 has been instructor in surgery at Rush Medical college. He is professor of Gynecology at the Illi- nois Post Graduate college and surgeon for the Wisconsin Central railway. He is a member of the Chicago Medical Society and the Knights of Columbus. On June 11, 1902, he married Irma Sturm, of Chicago, and they, with their three daughters, Dorothy, Irma and Helen, reside at 1440 Congress street.
Lawrence G. Hallberg was born at Wenersnas, Sweden, Septem- ber 4, 1844, and is only son of Jonas and Mary Christina Hallberg. He was educated in public and private schools and at the Chalmers Polytechnic Institute at Gothenburg, Sweden, from which he gradu- ated, 1866, and afterwards at the Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm. In early life spent some time in travel throughout Europe. He studied architecture, desiring to make that his business throughout life. He began practicing that profession at Gothenburg and Gefle, Sweden, but finally, in 1871, came to Chicago and here he has resid- ed and practiced ever since.
Mr. Hallberg was the first to raise serious objection to the manner of turning the Chicago sewage into its water supply. He advocated keeping water courses and lakes free from pollution; and in 1879 presented a large petition to the Chicago city council to keep the sew- age out of the lake and the river ; but to return it to the earth where it belongs. His ideas, however, were not fully appreciated because a temporary relief costing about $50,000,000 was the subsequent re- sult.
Mr. Hallberg is also the originator of plain sagged bars for rein- forced concrete floor construction and has erected many buildings in that manner very creditably. He says that will be the building con- struction in the future.
He has built up an excellent reputation in his most difficult profes- sion. Numerous buildings throughout the city attest the thorough- ness of his knowledge and the attractiveness and usefulness of his art and skill. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, member of the Western Society of Engineers, an associate member of the Chicago Real Estate Board, and a member of the Chicago As- sociation of Commerce. He is a Republican and resides at Evanston, and his office is at 84 La Salle street. In October, 1881, he married Florence P. Estey, and they have the following children: Margaret L., Marie Josephine, Lawrence G. and Norman D'Este.
Joseph Corson Llewellyn, distinguished architect of Chicago, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., July 22, 1855, and is a son of David R. and Huldah S. (Corson) Llewellyn. He was educated in the com- mon schools and finished his technical education in the University of Illinois, graduating from that institution in 1877. For the succeed- ing two years he was an instructor in the University of Illinois. From 1879 to 1880 was building superintendent with J. W. Givens of St.
755
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
Louis. From 1880 to 1886 he occupied the office of superintendent with the Lindell railway, of St. Louis. From 1886 to 1893 he was engaged in various branches of work, but since 1893 he has devoted himself wholly to the practice of his profession of architecture. He is recognized as one of the ablest architects in the city. For two terms he was president of the Architectural League of America, and is a member of the following, organizations: Union League club, American Institute of Architects, Chicago Architectural club and the LaGrange Country club. In his political views Mr. Llewellyn is a Republican. His office is in the First National Bank building and his residence at LaGrange. In May, 1883, he married at Monticello, Ill., Emma C. Piatt, and their children are Ralph C., Clarinne, Ruth and Vida.
Frank C. Weber, founder and president of the wholesale grocery firm of Frank C. Weber & Company, is a native of Chicago, his birth occurring August 11, 1874. Philip J. and Elizabeth (Koehler) Weber, his parents, were natives of Baden, Germany, and there the father received his education in the public schools and learned the carpenter's trade during early manhood. He also bears an honored record as a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war. In 1871, realizing the advantages to be had in America, the family came to this country and located in Chicago, where the father embarked in the retail gro- cery business. He continued thus occupied at different locations until 1894, when he returned on a visit to his native country. Shortlyafter- wards he returned to Chicago and was admitted to the present whole- sale firm which had been established by his son, Frank C. Web- er. At this writing the concern is officered by Frank C. Weber, presi- dent; Antone H. Weber, vice-president ; Philip J. Weber, Sr., treas- urer, and Philip J. Weber, Jr., secretary. The steady growth of commercial houses from small concerns to commanding positions in the business world is brought about by certain fixed principles. In the present instance only first-class goods are handled, only reputable men are employed and the word and credit of the house have been so safe-guarded that it is considered one of the best firms of its line in the city.
Frank C. Weber, the subject of this review, received his education in the public and parochial schools of this city, and began his busi- ness career at the age of thirteen years as a clerk in his father's re- tail store. He mastered the details of the retail trade and when only nineteen years old embarked in the wholesale business on his own ac- count. Later he admitted his father and two brothers to the business and to their combined efforts is due the present size and excellent reputation of the firm. At the present time they transact an annual business of over $1,000,000, and by confining it to the South Side are enabled to make deliveries with great convenience and prompt- ness. Although actively engaged in the business at the present time, Mr. Weber also has seen fit to cultivate the social side of life, and his
756
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
fine home at 1638 West Garfield boulevard has been the scene of many dinners and entertainments to his friends. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Sherman Park club. On June 22, 1897, he was united in marriage with Mary H. Enzenbacher, of Chicago, and the daughter of a West Side wholesale cigar manufac- turer. His business location is at 619-23 West Sixty-third street.
Oswald James Arnold, secretary of the Illinois Life Insurance 'company, was born at Rochester, N. Y., October 29, 1873. James Arnold, his father, was a native of County Louth, Ireland, his birth occurring March 17, 1839, and to his marriage with Elizabeth Mc- Kenna, also a native of County Louth, there were born these chil- dren : Charlotte E., Mary (Mrs. Mann, deceased), William (de- ceased), Oswald J. and Harriet (Mrs. Mckenzie). To better his circumstances James Arnold immigrated to America and for a num- ber of years resided in the state of New York, where he followed the occupation of a general building contractor, a part of the time being associated with the late George Chambers and R. E. Moss. Prior to this he served as general superintendent on the Brown-Howard & Company division of the Croton Aqueduct, N. Y. Since the year 1888, Oswald J. Arnold has been a resident of Cook county, Ill., and since 1897 has resided in Palos township, where he is engaged in the life insurance business and banking and is now the president of the board of school trustees of Palos township. The family home is at Palos Park. Oswald James Arnold received his education in the public schools of Tarrytown, N. Y., and the North Division high school, Chicago. From the University of Chicago he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1897. Originally he had decided to become a lawyer, but abandoning this he entered the employ of the Illinois Life Insurance company, also taking up the study of actuarial science. He made rapid progress in the field of insurance and after serving in various capacities was elected assistant secretary in 1900, and one year later (1901) was elected secretary, actuary and director of the company, positions he has since occupied, and is also a member of the executive and finance committees. Mr. Arnold is also a director and chairman of the examining committee of the Prairie National bank, and a director of the Hotel LaSalle company. In re- ligion he is an Episcopalian and in politics a Republican. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Actuaries and a member of its board of governors. In the Masonic fraternity he has attained the thirty-second degree in Oriental Consistory, and is a Noble of Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In social affairs Mr. Arnold holds membership in the Union League, University, Chicago Ath- letic, South Shore, Midlothian Country and Hamilton clubs. He is unmarried and resides at Palos Park and at the Hotel LaSalle, Chi- cago.
William F. Roach, the son of Michael and Mary ( Radley) Roach, was born April 30, 1874. The parents were natives of Ireland, the
757
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
father coming from County Tipperary and the mother, County Cork. The father immigrated to the United States and Buffalo in 1842, at the age of fifteen years, and here he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1854 he came to Chicago and secured employment as an iron worker with the Willetts, carriage builders, in time becoming their superintendent and remaining with them for thirty years. He then retired for one year, but working had become a strong habit with him, and he was, upon solicitation, appointed park policeman at Douglas Park. He lived for thirty years at 191 Twelfth street, one block from where the big fire of 1871 started and died April 24, 1897, at 1112 Hamlin avenue. The mother died April 24, 1901, at the age of sixty-eight years. To them were born the following children, all but one of whom are yet living: John, James T., Simon, Joseph (deceased), Anna, Katie, Mary, Elizabeth, Julia, Emma and Aggie. They were the grandparents of twenty-six children.
The education of William, our subject, was acquired in public and parochial schools and at St. Patrick's Academy. He also attended one year at the Metropolitan Business college, shortly after which he entered the claim department of the Fort Wayne branch of the Penn- sylvania railroad. Here he remained until 1892, when he became cashier and paymaster for the Wuerpel Switch and Signal company, having charge of all the switches and signals entering the main depot at the World's Columbian Exposition. During 1894-6 he served as desk sergeant of the police force detailed in the drainage canal. In 1896 he engaged in the undertaking business at 3343 Ogden avenue, Lawndale, where he still continues. In politics he is a Democrat, though locally independent. He is identified with the following or- ganizations : Knights of Columbus, Columbian Knights, Macca- bees, Knights of Pythias, Catholic Order of Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America, Royal League, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bankers' Life Association, and the Eagles. March 13, 1897, he mar- ried Mollie Kane, of Chicago, and they have two children, William and Erma. They reside at 3343 Ogden avenue.
Frank Joseph Reichmann, vice-president and general manager of Street's Western Stable Car line, is a native of this city, born October 1, 1860, a son of Joseph and Dorothea (Kriete) Reichmann. The father was born near the city of Stuttgart, Germany, and received his education in the engineering schools of that country. He first be- gan practicing his profession in England, but subsequently came to America and entered the office of George Weisenborn, designing en- gineer, New York city. He then came to Chicago and conducted a machine shop, but failed with many others in the panic of 1857. He next went to Dubuque, Iowa, in connection with a steamboat enter- prise on the Mississippi river, but later returned to Chicago where he had charge of the installation of all machinery in the original South Chicago Steel mills (North Chicago Rolling Mill Co.), of which concern his brother-in-law, Henry C. Kriete, was chief engi-
Vol. II-45.
758
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
neer for thirty years. Mr. Reichmann was also master mechanic for a number of years in the North Side Rolling mills, and in this en- vironment, Frank J. Reichmann, received the fine practical training that was to be of such material use to him in his future business deal- ings. To the father and mother thirteen children were born of which there are now living: Frank Joseph (our subject), Albert, resident engineer of the American Bridge company for years and treasurer of the Western Society of Engineers; Edward, a chemist in Indianapo- lis ; Louis A. F., an attorney ; Joseph, a director and member of ex- ecutive committee of the Corn Products Refining company, president and director of the Carnegie Trust company and director of the Van Norden Trust Company of New York City; Emma F., a teacher in the LaSalle school, Chicago, and Charlotte, an instructor in language at the Iowa State University.
Of this family, Frank Joseph Reichmann, the subject of this re- view, received his earlier education in the public schools of Dubuque, Iowa, and the Dubuque Commercial college. From 1877 to 1879 he was bookkeeper and general office man in the general merchandise store of Alexander Reichmann, Le Mars, Iowa, but in January, 1880, he entered the general offices of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway company, at Chicago. He resigned his position of chief clerk in the freight auditor's office of that road in June, 1884, to go with the National Despatch Fast Freight Line (Grand Trunk railway) as general contracting freight agent, etc. In September, 1897, when the various refrigerator car lines operating over the Grand Trunk system were consolidated under the control of the Chicago, New York & Boston Refrigerator Co., he was made general manager, serving thus until November 1, 1902. He then became general manager of Street's Western Stable Car Line, and in February, 1903, was elected a director and made vice-president and general manager of the same concern. Assuming the responsibilities of life at a very early age Mr. Reichmann has nevertheless been a close student, his bent being mechanics, political economy and law. During the term 1900-4 Mr. Reichmann served as trustee and chairman of the committee on finance of the village of River Forest. He is a life member of the Press Club of Chicago. On January 5, 1885, he was united in mar- riage with Josephine Lemos, of Chicago, and they, with their chil- dren, Julia, Frank J., Jr. ; Josephine D. and Ernest R., reside at 5207 Kimbark avenue. Mr. Reichmann's business location is at 1003, 77 Jackson boulevard.
Antonio Romano is a native of Italy, his birth occurring May 15, 1872. He is the son of Michele and Teresa (Motta) Romano, both of whom were natives of the town of Laurenzana, Province of Po- tenza, Italy. The father was engaged in merchandising and in the grain, flour and grocery business, but retired in 1898. He came on a visit to Chicago in 1899, but after his return to Italy died in 1901, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother died October 16, 1894,
759
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
aged fifty-six years. They were the parents of thirteen children : Joseph, Frank, Rocco and Antonio, living, and two other boys, de- ceased, and Rosa and Carmela, living, and five other girls, de- ceased.
Antonio came to the United States at the age of seven years in company with his brother, Rocco. For six years he followed the vo- cation of musician in New York, Buffalo, Toronto, Canada and other cities. He then returned to Italy and entered college at Vig- giano. In 1890 he came to Chicago and worked for a year in his brother's jewelry store, and later for a year as a clerk in a drug store. Then in partnership with Dr. Joseph De Stefano, he bought the drug store at Jefferson and Polk streets and continued thus occupied for three years. Later he was associated in the drug business with Mr. A. Gaul and others. He is a graduate of the Chicago College of Pharmacy-class of 1895. Since 1904 he has conducted a steamship, foreign exchange, telegraph office, water and gas office, express of- fice, postal sub station, etc., and is agent for daily papers. He pros- pered and in 1904 bought the four-story building which he now oc- cupies. It is 78x215 feet and has seven storerooms with flats above. He owns considerable other valuable property. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of several Italian societies. In politics he is a Republican. October 23, 1899, he married Josephine De Stef- ano, of this city, and they, with their children: Teresa, Minnie and Jennie, reside at 501 N. Halsted street. The family are of the Rom- an Catholic religion.
In the year 1845 there was born in the city of Amsterdam, Hol- land, a boy who was destined to leave the land of his nativity and achieve distinction in America. This boy was Henry Bosch, the founder of the present Henry Bosch company, of Chicago. His early education was of the practical kind, and his training was based upon the principles of thrift and honesty. In order to take advantage of the better opportunities afforded in America, he crossed the ocean in 1867, and after a brief stay in New York, went to Michigan where, for a period, he worked at his trade as a journeyman. About this time Chicago was attracting wide attention by reason of its commer- cial aggressiveness and its wonderful advancement in population. Thither, in 1869, Mr. Bosch came and for two years continued to work as a journeyman. In 1871 he organized the firm of Johnson & Bosch, general contractors, painting and paper hanging being the principal lines of business, and this firm continued in successful oper- ation until 1879, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Bosch then bought out the paper hanging and decorating firm of Otto Brothers, 120 Blue Island avenue, and this was the beginning of the firm that has become, under his wise management, the largest of its kind in the country. The principles of hard work and unswerving honesty engrafted into his character in the fatherland when a boy were carried by him into his business methods. Many men under
760
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
similar conditions and of less sturdy character would have succumbed to the commercial vicissitudes and panics of the times, or, at best, would only have achieved a moderate degree of success. Mr. Bosch not only successfully overcame the numerous obstacles with which he was confronted, but kept his business integrity spotlessly clean. In 1892 he incorporated the Henry Bosch company of which he became the head and of which his oldest son, Peter, was a minority stock- holder. The business prospered to such an extent that it became nec- essary to have more central location and more commodious quarters. In 1895, the property at 307-9 Wabash avenue was acquired and business was here continued until they were burned out in July, 1902. Temporary quarters were then secured, but in November of the same year they moved to 338-44 Wabash avenue in a building especially erected for their requirements. This building has a frontage of eighty feet with a depth of one hundred and eighty feet, is a modern, substantial, seven-story structure equipped with special machinery of the latest and most approved character. The salesrooms are un- equalled for spaciousness, perfect proportion and artistic elegance.
Mr. Bosch lived to see the business established by him become one of the great commercial houses of Chicago and was gratified to know that he left it in safe, capable hands. On coming to Chicago he met, and on May 30, 1869, married Reina Mulder who died October 16, 1883. In religious belief both Mr. and Mrs. Bosch were Protestants. To their marriage eight children were born, two dying in infancy. Those living are as follows: Peter, married Katharine Robinson; Frederica, the wife of Leslie C. Orrell; Henry, married Lauretta Schlegel; Charles, married Imogene Lartz; Fannie, the wife of J. O. Wells, of St. Joseph, Mich., and Reina. Mr. Bosch died on March 8, 1908, after a life of singular usefulness and honor. He belonged to that desirable and excellent class whose sturdy industry, good fel- lowship, public spirit and high character have shed honor on the city and luster on the family name.
George Frederick Koester, of the real estate firm of Koester & Zander, is a native of the City of Chicago, his birth occurring No- vember 8, 1862. He is a son of John H. and Mary A. (Schultz) Koes- ter. He received his education in the Chicago public schools gradu- ating from the West Division high school in 1878. In 1881 he en- tered the real estate office of Albert Wisner, where he remained until 1892 when he formed a partnership with Henry G. Zander, under the firm name of Koester & Zander, to transact a general real estate and loan business. This firm has ever since continued and ranks high among the creditable concerns in the city. Mr. Koester has been active in social and benevolent secret orders and is a thirty-sec- ond degree Mason, a Shriner, an Odd Fellow, a member of the Na- tional Union and Royal Arcanum insurance orders. He is a member of the Union League club, Ravenswood club, Irving Park Country club and Ridgemoor Golf club. He is at present a member of the
1
761
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
board of education. In politics he is a Republican, and he attends the Congregational church. On September 3, 1891, he married Miss Fannie C. Martin. They have four children, two boys and two girls, George F., Jr .; Harold M., Frances C. and Genevieve. The family home is at 4606 North Hermitage avenue, Ravenswood. His office is at 69 Dearborn street, corner Randolph street, where he has been located since 1881.
Otto Hermann Matz was born in Berlin, Prussia, March 8, 1830, and is a son of John Christian and Augusta (Dahlman) Matz. He grew up in his native land and was educated in the Royal technical school of Berlin, graduating in 1852. He came to the United States in the early fifties and spent the first two years with compass, level and transit in the service of the Illinois Central railway from Free- port to Galena and Dubuque. In 1854 he was ordered to Chicago by the company to assist in the construction of their buildings, and was soon appointed to the position of architect to the road, owing to the death of John Perriere who had previously occupied that position. Mr. Matz was immediately set at work on the plans for the com- pany's buildings-shops, depots, stations, eating houses, freight houses, etc., along 705 miles of road. There were many obstacles, as draughtsmen were rare, conditions and requirements new and the best workmen inexperienced. There were no technical schools in the west and the architect's office was headquarters. But the excel- lent training Mr. Matz had received in the fatherland now stood him well and he successfully passed through all the requirements of that strenuous railroad period. It was the custom to work without cessa- tion all winter using salt and hot water in the mortar. The immense growth of the city also called for the services of Mr. Matz in the con- struction of private residences, business blocks, school houses and churches. He had to compete with such men as Van Osdel, Burling, Carter, Bauer, Bauman, Boyington, Wheelock, Wadskier, Nicholson, Olmsted, Schmid, etc. He was one of the leaders in the movement that raised the grade of Chicago to and over six feet-an undertak- ing of vast magnitude in the fifties, and which gave the city its first real system of sewerage. He was also actively concerned in many house raising and house moving operations. All these operations were considered so unusual and indeed so wonderful, that Mr. Matz described them fully in a newspaper of Berlin, Germany. In 1857 he left the services of the Illinois Central railway and devoted him- self to private practice, but soon after the Civil War broke out en- listed, and for three years was on duty as an engineer officer at the headquarters of Generals Fremont, Halleck and Grant. Upon his return to Chicago he resumed the practice of architecture. During 1870-71 he was architect for the school board and the board of edu- cation. The great fire swept away all his possessions, but not his knowledge, experience and grit. In 1873 he was awarded first prize of $5,000 in the competition for designs for a new courthouse and
1
762
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
city hall, but for some reason his plans were sidetracked and others substituted. Many buildings throughout the city were designed by him. He designed the criminal court building on Michigan street and numerous other pretentious structures. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Apollo Commandery and in his political views is a Republican. On October 26, 1857, he married Mary E. Lewis and to them were born the following children: Her- mann L., Rudolph and Evelyn. His office is at 78 LaSalle street and residence at 120 East Oak street.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.