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 27
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lle practiced law there with success for some time and then removed to Chicago, where he practiced alone until 1871, when he entered into partnership with Mr. George Herbert, an able and well-known lawyer. These gentlemen collected a magnificent law library, but this, together with the well-chosen and extensive private library of Mr. Quick, was consumed in the great fire of 1871. This partnership continued doing a very large and lucrative general law business until 1876, when Mr. John S. Miller was admitted, the firm name becoming Herbert, Quick and Miller, and so con- tinuing until the demise of Mr. Herbert. The firm continued under the title of Quick and Mil- ler until within a few years; since then Mr. Quick has practiced by himself. He is a well and wide- ly read lawyer, who is patient in research of au- thorities, possessed of an analytical mind and sound reasoning, logical in discourse, and with a profound knowledge of the details and intricacies of his profession.
In the Chicago Law Times of July, 1888, Judge C. V. Waite writes of him as follows :
" Though Mr. Quick has always avoided an ac- tive participation in public affairs, yet without soli- citation on his part he has been much talked of in his own party as an eligible candidate for Con- gress, owing to his high standing in his profession as a lawyer of commanding ability, as a prominent member of the Iroquois Club and of the county Democracy, as one of the pillars in Grace Church, a power in social and business circles, and an active and energetic man."
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Mr. Quick has passed to the Knight Templar's degree in Masonry, and is a much respected mem- ber of that august organization, and is a Past Emi- nent Commander of Montjoie Commandery of Chicago. In social life he is polished and refined, yet plain and unostentatious in his manner, a great favorite with the members of the bar, and indeed with all classes.
His great erudition, his pure professional and social ethics and his conversational powers render him a welcome and interesting guest in every cir- cle. Mr. Quick has a fine presence, is of medium size and height, with high, broad forehead, blue eyes, and a luxuriant growth of auburn hair tinged by the hand of time with silver. He was married to Miss Henrietta B. Carter, the esteemed and ac- complished daughter of the late H. Kendall Car- ter, of Hartford, Conn., and they have an inter-
esting family, consisting of one daughter and three sons.
As before stated, the fine private library of Mr. Quick was largely destroyed by fire, but he imme- diately set to work gathering together a new one, and to-day there are probably few in Chicago who possess such an extensive and varied collection of choice, rare, antique and modern works as he. The collection is the work of years, and it contains some rare books of immense value, and Mr. Quick is naturally proud of his collection. Being also a lover of art, he has managed to secure a fine col- lection of beautiful paintings of both the old and modern school, which adorn his home; and it might be truly stated that outside of his profes- sional life, it is in the quietude of his home and library that he takes the keenest delight and en- joyment.
CORNELIUS K. G. BILLINGS,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T 'HE subject of this sketch, Cornelius K. G. Billings, was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., September 17, 1862, the son of Albert M. and Augusta S. (Farnsworth) Billings. His parents were both natives of Vermont, whence they removed to New York, and after a residence there of two years, in 1864 removed to Chicago. The father of our subject was president of the People's Gas Light and Coke Company prior to 1887, in which year he was succeeded in that office by his son, our subject. Cornelius received his early education in the public schools of Chicago, and in 1873 entered the grammar department of Racine College, Racine, Wis. He spent the following six years in passing through the various courses of study in that institution, and was graduated with the class of 1879. Returning to Chicago, he entered the business of which his father was president, his first position being that of errand boy, and successively passed through the various stages and departments, until, upon the retirement of his father from the office, he was elected his successor. By thus commencing at the lowest rung of the ladder and working up through the various grades, young Billings gained a thoroughly practical and intimate knowledge of
all the details of this great corporation's affairs, a knowledge that must prove of inestimable value to him in his responsible position. And it may be safely asserted that his knowledge of gas, its properties and manufacture, is unsurpassed by that of any man in Chicago. He is a director of the Home National Bank, and also the Home Savings Bank, and in 1889 was one of the West Chicago park commissioners. He is also a director of the World's Columbian Exposition, having been elected to this office by the stock- holders at their meeting in April, 1890. He has been a trustee of the Illinois Club five years. He is a member of the Chicago, the Union League, the La Salle, the Washington Park Driving and of numerous other prominent clubs of Chicago. He is not identified with any church organization, but holds, however, Congregational views in matters of religious belief.
In politics he is a staunch Republican, and takes an active interest in political affairs, both local and State, and by his party was appointed West Park commissioner-already referred to. He was married in 1885 to Miss Blanche Mac- Leish, daughter of Andrew MacLeish, of Chicago, of the dry-goods firm of Chas. Gossage & Co.
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They have one child, a daughter, now six years of age.
Mr. Billings is a man of medium height, of robust build and light complexion, and generally of fine appearance and pleasing address. He is genial and sociable, courteous and affable, and
withal open-hearted and generous, and con- tributes liberally to all worthy objects. He is a thorough business man and has great capability for work, and as President of the People's Gas- light, Heat and Coke Company is well known and highly respected.
COL. WILLIAM HALE THOMPSON,
CHICAGO, ILL.
W ILLIAM HALE THOMPSON was born in Durham, New Hampshire, May 9, 1838. Throughout his distinguished career he was highly successful in all his undertakings. He was a patriotic citizen, a brave soldier, a wise legislator. He was a man of fine intellect, and a gentleman under all circumstances. No man was more respectful to others. No man carried him- self with greater decorum or dignity. There was a charm in his conversation not often found. He also had a keen sense of humor, which made him an entertaining companion. He had unspotted integrity, and honor unimpeached. His bearing and address were characterized by simplicity and modesty. Though his environments from his youth were all that could have been desired, yet he was a born leader, and would have suc- ceeded no matter what his condition in life might have been.
Flis ancestors were of sturdy New England stock. Hon. Ebenzer Thompson, his great- grandfather, was one of the most distinguished men of his day, being Counselor of the State of New Hampshire under the temporary constitu- tion, and again, under the State constitution, member of the Committee of Safety, and for many years Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature. Captain Ebenezer Thompson, grandson of Judge Ebenezer, and father of our subject, was an extensive vessel owner, and widely known in his day. William's early education was received at the Merrimac Institute, Reed's Ferry, New Hampshire, and later at Phillip Exeter Academy. At the age of fourteen years he was called upon to mourn the death of his parents ; shortly after- ward he went to Portsmouth to reside with his. uncle, Capt. Jacob W. Thompson, his guardian.
His aptitude for the life of a sailor induced him to follow the sea, and in 1854 he shipped as a common sailor (though he had inherited a hand- some fortune). He was soon made an officer, and discharged his duties in so efficient a manner that he would undoubtedly have shortly been in command of his ship, had not an accident occurred to him while in port at San Francisco in 1856. He fell into the hold of his vessel, crushing his left arm to such a degree that ampu- tation was thought necessary. To this he stren- uously objected, preferring death to the loss of an arm. His arm was saved, though he was unable to use it for a long time, and was, of course, obliged to retire from the service. He then entered the counting house of Cummings and Lee, East India commission merchants, one of the largest mercantile houses of Boston, Massa- chusetts, and remained there until the opening of the late civil war. During this time he showed an inclination for military affairs, and in 1857 he joined the famous company of "Boston Tigers," at that time under command of Captain Charles O. Rogers, and had for associates such men as Gen. Thomas Stevenson.
At the opening of the civil war he was offered the choice of three positions-that of quarter- master in the Regular Army, a captaincy in the Ninth Infantry, or paymaster in the United States Navy. Acting on the advice of Hon. John P. Hale, at that time chairman of the United States Naval Committee, he accepted the appointment in the navy August 21, 1861. He was examined by the United States Naval Board, and, out of thirty- six appointments, obtained the second place. August 23, he received his commission as assist- ant paymaster United States Navy, with the rank of lieutenant, and was ordered, October 2, 1861, to
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the sloop of war "Mohican," belonging to Admiral Dupont's squadron, which sailed from New York October 20, 1861, and which took part in the battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, November 7, 1861, in the capture of Fernandina, Florida, and the taking of other seaports on the South Atlantic coast; also in many engagements at Fort Sumter. July 22, 1862, he was promoted to the office of pay- master, with the rank of lieutenant commander, with orders to report to Admiral David G. Far- ragut for duty on board the United States frigate "Susquehanna," the flagship of the West- ern Division, commanded by Commodore Hitch- cock. He remained in his squadron till May, 1863, participating in all of Admiral Farragut's naval engagements during that period. Many of the vessels were separated months at a time, and were occasionally at least a hundred miles apart. Parenthetically, we may state his returns to the United States Treasury Department show that his responsibilities were greater than those of any other disbursing officer in the United States Navy. His accounts were settled so entirely to the satis- faction of the United States Treasurer that he received the following letter :
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, FOURTH AUDITOR'S OFFICE, March 29, 1867. WM. H. THOMPSON,
Late Paymaster United States Navy.
SIR: I take pleasure in testifying to the general correct- ness and fidelity with which you have kept and rendered your account as late paymaster in the United States Navy. Your last account, which is now being closed up in this office, is one of the most voluminous which has been settled here, having under your charge the vessels comprising the fleet of the Lower Potomac and James River, and numbering in all some forty-six, and considering the amount of work devolved upon you, and the difficulties under which it was performed, by the separation of the vessels, often by long distances from each other, it is but just to say that the result of the settlement shows that you exercised more than ordinary vigilance in the line of your duty, and without which many serious errors and mistakes must have occurred.
Your obedient servant,
S. J. W. TABOR, Auditor.
March 10, 1866, Col. Thompson was appointed naval storekeeper at St. Paul de Loanda, on the coast of Africa, where our government vessels get supplies. Family influence, however, was brought to bear, as he had lately been married to Miss Medora Gale, daughter of Stephen F. Gale, one of the earliest and most prominent citizens of
Chicago, and he was induced to resign this office March 30 following.
Col. Thompson settled in Chicago in April, 1868, and engaged in real estate business. He purchased several large tracts of land and erected a number of fine buildings, among others the Thompson Block, on West Madison street, with a frontage of two hundred and fifty-two feet; this, by the way, was the best building left standing in Chicago after the great fire. Young as he was, his keen foresight enabled him at this time to see the immense possibilities that awaited the city of Chicago, and accordingly he invested largely in real estate in various parts of the city. The won- derful increase in values has since proven the soundness of his judgment.
Col. Thompson was twice chosen by the Republican party to represent his district in the 'Illinois Legislature, serving in the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. He received the handsome plurality of sixty-two hundred and fifty-one votes. His record in the Legislature was one of the most distinguished in its history. His rare knowledge of parliamentary rules and his abilities as an orator made him the leader on the floor. Like his grandfather, Col. Thomp- son, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, whom he resembled so strongly in character, when he spoke to an audience his whole mind and body were concentrated on the subject, while his earnestness and eloquence never failed to carry weight and conviction to his hearers. He pro- cured the passage of some of the most important bills in the history of the State, among others the Back-tax bill, which enabled the city of Chi- cago to secure three million dollars of back taxes from delinquents. He was also deeply interested in the famous bill for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the first bill of the kind introduced in the Legislature. The difficulties encountered by Col. Thompson in the passage of this bill, and the manner in which he overcame them, are interesting and worthy of record. A few days prior to adjournment he arose and addressed the speaker, who refused to recognize him, on the ground that there were other bills before the house of greater importance. When the last day arrived he again addressed the speaker, but met with the same objection as on the previous occasion. He was, however, not to be again
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thwarted; launching forth with all his vigor of manhood, he proceeded in language eminently befitting the occasion. Other members who were anxious to speak on bills of their own, began throwing books, etc., but the Colonel, undaunted, kept on. The just cause he represented, together with his dignity and eloquent language, soon commanded the attention of the house, and he succeeded in securing the passage of the bill. Perhaps no bill was ever passed in the Illinois Legislature that attracted wider attention than the Military bill. His celebrated speech on this bill was a piece of splendid composition and magnificently delivered. The advocates of the military code crowded about him listening with the closest attention, and frequently interrupted his remarks with applause. Col. Thompson leading the fight for the bill, spoke of the tend- ency of the people in time of peace to drop all military organization, while he maintained that it was the militia of the large cities that saved the capital and nation. The bill resulted in the establishment of the Illinois National Guard, a body who did so much in 1877 to quell the riots which threatened the destruction of Chicago. While in the house, Col. Thompson served as chairman of Committee on State and Municipal Indebtedness, and was a member of the Com- mittee on Railroads and Revenue. He was also a prominent candidate for the speakership, and received a handsome complimentary vote. He* would have been elected to this office had it not been that Cook county had the presiding officer in the Senate. As an orator, he undoubtedly stood first in the House of Representatives. Sep- tember 30, 1879, was held at. St. Louis the National Military Convention of the United States, composed of delegates from all the States, for the purpose of seeing if the Federal Govern- ment could not be induced to make an appropria- tion of three million dollars toward establishing a national militia. It was an adjourned session of a meeting held at New York the year before. In the course of proceedings the militia of Illinois called upon Col. Thompson, of the Sixth Illinois National Guard, to respond. One of the ex-rebel brigadiers was bitter in his denun- ciation of Northern soldiers, and in that vast throng there was but one man who had the courage to stand up for the Northern soldier.
That man was Colonel Thompson. In spite of hisses and yelling from the opposite side, he con- tinued to speak in bold and patriotic language, and came out triumphant and victorious, to the intense satisfaction of his Northern friends. If there ever had been any doubt as to his ability as a speaker and a brave citizen, it was now forever dispelled.
In 1871 Col. Thompson seconded the nomina- tion of Gen. John A. Logan for the United States Senate. July 2, 1874, Gov. Cullom, in recognition of his services for the militia, ap- pointed him one of his aides-de-camp, with the rank of colonel. May 10, 1879, lie was chosen lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Battalion of the Illinois National Guard. He spent much time, money and energy in trying to improve his com- mand, and receiving permission from the Gov- ernor to increase the battalion to a regiment, he was elected colonel of the Sixth April 1, 1881.
On the consolidation of the Second and Sixth regiments, Col. Thompson was re-elected to the command of the new Second in May, 1882. In consequence of the pressure of private busi- ness, he resigned this office May 24, 1884, much to the regret of the State and his regiment. In 1887 Col. Thompson was chosen president of the West Chicago Protective League, formed for the purpose of opposing elevated railroads in Chi- cago. At a meeting of the League held Novem- ber 22 of the same year, he delivered an ex- haustive address in opposition to elevated roads. He opposed the elevated roads' taking possession of valuable business streets, thereby seriously damaging all surrounding property, which he was prepared to prove after having carefully investi- gated the rapid-transit systems in the East. The speech was magnificently delivered and had a great effect.
In appearance Col. Thompson was tall, of commanding presence, and possessed a decidedly military bearing, and, like every true soldier, he was the perfect gentleman. After a brief illness from pneumonia, from which he was convales- cing, and with the brightest hopes for recovery, he was suddenly stricken with heart trouble. All efforts by his physicians to save his life were unavailing. His death occurred in Chicago Tuesday, November 17, 1891, at his residence, 25 Delaware place. As in his life, so in his death,
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he was brave and fearless to the last ; he knew his hour had come, and in his own words, "he was not afraid to die." The news of his death was received with profound sorrow on every hand. After a short service at the family resi- dence, the funeral was held at Unity Church, and was the largest which has taken place in Chicago for many years. Eloquent eulogies and tributes to his character were delivered, and the ceremonies throughout were most impressive. The active pall-bearers were as follows: From the Farragut Naval Association, Commander J. J. Sullivan and Horace L. Wait ; from U. S. Grant Post, No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, Commander Chas. G. Dibble and-R. Watson ; from the Veteran Union League, President D. Harry Hammer and D. W. Clark; from the Chicago Union Veteran Club, First Vice-Presi- dent A. J. Minsch and Major W. A. McCourtney; from Hesperia Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Daniel J. Avery and Daniel A. Arnold ; from St. Bernard Commandery, Knights Templar, H. G. Purington and Thomas E. Miller. The honorary pall- bearers were Ferd. W. Peck, H. H. Kohlsaat, Col. Legrande, W. Perce, George A. Seaverns, A. O. Slaughter, Capt. J. R. Richardson, Walter L. Peck and W. F. Meserve.
Rev. Dr. Thomas delivered the funeral oration. It was a notable address, and paid a handsome tribute to the memory of Col. Thompson as a soldier, a statesman, a man and a citizen. His peroration was brief and beautiful. The bereft widow and family received words of condolence from every quarter, and the following were among the touching and tender tributes to his memory that were received by the widow :
FARRAGUT NAVAL ASSOCIATION, CHICAGO, ILL., November 19, 1891.
At a regular meeting of this association held at the Union League Club on November 19, 1891, the accompanying report of a committee appointed to prepare a tribute of respect to the memory of our late fellow member, William Hale Thompson, was read and adopted.
WINFIELD S. KAUFMAN, Secretary.
We are again called upon to mourn the loss of one of our members who rendered distinguished and efficient service during the War of the Rebellion, who, since his resignation from the navy at the close of that great struggle, has shown his devotion to the State as the organizer and commander of the Second Regiment of Illinois National Guard, and at a later period as the presiding officer of the Union Veteran Club of Chicago.
William Hale Thompson was a native of the State of New Hampshire, and descended from sturdy New England ancestry, who rendered efficient services during the War of the Revolution. His aptitude for the life of a sailor caused him to follow the sea at an early age. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion he received a commission as an officer in the United States Navy; he served in the West Gulf Squadron under Admiral Farragut, and later in the North Atlantic Squadron. He was distinguished for the efficiency and zeal with which he performed all his official duties, and proved himself a reliable and highly trusted officer. At the close of the Rebellion he resigned from the United States Navy and made his home in Chicago, where his zeal for the public service soon made him the colonel of the Second Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, and later the pre- siding officer of the Union Veteran Club, as he always took a most active interest in the welfare and in the organization of the veterans of the War of the Rebellion.
He was one of the earliest members of our own society, and at our last monthly meeting he was one of the most animated and cheerful of the happy company seated around our table, and recounted the incidents and reminiscences of the naval service during the war. He was one of those who fully appreciated the important character of the services rendered by the men of the navy during our fearful struggle for national existence, and was ever ready to uphold the honor of the Union Jack, preserve the memories of those who fell' while fighting for the flag of the Union. We shall long miss the merry twinkle of his bright eyes, and the hearty good will of his sturdy salutations. Let us hope that his spirit has found welcome companionship in the realm of the departed brave ones above.
Resolved, That the foregoing report be approved and spread upon the records and that copies thereof be presented to the widow and family of our departed friend.
HORATIO LOOMIS WAIT, WINFIELD S. KAUFMAN.
William Hale Thompson, president of the Chicago Union Veteran Club, died at his residence in this city on the 17th day of November last. For the first time in our history a vacancy in the honored office of our presidency has, by the power that in the progress of time will call us all hence, been created. The chief thus fallen was an old and honored resi- dent of this city, prominent in its social, its business and political circles. Genial in manner, generous in nature, strong in his personal views, frank and outspoken in their expression, he was a loyal citizen and a gallant defender of the Union when its existence was placed in peril by a strug- gle devised and precipitated by human slavery. Serving his country bravely on the field of battle, he served his adopted State in its legislative councils with conspicuous ability. Largely through his efforts the present militia laws were enacted, thus establishing a system and providing a school through and in which the fundamental knowledge of military training and discipline may be acquired, to meet contin- gencies in municipal, state and national affairs, with which the arm of the civil law has at times been powerless to cope. His public spirit induced him to take upon himself in its formative periods the command of one of the regiments of infantry thus organized-a task requiring the exercise of skill, tact, patience, personal influence, and personal generosity
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