USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 94
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hypocrisy or hysteria. Ile was a business man in his Christian life as well as a Christian in his business life. Nor did he leave out the world. He loved literature, music, travel, all that is noble and beautiful in the world. He loved business not only because he succeeded ; he believed men are not here to make money but that money is here to make men. He loved his fatherland, he loved his adopted land, he loved his city. He put himself into this world as God's world. But beyond these he loved his fellowmen. He was a courteous, conscien- tious employer. You who come from the 'White Store' as mourners today knew him not only as the merchant prince but as the friendly, kindly man. He loved the social circle-always its life and its joy. And how he loved the home. As son, brother, husband and father he came nearer to the ideal than almost any man that I have known.
CHARLES W. LA PORTE.
Charles W. La Porte is known and recognized in Peoria as one of its most prominent and progressive business men and one who is deeply interested in the development and progress of this city along industrial lines. He is actively connected with several of the important and prominent business institutions and is a dominating factor in civic improvement. He is now the senior member of the patent law firm of La Porte & Bean, with offices in the Woolner building, in this city, and also holds the position of assistant to the president of the Key- stone Steel & Wire Company, whose factory is located at South Bartonville, Illinois.
Mr. La Porte was born in Washington, D. C., September 19, 1873, a son of William Mathew and Margaret Cathran Moran (Dorsey) La Porte. The family is of French origin but has been in America for many generations. On been in this country since 1720. Richard Dorsey served as lieutenant in the Continental army; as captain in the Maryland artillery and was an original the maternal side, the family is of Scottish lineage and its representatives have member of the Society of the Cincinnati. The father of the subject of this sketch is still a resident of Washington, D. C., where he has been in the employ of the government for over forty years. He was one of the many to respond to President Lincoln's call for volunteers in April, 1861, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. La Porte received his primary instruction in the public schools of Wash- ington, D. C., and pursued his education until he reached the age of fifteen years, when he laid aside his books to become a cash boy in a department store of his native city. He remained in the employ of that institution for four years, during which time he advanced rapidly until he was promoted to the position of designer in the upholstering department. After four years of ser- vice he resigned to enter the law offices of R. A. Burton, a prominent attorney of Washington, and here he read law for some time. He later studied under H. H. Bliss, also of Washington, who is one of the foremost patent lawyers of the United States. Here Mr. La Porte gained a detailed knowledge of the legal profession and a mastery of the particular branch in which he specializes. He is well versed in the intricate details of patent law and keeps his knowledge modern and up-to date.
In 1894. Mr. La Porte came to Peoria and associated himself with W. V. Tefft. This association continued for three years, or until 1897, when Mr. La Porte began practicing for himself. In January, 1911, he took into partnership with him, Mr. George T. Bean, of Washington, D. C. In the practice of patent law, Mr. La Porte has specialized in the work pertaining to wire working machinery and in this capacity has represented several of the largest independent wire working concerns in the United States.
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On October 6, 1897, Mr. La Porte was united in marriage to Ada Eleanor Bailey, a daughter of Josiah Fiske Bailey, formerly of New Bedford, Massachu- setts, and Jennie Irene (Kilman) Bailey, formerly of Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Bailey, during his life was well known in his connection with the German Fire Insurance Company. Mr. and Mrs. La Porte are the parents of two children, namely : Robert Bailey, now a student of the White school; and Bailey, who is six years of age. The family is prominent in social circles in this city and their beautiful home located at No. 1500 Knoxville avenue, is a hospitable meet- ing place for their many friends.
Mr. La Porte is a member of the Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian church of Peoria, and has served in the capacity of clerk of the Congregation since the organization of said church. He belongs to Temple Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., and Peoria Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. He is also a member of Peoria Commandery, No. 3, K. T., and belongs to Mohammed Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is a member of West Bluff Lodge, No. 177, K. P., and El Medi Temple No. I, D. O. K. K. Mr. La Porte is also affiliated with the Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the District of Columbia.
Mr. La Porte has been affiliated with the republican party and takes an intel- ligent interest in public affairs. Socially, he holds membership in the Creve Coeur Club and the Illinois Valley Yacht Club and takes an active interest in the affairs of these organizations. He has scores of friends in this city, to whom his rapidly growing success in his chosen line of occupation, is a constant pleasure. His energy, resource and deep knowledge along his special line is becoming well known throughout the central west, and is gaining him every year, an increasing number of clients and friends.
JOSEPH BRODMAN.
Joseph Brodman, superintendent of the Peoria House of Correction, which position he has filled for twenty-two years, or since the Ist of July, 1890, has been a resident of this city for fifty-eight years. Few of the inhabitants of Peo- ria are more familiar with its history and the events and activities which have shaped its upbuilding and development. He was born in the province of Alsace- Lorraine, then a part of France, on the 8th of November, 1847, and is a son of Joseph and Eva (Claus) Brodman. The father determined to seek a home and fortune in America, and during the infancy of their son Joseph, the family crossed the Atlantic and took up their abode in Chillicothe, Ohio, where they lived for seven years. On the expiration of that period they came to Peoria, arriving in 1854. The father was a shoemaker and continued in that line of business to the time of his death, which occurred in this city in 1889. His wife died in 1904, when eighty years of age, having survived her husband for about fifteen years.
Joseph Brodman was a lad of seven summers when the family arrived in Peoria and here he pursued his education by attending the parochial and public schools. He made his start in the business world by learning the chair painter's trade and afterward worked as coach painter in the shops of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad Company. He spent sixteen years in that way and then entered municipal service, when in December, 1882, he took charge of the Peo- ria county jail, which he superintended until the Ist of July, 1890. On that date he came to his present position as superintendent of the Peoria House of Correction, which has since been under his guidance and management. He con- ducts the institution on the theory that it is the purpose of the state not only to safeguard the interests of others in limiting the liberties of his wards, but that it is also the purpose to give the inmates a chance for development along lines
JOSEPHI BRODMAN
THE NEWYORK PUBLIC LIRY
ALTOR TILDE .
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of betterment and improvement. To this end the inmates are given a well regu- lated amount of work with adequate opportunities for recreation, so that their time is well and wisely employed. Every department of the institution is kept up to a high standard, cleanliness and order prevail, and the food meets the de- mands of healthy, boyish appetites for wholesome fare. That the service of Mr. Brodman in this connection is capable and commendable is indicated by his long retention in the position.
In 1872 Mr. Brodman was united in marriage to Miss Frederica H1. Blumb, of Peoria, who was born and reared in this city. Her parents came from Balti- more to Illinois in the early '4os, making an overland journey. Mr. and Mrs. Brodman have three sons, Arthur P., Elmer J. and Howard C. The second son is acting as bookkeeper for his father and Mrs. Brodman is matron of the insti- tution. Mr. Brodman holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political support to the democratic party and could undoubtedly attain high political honors if his ambition lay in that direction. On the contrary, however, he does not seek nor desire public office, as is evidenced by the fact that he was twice nominated by acclamation for the position of alderman from his ward but would not consent to become a candidate. He is doing a good work in his present position and is content to remain there, and in the control of the institution he manifests a most kindly spirit and broad humanitarian purpose.
FRANK McLOUGHLIN.
The world instinctively pays deference to a man whose success has been worthily achieved and gains his advancement through his ability and who throughout his business career bases his principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. Such has been the record of Frank McLoughlin, now president and manager of the Frank McLoughlin Plumbing Company, located at 619 Main street. It is the most extensive and successful plumbing establishment in Peoria. Mr. McLoughlin was born at Chatham Four Corners, New York, on the Ist of January, 1850, his parents being Timothy and Mary McLoughlin. The father, whose birth occurred in Ireland, was a railroad man throughout his active career. Both he and his wife died in 1860.
Frank McLoughlin spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, attend- ing common school at his birthplace. At the age of eleven years he removed to Peoria where he made his' home with relatives and completed his school course. Upon laying aside his text-books he delivered groceries for B. F. Ellis, on Adams street, opposite the courthouse and later worked for Edward F. Mullen, who had his place of business on the corner of Morgan and Adams streets. He next entered the employ of Emery & Andrews, who were the owners and publish- ers of the old Transcript, out of which later developed the Transcript-Herald. He was with this newspaper during the Civil war and later sought employment in a pottery, where he remained until 1867, when he began to learn the plumber's trade. In March, 1872, he removed to Chicago to accept the foremanship in the business of J. J. Wade, but after six months returned to Peoria, working for Kinsey & Mahler until he embarked in business on his own account. From a small beginning he worked up his enterprise until it has grown to such an extent that it was necessary to incorporate it, and at present it is recognized as the best and largest plumbing concern in the city. They employ five plumbers and four helpers. During his entire business career he has given special attention and study to the science of plumbing and few men have more intimate or correct knowledge in this line. Thoroughness and system characterize his labor at all
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times and his excellent judgment concerning values has enabled him to place his orders so that his firm has benefited largely by his contracts. Since entering business life as an apprentice he has followed those paths which have led to success, possessing ever an unassailable reputation, for in his career commercial industry and business enterprises have been well directed forces.
On the 30th of April, 1871, Mr. McLoughlin was married, in Peoria, to Miss Maria T. Donahue, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Donahue, old residents of Peoria. To Mr. and Mrs. McLoughlin seven children have been born, six of whom survive: Eva M., who is the wife of James D. Putnam, a lawyer of Elmwood, Illinois; Edna, who married George Schneider, who is in the employ of the Clark Smith Hardware Company; Katherine, who became the wife of Leslie Van Drelyen, a carpenter contractor; Frank, Jr., who is engaged in the plumbing business at Quincy ; May, a graduate of the high school; and William, who is employed by his father. The family reside at 715 Hamilton boulevard.
In politics Mr. McLoughlin gives his support to the democratic party and for seven years has served as a member of the board of school inspectors, for one term as alderman and for one term each as township and city collector. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Knights of the Maccabees.
GODFREY G. LUTHY.
Godfrey G. Luthy was born in Peoria, January 1, 1875, and in the acquire- ment of his education passed through the consecutive grades of the public schools until graduated from the high school with the class of 1893. He is a sterling young business man, enterprising and energetic, popular and progressive. He is prominent in the automobile manufacturing world and a leading factor in the National Implement Exposition held in Peoria in 1912. He is also treasurer of the Bartholomew Company and his cooperation is regarded as a valuable asset in any business project or public improvement with which he is connected. He votes with the republican party, is a Knight Templar Mason and Mystic Shriner, and also a member of the Creve Coeur Club. In April, 1909, he married Eliza- beth Bradley.
REV. JOHN LANCASTER SPALDING.
Rev. John Lancaster Spalding, for many years a dominant power in the Catholic ministry not only of Peoria and Illinois but of the entire country and known as well as a writer, philosopher and churchman beyond the Atlantic, is now living retired in a beautiful home in Peoria. He was born in Lebanon, Kentucky, June 2, 1840, and was a special favorite of his uncle, Martin J. Spald- ing, then bishop of Louisville. Under his guidance he studied theology in the American College of Louvian, which the bishop had established. After his or- dination there in 1863 he pursued special studies in Rome for a year and in 1865 he was stationed at the Cathedral in Louisville. He has always been famed for his eloquence and his oratory drew to him a large gathering-people who were held interested and influenced by his words of wisdom. In 1870, in compliance with his request, he was appointed to erect a church for the negroes of Louis- ville. The white people flocked in such numbers to hear his sermons, however, that they threatened to crowd out the negroes, for whom he was specially work- ing. In 1872, upon the death of his uncle, who had been made archbishop of Baltimore, Father Spalding was called upon to write the history of the life of his relative and took up his residence for that purpose in New York. This is
THE MOST REV. JOHN LANCASTER SPALDING, D. D., FIRST BISHOP OF PEORIA
1
RIGUT REV. EDMUND MICHAEL DUNNE, D. D., BISHOP OF PEORIA
RIGHT REV. BISHOP PETER JJ. O'REILLY, D. D.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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said to have been his first and greatest book, showing a manly, dignified and effective style, proving the author to be an accomplished literary man, a deep and earnest thinker, a learned and enlightened theologian and a devout priest. After the completion of the volume Father Spalding remained in New York as assistant at St. Michael's church and in 1877 was elevated to the see of Peoria. He was not quite thirty-seven years of age when, on the 28th of Novem- ber, 1876, he was called to this position and on the Ist of May, 1877, was conse- crated in St. Patrick's Cathedral of New York. The diocese then numbered about forty parishes and had less than fifty priests; there were ten parochial schools and only three religious institutions. When he retired in 1908 there were seventy parochial schools, five colleges, nine academies, eleven hospitals and homes for the aged and unfortunate, while the Catholics of the diocese numbered one hundred and twenty-five thousand.
Bishop Spalding and Archbishop Ireland were the prime movers in the Cath- olic Colonization Society, which brought hundreds of people who were slaving in eastern factories to the middle west and established them upon fertile farms, of which they could eventually become the owners. These colonies were planted in Minnesota and Nebraska, where there are now large Catholic populations. In 1902 President Roosevelt made Bishop Spalding a member of the Great An- thracite Coal Strike Commission, in which connection he was widely commended by the press for his justice in considering the question. In 1908, when he sent in his resignation to Rome, the pope said: "Few bishops have had so great an influence over the people, Catholic and non Catholic." In 1909 he was made titular archbishop of Seythopolis, an honor rarely conferred. Speaking of his work in an article entitled the Catholic History of Peoria, it is said: "He has walked among the poor: into their homes in the coal mine districts, where he has exchanged his gorgeous robes and bishop's hat for overalls and a miner's cap ; has tried to alleviate their sufferings in the over crowded cities of the east by providing them farms in the west. His work has been as far reaching as humanity's interests are wide, touching all public questions which deal with the upbuilding of character and the uplifting of humanity." He has been a prolific writer, is a deep philosophical thinker and has given to the world not only many articles concerning the church but also upon questions of general interest.
RT. REV. PETER J. O'REILLY.
Rt. Rev. Peter J. O'Reilly was born near Kells, in County Meath, Ireland, April 14, 1852, and was educated in the national schools of his native land. In 1872 he entered All Hallows College at Dublin, Ireland, for scientific and theo- logical training and was ordained to the priesthood June 24, 1877, after which he was assigned as assistant priest in Champaign, Illinois. In 1878 he was as- signed by Bishop Spalding as assistant at St. Mary's Cathedral, Peoria, and in 1881 became pastor at Danville, Illinois. In 1893 he was made vicar general and pastor of St. Patrick's church at Peoria and on the 21st of September, 1900, was consecrated bishop coadjutor of the diocese of Peoria.
RT. REV. EDMUND MICHAEL DUNNE, D. D.
Rt. Rev. Edmund Michael Dunne, Catholic bishop of Peoria, is a native of Chicago. He attended the parochial school of Holy Name parish and later was a student in St. Ignatius College before entering Niagara University. He after- ward pursued his studies in seats of learning in Belgium and in Rome, complet-
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ing his course at the Gregorian University with high honors. His first pastorate was at St. Columbkills, where he remained for eight years. He speaks seven languages and is a man of scholarly attainments and keen philosophical trend of mind. On the Ist of September, 1909, he was consecrated bishop of Peoria in Holy Name Cathedral by his Grace Most Rev. Diomede Falconio, D. D., apostolic delegate to the United States.
THEODORE KUHL.
Throughout the history of the world mere success has never, save in a few rare instances, been the cause of any man being remembered by his fellows, and never has the mere accumulation of wealth won honor for the individual. The methods employed in its attainment, however, may awaken approval and admiration, for the world pays its tribute of respect to him who through enter- prise, unrelaxing effort and clear-sighted judgment makes advancement in the business world without infringing on the rights of others. Such has been the record of Theodore Kuhl, who throughout his entire business career has never deviated from a course that he has believed to be right and yet who through enterprising methods has steadily worked his way upward. Peoria's business circles have indeed a worthy representative in Theodore Kuhl, who was an errand boy here when sixteen years of age in the establishment of which he is now vice president. The business is today conducted under the name of Schipper & Block, Inc., and is one of the leading mercantile enterprises of the city, a fact which is attributable in no small measure to the efforts and labors of Mr. Kuhl, who, though not a native Peorian, has long been a resident here and is one of Illinois' native sons. He was born at Beardstown, September 17, 1859, and is a son of John George and Mary Elizabeth Kuhl, both of whom were natives of Germany. In early life, however, they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, the father arriving in America when nineteen years of age, while his wife was but eleven years of age when her people crossed the Atlantic. Their son, Theo- dore Kuhl, was a pupil in the common schools of Beardstown and also in the schools of Normal and Pekin, Illinois. He made his start in the business world as a newsboy in Pekin, selling papers in the evening when but twelve years of age. He was afterward employed in a grocery store until sixteen years of age, when he began working for the firm of Schipper & Block of that city in the capacity of errand boy. Three years later he was sent to Peoria in company with Frederick L. Block to assist in opening the Schipper & Block store in this city. When twenty-four years of age he was given a working interest in the store and at twenty-eight years was admitted to a partnership. When thirty years of age he was elected secretary and treasurer of the firm of Schipper & Block, Inc., and in 1907 was elected vice president, which position he has since continued to fill, a connection that places him in a very prominent, enviable and honorable position in the business circles of the city. He is prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers have taken him from humble surroundings to the field of large enterprise and continually broadening opportunities. He has brought to bear a clear understanding that readily solves complex problems and unites into a harmonious whole unrelated and even diverse interests. He attacks everything with a contagious enthusiasm and his example has made itself felt in the establishment of which he is now the head. In large measure the upbuilding of the business is due to him, and today the Peoria establishment of the firm of Schipper & Block is the largest store of its kind in any city of one hundred thousand population in the United States. Unfeigned cordiality is one of the salient characteristics of his life. ' He is a most courteous gentleman of pleasing manner, and he has greeted thousands of people who have visited the
THEODORE KUHL
RUA NETT YO PULLU LAR -
T ATIONO.
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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
store with a hearty handshake. He is genuinely interested in the individual, for his nature is extremely social, and while his partner, Mr. Block, managed the financial affairs of the house, Mr. Kuhl met his patrons and gave to business relations that personal touch which is gratifying to every individual. In addi- tion to his other interests he is one of the directors of the Jefferson Hotel and it was largely through the cooperation of this firm that the building of the hotel was made possible. The name of the house has frequently headed the list when contributions and subscriptions have been sought for some worthy public pro- ject or benevolent enterprise.
On the 4th of June, 1885, in Peoria, Mr. Kuhl was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Noyes Hurd, a daughter of Randall Freeman and Harriet ( Noyes) Hurd. Unto this marriage has been born a daughter, Nina Harriet, who was born November 1, 1889, and was married on the 20th of July, 1910, to L. Fay Tyler of Bay City, Michigan. The parents are members of the Second Presby- terian church of Peoria and are much interested in the moral progress of the city, as is indicated by their active support of and cooperation in the work of the church. Mr. Kuhl is also connected with the Young Men's Christian Association. In politics he has ever been a republican and is a strong believer in the basic principles of the party. Fraternally a Mason, he belongs to Temple Lodge, No. 46. F. & A. M .; Peoria Chapter, R. A. M .; and Peoria Commandery, No. 3. K. T. He is likewise a member of the Mohammed Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. His name is on the membership rolls of the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he is a charter member of the Peoria Country and the Creve Coeur Clubs. He was one of three leading citizens of Peoria who organized the latter and he acted as its first president. This indi- cates that his social position is equal to his business prominence and public opinion at all times places him in an enviable position in public regard both as a man and citizen. Whenever Peoria's interests and welfare are involved he stands on the side of progress and improvement. To build up rather than to destroy has ever been his broad policy, and in the conduct of his mercantile interests he has pursued constructive methods which have never entrenched upon the rights of others, and the policy of the house of which he is the head has set the standard for activity in that direction. A man of charming personality, his personal characteristics and social qualities are pronounced, and he is an accept- able companion in any society in which intelligence is a necessary attribute to agreeableness.
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