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 83
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
. Dr. Byron Robinson for many years has occupied high rank among the medical practitioners of Chicago. He is a native of Wis- consin, his parents being William and Mary Robinson. His early education was acquired in a log school house, subsequently attending a seminary at Mineral Point and the University of Wisconsin. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science from the latter in 1878. During his senior year at the university he was assistant to the pro- fessor of chemistry. The two following years he was principal of the high school at Ashland and at Black Earth and during this time took up the study of medicine under Dr. U. P. Stair. He then en- tered Rush Medical college from which he was graduated in 1882, and the ensuing two years he was engaged in practice at Grand Rap- ids, Wis. In 1884-5, in order to better equip himself in his profes- sion, he pursued special studies and investigations in gynecology and abdominal surgery at Heidelberg, Berlin, and London, then return- ing to America and resuming his practice at Grand Rapids. In 1887 he again went to Europe where he took up special studies in gynecology at the University of Vienna, and in "1888, located at To- ledo, Ohio, where he became professor of anatomy and clinical sur- gery in the Toledo Medical college. During this period he made numerous experiments and devised improved methods in intestinal anastomasis operations. Since 1891 Dr. Robinson has been engaged at his profession in Chicago.
To give a complete resume of original operations performed by Dr. Robinson would alone fill a volume. As an author he has con- tributed two volumes entitled "Landmarks of Gynecology," two vol- umes on "Practical Intestinal Surgery," one volume each on "Auto- matic Menstrual Ganglia," "Urachal Cysts," "The Abdominal Brain, Its Rhythm and Reflexes," and a work on the "Peritoneum." In addition to this he has also published monographs on the "Great Omentum," "Colopo-Perineorrhaphy," "Utero-ovarian Artery" and a chart on the "Sympathetic Nerve." He has contributed ex-
805
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
tensively to current medical literature special articles on abdominal anatomy and surgery. Dr. Robinson is a member of most of the medical societies. His wife, to whom he was married in 1894, was Dr. Lucy Waite, a physician and surgeon of note in Chicago
Meyer Blum (deceased) is a son of N. and Flora Blum and was born in Alsace, France, October 28, 1828. He came to America in 1854 and first located at East Wheeling where he engaged in the meat business, continuing thus for three years. He then moved to West Wheeling, now known as Arlington Heights, and embarked in merchandising and dealing in stock. In 1862 he bought the Madison House of which he was proprietor and manager for thirteen years. He then rented the place, but finally sold it. He was an active Republican and for many years was influential in shaping public affairs of this community. In 1876 he was appointed deputy sheriff, reappointed in 1878 and in 1882. Altogether he held the positions of deputy sheriff and jailer for about thirty years. He served a like time on the school board and was trustee of the village for several years. He was a popular and successful auctioneer for about thirty years. He was for many years a member of Emanuel Congregation (Jewish) of Chicago. He died in 1903 while occu- pying a position in the office of the treasurer of Cook County. He was a Royal Arch Mason, having been a member of the order for forty-three years. On November 19, 1857, he married Henrietta Minchrod and they became the parents of nine children as follows : Abraham, Joseph, Isaac, Jacob, Clara, Bertha, Sarah, and two daughters, Pauline and Flora, who died young.
Of these children, Isaac was reared in this country and re- ceived a good education. On October 8, 1889, he married Minnie Dahens and they have four children-William, Laura, Ben and Earl. Mr. Blum is a Republican and has spent much of his adult life in the service of the International Harvester company and its predecessors. He has represented them on the road and is an expert in his department. He resides at Palatine.
Edward Schwarz, recognized as one of the foremost wood en- gravers of the city, was born in Chicago on March 27, 1880, a son of Frank and Meta (Schultz) Schwarz. The father was a native of Prussia, but in order to better his circumstances immigrated to America when a young man, and locating in Chicago, worked at his trade of pattern making. Edward Schwarz has always made Chicago his home. Educated in the public schools he early took up the study of wood engraving from an artistic and commercial point of view and after serving four years as an apprentice worked for a time for the Chicago Engraving company. The first six months of his apprenticeship were passed without any pay whatever, and the succeeding six months he received pay at the rate of one dollar per week. After each remaining six months of his apprentice- ship his wages were advanced one dollar per week. After his first Vol. II-48.
806
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
employment he secured a position with the firm of J. Manz & Com- pany with whom he continued for three years; then for short periods was connected with other firms. Previous to this he had decided to go into business for himself as soon as circumstances warranted and accordingly, in 1906, he opened his own studio. In 1909 he moved to his present location in the Isabella building. Mr. Schwarz has been an earnest and a close student of his art, especially as ap- plied to commercial pursuits, and his success is the result of knowl- edge and industry.
William Senne, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Cook County, was born at Plum Grove, January 2, 1866. His parents, Fred and Frederica (Roper) Senne, were natives of Han- over, Germany. About the year 1831 they sailed to America and coming to the frontier, entered land from the government at what is now known as Plum Grove. Two years later they moved to the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch where they resided until their respective deaths. William Senne was brought up on his father's farm, his boyhood days being passed in such work as was required of him and in attending the district schools. In 1891 he assumed charge of the old home place where he now resides. In politics he is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party and for many years has served his district as school director. On October 18, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Homier and to this union four sons have been born, named, William, Edward, Arthur and George. The family attend worship at the German Lutheran Church in Plum Grove.
Mark G. Harris, president of Mark G. Harris & Company, located at 375-383 Fifth avenue, is a native of the State of Illinois, born August 4, 1863, in Newark, Kendall county, a son of Isaac and Rachel Harris. He was educated in the Foster and high schools of Chicago, and in 1883 began his business career at Joliet, engaging in the merchant tailoring business. He was awarded first prize gold medal for superior cut and fit of garments at the convention of the Custom Foreman Tailors' Association of America, held at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1891. He was also awarded first prize at the Illinois Merchant Tailors' and Garment Designers' convention, held at Chicago the same year. He was chairman of the Will County Democratic central committee for three years and was a member of the Joliet city council for six years as alderman from the Second ward. March 1, 1894, he was appointed postmaster of Joliet by President Cleveland and at the expiration of his term the business men of Joliet presented him with a diamond charm inscribed "Joliet's Best Postmaster." He took an evening course at the Chicago Col- lege of Law and in June, 1897, was admitted to the bar. In October, 1900, Mr. Harris engaged in the wholesale tailoring business in Chicago in the firms of Calumet Woolen Company and Gold Medal Tailors, being vice-president and manager of both until January,
807
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
1904, when the two above firms consolidated under the style of Mark G. Harris & Company, Gold Medal Tailors, Mr. Harris being presi- dent and manager. He patented the Mark G. Harris front, shoulder and sleeve head and is the author of the Mark G. Harris describing method and the Mark G. Harris cutting chart. Mr. Harris is a life member of Joliet Lodge No. 296, B. P. O. E., of which order he was elected exalted ruler for two terms. He resides at 4236 Grand Boulevard, Chicago.
William Jenson is of Danish descent and was born in Chicago, August 14, 1875. His father, N. P. Jenson, is a cabinet maker and in 1867 came to America and Chicago, accompanied by his wife, Annie Jenson. Their son William, the subject of this review, re- ceived his early education in the public schools of his native city, later taking, for three years, a night course in a commercial college and a two years course at the Chicago College of Law. In July, 1890, he began his business career as clerk for the abstract company which was succeeded by the Chicago Title & Trust company, and here he remained two years. He then entered the employ of James H. Van Vlissingen, engaged in the real estate and loan business, and was thus engaged for five years. He next became connected with the firm of Haberer & Delfosse, real estate dealers, in the capacity of mana- ger and here he remained for a period of three years. He then formed a partnership with W. C. Regelin, under the firm name of Regelin & Jenson, doing a general business in real estate, loans and insurance. They first located at 119 La Salle street but one year later, on account of their big increase in business, removed to their present location in the Reaper block. They also have branch offices at Sheridan Park, Buena Park and Logan Square. Mr. Jenson has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Cuba, Can- ada and Europe. He is vice-president of the Ravenswood club and one of the charter members of the Rotary club. He also is identified with the Royal Arcanum, Royal League and the Masonic fraternity, being a member of St. Bernard Commandery and of the Shrine. In his political views he is a Republican and in religion a member of the Evangelical Church. In June, 1890, he was united in marriage with Mabel M. Spiarr, and their residence is at 5546 Magnolia avenue.
Edward C. Waller was born in Kentucky, November 21, 1845, and is a son of Henry and Sarah B. (Langhorne) Waller. The father was born in Frankfort, Ky., was a son of William S. Waller and was a graduate of West Point. He became eminent as a member of the bar and was prominent as a Whig and a supporter of Henry Clay. He was a member of the Kentucky legislature. He came to Chicago in 1855, continued the practice of law and was regarded as one of the ablest members of the bar.
Edward C. Waller received his primary education in Kentucky, before reaching the age of fifteen years, afterward in Chicago. In
808
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
1866 he began on his own account an independent business in real estate and has continued the same until the present time-a period of nearly forty years. He is one of the oldest members of the Chicago Real Estate Board. In a large measure the Rookery building was the result of his suggestions and plans. He is president of the North American Accident Insurance company and secretary and treasurer of the Central Safety Deposit company. His office is in the Rookery building and his residence at River Forest.
Frank Hahn, of the firm of Hahn Brothers, was born November 27, 1877, a son of Gustave and Lottie (Kospinsky) Hahn, who were natives of eastern Prussia. The father died in 1883, but the mother is now living in Chicago at the age of seventy years. Frank Hahn, the subject of this sketch, received a common, practical education, and after coming to America, located in Chicago and in 1895 estab- lished himself in the laundry business at 217 (old number) West North avenue. He subsequently bought the lot at 3527 West North avenue, on which he caused to be erected a modern 41x120 foot, two-story building, especially adapted for laundry purposes. This is the only modern, up-to-date laundry in the city of Chicago west of Humboldt Park. Associated with him in business is his brother, Gustave Hahn, and the firm of Hahn Brothers is among the first of their line of business in the city today.
Dr. Nathan S. Davis. Perhaps no other man of the medical profession has been more widely known or more highly honored than was Dr. Davis. Probably no one exerted a like influence in bringing into intimate relation and fraternal fellowship the leading members of the medical profession in this country. The powerful organization known as the American Medical association has done more to secure this result than all other influences combined, and to him as to no other it is indebted for its organization and suc- cessful development. It would require a volume to give adequate expression to the work which he accomplished. Our limits only permit a brief outline of his life and labors.
He was born in Chenango county, New York, in 1817. Until he was 16 years old he labored on his father's farm and had the educational advantages of the common district school. Although . the youngest of seven children, such was his love of books that he was permitted to attend the Cazenovia Academy, then in the zenith of its prosperity, and from which so many eminent men entered public life. He commenced the study of medicine at the early age of seventeen years, under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Clark, one of the most prominent physicians in his native county. He attended his first course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Sur- geons in New York City during the winter of 1834-35. In the spring of '35 he registered with Dr. Thomas Jackson, one of the leading physicians in Binghamton, New York, and graduated at Fairfield in 1837, when he was not yet twenty-one years old. The
1
809
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
same year he opened an office in Binghamton and in 1838 was hap- pily married to Miss Anna Maria, daughter of Hon. John Parker of Vienna, New York. He was soon elected a member of Brown County Medical society, and was an officer continuously in that organization until he removed from the county. In 1842 he was appointed to represent the county in the New York State Medical society and took his seat in that body in Albany in February, 1844. At this first meeting with the state society he offered a series of resolutions having for their object the securing of a higher stan- dard of medical education, and so ably did he advocate that at the next annual meeting, in 1845, the following resolution presented by him was adopted, to-wit: "Resolved, That the New York Medical society earnestly recommend a national convention of delegates from medical societies and colleges in the whole Union to convene in the city of New York on the first Tuesday in May, 1846, for the purpose of adopting some concerted action on the subject set forth in the preamble." The resolution was adopted, and a committee appointed to carry out the purpose of the resolution, of which Dr. Davis was made chairman. As the result of extended correspond- ence, a large and influential meeting was held in New York City in 1846 representing nearly every State in the Union. At this meeting committees were appointed to perfect a permanent organ- ization. The meeting adjourned to meet in Philadelphia the fol- lowing year. At that meeting the committees reported, plans were duly perfected, and the American Medical Association was organ- ized. By reason of the arduous labors in organization and later development, by common consent Dr. Davis has been recognized as the "father" of the association. In 1847 he removed from Bing- hamton to New York City and became connected with the College of Physicians and Surgeons. While thus connected and also en- gaged in private practice, he still found time to edit the medical journal called The Analyst. In 1849 he accepted a call to the chair of physiology and general pathology in Rush Medical college, and came to reside in Chicago in the fall of that year.
At the close of his first course of lectures in Rush Medical college he was transferred to the chair of principles and practice of medicine and of clinical medicine. He occupied this position for ten years. When the medical department of Lind university was organized.in 1859 he resigned to accept a like position in that institution.
Though not present at the organization of the Illinois State Medi- cal society, he was elected a member and rarely through all the successive years until the time of his death was he absent from its annual meetings. He was elected its president in 1855, and for twelve consecutive years served as its secretary. Whether in local, State or national society, his labors were alike con- spicuous and helpful. He wielded the pen of a ready writer, and his productions were able, terse and convincing. In 1855 he had become the leading editor of the Chicago Medical Journal, and
810
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
held that position until 1859. In 1860 he began the publication of a new journal named the Medical Examiner, and continued the same until 1873, when it became the property of the Medical Publication Society and was merged with the Chicago Medical Journal with the two names united.
When in 1853 it was determined by the American Medical as- sociation to journalize its transactions and issue them weekly, Dr. Davis was by common consent chosen editor of the journal. He gave to it a vast amount of personal attention until it was success- fully and permanently established. At the eighth International Medical Congress held in Copenhagen in 1884, it was voted to hold its next session in Washington, District of Columbia, in 1887. In the preparation for the meeting the arduous work of the general sec- retary rested upon Dr. Davis. While in the midst of the labors inci- dent to this responsible position, Prof. Austin Flint, Sr., the presi- dent-elect of the coming congress, suddenly died, and Dr. Davis was at once called to that position. In the furtherance of its interests he visited England and held extended correspondence with most of the principal men in Europe who were specially interested in the congress. The congress at Washington was an eminent success. Dr. Davis presided over its deliberations with conspicuous ability.
It is hardly needful to say that he was closely identified with the educational, moral and philanthropic institutions of the city when- ever in civic relations his influence could be felt. He was one of the founders of the Northwestern university and one of its most influential trustees until his death. In the Union Law school of Chicago he held the chair of medical jurisprudence. He gave years of time to the management of the Washingtonian Home for the reclamation of inebriates. He was also one of the founders of the Chicago Historical society, the Academy of Sciences and of the Chicago Microscopical society. During his years of collegiate instruction be found time to publish his extended work on the "Principles and Practice of Medicine," in which his teachings are concisely embodied. Early in life he set himself to the accomplish- ment of three important purposes. The first was the organization of an American Medical association which should unify the medical profession of the entire Union. The second was the founda- tion of a medical college in which a graded course of instruction should be inaugurated. The third was the publication of a text book upon the "Principles and Practice of Medicine." Each of these in due time he lived to see realized.
Personally Dr. Davis, though slight in form, was a man of al- most unparalleled endurance, which, with intense adherence to his convictions, coupled with untiring industry, made him eminently successful in the accomplishment of his purposes. He was a man of strong religious convictions and an active member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, and one of its most constant attendants. His home relations were ideal. Until almost the last he continued
.
811
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
his daily visits to his office. When at last he fell asleep his loving family was at his side. He died June 16, 1904, aged 87 years.
Dr. William H. Byford was a native of Easton, Ohio, where he was born May 21, 1817. When he reached the age of 9 years his father died, whereupon he became an apprentice to a tailor in Pales- tine, but completed his apprenticeship at Vincennes, Indiana. Al- most from his start in life he designed to study medicine, and upon reaching a suitable age, knowing the importance of a liberal educa- tion, he not only perfected himself in the English language but also in the Greek and Latin classics.
He began the study of medicine under Dr. Joseph Matteson of Vincennes, and so rapid was his progress he passed the necessary examination and at the end of eighteen months was granted a cer- tificate by the examining board. He hung out his shingle at Vin- cennes, Indiana, and there remained for two years, when he be- came a partner of Dr. Hezekiah Hammond of Mount Vernon, Indiana. In 1844 Dr. Byford still further increased his medical knowledge and usefulness by special lectures at the Ohio Medical college, from which he received his medical degree. In 1850 he accepted the chair of anatomy in the Evansville college, and a year later was promoted to that of theory and practice of medicine. In 1857 he became one of the vice-presidents of the American Medical association, and the same year accepted the chair of obstetrics and diseases of children in Rush Medical college.
In 1859 he became connected with the medical department of Lind university. Dr. Byford was the originator of many reforms in practice. He was the founder of gynecology as a specialty in Chi- cago. He first projected a woman's hospital in 1865, to which he afterward devoted much time and means. In 1876 he assisted in organizing the American Gynecological association and was one of its first vice-presidents, becoming later its president. He distin- guished himself as writer on medical subjects. In 1875 he became editor-in-chief of the Chicago Medical Journal and Examiner, which he conducted for a number of years. He published many works on private diseases, several of which passed through a series of editions. His writings were based wholly upon his own wide and observant experiences. At the zenith of his career, he passed away.
Christian Fenger was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1840 and in that city graduated in medicine in 1867. Succeeding his graduation he served as assistant in Meyer's Ear Clinic and later as an interne for two years in the Royal Fredericks hospital. He then began a private practice in Copenhagen and thus continued until the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war, in which struggle he served as surgeon in the International Ambulance association. At the end of the war he returned to Copenhagen and for three years was prosector of the City Hospital, in which there were about one thousand beds. His thesis on "Cancer of the Stomach"
812
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
prepared for the purpose of securing a lectureship in the University was successful and he received the appointment as lecturer on path- ological anatomy. It should be said in this connection that as a medical and surgical specialist on cancer he attained the highest rank in the United States.
In 1875 he went to Egypt and there continued to practice his profession with the highest success. He became a member of the Sanitary Council of Alexandria, but in 1860 he removed to Cairo, where he served by special appointment under the khedive. Ill health obliged him to leave Egypt and in 1877 he located in Chi- cago. Here his reputation was still further enhanced. In clinical surgery particularly he attained the highest distinction. He was connected with the Northwestern Medical school and occupied the chair of surgery in Chicago's Polyclinic. He was also surgeon-in- chief of the German hospital for many years and was attending surgeon at the Passavant Memorial hospital and consulting sur- geon at some half dozen other hospitals of this city. He was an active member and at one time was vice-president of the American Surgical association and was identified prominently and conspicu- ously with many other medical societies and organizations. During his practice in Chicago he was consulted as a specialist by hundreds of physicians and surgeons throughout the country who desired the benefit of his marvelous examinations and splendid medical judgment.
-
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 977.31G63HI C001 V002 HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
3 0112 025384501
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.