USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 35
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Gustavus A. Fauth pursued his early education in parochial schools at Naperville and Aurora and entered upon his business career as an employe in the dry-goods house of Miller & Pease, his connection therewith dating from August 11, 1871. His mercantile career needs no further comment than the statement that for thirty-three years he was connected with the firm and its successor, the S. S. Sencenbaugh Company. He worked his way upward through successive stages of promotion, his ready adaptability, enterprise and irreproachable honesty gaining him the full confidence and trust of those whom he represented. During twenty years of that time, from 1883 until 1903, he was a partner of his brother, Fred, in the cigar manufacturing busi- ness. In 1890, in connection with other capitalists, he incorporated the German-American National Bank, of which he was made a director and in 1904 he became actively connected with the management of the bank as its cashier and still continues in this position.
In 1892 Mr. Fauth was married to Miss Amelia S. Obenauer, a native of Peru, Illinois, and in Aurora they have a wide and favorable acquaintance. Mr. Fauth is a very popular citizen. His long connection with the dry-goods
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trade brought him a wide acquaintance and his unfailing courtesy and defer- ence to the opinions of others gained for him the high regard and esteem of those with whom he was associated. It also brought to him a large knowl- edge of business methods and, constantly broadening in the scope of his activities and in his experience, he is today recognized as an able financier, well qualified to handle the funds of his fellow citizens, while his commercial integrity is above question.
ADOLPH SCHNEPF.
Adolph Schnepf, deceased, was a native of Germany, born July 10, 1855. and he was reared and educated in his native land, remaining there for some years after his marriage. It was in 1882 that he wedded Miss Mary Schaal, who was born in the fatherland and is a daughter of Gotlieb and Elizabeth (Mogler) Schnepf. Nine children were born of this union, as follows: Emil; Mina, who married William Jurs and has two children, Elmer and Ora; Paulina, who married Frank Parren and has one child, Leona : Albert, Adolph, Henry, William, Fred and Frank.
Believing that he would have a better opportunity to gain a home and competence for his family in the new world, Mr. Schnepf came to America in 1892 and first located on a farm in Iowa, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for three years. In 1895 he came to Illinois, but after spending a short time in Kane county, he went to Arkansas, where he lived for nine months. At the end of that time he returned to Elgin, but died soon after- ward, passing away on the 20th of August, 1899, on a farm near this city. He made farming his life occupation and met with good success during his residence in the United States. Mr. Schnepf was an earnest and consistent member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and was an ardent republican in politics.
AUGUST WILLIAM BOWGREEN.
August William Bowgreen, a prosperous farmer and dairyman of Camp- ton township, was born in Westergotland. Sweden. November 23. 1868, the son of Carl G. and Louisa ( Anderson) Bowgreen, both of whom are natives of Sweden, where their marriage was consummated and where they lived some years afterward before determining to seek their fortune in the new world. In 1888 the family removed to America, and eventually chose this county for their permanent home. Here they have done well, and of the nine children born to their union. Albert resides at Geneva, where he is em- ployed in the gas works: Huldah S. is the wife of August Anderson, a farmer residing near St. Charles: Frank E. is a tailor, residing in Chicago : John A., Carl Adolf, Oscar E. and August William are all engaged in farming in Kane
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county ; Otto is employed in a piano factory and resides near Geneva; Fritz is employed in a screen factory at Geneva.
August William Bowgreen passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Sweden, and is indebted to the district schools of that country for his educa- tion. At the age of thirteen years he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, but finding the work too arduous and uncongenial he returned to the parental roof and aided his father in the work of the farm, remaining at home until sixteen years of age, at which time he came to America. Locating in Chicago he first secured employment as a laborer and afterward obtained employment on a farm. He also worked for a time in the shops of the United States Windmill Company at Batavia, Illinois. In 1903 he engaged in farming in his own behalf, renting land for this purpose, and has continued farming to the present time. He has also gradually built up a fine dairy business, and now has a herd of forty cows.
Mr. Bowgreen married Miss Amanda Skoyland, who was born in Sweden and came to America in 1886. To this union have been born five children, namely : Judith E., Norma N., Hazel I., Ruth H. and Alice E., all of whom are at home with their parents.
In politics Mr. Bowgreen is a republican. Religiously lie is a member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church. By his industry and strict at- tention to business he commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, and is recognized as a valuable citizen of the community.
CHAMBERS DEWITT CALHOUN, M. D.
Dr. Chambers DeWitt Calhoun, engaged in the practice of medicine at Elburn, where his social as well as his professional qualities have won him high regard, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1858, his parents being S. S. and Hannah Calhoun. The father organized a company of Federal troops just prior to the Civil war. He spent his entire life in Pennsyl- vania, and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Hannah Sheridan, whose parents were farming people of that state. The death of Mr. Calhoun occurred at the age of seventy-two years. His family numbered the following children: Joseph P., who is field secretary of the Presbyterian society and resides at Chattanooga, Tennessee; John S., who is a Congregational minister at Indianapolis, Indiana; G. O., a practicing physician at Charleston, Illinois; William J., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at St. Charles, this state; and Herbert B., a resident farmer of Kane county.
Dr. Calhoun, the other member of the family, pursued a district school education to the age of seventeen years and afterward entered the Gladrun Academy at Dayton, Pennsylvania. When he had completed his literary course he took up the study of medicine in the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and completed the full course by graduation from that institution in the class of 1884.
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Dr. Calhoun first located for practice in Earlville, Illinois, and while there residing married Miss Sophia Martin, who was born in Oneida county, New York, where her parents died when she was but a young girl. Dr. and Mrs. Calhoun have no children of their own but have reared a niece, Marian Webb, who is now seventeen years of age.
Dr. Calhoun, after living for a time in Earlville, removed to Troys Grove, Illinois, whence he came to Elburn, where he has now resided for nineteen years. Here he has successfully engaged in the practice of his pro- fession, the public recognizing his ability to successfully cope with the intricate problems testing the powers of the physician. He is conscientious in the per- formance of all duty, and holds to a high standard of professional ethics. Moreover, he is loyal in his membership in the Congregational church, and the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America number him as a faithful representative.
JOHN L. WALKER.
John L. Walker is national secretary of the Yeomen, a fraternal insur- ance order. In recent years the number of fraternal insurance companies has greatly multiplied, as the people have come to recognize their worth and value, and at their head are men of well-known executive force and adminis- trative ability, for the interests thereof are complex and intricate, demanding careful control on the part of officers of keen discrimination. Well qualified for this work, John L. Walker is making a most acceptable national secretary.
He was born in England, January 24, 1842, a son of William B. and Jane (Lathorp) Walker. The father came to the United States in 1854 and settled in Oswego. New York. He brought his family with him and they lived for thirteen years in the Empire state, coming to Aurora in 1867. Here William B. Walker was in the employ of the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company as a blacksmith for many years. He was a most trusted employe and a highly respected citizen and his life record. extending to 1907, covered the long period of eighty-six years. His widow, still surviving him, has reached the age of eighty-five years.
John L. Walker, reared in England and New York and educated in the schools of his native country and of the Empire state, joined the army when nineteen years of age, enlisting in August. 1861, at Oswego, as a member of the Eighty-first New York Volunteer Infantry. He saw active service with the Army of the Potomac and participated in many hotly contested engage- ments. Ilis valor and loyalty were proven by the fact that he was promoted from the ranks through successive grades until he was mustered out as first lieutenant and honorably discharged in September, 1865. When the war was over he located at Palermo, New York, where he engaged in farming for about three years. In 1868, however, he sold his farm in the East and re- moved westward to DuPage county. Illinois, where he secured land and carried on general agricultural pursuits for nine years. In 1878 he came to
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Aurora and has since been identified with the interests of the city. He joined the police force and his ability as an executive officer and one ever feariess in the performance of duty led to his appointment as chief of police, in which capacity he served for several years. He was also assistant superintendent of streets, while for eight years he filled the position of assistant postmaster. In 1905 he was appointed national secretary of the Yeomen of America and has since been a factor in control of the interests of this rapidly growing organization.
Immediately after his return from the army, in September, 1865, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Ellen L. Smith, a native of Oswego, New York, and they have one daughter, Luvilla F. Mr. Walker is not only a member of the Yeomen, but is also prominent in the Odd Fellows lodge of Aurora, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and has filled all of the offices in Aurora Post, No. 20, G. A. R. He is naturally of a friendly disposition, courteous and cordial, and wherever he goes he wins the high respect of all with whom he is associated.
CHARLES D. AMES.
Charles D. Ames, a well-known and prominent citizen of Kaneville, is a native of Vermont, born at Clarendon Springs in Rutland county, on the 26th of August, 1857. The birth of his father, Avery Ames, also occurred in that county, July 6, 1827, and there he continued to reside for many years, his labors being devoted to farming. In 1859, however, he removed to Os- wego county, New York, where he made his home until 1865, and then came with his family to this county, taking up his abode in Kaneville and living there until called to his final rest in 1906. During the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union by two years' service with the boys in blue. In 1849 he was united in marriage to Miss Esther Davis and they became the parents of the following children: Fred A., who is now in the employ of the tele- phone company at Aurora; Edwin L., a farmer living near Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Eleanor, deceased; Jeanette, also deceased; Hiram, a farmer of Ellensburg, Washington; Annie, the wife of J. McDermott, a farmer living near Plato, Illinois; Katy, the wife of P. Stevens, a farmer of Ellens- burg, Washington, and Charles D., of this review.
The subject of this sketch was only two years old when his parents left Vermont and removed to New York and at the age of eight years he became a resident of Kane county, Illinois. His education was mainly acquired in the district schools of Kaneville township and as soon as old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the operation of the home farm. Leaving the parental roof at the age of twenty-three, he accepted a position as driver of a stage coach in this county, and was thus employed for two years, since which time he has followed farming uninterruptedly, owning a good place of one hundred and sixty acres in Kaneville township and also a hotel in the
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village, where he has made his home. Like most of the farmers of this county, he gives considerable attention to the dairy business, which he finds quite profitable.
On the IIth of February, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ames and Miss Lucy E. Annis, and to them were born three children : Anna, now deceased; Benjamin H., who is attending the State University at Cham- paign. Illinois, and Lota F., a student in the home school.
The republican party has always found in Mr. Ames a stanch supporter of its principles and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to fill offices of honor and trust. From 1897 to 1900 he served as highway commissioner and he was also elected supervisor for a four-year's' term. The duties of these offices he has faithfully performed. winning the commendation and approval of all concerned. Fraternally Mr. Ames is an honored member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen.
ALBERT HERMAN KRETSCHMER.
In the history of those citizens who have passed away, but who during the years of an active life enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence and good will of their fellow townsmen, mention should be made of Albert Herman Kretschmer, who on the 15th of January, 1908. was called to his final home. He was one of Illinois' native sons. his birth having occurred in Rodenburg, Illinois. April 14. 1877. He was therefore only thirty years of age at the time of his demise. His father was a farmer and he spent his early life amid rural surroundings. His education was acquired in the public schools of Rodenburg and Chicago. He came to Elgin at the age of sixteen years and was first employed by his brother Paul in a grocery store. He soon acquainted himself with the business in principle and detail and in 1899 was admitted to a partnership. The firm of Kretschmer Brothers conducted one of the most extensive and up-to-date grocery estab- lishments in Elgin. They made a specialty of high-grade goods, catering to the best trade and securing an extensive patronage. Their prices were reasonable. their business methods at all times honorable and their very earnest efforts to please have secured an extensive and growing trade.
On the 17th of June. 1903. Mr. Kretschmer was married to Miss Tillie Meyers, a daughter of Henry and Engeline ( Weichmann) Meyers of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Kretschmer occupied an enviable position in social circles, the hospitality of many of the best homes being freely accorded them. . 1 republican in politics, he was active in support of the party, for he believed that its principles contained the best elements of good government. He was also a devoted member of the English Lutheran church, contributed liberally to its support, served as an usher at the Sunday school services and was active in all departments of the church. Throughout the community he was very popular and his tragic death was widely mourned. While crossing the tracks
ALBERT H. KRETSCHMER
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of the Aurora, Elgin & Chicago Railway he was struck by a car which was running at the rate of seventy-five miles an hour and was instantly killed, and the funeral, which was held in the church, was most largely attended. His admirable social qualities and unfeigned cordiality have rendered him very popular and all were glad to number him as a friend. His business associates and colleagues entertained for him the warmest respect and wherever he was known he met with good will and kindly feeling because he gave the same in return.
LLOYD OCHSENSCHLAGER.
Lloyd Ochsenschlager is a well-known representative of commercial in- teresis in Aurora, where he is conducting a grocery and meat market. He was born in this city May 8, 1874. his parents being Michael and Kate (Markle) Ochsenschlager, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born near Chicago. The paternal grandfather, Adam Ochsenschlager, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and in that country married, his wife being Mrs. Eve Ochsenschlager. Michael Ochsenschlager was a farmer by occupation in early manhood and also learned and followed the cooper's trade. He came to America in his boyhood days and took up his abode upon a farm at North Aurora. For twenty-eight years, however, he was engaged in the grocery business, conducting a well appointed store and securing a liberal patronage by reason of his well known business integrity, his earnest desire to please his patrons and also by reason of the excellent line of goods which he carried. He retired some twelve years ago. His political allegiance has long been given to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have little attraction for him. His wife died in the fall of 1907, at the age of sixty-six years. Unto them were born five children: Irving, a grocer on State street; Scribner, who conducts a grocery and meat market on Blackhawk street; Lambert, a salesman representing the Cudahy Packing Company, of Chicago, and Josephine, the wife of C. L. Thomas, a resident of Aurora.
Lloyd Ochsenschlager was reared in the city of his nativity and attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades and later learning many valuable lessons in the school of experience. Entering business life he made his initial step as an employe in a cracker factory and also worked in a grocery store for a few years. In 1898, with the capital which he had acquired through his industry and economy, he purchased a grocery business at No. 342 South Lincoln avenue and added a meat market. Three years later he built a fine business block at No. 299 South Fourth street, where he is now conducting an extensive business, both departments securing for him a liberal patronage. His stores are neat and tastefully arranged and he carries a large line of staple and fancy groceries and good meats, for which he asks reasonable prices. His business methods have always been such as will bear close in- vestigation and scrutiny and, prompted by a spirit of enterprise and progres-
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siveness, he is winning a place among the prosperous young merchants of the city.
On the 3d of June. 1901. Mr. Ochsenschlager was married to Miss Josephine Holslag. a daughter of Charles and Mary Holslag, and they now have three sons, Carl Michael. David William and Valen Earl. Mrs. Ochsen- schlager is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Ochsenschlager is a supporter of the republican party, but office does not lure him from the strict path of business, to which he prefers to devote his time and energies, desiring to make ample provision for his family. He has gained a creditable place in commercial circles and is now conducting an excellent establishment.
ETHELBERT BARNES.
Both Mr. Barnes and his wife are natives of Kane county and have lived in it all their lives. The former was born in Sugar Grove township on June 3, 1847. and the latter in or near Aurora. Their son and only child, Clarence Ethelbert Barnes, was also born and reared in the county. coming into the world on the farm which is now occupied by the third generation of the family, on October 1. 1879.
Mr. Barnes is a son of Ira and Eliza (Carnegie) Barnes, natives of Jef- ferson county, New York, where the father farmed a few years after reaching his maturity. They came to Kane county in 1845, and soon afterward the father purchased a farm of sixty acres four and one-half miles west of Aurora, which was, at that time, a little straggling village. The father built a house on his farm and there he lived until his death. The mother was descended from Scotch ancestry and not distantly related to AAndrew Carnegie. the re- nowned manufacturer and philanthropist.
Their son. Ethelbert, attended the public schools and passed one year as a student at Reifsneider's Business College in Aurora. After the death of his father he purchased the home farm, which he has since enlarged by additional purchases until he now owns one hundred and forty-six acres of well improved and very productive land. He has lived on this farm ever since he bought it, except during one year, when he dwelt in Aurora. The other children born in the Barnes household numbered six: Bertha, who married Benjamin West- over, but both have died: Maria L., now the widow of John D. Randall, of Aurora ; Andrew J., who died a number of years ago : Ira C., a retired farmer now living in Aurora: Alfred, who resides in Eureka, California, and Mary E., who married Daniel C. Sherman, but they also are deceased.
On November 24, 1870, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage with Miss Antoinette Sedgwick in the city of Aurora, where she had her home at the time. As has been noted, they have but one child, their son, Clarence Ethel- bert, who is married and living on the paternal homestead, of which he now has entire charge. He and his family occupy the house built by his grand- father, his parents having erected a new modern dwelling on the farm for themselves. The son received a good education and has never desired any
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other occupation in life but that of his forefathers. He has, therefore, passed his life on the farm with his parents, assisting in its labors until he took charge of it, and since then giving it his whole attention with profit to himself and benefit to the township.
Clarence Ethelbert Barnes was married on November 19, 1902, to Miss Mabel Banker, a daughter of Henry and Fredericka (Ziegler) Banker, promi- nent farming people of Sugar Grove township, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work, and a granddaughter of Michael Ziegler, one of the best known pioneers and successful business men of Kane county. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, the younger, have two children, their daughter, Maud Mildred, and their son, Clifford Henry.
The elder Mr. Barnes has been for many years an extensive breeder of standard strains of driving horses. He has made a study of this business and is an authority of every feature of it, his judgment being sought from all parts of the surrounding country and always received with high consideration. In politics he is a republican and in official life has served the township effectively and wisely as road commissioner for six years and also as school director for a long time. His son, Clarence. is now filling the latter position with energy and breadth of view.
The father is a man of much knowledge, a wide sweep of vision and firm convictions, but he is very tolerant of the opinions of others and welcomes good natured discussion for the light it gives on both sides of a question. He and his wife are very sociable and hospitable and number their friends by the score. They are members of the West Aurora Farmers' Club and take an active part in its proceedings. In all respects they are worthy of commenda- tion and enjoy the general esteem of their friends, being truly representative of the best citizenship of the county.
HARRY R. HOLDEN.
Harry R. Holden, who, during an active and successful business career, has been identified with several interests of the city, is now vice president and secretary of the Miller-Bryant-Pierce Company, of Aurora, manufacturers of typewriter carbon, ribbons, and other supplies. A native son of the city, he was born November 19, 1865, a son of James L. and Sarah ( Allen) Holden, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of New York.
Harry R. Holden at the usual age became a public-school student and eventually attended the East Aurora high school and later the Bryant & Strat- ton Business College. He entered upon his business career in connection with the hardware trade in Chicago, where he remained in that line for four years. He afterward took up the fire insurance business in that city, in which he also devoted four years, and on the expiration of that period he returned to Aurora, and engaged in the general insurance business. He made his start in a most unimportant and unpretentious way, but admitted N. W. Tomblin to a part-
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