USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > The biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of representative men of Chicago, Minnesota cities and the World's Columbian exposition : with illustrations on steel. V. 1 > Part 2
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eral Sheridan in the Indian campaigns of 1868 and '69, of which the engagement at the headwaters of the Washita was the most decisive, resulting in the defeat and routing of the famous chief " Black Kettle " and his band.
Col. Davis was on duty at the headquarters of General Sheridan when that commander was sta- tioned at Chicago in 1869, and continued his connection with the army till May 1, 1871, when he resigned and took up his residence in Chicago, where he has made his home ever since. Col. Davis has always been an active and staunch Republican, and since his residence in Chicago has held a conspicuous place in the councils of his party, and a recognized leader. He was elected to the United States Congress from the Second District of Illinois in 1878, and re-elected for the two succeeding terms. As a congressman Col. Davis naturally took a prominent and leading place, and was one of the few of Chicago's repre- sentatives to that body whose efforts in behalf of their constituents were crowned with success. Among the important acts of legislation in which he took a prominent part, it is but just to say that securing a large appropriation for improv- ing the Chicago harbor was chiefly due to his efficient and faithful work. In 1886 he was elected county treasurer of Cook county, Illi- nois, for a term of four years. When it was decided by Congress to celebrate the four hun- dreth anniversary of the landing of Columbus on American soil by a World's Columbian Exposi-
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tion, Col. Davis was one of the foremost in the promotion of the enterprise, and to no one is the public more indebted than to him for the selec- tion of Chicago as the site of what promises to be the greatest World's Exhibition. He was after- wards chosen by the stockholders one of the directors of the local board of management, and upon the meeting of the Board of Commissioners in September, 1890, that body, in recognition of his peculiar fitness for the place, selected Col. Davis as Director-General of the mammoth undertaking. A man of fixed opinions, iron will, unfaltering perseverance and unusual executive ability, he at the same time possesses a tireless
energy, and whatever he attempts stops at nothing short of its attainment. He is a man of great personal magnetism, courteous yet dignified in manners, generous, kind-hearted and genial, and has always attracted to himself many warm friends. With his splendid qualities of mind and heart he combines a finely proportioned physique, being strong in stature and of robust constitution. He is a handsome man in both form and feature, and a mass of iron-gray hair gives a distinguished air to an otherwise striking personality. Col. Davis was married, in 1867, to Miss Gertrude Schulin, of New Orleans, Louisiana, by whom he has two sons and four daughters.
ELBRIDGE GALLET KEITH,
CHICAGO, ILL. 1
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A MONGST the prominent citizens of Chicago who hail from the Green Mountain State, there are few who have been more closely con- nected with, or more deeply interested in, every- thing tending to the good and welfare of this city and the inhabitants thereof, than has the sub- ject of this sketch, Elbridge Gallet Keith.
Born in Barre, Washington county, Vermont, July 16, 1840, he is the youngest son of Martin and Betsy (French) Keith. The Keith family of New England are all descendants of a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman, James Keith, who grad- uated at Aberdeen College, Scotland, and came to America about 1650, settling in Bridgewater, Mass. Our subject's father was born in Uxbridge, Mass., and removed to Vermont at an early age.
Our subject's early years were spent on a farm, and he received his early education in the public schools of the neighborhood, and subsequently attended Newbury Seminary, Vermont, and Barre Academy (at that time presided over by Dr. J. S. Spaulding, an able educator of his day). Young Keith was at this time more inclined to political and literary pursuits than to that of business, but he eventually entered a country store in his na- tive town (at the age of sixteen), and remained here for a year. In 1857 he joined his two elder brothers, Edson and O. R. Keith, who had pre- ceded him in taking up their residence in Chicago. After a short time spent in the employ of W. W.
Secombe, he entered the house of Keith Bros. & Faxon, continuing in their employ until 1865, when Mr. Faxon retired, and he then became a member of the firm, under the style of Keith Brothers, which firm still exists, occupying a lead- ing position in its line of business, as it has done for upwards of twenty years.
In 1884 he was elected president of the Metro- politan National Bank, to which, from the date of its organization, he has devoted the most of his attention and care. It has achieved a most marked success, and now ranks as one of the lead- ing institutions of its kind in the city. Mr. Keith has always taken an active part in all movements tending to the welfare of the city, State and Na- tion. He served seven years on the Board of Education, and was a leading member of that body, serving as chairman on numerous occasions on several of its most important committees, and as a token of the warm interest he displayed in educational matters, the Board named one of its schools the " Keith School." Higher education, also, has found in him a warm advocate, and he is at present one of the trustees of Beloit College. One of the incorporators of the Union League Club, he subsequently became its president, and is to-day prominently identified with it in all the patriotic and public-spirited work in which it is engaged.
He has also been prominently identified with the Commercial Club, and was its president dur-
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ing the past year. He is now the president of the Bankers' Club. Mr. Keith has held numerous other positions in connection with the various be- nevolent and philanthropic institutions of this city, and has been president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and also of the Chicago Orphan Asylum.
In politics, a steadfast Republican, he has from an early age been an interested student of polit- ical affairs, it being related of him that when but fourteen years of age, he walked twelve miles to attend the first State convention of the Republi- can party in his native State. And though an ardent Republican, he has never been a bitter or bigoted partisan. An active member of his party, he has had much to do with nominating conventions, both of the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Mr. Keith represented the City of Chicago in the memorable National Con- vention that nominated Garfield for president, while he has frequently been urged to accept positions of high political importance, but has hitherto always declined to become a candidate for any political office. He was re-elected as a director of the World's Columbian Exposition in April of this year, 1891.
In matters of religion, he holds Evangelical
views, and is a warm supporter of Dwight L. Moody, while he is also a promoter of and firm believer in unsectarian Christian work. Brought up a Methodist, the influence of a pious mother has been marked throughout his life. For over twenty years he has been a member of Christ Re- formed Episcopal Church (Bishop Cheney's), and its senior warden for many years. Married in December, 1865, to Miss Harriet S. Hall, a native of LaSalle county, Illinois, they have four sons and two daughters.
A man of large affairs, his time, as may be im- agined, is fully occupied, for he is always promi- nent in benevolent work, and actively interested in everything tending to the benefit of Chicago and of good citizenship generally, and with zeal seemingly beyond his physical strength, for he is by no means robust and his constitution none of the strongest. Mr. Keith is one of the most popular men in this city, one of the most widely known, and certainly one of the most respected. A typical Chicagoan, he is truly a representative citizen, and belongs to that class who have aided so materially-and to an extent as yet unknown- in raising this city to the position it to-day occu- pies amongst the cities of America, and the cities of the world.
EUGENE S. PIKE,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HERE are few studies more elevating, more encouraging, or more interesting than the study of the lives and characters of men who have risen from the ranks. When we trace the career of those who stand highest in public esteem, and of those whom the world acknowl- edges as successful men, we find almost invariably that they are those who have risen gradually, overcome severe opposition and, in the face of the most bitter trials and seemingly insurmount- able difficulties, have at length, by much self- reliance, great energy, perseverance and honesty, overcome every obstacle and won that success for which they had so long and so perseveringly striven.
Eugene S. Pike was born in Lake county, Ohio, October 5, 1835. His father and mother (Jerusha
Hartwell) were born in Berkshire county, Mass. Both families are branches of old New England stock, while his mother, together with her cousin, Mary Lyon, took an active part in establishing Mount Holyoke Seminary, a seminary which, to-day, is one of the most famous scats of learn- ing in the State of Massachusetts. His father died when he was but eight years of age, leaving him and his mother in somewhat straightened circumstances. Three years later death removed his mother also, a mother to whom he owed much and from whom he derived such virtues as are only in the gift of a refined, educated and chris- tian mother to bestow, and a mother for whom he always cherished the most sacred and loving thoughts.
Looking the world, however, in the face, and
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forming a resolution to succeed, young Pike engaged on a farm in his native county, attending school in the winter, and carefully putting by what small sum he could earn in the summer time, with the intention of acquiring a college education, if possible, later on. At length young Pike determined to undertake a course at the Western Reserve College, Hiram, Ohio; remaining here two years, he afterward went to Antioch Col- lege and here concluded his collegiate education. During the time he was at Hiram he had for a fellow-student and companion the late and lamented James A. Garfield, and we can imagine the strength of character, the tenacity of pur- pose and the determination to succeed which pervaded these two young men at this time.
Leaving college, he commenced his business career by traffic in fruit and ornamental trees, gradually extending his connection until at length he became an importer of fruit trees, grape-vines, roses, etc., from France. Finding a ready sale for them in the Southern States, his business grew rapidly until the commencement of hostilities, in 1861, put an end, almost, to these transactions, and Mr. Pike decided to relinquish his interests and engagements in this line of busi- ness, always having had more or less of an ambi- tion to become a banker. On the breaking out of the war, he removed to Painesville, Ohio, where he engaged in the banking and brokerage business. His success in this vocation was phenomenal. Soon invited to a prominent place, he became locally and otherwise engaged in numerous enter- prizes of much importance. His wealth in the meantime having much increased, he decided to seek a larger and more important field in which to operate, and thus, in 1867, he decided to locate in Chicago.
Our city at that time, as now, was growing rapidly, and becoming every day more prominent and more favorably known in the commercial world. Foreseeing to a great extent the import- ance and prominence which this city would ulti- mately attain, Mr. Pike invested in land through- out the business district of the South Side, erecting, as his means would allow, solid business blocks, which have materially added to the growth and improvement of that portion of our city. His experience and admitted authority on the subject of building have often led to his being
consulted and to his advice being sought by a number of our well-known and prominent archi- tects. Real estate is what he is perhaps most interested in, and outside of this (in this city) his ventures have not been numerous, but such as they have been, they have been eminently suc- essful, and in every way creditable to the great energy and enterprise so characteristic of Mr. Pike.
Purchasing a half interest in the well-known jewelry house of N. Matson & Co., corner of State and Monroe, in 1876, he retained his inter- est, though he took no active part in the manage- ment of the business, for three years, relinquish- ing same in 1879.
A director of the First National Bank, he has held this position for several years. A director of the World's Columbian Exposition, he was among the first selected by the Committee of Organization to hold the important and honor. able office. The choice was undoubtedly a good one, for in Mr. Pike the directorate have an able financier, one whose advice and experience cannot but prove to be very valuable.
Much interested in numerous benevolent and charitable affairs, Mr. Pike's interest is more prac- tical and material than it is theoretical, and is not confined merely to paper and the giving out of resolutions, etc.
Socially, he is most agreeable ; genial with his friends, he is an excellent companion ; jovial, gen- uine in his actions, he seems to overflow with the spirit of good fellowship, and inspires the same disposition amongst the numerous friends and acquaintances with whom he is so often inti- mately associated.
A man of more than the ordinary force of character, possessing great tact, he quickly com- prehends and solves what, to others, often appear difficult problems, both in business and social affairs. A faithful friend, he is a strong adherent of any cause he embraces, while on behalf of a friend he deems no service too great or any per- sonal inconvenience too much, if, by so doing, the desired result can be obtained.
In religious matters a Presbyterian, Mr. Pike is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church of this city, being prominent in religious circles, and much interested in church, Sunday school and charitable work generally. He was married in
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1865, to Miss Mary Rockwell, of Painesville, Ohio. Mrs. Pike is a relative of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famous poet and philosopher. Personally, she is a lady of rare qualifications and much ability. There are three sons, issue of this marriage, the eldest, Eugene R. Pike, a graduate of Yale in the class of '90. The second son, Charles Burral Pike, is now at Harvard, where he is a member of the class of '92; while the youngest, William W. Pike, is now at Yale University. Deriving such excellent qualities and position as they have inherited, both from their father and mother, their path through life will be comparatively smooth, while they are already in possession of
rare accomplishments, and are spoken of as being delightful and agreeable companions.
Not given to much outdoor recreation, there are yet two or three sports in which Mr. Pike takes great interest, and they are more especially those of fishing and shooting. Accompanied, as he often is, by his sons, his shooting trips are always a source of much gratification to him. Keen sportsmen, father and sons, they always have something tangible to show as the result of their frequently long trips, and the success of Eugene S. Pike is no less marked in this direc- tion than it is, and always has been, in other directions.
SAMUEL M. NICKERSON,
CHICAGO, ILL.
AMUEL M. NICKERSON, one of the S organizers of the First National Bank, its vice-president upon its organization, and since 1867 the president of that gigantic financial institu- tion, was born at Chatham, Mass., on June 14, 1830.
His parents, Ensign Nickerson and Rebecca Mayo Nickerson, were descended from the carly Puritan settlers of Massachusetts, his father being a lineal descendant of the Wm. Nickerson who left Norwalk, England, and settled at Chat- ham, Mass., in 1660.
The first seven years of our subject's life were passed in the place of his birth, at which age his residence was changed by the removal of his parents to Boston, where he received his educa- tion at the public schools. At the age of seven- teen, he left school and accepted a position as clerk in his brother's store, at Appalachicola, Fla., where he received his earlier business training. He remained with his brother for four years, and in 1851, at the age of twenty-one, he began mer- cantile life for himself, by entering into the general merchandise business, which he continued until 1857, when his business property was destroyed and he was left a financially ruined man, by a disastrous fire which consumed his assets. Very much discouraged, he compromised with his credi- tors, doing as well as he could for them with the means at his command, but settled with them in full some five years after, although he was not legally obliged to do so.
After this event, which at the time was con- sidered by him as a great calamity, but which, doubtless, had a beneficial influence upon his life, he borrowed a few hundred dollars from his friends and removed to Chicago, where, in 1858, he launched upon a prosperous business career as a distiller of alcohol and high-wines. He was so successful that within the next six years he had accumulated a fortune sufficiently large to enable him to retire from the business. In 1864, he accepted the presidency of the Chicago City Horse Railway, and continued its presiding officer and controlling spirit for seven years more. In 1871, his banking interest having become so large, and requiring most of his time and attention, he was forced to resign his official position with the rail- way corporation, and devote his entire time to his other interests.
His business career since 1863, when he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank, has been almost identically the same as the history of that corporation. In 1863 he was elected its first vice-president, which official position he held until the year 1867, when he was elected to his present position of president, and he has remained at the helm of this, one of the largest financial houses in the world, continuously for twenty-four years ; and it has been largely due to his fostering care that the First National Bank occupies the position in the financial world that it does to-day. He was present at its birth, watched over it
Same M Nickerson
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closely during its infancy and childhood days, nursed it through its time of disease, caused by the fiery times of 1871, and guarded and shielded it through the assaults and storms of the panic of 1873. He has witnessed its growth from a tod- dling child, having a capital of one hundred thousand dollars on May 1, 1863, to the gigantic financial giant of to-day, with a capital of $3,000,- 000, surplus of $2,000,000, undivided profits of $800,000, and average deposits of $25,000,000.
This marvelous growth is acknowledged by all to be largely due to the policy of its president, our worthy subject, which, whilst conservative, has always been considered liberal.
Mr. Nickerson has also been identified with other financial concerns. The Union Stock Yards National Bank of Chicago owes its existence to him, he having organized it in 1867, and become its first president. He continued in this position for several years, or until the stress of his other business affairs caused him to resign.
In 1887, upon the expiration of the charter, this bank was reorganized under the style of The National Live Stock Bank of Chicago.
In 1864, Mr. Nickerson was chosen as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, and in 1871 was appointed by the governor as a member of the first Board of Commissioners for Lincoln Park. He continued as commissioner for four years, and was always an active member of the board; his fellow-members of the board were Joseph Stock- ton, Belden V. Culver, W. H. Bradley and Francis H. Kales.
In December, 1858, he was married to Miss Matilda P. Crosby, of Brewster, Mass. Roland Crosby Nickerson, the sole issue of this marriage, is at present connected with the banking house of Jamieson & Co.
Mr. Nickerson has always been largely inter- ested in art and musical work. He is a member of the Chicago Historical Society, and a trustee of the Art Institute, and his magnificent residence contains many choice works of art that he has collected during his extended travels, which have not only covered this country and Europe, but have been entirely around the world, he having made a circuit of the earth in 1883 and 1884.
Mr. Nickerson is a man of dignified appearance, and of pleasing countenance, with an ear ever ready to listen to affairs that will interest him,
kindly and affable, liberal where liberality will be beneficial, interested in music and art and ever ready to assist both financially and personally any movement to elevate either. At the helm of the largest financial institution in the West, esteemed by the citizens of Chicago, and admired by his friends and business acquaintances, he stands to- day as a man whose works will be remembered long after this generation has passed away, and one who during his life has always been an hon- ored, respected citizen of the community in which he lived.
Mr. Nickerson's term as president of the bank, which position he has filled so successfully for so many years, is about to come to a close, not with- out the deepest regret of the directors of the bank, as will be understood by perusing the following extract from the minutes of the meeting of the directors of the First National Bank, in January, 1891, for the election of officers for the ensuing year :
Mr. Nickerson then requested the following communication should be read to the board :
" CHICAGO, January 22, 1891.
" TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK :
" Dear Sirs,-Before proceeding to the election of officers for the ensuing year, I wish to state that should you decide to elect me president it must be with the understanding and notice that I shall resign the office whenever Mr. L. J. Gage shall be relieved from his duties as president of the World's Fair, and can devote all of his time to the affairs of this bank, and when that time arrives, I shall take pleasure in co-operating with you in electing him to take my place, if you then decide to do so.
" It would be my desire to continue as a director of the bank, and co-operate with you in working for its interest and success.
" It is not my intention to engage in any other business. I have arrived at a time in life when I consider it my duty to delegate to younger heads and hands the responsibilities that are involved in the position I have held in the bank for the past twenty-four years as president, and for four years previously as vice-president, which covers the entire time since its organization, in 1863. The success which has attended this bank is known to you all. For this I have to thank the directors and other officers, who by their advice and labor have made this success possible.
" Thanking you for your many evidences of confidence and good will, and hoping that the future success of the bank may under your direction be equal to or better than the past, I await your decision as indicated above.
" Yours very respectfully, “ (Signed) SAMUEL M. NICKERSON."
After which Mr. Gage offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted :
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" Resolved, That the communication of Mr. Nickerson just received be spread upon the records.
" Whilst we deeply regret the suggestion that he may feel compelled to resign the office before the expiration of the current year, we feel that it is for the interest of the bank that he should continue his wise and judicious guardianship as its chief executor as long as circumstances will permit.
" We recognize the fact that twenty-five years of constant direction over affairs as large and important as are here implied, entitle him, when he shall finally demand it, to the enjoyment of the rest and leisure to which we all look for- ward as the just reward of long continued and faithful work."
Mr. Nickerson, honored throughout the world of finance, threw his cloak on the shoulders of liis lieutenant, and retired from the presidency of the bank whose career he had made so successful on July 8, 1891, as the extracts that appear below, taken from the records of the bank, will explain :
" TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CIIICAGO :
" Gentlemen,-Referring to my communication of January 22, last, in which I stated that if then elected president of this bank, it would be with the understanding and notice that I should have the privilege of resigning at any time during the ensuing year. That time has now arrived, and I hereby tender my resignation and ask its acceptance, to take effect on and after July 8, next.
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