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Biographies on this Page
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CHARLES L. ABBOTT, attorney, Elgin, ILL; born in the city where he now resides, April 7, 1865; educated in the public schools of Elgin and read law in the office of Frank W. Joslyn; admitted to the bar in 1896 and immediately entered into practice; served as City Attorney two years, and was City Alderman from 1902 to 1903; appointed Assistant State's Attorney in December, 1900, and is still serving in that capacity. Mr. Abbott married, May 1, 1890, MARY SCHMIDT of Elgin. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
EDWARD H. ABBOTT, M.D., physician and surgeon, Elgin, ILL., born Nov. 6, 1866
in Elgin, ILL, son of Frank U. Abbott; received his literary education in the Elgin city schools and his professional
training in Rush Medical College, from which he graduated in 1895. At fourteen years of age he began life for himself
as a worker in the Elgin Watch Factory, remaining there for the ensuing twelve years. While in the employ of the
Watch Company he completed a high school course with additional branches. He then entered the Medical College in
March, 1892, and having already studied with Dr. Tefft, he was able to shorten the course by a year, completing
the full course in three years, and immediately after graduating began practice in Elgin. Dr. Abbott is a member
of the American Medical and the Illinois State Medical Associations and of Fox River Valley Society. At the time
of the Spanish-American War he was active in the organization and became Surgeon, with the rank of Major, of the
John B. Hamilton (or Sons of Veterans) Regiment, an organization which, though provisional, had the reputation
of being the best organized of the provisional regiments of Illinois. He now holds a commission as Surgeon and
Major (unassigned) in the Illinois National Guard, and a complimentary commission from the State Legislature of
Illinois. He is a Royal Arch Mason, an Odd-Fellow, and Medical Director of the Archaean Union, a fraternal insurance
order. Dr. Abbott was married in 1901 to Miss Ethelyn M. Wells, of Elgin, and they have one son. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
JOHN C. ABBOTT
Was born Jan. 20th, 1841, in Lockport, Will county, Illinois, and reared on a farm. He received his education at Batavia and Joliet in the state of his nativity, and at the college in Hillsdale, Michigan, graduating from that institution. On Nov. 26th, 1862, he was joined in marriage with Emily Wright at Morris, Illinois. Mrs. Abbott was born Aug. 27th, 1840. She was educated in the public schools, completing her studies at Northwestern college. Two sons and a daughter were born of the union, but only the sons, Frank D. and Albert D., are living, the daughter dying at the age of three years. For eight years after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Abbott he carried on his father's farm in Will county, Illinois, and in 1870 he came to Colorado with the Union colony of Greeley, his family following him three months later. The family remained in Greeley until 1872, when he located on a tract of wild land in Larimer county, bordering the line between Larimer and Weld counties. This he improved and converted into a valuable farm, on which he lived until 1881, when he moved his family to Fort Collins, where it has since resided. Mr. Abbott early began to take an active part in the development of the agricultural resources of the Cache la Poudre valley, and was particularly interested in the promotion and construction of irrigating canals and ditches. In company with Benjamin H. Eaton, who later become governor of Colorado, they built the Lake canal ditch, the Larimer county No. 2 canal, and was associate contractor in the construction of the Pleasant Valley & Lake canal in 1879-80. All of these were Larimer county enterprises. After moving to Fort Collins Mr. Abbott engaged in the mercantile business with Charles W. Ramer, their store standing on the ground now occupied by the First National bank building. He remained thus engaged until he was elected Auditor of State in November, 1882, moving soon afterwards to Denver to enter upon his official duties. After completing the two years' term as State Auditor, he moved his family back to Fort Collins and engaged in the real estate, insurance and loan business. For several years before his death, which occurred on Jan. 22nd, 1909, Mr. Abbott suffered from creeping paralysis, which unfitted him for active business pursuits of any kind, and he was, perforce, compelled to retire. Until stricken with the disease which finally resulted in his death, he was one of the most active of men and a broad-minded, whole-souled, genial gentleman. He was optimistic regarding the future of the Cache la Poudre valley, and in the pioneer days predicted what has since come to pass respecting the growth and importance of his chosen home, and was himself a prominent factor in promoting and aiding in its upbuilding. He was one of the pioneer farmers and businessmen of the Cache la Poudre valley, and did his part and did it well, too, to subdue the wilderness and make it what it is today. His widow and two sons are still living, the eldest, Frank D Abbott, being a member of the Fort Collins Abstract company. Previous to his connection with that company he had served the county two terms, or four years, as County Clerk and Recorder, and was also a deputy in that office for four years. The other son, Albert D. Abbott, is engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. Mrs. Abbott, widow of our subject, is a lady of fine literary attainments and has been a welcome contributor to the local press for many years. She is now past three-score and ten, and is only waiting for the summons to join her companion on the other side. [Source: "History of Larimer County, Colorado" by Ansel Watrous (1911), tr. by M. Saggio]
WILLIAM H. ABEL, retired farmer and merchant, Batavia, ILL., was born in Dutchess
County, near Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 3, 1827, son of John and Miranda Abel. He was brought up on a farm and educated
in the public schools. In New York State he followed agricultural pursuits until 1858, when he left there to come
to Illinois. For fifteen years thereafter he was engaged in the lumber, live-stock and wool trade in Sandwich,
ILL. Afterward he was in the lumber trade in Chicago for a time. In 1878 he came to Kane County and was engaged
in farming near Batavia until 1892, when he retired from active business and established his home in the city of
Batavia. Besides his farming and other interests already mentioned, he has been a stock-holder in the Metropolitan
and First National Banks of Chicago for many years, and in the first quarter of the year 1903 received his eighty-third
dividend on this stock. He married, in 1852, Miss Elizabeth Vail, daughter of Joseph Vail, of Dutchess County,
N.Y.[Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
W.W. ABELL, architect and civil engineer, Elgin, Ill.; born at Cummington, Hampshire
County, Mass., Nov. 7, 1853; educated in public and private schools in his native State, and, after completing
his educational training, became assistant to an architect and engineer. His first practical professional experience
was with an engineering corps of the Massachusetts Central Railway; was later with a similar party employed by
the Inter-Colonial Railway Company of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and afterwards became associated with an architectural
and engineering firm at Springfield, Mass. In 1873 Mr. Abell located in Elgin, Ill., where he became connected
as a draftsman with the Elgin National Watch Company, continuing in that capacity for eighteen years. In February,
1891, he established private offices in Elgin and Chicago, but three years later discontinued his branch office
in Chicago, and has since operated exclusively in Elgin, where he conducts a large and increasing business as a
result of thorough preparation, long experience and careful business management, his field of operations extending
into nearly every State in the Union. In social relations Mr. Abell is a member of the American Institute of Architects,
Illinois Society of Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Order of United Workmen, Archaean Union, Elgin Century Club,
and Elgin Country Club. Mr. Abell's office is at 30 and 31 Home Bank Block, and his residence 527 Laurel Street,
Elgin, Ill.[Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
FREDERICK H. ACKEMANN was born at Winzlar, Province of Hanover, Germany, Feb.
2, 1869, son of Henry and Wilhelmine (Walbaum) Ackemann, where he attended the public school and afterwards a private
school at Pr. Oltendorf, Westphalia. After leaving school he entered the Government service in the Postal Department,
from which he resigned in the fall of 1887 and came to America, arriving at Elgin, Ill., in November of that year.
He commenced work in the dry-goods store of his brother, W. D. Ackemann, where he remained three months, when he
was offered and accepted a position in the real-estate and investment office of Hon. William Grote, a life-long
friend of the Ackemann family. Knowing that, in this country, each man was master of his own destiny, he set out
with a strong will to make the best of his opportunities and realize his ambition, and his efforts have been crowned
with a gratifying success. While devoting his energy to the real-estate and investment business, he became interested
with his brothers, Henry and Conrad, in the furniture and undertaking business in 1893, and in the spring of 1894,
in company with his brother Henry, erected the large business block known as the "Ackemann Bros.' Block."
The following year he joined in the consolidation of the furniture business and the dry-goods business of his brother
William D. under the firm name of Ackemann Bros.. and opened up the largest department store in this section outside
of Chicago. This business proving a great success from the beginning, they had to add another story to their building,
which is now 44 by 132 feet, equipped with electric passenger and freight elevators and all other modern improvements.
The firm now occupy over 29,000 square feet of floor space, and, being still crowded for room to take care of their
growing business, they contemplate adding one or two more stories to their building. This store is generally known
as "Ackemann Bros., The Big Store." Mr. Ackemann is also interested in the "Courier Publishing Company"
of Elgin, proprietors of the leading daily paper of Elgin, of which he is Vice President. He is also a Director
and Treasurer of the Elgin National Gas and Oil Company, operating in Ohio and Indiana, and a Director and the
Treasurer of the Seybold Reed-Pipe Organ Company of Elgin, acting in the capacity of its General Manager. He is
a Director of the Masonic Association of Elgin, which is now erecting a handsome new Masonic Temple for use of
the various bodies of the order in Elgin. He is also a Director of the Gail Borden Public Library, and in politics
an active Republican. During the last Presidential campaign he was Treasurer of the German-American Republican
Club. Mr. Ackemann was married in 1895 to Miss Christie Deuchier, of Dundee, Ill., and they have four children:
Stella Irene, Walter Frederick, Helen Wilhelmine and George William. He and his family are members of the First
Church of the Evangelical Association. He is also a Thirty-second Degree Mason and member of Monitor Lodge, No.522,
A. F. & A. M.; the Loyal Legion, Munn Chapter, No.96, and Bethel Commandery, No. 36, all of Elgin, and the
Oriental Consistory of Chicago; also of the Royal League and the Knights of the Globe. Mr. Ackemann is not a member
of any club, preferring to spend his leisure hours with his family and in his private library, which contains upwards
of 500 volumes of choice literature. He has traveled to some extent, and since coming to this country has visited
forty-three different States of the Union, visiting the Atlantic and the Pacific, the Gulfs and the Lakes. His
home on Douglas Avenue is one of the handsomest in Elgin. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
WILLIAM D. ACKEMANN, merchant, born in Winzlar, Province of Hanover, Germany,
Sept. 24, 1855, was educated in the schools of Winzlar and came to the United States in the fall of 1872. He lived
one year in New York City, where he learned the grocery business, and came from there to Elgin, Ill., in 1873.
Here be became connected with the dry goods house of Bosworth Brothers & Peck, with which he remained seven
years. For two years afterward he was in the employ of M. W. DuBois, also of Elgin. He then engaged in the dry-goods
trade in this city on his own account, becoming founder of the extensive mercantile house which is now conducted
by the firm of Ackemann Bros. In 1894, in company with his brothers, August W., Conrad F., Henry F. and Fred H.
Ackemann, he opened the department store of Ackemann Bros., which occupied
a modern, thoroughly well equipped building erected in the heart of the business district of Elgin. This business
has since grown to large proportions, and their establishment is one of the largest department stores in Northern
Illinois outside of Chicago. Mr. Ackemann married, in 1882, Miss Bertha Sexauer, of Elgin. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
AUGUST W. ACKEMANN, brother of William D., was born in Winziar, Germany, Oct. 22,
1859 was educated in the public and private schools of Winziar, and came direct to Elgin from Germany in 1875.
Until the winter of 1881 he clerked in Elgin dry-goods stores. In that year he went to Minnesota and was employed
in Faribault until the spring of 1882, when he went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he was connected with the firm of
Rich & Silver during the next four years. He then returned to Elgin, and, after clerking for a time for his
brother, W. D. Ackemann, became a member of the firm of Ackemann Bros., in which he is still interested and in
the management of which he takes an active part. He married, in 1885, Miss Minnie Buhmeyer, of Elgin. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
CONRAD F. ACKEMANN, merchant, a second brother, born in Winziar, Germany, May 23,
1864, was educated in the public and private schools of his native town and came to Elgin in 1880. During the first
year of his residence in this city he was employed in a crockery and glassware store. He then entered the employ
of W. D. Ackemann and worked seven years in the latter's dry-goods store. At the end of that time he became junior
member of the furniture and undertaking firm of Clothier & Ackemann. Later his brother, Henry F. Ackemann,
purchased the senior partner's interest in this business and the firm became Ackemann Bros. Afterward Fred H. Ackemann
joined the firm, and the three brothers continued in business until they consolidated their interests with those
of their brothers in the present large department store in 1894. Mr. Ackemann has since been one of the managers
as well as a partner in this business. He is at the present time (1903) a member of the Elgin Board of Aldermen.
He married, in 1887, Miss Millie Mutzelburg, of Elgin. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
HENRY F. ACKEMANN, merchant, was born Nov. 11, 1853, in Winziar, Germany. His education
was obtained in the public and private schools of that town, and he was trained in farming, which occupation he
followed for some years before coming to the United States. He came to Elgin in 1891 and became a member of the
furniture and undertaking firm of Ackemann Bros. In 1894, in company with his brother, Fred H. Ackemann, he erected
the handsome business block since occupied by the department store of which he is part owner and one of the managers.
He is also interested as a stockholder in the Elgin Gas & Oil Company, operating oil and gas wells in Ohio.
He married, in 1884, Miss Minnie Schile, of Winzlar, Germany. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
FREDERICK G. ADAMSON, manufacturer, Aurora, born in Nottaway, Canada, Sept. 8,
1866, was reared and educated in Toronto. In early manhood he spent six years in the service of the Northern Railway
Company, being first employed in the office of the Chief Engineer, and later as private secretary of the General
Manager. Still later he was in the general offices of the Grand Trunk Railway Company at Detroit, Mich., where
he was employed for about a year and a half. In 1890 he came to Chicago to take a position with the Webster Manufacturing
Company. Two years later he transferred his services to the John S. Metcalf Company, engineers and grain elevator
builders, becoming Secretary and Treasurer of the cor-poration, of which he was a Director and stockholder. In
1901 he retired from the company to locate at Aurora, where, with Wiley W. Stephens as partner, he established
and built the present Stephens-Adamson Manufacturing Company plant for the construction of power-transmitting machinery
and elevating and conveying appliances, a rapidly growing industry. Mr. Adamson is the Vice- President and Treasurer
of the corporation. In 1892 he married Miss Annie B. Rose, daughter of Duncan D. Rose, of Seaforth, Canada. He
is a member of the Union League Club of Chicago. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
LEOPOLD ADLER, retired merchant, Elgin. Ill., was born in Baden, Germany, Oct.15,
1834, and educated In the schools of his native town, where he was trained to the business of cigar manufacturing.
In 1856 he came to the United States, and for two years was engaged In mercantile pursuits in Chicago. In 1858
he removed to Elgin, which has since been his home, and where he was solely engaged in mercantile business until
1891, when he sold out and spent the ensuing two years in Berlin. Germany, where his younger children completed
their education. In January, 1894, he resumed business in Elgin in company with his son, as head of the firm of
L. Adler & Son, a business which he turned over to his son three years later, since when he has been associated
with Sears, Roebuck & Co., of Chicago, and the Capital City Woolen Mills, of Des Moines, Iowa. In 1859 Mr.
Adler married Miss Rose Sheuerman, also a native of Baden, Germany. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
NATHAN J. ALDRICH, lawyer, Aurora, Ill.; born in Kendall County, Ill., Dec. 3,
1851; graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in the class of 1875, and in the same year
began practicing his profession in Aurora, where he has since been a leading member of the bar; has been identified
with various business enterprises, and has taken an active part in politics in the councils of the Republican party;
married, in 1879, Miss Mary E. Winchell, of Rantoul, Ill. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
PIERRE A. ALLAIRE (deceased), pioneer physician, Aurora, Ill.; born in New York
City in 1815 and died In Aurora In 1863; educated at Columbia College, New York, graduating from the medical department
of that institution, and came to Illinois two years later, locating at Aurora shortly afterwards, where he practiced
his profession until his death. The Doctor took much interest in the advancement of educational interests, and
served as a member of the Aurora School Board; was also a member of the Board of City Aldermen. He was married
to Mrs. Catherine (Gates) Fuller, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to
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JOHN ALLASON (deceased), pioneer farmer, Carpentersville, Kane County, Ill.; born
at Lake Champlain, N.Y., in 1812, where he grew to manhood; came to Illinois in early man-hood, locating at Carpentersville,
but later removed to Chicago, residing there for several years, and afterwards returned to Carpentersville, where
he owned and managed a fine farm and became closely identified with the affairs of his community. In political
views he was a Republican and served as Township Collector for several years, besides holding other town offices.
In religious faith he was a Baptist, being a member of the church at Dundee, Ill. His wife, Anna (Shaw) Allason,
was born in Dundee, Scotland, and they were married at Dundee, Ill., and became the parents of six children. The
only member of this family living at Carpentersville is Mrs. Charles I. Wilber. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back
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EDWARD R. ALLEN (deceased), merchant and banker, Aurora, Ill. born at Cortland,
N. Y., Nov. 7, 1819, reared at home, and trained to be a druggist at Lockport, same State, first came west in 1839
and was in the drug business in Chicago until 1841, when he removed to Aurora, engaging here very extensively in
merchandising. For many years he was closely associated in various important mercantile enterprises, and with the
late T. D. Brady set up what soon became the banking house of Brady, Allen & Hawkins, and later still the First
National Bank of Aurora. Until his retirement Mr. Allen was a most active business character and of wide influence.
Many enterprises of moment were helped by him, and he was a leading spirit in anything that sought to promote the
public welfare. While Aurora was still a village he was a trustee of the town, in after years being City Alderman,
Mayor and State Senator. He was personally and intimately acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and by appointment of
President Polk was the second Postmaster of Aurora. He died in Aurora, August 22, 1897. His first wife was Alice
Carr, whose family is famous in Kane County. She died, leaving one son. His second wife, Miss Mary A. Gates, born
at Stowe, Mass., during the Civil War, took high rank as a patriotic woman, and in the local Ladles' Soldiers'
Aid Society did much to help the "boys at the front." She died May 16, 1865. Mr. Allen's children living
in 1903 are: Mrs. Lottie (Allen) Mack, Aurora; Frank G., Moline, Ill., and Mrs. Anna (Allen) Staudt, Aurora. Edward
C. Allen, the eldest son, born and reared in Aurora, became a noted manufacturer after being in the coal business
at Aurora some years with his father, and in the United States Railway Mail Service, and was connected with the
Moline Plow Company. He bought land near Huron, S. D., and when his failing health became serious he retired into
seclusion. He was born Sept. 3, 1849, and died in Huron July 4, 1893. Arvilla, his wife, was a daughter of Ansel
Hayward, a pioneer farmer of Kane County. Frank G., second son of Edward R. Allen, born In Aurora Feb.14, 1858,
graduated from the University of Michigan in 1880, be-came a lawyer and was admitted to the bar. After two years
of practice he became interested in the Moline Plow Company, of which he is now Vice President and General Manager.
He is also interested in other Moline enterprises. He married Miss Minnie F. Stephens, of Moline, in 1882. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
FRANK E. ALLEN, Deputy County Recorder, Elgin, Kane County, Ill., was born at
Oriskany Falls, N. Y., May 6, 1856, the son of F. J. and Oriana (Henderson) Allen; obtained his education at Colgate
Academy, Hamilton, N. Y., graduating from that institution in the class of 1874; came to Illinois in 1876, establishing
his home in Elgin, where he was engaged In the dry-goods trade for several years afterwards as bead of the firm
of Allen Bros.; later became chief adjuster of fire losses for the Union Insurance Company of Philadelphia, being
employed in this capacity until 1897, when he resigned to accept the official position which he now holds; has
served two terms as a member of the City Council of Elgin. Fraternally Mr. Allen is a member of the Knights of
Pythias and Elks. He was married in 1882 to Miss Frances V. Plant, of Elgin. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back
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MARTIN V. ALLEN (deceased), merchant and soldier, Aurora, Ill., was born in
St. Lawrence County, N.Y., Nov. 6, 1832, son of Reuben and Nancy Allen. In 1845 the family came to Illinois by
way of the lakes in a sailing vessel, and located at Shabbona, DeKalb County, where Mr. Allen was reared on the
farm. He enlisted, Aug.12, 1862, in the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and Sept. 2, following,
was mustered into the service as First Lieutenant of Company E of this regiment. His promotion to Captain was made
March 9, 1863, and he was in command of this company until Aug.16, 1864, when he received a gunshot wound in the
shoulder at Atlanta This wound proved so disabling that he was compelled to leave the service, being discharged
Jan. 22, 1865. In the course of his military experience he participated in the battles at Resaca, Cassville, Dallas,
New Hope Church, Price Mountain, Kenesaw, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. As an officer and a soldier he
had an enviable record, and was highly regarded by his comrades in arms. After his return from the army Captain
Allen was elected Superintendent of Schools of DeKalb County, a position he filled from 1865 to 1869. In 1875 he
established himself in the drug business at Shabbona, where he continued until 1888, when he removed to Aurora.
From this time until his death, Feb. 12, 1899, he was never entirely engaged in business. For several years he
was Treasurer of the town of Shabbona, where he also held other positions. He was a Knight Templar Mason, and was
a Past Master of the Lodge at Shabbona; was also first Commander of the Grand Army Post at that place. His first
marriage was in 1856, with Miss Jane A. Hunter, of Little Rock, Ill., who died in 1864 as the result of fever contracted
at Chattanooga, Tenn., while nursing her wounded husband. In 1867 Mr. Allen married Miss Lizzie Alexander, of Shabbona.
The surviving members of the Allen family are Mrs. Allen and Bert A., of Aurora; Mrs. Cora A. Sanborn, of Chicago;
and Mrs. Jennie M. Ellwood, of DeKalb, Ill. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
GEORGE W. ALSCHULER, real-estate operator, insurance and loan agent, Aurora,
Ill., was born in his present home city; began life as an office boy on the "Aurora Daily News," where
he was employed for some five years. In 1884 he entered into business with his father under the firm name of J.
& G. W. Alschuler, dealers in real estate, insurance and loans. The two continued together until 1896, when
the father died, and the son has since carried on the business alone. He was chosen Alderman in 1895 and was re-elected
until 1901, when he was elected Mayor of the city. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, and the
Modern Woodmen. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
CHARLES D. AMES, farmer and stock-raiser, Kaneville, Ill., was born in Rutland, Vt.,
August 25, 1857, and in 1866 came to Kane County, Ill., in company with his parents. After he had finished his
schooling he began farming, which has been his business to the present time. In 1900 he purchased a farm, which
adjoined the village of Kaneville on the east. For nine years he has served as Road Commissioner. Mr. Ames was
married, Feb.11, 1883, to Miss Lucy E. Ames, by whom he has had three children-two sons and a daughter. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
OPHELIA L. AMIGH, Superintendent State Training School for Girls, Geneva, Ill.;
born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1841, daughter of Riley Shadbolt, and was educated in the schools of Poughkeepsie.
In 1859 she married and removed to Iowa. In May, 1861, she became a nurse in the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
in which her husband was serving as a soldier in the ranks. Her time was divided between the field service and
the hospital at St. Louis. At the close of the war she returned to New York, where she remained fifteen years,
part of the time being in charge of a reformatory for boys. In 1882 she removed to Chicago and became connected
with the management of the Erring Woman's Refuge of that city. In 1894 she was appointed Superintendent of the
State Training School for Girls, then a Chicago institution, but which in 1895 was removed to Geneva, where commodious
buildings have been erected for its accommodation. Under Mrs. Amigh's management this school has become one of
the noted educational and reformatory institutions of the State. Mrs. Amigh has long been prominently identified
with temperance work, having been Grand Vice-Templar of the Good Templar Order for the State of Illinois, and has
held other official positions in the fraternity. She was one of the organizers of the W. C. T. U. in Poughkeepsie,
N. Y. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
ANDREW J. ANDERSON, retired farmer, Elgin, Ill., was born Nov. 14, 1840, In Jersey
County, Ill., where he was educated. While a young man he went to Macoupin County and purchased a farm, on which
he lived until 1872. During that year he removed to Christian County, where he again located on a farm, which he
tilled until 1899, when he retired, and has since made his home in Elgin. In active life he took a prominent part
in local affairs. In Macoupin County he was for six years School Trustee, and also served as School Director; was
the County Secretary of the F. M. B. A. three years, and stood well in the community. He was married, March 25,
1868, to Isabelle Davidson, who was born March 23, 1847, in Waverly, Morgan County, Ill., and to them have been
born twelve children: Elmore (deceased), Ida, Walter (deceased), Mary, Charles (died Feb. 12, 1894), Albert, William
J. and Helen (twins), George, Susan (deceased), John and Leslie. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
DANIEL B. ANDRUS, banker, Batavia, Ill., born in Great Barrington, Berkshire County,
Mass., Feb. 18, 1850, son of Daniel and Juha (Munson) Andrus; received his early education in the Massachusetts
schools, and for several years after coming west in 1870, taught in Wisconsin. In 1881 he graduated from Lawrence
University at Appleton, Wis., and the same year helped organize the Shawana County Bank, being cashier of this
bank until June, 1884, when he came to Batavia to connect himself with the private banking house of Gammon &
Newton. In 1891 when the First National Bank of Batavia was organized as successor to Gammon & Newton, Mr.
Andrus became its cashier, which position he has since held continuously. In 1901 this bank absorbed the banking
house of Mallory, James & Co. For nineteen years he has been associated with various banking interests of Batavia,
and during all this time has been in close touch with the business affairs of Batavia, as well as with the entire
commercial and financial interests of the Fox River valley. He was married, first to Miss Abigail F. Grout, of
Omro, Wis., who died in 1879. Mr. Andrus was again married, in 1882, to Miss Martha M. Smith of Chicago. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
ROBERT F. ANGELL, merchant, St. Charles, Ill., born Sept. 20, 1864, came to St.
Charles, in March, 1882, and for ten months gave attention to farming, and during the next ten years was engaged
in business as a painter. For a few years he was engaged in a meat market, finally becoming President and manager
of the St. Charles Mercantile Company, a position which he retained until he sold out in 1899. For a short period
following this he resumed his trade as a painter, and was then in the meat business until March, 1903. He was married
Dec. 2, 1888,, to Miss Laverne Baker, daughter of Edward Baker, of St. Charles. He belongs to the St. Charles Lodge,
Knights of Pythias, Camp of Modern Woodmen, and Unity Lodge, A. F. & A. M. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back
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DAVID WHEELER ANNIS, born in Orange County, Vt., In 1812, and died in 1877; settled
in Blackberry Township, in 1836, and became one of the most prominent and successful of the sturdy pioneers of
Kane County. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
CHARLES W. ANTHONY, clergyman. Aurora, Ill., is a native of Union Springs, Cayuga,
N. Y., where he was born May 29; 1843. In 1854 he accompanied his parents to Santa Cruz, Cal. where he grew to
manhood. His education was secured in the public schools and at the University of California, the latter at that
time located at Oakland, and from which he graduated in 1870. He prepared for the ministry in the Presbyterian
Theological Seminary at San Francisco, and in 1873 was ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian church
in Livermore, Cal., where he remained until 1880. That year he was called to Aurora, where some years prior he
had married Miss Fannie H. Janes, daughter of Nelson L. Janes, an old-time resident of that city. Mr. Anthony has
since held pastorates at Spring Valley church, Whiteside County, and at Kewanee. He was pastor of the Second Presbyterian
church in Duluth, Minn., for about three years, and was in charge of the Presbyterian church at Franklin Grove,
Lee County, for eleven years. In 1899 he again removed to Aurora, and has since devoted only a portion of his time
to the ministry, the care of the extensive estate of his father-In-law occupying much of his time. In 1877, and
again in 1890, he sat as a representative in the Presbyterian General Assembly. The only child of Mr. and Mrs.
Anthony is Maud H., who graduated from Lake Forest University In 1901, and who is now engaged in educational work
at Wabash, Ind. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
ALSON H. ARNOLD (deceased), merchant, Batavia, Ill., born in Benson, Vt., April
23, 1836, son of Artemas and Clara (Wilson) Arnold, was reared in his Vermont home, where he was educated and trained
to mercantile pur-suits. In 1854 he came west and entered the employ of Moor & Buck, pioneer merchants at Batavia,
Ill., and was later a traveling salesman. In 1865 he embarked in the clothing trade, a business which he followed
until his death, Jan. 26, 1898. He was Mayor of Batavia two years, served as Alderman several terms, and was long
a member of the Board of Supervisors. He was a Mason of high standing, and took a leading part in the affairs of
that fraternity in Batavia. In 1864 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Milo and Julia (Root) Kemp of Batavia. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
JOHN B. ARNOLD, manufacturer, Aurora, Ill., born in Northampton, Mass., Jan.
27, 1835 received his education at Williston Seminary. East Hampton, and in the high school at Northampton, and
was trained as a druggist under Theodore Metcalf, of Boston, and the B. A. Fahnstock Company, of Pittsburg, Pa.,
with which he later began the manufacture of white lead. About 1874 he became associated with Pittsburg parties
in the organization of the third establishment of the kind in the United States. A few years later Mr. Arnold,
in company with others, organized the Aurora Smelting and Refining Company, their large plant going into operation
at Aurora, Jan. 1, 1883; later they bought and combined with their original plant those of the Chicago Refining
and Smelting Company, located at Chicago and Leadville, Colo. The Aurora plant was operated eighteen years without
the loss of a day, until it was finally disposed of to the American Refining and Smelting Company. Mr. Arnold was
President from its organization until its sale, and he has also been interested in kindred enterprises in Colorado
and Utah. His home has been in Aurora since his removal from Pittsburg in 1882. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back
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GEORGE F. ARVEDSON, merchant, Carpentersville, Kane County, was born in Algonquin,
Ill., April 26, 1855, son of the Rev. Peter Arvedson, and at fourteen years of age was employed as clerk by H.
E. Hunt, a merchant at Dundee. In 1875 he became a partner in a store in Carpentersville, but sold out his interest
two years later to take a position in the Illinois Iron and Bolt Company as shipping clerk. After the death of
his wife's uncle, Julius A. Carpenter, in 1880, he assumed the management of the flouring mill, and two years later
he began shipping molding sand from the C. V. Carpenter farm, which had come into his wife's possession. This business
he still (1904) continues, though the milling business was given up in 1885 as no longer profitable. In 1893 a
co-partnership was entered into with Ora H. Smith in the sand and gravel business, and three years later in the
lumber, coal and feed business. Mr. Arvedson is now serving his fourth term on the Board of Education, and for
many years has been a Vestryman and Warden of St. James parish, Dundee. He is also a member of the Board of Missions
of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
REV. PETER ARVEDSON (deceased), Algonquin, born in Norkoping, Sweden, Aug. 24,
1822, and educated in the public schools of his native land, came to the United States in 1840,in company with
William Estergren, who is still (1904) living in Algonquin. After spending some two years in Cincinnati and Chicago,
Mr. Arvedson came to Algonquin to work on the farm of Dr. Andrew Cornish. Here it was that, coming under the influence
of Mrs. Cornish whose granddaughter he afterward married, his religious life was quickened, and he was ordained
a minister of the Episcopal Church, after several years' active work as lay-reader and member of St. John's Episcopal
Church, Algonquin, of which he became deacon-in-charge. Upon his advancement to the priesthood in 1869, he became
rector, this relation continuing until his death, Nov. 22, 1880. For one summer only (that of 1868), was he a resident
of Kane County; but, as being the prime mover in the organization of St. James parish, Dundee, In 1864, he was
from that time actively interested in the affairs of the county. From Algonquin as a center, where a church building
was completed in 1865, his missionary labors extended to many points in Northern Illinois, and at one place across
the border into Wisconsin. As the fruits of his missionary work, beside the church in Algonquin, an old building
was bought of the Baptists in Dundee, and new churches erected at Wilmot, Wis., and Spring Grove, Ill. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back to top
GUSTAVUS AUCUTT, farmer and merchant, Aurora, Ill., was born in Oneida County,
N. Y., July 20, 1839, and spent the early years of his life in his native State, attending the public schools when
a boy; came to Illinois when fifteen years of age, and has since lived in Kane County. In 1869 he bought a farm
in Sugar Grove Township, and was engaged In farming and stock-raising there until 1883, when he sold out and purchased
another farm in Aurora Township which he still owns, but in 1893 retired from active farming operations and has
since resided in Aurora. In 1896 he embarked in the coal business in Aurora, and has since been head of the firm
of Aucutt & Son. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for service
in the war of the rebellion, and was mustered out in 1865 after three years of active service. Mr. Aucutt was married
In 1865 to Miss Josephine Dennison, daughter of Gilbert P. Dennison, of Aurora. [Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, by Paul Selby, Newton Bateman; pub 1904] Back
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