AUGUST BECK, for nearly forty years an active business man of Chicago, and one of the city's most popular German-American residents, passed away at his home in that city, on the morning of March 5, 1897; Mr. Beck had not only a distinct and pleasing personality, but he had as well, in happily blended combination, a nicety and precision of mental adjustment that made him at all times, and under all circumstances, the master of every business complication.

He was born August 8, 1830, at Steinbach, in the Grand Duchy of Hessen, and was descended from a family which has included among its members, in the last century, a number of men high in the political and official circles of Germany.  His father, Frederick Wilhelm Beck, was born July 29, 1800, in Bersraq, Grand Duchy of Hessen, and was a school teacher, being employed previous to 1840 in Grosskarben, and thereafter, until 1870, at Giessen, where he died in 1883. Here was celebrated in 187_ the golden wedding anniversary of himself and, his estimable wife, in the presence of all their children. February 13, 1825, Mr. Beck was married to Miss Elizabeth Sang, who was born November 17, 1807, in Sauerbach, Hessen. She died in 1877, in her seventieth year.

August Beck was educated at the gymnasium of Giessen,. and when eighteen years old entered the employ of a leaf tobacco house at Mannheim. Later he was with G. W.Gail & Company. of Giessen, manufacturers of tobacco, with whom he continued several years. In 1854 he came to the United States and entered the branch house of the same company at Baltimore. He came to Chicago in 1855, and July 17 of that year he began business under the firm name of August Beck & Company, handling tobacco at wholesale and manufacturing; cigars. The latter part of the business, however, he soon abandoned. In 1857 he entered into a partnership with Mr. Carl Wirth, under the style of Beck & Wirth. After the death of Mr. Wirth the concern was incorporated in 1881, Mr. Beck becoming president. In this capacity he labored with untiring zeal to promote his business interests, in which he was eminently successful.

The disastrous conflagration of 1887 I swept away almost his entire fortune of about one hundred thousand dollars. But he was not disheartened by this catastrophe. To him this was but an incident in his career, and the iron-like quality of the man asserted itself. On the ashes of his fortune, he resolutely set about re-organizing his affairs. His integrity and probity of character had been thoroughly established in his fourteirt years of ceaseless business activity, and the great confidence which he enjoyed in commercial circles is attested by the fact that on the day after the Great Fire he received from the well-known firm of C. F. Tag & Son, of New York, a telegram authorizing him to draw upon them for seventy-five thousand dollars.

With everything gone but his good name, he established himself squarely on the principles of his high code of honor, scorning to take advantage of his creditors by forcing a liquidation of his indebtedness at a discount, as many did. He steadfastly. refused to make any proposition of settlement on a compromise basis. For years he toiled early and late, with an eye single to one purpose-that of recovering from his losses; and in time he paid every creditor in full, with interest; declining every other settlement, He traveled 'extensively throughout the territory in which he sold goods, and thereby laid the solid foundation of the success of the present firm, largely upon personal acquaintance with jobbersand merchants of the retail trade. In 1892 he laid aside the active cares of his large business his son-in-law, Otto C. Schneider, purchasing his interest. The latter insisted, however, upon Mr. Beck retaining the title of president in the corporation, which he did.

Mr. Beck traveled extensively abroad, and crossed the ocean ten times, to visit his beloved Fatherland. His love for the country of his nativity in no sense detracted from his loyalty to the land of his adoption. He was thoroughly American in his views, and loved the institutions of this country, and he enjoyed thoroughly and to the fullest extent the liberties and advantages all enjoy in common in this favored land. His family connections in Germany are or the highest order. His eldest brother, William Beck, in Darmstadt, enjoys the distinction of being a Privy Councillor to the Grand Duke of Hessen. His brother-in- law, at Mayence, has been a member of the German Reichstag, and his youngest brother, Charles Beck, whose place of residence is in Havana, Cuba, has the honor of representing different countries as Consul to' 'The Pearl of the Antilles."

Mr. Beck was Consul of the Grand Duchy of Hessen at Chicago, from 1866 to 1871, and when he retired from that service was decorated by the Grand Duke with the "Ritterkreuz of the Order of Philip the Magnanimous." He was an honored member of the Germania Club of Chicago, and was a supporter of the Republican party in American politics, but was not a politician, always declining to become a candidate for political preferment.

In 1857 he was married to Miss Louise Gerlach, of Frankfort-on-the-Main. She died in 1893, leaving three children, namely: William . C. , Charles F. , and Emily, the wife of Otto C. Schneider.

Mr. Beck's last continental trip was made in 1894, upon which occasion he visited Egypt and other remote lands. While on the African continent his health became impaired, but he was greatly benefited by a sojourn of several weeks in the pure air of the mountains of Switzerland. Upon his return from this trip he lived a quiet life, at his comfortable home on La Salle Avenue, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, to whom he was devotedly attached. He was one of the most companionable of men, and his congenial, sunny nature always made all who came into his presence feel at ease. He was well informed and a pleasing conversationalist. His leisure hours were whiled away at his favorite pastime, the intricate game of skat, at which he was considered an expert player. Said one who knew him well. His loyalty to friends, the perfect simplicity and frankness of his character, and the total absence of affectation and outward display made him an exceptionally good friend to all who enjoyed his confidence." [Source: "Album of Genealogy and Biography, 1897"  Transcribed by Dori Leekley]

May 9, 1885, Mr. Busse entered the service of the City Fire Department, as a driver at first, and truckman afterwards.  In a fire which occurred in December, 1888, his left hand was injured, the small bones in his left knee were broken, and he received an injury in his side, so that he was compelled to remain at home six months.  The fire which caused him so much suffering was on Mackinaw Avenue, between Eight-fifth and Eighty-sixth Streets.

Upon his recovery from injuries received while in the fire department, Mr. Busse resolved to find other employment, and accordingly, on May 23, 1889, he joined the police force as patrolman, and for the past two years has been employed as messenger in the South Chicago Station.  In his business life he has attended strictly to the duties of his position, and has always shown a disposition to rise in station.  While serving at a large fire May 8, 1897, Mr. Busse took a severe cold, which brought on hemorrhage of the left lung, and incapacitated him from active duty for many months.

Mr. Busse was married April 2, 1890, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Leiendecker.  They are the parents of the following children:  Joseph, Frederick William and George Augustus.  Mr. Busse and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is connected with the Policemen's Benevolent Association.  He is a man of genial and pleasant manner, and has many firm friends, by whom his merits and character are appreciated. (Source: Album of Genealogy and Biography, 1897  Transcribed by Dori Leekley)

ULRICK LOUIS DURAND, of Tavenner & Durand, boarding, feed and sale stables, was born at Lyons, France, in 1854, and when young immigrated with his parents to Montreal, Canada, where he learned the trade of painter. In 1871 he moved to Springfield, Mass., and there worked at his trade. Coming West in 1876 he located at the Union Stock Yards and engaged in business as a house and sign painter. He sold out this and on October 1, 1883, embarked in his present business in company with James W. Tavenner, an old and experienced livery-man. The firm have a nice stock of horses, and are building up a good business. [Source: "HISTORY OF EARLY CHICAGO MODERN CHICAGO AND ITS SETTLEMENT EARLY CHICAGO, AND THE NORTHWEST BY ALBERT D. HAGER, page 675. Transcribed by Dori Leekley]

JOHN LYONS, dealer in wines, liquors and cigars, was born in Ireland in March, 1848, and reared on a farm, He served five years in Her Majesty's Life Guards, and in 1869 came to New York, where he resided some fifteen months. In 1871 he came to Chicago and engaged in business as a retail dealer in wines, liquors and cigars, and has been engaged in that line of business ever since. In 1873 he removed to the town of Lake, and has since continued there. Mr. Lyons is an active politician and a stanch Democrat. He is a charter member of General Washington Lodge, A. O. F. [Source: HISTORY OF EARLY CHICAGO MODERN CHICAGO AND ITS SETTLEMENT EARLY CHICAGO, AND THE NORTHWEST BY ALBERT D. HAGER, page 664  Transcribed by Dori Leekley]

FRANK F. HENNING, President of the German-American Hospital, of Chicago, has been connected with business interests and philanthropic institutions in that city for a third of a century.  He was born May 3, 1840, in the city of Gransee, Germany, and is the eldest son of Frederick and Henriette (Kanow) Henning. The family is of Swiss descent, the ancestors having left Switzerland about 1780, on account of religious persecutions.

Frederick Henning and his wife were natives of the same part of Germany as their son, Frank F.   He was by trade a harness-maker, but later cultivated a farm and, about 1848, decided to emigrate to America, but as his father objected, he went into the country and bought a farm, which he conducted until he came to the United States.  In 1855, the parents, with six children, sailed from Bremen on the sailing ship 'Othien,'  and five weeks later landed at New York. They came to Chicago, and after remaining a week, removed to Port Washington, Wisconsin.  

They finally settled about six miles from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where Frederick Henning bought one hundred sixty acres of timber land, which he cleared, and cultivated several years,  He is now living retired in Manitowoc.  Of his ten children six were born in the Fatherland and four in Wisconsin. Only five of these are now living, namely: Frank F., the eldest; Paulina, now Mrs. Schroeder; Henrietta, wife of George Bodmer, of Chicago; Emma and Matilda. The mother died in 1893, aged eighty-four years, and the father has reached the age of eighty-six years.

Frank F. Henning was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools of his native city.  In 1859 he left home with only one dollar in his pocket to make his own way in the world.  He worked at loading a cargo on a vessel at Monitowoc and unloading it at Chicago, to pay his passage to the latter city.  From there he walked to Morris, Illinois, a distance of sixty miles, where he found employment on a farm at eight dollars a month.  Here he attended school during the winter of 1859-1860.   July 28, 1861, he enlisted at Aurora, for three years, in the Union Army, and was mustered September 12th of that year, in the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D.  His regiment was assigned to the Western Division, and saw hard service in Missouri and Arkansas, and he participated in all the engagements where his regiment acted.   Mr. Henning's first engagement was at Pea Ridge, and he was wounded at the battle of Stone River in the foot, head and right hip. He was taken, more dead than alive, to the field hospital, and after the wounds were dressed, he was sent to the hospital at Nashville.  From here he was sent to Cincinnati, and was discharged in July, 1863, for disability. Upon his discharge he returned to his home in Wisconsin, where he remained until the early spring of 1864, and since that time has been a resident of the city of Chicago.  He found employment with Lohn & Koenig, for a time, in gluing chairs; then as salesman and bookkeeper, and in 1867 he bought a quarter interest in the business, the firm then becoming Koenig, Henning & Gamer.  Their business was located at Nos. 48 and 50 Fifth Avenue, where the fire of 1871 wiped them out, and left them with a debt of twenty-five thousand dollars, which was the amount of insurance they carried, but they were able to obtain only six thousand dollars therefrom.

Immediately after the fire the firm built a furniture factory, and in a year and a-half paid their liabilities.  Mr. Henning remained a member of this firm until the spring of 1881.  About 1878 a German Young Men's Christian Association was organized, of which Mr. Henning became president; its members visited hospitals, jails and poorhouses.  Being of a sympathetic nature, Mr. Henning became interested in the sufferings of humanity and their alleviation, and decided to devote the remainder of his life to philanthropic work.  He had acquired a comfortable competence, and when he retired from manufacturing, in December, 1883, he secured the incorporation of the German Hospital, and in 1884 it was opened in a building owned by Mr. Henning.  Most of the funds for the foundation of this institution were raised by Mr. Henning, who was its president.  It was located at No. 242 Lincoln Avenue, where he donated two years' rent.  The present site of this hospital was purchased in 1886, Mr. Henning advancing three thousand dollars for the first payment, and a year later nine thousand dollars for building purposes.  Its generous benefactor was president until 1896, when he resigned and withdrew, on account of differences of opinion among some of the directors and physicians.

The hospital had accumulated property worth sixty thousand dollars, with an endowment fund of twenty-one thousand dollars, and for thirteen years Mr. Henning had devoted his time and energy to it, with no compensation in money.  In 1886 he organized a deaconess' society for the purpose of procuring trained nurses, and failing to get enough in this way, they branched out and erected a large building for a nurses' training school, which is now used as the German-American Hospital.  Nurses have received two years' training when they graduate from this institution, and about fifty nurses have been graduated.  Thus this institution is not only a hospital, but a training school for nurses.  The noble founder cared not for honor or glory to himself in this good work, but found his compensation in the lives made happier and better, and the benefit of his fellow-creatures from the results of his time and study.

In 1893 Mr. Henning was one of the prime movers in organizing the Bethesda Industrial Home, at Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, for the aged, infirm and helpless.  In 1894. a  printing office was established at the home to assist in defraying the expenses.  This has proved a success, and there are now two monthy papers issued from it.  Mr. Henning has ever since been connected with its management.  Though he is a firm supporter of Republican principles, he could never be induced to accept office for himself.

He has been twice married.  June 28, 1866, he wedded Miss Dorothy Gamus, a native of Hanover, Germany, and they had six children, of whom three are living, namely:  Frank, Arthur, and Oswald.  The mother died in 1881.  February 28, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Buerstatte, daughter of Henry and Maria (Meister) Buerstatte.  She was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  They have three children, Meta, Laura, and Walter.  Mr. Henning has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and is known for his good works in all parts of the great metropolis.  His example is worthy of study and emulation, and he is honored and admired by all.  He has been connected with the Chicago Avenue Church (Moody's) a number of years. [Source: "Album of Genealogy and Biography, 1897"  Transcribed by Dori Leekley]

Previous to the age of eighteen years he emigrated to the United States, coming direct to the "City by the Lake," which has since been his residence.  His brother James came to Chicago and remained a short time, and another brother, William J., emigrated later, and located in New York City, where he still resides.  He was formerly employed as a buyer by A. T. Stewart.

Peter Jackson realized the advantage of continuing at one trade through life, and accordingly satisfied himself of his abilities for his life work before beginning it.  He decided to enter the employ of a railroad corporation, and he was compelled to begin with a small salary and a place at the bottom round of the ladder.  By his careful study and attention to details, and his perseverance, he was able to advance to the responsible position of conductor, which position he held for about eight years.  He is now a stationary engineer, and has the confindence and esteem of his associates and fellow citizens.

December 31, 1874, Mr. Jackson married Mary Josephine Kilcran, a daughter of Frank Kilcran, whose biography may be found on another page of this book.  They had eight children, six of whom are living, namely William, Mary, Sarah, Jane, Frank, and Ellen.  Mr. Jackson, as well as his parents and relatives in Ireland, are members of the Episcopal Church.  He is a true and loyal citizen of the United States, and takes an interest in the affairs of the country.  In national political matters he is a Republican, but is independent in local politics. [Source: "Album of Genealogy and Biography, 1897"  Transcribed by Dori Leekley]

JOHN RANDOLPH HOXIE. Chicago, the Queen of our Great West, is indebted for its marvelous growth and rapid development, which have caused the whole world to acknowledge its commercial greatness, to a few men, who, to lay the foundations of metropolitan supremacy, gave the best of their heart's blood, their brain power, and nerve forces. The majority have as their reward wealth or honor, but few have both. Among the active business men who have acquired both was the subject of this sketch, who obtained it through close attention to business, and unswerving integrity and uprightness of character. John R. Hoxie was born December 13, 1831, in Macedon, near Rochester, New York, and his parents were Cornelius and Anna (Brawnell) Hoxie. He received a partial education in the Macedon Academy, but as his tastes impelled him to use every opportunity for learning business ways, his schooldays were thus cut short. Many stories of his youthful trading propensities illustrate his ability in doing well for himself, and in him could plainly be seen the future financier and business man. On one occasion he wished to buy a fish-hook, but as his finances were low, he applied to the banker of the town, who lent him three cents. After catching and disposing of the fish he very promptly paid his debt, thus winning the esteem of his creditor. At the age of fourteen years he bought all the turkeys in the neighborhood and realized a handsome profit on them. At seventeen years of age he was able to buy his "time" or independence from his father, for one thousand dollars. He was always prudent with his earnings, and many times walked from Albany to Rochester to save the fare by stage.

Mr. Hoxie became a sub-contractor on the Niagara Falls Railroad at an early age, and later was in the same position on the Staten Island Railroad. While in the latter position the yellow fever began raging and he was quarantined, but finally escaped to the mainland. After spending nearly two years in Virginia he returned to Rochester, New york, where he became a dealer in live stock, which he shipped over the Michigan southern and other Railroads. His fame as a man of great business tact and ability spread over many States, and in 1857 he received an offer to assist in the management of the shipping business of the Michigan Southern Railroad, with headquarters in Chicago. This offer was received by telegram, and hastily packing his satchel, he told his mother hw would return in a few days; but the days lengthened into weeks, months, and years, and he did not return home until 1862. The officers of the company recognized his ability, and the position of stock agent was offered him, which he accepted and retained during his connection with the road.

At this time the company was almost bankrupt, but Mr. Hoxie infused new life into the business by building up the freight traffic, thus saving it from financial ruin. For this service the company was ever truly grateful, and he was retained in office long after his active interest ceased. Largely through his influence the Railroad was able to retain its controlling interest in the Union Stock Yards, and the profits from the tremendous traffic in live stock thus brought to it. When a combined effort was made by the other roads to induce Mr. Hoxie to retire from the service of the Michigan Southern, he declined every consideration offered him, and remained faithful though all temptation.

From early morning until late eve did he labor in the interest of this road, and this was practically his life work. He foresaw great possibilities in its future, and steadily strove to carry it forward to its destiny. His nature rejoiced in victory over opposition, and the sharp competition he often met was refreshing to his restless spirit, and a stimulus to greater exertions. He loved work for its own sake, not for praise and reward. In the end, however, he paid the usual penalty for living under such high pressure, by the invasion of sickness and premature death. His nature could not rest, and though his life was shorter, he accomplished much more than the majority of business men.

Though an extremely busy man, he was always cheerful, and liked the society of his fellows. He was, however, a stranger to the fashionable clubs, and made his home the scene of his rest and recreation. His wife was a worthy life companion, and her delight was to make the home pleasant, having a serene manner, a contented disposition, and being a great help to her husband in curbing his great ambition and teaching him the lessons of patience. As soon as he was able Mr. Hoxie began to invest money in securities, and so good was his foresight that he became wealthy. In 1878 he bought a large grant of land from the heirs of Dr. Hoxie, a veteran of the Texan and the Mexican Wars, and an army surgeon under General Houston. This grant embraced ten thousand acres of land in Williamson County, Texas, to which he added another purchase of seven thousand acres. It is situated thirty-five miles from Austin, and six thousand acres of it have been cultivated, and fifty families reside on it.

Mr. Hoxie also bought fifty-two thousand acres of land at Midland, Texas, in the Counties of Martin and Andrews, this land being used for grazing. Beside his mansion on Michigan Avenue, he had a country home twenty-one miles south of Chicago, which included seven hundred fifty-seven acres of land. Here he spent many hours away from the cares of business life, and lived close to the heart of Nature. On all his farms he has kept the building in excellent repair, having built many new ones. Unlike most business men, he early instructed his wife in the details of his affairs, being animated by the principle that what was his also belonged to her. To this wise precaution his widow now largely owes her ability to manage the property with such success.

Mr. Hoxie made annual trips to his possessions in the South, and to every one of these Texas owned some improvement and he many times used his influence in opening some avenue of commerce. In 1887 he decided to retire from business, but never fully carried out his intention. When he was in Texas he made his headquarters at Fort Worth and there he was held in high esteem by all the inhabitants, and especially the business men. Prior to his coming to this town the business was very dull, but he inspired confidence by organizing the Farmers and Mechanics' National Bank, with a capital of one million dollars. He was the president of this bank and also of the First National Bank at Taylor, Texas. He was connected with twenty other banks in this State, his influence and standing giving them power to exist.

In 1891, at the urgent request of the citizens of Fort Worth, he organized Stock Yards and Packing Houses, and the next year passed through a strike which made his presence at the yards necessary. This was such a severe strain on his finely organized nervous constitution that he never recovered his former health. A small benefit was gained at Carlsbad Springs, Germany, but nothing could entirely stay the ravages of the disease, diabetes, from which his death resulted. He passed away November 21, 1896.

Mr. Hoxie was a talented man, and had many charming traits of character. His influence was ever for good and his advice in municipal affairs was often sought and freely given. He was president of the Board of Trustees of Hyde Park and a school trustee in the town of Lake. During the centennial year he was a candidate for Congress on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated. Though he never afterward held any office his influence was such that he controlled many positions of trust and responsibility. His rare wit and skillful repartee may be said to be gifts inherited from his mother, well-known for her good sense and quick perception.

Mr. Hoxie became interested in the Chicago City Railway Company and was instrumental in extending the cable lines, being for many years one of the largest individual stockholders. He was many times the youngest member of various boards of management, where he was nevertheless recognized as a born leader. His associates often called him "Boy", among these being such men as Silas B. Cobb, Daniel Jones, Solomon Sturges, Lyman Blair, John DeKoven, Samuel Nickerson, Lyman J. Gage, John B. Sherman, P. D. Armour, Samuel Allerton, and others equally well-known. He was called the "Mogul" of the Stock Yards Railroad along Fortieth street, which was secured by his indefatigable energy.

In his business methods Mr. Hoxie was unlike the average man. Though possessed of sufficient ability to carry on numerous vast business enterprises at the same time, he never used books to record his transactions, but so carefully was everything systematized that he suffered no loss from this fact. His was an eccentric character, but he was no recluse, and enjoyed rare friendships. He was well-known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree. His wealth was accumulated in legitimate way, and his only extravagance was indulged in providing for the comfort of his family. In religious belief he was a Quaker, and helped build and maintain the church at Twenty-six Street and Indiana Avenue. The principles of his forefathers seemed to be the guide and rule of his life.

Mr. Hoxie was married October 22, 1872, to Mary J., daughter of P.D. Hamilton. Among the Quakers she was known as "John's wife," but her husband always spoke of her with deference as Mrs. Mary J. Hoxie. Their union was blessed by three children, namely; John R., Junior, Gilbert H. and Anna C. [Source: "Album of Genealogy and Biography, 1897" p. 7, Transcribed by Dori Leekley]

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