USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 36
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to leave the world all the better for his having been in it ; and although a sound, vigorous and unimpaired constitution predicts for him a long life of usefulness, yet if he were summoned to the "summer land" tomorrow, years would flow into the mystic gulf of eternity ere the footprints he has left upon the sands of time would be forgotten or washed away.
Mr. Triebel is a gentleman of culture and refinement, which coupled with his genial manners and the warmth of his attachments towards friends, have se- cured for him a high place in the affections and esteem of his circle of acquaint- ances. His heart is ever in sympathy with the sorrows of the unfortunate, and his hand ever ready to contribute to the alleviation of distress. But perhaps the richest and most beautiful traits of his character are his strong domestic sentiments and habits, which impel him to seek his highest happiness in the family circle, and render him its joy and light.
On October 10. 1894, occurred the marriage of Mr. Triebel and Miss Nettie Gillig, of this city, and they now have two children, Clarence W. and Louis G. In 1911 Mr. Triebel erected four handsome brick residences at Nos. 1412, 1414, 1416 and 1418 North Perry street. They are supplied with all modern conveniences and fitted out in most tasteful and artistic manner. Mr. Triebel and his family occupy the home at No. 1416 Perry street, and the others are rented. The houses were built on the old homestead site, where the father conducted a marble business for many years. Mr. Triebel also owns much other valuable property on North Perry street and his real-estate interests add con- siderably to his income.
Fraternally, Mr. Triebel is a prominent Mason, holding membership in the Knight Templar commandery and the Mystic Shrine. He has traveled quite extensively, spending a year and a half in Italy, and his artistic tastes found great delight in the galleries and art centers of that and other European coun- tries, especially in a study of the noted marbles of the old world.
Though he has not attained great distinction in public life, Mr. Triebel has done much better than the majority of public men ; he has gained the confidence and respect of the whole community by honesty, fair-dealing, and a modest and upright deportment; and while enjoying a good income from the profits of his business, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has impoverished none and injured none in his efforts to acquire wealth.
LOUIS J. GAUSS.
Louis J. Ganss, who from the ist of December, 1906, to the present writing, in the summer of 1912, has filled the office of deputy county treasurer and is well known in political circles in Peoria, was born September 17, 1882. His parents, William P. and Louisa Gauss, have been residents of this city for about fifty-nine years and the father has been prominent in public affairs, serving as alderman for two terms, as city treasurer for one term and as county treasurer for one term. He has also been active in business circles in connection with both retail and wholesale enterprises for more than three decades and his com- mercial integrity and his devotion to the public good as an official are both unassailable. At the present writing he is living retired, his activity in mer- cantile lines having brought to him a capital sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. At the time of the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union cause by serving for three years and four months with the boys in blue, and he is now a member of Bryner Post. G. A. R., in which he has served as commander.
In the public schools of Peoria Louis J. Gauss pursued his preliminary edu- cation and later entered Brown's Business College, from which he was gradu-
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ated. He completed his course in the old Lincoln school in 1897 and his book- keeping course in the commercial college in 1900. Entering business circles, his first position was that of timekeeper for the Peoria & Pekin Terminal Rail- way in March, 1900. He continued with that corporation until September I, 1905, serving in various capacities such as car accountant, cashier, station agent, chief clerk to the superintendent and in other positions. He then became book- keeper for Libby, McNeill & Libby at Chicago, remaining with that house from May 1, 1906, until the Ist of December following, when he received the appoint- ment of deputy county treasurer of Peoria county. In the intervening period of six years he has made a most creditable record in this connection and is one for whom the future undoubtedly holds in store still higher political honors. He has ever voted with the republican party, having firm belief in its principles as factors in good government.
On the 27th of October, 1908, in Peoria, Mr. Gauss was married to Miss Jennie Cornelia Ockenga, a daughter of Engelke Ockenga, of Peoria. They have one son, William P. Gauss, Jr. In fraternal circles Mr. Gauss is well known, holding membership in Temple Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M .; Peoria Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M .; Peoria Council, R. & S. M .; Peoria Consistory, S. P. R. S .; and Mohammed Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise belongs to West Bluff Lodge, No. 177, K. P., and to Thrush Camp of the Sons of Vet- erans. He also belongs to the Marquette Club. He has been characterized as a "strong-minded, honorable young business man, who comes of sturdy Ger- man stock, is affable and winning in manner and as a citizen is wide-awake to the best interests of Peoria, the welfare of which he is ever ready to advance."
THOMAS W. GARDNER.
Thomas W. Gardner, a lieutenant of the Peoria police force, was born in Ox- fordshire, England, in 1856, a son of Thomas Gardner, who devoted many years of his life to farming and passed away on May 7, 1901. The usual experiences of the farm boy came to Thomas W. Gardner in his boyhood and youth and during that period he qualified for life's practical and responsible duties by pursuing a thorough course of study in the public schools. He remained a resident of his native land until twenty-six years of age, when in 1882, he crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Peoria. For a short time he worked upon the farm in this part of the state and then accepted a position in the freighting house of the Peoria & Pekin Union Railroad. He was next in a position in the baggage department but at length severed his connection with railway interests and went to the rolling mills at Averyville, where he remained as foreman for two or three years. His next business connection was with the upper sugar house and for one year he had charge of the gluten house. He was next made night foreman of the dry house, in which he continued for a year and a half, when he entered the public service, having been appointed patrolman on the city police force under Mayor Allen. He was on duty at night and later served on the force for a period under Mayor Warner. Mayor Lynch also continued him upon the force and during that admin- istration he was given duty as a day patrolman. He also served under Mayor Bryan, after which he retired but under Mayor Woodruff again went upon the day force and was appointed to the rank of sergeant. Further promotion came to him in the spring of 1911, when he was made a police lieutenant. He has proven fearless in the discharge of his duties, prompt and faithful in all of his work and enjoys the confidence of the general public and the regard of his fellow officers on the force. He has always taken an active and helpful interest in city affairs and is an earnest worker in the ranks of the republican party.
On the 3Ist of March, 1887. Mr. Gardner was married in Peoria to Mrs. Mary
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THOMAS W. GARDNER
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Allaire, who bore the maiden name of Mary Doyle, and belongs to one of the old families of this city. They now have one child, Edna Florence, who is a teacher of music. Fraternally Mr. Gardner is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has a wide acquaintance here and his record in connection with the police force has been characterized by unfaltering loyalty to duty.
AMAND MOLL.
Whenever the city of Peoria wishes to rejoice in a public manner over the successful completion of some civic project, whenever an amusement park opens for the season, or closes after a prosperous summer, whenever the local ball team wins a hotly contested game, whenever a yacht club wants music over a moonlight river during a regatta, or measures to dance to on a summer night- then Spencer's band plays. Peoria children have grown up with a knowledge of it, and their parents can remember its organization. It takes its part in every demonstration of joy or sorrow, and when an old soldier dies, or a prominent citizen goes to his last resting place, Spencer's band plays "taps" over the grave. In the course of its many years of existence in Peoria, the band has taken on the nature of a local institution, and the business of directing its movements and leading its performances, requires rare tact and peculiar ability in the man who assumes it. Amand Moll, at present leader and manager of this band, com- bines the qualities of a thorough musician with the ability and activity of a born executive, and he fills the duties of his difficult position with rare adequacy and skill.
Amand Moll is a native of Germany, having been born in that country in 1853. He was educated in the schools of the fatherland, and subsequently learned telegraphy. He was chief telegraph operator in Donaueschingen, Ger- many, during the Franco-Prussian war, 1870-1871, but immediately afterward he crossed the Atlantic to America, coming to Peoria in 1872, and in the follow- ing year he joined the band of which he is now leader. This band was organized in 1858 by Daniel Spencer and has maintained an unbroken existence in this city ever since that date. In 1862 the German Band of Peoria, composed of prominent old time citizens like Charles Pauli Winkelmeyer, G. M. Bohlender, Herman Friedrich and many others, gave up its separate corporate existence and was merged in Spencer's band, which was entirely reorganized. F. M. Reinhardt was the first leader, but resigned in 1871 and his position went to Christian Trantvetter who was director at the time Mr. Moll joined the band.
In 1873, Amand Moll left Peoria for a time, and went to Williamsport, Penn- sylvania. where he joined Sam Sharpley's Sheridan and Mack's Minstrels. Lemon H. Wiley, who was a prominent figure in musical circles of Peoria at that time, was then leader of that famous organization. For some months. Mr. Moll stayed with the minstrels, playing the clarinet in the orchestra, and alto in the brass band. Influenced by his uncle, Philip Auer, however, he left Sheridan and Mack's Minstrels in 1874 and accepted a position as bookkeeper in the Peoria grocery firm of Aner & Company, and in the following year he bought a share in this business. His partners were his cousin. William Auer, and Joseph Streibich. Amand Moll soon afterward sold his share in the grocery enter- prise. and went into the clothing business in 1876. The store was located on Washington street and did business under the firm name of Auer & Moll. Later, however, Mr. Moll bought out his uncle's share, and for twelve years ran the business alone and was very successful in its conduct. In 1808 he took in partnership Theodore H. Petersen, his long time clerk, under the firm name of Moll & Petersen, under which title it continued its activities at 505-507 South Adams street, until 1908, when it was dissolved.
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Amand Moll has been city sealer of weights and measures under two ad- ministrations, and is acting in this capacity at the present time. He is also leader and director of Spencer's band, with which he has been identified promi- nently all during his term of residence in this city. He succeeded to the office of leader and manager when Christian Trantvetter organized a band of his own and has held the position continuously for thirty-seven years. He is an accom- plished band musician, as well as director, intensely interested in the different phases of music, and belongs to the Concordia and Liederkranz singing societies of this city. The organization of which he has been the head for more than a quarter of a century is a union organization, and is recognized as the lead- ing institution of its kind in central Illinois. It served in the Civil war with the Seventh Regiment, Illinois National Guard, under Colonel Isaac Taylor. It is recognized in Peoria today as a producer of good, stirring, and correctly played music, and much of its proficiency and fame are due to the untiring efforts of its director, Amand Moll, who gives his personal supervision to all the details of its performances, and never allows an inefficient musician to become asso- ciated with it.
On October 19, 1876, Amand Moll was married to Miss Fannie Secretan, daughter of a retired farmer residing near Kickapoo, Peoria county, and they are the parents of one daughter, Lucy, who married E. E. Watton, at present secretary of the National Oil Company at Denver, Colorado. Mr. Moll is promi- nent in the order of Odd Fellows and holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Khorassan, in the Knights and Ladies of Honor, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Elks. In politics he is a republican, but beyond casting his vote at every election, he takes no active part in public life. During his thirty-seven years of prominent identification with Spencer's band. Mr. Moll has given the best that was in him to promote its progress and efficiency. He has made the organization a household word here and he has done much to aid to the happiness of the city by making the holidays of its chil- dren joyous, and in softening the grief of bereavement in Peoria by adding to the dignity and honor of death.
CHARLES WEBSTER OLEARY.
Charles Webster Oleary is a member of The Ziegler Company and manager of Peoria's leading undertaking establishment. The business is located on South Jefferson street and Mr. Oleary has been associated therewith since September, 1896, when he entered the employ of his present partner. He had come to Peoria eight years before, arriving in this city when a youth of seventeen years. He was born upon a farm in Mason county, Illinois, July 6, 1871, his parents being J. H. and Mary (Daniels) Oleary, the father devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits. The grandfather of our subject was born in Wales and the grandmother was a native of Germany. The father resided upon the old homestead farm in Mason county until about 1897, and during his residence converted the place into rich and productive fields, the cultivation of his crops bringing him substantial and gratifying returns. He now resides in Batlı, Mason county, Illinois, where he lives retired. The mother has long since passed away, her death occurring when her son, Charles, was but five years of age.
Upon the old homestead Charles Webster Oleary remained until he reached the age of eleven years, after which he attended the public schools at Bath, Illinois. In early manhood he took up surveying and was employed on the line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad between Rock Island and Alton, Illinois. Subsequently he worked at various occupations until he became iden- tified with the Ziegler Company. For eight years he resided in Peoria ere
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entering into active connections with this company, at which time he began to learn the undertaking business. He remained as an employe of J. Frank Ziegler until they opened their present place of business in 1909, when he was made manager and on the ist of January, 1911, he bought an interest in the business. Theirs is undoubtedly the finest undertaking establishment in the middle west. Even in Chicago there is nothing to compare with it. They occupy their own fine double building, erected of pressed brick. It is a two-story structure and they use the entire first floor in the conduct of their business. In addition to carry- ing a large and well selected line of undertaker's supplies they have the finest and most complete chapel east of the Rocky mountains. It is most artistically and fittingly equipped. It contains an organ, pulpit, pews and at the sides are elegantly appointed retiring and rest rooms, fully supplied with toilet necessities for mourners. They have also erected brick stables for the housing of their horses and hearses and they have the finest private ambulance in Peoria. Mlr. Oleary remains as manager as well as partner in the business and largely has control, for Mr. Ziegler is often out of town. He has found a business in which he is meeting with substantial and gratifying success and since enter- ing into active connection therewith he has gradually worked his way upward.
On the 12th of December, 1895, Mr. Oleary was united in marriage in Vir- ginia, Illinois, to Miss Ida May Allen, a daughter of Henry and Lilly ( Dingler ) Allen, both the parents having passed away. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and that he has attained high rank in the order is indicated by the fact that he is now a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership relations with the Eastern Star, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor, and he belongs to the Creve Coeur Club. The story of his life is the story of honesty, industry and thrift, and he is now prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers have taken him from humble surround- ings to the field of large enterprise and continuously broadening opportunities.
JOHN J. McDONALD.
An age of intense commercial and industrial activity calls forth the powers of men who can grapple with new conditions and utilize the opportunities that come with the changes. A man of well balanced activities and powers, John J. McDonald occupies a creditable position today on the stage of action in Peoria. Almost from the time when he made his initial effort in the business world he has steadily advanced and his labors have found culmination in the extensive interests and activities of the McDonald-Brady Contracting Company of which he is the president. He has been engaged in the contracting business in Peoria for a quarter of a century although the present firm was not organized until 1906. His birth occurred in New York city. May 22, 1853, his parents being Alex- ander and Ellen (Connelly ) McDonald, both of whom were natives of Ire- land. The father was a contrator and builder of New York city where he died during the boyhood days of his son, John. The latter was reared in the eastern metropolis and there learned the bricklayer's and mason's trades, completing a regular apprenticeship and becoming a competent and expert workman. For several years he traveled all over the United States and Central America, visit- ing nearly every city of importance and working at his trade in all those differ- ent places. He arrived in Peoria in 1881 and for five years continued to follow his trade in the employ of others but, feeling that he was competent to engage in business on his own account and that the hour was ripe for his initial move in that direction, he announced himself as a contractor in 1886 and was not long in winning a liberal share of the public patronage as he demonstrated his fitness for the work. He continued to conduct an independent contracting business
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until 1906 when he became one of the organizers of the McDonald-Brady Con- tracting Company of which he was chosen the President. The other officers of the company are John P. Brady, vice president, and William Fuener, secretary and treasurer. They have their offices at No. 2029 South Adams street and their building operations have extended to all parts of the city. The firm is today one of the foremost in contracting circles in Peoria. Among the large buildings erected by Mr. McDonald during the quarter of a century in which he has been identified with the business affairs in Peoria as a building contractor may be mentioned the public library, the Great Western distillery, the Corning & Com- pany distillery, the building of the Clark-Smith Hardware Company, the build- ing of the Wilson Wholesale Grocery Company, St. Boniface Catholic church, the St. Joseph's home, the Home of the Good Shepherd and many other impor- tant structures. He is now engaged in building the convent of the Immaculate Conception. A recital of the list of these buildings is sufficient to indicate the extent and importance of the work in which Mr. McDonald is engaged and his high standing as a contractor.
In 1880 Mr. McDonald married Mary M. Sullivan of LaFayette, Indiana, who died on January 23, 1907, and on November 28, 1909, Mr. McDonald was married to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, of Peoria, and they now reside at No. 2909 Western avenue. They are both members of St. Mark's Roman Catholic church, to the support of which they are generous contributors. Mr. McDon- ald has always taken an active interest in politics and for ten years served as alderman of the city, representing the eighth ward. He also served for one term as city treasurer, having been elected on the democratic ticket. Duty and honor have been his watchwords and justice is one of his strong characteristics.
HON. LESLIE ROBISON.
A retired capitalist, a political leader, progressive and representative busi- ness man and a humanitarian-all these represent in major part the activities which have claimed the time and energies of Hon. Leslie Robison, a gentleman of the old school, honored wherever known and most of all where he is best known. He has passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. An un- tarnished reputation and a dignified personality have established him high in public regard. A forceful character has enabled him to leave a deep impress upon the state and his public spirit has ever made his influence a factor for im- provement and progress. There are few, if any, in Peoria who have more inti- mate knowledge of the city and its history or who have done more to direct its affairs for the benefit of the community at large.
Leslie Robison was born in Detroit, Michigan, August 8, 1834, his parents being James and Isabella (Leslie) Robison, who came to America from Aber- deenshire, Scotland, settling first at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, whence a removal was afterward made to Detroit. In 1837 they came to Illinois and the family home was established at what is now the village of Leslie, in Elm Grove town- ship, Tazewell county, and with the removal of the family to this state Leslie Robison entered upon a period of close connection with its development and progress, bringing him eventually to the honored position which he occupies as one of the foremost citizens of Peoria. He attended the common schools of Leslie and afterward continued his education in Tremont, Tazewell county. He next entered Knox College at Galesburg and with the completion of his preparatory course became a student at Yale University, from which he was graduated in 1858 on the completion of a classical course. Following his return to Peoria he entered upon the study of law and was admitted to the bar at Springfield on the 6th of January, 1860. He was introduced to the court by Abra-
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ham Lincoln, an honor which he highly appreciated. The two were friends and Mr. Robison remains as one of the few who had close personal acquaint- ance with the president. Following his admission to the bar he entered upon active practice in which he continued successfully for twenty years, when large business interests compelled him to withdraw from active connection with the legal profession. His knowledge of law, however, has proved of inestimable value to him in the conduct of private interests. His father-in-law, Colonel Charles Ballance, was the owner of large tracts of land in Peoria city and county but became involved in financial and legal difficulties. Mr. Robison then took charge of all his affairs and handled the property in such a manner that when Colonel Ballance died he was again well established in a material way, his hold- ings having been cleared from all incumbrance, owing to the sound judgment and business ability of Mr. Robison.
Mr. Robison was first married January 7, 1864, in Peoria, to Miss Julia Ballance, and they became the parents of three children. Charles Webb, Leslie and Willis B., but only the first named is now living. The mother died May 12, 1871, and on the 27th of June, 1872, Mr. Robison married Miss Elizabeth Rutherford, a daughter of William and Isabella Rutherford, of Peoria. Mr. Robison's home at No. 119 Flora avenue is a beautiful residence, attractively and tastefully furnished and pervaded with an air of hospitality and good cheer that makes it a center of interest to his many friends. Aside from the important professional and business interests which Mr. Robison has managed he has taken active and helpful part in public affairs. In 1875 he was elected mayor of Peoria and the following year entered the office for a two years' term. He guided the destinies of the city with a firm hand, prompted by public-spirited devotion to the general good, and under his administration Peoria forged far ahead along various lines. For a quarter of a century he was director of the Peoria Gas Light & Coke Company and for five years was its president. He has also been a director of Nicol, Burr & Company, foundrymen and machin- ists, since 1882, and for several years has been president and one of the directors of the Peoria General Electric Company. From 1891 until a recent date he was president and director of the Gipps Brewing Company but has retired from
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