History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 42

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > History of La Salle County, Illinois > Part 42

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William H. Hinebaugh, judge of the county court of La Salle county, is a native of Calhoun county, Michigan. His preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of that locali- ty and supplemented by study in the high school at Litchfield, Michigan, from which he was grad- uated. He afterward pursued a special course at Albion College and entered the Michigan State Normal as a student in the literary department. Following his graduation from that institution he came to Ottawa and entered upon specific prep- aration for a life work as a law student in the office of Judge F. B. Lincoln. Later he con- tinued his reading under the direction of the firm of Snyder & Stead, attorneys at Ottawa, and was admitted to the bar on examination before the supreme court in May, 1893.

Judge Hinebaugh has practiced continuously in La Salle county for thirteen years. He opened an office immediately after his admission and in November, 1894, entered into partnership relations with D. B. Snow, under the firm style of Snow & Hinebaugh. The firm enjoys a large and distinctively representative clientage and in the trial of cases Judge Hinebaugh displays an intimate knowledge of the legal principles and a thorough mastery of the points in litigation. In December, 1900, he was appointed assistant states attorney for La Salle county, in which capacity

W. H. HINEBAUGH.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

he served until elected county judge in Novem-

townships, one of these being Elias Trumbo of ber, 1902. His record as a judge has been in . revered memory. Moab P. Trumbo was united harmony with his record as a citizen, also being distinguished by a most conscientious perform- ance of duty and a masterful grasp of every problem that has been presented for solution.

Judge Hinebaugh has been an interested ob- server of the political work of the county and in fact has been an active participant in the efforts made to secure republican successes. He is a man of strong convictions and his party affiliation is the result of close and discriminating study of the questions and issues of the day. He has served as a member of the county central com- mittee and his election to the bench was a merited reward of faithful party service as well as a rec- ognition of his ability for the important duties that devolved upon him.

B. FRANK TRUMBO.

B. Frank Trumbo, filling the office of sheriff of La Salle county and actively connected with agri- cultural interests, is a representative of one of the old families that from pioneer times has been connected with this portion of the state. His birth occurred in the Trumbo homestead in Day- ton township, November 25, 1862. His father, Moab Perry Trumbo, was one of the prosperous agriculturists of that township for many years, locating there in 1853. He came to Illinois from Virginia, his birth having occurred in Rocking- ham county, that state, on the 16th of December, 1829, upon a farm which had been in possession of his ancestors for a period of one hundred and thirty-six years. It was the property of his grandfather and his father, both of whom bore the name of Jacob Trumbo. The latter also be- came a resident of La Salle county, arriving in the year 1853, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring soon after he reached Illinois. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Snyder, survived him for many years, passing away in 1873. In their family were four children: Dorothy, now the widow of Lewis Hess, of Kingman, Kansas ; Oliver, who is living in Dayton township, La Salle county ; Moab Perry, father of our sub- ject ; and Mary J., the wife of Isaac Green, of Dayton township. After coming to Illinois Moab P. Trumbo followed general farming in Dayton township and was for many years closely asso- ciated with the agricultural development of the community. Even prior to this time other rep- resentatives of the Trumbo family had come to La Salle county, living in Dayton and Rutland

in marriage to Miss Rebecca Kagy and they have two children: B. Frank, of this review; and Maie, the wife of Ed Bradford, proprietor of Bradford's laundry at Ottawa.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for B. Frank Trum- bo in his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and when not occupied with his les- sons gave his attention to farm work, thus assist- ing his father until he attained his majority. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools he attended Drew's Business College and thus prepared for life's practical du- ties. On putting aside his text-books he con- centrated his energies upon farm work and has since been closely associated with general farm- ing and stock-raising, being regarded as one of the leading and enterprising agriculturists of Dayton township. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation, adding many modern improvements to the property and in all of his work has been practical and energetic, display- ing the perseverance and keen discrimination that always win desired results.

On the 3d of December, 1886, Mr. Trumbo was married to Miss Josephine Rhodes, a daugh- ter of Joseph Rhodes, a well known liveryman of Ottawa. Their union has been blessed with two children: Helena, born in 1887; and Jose- phine, in 1892.

In his political views Mr. Trumbo has always been an earnest democrat, recognized as one of the leaders of his party in this county. He has served as supervisor of his township and also upon the public buildings committee. He was also on the committee to settle with the recorder and to audit the account of the state's attorney. In 1902 he was elected sheriff of La Salle county and is now serving in that capacity. His dep- uties are John O'Kane, office deputy ; Charles Linscott, of Streator; John F. Pyszka, of La Salle; and James E. Lanigan, of Ottawa. The office came to Mr. Trumbo without solicitation on his part and his election was a tribute to his personal worth and ability from his fellow towns- men who entertained for him warm regard and trust.

H. J. RUCKRIGEL.

The Illinois Valley Grain Company, of which H. J. Ruckrigel is vice president, is one of the more recently organized business enterprises of La Salle county, but the extent and volume of

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its operations make it one of the most impor- tant. In this age of great business activity it is ability that wins promotion and merit that gains advancement. One cannot depend largely upon outside aid or influence, but must work his way upward and if he attains the height of prominence it is because he is deserving. In reviewing the record of Mr. Ruckrigel we notice the course that he has followed and must give him our respect and admiration, for in compara- tive obscurity he started out on life's journey for himself. Dominated by the progressive and enterprising spirit of the west, energy and in- dustry stood him instead of capital and crowned his efforts with prosperity.

Mr. Ruckrigel is a native of Kentucky and was there reared, coming thence to Illinois when sixteen years of age. He removed from Ashkum, Iroquois county, to Ottawa, having in the pre- vious place been engaged in the grain trade for nine years in company with C. H. Comstock. He has made his home in Ottawa since the Ist of November, 1899, and is now vice president of the Illinois Valley Grain Company, the other of- ficers of which are J. N. Dunaway, president ; George Dunaway, secretary; and J. L. Barnard, treasurer. The company was organized on the Ist of November, 1904, by the gentlemen men- tioned above and was incorporated for the pur- purpose of operating elevators, having plants at Ottawa, Utica, South Ottawa, Forrest, Terra Cotta and Buffalo Rock. At all of these towns they engage in buying and selling grain and the business is very extensive. In 1898, Mr. Duna- way had purchased the elevators in connection with A. J. Newell, the previous proprietor being A. K. Knapp. Mr. Newell was associated with Mr. Dunaway until his death in April, 1899, when Mr. Ruckrigel purchased an interest and the grain trade was conducted by the firm of Dunaway & Ruckrigel until the incorporation of the present company about two years ago. Em- ployment is furnished to seven men in addition to the officers, who are active in the management of the business.

In June, 1906, Mr. Ruckrigel built a corn and feed mill on the site of the old Ames elevator, which he conducts alone, it being built for the purpose of grinding corn and oats for custom and toll trade and already a nice business has been established.

On the 26th of January, 1902, Mr. Ruckrigel was married to Miss Clara J. Burke, of Ottawa, a daughter of John and Ellen Burke, early set- tlers of that city. His wife is a member of the Catholic church. In community affairs he is active and his efforts have been of direct and

immediate servicableness in promoting measures of public welfare and improvement.

J. L. Barnard, who is treasurer of the Illinois Valley Grain Company and has been connected therewith since its organization, was born in Genesee county, New York, but was only four years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Cass county, Michigan. His residence in Illinois dates from 1878, when he located in La Salle county. He is married and resides in Ottawa and is prominent. socially and in business life as well. He has been connected with the operation of this line of elevators since 1882 and has practically throughout his entire life been connected with the grain trade, of which he is a worthy representative. He, too, is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity and has attained the Knight Templar degree. The officers of the Illinois Valley Grain Company are all men of well known business activity, ability and integrity, standing as worthy representatives of the spirit of the age, where advancement marks the trend of modern thought and accomplishment.

FREDERICK L. FISHER.

Frederick L. Fisher, a prominent hardware merchant of Ottawa, who has worked his way upward from a humble position in the business world until he has became owner of a leading commercial enterprise, was born in Germany. August 20, 1863, his parents being Edward and Mary (Machadonce) Fisher, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country they were reared and married. They crossed the Atlantic to the new world in 1868, settling in Morris, Illi- nois, whence they removed to Ottawa in 1872. The father was a tanner by trade and died in Ot- tawa at the age of forty-four years. His widow survives and is now living in Chicago. They were members of the Reformed Lutheran church and in politics Mr. Fisher was a republican.

Frederick L. Fisher was only five years of age when brought by his parents to the United States. He has since lived in Illinois and was educated in the public schools to the age of fourteen years, when he began earning his own livelihood and not only provided for his own support but also assisted his mother by giving her his money. He followed this course until he had attained his majority. In 1880 he entered the employ of Haeberlin Brothers, who were en- gaged in the hardware business and with whom he continued until September 22, 1902, when he purchased the store which he has since conducted.

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He had become thoroughly familiar with the trade and his enterprise and labor have resulted in bringing to him a gratifying patronage, so that today he is one of the most successful busi- ness men of the county. He carries a carefully selected line of shelf and heavy hardware, has handled the agricultural implements of the In- ternational Harvester Company of America since 1903 and also deals in gasoline engines. His reasonable prices, fair dealing and earnest desire to please have secured to him a large and grow- ing patronage which makes his business a profit- able one.

On the 20th of January, 1886, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Louise P. Haeberlin, who was born in Ottawa, June 23, 1866, and is a daughter of John and Mary ( Crise) Haeberlin, both of whom were natives of Switzerland but were married in Ottawa, where the father is now living at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, however, passed away when sixty-five years of age. After serving for a time in the army of his native country in accordance with the laws of that land he came to America in 1846 and began farming, but on account of the cold spell of July, 1847, he ceased to devote his energies to general agricultural pursuits and turned his attention to the hardware business, in which he continued successfully for many years, being one of the oldest and most prominent merchants of the city when on the 22d of September, 1902, he sold out. He is now living a retired life in Ottawa, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He affiliates with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and is a mem- ber of Zion's Evangelical church, while his polit- ical support is given to the republican party.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher has been blessed with three sons, Arthur H., John A. and Frederick L. Arthur H. is now attend- ing the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. John died at the age of seven years in 1899. Mr. Fisher has been alderman of the seventh ward in Ottawa and during his term of office manifested keen interest in the improvement of streets and sidewalks and gave his support to all measures for the public good. He belongs to Occidental lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M .; to Shabbona chapter, No. 37, R. A. M .; to Ottawa commandery, No. 10, K. T., to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen camp, and his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of these different organizations, which are based upon mutual helpfulness and consideration for others. He likewise belongs to the First Methodist Episcopal church and his political al- legiance is given to the republican party. His life is another illustration of the fact that nation-

ality nor environment have little to do with shap- ing a man's career, that the road to success is open to all who care to enter the race and that the goal may be reached by determined and per- sistent effort. Without any special advantages to aid him at the outset of his career Mr. Fisher has steadily persevered in the pursuit of a given purpose and has made a creditable name and position in commercial circles in Ottawa.

THOMAS F. DOYLE.

Thomas F. Doyle, a prominent attorney of La Salle, who is making a specialty of corporation law, was born in Dimmick township, this coun- ty, in 1873. His father, Luke Doyle, a native of Ireland, died in Dimmick township, La Salle county, December 25, 1902, at the age of sev- enty years. He came to America when a young man and was one of the early settlers of this county, clearing a farm in Dimmick township, where he continued to follow agricultural pur- suits until his death. He married Ann Hanley, also a native of Ireland, still living upon the old homestead in Dimmick township. In their fam- ily were eleven children, of whom ten are liv- ing, as follows : John, Martin, Rose, Bernard, Theresa, Thomas F., Katherine, Isabelle, Mary and Luke.

Thomas F. Doyle was reared to manhood on the old home farm and attended the district schools, while later he became a student in Niag- ara University, at New York. Subsequently he entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and was graduated from the law department in the class of 1895. The same year he was ad- mitted to the bar and commenced practice as a partner of V. J. Duncan, of Ottawa, Illinois, un- der the firm name of Duncan & Doyle. After practicing for one year in Ottawa Mr. Duncan remained in charge of the Ottawa office and Mr. Doyle came to La Salle, where he opened an of- fice. In 1902 there was a change made in the firm name by the admission of Andrew J. O'Conor to a partnership under the firm style of Duncan, Doyle & O'Conor. Mr. Doyle has charge of the local business of the firm at La Salle, while his partners have an office in Ottawa. He is an able lawyer of wide reading, of keen discrimination and sound reasoning, who is log- ical in his deductions and strong in his argu- ments. He is recognized as one of the leading attorneys of La Salle and his firm represents many corporations in this county.

In his political views Mr. Doyle is a stalwart democrat and for the past five years has served

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as city attorney of La Salle. He was first elected in 1901 and his present term expires in 1907. He acted as assistant when V. J. Duncan was state's attorney of La Salle county, and he was also assistant to Attorney General W. H. Stead, when that gentleman was state's attorney for La Salle county.

In 1900 Mr. Duncan was married in Ottawa to Miss Elizabeth Sinnott, a daughter of Wil- liam Sinnott of that city and they have two chil- dren, Francis Joseph and Mary Katherine, both born in La Salle. Mr. Doyle is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, Modern Woodmen, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Deer Park Country Club.

He soon took high rank in his profession as an able and successful lawyer. He adheres to the old views of professional ethics, which dis- countenances all manner of advertising and self- adulation. He is, however, a public-spirited citizen, always ready to support real reforms of existing abuses in the law or its administration and to encourage and support institutions calcu- lated to aid his fellowmen. He prefers to do this modestly and there is no effort on his part to become a leader. His tastes lead him to choose a quiet life of work in his profession. Study and reflection occupy much of his time and his reading covers a wide range, so that he has a comprehensive knowledge of the social, economic and other prominent questions of the times.

ALBERT F. SCHOCH.

Albert F. Schoch, widely known as Ottawa's "improvement mayor" and one of her most suc- cessful business men, combining with business acumen those qualities which also win warm friendship and personal regard, was born on December 18, 1857, in the city where he still makes his home, of the marriage of Philip and Caroline (Sulzberger) Schoch. As the name in- dicates, the family is of German lineage. The father was born in Gersthein, Alsace, July 26, 1832, while the mother's birth occurred in Oben- heim, May 6. 1835. The year 1851 witnessed their arrival in the new world, at which time they took up their abode in Ottawa and the father, who had mastered the trade of manufac- turing light and heavy harness while still in Germany, continued in the same line of business in this city and as the years have gone by has become one of the well known manufacturers and merchants here, the name figuring contin-

uously in business circles for fifty-five years. He lost his wife June 1, 1885.

Their son, Albert F. Schoch, was given excel- lent educational privileges and supplemented his preliminary training, received in the grammar and high schools of Ottawa, by a special course of study covering two terms in a French school. He reads and speaks French and German flu- ently and throughout a life of great business ac- tivity has maintained the tastes and habits of the scholar, keeping in touch with the trend of thought of the world as well as with the litera- ture of ancient and modern times. He was about eighteen years of age when he won second rank in a class of twenty-two men who took the com- petitive examination for admission to West Point. His first business experience was that of a clerk in the Ottawa postoffice under J. R. Cameron. He thus served for sixteen months, be- ginning in the fall of 1873, and at the end of that time be became identified with the banking interests of Ottawa in the humble capacity of messenger boy. Ambitious to succeed he applied himself diligently to the performance of every task entrusted to him and to the mastery of every detail of the business which came under his supervision. His capability, alertness and enterprise won him promotion to the position of bookkeeper after two years and when another three years had passed he was chosen a mem- ber of the directorate on January 13, 1885. On February 4th, following, he was appointed assist- ant cashier and in the succeeding five years acted a part of the time as cashier. On the expiration of that period he was chosen vice president of the bank and since 1890 has occupied that posi- tion and is also vice president of the State Bank of Seneca in La Salle county, having thus served from the organization of the latter institution. As he has prospered in his business affairs Mr. Schoch has made judicious and profitable invest- ment in real estate and is today the owner of considerable valuable property. He is also asso- ciated with other business enterprises and is the treasurer of the Valley Building and Loan Asso- ciation. He is spoken of as "one of the brightest and ablest business men of the state of Illinois, of extraordinary ability and capacity," and that "he can accomplish more business in the same length of time than two or three ordinarily bright business men". He is the president of the Ottawa Development Association and was the prime mover in its organization. This has been one of the most important factors in the progress and growth of Ottawa, formulating and executing plans for the material progress and improvement of the city.

Mr. Schoch's public-spirited citizenship stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. No one

af + Achoch

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

doubts the sincerity of his purpose or the effi- cacy of his ideas when he becomes the champion of any measure for the general good, for he has given again and again tangible evidence of his devotion to Ottawa and her interests. For six- teen years, during the period of his early man- hood, he was a member of the volunteer fire de- partment and was school treasurer of the con- gressional township, No. 33, range 3, from 1887 until 1889. In the latter year he was chosen city treasurer for a term of two years and his retirement from that office was only by his en- trance upon the duties of mayor, to which he was elected for two terms. No greater testi- monial of his capability could be given than the fact that he has been termed "Ottawa's improve- ment mayor." He instituted many important re- forms and needed improvements and, while work- ing toward high ideals, used practical methods that found immediate evidence in the paved streets, in the sewer system and in the building of the water works. It was an almost unani- mous desire on the part of his fellow townsmen that he continue in office but at the end of his second term he refused to again become a candi- date. The progressive policy which he instituted, however, was most beneficial and he gave to Ottawa an impetus for development and suc- cessful accomplishment in the way of municipal government that will be felt for many years to come. During his service as mayor the water works system was built, the police and fire alarm system was instituted, the sewer system was placed in the business district and the streets were paved. The Ryburn Hospital was also built and dedicated during this period. For six years, from 1879 until 1885, Mr. Schoch was a member of the board of education. He has been president of the Ottawa Development Asso- ciation since its organization in 1900 and has been the prime mover in a work of improvement which has been of the greatest benefit to the city. In 1887 and 1888 he served as a member of the Reddick library board. His views in re- gard to political questions is never an equivocal one, for he is outspoken in defense of republican principles. In the republican state convention in 1896 he was supported by a large number of delegates for the office of state treasurer. He was chairman of the county central commit- tee for six years and during that period organ- ized the county for vote-getting purposes into sectional districts with captains in each section. He was appointed by Governor Tanner on the board of special commissioners to inspect and pass on the drainage canal built from Chicago to Lockport and served on that commission in the position of secretary and treasurer from April, 1899, until June, 1900, when the commis-

sion finished its labors. He is a strong advocate of the rights of the people and in favor of pri- mary election law.

On the 17th of December, 1879, occurred the marriage of Albert F. Shoch and Miss Minnie Wolfe, a daughter of Henry Wolfe, one of Otta- wa's leading citizens. Their family now numbers three children, Carrie S., Lula C., and Esther S. The position of the members of the household in social circles is an enviable one.

Mr. Schoch is quite prominent in Masonry, holding membership in Humboldt lodge, No. 555, A. F. & A. M., since June, 1883, and served as master for three years. He has been a mem- ber of Shabbona chapter, No. 40, R. A. M., since June, 1893, and in November of the same year became a member of Ottawa commandery, No. IO, K. T., in which he served as eminent com- mander for three years. He is deputy grand commander of the grand commandery of Illi- nois, a member of Oriental consistory, S. P. R. S., of Chicago, since November, 1901, and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Maccabees and the Mystic Workers. He is supreme banker of the Mystic Workers of the World, a fraternal insurance order. He is also a member of the German Lutheran church at Ottawa, but affiliates with the First Congregational church, in which he holds the position of trustee. He is likewise a member of the boat club. His life is already one of marked success and of brilliant achievement and with splendid promise for the future. It seems to set at contradistinction the old adage that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," for in his native city Mr. Schoch has so directed his labors that he stands today as one of its prominent business men and repre- sentative citizens. He could undoubtedly attain high political preferment had he aspiration in that direction, but his ambitions are in the line of business rather than in politics and for the benefit of his city rather than the aggrandize- ment of self. He is a strong man, strong in his honor and good name, strong in accomplishment and in character, his life record winning him the admiration of his business contemporaries and the respect of all who know him.

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History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 42

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855 Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286