Biographies of Cook County Residents
presented by Illinois Genealogy Trails
(View the Biography Index to see a
list of available names)
Biographies of Cook County Residents
presented by Illinois Genealogy Trails
(View the Biography Index to see a
list of available names)
Abel A. Kay was born January
1, 1801, in Yorkshire, England, and was reared in his native land, where he learned the trade of shoemaker. He
was married in England to Miss Elizabeth Marshall, and in 1843 they came with their family, comprising eight children
(and a daughter-in-law), to America. They came in the sailing-vessel “Shakespeare,” the voyage taking six weeks
and two days, and the passage being very rough. From New York they traveled to Albany, thence by way of the Erie
Canal to Buffalo, and from there to Chicago through the Great Lakes, the last voyage occupying two weeks, thus
making the entire time in coming from England to Chicago nearly three months.
Mr. Kay bought a farm of ninety-three and one-third acres of fertile soil, in Jefferson Township, for five hundred
dollars. It was an improved farm with a large house and barn, fenced, and partly in cultivation, being located
one mile north of the Jefferson depot. He also bought ten acres of timber land, and continued to live on his farm
until his death, which occurred in 1847. His wife survived him forty years, expiring in 1887, at the age of eighty-four
years, having been born in 1803. Mr. Kay was a Methodist in his religious belief, and was a true Christian, giving
his sympathy to members of all denominations. He took an active part in religious matters, and for many years his
house was a meeting place for all denominations, and many services were held there. Mr. and Mrs. Kay had the following
children: Ann, who married Loren McClanathan, and died in March, 1847, soon after her marriage; Abel, who died
June 16, 1889, leaving one son, who is now dead, and a daughter, who is the wife of Thomas Wheldon, of Cook County;
Elizabeth, who married Thomas Burkill and died in August, 1896, leaving a large family of children (Almira, wife
of James Carpenter, a resident of Cook County; Thomas A., a resident of Jefferson; Sydney, who dropped dead on
the day following the death of his mother; Althea Moisley, who lives in Mayfair; Stella, who married William Ditcher,
and lives in Jefferson; Alice, now Mrs. Klink, of Mayfair; Scott, a resident of Jefferson); Frances, who married
Loren McClanathan, September 16, 1849; Jane, who married Edward Gray, and died, leaving two children, Lida and
Emma; Emma, who married William Myers, and died, leaving seven children (Eliza Young; Anna, wife of Charles Low,
of Norwood Park; William; Ella, now Mrs. Stockbridge, who lives in Jefferson; Clarence, who resides in Jefferson;
Ida, of Dakota; and Frank, a resident of Jefferson); John and Joseph Kay, who still live on the old homestead.
(Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 640) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]
Loren McClanathan was
born January 24, 1818, in Madison County, New York. He was educated in the schools of New York, and after he became
of age he went to the Southern States, teaching at one time in Kentucky. In 1843 he came to Chicago, and here he
married his first wife soon after. He was a currier by trade and was for a short time foreman in a currier shop.
In 1855 Mr. McClanathan taught school in Jefferson Township. In 1856 he entered the employ of the Illinois Central
Railroad Company as a conductor, and remained with it until a short time previous to his departure for the South,
to engage in the defense of his country. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army, and was one of General
McClellan’s body guard, in which capacity he served a year and a half, when he was transferred to the Twelfth Illinois
Cavalry, Company I, and was discharged March 18, 1864, on account of disability. He took part as a private in the
battles fought in front of Richmond, while McClellan was in command of the army. After the war he returned to Chicago,
where he was made yardmaster of the Great Eastern Yards, having charge of passenger trains. September 16, 1849,
he married Miss Frances Kay, and when he died, January 20, 1895, he left two children, as follows: Loren B., who
resides in Boston; and Harriet A., wife of Henry Elkins, of Chicago. One child, Lucien L., died in 1893, at the
age of thirty-nine years. Mr. McClanathan was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being connected with
Winfield Scott Post, No. 445, of Chicago. He took an active interest in the questions of the day, and was a Republican
in political opinion. He was a well-informed man, and a public-spirited and valuable citizen. (Album of Genealogy
& Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 640) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source
#26]
John Kay was born April 14,
1842, in Yorkshire, England, at Borrow Bridge. He is a son of Abel Archdale and Elizabeth (Marshall) Kay, both
of whom were born in the same locality, which was the home of their families. Abel A. Kay was a poor man, and his
wife was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. They came to America with their eight children in 1843, and went
direct to the hotel of Charles McDonald, on the corner of Market and Randolph Streets, Chicago, which was the rallying
place for all English emigrants who came to Cook County. Mr. Kay bought over one hundred acres of land, on which
Captain Johnson had filed a claim and built a very comfortable house, and in this Mr. Kay lived until his death.
He died in 1848, and for several years his wife conducted the farm, and then rented it until her son John was old
enough to cultivate it. Mr. and Mrs. Kay had the following children: Ann, who married Mr. McClanathan and is now
dead; Abel, who died in 1891; Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Burkill, of Jefferson Township), now deceased; Frances, Mrs.
McClanathan; Jane, who married Edward Gray, and is deceased; Emma, Mrs. William Myers, who lived on the old homestead,
and is now deceased; Marshall, who died at the age of Seventeen; John, the subject of this sketch; and Joseph Archdale,
who was born in Jefferson Township, and still lives on part of the old farm. John Kay enjoyed a very limited opportunity
for an education. His father and a neighbor built a log schoolhouse, and his father’s house was usually the home
of the teacher. When he was sixteen years of age, he began the care of the farm, and he was engaged at this until
1869, when it was divided. Mrs. Kay died in December, 1889, aged eighty-four years, and thus ended the life of
one who had been of good influence in the community, and who had lived a long and useful life. She was reared in
the Church of England and joined the Congregational Church in later life, and her children were reared in the Baptist
faith. John Kay is a member of the Sons of Saint George. In politics he thinks for himself, and does not follow
the dictates of any party, but supports the man he regards as most fitted for office. He is a good, reliable citizen
and enjoys universal respect. Transcribed by Mike Murphy (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL,
Page 628) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]
Joseph Archdale Kay was born
June 1, 1844, on the old homestead of his parents in Jefferson Township, Cook County, Illinois. He spent his boyhood
on the farm of his father, Abel Kay, attending school in the winter, and assisting in the labor of the farm as
soon as he was able. In 1859 he drove a milk wagon, and took care of an engine in a grist mill. In September, 1861,
he enlisted in the First Missouri Cavalry, Company D, which was consolidated with the Tenth Missouri Cavalry in
the winter of 1862. He served three years and one month, and then enlisted in Hancock’s Veteran Corps, in Company
K. The first service of his company was in Missouri, against Price, at Pea Ridge, and soon after they were in Arkansas,
and then they went down the Mississippi to a point below Vicksburg. In northern Mississippi he saw many skirmishes
and battles. From Corinth they made a forced march to Florence, passing through Shiloh. During the war he was home
for a few months on furlough. He spent one year in the Veteran Corps, and was discharged April 11, 1866. During
the last of Mr. Kay’s service he did provost duty in Washington. After the war Mr. Kay returned to Jefferson and
engaged in farming. He remained with his mother two years, and then moved to the place he now occupies, and has
since been engaged in gardening. His sons cultivate the farm, which contains eighteen and one-half acres. June
23, 1866, he was married to Maggie, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Best) Primrose, the former a native of
Scotland and the latter of England. They died in Jefferson. Mrs. Kay was born in Elgin, and died October 3, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Kay had nine children, namely: Marshall, who lives with his father; Joseph, deceased; Stephen, deceased;
Carrie, now Mrs. Lincoln Smith, who resides in Chicago; David, deceased; De Mar, who resides at home; Annie, who
lives in Chicago; Bert, deceased; and Maggie, who resides in Chicago with a sister. Mr. Kay was married November
17, 1886 to Mrs. Katie Stull, of Monmouth, Illinois, and they have two children, namely: Jefferson and Edith. Mr.
Kay is a member of Providence Lodge, No. 711, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Jefferson Park, having been
connected with the order thirty-two years. He is also connected with George H. Thomas Post, No. 5, Grand Army of
the Republic. He takes an active interest in politics and is a supporter of the Republican party. He is interested
in local affairs, and favors all movements for public improvement. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County,
IL, Page 466) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]
Thomas Wheldon was born
May 2, 1834, in section 19 of Niles Township, and was a son of James and Sarah (Bins) Wheldon, both natives of
England. James Wheldon and his wife emigrated to America in 1832, and settled in Niles Township soon after their
arrival, buying a quarter-section of land from the Government when it was put upon the market. At that time the
Indians were numerous in this part of the country. He cleared a tract of land for a farm, and built himself a comfortable
home, engaging in farming until his death, August 25, 1868. His good wife died January 6, 1862. They had three
children, namely: Elizabeth, Sarah and Thomas. Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Bickerdike, of Jefferson, and
is now deceased. Sarah is the widow of John Winter, who died some years ago, and resides in Perry, Iowa. Thomas,
the youngest child of his parents, was reared to farm labor, and received only a very limited education, as the
schools near the home of his boyhood were few and poor. He inherited the old homestead, and was engaged in its
cultivation all his life, being quite successful. He was also proficient as a veterinary surgeon, and had a large
practice, treating the horses and cattle of his neighbors. In politics Mr. Wheldon was a Republican, but he refused
to accept any public office, though repeatedly urged to do so. He took a great interest in educational matters,
and although his own opportunities had been few, he had improved them, and was a competent member of the school
board. He also took an active part in church work, adhering to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and being quite
liberal in its support. April 29, 1863, Mr. Wheldon married Miss Mary Ann Kay, daughter of Abel and Elizabeth (Paylor)
Kay, natives of Yorkshire, England, and early settlers in Cook County. Mr. And Mrs. Wheldon had five sons, but
the eldest, James A., died when three years old. Those living are: Charles A., who is in the employ of Siegel,
Cooper & Company, Chicago; Thomas J., a machinist, and a resident of Edison Park; George W. and Joseph Abel,
who reside with their mother. Mr. Wheldon died April 17, 1896, and his widow still occupies the old homestead in
Niles. (Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 478) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source #26]
Capt. Christopher Johnson,
one of the old landmarks of Chicago, who arrived in this city as long ago as 1838, was a native of the little kingdom
of Denmark, and was born near Copenhagen, October 3, 1819, his parents being natives of the same locality. His
father was killed by an accident before Christopher was a year old, and the latter was bound out to a farmer on
the island of Als. Imbued with the strong love of the sea which has filled so many of his countrymen and made them
famous as sailors the world over, at the early age of fourteen years he shipped at Sonderburg, Denmark, on board
an ocean vessel, and within the next two or three years had sailed around the globe. In the winter of 1837 he found
himself in the city of New Orleans, and, having long desired to verify the statements he had heard of the advantages
America offered to industrious, enterprising youth of all nations, he left his ship, and started for the heart
of the country. After reaching St. Louis, he went to Peoria, in this State, whence, by means of a hired team, he
reached this city. Mr. Johnson’s employment after reaching what was then the muddy little village at the mouth
of the Chicago River was as a member of a surveying party; but he served thus only a short time, and soon after
sought the more familiar and congenial life of a sailor on the Great Lakes. On one occasion, while on a trip on
one of the Lower Lakes, on a vessel called the “Maria Hilliard,” he was shipwrecked and met with other mishaps.
But on the whole fortune favored him; and after a few years’ service as a common sailor, he was able to buy a small
schooner, the “Helena,” and took charge of her as captain. In 1849, while coming with a cargo of bricks from Little
Fort, near Kenosha, the “Helena” was sunk near the Rush Street Bridge. On her voyage to Chicago, she had sprung
a leak, but by the efforts of the captain and crew, she had been kept afloat until the city was reached. After
raising his vessel, Captain Johnson sailed her for some time longer, but in 1853 concluded to give up sailing for
good. His life on the lakes had given him a pretty fair insight into the lumber business, and in this he embarked,
remaining thus engaged until the Great Fire, when, in common with innumerable others, he lost almost his entire
savings. Fortunately, however, he did not lose his residence, which was then on the West Side. He was the owner
of a farm at Lemont, and he moved his family there for a time. His handsome new farmhouse was destroyed by fire
two years later, and he built another. Captain Johnson had married in 1849, and for the next twelve years he reared
his children on the farm. He retained real estate he had owned in Chicago previous to the fire, and had added to
it, and at the end of the twelve years he removed his wife and family to the city, finding here greater scope for
himself and promise of future occupation for his sons. His property interests increased to such an extent that
his time was fully taken up in managing his private affairs, and he never entered any other business. During all
his life in Chicago he lived on the North Side, where he was universally known and popular with all. He built his
first home on the corner of Ohio and Market Streets, a spot which he then considered the most prepossessing in
the city. His objection to the South Side was due to its mud, that portion of the city being almost impassable
in the early days on account of its level. At one time he intended to buy the land on which Briggs House now stands,
but after considerable deliberation concluded the site was too muddy, a succession of mud holes having to be crossed
to reach it.
Captain Johnson’s widow, who yet survives, was previous to her marriage Miss Emily Raymond, a daughter of John
and Louise Raymond. She is a native of Copenhagen, and was born September 1, 1833. At the age of ten years she
came to America with her father, who was a ship-carpenter. He followed the lakes until his death, which resulted
from an accident he met with while in the pursuit of his calling, being caught and crushed between two ships. His
death occurred some months later, at the age of forty-five years, August 11, 1853 Mrs. Johnson’s marriage occurred
in Du Page County, this State, near Naperville, December 9, 1849, and resulted in the birth of thirteen children,
of whom the following are living: Maria Louise, Mrs. A. Nelson, of Chicago; Lena Amelia, Mrs. John S. Lee, of Lemont;
Evelyn, Mrs. D. T. Elston, of Chicago; Henry W., living in Socorro, New Mexico; Benjamin Franklin, of Pomeroy,
Washington; Charles Christopher and George W. Johnson, of this city. In politics Captain Johnson was an ardent
support of the Republican party, and his party’s candidates were never defeated by his failure to do his duty at
the polls. During the early years of the Civil War he served as Collector of the North Town, but a naturally retiring
and modest disposition kept him from ever being conspicuous in politics. In religious faith he accorded with the
Lutheran Church. The respect in which he was held was shown at the time of his death, which occurred September
28, 1895, within a week of his seventy-sixth birthday anniversary. He had been an enthusiastic member of the Cleveland
Lode of the Chicago Freemasons, in which he was initiated in June 11, passed July 7, and raised October 13, 1859,
and his fellow Masons attended his funeral in a body. His early life had been full of incident and adventure, but
his later years found him quietly fulfilling the duties of a self-respecting, honorable life. (Album of Genealogy
& Biography, Cook County, IL, Page 93) [Transcribed by Mike Murphy - source
#26]
STAGER, Anson, soldier and
Telegraph Superintendent, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., April 20, 1825; at 16 years of age entered the service
of Henry O'Reilly, a printer who afterwards became a pioneer in building telegraph lines, and. with whom he became
associated in various enterprises of this character. Having introduced. several improvements in the construction
of batteries and the arrangement of wires, he was, in 1852, made General Superintendent of the principal lines
in the West, and, on the organization of the Western Union Company, was retained in this position. Early in the
Civil War he was entrusted with the management of telegraph lines in Southern Ohio and along the Virginia border,
and, in October following, was appointed General Superintendent of Government telegraphs, remaining in this position
until September, 1868, his services being recognized in his promotion to a brevet Brigadier-Generalship of Volunteers.
In 1869 General Stager returned to Chicago and, in addition to his duties as General Superintendent, engaged in
the promotion of a number of enterprises connected with the manufacture of electrical appliances and other branches
of the business. One of these was the consolidation of the telephone companies, of which he became President, as
also of the Western Edison Electric Light Company, besides being a Director in several other corporations. Died,
in Chicago, March 26, 1885. ["Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" Transcribed by Kim Torp]
COOKE, Edward Dean, lawyer and
Congressman, born in Dubuque County, Iowa, Oct. 17, 1849; was educated in the common schools and the high school
of Dubuque; studied law in that city and at Columbian University, Washington, D.C., graduating from that institution
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and was admitted to the bar in Washington in 1873. Coming to Chicago the same
year, he entered upon the practice of his profession, which he pursued for the remainder of his life. In 1882 he
was elected a Representative in the State Legislature from Cook County, serving one term; was elected as a Republican
to the Fifty-fourth Congress for the Sixth District (Chicago), in 1894, and re-elected in 1896. His death occurred
suddenly while in attendance on the extra session of Congress in Washington, June 24, 1897. ["Historical Encyclopedia
of Illinois" Transcribed by Kim Torp]
COOLBAUGH William Findlay,
financier, was born in Pike County, Pa., July 1, 1821; at the age of 15 became clerk in a dry-goods store in Philadelphia,
but, in 1842, opened a branch establishment of a New York firm at Burlington, Iowa, where he afterwards engaged
in the banking business, also serving in the Iowa State Constitutional Convention, and, as the candidate of his
party for United States Senator, being defeated by Hon. James Harlan by one vote. In 1862 he came to Chicago and
opened the banking house of W. F. Coolbaugh & Co., which, in 1865, became the Union National Bank of Chicago.
Later he became the first President of the Chicago Clearing House, as also of the Bankers' Association of the West
and South, a Director of the Board of Trade, and an original incorporator of the Chamber of Commerce, besides being
a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1869-70. His death by suicide, at the foot of Douglas Monument,
Nov. 14, 1877, was a shock to the whole city of Chicago. ["Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" Transcribed
by Kim Torp]
CLIFF, JAS. - farmer, Sec. 20; P.O. Racine;
born in Preston, England, in 1812; came to this country in 1831; went to Cook Co., Ill., in 1837; was there till
1840; lived in Chicago in summer of 1837, on Kinzie Street, and used to pasture his cows where now are the arteries
of the great city; deer and wolves were numerous, and snakes troublesome at that time. Married Frances MARSH, Aug.
3, 1833; have had four children - Three girls and one boy; came to Racine in 1851, and located at what is now Racine
Junction; owns twenty-nine acres of land. Was in the Quartermaster's Department, under Gen. Sterling PRICE, at
the time of the Mexican war; his son William was in the 2d Wisconsin Regiment; was wounded at the battle of Gettsyburg;
is now in business in Philadelphia. [The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Publ. 1879 by Western
Historical Company, Chicago - Page 619]
The new department commander, Colonel James A. SEXTON, was born in Chicago on the 5th of
January, 1844, and is, therefore, forty-four years of age. At the first call for three months' volunteers he enlisted
as a private soldier, and at the expiration of his term of service re-enlisted for three years and was promoted
to a lieutenantcy. At the call for 800,000 men in 1862 he was tendered and accepted the captaincy of a company
recruited under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association, and assigned to the Seventy-second Illinois
Infantry Volunteers. He served with this regiment, participating in every battle in which it was engaged, and during
the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville led the same as Captain commanding the regiment, receiving slight
wounds at both the last named battles, and also at Spanish Fort in April, 1865. After the closing of the Nashville
campaign, he was attached to the staff of Major General A. J. SMITH, Sixteenth Army Corps, as acting assistant
provost marshall, and when the war was over received the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel of United States volunteers.
While in the service he had purchased a plantation in Lowndes County, Ala., and lived on it for two years after
the war. Upon his return to Chicago, in 1867, he established the firm now known as CRIBBEN, SEXTON & Co., at
the same time carrying on his plantation in Alabama until 1869. At the last presidential election he was an elector
on the Republican ticket. He has been appointed a member of the board of Lincoln Park commissioners and holds the
rank in the Illinois militia of Colonel and aide de camp on Governor Oglesby's staff. He is a member of the following
soldier societies: Grand Army of the Republic, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Chicago Union Veteran Club,
Veteran Union League, Army of the Tennessee and all the Masonic bodies.
The subject of this sketch was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in the
year 1832. He came to the United States when 17 years of age and secured employment in a large drug store at Rock
Island, Illinois, and later became connected with a large chemical manufacturing house, having charge of certain
of their products. About this time he determined to become a physician and after a course of reading and studying
with that end in view, attended the Medical University of St. Louis, from which he graduated in 1859.
[22 Feb. 1888, The Newton Press, Jasper County, IL - transcribed by K.
Torp]
David JOHNSON
David JOHNSON was born in Scotland in 1808, son of David and Susan Johnson. He came
to America in 1851, and after a residence of one year in New Jersey came to Chicago, where he remained one year.
In 1853, he located in Arlington Heights, and in company with David Peter built an elevator and engaged in the
grain and lumber business they followed from 1861 to 1871, when they sold to C. Geils, and from that time he has
been employed by Mr. Geils as foreman in the same business. His wife died in 1866. He was married in 1867 to Mrs.
Mary A. Burkitt. Mrs. Mary A. Johnson was born in England in 1818, daughter of Granado and Sarah PIGOTT. She was
married in 1840 to Richard BURKITT. They came to America in 1845, and after a residence of one year in Ohio located,
in 1846, on a farm adjoining the present village of Arlington Heights, where they resided until the death of Mr.
Burkitt, which occurred in 1864. They had seven children, four now living - Sarah, William, John and Lorenzo. [Source: History of Cook County, Illinois : from the earliest period to the present time
- transcribed by Jerry Zimmerman - src #75]
John W. BURKITT
John W. Burkitt, jeweler, fruit-grower and gardner, Arlington Heights, Illinois, was born at Arlington Heights,
August 8, 1854, the son of Richard and Mary A. (Pigott) Burkitt, who were natives of England and settled in Wheeling
Township, Cook County, in 1846. The elder Burkitt died in 1864. The son was educated in his native village, and
early acquired a fondness for horticulture, in which his father had been interested in England. Of late years,
he has proved himself a successful grower of cherries of a superior quality, which are shipped to dealers in distant
cities and find a ready sale at high prices. His experiments in this branch of horticulture have been watched with
deep interest, and have already won him the title of the "Cherry King of Illinois." On January 7, 1882,
Mr. Burkitt was married to Lydia Alma Pratt, of Palatine, Illinois, who died March 1, 1898, at the age of thirty-four
years. He has four children living: Ralph Edward, Granado Ross, Hazel Alma and John W., Jr. The son, Granado, within
the last year, has taken charge of the fruit-garden part of his father's business. In addition to his other branches
of business, Mr. Burkitt is a Director of the local bank at Arlington Heights, Illinois, and also a stockholder,
Director and Vice-President of the Sierra Gold Mining Company of Tuolumne County, California. [Source: Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Cook County Edition - transcribed by Jerry Zimmerman
- src #75]
FRANCIS MORTIMER JOHNSON,
who was born on Sunday, May 8, 1842, in Hickory Lane, Niles, Michigan, is one of the most valued and highly respected
employees of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, having been in the employ of that company
since 1865. His parents were Alfred Wells and Dezire (Howe) Johnson, and both came from very old families. The
paternal grandfather was John Johnson, and the maternal grandfather of F. M. Johnson was Frederick Howe. Mr. Howe
was a tiller of the soil and he was born in Vermont. He settled in Syracuse, New York, subsequently, and later
removed to Michigan, being one of the first settlers in Berrien County. Mr. Howe traveled through the country with
horse teams, there being no steam railway at that time. His children were named as follows: Alonzo, Dezire, Lucinda,
Francis, Hezekiah, Adeline, Mary, Nancy, Charlotta, Charles and George. His wife's name was Polly Bliss before
her marriage to Mr. Howe. Alfred W. Johnson was born June 26, 1810, in Burlington, Vermont. He came to Michigan
in 1831. He had learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and erected a residence in Niles, Michigan, in Hickory
Lane. All his children were born in this house. Mr. Johnson did a great deal of contracting in the vicinity of
Niles, for building of residences and other erections. He was a Democrat as to political views and served in the
legislature two years, about 1847-1849. He died June 9, 1889. His wife was born at Truxton, New York, Friday, May
5, 1815, and died October 18, 1896. Her children were nine in number: John Frederick was born Monday, December
17, 1838, and resides at No. 5140 Wabash Avenue; Richard Marian was born Wednesday, May 13, 1840, married Hattie
L. Barker, at Chillicothe, Missouri, and now resides at No. 5140 Wabash Avenue, Chicago; Francis M. is the next
in order of birth; Julia Estelle, born Saturday, March 9, 1844, married Henry T.Kimmell December 14, 1865. Her
children are: George Alfred, born February 1, 1867, and Edna Estelle, born December 3, 1869; George Franklin, born
Thursday, March 5, 1846, died August 5, 1893. He married Annie C. Cook, at Tiskilwa, Illinois, December 22, 1885;
Oliver Howell, born February 12, 1848, died March 24, 1848; Helen Isabella, born Saturday, August ?, 1849, married
John A. Montague October 6, 1873, and has one child, Charles M., born March 23, 1876. Her home is in Niles, Michigan,
where her husband is a hardware dealer; Mary Frances, born Friday, November 3, 1853, married Orson McKay October
2, 1883.
Mr. McKay is an employee of the Santa Fe Railroad Company and they reside at No. 4735 Evans Avenue; Charles Alfred,
born Friday, February 8, 1856, was married at Marshall, Michigan, August 20, 1883, to Bertha Hopkins Perritt. He
is the father of one child, Alfred Hopkins, born September 6, 1892. The family resides at Niles, Michigan, where
C. A. Johnson is cashier at the First National Bank.
Francis Mortimer Johnson occupied himself at the same trade as his father until sixteen years of age. He enlisted
in the army October 17, 1862, in Company E, Twelfth Michigan Regiment. He was sick a large part of the time and
served in the reserve corps at Columbus, Ohio, for eighteen months. He was in the battle of Shiloh and his regiment
was the first one fired upon. He was also in battles along the Chickahominy River.
November 3, 1865, he was mustered out of service. Mr. Johnson was taken prisoner a Bolivar, Tennessee, but was
paroled. After the close of the Civil War Mr. Johnson located in Chicago and entered the employ of the Lake Shore
& Michigan Southern Railway Company and has since been occupied in the interest of that concern. He entered
as clerk in the freight office and remained in that capacity eighteen years. He then took charge of the out freight
house at Polk Street and Pacific Avenue and after eight years was transferred to the Englewood east bound freight,
but at the end of four years this house was discontinued and he was returned to the Polk Street house, where he
is at the present writing. Mr. Johnson was married February 15, 1862, to Miss Marilla Alwilda Chipman, daughter
of Holton and Lucy (Hopkins) Chipman. Mrs. Johnson's great-grandfather was born in England, and emigrating to America
in 1840, located in Eugene, Indiana, later removing to Bristol, of that state, where he died in 1847, at the age
of forty-nine years. Holton Chipman was born in Vermont, as was also his wife. She was married in Ohio and died
January 24, 1893. She was born April 24, 1809. Her children were nine in number. Lucy Hopkins married Caleb Nash,
of South Bend, Indiana, and their children are: Alice, Helen, Delia and Adell; Philenia Rosalie married Dr. J.
M. Roe, of South Bend, and their children are: Lelia, Alison Crestus and Lennie; Rachel Parthenia married John
Brown, of Valparaiso, Indiana, and their children are: Blanch, William and Agnes; Cynthia Florilla married C. S.
Payne, of Goshen, Indiana, and their children are: Lola, Hiram, Chauncey, Emma and Maggie; Austia Ian the married
Joseph F.Thomas, of Edwardsburg, Indiana, and their only child is Ella; Delia Alice married John Hudson, of Sacramento,
California, and is now deceased; Cassius Holton married Wealthy Rouse, at Kendallville, Indiana, and their only
child is Millie; Marilla Alwilda is the wife of the man whose name heads this article, and was born November 17,
1843, at Eugene, Indiana; Milton Delmer resides at Rensselaer, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of two children, who have done credit to the rearing they received and to
the family name, which has never known a tarnish. Frank Rollo was born December 2, 1862, in Harris Township, Elkhart
County, Indiana. More extended notice of him appears elsewhere in this volume.
Ernest Mortimer was born March 23, 1866, and has also space on another page of this volume. Though never an office
seeker, Mr. Johnson is interested very deeply in the welfare of the Democratic party, in whose interest he casts
a vote at all favorable opportunities. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Johnson erected a residence at No. 5817 Wabash Avenue in the spring of 1882. This was the first house in the
locality, and the nearest house to it at that time was on State Street. The family is one of the well-known and
honored ones of the community, and each member is a credit to the neighborhood in which they reside.
[Album of Genealogy and Biography, published 1899, Transcribed by
Charlotte Stevens Schneider]
DR. WILLIAM H. STENNETT.
Dr. William H. Stennett, auditor of expenditures of the Chicago and Northwestern, and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis
and Omaha railroads, died at his residence in Oak Park on Thursday, July 22, 1915. Dr. Stennett's connection with
the Northwestern dates back to 1873 and covers a period of over forty-two years' consecutive service as general
passenger agent, assistant to the general manager and auditor of expenditure respectively. Dr. Stennett was for
many years a resident of Bloomington. His death followed a long illness and came peacefully.
Dr. Stennett was a man of unusual mental attainments. He was a student, a book lover,
a writer of good prose, a critic of bad work. He lived in Bioomington fifty years ago and his contemporaries were
Franklin Price, David Davis, Judge Lawrence Weldon and the men who lived there then. Dr. Stennett engaged in the
practice of medicine during his residence in Bloomington.
Forty-three years ago he was given a position as freight agent of the Illinois Central at St Louis and from there
he was promoted to better positions with the Chicago and Northwestern in Chicago. His brother-in-law, Marvin Hughitt,
was the president of that road. One of the works in connection with his railroad employment which will remain as
a monument to him was a book which he published on the request of the company officials, giving the history of
the origin of every name of a station along the lines.
Many of these names were of Indian origin, and in the volume there is quite a remarkable collection of Indian lore
of the northwest. The book could not have been written except by a man of industry and literary ability. For the
intervening years until the present time Dr. Stennett remained in the executive offices of the Chicago and Northwestern
Railroad, bnt was retired from active service some years ago. During his life in Chicago he never lost interest
in his old home at Bloomington. He visited it at intervals. He read the Pantagraph all these years, and was authority
on points of local history that escape the knowledge of the younger generation. He was loyal always to his old
friends and never lost his interest in them. Since the death of his wife Dr. Stennett has made his home with his
only child, Mrs. George W. Davidson, at Oak Park.
DR. WILLIAM H. STENNETT.
By Merton J. Clay.
He then took up the practice of medicine at Bloomington, Illinois, in partnership with Dr. McCann Dunn. At Bloomington
he met and married Miss Clara Hughitt. Two children were born of this union: a son, Amos H., who died in infancy,
and a daughter, Grace H., now Mrs. George M. Davidson of Oak Park, Illinois.
While residing in Bloomington during the stirring times preceding the Civil War, he was associated with many of
the leading men of the State and Nation, among whom were Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, Hon. David Davis,
Richard Yates and Richard J. Oglesby, and his reminiscences of the martyred president and others whom he had known
were extremely interesting.
Dr. Stennett gave up the practice of medicine in 1867, accepting a position as general agent with the Illinois
Central Railroad Company at St. Louis, continuing in the service of that company until 1873, when he became connected
with the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company, serving in the capacity of general passenger agent. This position
he held until 1884, in which year he was appointed assistant to the general manager, which office he held until
1887, when he was appointed auditor of expenditures, in which he remained until his death.
In 1896 he was appointed auditor of expenditures of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Company,
which appointment he also held until his death. Dr. Stennett's greatest service to the great northwest will be
found in his historical publications, one of which under the title, "Yesterday and Today," is a history
of the origin and development of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, of which there are three editions: the
first, appearing March 31,1905, was soon exhausted and was followed on April 25,1905, by the second edition. These
two editions are 8vo size, containing 120 odd pages and a map of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The larger
and later edition of 1910 contains 200 pages, including nine pages of illustrations and four pages of maps, which
graphically portray the growth of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway.
This book contains a mass of interesting and exact information, and in future will be considered a source book
for historical writers. It has always been regretted by the Doctor's friends that he did not acknowledge the authorship
instead of merely signing the introduction as "The Compiler." In 1908 he published "A History of
the Origin of the Place Names connected with the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, and the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis
and Omaha Railway," and in the same modest way the introduction was signed "The Compiler."
The amount of labor necessary to produce this book can only be appreciated when the volume is examined, and its
value as a reference book will increase as time passes. Dr. Stennett was a many-sided man and was unusually well
informed on many subjects, particularly along the lines of horticultural, medical and historical research. He was
a tireless reader and his evenings were usually spent among his books, of which he had a large collection. His
memory for details regarding the various subjects in which he was interested was often remarked upon by those who
had the privilege of a personal acquaintance with him. He was also a great lover of flowers and grew almost every
variety which could be grown in the vicinity of his home, and during the growing season spent most of his leisure
hours in his garden.
Dr. Stennett was a member of the Illinois, Wisconsin and Mississippi Valley Historical Societies, and the National
Geographic Society. He had many close personal friends and a large acquaintance among men of affairs throughout
the country.
His strong will and determination did not allow him to remain in bed during his last illness, which kept him from
his office only ten days. His death came suddenly at his home in Oak Park, Illinois, on the afternoon of July 22,
1915, while in his library among the books he loved. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago, July 25, 1915.
"Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society"
By Illinois State Historical Society
Published by Illinois State Historical Society., 1916
[Transcribed by K. Torp]
William Ohlendorf has been a resident
of Chicago since 1849. He was born January 10, 1825, in Wulfelade, Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Henry and
Sophia Ohlendorf, both natives of Hanover and members of old and highly respected families. Henry Ohlendorf was
a tiller of the soil by occupation, owning as well as operating his farm, and became possessed of considerable
means. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ohlendorf were the parents of five sons and one daughter, and all became residents of
the United States. Henry, the first-born, was a soldier in the German army and married in that country. He arrived
in Chicago in 1849 and subsequently located at Freeport, Illinois, where he died about 1891, leaving a widow and
a family. Frederick came to the United States in 1846, being the first of his father's family to emigrate; he settled
in Missouri and still resides there. William is next in order of birth. Louis is deceased; and Charles is living
retired in Matteson, Cook County. Sophie became the wife of Charles Duensing, who resides at River Forest, with
an office at the corner of Noble Street and Chicago Avenue. Frederick came to this country in 1845, and in 1848
returned to Germany and brought the remaining members of the family with him to Cook County. The mother died in
Addison Township less than a year after their arrival, and the father died some ten years later in Matteson, Cook
County. William Ohlendorf was fairly well educated in the parish schools of his native place, and reared on his
father's farm. In the fall of 1846 he sailed from Hamburg on the "Marie Francisco," and, after a seven
weeks' voyage, landed in New York City. He remained there until the spring of 1849, when he learned that his parents
were in Cook County, and decided to come West. He came by river to Albany and by canal to Buffalo, thence by lakes
on the steamer "Keystone State," landing here in May, 1849. He had been a waiter in New York, and after
coming to Chicago obtained a position in the old City Hotel, on Lake Street. He was soon promoted to head waiter,
and was with Brown & Tuttle when they went into the Sherman House as proprietors. At that time John R. Walsh,
now a wealthy banker in Chicago, was bell boy under Mr. Ohlendorf. In the fall of 1851 he went to New Orleans and
worked in a large hotel during the winter, and from there started to Mexico with General Urajo, but owing to the
breaking out of the Revolution did not reach his destination. At the close of that strife General Urajo was appointed
by Santa Anna, of Mexico, as Minister Plenipotentiary to Prussia, and Mr. Ohlendorf accompanied him as interpreter.
He was with him one year in Mexico and one year in Prussia. April 2, 1854, he was married in his native village
to Miss Sophia Ohlendorf, and on the 1st of May started for Chicago with his bride. He arrived in that city duly,
and began keeping a grocery at the corner of what is now Fifth Avenue and Polk Street, and continued in business
at that location nine years. In 1862 he settled on a farm in Lake County, and for a period of six years tilled
this portion of land. He then sold his property and returned to Chicago, entering into partnership with his brother
Louis, and started a lumber business under the firm name of Ohlendorf Brothers. In 1871 ill health caused him to
sell his interest to his brother. When he returned from the farm he settled on West Huron Street, corner of Armour
Street, where he has since resided. In the fire of 1871 he lost three houses on Fifth Avenue. Having invested in
considerable property he has done some real estate business since retiring from the lumber trade, as above mentioned,
but has lived rather a quiet life. He has always voted independently in political affairs, endeavoring to always
support the best man for public position, and has never had any political aspirations. To Mr. and Mrs. Ohlendorf
has been born a family consisting of six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are: William C., a physician
and druggist, at No. 647 Blue Island Avenue; Henry L., a pharmacist, at the corner of Evanston Avenue and Irving
Park Boulevard; Alfred C., a traveling salesman; and Carrie, wife of W. Maack, of Chicago. The members of the family
are connected with St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, with which Mr. Ohlendorf has been prominently identified
for years. He has always evinced an interest in matters arranged for the good of the public, and enjoys the respect
of a large circle of friends. He has witnessed the marvelous growth of the city from a population of about ten
thousand to its present importance as the metropolis of the West.
(source: "Album of Genealogy and Biography, Cook County, Illinois:
with portraits": Chicago, Illinois: LaSalle Book Co., 1899) (submitted by src #96)
Charles Henry Duensing
The elements essential to make men of mark in the world are as varied as the individuals who make up the sum total
of humanity. An immortal poet has said, "Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness
thrust upon them." It is most men of the second class, as spoken by the most renowned of bards, who fill the
greatest needs in the affairs of life.
Charles H. Duensing, with whom this sketch has to do, was of humble birth, and of poor but respectable parentage.
His birth occurred in the village of Marienese, province of Hanover, Germany, September 5, 1829. His parents were
Henry and Caroline Duensing, both of whom died in Germany. Of their five children who grew to maturity, three became
residents of the United States, namely: Charles H., Henry and Henrietta.
The boyhood of Charles H. Duensing was passed in his native land, the common schools affording him the means whereby
to obtain a practical elementary education. As a boy he was sturdy, practical and resolute, possessing many of
those dominant characteristics of the German race which have won success wherever the forces of German mind and
heart have, with fixedness of purpose, taken hold of the affairs of life.
He learned the trade of wood turner with his father and at the age of twenty years developed into man's estate.
Realizing the narrowness of opportunities surrounding him in his native land, and longing for a field of wider
environment, too passage in a sailing vessel at Bremen Harbor, and after a long and uneventful voyage of forty-five
days landed in New York,
He came directly to Chicago, by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal to Buffalo, and the steamer "Empire"
up the lakes, arriving in June. For two years after his arrival in Cook County he worked on a farm in Barrington
Township for Philip N. Gould. He then became clerk in the hardware store of Thomas George, remaining one year,
after which he worked a year in a mill in Kane County. Ambitious to succeed and desirous of improving his financial
condition, he went to Will County and engaged in retailing merchandise. He also kept a hotel on Milwaukee Avenue,
near Carpenter Street, and after two years he engaged in the commission business for a few years.
In 1868 he began doing an insurance business, to which he has given his attention, practically, for the past thirty
years, combining with it real estate and loans. Previous to the last mentioned date he invested a part of his savings
in real estate, in the corner of West Chicago Avenue and Noble Street, where he built and made his home until 1892,
when he removed to River Forest.
Mr. Duensing has won success in his long and varied career, and accumulated a valuable property. He has ever been
mindful of his duties as a citizen, and has found time to aid in promoting the best interests of his home city
and his adopted country. Since casting his vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856, he has supported the men and measures
of the Republican party. In 1865 he was elected supervisor of his ward and filled the office creditability one
term, but has never sought nor cared for political honors.
January 13, 1853, Mr. Duensing was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Ohlendorf, whose family history will be found
in the article on the life of William Ohlendorf, on another page of this work. To this worthy couple have been
born ten children, namely: Mary, wife of Henry Linnemeyer, of Chicago; Edwin H., who is with Mandel Brothers; Malinda,
deceased; Elmer C., who is interested with his father; Lorina, now Mrs. Hugo Meyers, of Chicago; Alwina; Henrietta,
wife of Wiliam C. Nelson; Anna, wife of William C. Noland; Ottilie, Mrs. George H. Puchner, of Oak Park; and Elsa.
Mr. Duensing and family belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church and enjoy the confidence and esteem of a large
circle of friends. (source: Album of Genealogy and Biography, Cook
County, Illinois: with portraits: Chicago, Illinois: La Salle Book Co., 1899. submitted by Source #96)
George Runge
George Runge is the son of August and the grandson of Henry Runge, one of the pioneers of Leyden township, who
bought farm as school land. Henry was a native of Lansberger, Hanover, Germany, was a teamster, and married there
Dorothea Bonholtz; they came to America about 1840 in a sailing vessel and were six weeks in making the passage.
On the way the food gave out and the passengers were short on rations. They came direct to Leyden township, where
Henry's brother-in-law, Franzen, known as the "cap-maker," had settled a short distance west of George's
present place. Henry bought 160 acres of school land where George now lives, much of which was then under water,
but now is the best farm land in the township. His first cabin was of logs and contained but one room. Henry was
one of the founders of the first Evangelical church in this section. He was one of the first "Lincoln Republicans,"
and lived to the great age of 95 years. His son, August, was born on this farm and was here reared and educated
in the early schools. He married Amelia Volberding, daughter of Fred, a pioneer of DuPage county. August, brother
of George, received eighty acres from his father and also bought out the other heirs and thus became the owner
of the old homestead. August and wife were members of the St. John Evangelical Lutheran church. He was a stanch
Republican and is now retired from business.
George, his son, was born on the old home farm November 21, 1871, and was reared as a farmer. He attended the public
schools and finished at Bryant & Stratton's Business college. In 1893 he married Clara, daughter of Barney
and Mary (Schoppe) Landmeier. He is one of the prominent and substantial citizens of the county. He has greatly
improved the old home farm and has drained it with five car loads of tile, making it one of the best in the vicinity.
He now owns about 156 acres. He is the father of the following children: Harry and Laura. The family are members
of the St. John Lutheran Evangelical church, of which Mr. Runge has been deacon.
[source: "History of Cook County, Illinois: being a general
survey of Cook County history including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside
the city limits, from the earliest settlement to the present time." Chicago: The Goodspeed Historical Association,
1909. - submitted by Source
#96]
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The Kingsport Times (Kingsport, Tennessee) April 27, 1928 Congressman Martin Madden from Illinois Dies Suddenly Today Veteran Member Congress Expires Shortly After Stricken With Heart Attack ACTIVE LEADER ON FLOOD BILL Staunch Supporter of Coolidge Administration and Chairman of Appropriations Com. WASHINGTON, April 27 (AP) -- Martin Madden, veteran member of Congress, from Illinois died suddenly today. Mr. Madden expired within a few minutes after being stricken by an acute attack of heart trouble. He was in his office at the time the attack occurred and breathed his last within a few minutes after Representative Strovich, of New York and a physician, reached him. Fails to Respond |
| Representative Summers, of Washington, another physician, arrived a few minutes later.
They administered first aid treatment but Mr. Madden did not respond and passed away quietly. The Representative
was chairman of the appropriations committee and in this position was one of the most influential members of the
House. He was a staunch supporter of the Coolidge administration and just recently took a leading part in trying
to put over the desires of President Coolidge on the Mississippi River control bill. Was in Conference Mr. Madden was conferring with Representative Sproul of Illinois, at the time the attack occurred. While he was talking he suddenly slumped down in his chair. Mr. Sproul called to clerks in an office adjoining and they assisted him to a couch. He never regained consciousness. Just preceding his conference with Mr. Sproul, Mr. Madden had talked with other colleagues regarding the District of Columbia appropriation bill and somewhat heatedly had told the House members to hold out against amendments desired in the bill by the Senate. Mr. Madden was successful in two fields of effort which do not ordinarily overlap. Just as in politics he rose from an obscure seat on Chicago’s city council to a place of leadership in Congress so in his earlier years he had climbed from penniless English immigrant and waterboy in a stone quarry to head of a large and prosperous business establishment. His Magic Words For him, both as business man and public servant, the magic words were effort and economy. Lessons that he learned in his earlier struggle for a living were applied religiously to public fiscal policies in the years he served as head of the House committee on appropriations, which originates all the appropriations for the United States government. These lessons he began to learn in the school of personal experience at the age of ten, when he took a job as waterboy in a quarry at Lemont, Ill., six years after arrival in this country from England. Out of this mite he not only contributed to the support of the family, but saved enough to buy books and meet the other expenses of a night school. Studying in his spare time, he was able in addition to apply himself to his daytime work with an industry that won him promotion after promotion until in the course of the years he became the highest official of the stone company where he had made so humble a beginning. His reputation for sterling honesty and business sagacity meantime had won the attention of political leaders of the old Fourth ward of Chicago, and he was sent to the city council as a Republican in 1889. During a considerable portion of his service there he was chairman of the finance committee. The cry of “boodle” was common in those days of the city’s remarkable expansion, but he came through unscathed. Two months after he entered the council, Chicago entered upon a policy of annexing adjoining farm lands, in preparation for the day it was to take on the dignity of a metropolis. With the opening of new streets, ways and means to provide the needed revenue assumed first importance. He contributed notably to the solution of these problems. During his regime railroad crossings were abolished, the street railways systems reorganized, a lake front park system guaranteed, the world war held, the improvement of the Chicago River started, and “boodle” stamped out in the awarding of city contracts. Three times he declined the nomination for mayor. Then in 1897 he retired from the council to become a candidate for United States senator, but was defeated. He retained an active part in Republican politics, however, and in 1905 was elected to the House, to become quickly one of the great Republican triumvirate from Illinois, which included besides himself, Joseph G. Cannon and James R. Mann. Into Prominence As chairman of the committee on appropriations, Mr. Madden came into particular prominence during the economy regime of President Coolidge. While it increased his influence as one of the leaders of the House, the championship eventually proved a boomerang, reacting through the loss of friendships to his downfall when seeking the speakership. His candidacy in 1925 attracted a considerable following but he was defeated as Republican choice for speaker by Nicholas Longworth of Ohio. Not only did his integrity and business discretion require him to oppose pet appropriations sought by some of his Republican colleagues, but over-work and resulting illness caused him to become impetuous and intolerant and drove from him the support of some who had been his friends. Having no powers, as an orator, his political leadership was wielded largely on work in conference and committee, where he displayed keen business astuteness. He regarded the government as a corporation in which the citizens are stockholders, and applied to its management business methods. Mr. Madden participated actively in a long succession of Republican national conventions. His friends claimed that the credit belonged to him for swinging the Illinois delegation to support of the gold standard plank in 1896, a material factor in the decision of the convention at a time when much of the west was clamoring for free silver. A Hard Worker Always a hard worker, he usually remained in Washington during recesses of congress preparing material for the framing of appropriations bills in advance of the assembling of the house. While so engaged in the summer of 1923 after a trip to Europe to study financial conditions to be used in connection with proposed tax reduction, he suffered a heart attack while en route in an automobile to the capitol. For days his life was despaired of, and it was predicted as convalescence went in that he would be an invalid. These gloomy forecasts proved unfounded, and he was quickly back in harness. His illness had, however, taken away in a degree that even, suave temperament which had for so long been one of his characteristics. To most people with whom he came into contact, he created an impression of mystery. Never a voluble talker, he was a good listener, and seemed always to have something in reserve, his field of information being surprisingly complete. An accident in a stone quarry caused the loss of a foot which was replaced artificially so that he was not required to use crutches and suffered little inconvenience in walking. His biography published in the Congressional Directory for years was notable for its brevity. It occupied but a line and a half, merely stating his name, his place of residence, and that he “was elected to the Fifty-ninth and each succeeding congress.” He was born in Darlington, England, March 20, 1855, the son of John Madden, a farmer. When he was four years old his family emigrated to this country, landing at Boston and going at once to Lemont, Ill., where they took up a farm. From the time he took his first job at the stone quarry, however, young Madden adopted that line of business as his own. He became president of the Western Stone Company and a bank director, president of the Quarry Owners’ Association of the United States, president of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and vice-president of the Builders and Traders Exchange of Chicago. In 1878 he married Josephine Stuart of Downers Grove, Ill. [note: error – He married Josephine Smart.] |
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| Dunkirk Evening Observer (Dunkirk, New York) April 27, 1928 CONG. MADDEN DIED SUDDENLY IN HIS OFFICE Chairman of House Appropriations Committee Succumbed to Heart Attack MEMBER FROM CHICAGO FOR THE LAST 22 YEARS Collapsed While Discussing Legislative Matters With Rep. Sproul of Illinois-Death Occurred at 1:45 This Afternoon. Washington, April 27. - (U. P) Rep. Martin Madden, chairman of the house appropriations committee, dropped dead in his office today. Madden had served in congress continuously for 22 years as the Republican representative from the first Illinois district, Chicago. He was first elected to the 59th congress. Madden’s death was due to angina pectoris, hardening of the arteries, it was said by Rep. Strovich, of New York, a physician, who was called to after the veteran legislator collapsed. Madden was 75 years old. His majestic white head was a familiar sight in the house for years. Martin Barnaby Madden was born in Darlington, England, March 20, 1855. He went to work at the age of 10, in the stone quarries. Madden collapsed while discussing legislative matters with Rep. Sproul of Illinois. Strovich, after treating the stricken man, noticed a few signs of life, but suddenly the heart stopped beating. Artificial respiration was applied without success. Strovich said he knew Madden’s heart was affected, and had warned him several times recently to be careful. The physician pointed out that any emotional or physical disability might prove fatal. The death occurred at 1:45 p.m. It was announced to the house by Rep. Williams of Illinois, a few minutes later, and the house, which had been discussing farm legislation, adjourned immediately. Madden was married to Josephine Smart, Downers Grove, Ill., May 16, 1878. One daughter, Mrs. Mabel Henderson, is living. He was president of the Western Stone company and a director of the Metropolitan Trust and Savings banks. His home was in Chicago. Madden formally entered politics in Chicago in 1889, when he was elected to the Chicago city council, a position he held until 1897. In 1899 he became chairman of the Republican city committee. He held that position until 1896. He was a delegate to Republican national conventions in 1896 and 1900. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005 Martin Barnaby Madden Date of Birth: 21 Mar 1855 Elected Office(s): Representative, Delegate, President, Vice President State: Illinois, Washington Country: England, USA Biography: a Representative from Illinois; born in Wolviston, England, March 21, 1855; immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Chicago, Ill., in 1860; attended the public schools in Chicago and was graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business College in 1873; was also graduated from an engineering trade school; president of the Quarry Owners' Association of the United States 1885-1889; vice president and director of the Builders and Traders' Exchange of Chicago in 1886 and 1887; member of the Chicago City Council 1889-1897; served as presiding officer of that body 1891-1893 and chairman of the finance committee for seven years; chairman of the Republican committee of Chicago 1890-1896; president of the Western Stone Co. 1895-1915; director of the Metropolitan Trust & Savings Bank of Chicago 1895-1910; delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1896, 1900, 1912, 1916 and 1924; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1902 to the Fifty-eighth Congress; elected as a Republican to the Fifty-ninth and to the eleven succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1905, until his death; chairman, Committee on Appropriations (Sixty-eighth through Seventieth Congresses); had been nominated for reelection to the Seventy-first Congress; died in the room of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., April 27, 1928; interment in Fairview Cemetery, near Hinsdale, Du Page County, Ill.|Bibliography: Bullard, Thomas Robert. ''From Businessman to Congressman: The Careers of Martin B. Madden.'' Ph.D. diss., University of Illinois at Chicago Circle, 1973. Decatur Evening Herald (Decatur, Illinois) May 5, 1928 MADDEN LEFT ESTATE OF OVER A MILLION (by United Press) CHICAGO, May 5 The will of the late Rep. Martin B. Madden divided his estate, valued between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000, between his widow, Mrs. Josephine Madden, and daughter Mrs. Mabel Henderson. On the 16th of May, 1878, two months after passing the twenty-third anniversary of his birth, Martin B. Madden took the most important step of a good man's life: he married. The union was one of perfect natural selection, the result of a long acquaintance. The bride was Miss Josephine Smart, of Downer's Grove, Du Page county, Illinois. Her grandparents on both sides had emigrated from England to New York when her father, Elijah Smart, was six years of age and her mother Eliza Fell, six months. When Elijah Smart married he and his young wife started west. They journeyed in a wagon all the way from Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where they were reared, to Illinois and located at Downer's Grove. Here their daughter Josephine was born. At an early age she exhibited literary and musical talent of a high order, and her parents had her carefully educated. She attended Wheaton College and then pursued and finished her studies at Northwestern University. At the time of her marriage Miss Smart, because of her accomplishments and graces of person, was one of the greatest social favorites in northern Illinois. She had no superior among her sex in the entire West in either musical skill or developed talent in literary composition, prose and poetical. She might easily have reached any place before the public within a woman's ambition. Love of home, however, predominated in her disposition. After marriage she devoted her all talents to the woman's side of family and domestic life, and so became absolutely the partner of her husband. Heaven has entrusted these two with a daughter, now in her fifteenth year. (source: Brent, Edgar Weston. Martin B. Madden, Public Servant. Chicago: B. E. Weston, 1901 Morning Herald (Uniontown, Pennsylvania) July 2, 1930 A volume of poems dedicated to her late husband, Martin B. Madden, former congressman from Illinois, has been published by Josephine Smart Madden. (submitted by Src #96) |
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