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 22
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Mr. Adams has been a member of the Board of Trade since the second year of its existence, the number of his membership ticket being nine. His dealings have been of the most extensive character; but in no case has he entered into
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any combination for the control of the market. It is related of him that, in more than one in- stance, when an opportunity has been presented to him for manipulating the grain market with enormous gains for himself, he has resolutely refused to exercise his power to the disadvan- tage of others. Throughout his long career on 'Change, his transactions have all been accord- ing to honorable methods, although this course has not always been unattended with sacrifice.
But Mr. Adams' large wealth has not all, nor mostly, been acquired in the grain business. With great foresight and business sagacity, he early began to invest his surplus earnings in real estate, and that of the most valuable kind, im- proved Chicago business property, and he is to- day the fortunate possessor of several large build- ings on the principal business thoroughfares of the city, all of which are very profitable.
Mr. Adams was united in marriage Jan. 19th, 1859, with Miss Marilla F. Phipps, a daughter of William A. Phipps, of Hopkinton, Mass. Her grandparents were descendants of Sir William Phipps, a sea captain, and one of the earliest English settlers in Massachusetts. It is told of him, that under a commission from the English King, he recovered a large amount of treasure from a sunken Spanish vessel, and turned it over entire to the King, which act of fidelity so pleased his royal master that he graciously bestowed a knighthood upon him. In 1874, Mr. Adams' faithful companion was removed by death, and he has since remained single. Of four chil- dren born to them, two died in childhood, and a son and daughter are now living. The former, W. P. Adams, was educated in the public schools of Chicago and at Racine College. He is the proprietor and manager of an extensive farm of five thousand acres in Dakota. In 1889 it yielded a crop of one hundred thousand bushels of grain, and it is said to be one of the finest and best equipped farms in the entire West.
Since 1876, Mr. Adams has been a resident of Wheaton, a suburb of Chicago, where he owns a beautiful, modern home, with ample grounds, over which his daughter, Miss K. S. Adams, a lady of rare qualities and artistic tastes, grace- fully presides. She was liberally educated at Rockford and Vassar, and is a patron of the Chicago Art Institute.
In 1883, Mr. Adams laid aside the cares of busi- ness long enough to make an extensive Euro -· pean tour, visiting, besides Great Britain, France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey and other countries. His travels have also extended over a large part of the United * States. In order to avoid the rigors of the North- ern winters, he has been obliged, for some years, to pass that season in the more salubrious climate of Florida, California or Texas.
Mr. Adams is a Republican, but he is not a politician. He keeps himself thoroughly in- formed on the great political issues of the day, hence, is always able to vote intelligently. His retiring nature and thoroughly domestic qualities have caused him to decline all tenders of public office. With rare exceptions, night always finds him within the sacred precincts of his home.
Mr. Adams is a regular attendant at the Con- gregational Church in Wheaton, of which he is a very liberal supporter. He is a true philan- thropist, and believes in making good use of his wealth while yet living. As a practical and most valuable illustration, he is erecting for his adopted city, Wheaton, at his sole expense, a magnificent public library building, fifty by sev- enty-five feet, to cost when finished, about sixty thousand dollars. The building, which will be of stone, will also contain a public hall. He has do- nated the library. The citizens of Wheaton will regard the beautiful and useful structure as an enduring monument which will keep alive the memory of the benefactor long after he shall have passed away. But Mr. Adams' philanthropy and benevolence are not directed exclusively to the rearing of a noble temple of literature, invaluable as it · will be in its far-reaching results. His pri- vate donations to various charitable institutions of the city and to deserving needy persons, would, if enumerated, be further eloquent, as silent testi- mony to his generous and sympathetic nature. In summing up the character of John Quincy Adams, he may be said to be a man whose in- tegrity, whether tested in the numerous and ex- tensive transactions of an eventful commercial career, or in minor dealings with his fellow-men, has never been questioned; a man who, while possessing to an unusual degree the ability to ac- quire wealth, happily combines with it a generous heart and open hand; a man whose social quali-
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ties, strict habits, domestic tastes and personal bearing toward all, win for him universal esteem. He is, indeed, "a prophet " with " honor " " in his own country " as well as abroad. A quiet, though close student of current events, foreign and do- mestic, he is an interesting conversationalist,
especially upon topics which affect our national interests.
The ambitious youth of to-day, who would profit by example, has in the life of John Quincy Adams an example of a self-made man, worthy of emulation.
NORMAN THEODORE GASSETTE,
CHICAGO, ILL.
N March, 1891, Mr. Gassette said to the writer : I " I am a sick man, but people never so think of me." He was in his private office at 110-112 Dearborn street, looking the picture of health- large, full face, broad, heavy shoulders, strong, muscular limbs, clear, comprehensive intellect, and steady, resonant voice. Surprise was expressed at his remark. Then he spoke with calm resigna- nation of the physical organism which defied med- ical treatment. Thursday morning, March 26, 1891, the older residents of Chicago, with whom he grew up, and hosts of others with whom he had enjoyed pleasant business and social relations, were amazed, shocked, grieved by the public announcement of his sudden and untimely death. A cold, la grippe, combined with unyielding ail- ments, did the fatal work in a few days, in the very presence of the best and most solicitous medical skill. During the last days of his office duties, he stated that he never desired to be made promi- nent in any one special work to the exclusion of his like interest and life's labors in other lines of effort, to which his best thought and tireless en- ergy had always been successfully given. His desire will govern in the preparation of this sketch.
Mr. Gassette was born April 21, 1839, at Town- send, Vt. His parents were Silas B. and Susanna P. (Martin) Gassette. The family removed to Springfield, Mass. Here, Norman began his schooling at about four years of age, passed through the eleven grades, and was admitted to Parish's High School in his tenth year. In De- cember, 1849, the family came to Chicago, and Norman had the privileges of the Garden City Institute, Professor Hathaway's Academy, and private instruction by Professor A. J. Sawyer, until his fifteenth year. Thence to Shurtliff College,
Alton, Ill., and the next year to the Atwater In- . stitute, Rochester, N. Y. Here he compassed the curriculum of Harvard University under pri- vate tutors.
The roar of cannon at Fort Sumter had now startled the whole land, and young Gassette's patriotism was fully aroused. June 17, 1861, he was mustered into his country's service as private of Company A, Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In July, he was with his regiment near the enemy's lines in Missouri. In 1862, for meritorious service, he was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to staff duty as aide-de- camp. For special gallantry at the memorable battle of Chickamauga, his brigade, division and corps commanders, recommended his promotion in rank to brevet-lieutenant colonel. He was honorably mustered out in October, 1864, having faithfully served more than the " three years'" enlistment. During the next two years he com- pleted the full course in the law school of the University of Chicago, and was admitted to the bar. From 1866 to 1868, he was deputy county clerk with Gen. Edward S. Salomon, and had charge of the records in the county court before Judge James B. Bradwell. While discharging these duties he did full work every night in the Chicago postoffice, and supported his own and his father's family. In 1868, he was elected clerk of the Cir- cuit Court, and ex-officio recorder of deeds-a " fee office." With the expiration of this term, December, 1872, the offices of clerk and recorder became distinct and the " fee " compensation abol- ished. He was an untiring worker in the Repub- lican party, and seven times chairman of cam- paign committees. One of these, conducted the notable Farwell-Wentworth contest for Congress in the interest and election of Charles B. Farwell.
Avrman J. Gassette
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After 1873, he retired from activity in the party counsels.
In 1864, Mr. Gassette was raised a Master Mason in Blair Lodge, No. 393. Subsequently, he affiliated with Home Lodge, No. 508, until his death. His usual zeal procured his rapid ad- vancement through all the degrees to the Supreme Council, 33d degree A. A. S. Rite, Northern Ma- sonic Grand Jurisdiction, U. S. A.
In June, 1874, he was elected prelate of the Apollo Commandery ; also for a second term. In December, 1875, he was chosen generalissimo, and in 1876, eminent commander, and, save for the year 1881, served until December, 1883. During this period he was chairman of the joint committee of management (of the three Chicago commanderies and the Grand Commandery of the State) to arrange for the Twenty-first Tri- ennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U. S. A., held in Chicago in 1880.
In 1883, the Apollo Commandery-or one hun- dred and forty Templars and some twenty ladies- visited Europe, the largest masonic body that ever crossed the ocean. Mr. Gassette, officially, had the chief responsibility again. Royal hospi- tality was extended to the pilgrims in London, Liverpool, and other large cities. At York they were given a great banquet by Ancient Ebor Preceptory in the Guild Hall, presided over by the Lord Mayor of York. With unalloyed pleas- ure, the Commandery returned to Chicago Sep- tember 17, 1883.
Subsequently, Mr. Gassette held all the offices in the Grand Commandery, of Knights Templar of Illinois. As eminent grand commander, he took the Templars of Illinois, in 1889, to the Triennial Conclave at Washington, D. C. At the time of his decease, Mr. Gassette was president of the Masonic Fraternity Temple Association, and was in charge of its great enterprise-erecting the Masonic Temple at the northeast corner of State and Randolph streets. Its corner-stone was laid November 6, 1890. The ground is 170XII4. Its height gives eighteen stories. Solid and sym- metrical, it rivals " even cathedral spires or monu- mental shafts in its towering altitude." Its in- terior will be, substantially, a palace of marble. Its character, when finished, within as without, will be symbolical, as well as monumental, of its
chief builder. An official report states that " most particularly the incomparable ability of Ill ... Bro. Norman T. Gassette to handle the finan- cial details of the project, has rendered possible the realization " of this wonderful work.
The same enthusiastic labors have greatly aided other large enterprises and grand institutions with which he was long identified. The Grand Army of the Republic found him always a loyal and valuable friend. Death called him while he was commander of Columbia Post, No. 706, Dept. of Illinois. This post is thoroughly equipped, uniformed and drilled. Its members are of the highest social standing. His character and ad- ministrative ability were highly appreciated and utilized in the Immanuel Baptist Church. Dr. G. C. Lorimer, his late pastor, found in him a wise and devoted counsellor, and a brother beloved, and compared their friendship to the love of David and Jonathan. Mr. Gassette was chairman of the building committee, under whose direction their fine house of worship was erected some ten years since. Also, he was chairman of the finance committee which piloted the church through the shoals of debt to its present sound financial condition.
His legal attainments were the foundation of his substantial prosperity. They were in active exercise in his official and political career. They furnished the special qualifications for the large transactions, involving millions, entrusted to his wisdom. The complex questions of title were ex- amined and adjusted by him with marked success. He was thus well equipped for his last business of mortgage banker and real estate in all its 'branches.
Mr. Gassette was an entirely self-made man, and none but those who knew his early struggles can award to him the meed of credit justly due him. Few men, not purely professional, had a broader culture or readier use of his mental furni- ture than he.
He was a man of letters. His library is one of the best in this city. He bought books to read- history, science, literature and poetry. He had a marvelous faculty and facility for reading rapidly and making his own what he read. If he had any choice of subject for study, it was in the line of oriental literature and religious beliefs. He was especially interested in their symbolism and
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mystic elements. "Worship was to him a sub- ject of deep interest and study." He was thor- oughly acquainted, not only with the forms, but the symbolical meaning underlying those forms of both ancient and modern worship. He was a constant, intelligent and discriminating buyer of books. They were his daily companions, giving relief from business cares and recreation to his tired brain. Usually three to four hours of his evenings were devoted to reading and composi- tion. He was a prolific writer of verse as well as prose, beginning at an early age. Ballads, hymns and prose miscellany, over his own signature, and various noms de plume, through leading dailies and magazines, have had nearly a world-wide circula-
tion. Among his writings are the history of Apollo Commandery, sketches in the history of the Grand Commandery of Illinois, and burial ritual in blank verse, used by Scottish Rite Ma- sons. Of his many hymns, the following has re- ceived special favor :
" Lord above, to thee we kneel, To thy cross we cling."
As a speaker, Mr. Gassette was happy, and a favorite for impromptu addresses. Also as an ora- tor for special occasions, his popularity made fre- quent requisitions upon him.
His wife, nee Amelia L. Boggs, and two chil- dren survive him-a son and a daughter, Wirt K. and Grace. Both have reached maturity.
REV. FRANK M. BRISTOL,
CHICAGO, ILL.
R EV. FRANK MILTON BRISTOL, D.D., pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Chicago, was born in Orleans county, N. Y., January 4, 1851. His father, Leverett A., was born in 1821. In 1848, he married Miss Angeline Butterfield, daughter of Dr. Alex. But- terfield, of Olcott, N. Y. He became a merchant of Niagara county, N. Y., and later of Kankakee, Ill. In 1861, he was one of the proprietors of the Galena Courier.
Both lines of Rev. Mr. Bristol's ancestry were Scotch and English, and for some generations, Methodists. His father died in 1863. Having suf- fered long from ill health, the family was left in cir- cumstances which required Frank to work for sev- eral years at whatever would aid in the needed sup- port. The year 1864 he spent at Rockford, Ill., with his uncle, the Rev. W. B. Slaughter, D.D., attending the public school a portion of the time. The next six years witnessed various labors and struggles with his environments, culminating in the providential opening for the education he sought. In 1870, he entered the North-Western University, at Evanston, Ill., with the view to prepare for the ministry. He graduated in 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Since then, his alma mater has conferred upon him the honorary degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Divinity. By travel and study abroad he has de-
veloped a taste for art and early English litera- ture, giving special attention to the study of Shakespeare. He has made quite an extensive collection of rare books and fine art, but only as supplementary to his broader ministerial work. He has twice been honored as a delegate of the Rock River Conference to the General Confer- ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1890, was appointed the fraternal delegate of the General Conference to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Bristol's pastoral work has been in Blue Island, Morgan Park, Joliet, Englewood and Chicago. He was appointed to the Wabash Avenue Church for 1879, and to 1882, thence to Trinity to 1885, to Grace to 1890, thence to Trinity again.
May 9, 1878, Mr. Bristol married Miss Nellie Frisbie, of Morgan Park. They have three chil- dren, Leverett Dale, Raymond Wolcott and Har- low Butterfield.
Mr. Bristol carly gained high rank as a lecturer, writer and publicist. In the pulpit he is earnest, logical and eloquent, having attained an enviable reputation which places him in the forefront of noted clergymen. His devoted pastoral labors and winsome personal traits have made him a popular favorite, and greatly endeared him to his congregations. A testimonial, as marked as it is unusual, is his return, as soon as conference rules
STAMcan Sich Fur Cu Chicago
FMBristol
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would permit, to the pastorate of Trinity Church, having the finest edifice, and most wealthy and cultured congregation among Chicago Methodists. In 1891, Dr. Bristol was elected president of the Chicago Preachers' Meeting.
At this writing, 1892, he is in the prime of life, at the zenith of his powers for usefulness, loved by his people, in demand for great public occa- sions, of high reputation for generous, lovable, catholic christianity, and in honor among his brethren in the great church of his fathers.
Trinity Church had its beginning in 1855, as Clark Street Mission, organized in the Orphan Asylum on Michigan avenue, near Twenty-second street. In August, 1856, re-organized as St. Paul's M. E. Sabbath School, in a schoolhouse on In- diana avenue, near Twenty-second street. John Haywood was superintendent and Frank Carley secretary. In 1863, a church building, erected on Indiana avenue and Twenty-first street, was dedicated April 10, 1864, by Rev. T. M. Eddy, D.D. That year the Rev. C. H. Fowler had the
official oversight. In the fall of 1864, Rev. John H. Vincent was appointed pastor; and in 1865, Rev. Wm. A. Smith ; in 1866, Rev. S. A. W. Jewett ; in 1868, Rev. T. M. Eddy, D.D .; in March, 1869, Rev. E. B. Snyder, who was succeeded in autumn by Rev. J. H. Bayliss. The corner-stone of the fine house on Indiana avenue, near Twenty-fourth street, was laid October 5, 1870, by Bishop Janes, of New York. The fire of 1871 crippled the re- sources of the congregation, but the lecture room was dedicated January, 1872. After the fire of 1871, the Wabash Avenue Church united with the Trinity. In 1872, Rev. S. M. McChesney became pastor ; Rev. O. H. Tiffany, 1874-77 ; Rev. W. F. Crafts, 1877-79; Rev. R. B. Pope, 1879-82 ; Rev. F. M. Bristol, 1882-85 ; Rev. J. Alabaster, 1885-87 ; Rev. R. Pooley, 1887-88. The latter year Rev. Dr. Bristol was returned for the second pastorate, which he so eminently fills-the worthy successor of a list of noble men who have adorned high ed- ucational and editorial, as well as ecclesiastical, positions.
JOHN J. P. ODELL,
CHICAGO, ILL.
OHN J. P. ODELL, one of the most promi- T nent financiers of Chicago, and president of the Union National Bank, was born in Eastport, Me., in 1847.
He was reared and educated in the city of his birth, finishing his education in the high-school of that place. During the summers of his six- teenth and seventeenth years he accompanied the expeditions of the coast survey along the Atlantic seaboard, and studied the science of surveying.
Upon finishing his school course in 1865, the Western fever having possessed him for some time, he followed his inclination and removed to Chicago.
His first experience in business life in this city, which served as his introduction to the banking business, in which he has since become promi- nent, was in a minor position in the North- western National Bank.
In July, 1866, he accepted a position as book- keeper in the Union National Bank, and he has
devoted his entire time since then to the interests of that financial institution, and the honorable and courteous way that Mr. Odell has for transacting business has assisted materially in adding to the success of the bank's career.
His connection with the bank covers a con- tinuous term of twenty-five years, during which time he has advanced through all positions, from that of book-keeper until he is now its president. From January, 1880, to January, 1884, he acted as cashier. In 1884 he became vice-president, and in 1890 was elected to the position which he now holds.
During the twenty-five years that Mr. Odell has been connected with the Union National Bank his record is unsullied and is clean, and his success is another instance of what integrity and honor, combined with natural ability and a firm character, can accomplish.
In private life he is quiet and domestic in his habits. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary L. Brown, and has one daughter, Mabel, living.
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In 1873 Mr. Odell was married to Miss Emma A. Talbot, of Providence, R. I. They have two children ; their names, in order of birth, are George and Irving.
Such is his biography. It is the sketch of a life that has been both active and honorable. John J. P. Odell, starting in life with a capital consisting of nothing but a high-school education, a strong character and an ambitious nature, has passed through many stages in business life, until now (1892), at the age of forty-four, he is the presiding
officer and the controlling spirit of one of the lead- ing financial institutions in this country; and it is acknowledged by those acquainted with the banking business, that as a financier he is the peer of any one connected with any financial house in the city.
Upon the organization of the Board of Direc- tors for the World's Columbian Exposition, Mr. Odell was one of the forty-five gentlemen who, owing to their high position in the community, were chosen to compose this important body.
JOHN J. HERRICK,
CHICAGO, ILL.
S UCCESS in any calling is an indication of close application, industry, and faithfulness. There are few professions more honorable, and few which offer better opportunities than does that of the law, for the display of character, ster- ling worth and ability. To the lawyer are neces- sarily entrusted matters of confidence, involving property, reputation, and at times, even life itself, and upon his skill, loyalty, and ability, the rich and poor, strong and helpless often depend.
Success in life is something to be proud of, and the world is better for the life of every suc- cessful man. It is a stimulus to others less for- tunate in the fray, and an example for them to emulate; and the greatest reward of the success- ful man is his consciousness of having acted well his part and contributed something toward the betterment of his fellow-men. The subject of this sketch lays claim to no particular honor for having fulfilled the obligations of his profession, and for having become a successful lawyer and a prominent citizen.
John J. Herrick was born at Hillsboro, Illinois, May 25th, 1845. Being the son of Dr. William B. and Martha J. (Seward) Herrick.
The Massachusetts family of Herrick are a branch of the ancient English family of Herrick, of Leicestershire, a family prominent in this county to-day, and one which in the past had many illustrious members. After the war of the Revolution, the great-grandfather of our subject, Jacob Herrick, who was a lieutenant in that struggle, settled in Durham, Maine, and there
became a Congregational minister. His son, Jacob, was born in and resided in Durham, and here his son, our subject's father, William B., was also born. The Sewards are old residents of Illinois. John B. Seward, our subject's maternal grandfather, was a native of New Jersey, and set- tled in Montgomery county, Illinois, at an early day.
William B. Herrick, our subject's father, ar- rived in Chicago in 1844. He was Surgeon of a regiment of Illinois Volunteers during the Mexi- can war, and on his return was one of the first Professors of Rush Medical College ; he was also the first President of the Illinois State Medical Society. He was prominent, not only in medical and scientific circles, but also in civil affairs and social life. But the toil and hardships and ex- posures of campaign life had left their effects upon his system, and his health failing, he, in 1857, was compelled to have recourse to his native air, and returned to Maine.
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