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. 2 > Part 12
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Royal Trust Company Bank; a director and one of the organizers of the Industrial Banks of Chicago, and a director in the Lumberman's Building and Loan Association.
He is a staunch Republican, but is not a politi- cian, his various enterprises claiming and receiv- ing his entire attention.
Mr. Goodman is personally very popular, and has always enjoyed the highest confidence of his associates and acquaintances, and his business ability is everywhere recognized. He is a repre- sentative man in the lumber trade of Chicago, and has the confidence of all with whom he has to do.
JAMES VAN INWAGEN,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T HE subject of this biography, who was born in Fairville, New York, on June 1, 1837, is a direct descendent, through his mother, of Joseph Jackson, who fought in numerous battles of the Revolution, especially distinguishing him- self in the battles of Bunker Hill and White Plains, and who was personally acquainted with General Washington.
In the early part of the present century, his grandparents settled in Wayne county, New York, where his father, Anthony Van Inwagen, and his mother, Maria, née Jackson, were born in 1809 and 1814 respectively.
James spent most of his early life in Buffalo, New York. He received his education in the public and high schools of that city. From 1850 to 1854, and while pursuing his studies, he was in the employ of the then well known grain com- mission house of Cutter and Coye. He began as office boy, and gradually advanced to the position of book-keeper and confidential clerk.
In December, 1854, he removed to Chicago, being then but seventeen years of age, and on January 1, 1855, he entered the service of Messrs. Reynolds, Ely and Company, who were at that time the leading wholesale grocers of the north- west, as assistant book-keeper. In the following year, 1856, he became a junior partner with his father, in the firm of Van Inwagen and Company, shipping and grain commission merchants.
In 1857 he entered the service of Samuel T.
Atwater, a veteran in inland insurance, and con- tinued with him many years, first as confidential clerk and afterward as partner; later the firm was dissolved, Mr. Atwater retiring from the business. While the partnership existed they organized the Traders' Insurance Company, and in 1867 Mr. Van Inwagen was elected its secre- tary and manager. He continued in the insur- ance business, representing local and eastern companies, until the fire of October 9, 1871.
Mr. Van Inwagen had been a member of the Board of Trade since 1862 ; and after his return from a European trip, in 1872, he devoted him- self entirely to the grain trade. In 1875 he formed, with Mr. Charles D. Hamill, a partner- ship which continued eight years, and during its existence the firm of Van Inwagen and Hamill was one of the best known on the Board.
In 1883, Mr. Van Inwagen withdrew from the grain commission business, and after a recupera- tive trip abroad, in the following year he estab. lished the Tiffany Pressed Brick Company, of which he is now (1892) the president and general manager.
At Painesville, Ohio, in the year 1857, Mr. Van Inwagen married Miss Mary L. Tiffany, daughter of Hon. Joel Tiffany ; five children, all born in Chicago, and four of whom are living, have blessed their union. The eldest son, Fred, is connected with his father in business. The only daughter, Louise, is the wife of Mr. Whitney
An tran Elvy En 4
Jak Van Inwagen
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Mockridge ; and the younger sons, James, Jr., and Arthur, are students in the Michigan Uni- versity.
Mr. Van Inwagen has always been a lover of art, and for many years was identified with the Apollo Musical Club, serving as its president for several terms. He was also one of the promoters of the erection of Central Music Hall, and later assisted materially in the Auditorium enterprise.
Socially Mr. Van Inwagen is widely and favor- ably known. He is a member of several social and literary organizations, including the Chicago, Washington Park, and Twentieth Century clubs, and is also a governing member of the Art Insti- tute. In politics he has always been a staunch Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a Unitarian in his religious be- lief
Mr. Van Inwagen has traveled extensively, and has visited most places of interest, both in this country and Europe. He is fond of rural life, and has a delightful summer home at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where he spends much of his time.
In his younger days he was somewhat famous in athletic sports; the following extract is from the Chicago Tribune of June 23, 1860: "Foot race-The reception at the gymnasium, in the Kingsbury block, on Saturday evening, was at- tended by a large number of ladies and gentle- men. After the class exercises of the evening, a foot race of a quarter of a mile took place for
the champion belt. Mr. Van Inwagen was de- clared the victor over six other contestants, and received the belt, which is made of silk velvet, with a beautiful silver clasp." The race was run on a small circular track, and required six circuits ; his time was one minute and four and a half seconds. . He has always believed in athletic training, and now, at the age of fifty- five, has a healthy and well developed physique, and is able to enjoy life. These athletic traits have been inherited by his sons, who are experts in athletic sports ; his son James was captain of the foot-ball team of Michigan University in 1891.
Mr. Van Inwagen is a gentleman of a modest nature and retiring disposition, and while occupy- ing a prominent position among the representa- tive .citizens of Chicago, has always refrained from placing himself in a position where he would even seem to appear conspicious. His life his- tory furnishes another instance of what a young man of determination can accomplish for him- self. He entered upon his business career with no capital other than his own abilities. His career has been marked by upright and fair deal- ings that have won for him universal confidence and estecm. That he has used his natural abili- ties to good advantage is clearly apparent, and it may be truly stated that there is no business man in Chicago to-day who is more respected as a man, or more honored in his business relations, than he.
LEWIS THOMPSON BAXTER,
NASHVILLE, TENN.
T `HE subject of this sketch was born Novem- ber 27, 1852, at Alexander, North Carolina, the second son of John and Orra A. (Alexander) Baxter. His father was United States Circuit Court Judge for the sixth judicial circuit of North Carolina. His mother is the daughter of Mr. Mitchell Alexander, of Mecklenburg county, North Carolina. Lewis received an excellent high-class education, studying at Earham College, Richmond, Indiana; the University of Tennessee, at Knoxville ; Kenyon College, Ohio, and was graduated from Hobart College, Geneva, New
York, in 1871. Shortly afterward going to Europe, he spent eighteen months in study in Berlin and Paris (1872-3). Returning home, he read law in his father's office at Knoxville, and after a successful course of study he passed an honorable examination and was admitted to the bar, February 22, 1875. He practiced his profes- sion some three years, and on April 16, 1878, he was appointed Clerk of the United States Circuit Court for the middle district of Tennessee, at Nashville. This position he resigned in Decem- ber, 1886.
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One of the originators of the Nashville Com- mercial Club, he was its president during 1889 and 1890, and is now (1892) president of the Me- chanics' Savings Bank and Trust Company, prob- ably one of the best and most favorably known institutions of its kind in the State of Tennessee. He is also president of the Farmers' Savings, Building and Loan Association of Nashville. As a director he is connected with several other well- known institutions, and is largely interested in Nashville real estate, and has been highly success- ful in his numerous undertakings.
He holds Republican views in matters political, but is by no means what is usually termed a poli- tician. He was nominated by acclamation on the first ballot for Governor of Tennessee by his own party in 1890. In that particular instance-and the occurrence is a rare one in the life of Lewis T. Baxter-he was defeated. He is one of the Republican Commissioners from the State of Ten- nessee to the World's Columbian Exposition, a position for which his eminent abilities, most ad- mirably qualify him.
In 1883, Mr. Baxter was married to Miss Sadie
Evans, second daughter of Thomas W. Evans, Esq., of New York. They have two children.
A member of the Episcopal Church, he is a man of broad views, and free from bigotry and charitable to all. He is possessed of much talent and a character the distinguishing traits of which are inflexible integrity, great activity and cease- less energy, and a determination incapable of wav- ering. Mr. Baxter is one of the few men who foresaw, ten years ago, the almost immediate phe. nomenal industrial awakening of the South, and had the sagacity to profit by it. To him is due, in a very large measure, the activity and apprecia- tion of values in the Nashville real-estate market. At a time when few had faith, he inspired confi- dence by investing largely. Mr. Baxter's mind, naturally comprehensive and well endowed, had the advantages of an academical and college training and discipline, which has been enriched by travel and extensive reading. His business achievements and mental and moral endowments, and his social standing, easily rank him with the first citizens of his State, few being better known and few more highly appreciated.
AXEL CHYTRAUS,
CHICAGO, ILL.
T THE subject of this sketch is a member of the Chicago bar, and a man of scholarly attain- ments, much ability, and uncompromising integ- rity. He was born in the Province of Wermland, Sweden, September 15, 1859. He is the son of Gustaf E. and Maria (Johnson) Chytraus. His father emigrated to the United States in 1869, and settled in Chicago. Here young Chytraus com- pleted his preliminary education, and in 1873, when a mere boy, commenced the study of law in the office of Messrs. Howe & Russell, at that time prominent lawyers in Chicago. Upon attaining his majority, and while yet with this firm, he was admitted to the bar. He continued with Messrs. Howe & Russell until 1880. He subsequently entered the office of Mr. Francis Lackner, a well known attorney, and there continued his legal studies, and some eighteen months thereafter en- tered into partnership with Mr. George F. Blanke, which partnership still continues. This firm has
been successful from the start, and has built up a large practice and an honorable reputation, and is well known among the leading lawyers of Chicago.
Engaged in the general practice of his profes- sion, Mr. Chytraus does not confine himself to any particular court, for, as a matter of fact, he is well known in all, commanding the esteem and confi- dence of an extensive clientage.
A member of the Masonic fraternity, he became a member of Garden City Lodge, No. 141, in 1888, and is also a member of Oriental Consistory, A. F. and A. M. The sublime thirty-second degree was conferred upon him October 3, 1889. He is also prominently identified with the I. O. O. F., having held all the offices up to and including the Noble Grand of the First Swedish Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Chicago.
In politics, he is inclined to the Republican party, though he is independent to the extent that he prefers to vote for men and measures rather
Axel Chytraus
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than mere party aggrandizement. In religious belief, he is a protestant. Mr. Chytraus is secre- tary of the First Swedish Building and Loan As- sociation of Chicago.
He is devoted to his profession and gives to it his principal attention and energy. He is a gen- tleman of fine culture and elevated tastes; forci- ble in argument and winning as a rhetorician, while his oratory to the jury is often eloquent, always telling, and seldom fails to convince. In personal appearance he is tall and of command-
ing address. He has light-complexioned and refined features, suggesting intellectual energy. In manner dignified and courteous, he is both affable and genial, and possesses friends and acquaintances innumerable. His success in life is the natural result of his own persevering energy, sterling integrity and self-reliance. For in his character he combines those qualities of mind and heart that render him deservedly popular, and secure to him the warm friendship and genuine esteem of all who know him.
ALBERT FISHELL,
CHICAGO, ILL.
TN Blowitz, Bohemia, on June 13, 1844, a child was born to Leopold Fishell and Rebecca Fishell, née Gutwillig. That child was the sub- ject of this sketch. Leopold Fishell was a leading merchant, at one time mayor of his native city, and highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens.
Young Fishell was educated in the Pilsen "Real School," the Academy of Commerce in Prague, and also attended a series of lectures at the St. Charles University in that city. At the age of eighteen (in 1862), he began his business life as an employé in the manufacturing depart- ment of the large banking and manufacturing establishment of L. Forchheimer Sons. He remained there three years, and became manager of the manufacturing department. In 1865 he became manager of the oil works of Mr. A. Hartman, in the celebrated mining city of Kut- tenberg, Bohemia. A year later he determined to seek his fortune in the New World, and re- moved to the United States, where he soon accumulated money enough to begin business on his own account. Associating with himself a Mr. Loth, under the firm name of Fishell and Loth, he opened a general store at Pittsfield, Illinois. In 1870 he withdrew from mercantile life, and, associated with Judge Atkinson and others, organized the Bank of Pike County, of which he was elected cashier, which office he filled from June, 1870, when the bank was opened, until December, 1883, when it was compelled to make an assignment on account of an unwarranted run on the bank, caused by malicious reports, Mr.
Fishell, to assure the depositors that as long as. he had a dollar they would be paid dollar for dollar, deeded his entire property to be held in trust by the assignee, the Hon. Jefferson Orr, now judge of the twelfth Judicial District, to pay the depositors in full should the assets of the bank fail to do so.
After the assets of the bank had been in the hands of the assignee some four years, it was found that owing to the depreciation of securities, all the assets, and also all the property held in trust, would be consumed to pay the creditors, leaving Mr. Fishell nothing but his untarnished name and his acknowledged business ability. Facing the situation like a man, he took a posi- tion with the New York Life Insurance Company as general agent, at a salary of five thousand dollars per annum. In the meantime the affairs of the Bank of Pike County were being settled, and after consuming all of the property left in trust by Mr. Fishell, there was still a shortage of several thousand dollars, which he paid out of his salary. Thus, all depositors of the Pike County Bank were paid in full, with interest. The fol- lowing comments upon his manly action arc copied from the public press :
Quincy (Ill.) Whig, of January, 1888: "We take pleasure in reproducing herewith a letter from the Hon. Albert Fishell, published in the Pike County papers of this week. The letter is addressed to the assignee of the Bank of Pike County, which was compelled to close its doors in 1883. Mr. Fishell was cashier of the bank.
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The affairs of the institution were gradually settled up, and it was hoped that the property in the hands of the assignee would be more than. sufficient to eventually meet liabilities and pre- vent loss to creditors. There remained, however, a deficiency; but Mr. Fishell determined that dollar for dollar should be paid. In the letter we quote, he directs its attorney to meet every obligation for the full amount, and becomes per- sonally responsible therefor. This is a most honorable and praiseworthy proceeding on the part of Mr. Fishell, and his friends in Quincy, where he is favorably known, will rejoice in the honor and courage which inspire him in his business methods and purposes. We commend the sentiments which he utters in his letter which follows :
PITTSFIELD, ILL., January 18, 1888. Hon. Jefferson Orr, Assignee Pike County Bank :
MY DEAR SIR-When on the third day of December, 1883, the Bank of Pike County, of which I was. cashier, by an unwarranted attack was forced to close its doors, I was determincd that as long as I had any property the depositors should be paid one hundred cents on the dollar. "I placed in your hands in trust, valuable properties, supposed then to be sufficient to pay whatcver deficiency might arise, after applying the bank assets to the payment of its debts. You remember that the creditors and their attorneys met at your residence after the inspection, and that it was the judgment of all present, that at a fair cash valuation, after the deposi- tors had received dollar for dollar. there would still be a large surplus remaining. I am not surprised now, that after the matter has been closed out, there is still a deficiency, saying nothing of a surplus. In view of the financial depression and the scarcity of money between 1883 and 1886, and the utter impossibility of realizing upon any property at half its value, the result is not surprising. But, sir. had it not been for your patient and wisc course as assignee, and the valuable counsel you rendcred the claim- ants, litigation would have ensued and endless lawsuits, the result of ill-considercd advice. For this, not only myself, but the creditors of the bank, must remain under lasting obliga- tions to you.
Notwithstanding my heavy and unexpected losscs, I still cherish the same desirc that depositors shall receive dollar for dollar. Agrccable to this I desire you to pay them a hundred cents on the dollar, and if you will advise mc of the amount required, it shall be forthcoming at once.
If kind Providence will favor me with good health, 1 may be able to forget the losses thus sustained.
Faithfully yours. ALBERT FISHELL.
[Missouri Republican, February 1, 1888.]
PITTSFIELD, ILL., January 31, (Special) .- The Bank of Pike County, which succumbed to hard times and an unex- pected run, made final settlement to-day, paying the de-
positors in full. The liabilitics were forty-nine thousand dollars. Mr. Fishell, who was cashier, and a stockholder in the bank, sacrificed his individual property to pay them.
The following letter explains the manner in which Mr. Fishell's actions were appreciated by his friends :
3026 CHESTNUT STREET, ST. LOUIS, February 13. 1888.
Mr. Albert Fishell, Pittsfield, Ill .:
DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER-I wish I could grasp your strong, true hand with a firm and fraternal grip, and tell you in so many warm words welling from a brother's heart. what thus from the distance I can only put down black on white. in cold ink! " May the Eternal be with thee, thou man of integrity." In the world of insecurity and shifting, time- serving, selfishness, it does a person good to meet, one among a thousand, a man of solid principles and untarnished honor ! Yes, you enable the world to behold the incarnation of probity, and the age of " combines and trusts" is for once put to shame by your noble example of rectitude and sclf - respect. May your dear wife and your darling children glory in the good name and fame of their honored husband and father, and enjoy at his side and under his guidance and protection, many, many years of unbroken happiness, peace and wealth. In this wish and congratulation of mine, joins also my dear wife, and with the glad anticipation of seeing you soon in our midst, I am as ever,
Yours,
(Signed) S. H. SONNENSCHEIN.
During Mr. Fishell's connection with the New York Life Insurance Company he was forced to remain most of his time in Chicago, where he became largely interested in real estate transac- tions, and in connection with some capitalists, he consummated some of the largest deals recorded in Chicago realty. At the expiration of his contract with the New York Life Insurance Company (1889) he became manager of the West- ern Department of the United States Credit System Company, which comprises eight States, and through Mr. Fishell's able management, has advanced from a very small beginning until it has become one of the strongest and largest guaran- tee companies in this country. In April, 1890, Mr. Fishell removed his family to Chicago, and, notwithstanding he had sacrificed all his property interests to the creditors of the Pike County Bank, he was enabled to take the members of his house- hold to their own handsome residence at 3448 Wabash avenue.
Besides his interests in the United States Credit System Company, he has large interests in Chicago real estate, the Atlas National Bank, and other enterprises.
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While a resident of Pittsfield, Mr. Fishell was very prominent in educational and literary matters. The Pittsfield Public Library was founded largely through his exertions, and for several years he was president of the Library, and also of the Board of Education. He was also County Commissioner, City Treasurer, and Treas- urer of the School Board at different times. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and has at various times represented his district in the sev- eral political conventions throughout the State.
Religiously Mr. Fishell is a believer in Judaism, but in religion, as in politics, he is a radical re- former; he is now a member of Sinai Congrega- tion.
Mr. Fishell was made a Master Mason in 1870, in Pittsfield Lodge, No. 95. He is also a member of Union Chapter, No. 10; a member of Odd
Fellows Lodge of Pittsfield, and charter member of the Pittsfield Lodge of United Workmen. He is also a member of the B'nai Brith.
On October 8, 1870, Mr. Fishell was married to Miss Annie Sicher, of St. Louis. Mrs. Fishell is a member of a highly respected family of St. Louis, and her many womanly qualities have already made her as popular in Chicago as she was in her old home in Pittsfield. They have five children. Elkins Washington, the oldest, is now in the manufacturing business in Chicago ; the other sons and daughters are Daniel Webster, Leo K., Regina S., and Josephine D.
Mr. Fishell's record throughout his entire ca- reer is thoroughly American, and his religious and political ideas are most liberal ; he believes implicitly in the great principles of American liberty, free thought and free speech.
HON. HIRAM BARBER,
CHICAGO, ILL.
H IRAM BARBER was born in Queensbury, Warren county, New York, March 24, 1835. The country around his birth-place is full of historical interest, having been the scene of many bloody battles during the colonial struggle for independence. This country abounds in beautiful scenery, vividly described in Fenimore Cooper's tale of " The Last of the Mohicans."
His father of our subject was Hiram Barber, who started in life as a merchant, but being am- bitious, read law and became judge of the Oyer and Terminer Court, and also associate judge of the Circuit Court of Warren county, New York. He served in this capacity fifteen years, and was distinguished for judicial perception and integrity.
His wife, before her marriage, was Miss Salome Seeley, a lady of admirable qualities. In 1842, Judge Barber moved to Dodge county, Wisconsin, but his family did not follow till 1846.
After leaving the district schools at the age of seventeen, Hiram studied three years at the Wis- consin University at Madison.
To Mr. Barber is undoubtedly due the honor of being one of the first, if not the first, to suggest the need of a law prohibiting the sale of intoxi- cating liquors to minors, and also prohibit them
from playing pool in bar-rooms and public places. At the commencement exercises of the Wiscon- sin University in December, 1854, when but nine- teen years of age, he delivered an oration in which he outlined the needs for such a law. The suggestion was treated by the Madison papers of that date as original, and as worthy of the con- sideration of practical philanthropists and legis- lators. To-day nearly every large city has an organization whose sole purpose is to see that this law, which is now found on the statutes of nearly, if not all of the States of the Union, is properly enforced. His only class-mate during 1852 was William F. Vilas, now United States Senator from Wisconsin.
Upon leaving this university he attended a course of lectures in the law school at Albany, New York, and in the spring of 1856 was ad- mitted to the bar, when just of age.
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