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 41
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As will be seen by the portrait on the preceding page, Mr. Moore is of a robust figure, and of about the average height.
Mr. Moore is now in the very prime of life, and judging by his career thus far, one need be no prophet to foretell for him much additional honor and prosperity.
Mr. Moore was married in Chicago, April 26, 1883, to Lora Josephine Small, daughter of the late Edward A. Small, a prominent lawyer to whom reference has already been made. The happy union has been blessed with one child, an unusually interesting and handsome boy of seven years, on whom is lavished much parental affection.
HENRY McKEY,
CHICAGO, ILL.
W ISCONSIN, like most of the other States, has contributed its quota to Chicago's greatness. Not only has she contributed the product of factory and field, but she has also sent men who have achieved success in every industry and profession. Without counting the crowd of hardy and honest toilers who people Chicago's warehouses, man her ships and run her factories, there is from this neighboring State a galaxy of talented men who have aided greatly her pheno- menal growth and prosperity. Prominent among these was the subject of this sketch, Henry McKey.
He was born in Ireland on December 8, 1846, but his parents immigrated to this country and settled at Janesville, Wisconsin, when he was less than a year old. Henry was the eldest son of a family of six. His father, Edward McKey, was a successful merchant and banker, and could therefore afford his children a liberal education. Henry, having received his elementary education at the public school, was sent to Racine College, where he won high honor and was graduated with degree of Master of Arts.
Having a desire to enter the legal profession, he became a law student at the University of Michigan, where his course was marked by industry and success, and from which he gradu- ated and was admitted to practice in 1869. He at once began the practice of his profession and con- tinued it uninterruptedly until his demise, which occurred in January, 1892.
Mr. McKey settled in Chicago in 1871, and rose to a prominent place at the Cook county bar. In manner, courteous and agreeable, in method, busi- ness-like, and in everything scrupulously honor- able, he was one of the most popular men in his
profession. In his practice he gave special study and attention to the law of real property and to chancery and probate practice, and was engaged in some of the most important litigation that has come before the courts within the past twenty years. He was painstaking and studious, irre- proachable in character and of the strictest integ- rity. In a word, he was a high-minded gentleman and an able lawyer.
Mr. McKey's political sentiments were Demo- cratic. He was liberal and tolerant and would not willingly enter into controversy, but when circumstances required him to give a reason for his political faith he proved himself an earnest and able exponent thereof. His sincerity and honesty were so apparent that he commanded the respect and esteem of even his opponents. The residents of Hyde Park unanimously elected him a member of the school board for six con- secutive years, and he was trustee of that town at the time of its annexation to Chicago. The bar, on the occasion of the recent election, selected him as a candidate for the Circuit Court bench and their choice was unanimously indorsed by the Democratic convention. Mr. McKey sought no office outside his profession, and although many were within his reach he invariably declined them. As a public speaker, Mr. McKey was polished, fluent and logical; his statement of facts simple, methodical and highly interesting; his argument brief, plain and convincing. When the nature of his case warranted, or an emergency required, his style was forceful, fervid and impassioned, and he was able to use the art and ornaments of rhetoric. with great power and good effect.
On October 25, 1876, Mr. McKey married Miss Adella S. Parkhurst, a daughter of W. S.
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Parkhurst, Esq., a prominent lawyer of Rome, New York. They had a happy and healthy family of six children, and it was in his sunny home, filled with comfort and good cheer, that he spent his happiest hours. For he was a man of domestic tastes, who loved his home, and it was there he found a sweet retreat from the toils and
anxieties and cares of business and professional life. He was an affectionate husband and an in- dulgent father. llis life was an honor to the legal profession ; in his death the bar of the city of Chicago has sustained a great loss, and all who knew him cannot but feel poorer on account of his death.
JOHN M. H. BURGETT,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HE subject of this memoir stands high at the Chicago bar, and is one of its ablest members. He has a mind strongly logical and great powers of analysis; is quick to see the turning-points of a case, and is one of the most formidable antagonists to be found in his profes- sion. To great and accurate knowledge of the law he adds untiring industry and methods of work and study thoroughly systematic. He has an unusually strong memory of decided cases, and in the trial of causes has always at hand well selected authorities to sustain his propositions. Be always prepared for strength in the adversary and lack of legal knowledge on the part of the court, has been a fixed principle of conduct with him. He prepares his briefs with great care and consummate skill. The Judges of the Appellate Court for the First District of Illinois have re- cently paid Mr. Burgett a high compliment in this: At the present term (March, 1892), the Judges have stated that the abstracts and briefs received by the Court from him excel all others received from the Chicago bar in form, method of arrangement, lucidity and all that facilitates the correct understanding of a case; and the Judges expressed a wish that the bar might be formed into a school and instructed by him in his method of preparing abstracts and briefs.
Mr. Burgett is a native of Vermont, and was born at Hartland, April 28, 1850. He is the third son of Daniel A. and Adeline (Myron) Bur- gett, descendants of early settlers of New Eng- land. In 1854 his parents removed from Ver- mont to Fulton county, Illinois, and for many years have resided at Lewistown in such county, where his father has owned a flouring mill. He attended the public schools at Bernadotte and
Lewistown in the county named, and in 1868 en- tered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was graduated in 1872 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, con- ferred upon graduates of the Latin and Scientific Course. He entered college with the intention of taking the degree of Civil Engineer and nearly completed the course of studies prescribed for such degree, when he broadened his studies and included the studies of the Scientific and Latin and Scientific Courses. Much of his success in professional work he attributes to the mental training derived from his mathematical studies. On leaving college he taught school for a year at Vermont, Illinois, and then read law in the office of the Ion. R. B. Stevenson, at Lewistown.
In June, 1875, Mr. Burgett was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois, and in the following September settled in Chicago, and en- tered upon the practice of his profession. In April, 1877, he formed a partnership with Abner Smith under the firm name of Smith & Burgett, which partnership continued until April, 1887. Immediately upon the dissolution of such partner- ship he formed a partnership with Henry S. Osborne and Frank S. Osborne, under the firm name of Osborne Brothers & Burgett. Into this firm Henry R. Pebbles and Nelson D. Parkhurst have since been admitted as members; Osborne Brothers & Burgett is one of the strongest law- firms in Chicago, having a very large office prac- tice as well as doing an extensive business in all the courts, State and Federal.
Beginning with the case of Silverman vs. Chase in the goth volume of the Illinois Supreme Court Reports there are found in the last forty-six volumes of such reports and in the forty volumes
American Blog? Pub Co. Chicago.
Truly yours, ImAt Burgett.
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of the Illinois Appellate Court Reports a large number of cases involving important interests wherein Mr. Burgett was counsel and wherein the positions taken by him were almost without exception sustained by the Courts. Some of the most important cases in which he has recently
(1892) taken part are the cases involving the title to Gore's Hotel, Chicago, and its management, wherein he won victories worth several hundred thousand dollars to his client. His first case in the United States Supreme Court was Drury vs. Hay- den, III U. S. Reports, which he argued in 1883.
SYLVESTER M. MILLARD,
CHICAGO. ILL.
S YLVESTER M. MILLARD was born Au- gust 24, 1839, in Shiawassee county, Mich- igan. His father was a birthright Quaker from the Quaker stock of New England, his grand- father was a native of Rhode Island. His mother's father was a Hollander whose promi- nence in the religious contests between the Catho- lics and Protestants, drove him from Holland to America in an early day. On the maternal side the sturdy Holland character asserted itself in the, long life of the mother of Mr. Millard, who died at the age of ninety, and whose brother and sis- ter died at the ages of ninety-six and one hun- dred years respectively. The early life of our subject was spent in a Michigan pioneer settle- ment, where the comforts of civilization were unknown in the struggle for existence. Until the age of twenty years he was compelled to work on the farm to help support the family. His schooling was entirely neglected and no fa- cilities were afforded him for reading or otherwise improving his mind. At the age of twenty he commenced his elementary studies (including English grammar) at a boarding-school at Lan- sing, Michigan. After one winter he returned to the farm and worked until the farm work was done in the fall, when he returned to his board- ing-school for another winter. Having once ac- quired a taste for study he diligently improved his time so that he was able to enter the Agricult- ural College at Lansing. By dint of labor at college and teaching school during the winter, he was enabled to continue his studies until he was graduated in 1864. In the early months of 1865, he entered the law office of Butler & Cottrell, one of the leading law firms of Milwaukee, Wis- consin, where he remained until 1867, when he was admitted to the bar. Owing to lack of
means he was not able to locate in the practice of his profession until late in the year 1868, when he settled in Chicago and commenced the prac- tice of law. His first copartnership was of short duration as the great fire destroyed his entire office outfit, and left him without books, clients or means. He, however, believed in Chicago.
In 1870 he was married to Amelia C. Collins, of Rochester, New York, and when the fire had " wiped out " his worldly effects he found himself with a wife as his sole earthly possession. Re- newing his struggle, he again began to build up a practice. In a dwelling, far out on the South Side of Chicago, and in an office that, before the 'fire, served as a bed-room, for a year Mr. Millard . worked to support his family under these most discouraging surroundings. Perseverance, how- ever, won, and gradually clients came, increasing year by year. Although suffering for years from poor health, the one predominant trait was " per- severance." His years of labor have been con- fined to the practice of the law in its legitimate field. Many young lawyers, impatient and rest- less, sought speculations for speedy wealth, but Mr. Millard made his profession his life-work. In it he has prospered.
He has surrounded himself with . a large, wealthy and lucrative clientage. ' His practice has been largely on the chancery side. He has been engaged in many large will contests and other controversies involving large property-interests. A modern proverb (and one which Mr. Millard has followed) says " to be a successful lawyer keep out of politics." Although he has held several offices of trust and has given much attention to the se- curing of good men for offices of his city and State, he has steadily refused to accept any political honors. At a time when the government of High-
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land Park, his home, was demoralized, and was in need of his ability to aid in reforming the City Council and public affairs, he was unanimously elected an Alderman-an office which he held for two years, and until the affairs of the municipality were placed upon a good footing, largely through his efforts.
Mr. Millard has always taken a lively interest in education. In 1879 he was appointed by the Governor of the State (and confirmed by the Senate) to the office of Trustee of the University of Illinois, located at Champaign, which office he held twelve years, being reappointed. During his term as Trustee, he was President of the Board for six years, and was instrumental in so shaping the government of the University and its educational work that it became under his ad- ministration one of the leading Universities in the West. His professional duties, however, be- came so great that he declined a third nomination to the office.
Mr. Millard has for some years been a resident
of Highland Park, though now residing in the city of Chicago. His business has been in Chi- cago during his entire professional life. His family consists of his wife and three children.
In 1887 he traveled in Europe, visiting the chief cities and studying the controlling principles in the civic and public life in kingdoms and em- pires.
It can be truly said of him that he has fulfilled the duties of a citizen, being public-spirited, and has been most conscientious and fathful to all the trusts which he has been called upon to assume. He is an active member of the Union League and other clubs of Chicago. He has frequently been called upon to assume trusts in managing large estates, and has a reputation as a conservative and reliable man in managing property interests.
Ile is in the prime of life and a successful and thorough lawyer. Retiring in disposition, yet firm and energetic, he is one of the men who de- serves to be named among Chicago's representa- tive men.
THEODORE SCHINTZ,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HEODORE SCHINTZ, one of the most substantial and hard-working lawyers in the profession, was born in Zurich, Switzerland, May Ist, 1830. His father, Henry Schintz, was a law- yer of life-long practice in that city.
His early education was obtained in the com- mon schools and the polytechnic school of his native place, he taking a full scientific course.
He had, however, imbibed the prevailing belief in his native country that the only truly noble pursuit is to endeavor to draw one's sustenance directly from the soil, whatever the education of the individual may be. With this idea the young Swiss, well educated, ambitious and intellectually alert, came to America, in 1850, and went to work on a farm near Oconomowoc, Wis. He after- ward worked on a farm in Green county, later removing to New Elm, a Swiss settlement in Winnebago county. There he farmed for several years, and at leisure hours industriously exam- ined into the political institutions of his adopted country.
Ile was chosen chairman of the town board of supervisors of New Elm, taught school one year in its old log school house, and, in 1854, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar two years later, in 1856, soon acquiring a good general practice.
In 1862 Mr. Schintz located in Chicago, where he has since resided, honored by his professional brethren and the people of the city, whom he has served in several important positions.
In 1867 Mr. Schintz was elected alderman, and remained a member of the board for five years, and in 1869, while John B. Rice, then mayor of the city, was absent in Europe, he became the acting mayor of Chicago. In 1869 he was ap- pointed a member of the Board of Education, serving two terms, but since 1872 he has devoted himself entirely to the practice of his profession.
In September, 1851, Mr. Schintz married Bar- bara Zentner, also a native of Switzerland ; they have one son and one daughter.
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Theodore H. Schintz, their son, was educated in the Chicago University, studied law with his father, and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the State, at Mount Vernon. Josephine, the daughter, is a graduate of the Cook County Normal School.
In summing up the events of his life, we have merely to state that the high position he now occupies amongst the residents of Chicago he owes entirely to his own exertions; he started on the highway of life with a capital consisting only of health, determination, force of character and a liberal education. That he has made good use of
his natural abilities is proven by the fact that he occupies a position of prominence among the prominent citizens of Chicago.
In conclusion, it can truly be stated that Theo- dore Schintz, whether filling a public position or acting for private client, has always transacted the affairs with which he was intrusted in such a manner as to merit the confidence of all that have been fortunate enough to have dealings with him.
Such is his biography. It is that of a citizen of Chicago who has, step by step, advanced to a high position amongst its most respected and honored citizens.
HON. JOSEPH P. MAHONEY,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HERE is not in the vast City of Chicago another such example of youthful activity and success as that afforded by the subject of this sketch, Joseph P. Mahoney.
Admitted to the practice of law when only twenty-one years of age, elected a member of the State Legislature when only twenty-one, ap- pointed a Master of Chancery of the Circuit Court of Cook County at the age of twenty-four, and offered a seat on the Board of Education by the Hon. Hempstead Washburne, Mayor of Chi- cago, before he had reached his twenty-seventh birthday, are some of the items of interest in this remarkable career, which we have no hesitation in saying is without parallel in the State.
Joseph P. Mahoney was born in Oswego, New York State, on November 1, 1864, and is there- fore only twenty-seven years old. His parents removed to Chicago when he was only three years old. His father died recently, but the other members of the family still reside here. His parents were particularly careful and anxious regarding the education of their children. When old enough Joseph was sent to the public school, where he soon distinguished himself by his appli- cation to his books and by his love of study. He is a graduate of the Chicago public schools, and is a credit to them. Immediately after leaving school Mr. Mahoney applied himself to the study of law, for which he felt a strong inclina- tion. He entered the office of Messrs. Jewett &
Norton, a firm of excellent reputation in this city, and there learned the theory and practice of law. He presented himself for examination for admission to the bar when only twenty years old, and his answers were so satisfactory that Judge McAllister made an exception in his case, and although under age, admitted him to the practice of law on condition that he would take out his license when twenty-one years old. He at once commenced the practice of his profession in Chi- cago and has continued to do so ever since. Four years ago the Circuit Court bench appointed him one of its Masters of Chancery, the duties of which he still continues to discharge with general satisfaction.
As a lawyer, Mr. Mahoney is a close and earnest student, who devotes himself unsparingly to his duties. Quiet, earnest and able, he moves forward with his work with ease, confidence and success.
As a public speaker he is fluent, forcible and logical. His manner is gentle, earnest and pleas- ing. With a musical voice, a ready utterance and a logical mind, he is a young man who may hope to attain a very high place in his profession, and honorable preferment as a citizen.
Mr. Mahoney is an active and earnest Demo- crat. " Liberal and tolerant towards those who differ from him in politics, yet strong and fearless in the defense of his principles. As a resident of the West Side, he has taken a warm interest in
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every question affecting that district. He was elected Representative to the State Legislature for the Fifth Senatorial District, and held that position for three consecutive terms, when he was elected Senator for the same district, which posi- tion he now holds.
As a member of the Legislature he has acquitted himself with honor and credit, and has given the utmost satisfaction to his constituents by attention to their interests, and by his integ- rity and ability in the discharge of every duty. Mr. Mahoney has the honor of being the young- est man ever elected a member of the Legis- lature of this State. He is at present the young- est member of the Senatc.
He is the author of the bill giving authority to
the West Town of Chicago to issue bonds to the amount of one million dollars, and to expend the same on park and street improvements, prepara- tory to the World's Columbian Exposition. This measure has been passed, and the bonds are now being prepared for issue. He also took a promi- nent part in passing the Convict Labor Bill, which has for its object the prevention of compe- tition of prison with outside labor.
As a young man, Mr. Mahoney has the reputa- tion amongst his professional brethren of being a painstaking, conscientious and talented lawyer, and of being a man of uncompromising integrity.
Judging from his past record, we have no hesi- tation in saying that he has a bright and honor- able future before him.
HON. THOMAS WITHERELL PALMER,
DETROIT, MICH.
T `HE subject of this biography, one of Michi- gan's " favorite sons" and most honored citizens, is pre-eminently a self-made man. He began life with a definite purpose in view, worked faithfully, honestly and with a will for its accom- plishment, and now, at the age of sixty-two years, enjoys a more than national reputation as a man of progressive ideas, rich attainments, high-mind- ed, pure-hearted and clean-handed-in a word, a leader worthy the name. His native city, De- troit, where he was born, January 25, 1830, has always been his home. He has grown with her growth, prospered with her prosperity, and is a most worthy representative of her enterprise and greatness.
He traces his ancestry to New England and early colonial families, his father having been a native of Connecticut and his mother of Ver- mont. His father was a merchant in Detroit during the territorial days of Michigan, and a rep- resentative man of his time, widely known for his sterling qualities; and by the few survivors of those early days who were associated with him he is held in affectionate remembrance. The mother, a daughter of Judge James Witherell, a descendant of Roger Williams, and one of the pioneer settlers and representative men of the Territory of Michigan, was a woman of many
womanly virtues and generous impulses, and is remembered with tenderest regard for her earnest Christian spirit and charitable deeds. She was one of the first Methodists in Detroit.
Mr. Palmer's father and his mother's father were included among those surrendered by Gen. Hull in 1812.
Thomas was reared in the city of Detroit until twelve, when he entered Mr. Thompson's acad- emy at St. Clair, Michigan, then the village of Palmer, named from his father. Leaving the academy he entered the freshman class at Ann Arbor University, and remained one year. His cyes failing, he was compelled to abandon his studies. He spent a portion of the following year upon Lake Superior. His eyesight being partially restored he resumed his studies at Ann Arbor for about six months. His eyes again failing, he, with five others, left Ann Arbor for a voy- age to Spain in the fall of 1848. Hc landed at Cadiz, after a thirty days' winter voyage, and for two months traveled on foot through the country, visiting the Alhambra in Granada, and other points. Returning to Cadiz, he took ship for South America, landing at Rio Janeiro in 1849. After passing three months in South America, he returned home via New Orleans, spending two months in the Southern States. In 1850 he went
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to Wisconsin and spent one year as agent of a transportation company. In 1851 he went into business at Appleton, Wisconsin, was burned out and financially ruined. In 1853 he returned to Detroit and engaged in the real estate business. In 1855 he engaged in the lumbering business, which, with the purchase and sale of pine lands, has been his vocation since. He is now one of the firm of Charles Merrill & Co., of East Sagi- naw, a special partner in the firm of McGraft & Montgomery at Muskegon, and the owner of mills at Falmouth, Missaukee county, Michigan. Mr. Palmer has been an active and staunch mem- ber of the Republican party ever since its organ- ization. He has been called to high positions and important trusts, and has never failed to acquit himself in a manner to call forth the plaud- its of his fellow-citizens. He was never a candi- date for office until he ran for one of the estima- tors-at-large of the city of Detroit in 1873. In 1878 Mr. Palmer declined the nomination for Congress, but at the earnest solicitation of his friends he accepted the nomination for State Sen- ator, tendered him by acclamation, and was elect- ed. Two years later, in the convention, he made an unsuccessful race for the nomination for Gov- ernor of his State, but was chosen by the Legisla- ture to succeed the Hon. T. W. Ferry in the United States Senate, for a term of six years, be- ginning March 4, 1883, and but for his voluntary retirement from politics would have been re-elect- ed without opposition for a second term. His name was prominently discussed for a cabinet position before the conclusion of his term of office in the Senate. In April, 1889, he was nominated
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