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 24
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While still a child, Reuben Ludlam was accus- tomed to accompany his father on his daily round of visits, even then taking the greatest interest in the different cases, and, no doubt, gathering much of use in after life. Naturally studious, he made great progress in school, and when he graduated
from the old academy at Bridgeton, New Jersey, it was with the highest honors of his class.
At sixteen, under the supervision of his father, he commenced a systematic course in medicine. Continuing his studies at the University of Penn- sylvania, he received the degree of M. D. in that institution in 1852, whence his father had gradu- ated many years before, having spent six years of most carnest effort in preparation for his pro- fession.
Soon after graduation he came to Chicago. It was at this time that the doctrines of Hahnemann were causing such universal agitation in the breasts of disciples of the old school. It was with Spartan courage that the young physician, having become practically convinced of the truth of the new theory, by bedside experience, cast aside the dogmas so long cherished, and arrayed himself under the banner of homeopathy. With the enthusiasm of youth, he was a hearty and im- petuous advocate of the new principle, and, in 1859, upon the organization of Hahnemann Medi- cal College, was chosen to fill the chair of physi- ology, pathology and clinical medicine therein. After four years he was transferred to the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women and children, in
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which department he had shown a very high de- gree of skill and talent. A few years later he was given the professorship of medical and surgical diseases of women, and was made Dean of the College Faculty, in both of which capacities he has rendered inestimable service and endeared himself to all who have come within his kindly influence. Some idea of the relation in which he stands to the college is to be had from the words of a writer well known to the medical world : "A watchful guardian of its interests, and a liberal contributor to its resources, he has labored con- stantly to elevate its standard to the highest available plane, and to increase its usefulness to the fullest possible extent."
To the subject of gynæcology, Dr. Ludlam has from the first given very close attention, availing himself not only of all the resources of this country, but spending some years of pains- taking labor and study abroad in order to make himself complete master of the subject. His suc- cess has been unbounded, particularly in the de- partment of uterine surgery, his services in diffi- cult operations being constantly required all over the Northwest, and his authority in consultation acknowledged throughout the country.
In 1869, Dr. Ludlam was chosen president of the American Institute of Homeopathy, presided over its deliberations at Boston, and delivered the annual oration entitled, "The Relation of Woman to Homœopathy." Among other honors con- ferred upon him was the presidency of the Chi- cago Academy of Medicine, of the Illinois Homeopathic Medical Society, and of the West- ern Institute of Homœopathy. In 1870, he was offered the position of physician-in-charge to the Home Infirmary of New York City, and also that of professor of obstetrics and diseases of women and children in the New York Homeopathic Medical College, both of which honors he de- clined. In 1871, he became a member of the medical department of the Relief and Aid Society, which performed such gigantic eleemos- ynary work after the great Chicago fire.
Such has been a part of his public activity in this immediate vicinity. In the organization of the State Board of Health in 1877, Dr. Ludlam was called upon by Governor Cullom to serve. He has served ever since, and is the only homœo- pathic physician on the Board, having been re-
appointed twice. It is probable that Dr. Ludlam is best known to the world at large as a writer. A great reader, an accomplished linguist, pos- sessed of an inexhaustible fund of humor and anecdote, he has added to the acknowledged scientific worth of his contributions the charm of a clear and graceful style. For six years, begin- ning with 1860, he was editorially connected with the North American Journal of Homeopathy, pub- lished in New York City, and for nine years with the United States Medical and Surgical Journal. published in Chicago. For many years he has acted as editor of the Clinique, a monthly ab- stract of the work of the Clinical Society of Hahnemann Hospital. One of the most impor- tant of his contributions to this paper was that entitled "Clinical Observations Based on Five Hundred Abdominal Sections."
Dr. Ludlam's great work "Clinical and Didactic Lectures on the Diseases of Women," published in 1871, is now in its seventh edition. It is an octavo of over one thousand pages, employed as a text-book in all homœopathic colleges, and is accepted as authority by homœopathic physicians both here and in Europe. In return for the com- pliment paid him by the French in the translation of this work into their language, Dr. Ludlam undertook, and most successfully performed the task of rendering in English a very valuable work entitled "A Volume of Lectures on Clinical Medi- cines," by Dr. Jousset, of Paris. In 1863 appeared a volume entitled "A Course of Clinical Lectures on Diphtheria," written by Dr. Ludlam, which was the first strictly medical work ever published in Chicago, securing to its author an enduring name in the history of this city.
Dr. Ludlam is very much absorbed by his pro- fession, pursuing it with all the enthusiasm which an artist gives to art. And, indeed, in his hands it has been made an art. A wide acquaintance with literature, a love for music and sympathy with all that elevates and softens, and above all a very comprehensive knowledge and affection for mankind, have given to his professional work the inimitable finish of culture, and made of it in truest sense the art of healing.
Dr. Ludlam has been twice married, his first wife, Anna M. Porter, of Greenwich, New Jersey, dying three years after marriage. By his second wife, whose maiden name was Harriet G. Parvin,
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he has one son. Dr. Reuben Ludlam, Jr., is a young physician of great promise. His early education was obtained in the best schools of this city. He began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of his father, and in 1886 gradu- ated with honor from the Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, of Chicago. Going abroad immediately after graduation, he spent a very profitable year in the hospitals of London and Paris. Upon his return he entered into practice with his father and assumed a responsible position in the Hahnemann Hospital. Peculiar interest has naturally been felt in the advent of this young physician, and it is high praise to say that he has fulfilled all that had been expected of him. With concentration uncommon in one of his age. he has disregarded the attractions of society and the many distractions of youth and has put all
his energies into his profession. A large part of the father's extensive practice has been trans- ferred to the younger shoulders, and in that in which the elder is so eminent the assistance of the son has become invaluable. No praise is too highi for the way in which he has assisted and relieved his father in the ever increasing cares of his busy life. Dr. Ludlam, Jr., is an expert operator, his taste inclining to the specialty with which his father is identified. He is a fine French scholar, owing to his residence abroad as well as to previ. ous study, and has made a number of translation- from the French for various medical journal -. Finely educated, a close and constant student, devoted with all the intensity of natural pre- dilection to his profession, it is with him but a question of years until he shall stand in the fore- most ranks of Chicago's medical men.
JOHN CUDAHY,
CHICAGO, ILL.
JOHN CUDAHY, a member of the well-known firm of Cudahy Brothers, is one of the most prominent and highly respected families resident in Chicago. The Cudahys, through their con- nection with the packing industry, are known the world over as self-made men and founders of their own fortunes. It would be difficult to men- tion the name of any one who would better serve to illustrate, as an example of what perseverance, indomitable energy, and a determination to suc- ceed (oftentimes in the face of seemingly insuper- able difficulties) can do, than does the name of Cudahy.
Gradually rising, step by step, each position increasing in responsibility, their fortunes becom- ing proportionately advanced, until at length they are numbered among the millionaires of this great city, they are able to look back upon their successful careers with truly natural pride, for theirs is a record the emulation of which would be honorable, and its results beneficial to the pub- lic at large.
He was born at Callan, County Kilkenny, Ire- land, November 2, 1843. John Cudahy is the son of Patrick and Elizabeth (Shaw) Cudahy. His father was a native of Callan, while his mother's
people, the Shaws, were residents of Dublin, after- ward removing to Callan, where they established pottery works. Believing this country to offer the better advantages for the bringing up and placing in position of a young family, in 1849 our subject's parents moved hither, and after a short time spent in the East, they removed to Milwau- kee, Wis., in the public schools of which city, working occasionally between times, young Cud- ahy received his education, and when between fourteen and fifteen years of age entered the pack- ing house of Ed. Roddis, remaining in his employ until about nineteen years of age, when he entered the employ of John Plankinton (afterward of Plankinton & Armour), remaining in the latter position about one and one-half years.
When twenty-one years of age, he became en- gaged in the nursery business with Mr. Thomas Grynne, of Milwaukee, dealing in fruit and orna- mental trees, etc., occupying the position of fore- man for three seasons, at the end of which time he made a proposition of purchase to the proprie- tors, the terms of which and their acceptance are ample evidence of the great confidence in which he was held, not only by his former employers, but by his neighbors in general, while at the same
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time it illustrates complete self-reliance and his confidence of success. He purchased the nursery, its stock, wagons, horses, etc., paying but a small sum down. Continuing this business three years, during which time he cleared every vestige of the debt, in addition to making no small sum, this was the first venture in which he made money, and from this date his success continued, though in a varying degree.
Returning to the packing industry, he was em- ployed by Layton & Co., packers, for the three following years. During this period ties of friendship were formed between employer and employe, which time has served to strengthen rather than weaken, and Mr. Cudahy takes pleas- ure in expressing his appreciation of the kindness shown him by Mr. Layton. While still in the employ of Layton & Co. he was appointed Board of Trade provision inspector for the city of Mil- waukee, afterward being foreman and Board of Trade inspector for Van Kirk & McGeough, oc- cupying these joint positions for some two years. In the spring of 1875 he purchased an interest in John Plankinton's packing business, but he soon afterward decided that he wanted a wider field of operation, and through the intercession of his brother Michael, between whom and Mr. Plankin- ton there has always existed strong ties of friend- ship, he was released from the contract, and in July of the same year removed to Chicago, form- ing a co-partnership with E. D. Chapin, under the firm name of Chapin & Co., packers, and so remained for two years, when the firm name was changed to Chapin & Cudahy, this partnership continuing altogether about five years, when Mi. Chapin withdrew, since which time Mr. Cudahy has continued the business alone, being also in partnership with his brother Patrick (Cudahy Bros., packers, Milwaukee), they having succeeded some three years ago to the business of John Plankinton, who retired from business.
Prominent in social affairs, he is a member of the Washington Park Club, the Union League Club and the Chicago Club.
Mr. Cudahy has been twice married-Oct. I, 1873, to Miss Mary Nolan, of Bridgeport, Conn., the issue of this marriage being four girls, two being deceased, while the remaining two-Misses Bessie and Julia-are at present being educated at Manhattanville, N. Y.
Mr. Cudahy married again (in 1882)-Miss Mar- garet F. O'Neill, daughter of Mr. John O'Neill, a prominent citizen and one of Chicago's oldest settlers, and who died some three years ago. Two children have been the issue of this marriage, only one of whom-John R .- is living, and is now nine years of age.
Possessing a host of friends amongst the most prominent of Chicago's citizens, and many ad- mirers amongst the poorer classes (many of whom he has repeatedly befriended), we cannot perhaps do better than state what has been said concern- ing him by one of our most prominent and con- spicuous citizens :
" Quick and shrewd to detect a fraud or sham, he is prompt and outspoken in his condemnation ; yet he is genuine and sincere and thoughtful of his friends. As a business man he is bright and clear in judgment, of quick perception, prompt and unhesitating in action. The fact of his having accumulated so handsome, if not so vast, a fortune, and while yet in the prime of life, is ample evi- dence of the correctness of his general business methods and characteristics. At his home, where the furnishings and appointments are luxurious and betoken much taste and mature judgment, his wife presides and aids her husband in dis- pensing a hospitality, open-hearted and whole- souled on his part and truly graceful and gen- erous on hers."
He is a large contributor to all public enter- prises for the improvement and advancement of the city and the community at large. His own and his wife's list of charities would be far too large to enumerate here, for probably no private individual contributes more frequently or more generously to the advancement of religion and for the benefit of the poor, for the thousand and one charitable orders and charitable enterprises which are fostered by the church to which he belongs; but his generosity is by no means con- fined to those of his own faith, but every good and commendable effort to aid those who need it finds in him a generous support and a practical sympathizer.
His summer home on Mackinac Island is beau- tifully situated, and, like his home in the city, is a centre of hospitality for all friends who may happen to be on the island during the season.
" Personally, the Cudahy brothers are all mag-
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nificent specimens of physical manhood, being large, well-proportioned, handsome men, and John Cudahy is no exception. A typical Irish- man of the better class, he is a valuable citizen of
this city and state, and a useful and influential member of society ; a man who is esteemed and respected not only by a large circle of friends, but by the community at large."
GEORGE HENRY WHEELER,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T THE subject of our present sketch, George Henry Wheeler, was born at La Porte, Ind., August 1, 1841. He is a son of Hiram Wheeler, who was born in New Haven, Vt., and Julia Smith Wheeler, born in New York City. Forc- seeing the probabilities and opportunities of the great West, Mr. Wheeler, Sr., in 1832 removed to the new and remote settlement of La Porte, Ind. Remaining there for about nine years, he then re- moved to St. Joseph, Mich., where he was located for over eight years. Chicago, then a small town at the head of Lake Michigan, began to attract attention and gave every indication, even at this early day, of becoming in the near future a city of considerable importance. In 1849 Mr. Wheeler determined upon removing thither with his family and accordingly did so. Our subject then was eight years of age. His early education was ac- quired in the public school of this city, and in 1856 he completed a business course at Racine College, Wis. In 1860 he entered into the grain elevator business with his father and in 1867 he was ad- mitted into the partnership of Munger, Wheeler & Co., which firm possessed an enviable reputa. tion and were among the wealthiest and largest
receivers of grain in Chicago. Mr. Wheeler re- mained with this firm, connected with the active management of the house, up to 1889. at which period the firm sold out to an English syndicate. At the annual meeting of the Chicago City Rail- way Company in January, 1891, he was elected president. He has also been president of the Washington Park Club for the past three years. He is a member of the Chicago and other clubs, and is a director of the World's Columbian Ex- position and the Continental National Bank of Chicago. By faith he is an Episcopalian; in politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Wheeler was married in 1864 to Miss Alice I. Lord, daughter of Gilderoy Lord, a prominent citizen of Watertown, New York. They have two children, namely, Henry Lord and Mabel.
In manner Mr. Wheeler is genial and generous, and possesses a host of friends. With thousands of men under his supervision, we are but stating what is an actual fact when we say that they are satisfied with the kind treatment received at his hands, and highly regard him for his manly quali- ties of heart and mind.
DANIEL J. AVERY,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HE subject of this narrative was born in Brandon, Rutland county, Vermont, on the Ist day of December, 1836. His grand- father, Daniel Avery, came to Brandon from Nor- wich, Conn., about the year 1790. He belonged to the original family of his name who immi- grated from England and took up their abode near New London, Connecticut. They are the lineal descendants of the famous Sir William
Avery, who was knighted for courage upon the battle-field by William the Conqueror. Mr. Avery, through his paternal grandmother, is a descendant, in the seventh generation, of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. His maternal grandmother was one of the well-known family of Congdons, of Providence, Rhode Island. During the American Revolution the Averys were staunch rebels, as will be evidenced by the
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inscription on the monument erected by the State of Connecticut to the memory of those patriots who fell in the massacre at Fort Griswold on the 6th of September, 1781. When the British, un- der command of the traitor, Benedict Arnold, burned the towns of New London and Groten, spreading desolation and woe throughout the region, among the eighty-five who fell in the massacre there were nine Averys, all members of the same family, their names being Daniel Avery, Elijah Avery, Ebenezer Avery, Solomon Avery, Jasper Avery, Elisha Avery, David Avery, Chris- topher Avery, and Thomas Avery.
The father of Daniel J. Avery removed from Vermont to Lake county, Illinois, in 1843, when the subject of this sketch was in his seventh year. Here he lived until he went to Waukegan, where he attended the academy of which Judge Fran- cis E. Clark was the principal. In school he was studious, apt and eager to learn, and there laid the foundations of the success and triumphs of his later years. After leaving the Academy he settled in Chicago in 1857, and entering the office of Judge James B. Bradwell began the study of law, living in the family of the Judge for one year.
He was a close and diligent student, and by constant and continued hard study acquired a superior knowledge of the law, and in 1859 passed a most satisfactory examination before the Hon. Ebenezer Peck, Judge Corydon Beckwith, and the Hon. Norman B. Judd.
He was recommended by them to the Supreme Court, and then and there regularly admitted to the bar. His license was signed by Judge John D. Caton, Sidney Breeze, and P. H. Walker.
From 1859 until 1862 Mr. Avery enjoyed a large share of professional business. When the civil war broke out he laid down the pen, and taking up the sword responded to the call of patri- otism. He enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers In- fantry, and served with courage and distinction, being in the battle of Chickasaw Bluff, under Sherman, in December, 1862, and Arkansas Post, January, 1863, where from continued exposure and deprivations his health failed and he was sent to Lawson Hospital at St. Louis, Missouri, where, on account of serious illness, he was compelled to remain until October, 1863, at
which time he received an honorable discharge, upon the recommendation of Col. George D. Hodge, commanding his regiment.
Returning to Chicago, he resumed the practice of law and formed a partnership with Mr. Eben F. Runyan March 1, 1864. The extensive practice of the firm increasing very rapidly, Mr. E. F. Comstock, and Mr. M. B. Loomis were ad- mitted to the partnership in 1868. During the succeeding five years Mr. Avery conducted the chancery department of the firm, and in 1880 was appointed Master in Chancery of the Superior Court of Cook county, which position he re- tained by reappointment for seven years. Mr. Avery's career at the bar has been eminently suc- cessful, and he is ranked among the distinguished men of Chicago. In politics he has always been a staunch and zealous Republican, always taking an active part in the campaigns and promoting the interests of his party by word and example. He was for five years a member of the Cook County Republican Central Committee, and for one year its chairman.
He is one of the prominent Masons of the country. He was initiated in Hesperian Lodge, 4II, A. F. & A. M., and served three years as its Worshipful Master, and has been District Deputy Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge for the sec- ond district of Illinois for fifteen years. He is also a member of Washington Chapter, R. A. M., Appollo Commandery, No. I, of Illinois Oriental Consistory, and co-ordinate bodies, S. P. R. S., and Medina Temple of the Mystic Shrine of the A. A. N. M. S. In 1874 he assisted in the organ- ization of the Northwestern Masonic Aid Associ- ation of Chicago, was elected to the office of Pres- ident the same year, and has been re-elected each succeeding year.
Mr. Avery continued in the practice of law un- til 1887, when the business of the Association had increased to such proportions that the board of trustees demanded that he should apply his entire time to its business, so successful had he been in its management: Since then he has con- fined himself to this work and has met with phe- nomenal success.
He was one of the charter members of the La Salle Club, and has been a member of the Illinois Club for the past ten years.
Mr. Avery has traveled extensively throughout
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the United States, having visited thirty-nine of them either on business or pleasure during his lifetime. He has also crossed the Atlantic Ocean, spending two months traveling through the Brit- ish Islands and France.
He was married on the 23rd of October, 1867, to Miss Mary Comstock, but was called upon to
mourn her loss five years later. In May, 1874, he married Miss Kate Ellis, of Colton, New York.
Mr. Avery's life has been one untiring struggle in the cause of humanity, relieving the widows and orphans in distress, and his high moral tone and sterling integrity have won for him the love and admiration of all who know him.
N. W. HARRIS,
CHICAGO, ILL.
A MONG the numerous banking institutions of Chicago, that of N. W. Harris & Co. stands high in its specialty, viz., dealing in mu- nicipal bonds, etc. This house undoubtedly does the largest business of any house in the West, and probably the largest of any in the United States. Norman W. Harris is the head of this house, being both the founder, and, since its or- ganization, the controlling spirit in same.
He was born in Becket, Massachusetts, August 15, 1846, and is the son of Nathan Waite and C. Emeline (Wadsworth) Harris. The town of Becket, in which our subject was born, was origi- nally ceded to four or six individuals, among whom was his mother's great-grandfather. His paternal great-grandfather came to America from France and served in the Revolutionary War, and in the local cemetery are buried four generations of the family. Mr. Harris' parents are still living at an advanced age in Becket, Massachusetts, and he has also two brothers and a sister living. One of his brothers, Dwight J., being associated with him in the banking business in Chicago. When eighteen years of age he held a position as soliciting agent for a life insurance com- pany at Cincinnati, Ohio. Two years later he was the general agent of the Equitable Life As- surance Society, at Cincinnati. In that year he organized the Union Central Life Insurance Com- pany, and became its secretary and general man- ager, and continued such for thirteen years, when, on account of threatened ill-health, he resigned, disposed of his interests in the company and went to Europe for rest and recreation. At the time of his leaving he was the largest individual stock- holder in his company, which was the second largest in the West, and now has assets of over
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