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 28
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and self-sacrifice. His humanity invoked his and in the pas- sage of a law for the protection of domestic animals, a thoughtful and noble service for the eradication of a conspic- uous and inhuman species of cruelty. In political life he was a Stalwart Republican. He manifested an intense inter- est in this organization, as one of the aids to the success of the party in the interest and for the success of which he has for many years heroically labored.
His merits as husband and father rest with his memory sacredly in the keeping of the hearts of his household. Of his kindly counsels and personal aid, his vigorous and manly bearing among us, his comrades and fellow citizens, we desire to record our appreciation, and to incorporate into the min- utes of our organization the keen grief we experience at his sudden and untimely death.
His history as a soldier is written upon and will be pre- served in the records of his country. His example as a citi- zen in all of his relations of life will be preserved through such memorials as this inscribed upon the minutes of the various societies of which he was a conspicuous and influen- tial member,
Resolved, That the foregoing testimonial to the memory of our deceased president be entered upon our minutes, and that a copy thereof, properly engraved and subscribed by the officers of this club, be transmitted to the family of the deceased,
J. 1), ADAIR, Chairman of Committee. J. A. MCCARTNEY, JOIN C. BARKER.
IN MEMORIAM.
U. S. GRANT POST, NO. 28, DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS, G. A. R. TUESDAY EVENING, December 22, 1891,
At a regular meeting of the U. S. Grant Post the follow- ing memorial was unanimously adopted by a rising vote:
As the years roll on we are called together to pay our last tribute of respect to our comrade of the war. At each suc- ceeding roll-call some familiar name is recorded as trans- ferred to a higher command, there to receive the commenda- tion of the Supreme Commander for duties here well per- formed and faithful adherence to the right.
In the death of William Hale Thompson the Grand Army of the Republic has lost an earnest adherent, the Department of Illinois a faithful worker, and U. S. Grant Post a devoted, true-hearted comrade, who was prompted by the noblest desires for the good of the order, and whose hand was always ready to do what his heart prompted-a comrade whose memory will ever be cherished lovingly by his co-laborers in the cause of freedom and good government, with whom it was ever his pride and boast to be ranked.
Born amid the rugged hills in New Hampshire, he breathed the air of liberty from his very birth, and though still young when traitors raised their impious hands against the flag, he offered his services and did good work in the U. S. Navy, first serving in the West Gulf Squadron under the command of Admiral Farragut, from which he was transferred to the North Atlantic Squadron, where he remained until the close of the war, rendering most efficient service in defense of the flag. At the close of the war he resigned his commission in the navy, as his temperament required duties of greater
activity, and he came to Chicago, then young, and soon made his energy and abilities felt in moulding the future of the city. His love of military life and discipline was such that he ere long was chosen as the colonel of the Second Regi- ment Illinois National Guard, which he made the equal of the best and gave the regiment a name and reputation surpassed by none.
At his death he was president of the Chicago Union Vet- eran Club, a political organization of veteran soldiers of the war, and his efficiency was manifest in the good work of that organization in the cause which gave it birth. He was one of the earliest members of Post 28, having joined its ranks on the 10th of February. 1876, being No. 42 on the roster, and while his business duties were such as prevented him from being a very active member, he was ever ready with hand and purse to advance the interest of the l'ost and of the order. To him who worthily wore the blue and carried the badge of honor worn by all members of the G. A. R., he was a friend, and never turned a deaf car to their needs or the widows and orphans of those who died that the nation might live.
Resolved, That this memorial be spread upon the records of the Post, and presented, suitably engrossed, to his bereaved family.
CHARLES A. DIBBLE, GILBERT B. TUCKER, A. P. CONNOLLY, CIAS. E. SINCLAIR, Commander.
E. J. BURKETT, Adjutant. Committee.
HEADQUARTERS VETERAN UNION LEAGUE, 204 DEARBORN STREET, CHICAGO, November 17, 1891.
WHEREAS, The Supreme Commander in his wise dispen- sation of providence has summoned our comrade, Col. William Hale Thompson, to meet the Grand Army above ; therefore,
Resolved, That in the death of our comrade we feel that we have lost a good citizen, a kind and generous friend, and a brave soldier.
Resolved, That the sympathy of the comrades of the Vet- eran Union League be extended to the family of our deceased associate in the hour of deep bereavement and affliction.
Resolved, That the members of the Veteran Union League attend the funeral of Col. Thompson in a body, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the de- ceased, and also be spread upon the records of this League.
1). HARRY HAMMER, President,
From the Real Estate Board came the follow- ing tribute :
IN MEMORIAM. WILLIAM HIALE THOMPSON.
At a meeting of the Chicago Real Estate Board held Thursday, November 19, 1891, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That in the death of Col. William Hale Thompson the Real Estate Board recognizes the loss of a valuable member and a most estimable fellow citizen. While not fully identified with us in the active prosecution of busi- ness, he showed his appreciation of the necessity and value of our organization by becoming one of its earliest members. As
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an ardent believer in the great future of Chicago, as a patriotic and public-spirited citizen, as a conservative and wise legislator, and as one from the rapidly-thinning ranks of those who served the nation in its hour of greatest need, we most heartily mourn his loss and most earnestly sympathize with his family and friends.
JOSIAH L. LOMBARD, Pres., ROBERT P. WALKER, Sec'y,
WILLIS G. JACKSON, WM. D. KERFOOT.
In Masonry Col. Thompson was deservedly popular. He was a member of Hesperia Lodge, No. 411, A. F. and A. M .; York Chapter, No. 141, R. A. M. and St. Bernard Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templar, Chicago.
In fact, in every position to which he was called he was successful in the highest sense. As a busi- ness man, upright, reliable and honorable; as a public official, attentive and obliging in the dis- charge of his duties. With those finer traits of character which combine to form what we term friendship, which endear and attach man to man in
bonds which nothing but the stain of dishonor can sever, which triumph over disaster and misfortune, and shine brightest in the hours of adversity-with these qualities he was royally endowed. He was ever ready to promote the best interest of humanity. Though he was a man of strong determination and great force of character, yet he possessed one of the most sympathetic and tenderest of natures. At no time was he happier than when in the midst of his family. His dis- position was at all times sincere and affectionate. He was very charitably disposed, and believed in supplying the wants of the individual actually in need. For those who applied to him for work, if he had no place himself, he would invariably find positions; nor would he stop at merely promising, but he would personally see that they were provided for, and as such he was a philan- thropist in the best and truest sense of the word.
WILLIAM J. CHALMERS,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HE subject of this sketch is a characteristic Chicago man, and justly ranked with that younger class whose progressive ideas and intense business enterprise and activity have contributed so largely to her material prosperity and growth.
He was born at Chicago, July 10, 1852, the son of Thomas and Janet (Telfer) Chalmers. His parents are both natives of Scotland. The father was born at Dronley, near Dundee, in 1815, and is treasurer of Fraser & Chalmers (Incorporated), hereinafter mentioned. The mother was born in 1818, in Edinburgh. Both are living, as are also the two sons and three daughters that have been born to them.
William J. received his education in the public and high schools of Chicago, and after closing his studies in school, went to work to learn a mechanical trade in the shops of the Eagle Works Manufacturing Company, of which his father was at that time general superintendent. In 1872, being then twenty years of age, young Chalmers became associated with his father in the then firm of Fraser & Chalmers, just starting, employing a working force of sixty men. From that beginning the business has gradually
developed and been extended, until now, in the eighteenth year of its existence, it employs one thousand and fifty men, with a weekly pay-roll of fourteen thousand dollars, and the name of Fraser & Chalmers, manufacturers of mining machinery, has a world-wide reputation, and the products of their immense establishment, the largest of its character in the world, are shipped to every quarter of the civilized globe. Besides its main plant and office, located at the corner of Union and Fulton streets Chicago, (new shops covering about ten acres of ground, fronting on Twelfth and Rockwell streets, have just been completed), the company has recently established itself at Erith on the Thames, near London, England, where a plant that will employ five hundred men will soon be in operation. From the commence- ment of the business Mr. Chalmers (our subject) has had entire control of the business manage- ment and finances of the company. And when in 1889 the business was changed from a partner- ship to a corporation, he became its vice-presi- . dent and treasurer, and in January, 1891, was elected its president. In recognition of his superior qualities as an organizer and successful
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financier, Mr. Chalmers has been called to posi- clubs, all of Chicago, and the Engineers' Club, of tions of responsibility and trust, and has New York. He was recently appointed a director of the School Board by Mayor Wash- burn for a three-year term. He is a Republican in politics and a Presbyterian in religious faith, and a member of the Third Presbyterian Church. Mr. Chalmers was married in 1877 to Miss Joan Pinkerton, only daughter of Allan Pinkerton, Esq., now deceased. Mrs. Chalmers is a lady of womanly qualities and attainments of a high order, a devoted wife and mother, and a most charming hostess. uniformly acquitted himself in a way that evidenced his eminent fitness for the places. He is one of the directors of the Chicago Athenaeum, also a director of the Woman and Children's Hospital, and upon the decision by the United States Congress to hold the World's Columbian Exposition of 1892 at Chicago, he was chosen by the stockholders as one of the directors of that mammoth undertaking, and was re-elected as director in April, 1891. He is a man of superior social qualities, genial, generous and hospitable, They have two children-Joan Pinkerton, eleven, and Thomas Stuart, nine years of age : and their beautiful home at No. 234 South Ash- land boulevard is the center of a large circle of warm friends. and is prominently connected with numerous organizations, being president of the Illinois Club, member of the Chicago, Union League, Washington Driving Park, Electric and Athletic
HON. LYSANDER HILL,
CHICAGO, ILL.
IN studying the lives and characters of promi-
nent men, we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompted their action. Success is not a question of genius, as held by many, but rather a matter of experience and sound judgment. For when we trace the career of those who stand highest in public esteem, we find in nearly every case that they are those who have risen gradually, fighting their way in the face of opposition. Self-reliance, conscientiousness, energy, honesty - these are the traits of character that insure the highest emolu- ments and greatest success. To these may we attribute the success that has crowned the efforts of Judge Lysander Hill.
He was born in Union, Lincoln county, Maine, July 4, 1834. The son of Isaac and Eliza M. (Hall) Hill, tracing his ancestry both paternal and mater- nal to the old Puritan families who were among the earliest settlers of Massachusetts. After pass- ing through the usual common-school education, he studied at Warren Academy and entered Bowdoin College in 1854 and graduated therefrom in 1858. Choosing the law as his profession, he entered the law office of A. P. Gould, at Thom- aston, Me., and was admitted to the bar in 1860. He began practicing at once in Thomaston, form-
ing a partnership with J. B. Cilley under the firm name of Cilley & Hill. This partnership was dissolved in 1862, when Mr. Hill entered the federal army as captain in the Twentieth Maine Infantry.
In 1863, on account of physical disability, Mr. Hill received his discharge from the army. He resumed the practice of law, settling at Alexandria, Va., and also occupied an office at Washington, D. C. He formed a partnership at the former place with George Tucker under the style of Hill & Tucker.
In 1874 Mr. Hill moved to Washington, D. C., and formed a partnership with Mr. E. A. Ells- worth, under the firm name of Hill & Ellsworth, and this association continued until 1878. For the next few years Mr. Hill practiced his profession alone, devoting his attention largely to the practice of patent litigation, which he had made a spe- cialty ; but in May, 1881, he formed a connection with Mr. T. S. E. Dixon, of Chicago, which lasted until 1890.
Mr. Hill was married in February, 1864, to Adelaide R. Cole, of Roxbury, Mass. This union has been blessed with three children.
Mr. Hill was Register in Bankruptcy of the Eighth Judicial District of Virginia from 1867 to
5 Verandertice
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1869 when he was appointed Judge of said district to fill an unexpired term.
In politics Mr. Hill is and ever has been an earnest and sincere Republican. He was dele- gate to the National Convention which nominated Grant in 1868, and was a member of the Commit- tee on Platform. He was also Chairman of the
Republican State Central Committee of Virginia for two years, but since 1869 he has taken little interest in politics, devoting his time and energies to the practice of his profession, which has been yearly increasing and which now takes him all over the United States. Without doubt Judge Hill takes rank as one of the ablest patent attorneys.
ELWYN B. GOULD,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HE life-history of him whose name heads this sketch is worthy of record among those of Chicago's representative business men. While there are few phases in the lives of self- made men, of an emotional or sensational charac- ter, there is yet a motive power of energy, enter- prise, continuity and determination worthy of study ; and often, if we shall look for the secret of men's success, we find it only in their continuity in following out a well-defined purpose. This is eminently true of Elwyn B. Gould. A native of Keesville, New York, he was born April 10th, 1854, and is the son of H. W. and Elizabeth (Libby) Gould, who were natives of Maine, but who removed at an early day (1855) to Minne- sota. At the conclusion of the War of the Rebel- lion his father settled in Boston, and there young Gould attended the public schools. In 1879 he started for California, and en route stopped in Chicago, whither his brother had preceded him and was in business on his own account. Liking the appearance of the city, our subject decided to remain and subsequently joined his brother in business, under the firm name of I. L. Gould & Co. Their business was importing and jobbing laces, handkerchiefs and lace novelties, etc. Together they have built up a fine business, which extends all over the South, North and Northwest. He is a prominent Mason, and there are probably few men better known in Masonic circles than he. He was made a member of Covenant Lodge, No. 526, September 25, 1885, and is a Past Master of this lodge. He is a mem- ber of Corinthian Chapter, No. 69, R. & A. M .; St. Bernard Commandery, No. 35, K. T .; Oriental Consistory S. P. R. S., and is at present (1892) High Priest of Corinthian Chapter, and Grand
S. W. of Chicago Council, Princes of Jerusalem, etc.
In politics he is a Republican, and although taking an active interest in all that concerns his party, he has never held an elective position ex- cept as a member of the Special Assessment Com- mittee (appointed by Mayor Washburne), and also of the State Senatorial Committee for the Sixth Senatorial District. It is perhaps as the genial president of the well-known Marquette Club that Mr. Gould is best known. Elected a mem- ber of this club during the first year of its exist- ence (1886), he was subsequently appointed to serve on its committee, and re-elected the follow- ing year. Two years later (1888) he was unani- mously chosen as its secretary, and during his term of office gave such satisfaction as to warrant his being reappointed at its close, and again the year following. In March, 1890, he was elected president, an office which he now holds with credit to himself and satisfaction to the club. Quick to grasp a situation, he is always prepared for an argument and seldom fails to gain his point. Strict in his rulings and firm in his decisions, he is a born leader, and as such com- mands both the respect and esteem of his asso- ciates. Of the Marquette Club itself, little need be said, for it is known all over the country. It possesses an elegant club house, and its annual banquets are of wide repute, for the important issues of the day are freely discussed, and amongst the invited guests are usually found some of our most prominent men, and those of national fame. Having a roll of some four hun- dred members, it is in a flourishing condition, and is undoubtedly one of the leading political clubs of this country. In its building up and
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development there are few who have taken a more prominent or active part than has the sub- ject of our sketch, and he is one of the most popular and efficient club presidents in the city of Chicago.
In personal appearance Mr. Gould is tall and of good proportions, and has a commanding address. Genial and courteous in manner, he is
of unquestionable integrity and of keen percep- tion, and possesses friends and acquaintances innumerable.
He was married in 1883 to Miss Jenny Gesel bracht, of Chicago. They have three children, viz : Grace, aged seven years; Elwyn Blaine, Jr., aged five years, and Herman Leslie, aged three years.
HON. JOHN P. ALTGELD,
CHICAGO, ILL.
OHN P. ALTGELD was born in Germany, 1 December 30, 1847; was brought to this country by his parents when only a child and reared on a farm in Richland county, Ohio. His elementary education, in his early days, was very limited. In 1864, when sixteen years of age, he joined the Union army and participated in the James River campaign. Subsequently he taught school for a time, and in 1869 went west. At this time young Altgeld met and over- came the great struggle of his life. With a scant supply of money, he traveled on foot across Southern Illinois and when, after many privations, he reached the Mississippi River, opposite St. Louis, he had only fifteen cents left. With this he paid five cents ferry-boat fare, and a like sum for a still more unfortunate fellow traveler, and then balanced and closed his account by buying writing paper and a postage stamp with the remainder. He worked for some time in St. Louis and then went to Southern Kansas, where he was taken sick and had a severe struggle. After his recovery he went to Northwestern Mis- souri, where he taught school and studied law.
He was admitted to the bar in 1872. He was soon after appointed City Attorney of Savannah and afterwards elected State's Attorney of Andrew county. His success in these public positions and his ability as a lawyer made him one of the best known men in that section of the State. In 1875, desiring a larger field for his labors, he removed to Chicago. When he arrived in this city he was an entire stranger. He soon built up a large and lucrative practice, and was engaged in some of the most notable cases that came before the Cook county bench. In 1884 he
ran for Congress in the fourth district, and reduced the republican majority by several thousand, but was defeated ; he, however, made a great reputa- tion as a campaigner.
In 1886 Mr. Altgeld was nominated for Judge of the Superior Court of Cook county by the Democratic party, and was elected by an over- whelming majority. As a judge he proved him- self fearless, independent and impartial ; his decisions were clear, laconic and comprehensive, and gave proof of much care, study and legal knowledge. His energy and industry were re- markable, and won for him the highest encom- iums of the press, the people and the profession.
After discharging the duties of his high office with the utmost satisfaction for five years, Judge Altgeld astonished everyone by handing his resignation to the Governor. The Judge assured his friends that the claims of his private business only could force him to retire from the position to which they did him the honor to elect him. " The duties of a judge," he said, " were not only onerous but unceasing, and he would not occupy the position unless he could give it his undivided attention. The people deserve and should receive the fullest services of those whom they select for high and important office." In 1890 he was made Chief Justice of the Superior Court.
Judge Altgeld is a Democrat, liberal and toler- ant of the opinions of others, but an able exponent of the principles of his party. He is earnest, original and practical ; and is a quiet, silent man who prefers action to talk, and who believes that social and industrial reforms are more readily effected by business methods than by the most eloquent post-prandial orations. His arguments
John P. altgold
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are clear, concise and convincing, and his thoughts are occasionally clothed in the choicest language and adorned by a simple and unaffected beauty.
Judge Altgeld has, during the last nine years, built some of the finest mercantile office build- ings of this city, and has just completed Unity Building, probably the finest building of its class in the world. Amid his many business and pro- fessional duties, he has not forgotten or neglected the studious habits of early life, for we find him in these later busy days devoting himself occa- ionally to literature. "Our Penal Machinery and Its Victims," "Live Questions," and papers on various questions of the day, are from his pen. When tired of law and business, then he falls back to his early friend-study. He is fond of travel, and has visited nearly every place of inter- est in North America.
Judge Altgeld was married in 1877 to Miss Ford, of Richland county, Ohio.
He is in the prime of life, with fine physical development, and in the enjoyment of robust health. His expressive features reflect a calm, thoughtful and active intelligence, and impress you with the dignity, strength and reserve of an original mind. The success which has crowned his public career and the intelligent and manly grasp he has taken of social and industrial re- forms, mark him out as a man of whom we shall hear more in the near future. If strong sym- pathy and active co-operation with every move- ment for the benefit of the masses, and a broad and liberal spirit, guiding great and generous efforts, deserve recognition, then shall an honor- able and irreproachable career be rewarded by a grateful people.
SAMUEL W. ALLERTON,
CHICAGO, ILL.
D URING the past half century the growth and development of the city of Chicago has surpassed the expectations of the most san- guine. From a small village without organiza- tion, wealth or trade, she has become one of the foremost cities, not only of this continent, but of the world. This wonderful result and rapid growth has been effected by the courage, energy and business ability of her prominent citizens. Her healthful location on the shores of Lake Michigan, her prosperous industries and progres- sive instincts, have attracted to her the active and energetic workers of the world who represent the highest development of every industry and handi- craft. They run the factories, man the ships, people the warehouses, direct the banks and hold the markets of Chicago. In this great Western metropolis they find ability recognized, energy appreciated and courageous effort amply re- warded. This phenomenal city to-day rules and regulates the stock markets of the world. The growth of this important industry may justly be called marvelous.
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