USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 28
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"This day a great man has been called from our midst, a highly respected citizen of the community, one upon whom this city conferred the highest office in its trust, the duties of which office he discharged faithfully and honorably. He was a man of great executive powers and possessed of wonderful business ability. As a financier he had few equals and no superior in this section of the country. Nature endowed him with a strong indomitable will and magnificent intellect. He had a keen insight into human nature and a phenomenal grasp on business principles. John J. Murphy would have made a name for him- self in any walk of life and would be an honor to any profession.
"About seventy years ago he came to our shores. Then he was a poor boy, six years old, without friends and without influence, yet by the sheer power of his innate faculties he overcame all obstacles and rose gradually until he stood in the very front rank of the business life of our community and was a recognized leader in the financial life of this city and of this county.
"In his home the visitor always found in him the polished, refined, cultured, dignified, intelligent gentleman-man of affairs and man of letters. He had a great fund of information, gleaned alike from extensive reading and wide travels. He could speak intelligently and profoundly on almost any subject.
"The deceased had many good qualities of mind and heart and surely the least of them was not his kindness and generosity. Ile gave much to charity, but his charity was for the most part unknown
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to the world. That he gave quietly and unostentatiously, without any noise of publicity."
Such is the history of one whom Woodstock long honored as among her most prominent citizens, one whose life work was of signal value and usefulness to his community, while his memory remained as a bene- diction to all who knew him.
THEODORE D. MURPHY.
Page 135.
JOHN S. MYERS.
John S. Myers, one of the progressive farmers of MeHenry County, lives two miles west of Richmond village, in Richmond Township. He was born in his present house, August 26, 1864, a son of the late George H. Myers. George H. Myers was born at Utica, N. Y., January 28, 1825, and died January 27, 1909. In 1844 he came with his parents, John D. and Eva D. Myers, natives of New York, to Kenosha, Wis. Soon thereafter the brother moved to the farm owned by his son, John S. Myers, which had been secured the year previously. It was wild prairie land, and comprised 220 acres, as it does now. On it John D. Myers and his wife passed away when quite aged. Early in life he was a strong Whig in his political sentiments, later becoming a Republican. In addition to his son, George H. Myers, John D. Myers had another son, Joseph, who was younger.
George H. Myers remained on the farm and married Miranda Ladd, and they lived on this farm for years, but he later retired to another farm two miles away and there died when over eighty, and his widow, surviving him, lives at Richmond. The old farm buildings erected by him still stand, although John D. Myers has remodeled them. The children of George H. Myers were as follows: Alberta, who is Mrs. C. W. Radcliffe of Chicago; Emily, who is Mrs. W. M. Radcliffe of San Diego, Cal .; Margaret, who is Mrs. J. J. Jewell of San Diego, Cal .; and John S., whose name heads this review.
Like his father, John S. Myers has made farming his life work, and
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pays special attention to dairying, keeping about thirty-five cows, the farm being well adapted to this class of agricultural activity. Having always lived on this property, Mr. Myers is very much attached to it, and takes a pride in following the example of efficiency and good citizen- ship set him by his father.
On June 8, 1887, Mr. Myers was married to Alida Buchanan of Lodi, Wis., and their children are as follows: George, who married Kessie IIackett, has one daughter, Avis; and Alberta, who, after being grad- uated from the School of Expression of Columbia College and the Sisters' School at Kalamazoo, Mich., is now engaged in teaching in the Chicago public schools, being a very intelligent and efficient lady, well known in educational cireles. Mr. Myers has never cared for politics, and will not accept of office, his time and interest being fully absorbed by his farming. His family is one of the old and honored ones in this neighbor- hood, and his long connection with the farming activities of Richmond Township have brought him to the notice of his fellow citizens in a very favorable light. It is such men as he, substantial, able and upright, who form the great backbone of American citizenship.
WILLIAM ABBOTT NASON, M. D.
William Abbott Nason, M. D., who is now deceased, was for twenty- five years the only physician and surgeon of Algonquin, and was a well- known figure to all of McHenry County. He was born at Hallowell, Maine, June 21, 1841, and he died at Algonquin, June 10, 1918, aged seventy-six years, eleven months and twenty days.
After attending the Boston public schools, and the Buffalo High School, he took his medical training at Bellevue Hospital of New York City and the Chicago Medical College, being graduated from the latter in 1866. The following year he located at Chicago, but being appointed assistant surgeon for the United States government, he went to Gordons- ville Hospital, Va., and later to the government hospital at Yorktown, Va. In 1868, he came to Algonquin and continued in active practice here for fifty years. During that period he took an active part in many movements, and was president of the Fox River Medical Society for one year, having assisted in founding it. For a number of years he was president of the school board, and had the betterment of the schools deeply at heart all his life. A scholarly man, he branched out
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along scientific lines, and was one of the founders of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and a member of the American Entomological Society of Philadelphia, Pa. Many of his pamphlets and articles on special sub- jects have been published, and he was an authority on botany and the fauna of his state. His collection of flowers and insects was one of the finest in the state, and is now preserved under his name at the University of Illinois.
On June 29, 1874, Doctor Nason was married to Miss Anna Goodson of Algonquin, who survives him. They had the following children: William Edward, who is superintendent of the Borden Condensed Milk Company at Algonquin, has a daughter, Wilma Margaret; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Racdel, who has two children, Marion Nason, and Paul Nason; and Charles Craig, who is of Algonquin. Doctor Nason was a Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Maccabees.
WILLIAM E. NASON.
William E. Nason, superintendent of the Algonquin plant of Borden's Condensed Milk Company, is one of the thoroughly competent and practical men of McHenry County, who has rendered valuable service to his company and community in his present capacity. He was born at Algonquin, on the site now occupied by the Algonquin Bank building, October 28, 1881, a son of the venerated Dr. W. A. Nason, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
After attending the public schools of Algonquin, he completed his studies at the Elgin Academy and then entered the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Company, where he remained until 1903, in February of that year engaging with his present company, first as shipping clerk, then as bookkeeper, and on October 1, 1914, he was promoted to his present position.
On October 21, 1914, Mr. Nason was married to Miss Margaret Wahlen, a daughter of Joseph Wahlen of Algonquin. They have one daughter, Wilma M., who was born February 23, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Nason attend the Congregational Church. Mr. Nason belongs to Algonquin Lodge No. 960, A. F. & A. M., and has the distinction of being the first member raised. Mr. Nason has been the Republican candidate for precinct committeeman and alderman, and elected by a large majority.
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GEORGE H. NICKELS.
George H. Niekels, manager of the J. H. Patterson Lumber Com- pany of Huntley, is one of the enterprising business men of McHenry County. He was born at West McHenry, March 31, 1880, a son of Christopher and Dena (Tunion) Nickels. The former was a mason by trade, and worked as such until his death. He and his wife had nine children born to them.
George H. Nickels attended the common and high schools of McHenry County, and then began working with his present firm, having secured all of his business experience with them, rising from subordinate posi- tions to his present one through merit. The J. H. Patterson Lumber Company does a large business, its annual sales amounting to $25,000.00.
On September 27, 1912, Mr. Nickels was married to Miss Emma Felschow, a daughter of Frank Felschow, prominent in the mercantile circles of Dundee, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Nickels have one son, Harold H., who was born July 18, 1912. Mr. Nickels is a Republican, but has not been active in politics. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran church. In his case faithful endeavor and intelligent application have resulted in deserved reward, and he stands as well in his community as he does with his company.
CHARLES LUMAN NICHOLS.
Charles Luman. Nichols, now living retired on his farm two miles west of Hebron, in Hebron Township, was born February 17, 1852, a son of Samuel John and Mary (Adams) Nichols, who came to Wis- consin in 1854, buying land in Lynn Township, Walworth County, that state, four miles north of the present home of Charles L. Nichols. Two cousins of Mrs. Nichols, John and Charles Adams, had located there previously, in company with Whitney Brigham and Josiah Giddings, all of whom secured land. adjoining. John Nichols and his wife had the following family: Levi Adams, who is president of the First National Bank of Lake Geneva, Wis .; Charles L., whose name heads this review; Frances E., who married John J. Stewart of Hebron; Mary, who mar- ried Wilbur Adams of Morristown, Minn .; and James G., who is living on the old farm in Lynn Township, Walworth County, Wis.
Charles L. Nichols was reared on his father's farm, attending the district schools until eighteen years old, and was also a student during
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portions of two years at the Whitewater Normal School. During the winter months of five years he taught school in Lynn Township. When he was twenty years old, his uncle John Adams died, and he and his sister Mary came to live with their aunt, and he conducted the farm for her during the first year and then leased it for three years. Mrs. Adams then moved to Oshkosh, Wis., and another tenant took the farm. During the winter months Mr. Nichols continued to teach school, but in the summer months farmed. Eventually he bought the John Adams farm of 155 acres, and still later the adjoining farm of 120 acres of Charles Adams. Both John and Charles Adams were survived by their widows, but neither left any children.
Mr. Nichols has fed hogs, cattle of the Shorthorn strain, and carried on dairying, making of it in later years his main feature. He improved his farms and has a very fine property. It was his intention for some years to retire from active participation when he became fifty years old, and this he did in 1901, moving into a new house he had just erected. Since then he has not over-exerted himself, feeling that he has earned his leisure. While a Republican, Mr. Nichols supports the policies of President Wilson.
On September 24, 1888, Mr. Nichols was married to Ida Frances Anderson, a daughter of James Lee and Solinda (Thompson) Anderson of Lawrence, Chemung Township, where Mrs. Nichols was born July 7, 1864. Mrs. Anderson died October 25, 1915, and Mr. Anderson lives with Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. The children in the Nichols family are as follows: Mary Anderson, who is a professional librarian; and Charles Henry, Louise Lydia and Ralph Levi, who are all at home. Mr. Nichols is one of the representative men of the county, and is held in exceeding high esteem.
DAVID B. NICHOLS.
David B. Nichols, one of the most prominent men of Woodstock, is engaged in conducting the leading plumbing establishment at the county seat. He is a native of Illinois, and was born April 7, 1871, one of the three children of Alexander M. and Mary Ann (McElroy) Nichols. Alexander M. Nichols was also born in Illinois, and he was an engineer by trade, working both on railroad and stationary engines until his death in November, 1889.
David B. Nichols attended both the common and high schools,
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and in 18SS became apprenticed to the plumbing trade, which he com- pleted in 1895. In 1901 he came to Woodstock and organized his present business, and carries a full and varied line of plumbing and heating apparatus and equipment valued at about $5,000, and does the largest amount of business in this part of the county.
Mr. Nichols was united in marriage with Miss Mary H. Hansch, a daughter of John Hansch, and they have one son, Leslie A. Politically Mr. Nichols is a Republican, but he has held no offices. His fraternal connections are with the Masons and Elks. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Their residence is at No. 532 Austin avenue, Woodstock, where their many friends are always made cordially welcome.
HAMILTON NIXON.
Page 136.
LESTER C. NOGLE.
Lester C. Nogle, secretary, treasurer and manager of the popular dry-goods establishment known as the Woodstock Dry Goods Company, is one of the leading and alert business men of Woodstock. He was born in Wisconsin, April 28, 1880, the only child of William B. and Emma C. (Gaylord) Nogle. William B. Nogle was also born in Wiscon- sin, but later came to Woodstock, where he now resides, being an expert carpenter.
Lester C. Nogle attended both the common and high schools, and his first business experience was gained with his present firm. Ile entered the establishment as a clerk and gradually was advanced until in 1915, he was made its manager, and has since capably and satis- factorily discharged the duties of that position. Subsequently he was elected secretary and treasurer, and is now a stockholder. He has under his direct supervision several employes, and the annual business trans- acted by the firm is very satisfactory to stockholders. This firm has been in existence since 1902, and a full line of dry goods, cloaks, suits and notions is always carried.
me Lo NY
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In 1902 Mr. Nogle was united in marriage with Miss Emily C. Neil, a daughter of Charles Neil. Mr. and Mrs. Nogle have one daughter, Joye M. Both he and Mrs. Nogle belong to the Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows, and Elks. A man of unusual ability, he has risen through his own efforts, and is justly regarded as one of the representative men of MeHenry County.
CORNELIUS NOLAN.
Cornelius Nolan, former assessor of Hartland Township, and one of the thoroughly representative men of MeHenry County, owns and operates a fine farm seven miles northwest of Woodstock. He was born on his present farm, January 8, 1850, a son of Thomas B. and Margaret (Nolan) Nolan. Although the parents were both natives of County Fermsuagh, Ireland, and bore the same name, no relationship existed between them. They were married in their native county, which they left in 1837, for the United States to join a brother who had become a contractor at Holyoke, Mass. After his arrival, Thomas B. Nolan be- came a boss of a gang on railroad construction and kept a boarding house. In 1842, he came to McHenry County and secured the present farm of his son as a pre-emption claim, not then surveyed. About the same time, a brother of his, Patrick Nolan, settled near the present site of St. Patrick's church, as did a Mr. McCaffrey, a friend of the brothers in their native land, but he later left MeHenry County for California. Thomas B. Nolan lived on his farm until his death, January 8, 1889, when he was ninety-seven years of age. His wife died two years before him, aged eighty-four years.
Cornelius Nolan is devoting the greater part of his attention to dairying, and keeps from fifteen to twenty high-grade Holstein cows, the greater number of which he has raised. For over thirty-four years he served continuously as assessor of Hartland Township, but made his last assessment in 1918. Always a Democrat, he has taken an active part in his party. Mr. Nolan's parents were among the original mem- bers of St. Patrick's Catholic church, which is two miles distant from his farm. Probably no other man knows as well as he the values of real estate in Hartland Township and certainly no man has more or warmer friends.
When Mr. Nolan was thirty-four years old he was married to Mary
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Ann MeCabe, a daughter of Patrick MeCabe, a neighboring farmer, and after twenty-two years of married life together, they were separated by her death. They had eight children, as follows: Thomas Francis, who is located at Chicago, is a member of the Pinkerton Detective Ageney; Joseph Charles, who is engaged in farming two miles west of his father; W. Cornelius, who resides at Woodstock; Patrick Henry, who served during the Great War; Albert Michael, who is assisting his father on the farm; and Margaret Ann, Susan Mary and Winifred Cath- erine, all of whom are at home. The last named was only two years old when Mrs. Nolan died. The Nolan home is one of the most popular in the township, and a center of social activity, the young people and their estimable father welcoming here their many friends.
EDWARD E. NOWAK.
Edward E. Nowak, proprietor of the Nowak Machine Works of Union, and agent for the Dort, Empire and Jackson cars, also owns a well-equipped garage, and is one of the progressive men of MeHenry County. He was born in Cook County, Ill., August 16, 1881, a son of John and Tena (Guse) Nowak.
Edward E. Nowak attended both the common and high schools of his locality, and learned the carpenter trade, working at that before he entered the real estate business at Chicago. In 1917 Mr. Nowak came to Union and established his present business, which he has con- tinued to expand until he has one of the best of its kind in his locality.
On June 6, 1906, he was married to Miss Mary Steinke, born Decem- ber 18, 1885, a daughter of William Steinke and Emeline Dittbenner, and member of one of the old families of MeHenry County. Mr. Steinke was a successful farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Nowak have two children, namely: Elwood B., who was born February 13, 1907; and Ralph E., who was born January 11, 1911. Mr. Nowak is a Republican. IIe and his family belong to the Lutheran Church.
ALBERT E. NYE.
Albert E. Nye, formerly superintendent of the schools of McHenry, is one of the learned and scholarly men produced by MeHenry County,
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and one whose efforts in behalf of the children of this section, met with deserved appreciation. He was born in Ohio, October 2, 1884, one of the fourteen children born to Frank and Mary (LaFountain) Nyc. Frank Nye was a farmer and miller in Ohio.
After attending the district schools of Alveda, Ohio, Professor Nye entered the preparatory school at Ada, Ohio, and then for several years was engaged in teaching in the rural districts of Ohio. After he had further prepared himself for his selected profession, by taking a scientific course at the University of Valparaiso, Ind., he accepted a position at Aberdeen, S. D., and later was made superintendent of schools of Gettysburg, S. D. Four years afterwards he attended the University of Wisconsin to take a course in manual training and in other special work, and in 1910, he came to McHenry County to assume charge of the city schools of McHenry. The pupils under his charge numbered about 260, and he had eight teachers working with him. The present modern school building was erected under his supervision in 1914. He is now superintendent of the Community High School at Coal City, Ill.
Mr. Nye was married to Lucile Gutzwiler, a daughter of George Gutzwiler, and they have three children, namely: Roseline L., who was born November 1, 1911; Lowell W., who was born July 28, 1914; and Ruth E., who was born September 13, 1916 .. Mr. Nye is inde- pendent in his political views.
NICHOLAS J. NYE, M. D.
Nicholas J. Nye, M. D., one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of MeHenry County, is engaged in a general practice at Mc- Henry, where his skill is duly recognized. He was born in Ohio, October 15, 1871, a son of Frank and Mary (LaFountain) Nye, also natives of Ohio, where the father was a farmer and miller. He died in 1913, but the mother survives.
After attending the local schools, Nicholas J. Nye entered the Starling School of Medicine at Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated, and he took post-graduate courses at Chicago, and the Memphis Medical College, of Memphis, Tenn. In 1910, Dr. Nye came to MeHenry to succeed Dr. Fegers, having previously been engaged in practice at Johnsburg, and he still retains his very valuable farm of 160 acres in Richmond Township.
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Dr. Nye was married to Miss Katherine C. Hoffbauer, a daughter of Joseph Hoffbauer. Dr. and Mrs. Nye became the parents of the following children: Harvey E., Rose Mary, Herman T., William and Eugene. The family belong to the Catholic church. Dr. Nye is a mem- ber of the MeHenry County Medical Society and the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is a carefully trained and experienced man, and his success in his practice comes of his natural skill and proficiency.
WILLIAM H. O'BRIEN.
William H. O'Brien owns and conducts one of the finest drug stores in MeHenry County, and is one of the leading business men of Richmond. He was born at Clinton Junction, Wis., April 9, 1872, one of the two children born to James and Anna (Simpson) O'Brien. James O'Brien became well known to the traveling public through his hotel which he conducted at Pecatonica, Ill., until his death in 1887. His widow sur- vived him until 1900, when she, too, passed away.
William H. O'Brien attended the common and high schools of Pecatonica, and the Northwestern University, School of Pharmacy in 1894. He then went to Winnebago, Ill., and for four years clerked in drug store of U. G. Dennison, located at Chicago, and foreight years operated a drug store under the firm name of Kask & O'Brien. Leaving Chicago, he went to Woodstock, and spent four years in the pharmacy of L. T. Hoy, coming then to Richmond, where he has built up a mag- nificent business. He not only carries a full line of drugs, but also of stationery, kodaks and photographie supplies, toilet articles and kindred articles, his stock being valued at $10,000.
Mr. O'Brien belongs to Woodstock Chapter No. 143, R. A. M. In politics he is a Republican. His services during the late war were very valuable, and he proved his patriotism and support of the administration in his effective work in the various campaigns to raise funds and sell Liberty Loans. It would be difficult to find a man more universally liked and respected than he.
MICHAEL F. O'CONNOR.
Michael F. O'Connor, postmaster of Harvard, is one of the men in the government service who deserves the position he now holds, having
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worked up to it and rendered faithful and efficient returns for the con- fidence reposed in him. He was born in MeHenry County, July 26, 1856, one of the seven children of Daniel and Mary (Fogerty) O'Connor, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1846, first locating in Ohio, from whence in 1852, they came to McHenry County, Ill., which continued their home until death claimed them, he passing away in 1891, she surviving him until 1906. They were farming people, and very highly esteemed.
Michael F. O'Connor attended the common schools of McHenry County, and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years old. He then went upon the road as a salesman, and in 1884, he became a mail clerk on the railroad. In 1913, President Wilson appointed him postmaster of Harvard, and he now has fourteen people under him, among them being his assistant, Miss Elizabeth Sweeney.
Mr. O'Connor was married to Miss Elizabeth Young, a daughter of James Young, and they have two children, namely: Mary Frances, and Eugene M. Mr. O'Connor and his family all belong to the Roman Catholic church. In polities he is a strong Democrat. For some years he has belonged to the Illinois Commercial Travelers Association. A painstaking public official, Mr. O'Connor gives universal satisfaction to the people of Harvard, and as a result of his able management, the affairs of his office are in prime condition.
JACOB OLBRICH.
Jacob Olbrich, now deceased, was formerly one of the most pros- perous farmers of Chemung, and a man who held the respect of his neighbors by reason of his sturdy honesty and upright character. He was born at Wetzlar, Germany, July 25, 1838, and came to the United States in August, 1858, locating at once in McHenry County. He secured fifty acres of land on section 9, of Chemung Township. After coming here he was married to Katherine Weitzel, born in Germany in 1847, and she died leaving five children. On January 17, 1871, he was married (second) to Mary E. Weitzel, younger sister of the first wife. She was also born in Germany. By his first marriage Jacob Olbrich had the following children: William, who was born June 26, 1859, lives at Harvard; Elizabeth, who was born January 18, 1861, married George Fanning, and is now deceased; Mary, who was born
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