USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 15
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factor in the business life of Kane county, where he figured so prominently for over a half century. In January, 1838, he opened his store at Dundee, carrying a line of general merchandise. He had studied the wants of the people. knew their needs and equipped his store accordingly. His judgment concerning the advisability of establishing a store here was demonstrated in the passing of time. From the beginning the new enterprise prospered, the sales steadily increasing, and he extended his operations with the growth and demands of the rapidly advancing country about him. Soon after the close of the Civil war he disposed of his store in Dundee and in May, 1867, removed to Elgin, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. Through the succeeding nine years he was engaged in merchandising in this city and again his establishment secured a liberal patronage, making his trade very profitable.
A man of resourceful ability and wide outlook, he extended his efforts into other lines and in 1876, after about ten years' residence and prosperous business in Elgin, he organized the private banking house of Bosworth, Carpenter & Company, which was equally successful with his mercantile efforts. From the start this became one of the leading moneyed institutions of this part of the state. It secured almost immediately a large and growing patronage. for the members of the firm were men of well known and tried business ability and integrity. They had conducted their bank for about eighteen months when they were asked to take a controlling interest in the First National Bank, and the purchase was made. A little later the private bank was discontinued and merged into the First National Bank. Mr. Bos- worth was chosen to the presidency of the latter institution and filled the position up to the time of his demise. His business integrity was unassail- able and his methods are of interest to the commercial world. for while start- ing out in life empty-handed, he attained a position of distinction and prominence among the representatives of commercial and financial interests in Kane county. He based his actions upon the rules which govern unfaltering industry and inflexible reliability. He was never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction, but sought out methods which were fair and just alike to the purchaser and the seller, to the banker and to his patron. Men who knew him came to regard his word as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal, and what higher encomium can be passed upon an individual than to say, "He was an honest man."
Mr. Bosworth was also connected with many interests of both a public and private nature which contributed in large measure to the progress and prosperity of the community. He was intensely public spirited and his devotion to the general good was manifest in many tangible ways. In an early day he foresaw the wants of this rich agricultural country for cheap and speedy transportation to the markets of the world, understanding perfectly that therein lay the secret of the future of the Prairie state. He was among the founders of the Chicago & Northwestern, the Chicago & Pacific and the Fox River Valley Railroads, becoming one of the chief promoters and a stockholder in all of those lines. He was likewise identified with the manu-
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facturing mill at Dundee and later with a similar factory in Elgin. Many other business concerns which were of direct benefit to the community received his endorsement and cooperation. Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion and used no means por methods that would not bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. While he prospered as the years went by, he never resorted to speculation for his success, but won it along the legitimate lines of commerce.
In an active and useful business career he also found time to recognize the needs of his fellowmen and to aid in meeting them. The cause of educa- tion found in him a stalwart champion and he believed firmly in the public- school system. The poor and needy found in him a friend and without osten- tation or show he gave generously to those who needed assistance, and. moreover, always had an encouraging word and a pleasant smile, thus shed- ding around him much of the sunshine of life. For a number of years he was one of the active and helpful trustees of the Illinois Northern Hospital for the Insane at Elgin. He also acted for some years as a trustee of the Chicago University, was a trustee of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Morgan Park, and was also thus connected with the Elgin Academy.
On the 24th of December, 1844, Mr. Bosworth was married to Miss Mary Ann Root, a daughter of Dr. Anson and Lucinda ( Wilson) Root. Their family numbered eight children. Eliza, the eldest, became the wife of the Rev. Joshua E. Ambrose, a Baptist minister, and died in 1854. Mary Ann, who was born June 4, 1814, in Genesee county, New York, became the wife of Mr. Bosworth. Julia A. married Milo Kemp and in 1837 became a resident of Batavia. Orpha S. married Samuel Burdick and made her home in Elgin. Anson W. also became a resident of Elgin. Harriet G., who became the wife of A. D. Gifford, died about 1853. Martha was twice married, first becoming Mrs. Anderson and later Mrs. Loomis, and for some years she made her home in California. William went to California in 1850 and died in that state.
Mr. and Mrs. Bosworth had a family of three sons and one daughter. Alfred is mentioned elsewhere in this work. William Eugene, the second member of the Bosworth family, was born October 5, 1848, and was mar- ried May 12, 1874, to Ida L. Woodruff. They have two sons: Cyrus I., who was born March 20, 1875; and Ralph R., born December 13, 1882. Abbie L., born June 1, 1851, and Henry Increase, born September 10, 1854. are the younger members of the Bosworth family. The last named was tor many years vice president of the First National Bank, Alfred is well known as a capitalist of Elgin and William Eugene was likewise prominent in busi- ness circles of the city. He died about four years ago.
The parents were both members of the Baptist church, were generous in its support, and took a most active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Bos- worth served as treasurer and church trustee for years, and he also filled various civic offices, including that of supervisor, in which capacity he served for two terms. He was likewise alderman for two terms and for some years was president of the Elgin public library. During the Civil war he was one of the stanch advocates of the Union cause, his deep-seated patriotism being
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strongly manifest. He contributed generously to sustain the men in arms at the front as well as their families at home. He lived and labored for the public good in many ways, and his life, honorable and upright, made his record one that was worthy of emulation. He attained the age of seventy-five years and passed away January 11, 1888. Few men have been the object of more genuine affection and he received that sincere respect which the world instinctively pays to the successful man whose course in life is in harmony with the strictest principles of integrity and fidelity. No history of Kane county would be complete without extended mention of Increase C. Bosworth, who for fifty years figured prominently here and wielded a wide influence on the side of improvement, progress, justice, truth and charity.
HENRY JAMES.
Henry James, who was born in Wales on the 5th of May. 1857, passed away in Elgin, March 7. 1897, his parents being William Henry and Eliza- beth ( Evans) James. The former was likewise a native of Wales and died in that country at the age of eighty years. In 1880 Henry James crossed the Atlantic to the new world and immediately made his way to Udina. Kane county, Illinois, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he took up his abode in Elgin. He then became an employee of the Elgin National Watch Company, entering the machine department, and remaining with the company until his demise. In Wales he had been a nurseryman, and also did something along this line in Elgin in the way of transplanting large trees, being very successful in this undertaking.
On the 20th of May. 1876, Mr. James was married in his native country to Miss Mary Jenkins, a daughter of John and Mary ( Edwards) Jenkins. Seven children were born to this union: Elizabeth Jane, born April 13, 1878. married Delmer Dufield, by whom she had one child. Pearl A., and passed away November 20, 1901. Henry Johnson, born March 20, 1882, wedded Miss Chloe Pogue, by whom he has one son, Henry. David William. born April 21. 1884. resides in Elgin, being employed by the Elgin National Watch Company. Arthur Evans, whose birth occurred April 12, 1886, also resides in Elgin and is connected with the same concern. Albert Standey, whose natal day was July 30, 1888, is with the Elgin Silver Plate Company. George. born AApril 25. 1890, passed away August 5. 1892. Pearl Georgiana, born May 20. 1893, was called to the home beyond about July 29. 1895.
Mr. James was a republican in his political views, but took only a citizen's interest in the work of the party. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, and he did everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He was possessed of con- siderable musical talent and was a good singer. He was popular and well liked by all with whom he came in contact, but was preeminently a man of domestic tastes and found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. Coming to this country when a young man, he here found the business opportunities
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which he sought, and in their utilization gained a good measure of success, winning at the same time the warm friendship and esteem of his fellow citizens by reason of his well spent, upright and honorable life.
ALBRECHT IKERT.
Albrecht Ikert, general manager of the Elgin Rug Manufacturing Com- pany, was born in the old historic town of Insterburg, in East Prussia, which was built in the twelfth century. His natal day was April 1. 1853. Spending his boyhood days in his father's home, he was provided with liberal educa- tional advantages, devoting seven years to the study of Latin, five years to French and four years to English. He thus gained comprehensive knowl- edge of the different tongues and his education in these directions has been of the utmost benefit to him, for he has traveled extensively in foreign lands, where he has found ample use for his knowledge. He also speaks the Ger- man language, and his curriculum included geography, mathematics, science, chemistry and physics. As one's horizon is broadened by educational oppor- tunities, so Mr. Ikert desired to see something of the world concerning which he had studied, and not being able to travel because of financial limitations, he resolved to accomplish his purpose in some other way. He, therefore, shipped on a sailing vessel when only sixteen years of age in the capacity of ship boy. He followed the sea for fourteen years, spending one year of that time in the Royal Navy and passing through consecutive grades until he became captain of a vessel. Twelve times he crossed the equator and sailed all of the seas, except the Mediterranean. He visited many ports in various lands and gained a knowledge of the country and the people which can only be gained through travel.
Mr. Ikert was married in 1878, in the city of Bremen, Germany, to Miss Catharine Ruther. He made but one voyage after his marriage, giving up the sea in order to come to America in 1881. He made his way direct to Elgin, and for some time was with the late C. J. Shults, a well known dealer in dry goods and carpets, with whom he continued for fourteen years, filling the responsible position of general manager of the house. In 1898 he organ- ized the Elgin Rug Manufacturing Company, in which he was still associated with Mr. Shults, and, in fact, their relations continued until the death of the latter in 1901. Mr. Ikert then formed the present company, incorporated it and has since been general manager. The company manufactures all kinds of carpets and rugs and employs as many as twenty-five men. He has made the business a most successful enterprise, it becoming one of the leading productive industries of the city.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ikert has been blessed with three children who are yet living: Carl, Charlotte and Bruno. His membership relations include the Bankers' Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa, the Archæan Union, the Modern Woodmen and the Masonic fraternity. Viewed in a personal light, Mr. Ikert is a strong man, strong in his ability to plan
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and to perform. strong in his honor and his good name. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years. he has made a creditable record for that steady progress and straightforward dealing which eventually reach their objective point. His fellowmen entertain for him the warmest respect and he is regarded as a valued addition to the business circles of Elgin. while in the matters of citizenship he is public spirited and progressive, advocating all that pertains to general advancement and improvement.
CHARLES W. LEHMANN.
Charles W. Lehmann, practicing at the Kane county bar as a member of the firm of Ranstead. Lehmann & Fuller. attorneys of Elgin, was born in Roxbury. Massachusetts. December 3. 1874. a son of Charles J. and Gertrude (Engmann) Lehmann. both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America about 1852 and the mother arrived in 1868. They became residents of Boston. Massachusetts, and after residing in the east for some years Charles W. Lehmann brought his family to Elgin. Illinois. in 1875. in order that he might accept a position as maker of main springs with the Elgin National Watch Company, with which he was continuously connected for. twenty-eight years. being one of its oldest and most trusted employes. He is now living retired. enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits.
Charles W. Lehmann, brought to this city when less than a year old. completed his more specifically literary education in the high school and the Elgin Academy. He prepared for the practice of law in Chicago. entering the Kent College of Law. from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. He then went to Europe. where he attended the Heidelberg Uni- versity for a year. and upon his return to his native land took up his abode in Chicago. where he entered the law office of Pam. Donnelly & Glennon. with whom he remained for three years, putting his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in the duties which were assigned him in that connection. During that period he earned a sufficient sum to enable him to prepare. as a student in the Lake Forest Academy. for entrance to Harvard College. He was graduated from the former in 1899 and later entered Harvard. but after three months spent in that university he returned home, was married and again went to Europe. spending about a year abroad in travel through foreign countries.
Upon his return to Elgin. Mr. Lehmann opened a law office and prac- ticed alone for about four years. on the expiration of which period he entered into partnership with the Hon. J. W. Ranstead and P. B. Fuller under the style of Ranstead. Lehmann & Fuller. This firm is still in existence and is one of the strongest at the bar of northern Illinois, having an extensive clientage of an important character. They confine their attention largely to money loans, chancery and probate work and in this connection have gained a high reputation.
CHARLES W. LEHMANN
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On the 14th of December, 1899, Mr. Lehmann was married to Miss Janet Mercy Ranstead, a daughter of Judge J. W. Ranstead, and they now have one son, Ranstead Siebert, born October 31, 1902. Interested in com- munity affairs, Mr. Lehmann gives active and helpful cooperation to many measures of public benefit. He is the president of the board of water com- missioners and is a member of a number of fraternal organizations, in which he is always received as a welcome visitor.
GEORGE SPENCER ADAMS.
The growth and development of a city is due not to 'a few, but to the enterprise and diligence of the many business men who conduct legitimate enterprises along progressive and honorable lines. In this connection, there- fore, George Spencer Adams deserves mention, for he is a wide-awake and alert business man of the city, dealing in sporting goods and automobiles. His birth here occurred on the 27th of September, 1872, his parents being John S. and Fannie A. (Smith) Adams, who were pioneers of Kane county.
The father was foreman for the Elgin National Watch Company for a number of years and was a man of marked ability and enterprise in mechani- cal lines. He designed a model steel bridge at a period when such structures had not come into general use and it was his hope that his bridge would replace the old wooden structure across the Fox river in Elgin. He also designed the breech block system while in active military service under Gen- eral Butler, and this was used on Sharpe's carbine cavalry rifle. It was a great sensation as an innovation in firearms at that time. He submitted the patent to President Lincoln, it was accepted and he was placed in charge of the work of manufacturing the rifles. He was also the inventor of the electric tower, which is now a popular feature in many cities. Indeed he possessed superior talent and ingenuity in the lines of invention and designed some of the most useful machinery that is today a feature of the watch factory. At the time of his death he was in charge of the designing department of the electric light system of New Orleans and he also made the plans for the present sewer and flushing system of that city. He died April 12, 1894, on the day when they made their first excavations in the Crescent city for the sewer system. His ability in mechanical lines won him wide reputation and prominence. He was prominent in politics during his residence in Elgin and was also one of the organizers of the Young Men's Christian Association here. All good works done in the name of charity and religion received his support and he did much to further their interests, for his entire life was actuated by broad humanitarian principles.
George Spencer Adams, whose name introduces this review, was edu- cated in the public schools of Elgin and afterward learned the machinist's trade, which he followed in the employ of others until 1896, when he engaged in business for himself. He now deals in automobiles, handling the Buick car, and also has a large stock in sporting goods, talking machines. phono-
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graphs and bicycles, at the same time conducting repairs of all kinds in these lines. He occupies a large store at No. 210 and 212 East Chicago street, where he employs about six men. He has met with creditable and gratifying success in his undertakings and ranks among the best business men of his native city.
On the 9th of January. 1895, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Alice E. Cannan, of Elgin, a daughter of Robert Cannan, of this city. Well known in fraternal organizations, Mr. Adams is connected with the Masonic lodge, Loyall L. Munn Chapter, R. A. M., the Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His entire life has been passed in the city of his nativity, and he feels just pride in what has been accomplished here, always giving his support and allegiance to measures and movements calculated to prove of public benefit. In business circles and in social life he has gained a wide and favorable acquaintance and the success that he has achieved in commercial lines is proof of well directed activity and capable executive control.
PHILIP FREILER.
Philip Freiler, a distiller and wholesale liquor dealer, of Elgin, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, April 3, 1860. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Bachrach) Freiler, who in the year 1867 removed with their family to Chicago. In that city Philip Freiler acquired his education as a public-school student and in early life he became engaged in the liquor trade, with which his father and brother-in-law were connected in Chicago. After some years the father established a wholesale liquor business in Elgin, and in 1883 sold it to his son Philip, who has since remained at the head of the enterprise. He is also interested in one of the largest distilleries in Kentucky, where the famous brands of liquors which he handles are manufactured. He is a man of good business capacity and enterprise and he also owns stock in several banks in Elgin. His investments have been judiciously made and his success has resulted from his keen business discrimination and stalwart purpose.
Mr. Freiler is not unknown in political circles. In fact, he is recognized as a strong and able follower of the democracy, and one whose efforts have been effective in its ranks. During the administration of Governor Altgeld he was appointed and served as treasurer of the Illinois Hospital for the Insane. He is likewise well known in fraternal circles. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is also a noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise a director of the local Masonic Temple Association. He has been treasurer of the Elks' Lodge since its organization and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. His brethren of these fra- ternities find him a genial, social gentleman of many good qualities, and enter- tain for him most kindly regard.
In 1883 Mr. Freiler was married to Miss Lizzie Ehrlich, of New York city, and they now have three children : Florence J., Hilda Valerie and Ruth Beatrice. A resident of the middle west from the age of seven years, Mr.
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Freiler has been imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of this great section of the coun- try. In his business career he has been watchful of opportunities and has improved many which others have passed by heedlessly. The years have brought him success, and he is now numbered among the prominent residents of Elgin.
FRANK WEBSTER.
Frank Webster, conducting a livery barn and dealing in horses in Elgin, is numbered among Kane county's native sons, his birth having occurred at Geneva, on the 12th of September, 1849. His parents were William G. and Margaret E. ( Pierce) Webster.
The father was a native of Jefferson county, New York, born in 18II. and the mother's birth occurred in Vermont in the same year. She came with her parents and two brothers to Kane county, Illinois, in 1837, and was married in 1840, the wedding ceremony being performed by Charles Metcalf, in Geneva, Kane county. Mr. Webster had arrived in the county in 1838 and entered land from the government. This portion of the state was largely wild and unimproved. Here and there a few settlements had been made and some of the older towns had sprung into existence, but many of the new flourishing towns and villages of Illinois had not as yet been founded. Mr. Webster kept a tavern in Geneva for many years, or until it was destroyed by fire on the 29th of May, 1865. He also conducted a livery business and had the first contract to carry the mail from the depot to the postoffice. He served as deputy sheriff in 1871, and thus, as the years passed by. he was more or less active in public affairs, aided in the development of the county and lived to see it emerge from pioneer conditions and take on all of the evidences of a modern civilization. He died April 8. 1887, and his wife passed away on the 3d of the same month. They had traveled life's journey together for forty-seven years, were born in the same year and were separated by death for only three days. Mrs. Webster taught the first school in Geneva. Illinois, and like her husband, was closely associated with the pioneer life and interests of the community. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters: Elizabeth, born May 15, 1841, in Elgin; Mary E., born in Geneva, August 20, 1843; William H., born at Blackberry, Illinois, July 12, 1846; and Frank, of this review. Four cousins of our subject were soldiers of the Civil war, and one served as an officer of colored troops.
Frank Webster was educated in the public schools of his native county, and during war times was a newsboy on passenger trains of the North-West- ern Railroad. After leaving that service he went to Aurora, Illinois, and engaged in clerking in a grocery store until the spring of 1871. He then turned his attention to the livery business at Geneva and conducted it until 1883, after which he established a livery barn in Elgin, where he has since continued. He not only rents out horses and carriages but also deals in
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