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" Yours very respectfully, " (Signed) S. M. NICKERSON."
"Resolved, That the thanks of the stockholders of this bank are justly due to Mr. Samuel M. Nickerson for the efficient and faithful manner in which for so many years he has dis- charged the duties of president of this institution.
" In accepting this resignation this day tendered, this board desires to place on record its high appreciation of his admin- istration. We congratulate ourselves, however, that in his retirement from the office of president, the bank will still retain him as director, the wise counsel which his long experience has so well qualified him to give."
NORMAN B. REAM,
CHICAGO, ILL.
A NATIVE of the Keystone State, born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 5, 1844. He is a son of Levi and Highly (King) Ream. The Reams are of German ex- traction, but the ancestors of our subject had left the fatherland many years ago, and had cmi- grated to this country in the early days of its colonization, settling first in eastern Pennsylvania and subsequently in Somerset county.
Brought up on his father's farm, young Ream acquired habits of thrift and industry, which, when he came to face the serious work of life, were of incalculable value to him.
His educational advantages were few; those procurable in the common schools of the neigh- borhood, together with a course of instruction at a normal institute, comprised about all he received. But even these opportunities, small as they were, he so improved upon, and, during the time devoted to his studies, he pursued them so assiduously, and with so much perseverance and intelligence, that at the early age of fourteen he became a teacher in one of the neighboring schools. His aspirations were all for adopting a business career, as opposed to that of the necessarily somewhat circumscribed and narrow sphere of a farmer's life. His early development and aptitude for
business affairs was such that he soon became actively engaged in business pursuits. His first venture being that of taking ambrotypes, in which he was most successful. His friends, how- ever, endeavored to discourage him, but without avail, for, determined to succeed, he soon accu- mulated sufficient means to start in business for himself. Possessed of great patriotism, and a desire to serve his country, he informed his parents of this conclusion, and they, emulated by the same spirit as himself, readily gave their con- sent and blessing.
Enlisting September 1, 1861, he assisted in the raising of Co. H, 85th Penn. Volunteers, and, though offered a commission, he preferred, for the time being, to remain a private. His thoroughness and enterprise in his military career, and his pro- ficiency in military affairs, were such that they were quickly acknowledged by continual promotion. Wounded at Whitmarsh Island, Ga., February 22, 1864, and again at Wcarbottom Church, Va., June 17, of the same year, and so badly this time that he was incapacitated from further duty, and resigned in August, 1864.
On his return home he attended the Pittsburg Commercial College, afterwards becoming en- gaged as a clerk in Harnedsville, where he remained
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until September, 1866. Then becoming anxious to try his fortune in the West, at this time opening out, and offering to young men of pluck and grit numerous chances for a successful career. Locat- ing at Princeton, Ill., he obtained the position of clerk in a general store. Shortly afterwards he purchased his employer's stock, and thus became actively engaged on his own account. Ten months later he was so unfortunate as to be burned out losing almost everything.
In January, 1868, he went to Iowa, and located at Osceola. Becoming actively engaged in the grain and implement business he met with much success. But a succession of poor crops rendered those whom he had given considerable credit unable to meet their obligations, and this caused him temporary embarrassment (1870), but such was his well-known integrity and honesty that, at this, the most critical period of his life, these qualities were of inestimable value to him. In 187I he decided to remove to Chicago, and shortly after arriving in this city he formed a partnership with Mr. Coffman, under the firm name of Coff- man & Ream, live stock commission merchants. Having a large acquaintance with stock-raisers throughout the West, Mr. Ream received from them heavy consignments of stock from time to time, and it was not long before he regained his former position ; and he had no sooner done this than he proceeded to extinguish the indebtedness incurred while in Iowa, not resting until he had paid off not only the principal, but the interest from the time of his arrival in Chicago also; and the fact of his having done this is conclusive proof of the sterling honesty and integrity which, not only then but ever since, has been so character- istic of Norman B. Ream. Continuing. his connec- tion with Mr. Coffman until 1878, although retiring from active participation in 1875, in which year he became a member of the Board of Trade. He became a member of the firm of Geo. C. Ball & Co., but in 1877 withdrew from this firm, and com- menced business on his own account, under the style of N. B. Ream & Co., and this continued until 1884, when he withdrew from active business connection, the firm then becoming R. W. Clark & Co., Mr. Ream being special partner. This con- nection, however, was severed in 1889, as in the previous year was his connection with the com- mission firm of H. H. Carr & Co. His connec-
tion with the Board of Trade is well known. His first operation on the " Board " was crowned with the greatest success, and he soon became known as an operator of more than excellent judgment, and of great perception and foresight. His operations have always been noted for their mag- nitude, and for the splendid manner in which they have been carried through. In fact, such has been Mr. Ream's success that he has long been numbered amongst the most extensive and suc- cessful operators on the Chicago Board of Trade, and ranks financially amongst the millionaires of this city. He has filled the office of vice-presi- dent of the Call Board, and were it not for his many business and other engagements he would have filled, as he has been so often urged to do, numerous positions of a like nature. Possessed of numerous farms, ranches, etc., he has been (since 1868) an extensive breeder and rearer of stock. At one time president of the Western Fire Insurance Co., which, in 1883, he assisted in organizing ; he ultimately sold out his interests in this company.
Though having retired from active participation in the commission business, he is still, though not an active, one of its best known and respected members.
Devoting his present attention to his many pri- vate enterprises, his mental qualities are such that he grasps, intuitively, all the intricacies of business propositions, many of which would seem futile, even to one of more than ordinary intelli- gence and business capacity. Combining these qualities, as he does, with those of remarkable energy and dispatch, he rarely fails in bringing matters to a successful issue.
Married February 17, 1876, to Miss Carrie T. Putnam (a direct descendant of the well-known General Putnam, of Revolutionary fame), at Madi- son, N. Y. Mrs. Ream is the daughter of Dr. John Putnam, a prominent physician of that city, and is a lady of more than ordinary attainments. There have been born seven children by this mar- riage, viz .: Marian B., Fanny M., Norman P., Robert C., Edward K., Louis M. and Henry K. Ream, all of whom are living.
A director of the First National Bank of Chi- cago ; also, a director of the Illinois Central Rail- road Co. He is also vice-president, and one of the largest and most influential stockholders of
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the Rookery Building-without a doubt, the most extensive and finest office building in the world. In itself a fitting memorial to the enter- prise and great business perception of him who has been so prominently identified with it. In connection with Mr. W. E. Hale (of the Hale Elevator Co.), Mr. Ream built what is probably at present the finest hotel in the West, viz., the " Midland," at Kansas City, and, together with Mr. Hale, he also controls the street railways of Toledo, O. At one time a well-known and exten- sive operator on the New York Stock Exchange, he has recently retired from active operations.
A member of the Chicago, Calumet and Wash- ington Park clubs, he has long been prominently identified with the same.
A member of the Odd Fellows' and Masonic societies for very many years, he is at present a member of Mount Joy Commandery, No. 53, K. T., and in these circles, as in all others, there is no member who is more highly respected, whose advice is more cordially welcomed, or is more worthy of honor, than is Norman B. Ream.
Mr. Ream (though not a member) is, together with his family, who are members of the Second Presbyterian church, a constant attendant at same. A man of high principles, the cause of religion has ever found in him a warm supporter and practical sympathizer.
Politically a Republican, though thoroughly
independent at times in his political views, Mr. Ream does not believe in voting for a Republican measure merely because it is Republican, or is advocated by the Republican party. He is one of those who reserve to themselves the right to form an opinion, independent of party or creed, . and having formed that opinion, believes in main- taining it ; and were there more of his stamp, our country to-day would be in a better condition, both morally and politically. While taking con- siderable interest in affairs political, he is in no sense a politician, in the usually accepted meaning of the word, and has never sought or desired office of any kind.
A gentleman of great wealth, very generous and liberal to all objects of a charitable or benev- olent nature, he is one of those void of ostenta- tion or display, seldom allowing his right hand to know what his left hand doeth.
In concluding this somewhat incomplete sketch of Mr. Ream's life, incomplete because it would require a good-sized volume to do him thorough justice, what an example has he not shown to young America? Prominent amongst all the prominent citizens of Chicago, a man whose honesty amongst all the phases of life has always remained unquestionable. As a citizen of Chicago, and as one who is typical of her growth, Norman B. Ream requires no further introduction at our hands.
EDWIN WALKER,
CHICAGO, ILL.
E DWIN WALKER was born in Genesee county, New York, and is now sixty years of age. His father was a native of New Hamp- shire, but removed to New York when but eighteen years of age. He was a man of great energy of character and strict integrity, and enjoyed the fullest confidence of all who knew him. He was a farmer, and a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in the year 1887 at the age of ninety-two.
The subject of this sketch received a thorough academic education, and at an early age adopted the law as his profession. He prosecuted his professional studies in Batavia, N. Y., and was
admitted to the bar in the city of Buffalo, N. Y .. in 1854. Soon after his admission to the bar he made his way westward, first locating at the city of Logansport, in the State of Indiana, where he commenced the prosecution of his profession, remaining there until 1865.
At the very commencement of his professional career he wisely recognized that the law is a " jealous mistress," and will not tolerate a divided love. Professional success being his only ambi- tion, he steadily refused the alluring offers of political office, and early in his professional life, by close application and assiduous work, attained an enviable prominence at the Indiana bar, and dur-
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ing his years in that State he laid well and securely the foundations upon which he has reared his pro- fessional reputation.
In 1860 he was appointed general solicitor of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Logansport Railroad Co. In 1865 this road was extended to Chicago, under the name of the Chicago & Great Eastern Rail- way Co., when his office, together with the general offices of the company, was removed to Chicago. From that date he has been a resident of this city, and in active prosecution of his profession. In 1870 this road was merged with and made a part of the Pennsylvania system, Mr. Walker retaining his connection with the legal department until the year 1883. In 1869 he was appointed gen- eral solicitor of the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad Company, and in 1870 the Illinois solici- tor of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Rail- road Company, with which road he has been intimately connected for more than twenty years, and still retains the same position. He is also special counsel for several insurance companies and other corporations.
Mr. Walker has been so long and so promi- nently connected with railroads that he is most widely known as a corporation lawyer, and his reputation as such is of the highest character. He has prominently appeared in most of the impor- tant railroad litigation in our State and Federal courts, and his skill and ability are attested by so many reported cases that he has become an authority upon all the varied and intricate ques- tions of corporation law. In general practice he has a large clientage. He is popular with the bar, and has the confidence of the bench whenever and wherever he appears. He has attained his early ambition-he is recognized as one of the leaders of the Chicago bar.
While he has been thoroughly devoted to his profession, he has also been connected with many business enterprises. More than twenty years ago he formed a co-partnership with Col. W. P. Rend, in the coal and transportation business. The firm of W. P. Rend & Co. is one of the best known in the West, and is an extensive operator in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The relations between these two men have been of the most intimate character, and during their long co-partnership nothing has occurred to mar the friendship so early formed.
Politically, Mr. Walker has ever been a Repub- lican, but, while shrinking from political office and party strife, he has always been ready, regardless of politics, when circumstances seemed to warrant it, to join with independent citizens in move- ments to secure the correction of local abuses.
He has been prominently identified with the World's Fair from its inception. He was chair- man of the first sub-committee on legislation, having charge of the work in Washington while Congress was considering the selection of a loca- tion ; and when Chicago was finally chosen, he was one of the committee selected to frame necessary and proper legislation. He was elected a director, made chairman of the Committee on Legislation, and is a member of the Executive and Conference Committees.
In the year 1857 Mr. Walker was married to Miss Lydia Johnson, daughter of Col. Israel Johnson, a prominent citizen and successful mer- chant of Logansport. She lived but two years after their removal to Chicago, but during the few years of their married life she became endeared to a large circle of social friends, and promoted in every possible way the success of her husband. Of this union three sons were born-the two eldest, Edwin C. and J. Brandt, are married, and have pleasant homes in Chicago. They are asso- ciated together in business under the firm name of Walker and Company, and are successful com- mission merchants. The youngest son, Wilmer Earl; a boy of great promise, died in his twenty- first year, at the commencement of his Senior year at Yale College. His attainments were of a high order, and he was being carefully educated and trained for the legal profession.
In 1870 Mr. Walker married Mrs. Desdemona Kimball, daughter of Major Samuel Edsall, one of the oldest and best known citizens in public and social life of the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Few women in Chicago have a larger circle of social and admiring friends than Mrs. Walker, and none could more worthily preside over the pleasant home of the successful lawyer, made more attractive by the presence of her two daughters, Alma L. and Louise E. Kimball.
Mr. Walker is a member of the Grace Episco- pal church of this city, and during the past seven- teen years has been an active officer of the church, either vestryman or warden. Though
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past the prime of life, his physical health is such that his friends may reasonably anticipate many more years of active and useful work. Although a member of many prominent social clubs of the city, he best enjoys himself with his family and friends in his attractive home on Michigan avenue, participating in such social events as his profes- sional and other duties will permit. Fond of trav-
el, he seeks each summer some place of rest and pleasure, either in this country or in Europe, con- stantly forming new friendships and associations.
This is a brief sketch of the life of a successful, self-made man, and this is characteristic of many, who, by their incessant activity and worthy ambi- tion, have given this young city its present promi- nence among the cities of the world.
COL. WILLIAM P. REND,
CHICAGO, ILL.
C OSMOPOLITAN in character, and possess- ing much that is metropolitan in appear- ance, Chicago numbers amongst her most honored and eminent citizens many of those who first saw the light of day in, and whose carly associations are closely linked with, the land of the shamrock, and that fair isle beyond the sea-Ireland. Of all the citizens of Chicago, however, who lay claim to the honor of having been born in the Emerald Isle, there is probably no one better known, more highly respected, or whose career has been more successful, not only in a commer- cial and social sense, but in a military and politi- cal sense also, than has that of Col. Wm. P. Rend.
A native of Country Leitrim, Ireland, he was born Feb. 10, 1840. His father, Ambrose Rend, was a substantial farmer, while his mother, Eliza- beth (Cline) Rend, was a daughter of Mr. Hugh Cline, who for years held the responsible and important position of steward of one of the larg- est and oldest estates in Ireland. Removing to this country in 1847, our subject being at this time but seven years of age, his parents settled at Lowell, Mass., where he spent his early years, and where he received his education, graduating from the high school of that city at the age of seven- teen. Leaving school, shortly afterwards he de- cided to try his fortune in New York City, hav- ing gained considerable business experience, especially in the dry goods line, during the eve- nings and holidays while resident at home. Ar- riving at New York, with but scanty means, he found it necessary to procure a position as early as possible. Commencing with the stores on Broadway, he endeavored for some time to find an opening, but without success, and seeing his
small means fast dwindling away, he made for New Jersey, determined to accept whatever em- ployment chanced to offer itself ; and this time. pluck and determination won, for on the day after his arrival there he secured the position of school-teacher in the city of New Brooklyn, which position he occupied for twelve months. Re- signing his position as school-teacher, his inten- tion was to locate in South Carolina. Desiring, however, to visit an old friend of his, and one with whom he had been intimately acquainted, when resident in Lowell, Mass., he visited, en route, Baltimore, and here his attention was drawn to an advertisement for a teacher, inserted in one of the local papers by the trustees of the school district near West River, Anne Arundel county, Maryland. Applying for the position- his application, by the way, being one of seventy- he was selected to fill the vacancy, remaining here over three years, his scholars being princi- pally the children of prominent and wealthy slave-holders and proprietors of large plantations. At the house of one of the latter he boarded and made his home, spending his evenings and other spare time in classical studies, with a view of en- tering an advanced class in a neighboring college, and from the president of St. John's College he received much assistance, valuable advice, and much practical aid and sympathy-it being Mr. Rend's custom at this time to ride to and fro (a distance of over ten miles), on Saturday after- noon, for this purpose, intending to complete his studies, and to eventually occupy a superior posi- tion. Just about this period, however, the war broke out. At the time his most intimate friends and associates were slaveholders. He liked the
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South and the southern people, but abhorred secession. He believed that he owed it as a high and sacred duty to volunteer his services in the cause of the Union, and for the protection of the American flag.
Upon the firing on Fort Sumter, he decided to relinquish his position as school-teacher, and shortly afterwards joined the army, receiving from the governor of Maryland permission to organize a company at Annapolis. But as was to be expected, at the first commencement of the war, the cause of the Union and Union sentiment generally was but very weak in this locality, and his efforts not meeting with that immediate suc- cess which his arden't nature desired, he abandoned this undertaking. Still, however, determined to do what he could, and to aid the Union cause, whose side he had espoused, and whose principles he be- lieved in, and for whose supremacy he was willing to risk even life itself, if need be, he went to Washington, and here joined the Fourteenth New York Volunteers (one of the infantry regi- ments organized about this time), previous to the first battle of Bull Run, and remained with his company until the expiration of his term of enlistment, serving most of his time as a non- commissioned officer. He was in a number of the most prominent battles in which the Army of the Potomac was at this time engaged, in- cluding Hanover Court House, Second Bull Run, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellor- ville, etc., and the battles before Yorktown, etc. He was the first man in his regiment who was struck by a bullet during the siege of Yorktown, though not seriously wounded. During the battle of Malvern Hill a portion of his pants was shot away, while, as is well known, the " Fourteenth " suffered heavily in killed and wounded, and in that battle alone lost one-third of the entire number en- gaged. His many hair-breadth escapes, the many narrow and close calls he received, and the incidents and dangers through which Col. Rend at this time passed, would fill a much larger space than we now have at our disposal. His time of enlist- ment having expired, he was finally mustered out of service, afterwards paying a brief visit to his friends in Massachusetts. Here at a social gath- ering, he became acquainted with a lady for whom he formed a strong attachment, the result
of which was a speedy engagement. With the promptitude of action and sincerity of mind so characteristic of him, then as now, he proposed marriage, and was accepted, agreeing to defer the ceremony for twelve months or so, and believing the West to offer good opportunities for a young man to engage in the struggles of life, and as affording good and rapid chances of advancement, he immediately made for Chicago, arriving here during the latter part of the war, and the day following secured a position in the surveyor's de- partment of a railroad company locating a line from Madison to Winona. Mr. Rend, having a fair theoretical knowledge of surveying, and a natural fondness and aptitude for mathematics, he de- termined to take this up as a profession, and to turn his knowledge in this direction to a good and practical account, continuing in this occu- pation until winter set in and necessitated the abandonment of the survey until the following spring. Returning to Chicago, he soon secured a position, this time in the freight depot of the North-Western Railway Company, being appoint- ed foreman of this department. And it was while here that Mr. Rend perhaps formed the basis of his fortune, for in conjunction with the cashier of this depot he started a line of teams, and thus inaugurated a business, which in course of time (owing to its rapid developments and increase) necessitated his close and individual attention, for his position with the railway company had insured him plenty of work in this direction, and enabled him to build up a remunerative and suc- cessful business. Finding his capital increasing, and the opportunities good, while his capacity for work seemed even then, as now, almost un- limitable, he decided to embark in the coal trade, taking as partner Mr. Edwin Walker, who has now been for over twenty years intimately connected with him, not only in financial matters, but in the closer friendship of private life. It was not long ere the firm of W. P. Rend & Co. became the largest merchants engaged in the Eastern soft coal trade in the whole West, intro- ducing also not only the far-famed "Hocking Valley" coal in this city, and in the markets having their headquarters in Chicago, but were the first who recognized its various qualities, and through whose instrumentality the first train load was brought from that locality. And thus their
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