USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 7
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LOUIS J. ALTHEN.
Louis J. Althen is the president of the Elgin Eagle Brewing Company. and a gentleman of wide business activities and interests. He was born in Sycamore, Illinois, November 3, 1862, and came to Elgin when six years of age with his parents. His father was Casper Althen, who was born in Hackel- heim, Germany, in 1840, and came to the United States in 1855 with his parents, settling at Two Rivers, Wisconsin. In 1861 he removed with his family to Sycamore, Illinois, and came to Elgin in 1868, in which year he purchased the brewery which is now carried on under the firm name of the Elgin Eagle Brewing Company. This is one of the oldest enterprises of the kind in the state, having been established in 1849. The original plant was erected by Charles Tazewell, a native of Somersetshire, England, and was conducted by him, with the exception of the period of his service in the Union army, until 1868, when it became the property of Casper Althen, who con- ducted the business alone until 1894, when he admitted his sons to a partner- ship and the present Elgin Eagle Brewing Company was thus organized. The father remained in active connection therewith until his death, which occurred April 18, 1896. He was survived by his widow, Mrs. Louisa Althen, whom he wedded in Sycamore in 1861. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters and the sons are now the present officers of the company.
Louis J. Althen pursued his education in the public schools of Elgin until he became a high-school student. He started in the brewery as bookkeeper and collector for his father and in 1894, when the business was incorporated
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under the name of the Elgin Eagle Brewing Company, he and his two brothers were admitted to an interest in the enterprise. The father remained as its president on the incorporation, with Louis J. Althen as vice president and treasurer. Upon the father's death in 1896 Louis J. Althen succeeded him as president and treasurer, while Edward C. Althen became secretary and Emil Althen superintendent and brew master. All of the brothers continue active in the business, which has become one of the most important enter- prises of Elgin. The Elgin brewery has no superior and its product is most favorably received wherever sold. For more than thirty years this was the only brewery in Elgin and a large trade has developed not only in the city but in the surrounding towns and is still steadily growing. The plant is now equipped with the latest and most improved machinery and the principles used in the manufacture of the product insures the very highest quality. The Elgin Brew is put up in kegs as well as the Adler Brau Export in bottles. The lat- ter has become most widely known and appreciated for its purity and health- giving qualities and the sale is now extensive. The stockhouse was erected in 1892, the brewhouse in 1896 and the bottling establishment in 1898. A visit to this institution is always of interest in noting the cleanliness and sani- tary conditions which are followed and in the careful systematizing of the work. The capacity is fifty thousand barrels and they employ about twenty workmen in the manufacture, selling about twenty-five thousand barrels.
In addition to his business interests in connection with the brewery Louis J. Althen is a stockholder of the Elgin National Bank and of the Union Na- tional Bank of this city. He is recognized as a man of excellent business discernment and enterprise and has the determination that enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
In 1885 occurred the marriage of Mr. Althen and Miss Elizabeth Albert, a native of Chicago and a daughter of John Albert of that city. They have two children : Casper, who has spent two years as a student in Notre Dame: and Irene, who is attending Elgin Academy.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Althen is an Elk. He is also treasurer of the Eagles Lodge and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Riverside Club, the Iroquois Club and the Commercial Travelers. He is a splendid type of the German-American element in our citizenship and has an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the city where the greater part of his life has been passed.
THOMAS P. MATTERS.
Thomas P. Matters is leading a most busy life in connection with the windmill and well-drilling business and also handles gas engines, his business covering a radius of twenty miles around Elgin. He has been engaged in this line here since 1888 and has become well known in this connection.
A native of England, he was born on the 23d of March, 1856, a son of John and Harriet Matters. The father was a farmer by occupation and dur-
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ing the early boyhood of his son, Thomas, crossed the Atlantic to America with his family and established his home in Bloomingdale, Dupage county. The boy was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted his father in the work of the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. He was thus busily em- ployed until twenty-one years of age, after which he entered the employ of Josiah Stevens, who was engaged in putting up windmills and in drilling wells. For two years he remained with Mr. Stevens and gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the business. He then started out in life on his own account and in 1888 came to Elgin, where he has since conducted business in the same line. He is well known in this connection, and in addition to drilling wells and putting up windmills, he likewise handles gas engines. His trade calls him to many surrounding points, covering a radius of twenty miles in each direction.
On the 19th of March, 1882, Mr. Matters was married to Miss Emma Hennings, a daughter of Henry J. and Frederica Hennings, who were natives of Hanover, Germany. In October, 1899, Mrs. Matters passed away, leaving four children : Irvin, Arthur, Dell and Grace. On the 14th of January, 1908, Mr. Matters was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Hattie L. Hills, the widow of Edward Hills and a daughter of Josiah Stevens, his early employer. Mr. Matters gives his political support to the republican party, and though he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has never sought office as a reward for his allegiance to party principles. He and his wife attend the Baptist church and are well known in this locality, Mr. Matters being respected as an enterprising, busy man and therefore a useful citizen.
CHARLES BARTELT, JR.
Charles Bartelt, Jr., well known in Batavia and this section of the county, was born February 1, 1872, on the old homestead farm, which is still his place of residence and which he is carefully conducting. His father, Charles Bartelt, a native of Germany, was born January 31, 1833, and in 1858 came to the United States, making his way direct to Batavia after landing on the Atlantic coast. He was a farmer and throughout his entire life followed that occupation in support of his family until 1897, when with a handsome com- petence, acquired through his labors in former years, he retired from business life and now makes his home on the east side of Batavia. He married Caroline Schimmelpfennig, who was born in Germany, February 25, 1843.
Charles Bartelt, Jr., spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, acquired his education in the public schools of Batavia and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the labors of the home farm. After perma- nently leaving school he gave his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits and when his father retired from the farm Mr. Bartelt became its
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manager and now continues on the old homestead, where he is cultivating one hundred and forty-one acres of rich land that responds readily to the labors he bestows upon his fields. Annually he gathers rich crops and now has an excellent property. He has for a long time been studying and experiment- ing on a door hanger. which he has now perfected and a patent has been applied for. It is called the Bartelt Combination Door Hanger and is for use on sliding doors and gates of all descriptions. It is a contrivance so arranged that the door cannot get off the track nor out of order and is the easiest run- ning device of the kind on the market. It is very simple in construction but most effective in accomplishing its purpose and it will soon be placed on the market for general sale. Mr. Bartelt deserves to make a success of his invention, for it is certainly worthy of a liberal patronage.
On the 9th of June, 1897. was celebrated the marriage of Charles Bartelt and Miss Lizzie Iheriss, a daughter of John and Barbara ( Schlagal) Iheriss. of Batavia. Unto them have been born four children: Oliver, whose birth occurred May 1. 1900: Violet. born April 5, 1903: Wendle, born September 25. 1904 : and Norma. October 31. 1906.
In his political views Mr. Bartelt is a stanch republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day and thus is always able to support his position by intelligent argument. Fraternally he is connected with the Mystic Workers and the Woodmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. All who know him, and he has many friends, esteem him as a representative agriculturist and worthy citizen of the locality in which his entire life has been passed.
CHARLES FOWLER PEASE.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we are loath to spare. because of the place they occupied in the public life of the community and in the regard of their many friends. A feeling of uniform sorrow pervaded Elgin when the news of the death of Charles Fowler Pease was received. His life record covered a comparatively brief period of forty-seven years, for he was born in Belvidere, Illinois, June 26, 1856, and passed away on the 31st of July. 1903.
A son of Walter L. Pease, he pursued his early education in the public schools of Elgin and afterward attended college at Racine and at Watertown. Wisconsin. Entering upon his business career, he was for eight years em- ployed in the First National Bank of Chicago. Prior to this time, however. he had learned the machinist trade. His inclination, however, seemed in that direction, for he was ever fond of machinery and enjoyed studying out the workings of an intricate piece of machinery and possessed much natural ability and ingenuity in that direction. He never followed the machinist's trade. except at occasional intervals when he worked in the machine shop of the Elgin National Watch Company. After leaving the bank in Chicago, he became connected with the tile and mantle business in Elgin and as proprietor
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of this establishment continued a factor in the trade circles of the city until his death. He built up a large business, having practically all of the patronage in this line from Elgin and the surrounding towns. He carried a good line of tiles and mantles and, moreover, the business policy which he pursued was such as to commend him to the patronage of the public, for he was straightforward in all his dealings, never being known to overreach another in a business transaction.
On the IIth of December, 1883, Mr. Pease was married to Miss Mary Salisbury, a daughter of Oliver H. P. and Julia (Aldrich) Salisbury, of Elgin. Unto this marriage was born one daughter, Claudia Harriett, who was gradu- ated from the high school of Elgin in the class of 1902, and like her mother is well known in social circles of the city.
Mr. Pease exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy, but otherwise was not active in party ranks. He was a communicant of the Episcopal church and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He never ceased to feel the deepest interest in machinery and the great scientific principles which underlie all mechanical construction and opera- tion. He preferred the quiet of home life to the interests of the club, finding his greatest happiness with the members of his own household. Of kindly nature he had the rare gift of making friends, was always genial and courte- ous and was an entertaining companion, ever having an apt story or anecdote to illustrate his point. He continued his residence in Elgin from the age of one year, was most widely known here and occupied a position in public regard that made him a representative resident of the city.
HON. ARTHUR M. BEAUPRE.
Among Illinois' native sons who have gained distinction in diplomatic circles is numbered Hon. Arthur M. Beaupre, now minister to the Nether- lands and Luxemburg, and also a prominent representative of this country at The Hague. He was born in Oswego, Kendall county, Illinois, in 1853. and is a son of Mathias and Sarah J. (Patrick) Beaupre and a brother of William S. Beaupre, president of the Aurora National Bank. His boyhood days were spent in the place of his nativity to the age of twelve years, when. in 1865, he accompanied his parents on their removal to De Kalb, Illinois. There he entered upon his business career, at the age of sixteen years, as an employe in the office of the De Kalb County News, where he learned the printer's trade. In 1874 he came to Aurora and a few months later was elected clerk of the city court, to which position he was reelected for a second term. Shortly afterward, however, he resigned to accept the position of deputy clerk of Kane county. In 1886 he was elected county clerk by a large majority and held the position for eight years, proving a very popular as well as capable and trustworthy official.
His prominence in republican circles, combined with his recognized ability, led to his appointment in October. 1897, by President Mckinley to the
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position of secretary of legation and consul general at Guatemala, where he remained for three years. He was then transferred to Bogota, Colombia, South America, and in 1903 he was appointed by President Roosevelt minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary for the United States to Colombia, this being one of only two cases where a consul of the United States has been promoted to minister. In March, 1904, he was appointed minister to the Argentine Republic, the mission being the most important in South America, and in 1908 he was appointed transferred to the Netherlands, where he now resides. He is a prominent representative of this country at The Hague and possesses those diplomatic qualities which enable him to efficiently represent American interests abroad and at the same time keep friendly the relations of this country in the land in which he is now serving as minister.
Mr. Beaupre was married October 20, 1880, to Miss Mary F. Marsh. a daughter of Hon. C. W. Marsh, long representative in the legislature. Mr. Beaupre is widely known in political circles, having many friends among the distinguished representatives of the nation, while his own ability in handling the intricate questions of diplomatic service is widely acknowledged.
HON. HENRY H. EVANS.
Distinguished honors have come to Hon. Henry H. Evans, who wears them. however, with becoming modesty. Among the prominent men of the state few are better known and his life record constitutes an important chap- ter in the history of Aurora, where he has made his home from early boyhood days. His birth occurred in Toronto, Canada, on the 9th of March, 1836, his parents being Griffith and Elizabeth (Weldon) Evans, both of whom were natives of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Evans family is of Welsh lineage and was founded in America by one who came from the little rock-ribbed country of Wales many years prior to the Revolutionary war. Griffith Evans was reared to manhood in Pennsylvania and learned the millwright's trade, which business took him to various parts of the United States and Canada. Following his marriage he removed with his family to Aurora, Illinois, arriv- ing in this city in June, 1841. Here he aided in the construction of the Black Hawk, Montgomery and Eagle mills, and, subsequently, he was for many years foreman in the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Aurora. He died suddenly of heart disease on the 28th of September, 1882, at the age of seventy-three years, while his wife passed away in January of the same year at the age of sixty-nine.
Henry H. Evans, one of a family of ten children, was reared in Aurora, and acquired his education in the public schools. When a young man he engaged in the restaurant and ice cream business, but in 1862 put aside all mercantile and personal considerations that he might do duty at the front in defense of the Union cause. He, therefore, enlisted in the Civil War as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volun- teers, with which he served until the close of hostilities, making an excellent
yours Youly
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record by reason of his valorous and fearless defense of the old flag and the cause it represented.
When the war was over Mr. Evans returned to Aurora and again became proprietor of a restaurant, which he conducted until 1873, when he purchased the old Fitch House, afterward known as Hotel Evans, conducting it for a number of years. He then leased the property, and, giving his attention to real-estate operations, purchased and sold real estate extensively, during which time he has embraced his opportunities for becoming owner of much valuable property. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare and develop- ment of Aurora and has been the promoter of many movements which have been of direct public good. He organized and put into operation the first street railway here and induced the Aurora, Joliet & Northwestern Railway Company to extend its line to this city. He has also secured the establishment of several factories here and has been, and is at the present time, connected with a number of the important industrial and commercial institutions of Aurora. He was for some years the president of the German-American National Bank, in which he is a heavy stockholder; is the president of the Interstate Independent Telephone & Telegraph Company; and in other ways has contributed in large measure to the substantial improvement and growth of the city.
Mr. Evans has been equally helpful in his efforts in political lines. He has long been recognized as a prominent worker of the party and a stalwart champion of its principles. In 1876 he was elected to the Illinois legislature by the republican party and in the same year was elected to the Aurora city council from the ninth ward. In 1880 he was made state senator and was reelected in 1884, which position he has filled to the present time-a period of twenty-eight years, in which he has been an efficient public servant, recognized throughout the state as one of the leading members of the sen- ate. Much important legislation is credited largely to his efforts. He was instrumental in securing the passage of the militia bill, whereby the Soldiers' Home at Quincy was established and he was appointed by Governor Cullom as a member of his staff in recognition of his ability. He was reappointed by Governor Oglesby, serving in all sixteen years. He possesses a statesman's grasp of public affairs and in all of his public service has been actuated by a loyalty to the general good that is attested in the liberal support which he receives at the polls. Lincoln has said, "You may fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." This statement finds verification in political more than in any other department of life. Occupying a position where all eyes are turned upon him, the political leader must be faithful to his trust or public opinion turns against him and takes from him the honors which his fellow townsmen have conferred.
In 1858 Senator Evans was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Rhodes, a native of Lancaster, England, and they have one son, Arthur R. Evans. The Senator is a man of fine personal appearance, tall and commanding, dig- nified in manner-a splendid type of that class of men known as the old-school gentlemen. He is never too busy to be courteous nor too engrossed with
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private interests to find time and opportunity for cooperation in movements of public moment. His many good qualities, aside from those traits which he displays in his business and political career, have gained him the warm friendship of those with whom he comes in contact, and he has, perhaps, as many warm personal friends among democratic leaders as in the ranks of the republican party. That he is a man of broad capabilities is indicated by the extent of his business interests and his public service. He has moral courage fit for any emergency, and although he has always been a pronounced republican he is without partisan prejudice and in his candidacy has been supported with enthusiasm by many leaders of the opposition. His tastes are simple but refined and delicate, and conspicuous among his many good traits of character is his fearless devotion to whatever he thinks comes within the pale of public or private duty.
VACLAV H. PODSTATA. M. D.
There is perhaps no better indication of an advancing civilization than is manifest by the Caucasian peoples in their treatment of their physically and mentally incompetent. The work has been placed upon a broad humanitarian basis and the most advanced science has been brought to bear in the treatment of those who are wards of the state. Men of broad learning are continually studying out plans and methods whereby the interests of the insane may be promoted, while men of marked ability are at the head of such institutions and are securing wonderful results in their treatment. Dr. Podstata, now the head of the Illinois Northern Hospital for the Insane at Elgin. has made a close and comprehensive study of mental and nervous disorders and entered upon his present position well fitted by education, temperament and experience to administer his important office.
A native of Austria, Dr. Podstata was born in Hohenbruck, April 24. 1870. His literary education was acquired through attendance at the com- mon and high schools and colleges in his native country and when a young man of nineteen years he crossed the Atlantic to America, establishing his home in Chicago. There he was assistant editor of the Pravda, a missionary paper published in that city by the Rev. E. A. Adams, D.D. Three years were devoted to that work and he then entered upon the study of medicine and surgery in the Chicago Homeopathic College, from which he was graduated in 1895. The same year he took the competitive examination for internes in the State Hospitals for the Insane and received an appointment to Kankakee, entering upon his work there on the Ist of June. In September. 1895. he was promoted to the position of assistant physician in the institution and four years later he secured a seven months' leave of absence, during which period he pursued the senior year course of the medical department of the University of Illinois, graduating from this institution. Returning to Kankakee, he was advanced through successive promotions until he became acting chief of staff.
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Resigning at Kankakee, Dr. Podstata became physician in charge of the Oakwood Sanitarium at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 1902, and a year later, in June, 1903, on the recommendation of the men and women engaged in the regeneration of the Cook county institutions at Dunning, he was appointed superintendent there by the Hon. Henry G. Foreman, president of the board of commissioners of Cook county. With untiring zeal and energy Dr. Pod- stata took up his work in that connection. His task included the reconstructing of the medical service and the superintendence of large physical improvements along modern hospital lines. He, however, was well qualified for the duties that thus devolved upon him. Although a young man, he had already had broad experience and his comprehensive learning and ready adaptability enabled him to meet the needs of the institution and to put it upon a basis for future successful work. In the three years of his stay at Dunning, the entire medical service was reorganized with senior physicians and internes to carry it out; a training school for the nurses and attendants was established and there were erected three new cottages, a pavilion, a special ward building for farm workers, a new morgue and pathological laboratory and a group of modern buildings for consumptive patients, while a large modern building, erected for tubercular patients, was converted into an up-to-date hospital for the physically sick insane, with a capacity for three hundred and sixty patients.
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