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 82
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which he erected on Summit street, it being the first in that section. He died at the great age of 101 years. Among the valued posses- sions of Col. James Donovan are two old English prayer books presented to his mother in 1805 by Esther Etheridge, who was a relative of Queen Victoria and also related to the Chambers. An- other prayer book in the possession of Colonel Donovan has a super- scription on the fly-leaf in the handwriting of the queen, having date of 1816.
The owner of these antique and valuable relics was educated in the public schools at North Adams and at Hillsdale college, receiv- ing his diploma from the latter in 1867 after having completed the prescribed English course. Previous to this, when the Confederate General Morgan threatened the invasion of Ohio, he joined the First Michigan zouaves, organized in his native town, the date of his en- listment being January 1862. He was assigned to Company A, of which he was later elected captain, but the capture of General Mor- gan and the dispersement of his command led to the disbanding of the organization. After leaving college Colonel Donovan taught school in Jackson county, Michigan, and among his pupils was Clara E. Conley, whom he subsequently married December 24, 1867, she being the daughter of James Conley who was at that time one of the wealthiest men of that section. Succeeding this he was engaged in merchandising at Ivesdale, Ill., but disposing of his interests in 1869, moved to Quincy, Mich., where he embarked in the lumber business, and practiced law for some time. He acquired large property inter- ests and his career for many years thereafter was one of great ac- tivity and absorbing interests. Unfortunately he became connected with some unscrupulous men who endeavored to rob him of his pos- sessions, but the fighting stock from which he sprang and his own good sense and untiring perseverance led to the final vanquishing of his enemies. Since 1884, and even before then, Colonel Donovan has been closely identified with commercial Chicago. He built the Don- ovan Opera House in 1872, and for many years has been engaged in looking after his own large property interests and those of his friends with whom he has been associated. He is now the owner of 80,000 acres of choice timber land in the states of Michigan, Wiscon- sin and Minnesota, valued at several millions of dollars.
Hon. Thomas G. McElligott, one of the well-known lawyers of Chicago, was born here September 26, 1861, a son of John and Sarah Jane (Cusack) McElligott, both of whom were of Irish descent. The father, a cooper by occupation, was a sober, honest and excel- lent citizen. He came to America in 1850 and to Chicago in 1851, and here he resided until his death, May 6, 1908.
His son, Thomas G. McElligott, received his primary education in the common schools, subsequently taking courses at night schools, the Athenaeum and Metropolitan Business college. At an early age he began working at his father's trade of cooper and a little later en-
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gaged in the tea and coffee business and was thus engaged in 1886 when first elected to the legislature. He was reelected in 1888. He was one of the most active and useful members of the House. He finally sold his tea and coffee business and soon afterward began the study of law for which he was by nature admirably fitted. He was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1890 and the following Novem- ber was elected clerk of the appellate court of the first district for a term of six years. He was a candidate for reelection in 1896, but was defeated with the rest of his ticket in the great Republican land- slide of that year. He is an unswerving Democrat and in all his official duties has brought into service all his ability, honesty and energy. On February 12, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Storen and to them were born six children, of whom the following five are living: Sarah A., John, Thomas, Jr., James and Marie. His wife died May 12, 1899. Mr. McElligott's offices are located in the Unity building.
Abijah O. Cooper, well-known Chicago attorney at law, with of- fices at 145 LaSalle street, was born in Burlington, Iowa, March 9, 1858. He received his education in the public schools of his native city, subsequently coming to Chicago where he embarked in the wholesale tobacco business at 1169 Taylor street. This business he conducted with much success for a period of about twenty years (1874 to 1894). Possessing great natural ability as a campaigner and a public speaker, he attracted many friends and was finally pre- vailed upon by men high in the political circles of Cook county to put his talents to a practical use. He entered the Chicago College of Law, graduating therefrom in 1897 with the degree of LL. B. In the campaign of 1894 he was elected clerk of the probate court by a plurality of 56,000 votes and upon the completion of his most sat- isfactory term of office, began the practice of law which he still con- tinues. His clientele is large and lucrative.
Mr. Cooper was one of the leading spirits in promoting the night schools of Chicago, which have proved an invaluable acquisition to the city's educational facilities, and was also largely instrumental in the organization of over twenty debating societies. He is an arduous supporter of advancement and has devoted a large portion of his life to this cause. He is unmarried, a stanch Republican and resides at 2440 Taylor street.
Abraham Robert Marriott, vice-president of the Chicago Title & Trust company, was born on a farm in DuPage county, Illinois, May 26, 1860, a son of William and Kittie (Gresham) Marriott. He re- ceived his early education in the public schools of Wheaton, Ill., and later took a course in the Chicago College of Law. From 1875 to 1891 he was employed in the clerical department of the firm of Had- dock, Coxe & Company, and Haddock, Vallette & Rickcords (ab- stracts of title) ; from 1891 to 1895 he was superintendent of Had- dock, Vallette & Rickcords company; from 1895 to 1901 he was
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vice-president of the Security Title & Trust company, and since 1901 has acted as vice-president and director of the Chicago Title & Trust company. On September 1, 1904, he was awarded the con- tract for re-writing the abstract books and records of Cook county by the county board, the work to be completed in two years. Mr. Marriott is a member of the Chicago Real Estate Board, the Ham- ilton club, the Republican club and the Oaks club, of Austin. On October 19, 1882, he was united in marriage with Minnie C. Cooper and to them the following children have been born: Ida Elizabeth, Arthur Cooper, Robert William and Thomas Benton.
. Louis Joseph Sankar, engaged in the newspaper advertising busi- ness at 115 Dearborn street and representing practically all Slavic publications in the United States, was born January 19, 1877, in Lysa, Bohemia. His parents, Ignatius Hynek and Anna (Svoboda), Sankar, were also natives of Bohemia, and were of old and highly esteemed families. In 1888 they immigrated to the United States and here the father followed his trade of mason. The early edu- cation of Louis Joseph Sankar was obtained in the public schools of Bohemia and in the public schools of Chicago. He also attended the evening high schools that he might more rapidly acquire a knowledge of the English language and American customs. Very few Chicago men are better linguists than Mr. Sankar as he is well versed in Bohemian, Slavic, Polish, French, Spanish and English. His first commercial venture was as a correspondent for various pub- lications, later taking up advertising and establishing himself in that particular field of operation. In this he has prospered and is con- sidered an expert in the advertising world. Mr. Sankar is a member of the Bohemian Methodist Episcopal church, is independent in his political views and belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fratern- ities and is vice-president of Lafayette Council of the Royal League. He is a lover of art and music. To his marriage with Miss Anna B. Jaros, of Chicago, and of Bohemian ancestry, one son has been born, named Alfred Cotton Sankar.
Ferdinand W. Dierssen, wholesale fish and oyster dealer at the Union fish market, is a native of the city of Chicago, his birth oc- curring on June 6, 1877. He is a son of Frederick and Emma (Tan- nenberger) Dierssen who were born in Hanover, Germany, and are among the old and highly respected citizens of Chicago.
Ferdinand W. Dierssen in early youth attended the public schools, subsequently taking a course in the Metropolitan Business college. He began his business career as an assistant to his father, who was then senior member of the firm of F. Dierssen & Brother, at four dollars per week, his duties being of a miscellaneous character. From this humble beginning he grew with the business until he had ad- vanced to the head of the establishment. When consolidation seemed to pervade most lines of expanding buiness pursuits, the concern, in 1898, was merged into the A. Booth interests, and Frederick Diers-
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sen, the father, retired from active participation in its affairs and confined his attention to various other business enterprises, the son becoming the head and active agent of the Union market. He is also interested in other lines and is the present vice-president of the Chi- cago Sash, Door & Blind Manufacturing company. Such, in brief, is the career of a Chicago boy whose life, while uneventful, has been one of activity and usefulness. He is a lover of out-door sports, is unmarried and resides with his parents at 2052 Ewing Place.
William Henry Burns, general auditor, Rock Island lines, was born in Chicago, April 23, 1865, and is a son of Patrick and Mar- garet (Casey) Burns. He was educated in the common schools- grammar and high-and finished at Bryant & Stratton's Business col- lege. He began the active duties of life in 1881 as clerk in the store department of the Rock Island road. Later, he was clerk in the roadmaster's and freight auditor's offices, and on June 1, 1898, was advanced to freight auditor of the same road. On July 1, 1902, he became auditor freight traffic, October 1, 1905, assistant general au- ditor, and on December 10, 1909, general auditor, Rock Island lines. He is a member of the Railway Club of Chicago and the Knights of Columbus. His wife was formerly Elizabeth Ryan, of Albany, N. Y. They have four children : Warren, Esther, Frances and How- ard. Mr. Burns is a Democrat. He lives at 7317 Princeton avenue. His father was in the employ of the Rock Island road for about thirty-five years.
William Frank Mulvihill, the subject of this sketch, was born on a farm in Oswego county, New York, February 6, 1872. Leaving the farm at the age of fourteen years he learned the trade of a furni- ture finisher, working in Whitesboro and Utica, N. Y., where he at- tended night school and business college. In 1892 he became half owner of the Central New York News, a local prohibition paper published at Utica, and since that time has been actively identified with various religious and temperance periodicals, including the Facts, afterward the Defender, of New York, the Northern Chris- tian Advocate and the Christian Century.
Mr. Mulvihill came to Chicago in 1899 to take an editorial posi- tion on the New Voice, then the national organ of the prohibition movement ; in 1900 he was the managing editor of the Daily Voice, and in 1901 became general manager of the company. Later Mr. Mulvihill effected a merger of the New Voice list with that of the Defender, of New York, and the Home Defender, of Chicago, the consolidated papers being now published in this city as the National Prohibitionist, of which he is treasurer. Before coming to Chicago Mr. Mulvihill was secretary of the New York State Prohibition committee for two years and is considered an authority on the ques- tions of prohibition and law enforcement. He was the author and compiler of the Campaign Text-Books of the Prohibition party for 1900 and 1904. He is just closing a three years course at Chicago-
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Kent College of Law paying special attention to the subjects of con- stitutional law and the construction and interpretation of statutes. He graduates as orator of his class, having been chosen by his colleagues for that honor by acclamation.
Mr. Mulvihill was elected secretary of the Englewood Law and Order League in 1903, serving until July, 1909. He has also served the Chicago Law and Order League as executive-secretary since its incorporation. He was married December 28, 1898, to Emma M. Elliott, nee Hubbard, and has one son, Stewart Pearson, seven years old. He is a member of the Church of Christ (Disciples), a Good Templar and a charter member of Park Manor Lodge No. 899, A. F. & A. M.
James Nelson Buchanan was born on Adams street, Chicago, Oc- tober 16, 1849. At that time Dearborn street did not extend south of Monroe street, but later when this street was extended, the house was on the southeast corner of the two thoroughfares, where the Bedford building now stands, and was burned October 9, 1871. His parents were Nelson and Ellen M. ( Paine) Buchanan.
He attended the Brown (public) school, Palmers and Dyrenfurth Academies. His business career commenced as errand boy for Cul- ver, Page & Hoyne, and later he was a clerk in the office of Hollis- ter & Phelps' carpet house, when Lake street was the principal re- tail street of Chicago, and later took up the real estate business, in which he is now engaged.
Mr. Buchanan was elected a member of the state legislature on the Harrison and Morton ticket in 1888 and served two years repre- senting in the thirty-sixth general assembly, the second senatorial district, in which was located the World's fair. The same body also enacted the drainage law under which Chicago's big canal was built. He was a charter member of Company A, First Regiment Illinois National Guard, and served eight and a half years as private, cor- poral, sergeant, lieutenant, and the last two and a half years as cap- tain of the company. After severing his connection with the First Regiment, he served six and a half years as commissary and assist- ant inspector general, on the staff of Gen. Charles Fitz Simons, when he commanded the First Brigade, Illinois National Guard.
On October 17, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Isadora Berry, daughter of Capt. William M. Berry, of Hyde Park, and to "them three children have been born: Grace Buchanan Lamberton, William Nelson Buchanan, both now residents of Chicago, and Isa- dora B. Buchanan, who died in infancy.
Mr. Buchannan is a member of the Cook County Real Estate Board and the Chicago Press club, and resides at No. 5555 Monroe avenue.
James S. Paine came to Chicago in the spring of 1842 from Hallowell, Maine. He lived in Dearborn street between South Water and Lake streets, where he conducted a harness and saddlery
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business until the spring of 1850, when he crossed the plains to Cali- fornia. Returning in 1857, he felt the restraint of Chicago's civili- zation, and in the fall of that year took his family to Linn county, Kansas, where he died in September, 1866.
Nelson Buchanan was born in Montreal, June 20, 1820, and came to Chicago in 1837, being one of the early druggists. In December, 1848, he was married to Ellen Maria Paine, and died October 31, 1858.
Ellen Maria (Paine) Buchanan was born in Hallowell, Maine, March 4, 1829, and came to Chicago with her father, James S. Paine, in 1842, the family coming by boat from Buffalo. They lived for many years in Dearborn street, between Lake and South Water streets. In 1848 she was married to Nelson Buchanan, and died February 3, 1907, at her residence 5555 Monroe avenue, where she had lived for seventeen years. Three sons, James N., Dr. Charles H. and Edward P. Buchanan, all residents of Chicago, sur- vive her.
Dr. Charles Henry Buchanan was born in Chicago, August 2, 1851. His parents were Nelson and Ellen M. (Paine) Buchanan. He received his early education in the public schools, and afterward graduated from Kenyon college at Gambier, Ohio. He also is a graduate of Rush Medical college, and resides at 6608 Yale avenue. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Mary N. Slichter. They have one daughter, Maybelle (Buchanan) Avery.
Edward Paine Buchanan was born in Harrison street between Buffalo street and Medina Place, May 21, 1853, a son of Nelson and Ellen M. (Paine) Buchanan. He was a student in the Brown (pub- lic) school, and afterward at Racine college, Racine, Wis. After leaving school he was a clerk with the New York Life Insurance company, later taking up the contracting business. He served five years as a member of Company A, First Regiment, Illinois National Guard, and has been for many years a member of the veteran corps, of which he is now commander. In 1881 he was married to Imogene (Fowler) Buchanan. They have two daughters, Jessie and Imogene Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan is a member of the Illinois Athletic club.
George Russell Carr, vice-president and general manager of the Dearborn Drug & Chemical Works, was born in Argenta, Ill., Janu- ary 23, 1878, and is a son of Dr. Robert F. and Emily (Smick) Carr. He attended the public schools of Argenta and the Austin high school, graduating from the latter with the class of 1897. He then entered the University of Illinois, took a full course in chemis- try and graduated in 1901 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. On July 1, 1901, he began active work as an employe of the Dear- born Drug & Chemical Works, with which concern he has been asso- ciated ever since. He was first a salesman, then manager of a de- partment, then assistant general manager, then in July, 1906, vice- president and in 1907 vice-president and general manager, which
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dual position he still occupies. He is also connected with outside business interests. He is vice-president of the Blue Island Rolling Mill & Car company at 124th street and Marshfield avenue and vice- president of the Sheffield Car & Equipment company, of Kansas City, Mo. He is secretary and a director of the Emerson Typewriter com- pany. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and the University, Chicago Athletic, South Shore Country, Midlothian Golf, Westward Ho Golf and Oak Park clubs and the American Chemical Society. He resides at 416 Home avenue, Oak Park.
Robert James McKay, general passenger agent of the Chicago & Alton; Toledo, St. Louis & Western; Minneapolis & St. Louis, and the Iowa Central railroads, was born in Aurora, Ill., February 26, 1871, and is a son of John H. and Anna (Turner) Mckay. The fath- er, who was a skillful mechanic, was a resident of Aurora and was long in the employ of one or more of the above roads.
In youth Robert J. attended the public schools of Aurora and at the age of eighteen years began the active duties of life in the office of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy telegraphic office, occupying the various positions of bill clerk, messenger, clerk in the freight of- fice, clerk in roadmaster's office, etc. While thus engaged he be- came thoroughly familiar with the intricate details of practical rail- roading. In July, 1892, he became assistant ticket agent at Aurora and four years later ticket agent there. In 1900 he came to Chicago as city ticket agent at 211 Clark street and was there employed until September, 1904, when he went to St. Louis as district passenger agent of the Toledo, St. Louis & Western system. On January 1, 1906, he was promoted to assistant general passenger agent of the same road and was thus occupied until June 1, 1908, when he re- turned to Chicago and assumed the duties of assistant general pas- senger agent for the two roads-Toledo, St. Louis & Western and the Chicago & Alton. On March 1, 1909, he became first assistant general passenger agent of those roads and on December 1, 1909, general passenger agent of the four roads named first in this sketch. His advance has been steady, rapid and merited. He is a Republican and lives at 4860 Kenmore avenue. On May 4, 1898, he married Elizabeth DuBrock, of Aurora, and they have one son, George Rob- ert.
Kempster B. Miller, of the firm of McMeen & Miller, consulting engineers, 1452 Monadnock Block, and with a branch establishment at 333 Grant avenue, San Francisco, is a native of Boston, Mass., born August 14, 1870, a son of Joseph K. and Eliza (Blanchard) Miller. His father was an expert mechanic in early life and pos- sessed literary talent of a high order. While yet a young man he moved to Washington, D. C., where for many years he was em- ployed in the office of the comptroller of the currency. It was in the latter city that Kempster B. Miller grew to manhood and secured his
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primary education. He later entered the engineering department of Cornell University from which he was graduated with the degree of mechanical engineer in the class of 1893. He began life for himself as examiner of patents in the electrical division of the United States Patent office at Washington, D. C. From 1893 to 1896 he was thus employed, then came to Chicago where for three years he was con- nected with the Western Telephone Construction company. From then until 1905 he was in the employ of the Kellogg Switchboard & Supply company as electrical engineer. The first office . established as consulting engineers in the telephone field was that of McMeen & Miller in 1905, and this has proved a marked success. The firm has recently executed important work for the New York Board of Under- writers, and for the city of New York on the fire alarm system. They are now building a telephone system for the Home Telephone company, of San Francisco, which is designed to be the largest ever constructed. Mr. Miller inherited from his father his taste for litera- ture, and "American Telephone Practice," a technical work of high merit, is from his pen. His contributions to various periodicals on technical subjects have also attracted much attention and praise from the critics. In social affairs he is identified with the Union League, Quadrangle and Illinois Athletic clubs, the Engineer's Club of New York, the Engineer's Club of Chicago, the American Institute of Electrical Engineering and the Western Society of Engineers. He is a director of the Kellogg Switchboard & Supply company and of the Belden Manufacturing company. To his marriage with Miss Antha Knowlton, solemnized July 3, 1897, three children have been born : Dorothea, Antha and Ruth. The family home is at 1232 E. Fifty-sixth street.
Frank O. Melcher, second vice-president of the Chicago, Rock Is- land & Pacific Railroad company, is a native of Maine, born at Dam- ariscotta, June 14, 1864, a son of Franklin B. and Harriet Newell (Harrington) Melcher. In boyhood he attended the public schools, then entered Tufts college from which he was graduated in 1887, and subsequently, in 1895, graduating as a civil engineer from the same institution. In 1887 he began his railroad career as instrument man on the Fitchburg road, then became assistant engineer, chief engi- neer, division superintendent and general superintendent of the same road. He next became superintendent of the Fitchburg division of the Boston & Maine railroad, but in November, 1902, came west as the division superintendent for Illinois of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railway, later occupying the position of general superin- tendent of the Choctaw district for the same company. In June, 1905, he was promoted to general manager of the Central and North- ern districts, and from this, on December 10, 1909, he was appoint- ed second vice-president of the road, a position he now occupies. Mr. Melcher is a member of the Union League and Exmoor Country clubs and resides at Winnetka. On October 1, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Edna Elizabeth Lane, of Yonkers, N. Y.
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Henry U. Mudge, president of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad company, was born June 9, 1856, at Minden, Mich., and received his early education in the public schools. Practically his en- tire life has been passed in railroad work and was begun as water boy (when only fourteen years old) on track with the Atchison, Topeka & Sante Fe railway. Having learned telegraphy, he served in the different capacities of operator, brakeman, baggageman, con- ductor of work, freight and passenger trains, roadmaster, train- master, division superintendent of different roads, general superin- tendent, and from 1900 to 1905 was general manager of the Atchi- son, Topeka & Santa Fe railway. On May 1, of the latter year he be- came connected with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railway, as second vice-president, and in December, 1909, was elected president of this road. This record speaks for itself and is one to which the aspiring youth of the land can turn with benefit.
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