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 11
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He then came to Chicago, where many a foot of land bears the weight of his work. Among many other structures, he has built the new County Jail, the Second National Bank, the Empire Block, the Washington School, Father Waldron's School, Schollkopf's, on Randolph street, and Cohn Broth- er's Building. The Alderman's ambition is building.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
JAMES H. HILDRETH.
This is the second term of Alderman James Henry Hil- dreth, in the Common Council, having been elected first in 1869 to represent the Seventh Ward, and in 1873, on the People's ticket, to represent the Eighth. The districts are almost identical, the numbers of the Wards being changed by the Legislature.
Mr. Hildreth was born in Chester county, Massachusetts, July 8, 1840, and is of American descent. At about the age of 19, having spent a short time farming in Will county. he came to Chicago, procuring, upon his arrival, a conductor- ship from the North Side City Railway Company. This position he subsequently abandoned for an appointment as Grain Inspector under the Board of Trade. In 1862, upon the organization of the Board of Trade Battery, our subject enlisted and proceeded to the front. In all of the principal battles fought by this deservedly famous organization, Mr. Hildreth took a prominent part; remembering the stirring incidents of no less than 34 battles, and the capture of the head and front of the Southern Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. The army life of the Alderman is replete in a continuous series of thrilling adventures which well illus- trate the daring spirit of the man. On one occasion, in the . vicinity of Covington, Georgia, a few horses of the division giving very good promise of dropping under their riders, Hildreth was dispatched, as he always was on such occa- sions, to look about for substitutes. He had not gone far
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before he met with the most brilliant success. It was so encouraging, in fact, as to keep him so long absent that his companions gave him up for dead. While ruminating over his untimely demise, the boys were suddenly aroused by the appearance of a batch of horses and mules, numbering in all 27, and commanded by negroes. Four horsemen bring- ing up the rear comprised Corporal Hildreth, a Rebel lieutenant - colonel, and two privates. The animals were bagged while hotly pursued into apparent safety, by the negroes; the officer was surprised from the shadow of a tree; and the two privates were captured when half way through a fence, having just bidden an affectionate fare- well to their sweethearts. In recognition of his extraor- dinary service on this occasion, he was presented with a magnificent testimonial. On his return from the war, Mr. Hildreth received his old position on the Board of Trade.
The trying scenes of the Great Fire counted no bolder hero than Hildreth. As very often happens, however, the glory of his achievements was appropriated to the credit of somebody else. When the water supply had ceased, bring- ing panic into the hearts of the bravest, Hildreth, with the suddenness of thought, hurried to the powder magazines on South Water street, near State, and, bursting the doors open, gathered up all of the kegs of powder and fuse he could find, and, through showers of sparks and clouds of suffocat- ing smoke, proceeded to the work of blowing-up. The first building that trembled was the Union National Bank; then Smith & Nixon's. In his experience in these structures, Mr. Hildreth learned that he did not succeed as well as he might. The subsequent efforts of the Alderman proved more successful, the following buildings tumbling above the powder with tremendous beauty: at the northwest and southwest corners of Washington street and Wabash avenue ; at the corner of State and Harrison, where the fire was
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checked; and about six buildings on the north side of Con- gress street, near Wabash avenue. Yet, the wires flashed in all directions the news of the perilous powder performance entirely credited to Gen. Phil. Sheridan. This mistake, however, might arise from the fact that Police Commisioner Sheridan took a prominent part in the proceeding, and that Gen. Sheridan was present in the burning city.
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JAMES O'BRIEN.
This gentleman was elected by a very large majority to represent the Ninth Ward in the Common Council. Votes to the number of 1,025 in this ward is something to be proud of.
The Alderman was born in the county of Wex- ford, Ireland, July 25, 1842. His early life was not replete in anything very extraordinary. Before his advent in Chicago, in fact, nothing occurred, it may be said, to mar the harmony of a very ordinary life. Railroad enterprise had fascinations for him, and commencing at car coupling, he, in a brief time, was appointed assistant yard-master in the employ of the Michigan Southern. Relinquishing this busi- ness after a time, he entered the retail liquor business, in which he is now engaged.
In the Council Alderman ()'Brien's position is a peculiar, but doughty one. He has convictions, and insists always upon vindicating them. It is true, he generally stands in the minority ; but his status is, to say the least, very manly. He stood against the confirmation of Commissioners Wright and Mason, as a matter of law ; and in the slate made by Mayor Colvin, was the first Alderman to exercise the spirit of his independence.
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THOMAS F. BAILEY.
Thomas Francis Bailey was elected from the Ninth Ward in 1873, on the People's ticket, by a majority of about 470. One of his opponents was Ex-Alderman Powell, whose strength in the ward was very great.
Alderman Bailey was born in Lough Gur, Limerick, in 1842. He is, therefore, 32 years of age. He remained in his native place perhaps until arrived at the age of II. He then went to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and worked on a farm. In 1856, having reconsidered an intention to settle in Michigan, he came to Chicago, and entered general merchandise, serving in Shufeldt's distillery as general fore- man up to Jan. 1, 1874.
The election of Alderman Bailey from so peculiar a ward as the Ninth, it is said, even surprised himself only less than it did Ex-Alderman Powell.
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DAVID W. CLARK, JR.
This gentleman is Alderman of the Tenth Ward, having defeated C. C. P. Holden, Esq., in 1872, on the straight Re- publican ticket. He had not the remotest idea of achieving the victory, as it was generally supposed Mr. Holden could not be beaten in a ward he had represented so long.
Mr. Clark was born in Boston, Massachusetts, May 6, 1840. In 1853, he left there and proceeded to New York, where he stayed one year. He then came to Chicago and entered the job printing business, in which he is now engaged. He was Supervisor in 1871, representing the Tenth Ward, and through his exertions principally, it is claimed, the abstract matter was referred to the incoming Board, whereby the county, it is estimated, was saved $1,250,000.
In the earlier life of our subject he figured well in the Volunteer Fire Department, receiving a medal in 1859, on Company 2 of the Fire Brigade, for not missing an alarm or fire during the year. In the same year he was elected First Lieutenant of the Company. He also served in Barker's Dragoons during the war. This company formed Gen. Mc- Clellan's body guard through West Virginia. Mr. Clark was Secretary of W. B. Warren Lodge of the Masonic order, and in 1868 received a magnificent gold watch and chain for mer- itorious services.
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C. L. WOODMAN.
Charles Leonard Woodman represents the Tenth Ward in the Common Council, elected in 1873 on the "Law and Order " ticket, by about 700 majority. This is the Alder- man's fourth term in the Common Council. He represented, under the administration of Mayor Sherman, the Eighth Ward; represented the Sixteenth Ward on Sherman's sec- ond term, and was elected from the Twentieth Ward after the Great Fire. In this connection it may be interesting to state that, when chosen to represent the Twentieth Ward, there was scarcely a house there to relieve the monotony of a prairie waste. The old residents were compelled to travel from their scattered habitations throughout the city to be represented in a ward they did not live in. The contests in the Council Alderman Woodman remembers with pleasure, concern the improvement of the mouth of the river, the construction of the great Lake Tunnel, and the deepening of the Chicago River. All of these he successfully favored against active opposition. He was also most conspicuous on the Railroad Committee.
Mr. Woodman was born in Barrington, Stafford County, N. H., July 7, 1829. At the age of thirteen, he removed to Great Falls, and, excepting six months at school, devoted himself to the bakery business, in company with his brother. In those days no machinery being at hand, it occupied the time of four men and a boy to turn one barrel of flour into crackers. Now, one man can work five barrels per day.
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At the age of twenty, Mr. Woodman built an oven in Great Falls, and went into business for himself. After the lapse of five years, he came to Chicago. Immediately upon ar- rival, he secured a position at fifteen dollars per week, com- petent workmen receiving at the time from six to eight dollars. His position was the superintendency of a bakery at the corner of Dearborn and Illinois streets. He soon bought this establishment out, and did well enough to start a more extensive business on the South Side. Forming a copartnership with Joseph M. Dake,- now dead,-he es- tablished himself on Dearborn street, near the Post-office, where his shingle was visible at the time of the Fire. It was here he conceived the " aerated bread " idea, which was so popular for a time. About five years ago, in company with Edward Olcott, he built a bakery on Kinzie street. Both of his establishments, as well as his residence, were burned in the great Fire, entailing a loss of about $75,000. The loss did not affect the spirit of the Alderman much, however. Within thirty days after the fire, he was baking one hundred barrels a day in his temporary structure, on the corner of Adams and Canal streets. The extent of his business since can be judged from the following, taken from his ledger : For 1873, upwards of 30,000 barrels of flour made into bread and crackers - production, 1,500,000 loaves of bread, and 75,000 barrels of crackers. Sales, over $125,000 more than previous year.
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PATRICK KEHOE.
Patrick Kehoe was elected to represent the Eleventh Ward, in 1872, on the People's ticket, by a most favorable majority.
Mr. Kehoe was born in Carlow County, in the town of Clonegall, Ireland, in 1834. In 1854, he came to Chicago, and established a flourishing grocery business in the vicinity of his present locality, corner of Carroll and Halsted streets. It was in an era in Chicago's history when a little foresight would work tremendous marvels for a man. That commod- ity forming one of our subject's capabilities, he succeeded in building himself up remarkably fast.
Mr. Kehoe has not figured very prominently in politics, devoting most scrupulous attention to trade.
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GEORGE E. WHITE.
This gentleman represents the Eleventh Ward. He was elected in 1873, on the People's ticket, and is the youngest man in the Council, and one of the shrewdest. He was born in Millbury, Massachusetts, in 1848, and left there at the age of 13, to graduate in North Wilberham College, About 15 he entered the army.
In the battles for the Union, Alderman White took a promi- nent part, figuring in no less than 17 battles. Among other reminiscences, he was present at Lee's surrender. He fought under Meade, Burnside, and Wilcox, and was three times wounded. At the beginning of the war, he went out under Col. Bartlett, now Brevet Major General, a bosom friend, and a magnificent officer.
At the end of the war, Alderman White settled in Chicago, working for Messrs. White & Ellson at a salary of $50 per month. He then went into business for himself, when the firm name was Burchard, White & Co. Burchard was now bought out, and the firm name was White & Haffner. Mr. White now bought out Haffner, and ran the lumber business himself; in which he is now engaged.
The extent of the Alderman's business may be learned from the fact that his pay-roll per week amounts to $2,000. His acquaintances say he is worth $75,000.
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AMOS F. MINER.
Amos F. Miner was elected to represent the Twelfth Ward in the Common Council, in 1872, on the Republican ticket, by a majority of about 386; two other candidates being in the field.
The Alderman was born in Grafton county, New Hamp- shire, in 1826. At the age of eight he left his native place and went to Rensselaer county, New York, where he went to work on a farm; devoting his leisure hours to the acquisi- tion of an education. He then became a school teacher. But the birch and rule did not develop sufficient muscle to wield, very healthily, the hammer of life. Accordingly the Alderman learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. Hav- ing acquired a thorough knowledge of the business, he pro- ceeded to Westchester county, where he remained three or four years. He then removed to Desplaines, Cook county, Illinois, where he remained for about ten years. In both of these places he was quite busily engaged in building enter- prises. He has been since, and is now, engaged in building.
Ten years ago Mr. Miner was admitted to the Bar, but did not enter practice. He has interested himself in public affairs for some time; yet he does not care to figure much politically, it seems. Among other positions of public trust he served as Assistant Examiner of Schools in the North- west, under Greenleaf, and as a Justice of the Peace for five years. He came to Chicago in 1866.
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MONROE HEATH.
Monroe Heath, Alderman of the Twelfth Ward, was re- elected in the fall of 1873, on the "Law and Order " ticket, by about 986 majority. Only seventeen votes stood against him on his first election on the Fire-Proof ticket.
Mr. Heath was born in Springfield, Sullivan county, New Hampshire, in 1828. His ancestors, on the maternal side, it is pretty clearly established, came over in the Mayflower ; and the very fair presumption is that his progenitors were of English descent.
His mother dying when our subject was but four years old, and his father when he was but eight, circumstances required the placing of the boy in the custody of his grandmother. The old lady took care of him up to the age of about seventeen. He now went to Boston, and acquired a knowledge of general merchandise. Hence- forward, up to his arrival in Chicago, his mercantile career was relieved by considerable traveling; experience in the Mexican war, and a trip to Pike's Peak, contributing enliven- ing reminiscences.
In the early part of 1851 Mr. Heath came to Chicago, when he immediately engaged in the painting business. The first locality he selected was upon the North Side, in the vicinity of Wells street bridge. During the first year he employed but four or five men. In the second year the force was increased to about forty. He then removed to the South Side, and, in company with Mr. Henry Milligan, with
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whom he associated in 1855, has since succeeded in building up the magnificent proportions of business they now enjoy, on East Randolph street, near LaSalle. To go into detail regarding the immense progress made by the firm of Heath & Milligan since its organization, would be superfluous. The entire business community built up in Chicago recog- nize Messrs. Heath & Milligan as standing at the very head and front of the most successful in their particular line of business.
Their success they have achieved, too, under quite dis- couraging circumstances. The firm was burned out twice, and lost heavily. They rebuilt immediately after the first occasion, and after the second. The latter occasion hap- pened to be that of the great fire, an event distinctly remem- bered, it is presumed. The present establishment they entered about ninety days after the great disaster.
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AVERY MOORE.
This gentleman represents the Thirteenth Ward in the Common Council, elected on the Republican ticket, in 1872. He was elected first in 1865, from the old Seventh Ward, being, it is said, the first Republican ever elected in that district.
Mr. Moore was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1830. Here he remained up to the age of 25, devoting his days to school and a mercantile career. He now removed to War- saw, Hancock county, Illinois, where he taught school and pursued real estate principally. In 1863-after having constructed a commendable war record - Mr. Moore came to Chicago. In 1864, he entered the employ of the Chica- go, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad. He subsequently left this institution and established himself in the storage busi- ness, corner of Rush and Kinzie streets.
Mr. Moore's first political experience was in Ohio, where he represented Belmont county in convention. Among other positions of trust, Mr. Moore has served honorably in the Board of Education.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
J. L. CAMPBELL.
Alderman Campbell was first elected in 1869, from the Thirteenth Ward, on the straight Republican ticket, by a majority of 262.
He was born in Livingston county, New York, and came to Illinois at the age of 19, settling in Elgin. After a stay of six years in the milk (and water) region, Alderman Camp- bell went to Northern Iowa, and studied in the Iowa Uni- versity, in Lafayette. Since that time his progress in his (legal) profession has been very rapid. The political promi- nence of Alderman Campbell was first made manifest in Idaho, when the question was first agitated of organizing a territory east of the mountains. He went to Washington at this time, and stayed there until the territory known as Mon- tana had been an accomplished fact. He is responsible for the events that conspired to effect it. The fact was duly appreciated by the denizens of that locality, Alderman Campbell having been invited to represent the people of that region in Congress immediately. Having accepted the mer- ited honor, he was on his way thither, when a horde of Indi- ans between Fort Kearney and Denver intercepted his approach. The event checked the political aspirations of the Alderman, but not much. Subsequent history stands as evidence of the fact.
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BARTHOLOMEW QUIRK.
The Alderman, representing the Fourteenth Ward, was elected on the Republican ticket, in 1872. He was born in Castle Gregory, County of Kerry, Ireland, in 1834. In 1841 he went to Albany, New York; thence to Buffalo ; and, in 1844, came to Chicago.
He spent about four years in school, firstly in the old Plant- er's House, and afterwards at the Old Dearborn. He now went to printing. His employer failing to pay, the Alderman failed to make pi, etc., and went to carpentry. He remained in the business to become a successful builder of residences. The Alderman was for three years and three months in the army, serving in the Twenty-Third Illinois. In the princi- ple battles shared by that regiment, Mr. Quirk participated. He accompanied Mulligan, Sheridan and Cook through all of the engagements, mostly in Western Virginia; witnessed "Sheridan's ride," and was within fifty feet of Colonel Mul- ligan when killed.
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SILAS E. CLEVELAND.
This gentleman represents the Fourteenth Ward, and has been elected twice : in 1871, on the Fire-Proof ticket; and in 1873, on the "Law and Order" ticket. He was born in Clinton county, New York, in 1839. In 1849 the family removed to Chicago, and placed the Alderman at school ; first at Hathaway's old school, then at Washington school, and also at Mount Morris College, Ogle county, Illinois. He then went to work in the carpenter shop of his father, spending a short time with Olmstead & Nickerson, archi- tects. He was soon placed in the carpenter shop, in charge of the planing department. In 1861 he accompanied his father, a captain in the Eighth Illinois cavalry, to the front; and witnessed, among other battles, the fight in front of Richmond, and the battles of Bull Run, Malvern Hill, and Williamsburg. In 1862 he filled several building contracts with the Pittsburg & Ft. Wayne Road. He also served three years as a mail agent on the Northwestern Road. Since then he has been engaged in prosperous business enterprises.
In the Council the Alderman favors strongly the princi- ple of the " Law and Order " party, and advocated fervently the closing of the saloons on Sunday.
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NICHOLAS ECKHARDT.
Mr. Eckhardt is Alderman of the Fifteenth Ward, and was elected in 1872 on an Independent ticket, by a majority of 156, two other candidates being in the field.
He was born in 1832 in Germany, and left his native country at the age of 17. He then came almost directly to Chicago. Here he learned the carpentry trade, and re- lieved the monotony of his avocation by running, like so many citizens, in the Fire Department. He was on the regular Fire Department for eight years, serving as pipe- man on the "Queen," and subsequently on the "Brown." He is at present engaged in the liquor trade.
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J. J. McGRATH.
Alderman McGrath represents the Fifteenth Ward in the Common Council.
Born in Ireland, he came, when quite young, to America, and settled with an uncle in New York City, where he re- ceived a liberal education. He then learned cooperage, transacting the same for several years, and finally became interested in the Chicago Distilling Company. He was shortly appointed superintendent over some eighty men, then employed in the business of cooperage. He subse- quently purchased the institution, and now employs about fifty operatives.
He visited Canada, and the Southern States, returned to his native land in 1867, glanced at the principal cities of the Old World, and dropped in to view the marvels of in- dustry in the Paris Exposition. It was on this trip Alder- man McGrath acquired the extensive knowledge he has so often displayed in sewerage, water supplies, and kindred subjects of municipal importance. When the sewer bill of Corporation Counsel Tuley was pending before the body, the report submitted on the question by Alderman McGrath, Chairman of the Sewer Committee, will be recalled as a document of a most exhaustive nature.
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PETER MAHR.
Alderman Peter Mahr was elected to represent the Six- teenth Ward, on the Republican ticket, in 1872. He was born in Nassau, Germany, June 11, 1835, and lived under the paternal roof up to the age of 15. While the old people were doing very well in Fatherland, they thought, neverthe- less, that their heir might grow more useful to himself in America. With this intention, the family removed to this country and settled down to agricultural pursuits in Wis- consin. Their stay was but short. The golden grain was very pretty, indeed, in the eyes of Peter, but the suggestions it afforded were more practical than poetic. The result of his education was that he became a brewer. He pursued this avocation in Wisconsin until he thought it would pay better in Illinois.
He accordingly came to Chicago, and gave his services to Lill & Diversy for many years. He then went into business for himself. He was elected a Ward Supervisor for two years, and a Town Supervisor for about the same period.
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THE GREAT REVOLUTION.
THOMAS W. STOUT.
Alderman Thomas W. Stout was elected to represent the Sixteenth Ward in 1871 on the Star Chamber, and in 1873 on the People's ticket. He was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 15, 1836. The early education of the Alderman assisted his fondness for a mercantile life materially. In several fields of industry his work has made a very perceptible impress ; securing, as he did, a position in the employ of the North- western Railway Company, that gave him ample opportuni- ties, He held a position on this road for no less than 22 years.
In the Council he was a strenuous advocate of clos- ing saloons on Sundays up to I p. m .; conspicuously figuring on the Committee of Nine. He was a strong oppo- ser of gas monopoly ; having advocated a measure which he claims would save the city the sum of $200,000 annually.
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LOUIS SCHAFFNER.
Alderman Schaffner, better known as Col. Schaffner, rep- resents the Seventeenth Ward.
He was born in Alsace, France, and is now 46 years of age. At the age of nine, Col. Schaffner removed to the city of New York, and engaged in the dry goods business, where he remained until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he organized, Jan. 8, 1861, Company A, of the Seventh New York Volunteers (Steuben). Elected Captain, the Colonel assumed, very modestly, however, the rank of Adjutant, con- fiding in future merit for a soldier's promotion, and winning it bravely. Col. Schaffner participated in the fight at Big Bethel, at Ball's Bluff, and Port Hudson, and many other engagements, and suffered, during his service through the entire war, two severe sunstrokes, and but a slight wound in the knee, which he received when Lieutenant Grebel was killed beside him. Promoted to the Lieutenant Colonelcy in a short time after the commencement of the struggle, he subsequently declined two offers of a brevet Brigadier-Gen- eralship. He had also charge of the prisoners at Rock Island and Camp Douglas. In the dawn of peace he en- tered the grocery business, and left it for the office of Assist- ant Assessor of Internal Revenue.
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