USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > The great revolution; a history of the rise and progress of the People's Party in the city of Chicago and county of Cook > Part 10
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The Colonel's acquaintances tell stories of his adventures
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during the war, that have beguiled the hours beside many a pleasant fireside. Those narratives it is not the province of the writer to rehearse, however.
Since his election to his present position, Col. Cleary has achieved a reputation as Collector that has elicited the unqualified approbation of the Press, having successfully moved upon the banks which manifested so sturdy a desire to resist payment.
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COLLECTORS AND ASSESSORS.
LAURENCE O'BRIEN.
This gentlemen is the Collector of the West-Town of Chicago, and was elected April 1, 1873, on the Citizens' ticket, by a majority of 323. By-the-way, it was rather a coincidence that the three town collectors elected that day were all Irishmen - Cleary, O'Brien, and Murphy.
Mr. O'Brien was born in the town of Newport, in Tip- perary, Ireland, about the year 1836. At the age of 17, our subject, with an eye to sport of the good old Irish style, left his native town and took a stroll through Leinster, Kildare, and other places of historic note in Ireland. Among other spots visited, Mr. O'Brien paid his respects to the Curragh, the Heath of Marlborough, the Castle of Lord Nace, late Governor of India, and the beautiful strawberry beds of Dublin.
Mr. O'Brien served four years in the Irish constabulary, but was forced to leave on account of his nationalistic principles. In Ireland, our subject followed baking, which trade he there acquired. Since his advent to America, he has devoted himself mainly to the liquor traffic.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
JOHN MURPHY.
This gentleman is Collector for the north town of Chicago, and was elected on the Workingman's ticket. He was born in the borough of Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, in 1841, and left at the age of fifteen years, coming directly to Chi- cago, where he worked, up to the fall of 1860, as a machinist. He then went to Pike's Peak, where he flourished ; a great many, having been driven thither by the well remembered gold fever, returning disheartened. Mr. Murphy now returned to Chicago, intending to return to Pike's Peak with a set of machinery. The war of the Rebellion waxing warmly, however, at the time, he concluded to fight for his
adopted country. Raising a company of three months troops, he was elected Second Lieutenant in the 67th Illinois, of which Mr. Hough was Colonel, and was detached to guard the prisoners at Camp Douglas. Thence he was detached to raise a company for the 90th Illinois. Raising Company G, he was elected its Captain, and in the following Novem- ber proceeded to the field. Assigned to Gen. Denver's division, the Captain was ordered to LaGrange, Tennessee, to protect the Memphis and Charleston road. He went thence to Coldwater, Mississippi, where an engagement was had, wherein Gen. Van Dorn met his first repulse; to La- fayette, Tennessee; to Vicksburg, where he was present during the seige; to the battle of Mission Ridge, where his canteen was shot off him; to Knoxville, Tennessee, through a barren country, to meet Longstreet, who withdrew at the
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· sight of the blue; to Chattanooga; and then to Atlanta with Sherman. Then came the battle of Dallas, where the com- pany, with Company H, under command of Captain Murphy, were placed on the extreme right, with orders to fall back in case the Rebels charged. A charge was made, and the skir- mish line to the left wavered. Yet the two companies under Murphy held the line in constant skirmish from nine o'clock in the evening until ten o'clock in the morning. The Rebels, supposing from the scattering fire kept up that all of the boys were there, fell back.
The Captain's company also participated when McPher- son was killed, and lost in the engagement their knapsacks, cherished photographs, etc. Subsequently, when, the lines clashing, a hand-to-hand fight ensued, the 48th Illinois were knocked out of position, Murphy cried out to the goth him- self, and the result was a most desperate charge; plunging through the broken columns of the 48th, killing or capturing every man of the enemy, and appropriating six stands of colors. All through this campaign the gallantry of Captain Murphy was well recognized, and when mustered out in June, 1865, he was loaded down with honors.
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CHARLES DENNEHY.
Charles Dennehy took a prominent part in the organ- ization of the People's Party. His counsels and influence went a good ways to form a rational and conservative platform. Mr. Dennehy, it is understood, was one of the number who called the first meeting and laid the foundation for the new party. The difficulties to be en- countered were, to harmonize conflicting elements and reconcile men who, for years past, had been bitter political opponents. It was apparent to him, as to others, that the only sure road to success was to unite the liberal American, Irish, and German people on one common platform, regard- less of former political affiliations.
Mr. Dennehy being known as a thorough representa- tive Irishman, combined with his personal popularity with all classes of citizens, the People's Party unani- mously placed his name on their ticket for the important position of City Assessor. As an evidence of the high es- teem in which he is held by his fellow citizens, he ran very strongly upon his ticket. It is needless to say that no better selection could have been made for the discharge of the im- portant duties of the office to which he has been elected.
Mr. Dennehy possessing the adventurous spirit of his race, emigrated from County Kerry, Ireland, in the 17th year of his age, to this country. He has lived in Chicago for the past twenty years, and by his honesty, industry, and business tact has acquired a liberal fortune. He is now a member of
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the well-known firm of Weadly, Dennehy & Cleary, a relia- ble and leading wholesale liquor house. During the past four years, he has filled the office of North Town Assessor, to the perfect satisfaction of all. His knowledge of real estate and his unblemished character pre-eminently qualify him for the very responsible position to which he has been so handsomely elected by the people.
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EDWARD PHILLIPS.
Mr. Phillips, Assessor of the South Town of Chicago, was born in the County of Cavan, Ireland, in 1837. In 1840, he left his native place, and went to Schenectady, New York. After a stay of five years there, he went to the city of New York. The Phillips family had not been settled comfort- ably in the metropolis more than four years, it seems, when a westward yearning brought them inevitably to Chicago. The boy declined to come as yet, however. He desired a little more experience in life in the great city. Five years more of it induced him to pack up also, and come west.
No sooner had he arrived than his adventurous spirit enlisted him in the ranks of Fire Company No. 6, where he ran with Ex-Fire Marshal Williams, Capt. Connors, and others. Tiring of Chicago, a trip to Memphis in '59 fol- lowed. Then, in 1861, he returned to Chicago. In the same year, he became connected with the Chicago City Railway Company, and, during his service there, invented the improved one-horse cars. He was elected to his position in 1873, on an Independent ticket.
Throughout his varied experiences, Mr. Phillips can sub- stantiate the appreciation of his friends by several substan- tial testimonials.
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COLLECTORS AND ASSESSORS.
ALBERT PATCH.
This gentleman is the Assessor of the North Town of Chicago. He has been elected three times, the last by the votes of not only Republicans but of Democrats. In fact, if it were not for the votes of his Democratic friends, it is the general opinion he would not be elected.
The Assessor was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1827, and thence went at the age of 19, to Haverill, Mass., where he engaged in the business of polishing pianos and other furniture, for the space of five years, in which he was an eminent success. Hence he went to Lawrence, Mass., and engaged in an unsuccessful dry goods business. He then .came to Chicago, and resumed his former occupation. In 1856, he went to St. Louis, where he stayed for about four years. Now he returned to Chicago, and continued in the polishing business, which, becoming dull-to use his own words - he engaged in the butter business, and slipped up on it. He then went into the real estate business, in which he is at present engaged.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
A. L. AMBERG.
The Assessor for the West Town of Chicago is Adam L. Amberg. This gentleman was born in New Jersey, May 22, 1841, but recollects very few experiences connected with his native place, from the fact that he left there when one year old to come (in company with his parents) to Chicago. The public life of Mr. Amberg is not a very extensive one. It was not before 1869 that he aspired to public emolu- ment. In this year. he was appointed Clerk of the West Side Police Court, on the Citizens' ticket. He was subse- quently re-appointed on the Fire-proof ticket. His conduct during both terms was such as to commend him to the peo- ple's suffrages for the position of West Town Assessor, to which he was elected in April, 1873.
COMMON COUNCIL.
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COMMON COUNCIL.
WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON.
For a gentleman of 34, Mr. Richardson, one of the Al- dermen, representing the First Ward, has seen experience in juristic matters not often witnessed. It is probably a fact that there is no lawyer who prosecutes a more extensive criminal business of a respectable character in the county than he. The matter is quite inevitable from the fact that, almost ever since he has begun practice, he has been asso- ciated with such men as Judge Knox, Carlos Haven, and Charles H. Reed. With the last-named, the Alderman, for a number of years, was in partnership. About the year 1870, Mr. Reed assuming the robes of the State's Attorney. the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Richardson has con- ducted practice alone ever since.
The Alderman was born near Buffalo, in 1840. In 1857, he went to Andover, Massachusetts, where he proceeded through a preparatory curriculum. About the year 1861, he came to Chicago, and read law, first with Judge Knox, and subsequently with other prominent lawyers. In 1872, he was elected Alderman of the First Ward on the "Law and Or- der " ticket. He vanquished a strong man when he worst- ed Mr. Philip Conley.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
THOMAS FOLEY.
Certainly, Mr. Foley, the billiard king, is a self-made man ; having spent just three months in school; and since then he has been struggling against difficulties which to another man would seem insurmountable.
Mr. Foley was born in Cashel, county of Tipperary, Ire- land, August 16, 1842. In the fall of '49 he went to New York. Here he stayed for about five years. At the early age of twelve he came to Chicago, and became employed brushing billiard tables in the old Tremont House. In 1860 he went to the Briggs House, and took charge of the bar. Here he remained until 1865, when, importuned, he went to Milwaukee and took charge of billiardistic matters in the well known Newhall House. Tiring of this, he came back to Chicago and engaged in business for himself, at the cor- der of Dearborn and Monroe streets. Thence he removed to his old, good-natured stand opposite the Post-office, where others had failed repeatedly. Mr. Foley's friends delight in calling attention to the fact, as an evidence of his sterling popularity. In this locality Mr. Foley stayed up to the fire. To recount the scenes witnessed there among the greatest billiard artists in the world, would be nonsense. Everybody has heard of " Tom. Foley." Poor John McDevitt had just left there the night of the great fire, before he was burned, and never found,
The fire wrought strange wonders with " Tom." Bracing himself up, nevertheless, Mr. Foley went over to the West
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Side, and leased for $1,500 - he did not have a cent, to the contrary, notwithstanding- a basement under the Barnes House; and, at the same time, started a place on Wabash avenue, near Twenty-Second street. Subsequently he leased his present place, fitted it up at the expense of $35,000, and made the grandest billiard palace in the world.
He was elected Alderman of the First Ward on the Peo- ple's ticket, and congratulates himself on the fact that he is a first-class Irishman, and looks after one-fifth of the taxes of the entire city.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
FRANCIS WHITAKER WARREN.
This gentleman represents the Second Ward, being elected in 1872, on the Republican ticket. He was placed in his position by a handsome majority.
He was born in the county of Sligo, Ireland, November 26, 1839, where he stayed until the age of twelve. Leaving his native place at this age, he proceeded to Boston, Mass., where he stayed five years, employed in the grocery trade. He then removed to Chicago, where he learned marble-cut- ting. He subsequently entered the livery business, in which he is at present engaged, doing a successful business.
In the Council, Alderman Warren acts on the Markets and Wharfing Privileges Committee. He is a "Law and Order" man, strictly speaking.
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COMMON COUNCIL.
ARTHUR DIXON.
Alderman Dixon was elected to represent the Second Ward, in 1867, by a majority of 250; and in 1869, by a ma- jority of 700.
He was born in Fermanaugh county, Ireland, in 1838, and when fifteen, came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and sandwiched an occasional tap on the farm. In 1860 he came to Chicago, and was engaged as a porter in a grocery store. He shortly after engaged in teaming, and prosecutes the same to-day on an extensive scale, giving all the time and attention demanded. He exactly knows the require- ments, having handled the lines on every vehicle known to invention, from a dray up.
Politically, Alderman Dixon is considerable of a success. In 1869 he was elected to a position in the National Execu- tive Committee, by the Irish Republican Convention, of which he is now Treasurer. In 1870 he was elected to the Gen- eral Assembly. Here Alderman Dixon gained distinction by his efforts in the one mill tax matter on special assess- ments, and in the alleged Springfield clique question. He is also a member of the Republican Executive Committee, and a member of the Irish Literary Society.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
DAVID COEY.
Elected from the Third Ward, on the Republican ticket, first in 1870-500 majority. The Alderman is about forty- six years of age. He was born of Scotch-Irish parents (Ok School Presbyterian), near Belfast, Ireland, and, having attended a semi-theological seminary, took a sudden idea and a life partner, and left the romantic heath of his father, to grow wealthy in America, before he was twenty one. He was all the time bent upon coming to Chicago, but went to New York first, that he might, by contrast, better in after days admire the inevitable growth of the western prairies. Here he pursued carpentry for a matter of six years, when he came to Chicago (in 1852).
Resuming his trade, he drifted gradually into the building business on his own account, to suffer in the '57 crisis. The number of structures he has erected since, intimate that his disaster was not permanent.
The Alderman is fervent on retrenchment. For a quiet man he created considerable excitement by changing his vote when the appropriation for Union Park came up. He changed his vote at 11:45, P. M., and caused the defeat of the entire appropriation bill.
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COMMON COUNCIL ..
WILLIAM FITZGERALD.
Ald. Fitzgerald was elected on the People's ticket in 1873 to represent the Third Ward - a district said to con- tain the largest number of colored residents in the city. His majority over the other two candidates in the field was about 480.
The Alderman was born in Coachford, County of Cork, Ireland, a little west of the City of Cork, in 1842. In 1850, he came to Skaneateles, New York, where he stayed until 1858. In this year, he went to Seneca Falls, N. Y., and acquired a knowledge of the tin trade. Having traveled through nearly all of the Western States, he finally came to Chicago, and in 1865 made it his permanent home. It was not long before the alderman, realizing the vast promise of trade, established himself in the hardware business at 589 State Street, where he is still located. He also started a flourishing branch store at 107 Blue Island Avenue. The fruits of his business enterprise are visible in several sub- stantial buildings, among them the Fifth Avenue Hotel-a structure 92 × 41, and containing 78 rooms.
The Alderman is and always has been a Democrat. Pub- lic emolument seems to be an acquisition he never coveted much. In fact, he had been offered an aldermanship twice, and refused the office. He stands upon the Committee on Printing, and is Chairman of the Committee on Local As- sessments.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
JESSE SPALDING.
This gentleman represents the Fourth Ward. He was elected in 1873, on the Republican ticket. This is about the only political position he has filled, not devoting much attention to public honors.
Mr. Spalding was born in Pennsylvania, and is about 45 years of age. He is a member of the Menominee River Lumber Company, and is a very extensive owner of Michi- gan pine lands. His colleague is George H. Sidwell.
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COMMON COUNCIL.
A. H. PICKERING.
Aquila Herford Pickering was elected to represent the Fifth Ward on an Independent Ticket, by a majority of about 1,400. Ex-Alderman Peter Daggy was one of his two opponents. The Alderman was born on a farm on Short Creek, Harrison county, Ohio, near Cadiz, the county-seat, in 1820. At the age of 14, he was placed at school, and re- mained under careful tuition until arrived at the age of 21. In 1841, he went to Salem, Henry county, Iowa, and in that locality pursued a thriving mercantile business, under the name and style of "Pickering's Emporium." Here he re- mained until 1863. In this year he came to Chicago, and engaged in general commission business, and the salt trade. The latter he abandoned in 1871, and gave his exclusive at- tention to grain. In this trade he has been, and is to-day, one of the very heaviest operators in the market.
In the Council, Alderman Pickering was the first to move for a new franchise for the Gas Company, but was defeated. One of his best movements was the introduction of an ordi- nance for the prevention of cruelty to animals. He was also the originator of the idea of putting iron-pipes into lofty buildings for the use of the Fire Department; although the credit was given to ex-Mayor Medill. His mind is at present filled with the propriety of selling the Lake front at a fair valuation.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
RICHARD B. STONE.
This gentleman represents, in the Common Council, the Fifth Ward. He was elected in November, 1871, on the Fire-Proof ticket, by a majority of 397. He was elected in 1873 on the Citizen's Union ticket, by a majority of 867; the whole number of votes given to his opponent, only ap- proximating 938.
The Alderman was born in Oxford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, in 1829. At the age of six, he went to Bridgewater, in Plymouth county, Massachusetts. He then went as an apprentice to the carpenter trade, and attached himself to the business until 1851. He subsequently went to Western New York, and bought an interest in a sash fac- tory and lumber business. In 1855, losing his health, he went to a water - cure in the east. On April 19, 1856, he came to Chicago. Here he entered the lumber business, and is still engaged in it.
During his first term in the Council he served with dis- tinction on the Committees on Bridewell, Streets and Alleys, and Printing. During his second term, he served on the Bridewell, Streets and Alleys, and County Relations Com- mittees. He was a strict supporter of the measures advoca- ted by the " Law and Order " men.
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ALDERMAN SCHMITZ.
This gentleman represents the Sixth Ward, having been re-elected, in 1872, on the Republican ticket. In his elec- tion, on each occasion, almost the stoutest support he has received has come from the Democrats. He is forty-five years of age.
He was born in the province of the Rhine, Prussia, and served in carpentry up to 1850. At this time, as provided by the enactments of his country, he joined the army. He had only served two years, when his services bore him into the Sergeantcy. In 1855 the Alderman came to Chicago ; and in 1857 commenced business as a builder, in which he is now engaged. During his second term in the Council, Alderman Schmitz followed up the record of his previous term, by looking devotedly after the matter of sewerage and water service. Among other projects, he rigidly conserved the people's interest against railroad intrusion; was an ardent abater of slaughter-house nuisances ; and fought hard for the banishment of Healy Slough.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
PHILLIP REIDY.
This gentleman represents the Sixth Ward, elected on the People's ticket by a very large majority; three other candi- dates being in the field. The confidence Mr. Reidy has won among his constituents he secured only after a long career of untiring industry in their midst.
The Alderman was born in Tralee, county of Kerry, Ire- land, in 1831, and, at the age of twenty-two, proceeded to New York. In February, 1854, he came to Chicago, and adopted blacksmithing, locating at the canal locks, in Bridge- port, in 1856. In this business he is still engaged ; having accumulated therein considerable of a competence.
In the Council Mr. Reidy favors the least possible display in the sale of liquors on Sunday. He serves on the Com- mittee on Schools, Licenses, and Local Assessments. He is also the President of St. Vincent's Society, of St. Bridget's church; and of the Hibernian Benevolent Society; mani- festing much interest in church organization.
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COMMON COUNCIL.
PATRICK McCLORY.
This gentleman was elected from the Seventh Ward, on the Republican ticket, in 1872, by a large majority. The influence of the Personal Liberty League conspicuously manifested itself on the occasion.
Alderman McClory was born in the county of Down, Ire- land, in 1831. At the age of eighteen, the Alderman, exhi- biting an unmistakable inclination to see everything worth seeing throughout the world, by an expressed wish to go to New Zealand, his father attempted to place him on the con- stabulary force. He was too young, however. At the age of nineteen his predilection to travel finally culminated in a trip to Glasgow, in Scotland. He remained here about two years, employed at the trade of boiler making in a large ship building establishment. He then returned to Ireland, but did not stay longer than about a year, when he set out for Liverpool with a one-pound note. Here he obtained employment in Baring & Bros.' warehouse. Finding mat- ters in this part of the world distasteful, he finally came to America, working his passage for $12.50, and arriving in New York, with one shilling and sixpence. He soon procured a position, as all competent workmen do; firstly in the Nov- elty Iron Works ; then with the great Manhattan Gas Com- pany; and afterward assisted at the construction of the Metropolitan Gas Works. For three years subsequently he acted as foreman of the gas works in Troy, New York. Re- moving to Chicago, the Alderman connected himself with the People's Gas Light and Coke Company, where he is at the present writing.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
E. F. CULLERTON.
This gentleman represents the Seventh Ward in the Coun- cil. He was born in Chicago, in 1842, and devoted his early life to a rigid public school education. At the age of 19 he struck out for himself, and built, in a very short time, a rushing boarding-house and livery-stable business.
In 1871, he was elected by a very large majority to repre- sent the Seventh Ward. In 1872 he was elected to the Leg- islature. Here he distinguished himself in opposition to the West Side Park Commissioners' taxation scheme. In the Council he occupies a high position on gas and police matters. He was re-elected on the People's ticket.
The record of Alderman Cullerton in the Common Council is a very satisfactory one to his constituents. No vital ques- tion, as well in a general sense, escapes his closest attention.
The alderman rarely speaks. When he does, his speech is the result of the most thorough conviction.
COMMON COUNCIL.
M. B. BAILEY.
This gentleman represents the Eighth Ward. He was elected in 1870 on the Republican ticket, though an old Democrat, and in 1872 on the People's ticket. His first term in the Council was noted by his herculean efforts to promote the sewerage facilities of his ward, securing the same when no appropriation had been made. A prominent feature of his second term was his minority report on the Tilly plan for a new Court House. He also distinguished himself by his efforts for the Canal and Twelfth street via- ducts. The Alderman was born in Limerick - near the boundaries - Ireland, in 1837, the year in which Chicago was incorporated. About the age of 16 he came to Chicago and acquired the mason and plastering art. In 1855 he went into business for himself, taking every contract he could get. In the latter part of 1856, setting forth from Lawrence, Kansas, he went to the Rocky Mountains, and after six months came back to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he built several large structures.
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