Chicago City (part 14 of 57)

Charles E. Scharlau

Charles Ernest Scharlau was born in Pomerania, on the Baltic, May 23, 1845, his parents being farmers. With his parents he came to this country in 1853, and settled in Chicago, having lived continuously in the Fourteenth ward since 1856. He attended the Franklin public school until 12 years old, when he applied himself to learning the trade of a gilder, becoming in time, foreman of Rando & Co.'s establishment. In 1862, when seventeen years of age he enlisted in Company G, 57th Illinois Volunteers and re-enlisted in the Veterar> Volunteers at Lynnville, Tenn., in December, 1863. He served at the front in the Sixteenth Army Corps under Gen. R. J. Oglesby, and in the Fifteenth Corps under Major General John A. Logan. He was with the Army of the Tennessee on Sherman's famous march to the sea, and was injured May 9, 1864, in the passage of the Ostanola river, at the battle of Resaca. He was in the battle of Bentonsville, N. C, the last of the war fought by Sherman's army, and was in the grand review at Washington, May 23, 1865, and received his discharge in June. He returned to Chicago and resumed work at his trade for the ensuing ten years. In 1870 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Tim Bradley and served four years, and then served as Deputy County Collector under County Collector Louis Huck, and was Deputy West Town Assessor under Assessor Pleasant Amick. When Jacob Rehm was Chief of Police, and Charles Rehm Chief of Detectives, Mr. Scharlau accepted a position in the detective department, but soon resigned. In 1868 he was a delegate in the Republican County Convention, and was offered and declined the nomination for Supervisor of the old Twelfth ward, now the Fourteenth. Since 1868 he has been Central Committeeman and delegate to various State, County and City Conventions. In 1874 he became a candidate for the State Legislature and was defeated. In 1880 he was again a candidate, running against S. D. Mieroslowski. Out of this election the celebrated Scharlau-Mieroslowski contest arose. The ballots after three counts showed a majority of 50 for Scharlau, but upon being taken to Springfield the Committee on Elections declared Mieroslowski elected by 43 majority. In 1882 there were rival Senatorial Conventions in the district, and Scharlau was the nominee of the Fourteenth ward wing, but declined in favor of W. E. Mason. In 1884 he was nominated and elected tn the Senate by the largest majority ever received by a candidate in the district, defeating August Wendel, a prominent and popular German. He was nominated for the House by acclamation on September 29, 1886. While in the Senate he secured the passage of the Park Bill, allowing an additional tax of half a mill for park improvements. He was a member of the Committee on Labor and Industrial Affairs and a firm friend of the Convict Labor Bill, and was a member of other important committees. Mr. Scharlau is now a prosperous real estate dealer. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Court Jefferson Lodge of the Foresters-; Jefferson Post, 445, of the Grand Army of the Republic ; of Cregier Lodge of Free Masons ; of the West side Grant Club, and a member and president three terms of the 57th Illinois Veteran Volunteer Association. Mr. Scharlau was married March 5, 1870, to Miss Martha E. Mugler, a native of New York, and has two daughters aged 15 and 12 years.

No history of the politics of Chicago would be complete without an account of the connection therewith of Michael C. McDonald, who for ten years has been prominent in all the councils of his party ; an active organizer and a leader who is acknowledged to have made and unmade the political fortunes of more people than any other individual politician in the West. He was born at Niagara Falls, New York, September 2, 1839 I tne son °f Edward and Mary (Guy) McDonald. His father was born in Cork, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in 1838, and his mother was born in the city of Limerick and came to this country in 1830. His paternal grandfather was a tanner and his mother's parents kept a general store. His mother died April 11, 1863, and his father is enjoying his declining years in comfort. Michael C. attended the public school at Niagara Falls and graduated from Hoyt's college at the same place, whence also were graduated many other prominent Chicago citizens. When the Great Western Railroad was completed a former schoolmate, William E. Tunis, established a news and book agency on the line, and Michael went on the road as a newsboy. In the fall of 1854 he took a run to Chicago and a two weeks' visit convinced him that this was destined to be a great city and that it was the right place for him to locate. He returned in 1855 in company with Henry Marvin, another bright young lad, and about the same time three other Niagara Falls boys, who were his friends, arrived here - Joseph and John Maronel and James Fehan. All of his early companions are now dead. Henry Marvin was killed on the Chicago and Burlington road June 5, 1855, and was buried by his young- friends. James Fehan became secretary of the old fire department under Chief Silas McBride. Michael ran on the Burlington route in 1855-6, and his last experience as a news agent was in i860 when he went down on a branch road between Hamilton and Toronto to sell books during the visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada. He returned to Chicago and cast his maiden vote for Stephen A. Douglas in the fall of i860, and after the election went to New Orleans where with Roger Sherman he established an agency in the St. Charles hotel for the sale of revolving stereoscopic view apparatus, and was there at the outbreak of the war. Sherman was a rabid Abolitionist and made himself offensive by constant outspoken expressions on the subject. The night after Fort Sumter fell a file of soldiers marched into the hotel ; the Sergeant tapped Sherman on the shoulder and told him he was a prisoner. McDonald escaped arrest by showing that he was a New York Democrat and had voted for Douglas. He always supposed Sherman was taken out and shot, and often related the circumstance as the first instance in his knowledge of removal for offensive partisanship, nor did he learn what had become of Sherman until 1884, when he met in New Orleans a gentleman named Haynie, residing in a parish sixty miles from New Orleans who told him that he had assisted Sherman to escape and that he had been living in his neighborhood ever since. McDonald left New Orleans on a steamer, landed at Memphis, and returned to Niagara Falls. In the fall of 1 86 1 he returned to Chicago and in company with Calvin Page bought out the barroom of the Richmond house at the corner of Michigan avenue and South Water street, then one of the finest hotels in the city, and this he conducted until the fall of 1863. His father and his brother Edward joined him here, and the latter became the engineer of a tug boat on the river, going subsequently into the service of the Government to transport prisoners of war to a station in Lake Erie, and later down the Atlantic coast in the government transfer service. After the war Edward McDonald was chief engineer of the steamship Cleopatra in the Havana trade, and later for two years was engineer in charge of the New York Herald office for James Gordon Bennett, by whom he was highly esteemed for efficiency and trustworthiness. M. C. McDonald after leaving the Richmond house opened a billiard hall and bar at 61 and 63 Randolph street, where he continued four years, when, in company with John T. Corcoran, Patrick Casey and Charles DuBois, he opened a clubhouse in a frame building where the Tribune office now stands, and opposite which John R. Walsh, who was a newsboy on the train with McDonald, then had a newstand. At the time of the fire in 1871 he had an interest in three or four clubhouses and a wine and liquor house on Dearborn street between Randolph and Washington. His loss in the fire was complete, and out of $30,000 insurance he failed to recover anything. After the fire he opened a saloon near the corner of State and Harrison streets, but soon sold this and it was burnt in the second fire. He next located on the West side and soon had interests in several clubhouses. He opened "The Store" on Clark street near Monroe, afterward a celebrated political headquarters, in the spring of 1873, the building having been constructed to suit him by Edwin Walker. Here he entered into partnership with Lawrence & Martin in the wholesale liquor and cigar business. The firm dissolved in 1877, Lawrence & Martin opening a rival place at m Madison street and Mc- Donald confining his efforts to " The Store," Lawrence & Martin failing in 1880. His first active service in Democratic party politics was in the Tilden campaign of 1876, although in 1868 he had supported Seymour and Blair, and in 1872 General Grant as against Horace Greeley, and in this campaign he did a great deal of local work for the regular Republican ticket. He was in the convention at St. Louis that nominated Tilden and was at the head of the Tilden marching clubs. He was active in securing the nomination and election of Mayor Harvey D. Colvin, and also gave his active support to Perry H. Smith for Mayor as against Monroe Heath, thereby incurring the enmity of Chief of Police M. C. Hickey, who denounced him as a gambler, and made "The Store" the object of repeated raids. It was one of these raids when his private apartments were forcibly entered that gave rise to a celebrated test case and a decision by Judge McAllister that the police had no power to make forcible entry unless provided with warrants. McDonald has always maintained that all of the gamblers were at that time opposed to him, and in favor of the election of Mayor Heath. In the fall of 1876 he was a supporter of Charles Kern for Sheriff, who was elected, but prior to this the Democrats had held no county offices to speak of. In 1877 the Democratic County Central Committee was formed, and a bitter fight for supremacy between factions was waged,

David Thornton was deposed as committeeman from the First ward and Joseph C. Mackin elected in his stead. McDonald supported Mackin, and together they secured control of the party organization and maintained it for several years. In 1S7S they supported Charles Kern for Sheriff as against John Hoffman, and while he was defeated by but 3,100 votes the balance of the ticket was defeated by an average majority of 13,000 in Cook county. They were active in the support of Judges Roger and Gary to the Circuit bench as non-partisan candidates, and in June, 1879, tney supported Judges McAllister, Moran, Barnum, Rogers and Tuley, who were elected and reelected in 1885 on a non-partisan ticket. In the spring municipal campaign of 1879 they were active in securing the election of Mayor Carter H. Harrison, City Treasurer William C. Seipp, City Clerk Patrick Howard and City Attorney Julius S. Grinnell, and in 1881 the same ticket with the substitution of Rudolf Brand for Treasurer; and again in 1883 with the substitution of John M. Dunphy for Treasurer, and John G. Neumeister for City Clerk. They also elected Dr. Swayne Wickersham to the City Council from the First ward for three consecutive terms and would have reelected him had he not declined. In the fall of 1882 their adherents had full control of the County convention and nominated W. J. McGarigle for Sheriff, W. C. Seipp for Treasurer, M. J. Ryan for Clerk and Richard S. Prendergast for County Judge, and all were elected except McGarigle, against whom the fire of the entire opposition was directed. Indeed, the strong and winning combinations which controlled conventions ; dictated nominations ; managed a perfect system of political machinery and received the co-operation of the voters of the Democratic party, was almost entirely subject to the command of M. C. McDonald, and it is a notable fact that among the many officials named none have been found derelict in duty to the public. The same element supported Henry M. Shepard for Judge of the Circuit Court in 1883, and he defeated Judge Jameson, who had formerly carried Cook county by 16,000 majority, and McDonald was a ruling factor in the municipal convention of 1885 and the County convention of 1886. During his connection with the controlling element of his party it has nominated and elected many persons to minor offices in the county and town governments, and, as is ever the case under our political system, some bad men have crept in. In 1881 Mr. McDonald was the leading spirit in the organization of the Cook County Democratic Club, and has ever since been one of its chief mainstays. He has been a delegate and active factor in city, county, state and national conventions, and has almost invariably seen his favored candidates successful. In 1884 he originally favored the nomination of "the old ticket" of Tilden and Hendricks and after the famous letter of declaration of Mr. Tilden he was a supporter of Hon. Joseph McDonald, but discovering the tendency of the country to be in the direction of a change from old party lines ; a plain business-like administration and certain reforms, and that Grover Cleveland was the choice of the majority, he became a strong adherent of the head of the present administration. Mr. McDonald has never sought office for himself. He is the owner of large stone quarries at Lemont ; has great real estate and building interests in Chicago ; is a large stockholder in the Chicago Passenger Railroad, is interested largely in other substantial business ventures, and is worth considerable over $1,000,000. He was married June 7, 1863, to Miss Marie Cecilia Noonan, of Lockport, Niagara Co., New York, and is the father of four children ; Harley C. Mc- Donald, aged 21 ; Birdie McDonald, aged 19; Guy C, aged 7, and Cassius Michael, aged 8 months.

Charles Herman Plautz

C. Herman Plautz, City Clerk of the city of Chicago, was born in the year 1844 in the village of Klein Sabow, Northern Germany. His parents were well-to-do farmers, and at an early age he was sent to the best schools his native place afforded. His father took a prominent part in the revolution of 1848, and being dissatisfied with the German government he emigrated to the United States in 1855. They located at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where they continue to reside. The son attended school and applied himself closely to his studies until the spring of 1 861, when he took up his residence in Chicago and found employment in a drugstore. After five years' experience in this business, and becoming thoroughly conversant with it, he became the head of the concern, through the kindness of his employer, who turned his entire business over to Mr. Plautz, who conducted it successfully until the fall of 1882, when he sold out in order to engage in the wholesale drug trade. He then organized the Chicago Drug and Chemical Company, and for two and one-half years was the treasurer of the concern. It was successfully managed, and is to-day one of our largest manufacturing establishments. In politics Mr. Plautz has always been a staunch Republican. Since first settling in the Northwestern part of the city, he has taken an active interest in the improvements and politics of the Fourteenth ward. He was a member of the Republican City Campaign Executive Committee in 1881 ; and treasurer of the Cook County Campaign Committee in the fall of 1884. At the beginning of 1885 he retired from active business and in March of that yearwas nominated for City Clerk on the ticket with Judge Sidney Smith, and was one of the two successful Republican candidates, being elected by a decisive majority, and serving creditably. During the Smith-Harrison mayoralty contest Mr. Plautz had charge of the ballots and his action throughout was honorable, non-partisan, and elicited praise from both sides. Mr. Plautz's life has been a studious one and he has a splendid education, the result of his own efforts. He occupies a prominent place in business circles; is universally respected and highly regarded for his many admirable traits of character. He has a fine family and is happily situated in his home relations, having a splendid homestead at No. 731 North Hoyne avenue. Mr. Plautz is a Free Mason, and member of other benevolent organizations.

John J. Curran

John Joseph Curran was born August 5, 1845, in the south of Ireland, his father, Michael Curran, being a farmer, and his mother, Margaret M. (Griffin) Curran, a cousin of the noted Irish poet, Gerald Griffin. He came to the United States with his parents in 1850 and they settled in Syracuse, N. Y., removing to Indiana in 1854, and to Clinton county, la., in 1856. John J. Curran first attended the public school in Syracuse; a district school in Indiana, and in Iowa a select school at Clinton. At 15 years of age he entered a grocery store in Clinton as clerk and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade. After he had mastered the latter trade he returned to New York and worked at Oswego. At the outbreak of the war he entered the service of the Government and was assigned to the Navy Yard at Cairo, 111. He was soon given charge of a complement of men and went ahead of the army building bridges. He was at the siege of Nashville, and there contracted a fever which came near having a fatal termination, and from the effects of which he yet suffers. He returned to Iowa and in 1865 became a contractor and builder, coming to Chicago after the great fire. He was engaged by Turner & Sumner, as superintendent of their lumber driers and in the fall of 1882 he and Mr. Turner invented an improved drier, Mr. Curran inventing the steam part of it and making other improvements. Subsequently he devised and patented the Curran Excelsior Drier and became the founder of the lumber dry kiln business in the United States. His process has saved many million dollars to the lumber interests and has made him independently rich. Mr. Curran is a self-made man ; a public-spirited citizen and a liberal contributor to causes of charity, Irish Nationality and Democratic party politics. He has taken an active interest in politics for the past fifteen years, having in 1879 been a leading spirit in the important Greenback movement of that period and being the means of combining the two Greenback-labor wings in Chicago that resulted in the first nomination of Carter H. Harrison for the Mayoralty. He has resided in the Second Congressional district since 1871 and has frequently been urged by his friends to stand as .in independent candidate for Congress. He was prevailed upon to become an independent candidate for Alderman of the Seventh ward in the spring of 1879 upon a pledge of the Republican indorsement. There were two Democratic candidates - John Riordan and John McNally - and a long term, and Aid. Hildreth's unexpired term in the Council, to be filled. The night before the election the Republicans put up a candidate in the person of Henry Kerber. Mr. Curran received 900 votes, and both Riordan and McNally were elected. Subsequently he was offered the nomination for County Commissioner, but refused it, and was urged to become a Candidate for Congress and for City Treasurer, but declined. In 1884 his name was presented in the Congressional Convention as against Frank Lawler, and his friends failed by eight votes to nominate him. In the fall of 1886 he actively sought the nomination, but the "machine" was against him and he was defeated. A convention of Independent Democrats, and citizens of the district was called, and he was nominated by acclamation on the Independent People's ticket. Mr. Curran was elected a member of the Democratic County Central Committee in 1884, and re-elected in 1885 and 1886. He is a member of the Second Congressional District Committee and has been a delegate to various State, County and City Conventions. He was an ardent supporter of Grover Cleveland for President in 1884, and contributed liberally to the expenses of the campaign. He is a member of the Iroquois and Cook County Clubs and September 16, 1886, was elected President of the Cook County Young Democracy, an organization including in its membership nearly 10,000 active young members of the Democratic party. Mr. Curran has always been an unselfish and patriotic supporter of the Irish Nationalist cause, and in 1885 was a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention of the Irish National Land League. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and of the Irish Nationalists. He is an extensive property-owner and has made many costly and substantial improvements in the city, especially in the Second district, where, on Blue Island avenue near Fourteenth street, stands a handsome new public hall erected by him in 1886. He is President of the Curran Mutual Aid and Building Association, which society, since its establishment in 1883, mainly through his energy and efforts, has built one hundred houses and furnished homes for six hundred people. Another new and prosperous association of the same kind of which he is also the president is called the Curran Hall Building and Loan Association, and he is also treasurer of the John M. Dunphy Building and Loan Association. Mr. Curran was married in 1870 to Miss Margaret M. Conlon, of Clinton county, Iowa.

Michael J. Corcoran

Michael J. Corcoran, one of the most active and influential men identified with Democratic politics in Chicago, was born May 16, 1848, the place where he first saw the light being the old St. Louis House at the corner of Market and Washington streets, kept by his father, Jeremiah Thomas Corcoran. This was a celebrated hotel in its time, which was in the palmy days of canal traffic, when the house was the great headquarters for the packet men. Jeremiah T. Corcoran was one of the early settlers of Chicago, coming here from Canada in the 301s, and died in i860. For many years he was in the grocery and hotel business, and though active in politics never held office himself. When Michael J. Corcoran was one year old the family moved to the corner of Ohio and St. Clair streets. Michael first attended the Wilder school, corner of Ohio and La- Salle streets, where many of our prominent men received their first schooling. He then took a course at St. Mary's of the Lake and at the age of nineteen went to learn the machinist's trade with S. E. Good & Co.. at the corner of North Water and LaSalle streets, subsequently buying an interest in the shop. Soon after this, he, in company with his brother, John T. Corcoran, took charge of the old Hatch house, located at the corner of Wells and Kinzie streets, adjoining the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad depot. The Hatch house speedily became noted as the principal political headquarters in the city, and here gathered such old time politicians as "Uncle" Dan O'Hara, Phil Conley, "Long John" Wentworth, David Thornton, Tom Foley, and even some of the younger race, including Frank Agnew, Miles Kehoe, John Crawford, William Devine and others. The Hatch house adherents became a distinct and powerful factor in politics, and their influence extended to the control of conventions and the election of many of the chief municipal and county officers. The original Hatch house was a three story and basement frame structure, named after its builder, who sold it to James Howe, from whom it was bought by John T. Corcoran in 1859. When the Wells street viaduct was built the Corcorans raised the hotel and faced it with brick at a cost of about $25,000, making it a handsome and commodious house of 134 rooms. It then became a more popular headquarters than ever, and so continued until it was destroyed in the fire of 1871. The Corcoran brothers set to work immediately and rebuilt on the same site, but on a smaller scale. The new Hatch house was the first building erected after the fire, and like its predecessor it was known as the great political headquarters. It was sold to the Chicago and Northwestern Railrcad in "the fall of 1876 and was torn down. Michael J. Corcoran first became active in the politics of the old Twentieth ward, the first real work done by him being to circulate tickets for Aid. Edward Keogh, who was elected by a large majority. Every spring and fall since Mr. Corcoran may be seen at the polls with a bunch of tickets for his favorite candidate in his hand. During the Greeley campaign he induced his brother, John T. Corcoran, to run for Alderman against Gus Busse, a German Republican, and although the ward was strongly Republican, John T. was elected by 900 majority. At the expiration of his first term he ran against James Kirk and defeated him by 400 majority. His second term was cut short six months by the adoption of the new charter, under which Mayor Colvin held over. He was a popular man ; an able representative in the Council, and at the time of his death, in 1879, that body adopted resolutions eulogizing his memory, which are given elsewhere. While they made and unmade mayors and many county and town officials John T. and Michael J. Corcoran never sought or held office themselves, except the two terms the former held in the Council. M. J. Corcoran has often been urged by his friends to become a candidate for Alderman ; for County Commissioner ; for City or County Treasurer, and for Congress, but he has invariably refused to allow the use of his name. He maintains that he is tired of politics and would never interest himself in campaigns except for friends, who ask his services and whom he can not refuse. Leading candidates always seek his friendship and influence. He has been a member of the City and County Central Committees for twelve or fifteen years ; a delegate in nearly every local and state convention, Chairman of the North Town Convention, an alternate delegate in the National Convention of 1884, and is a prominent member of the Cook County Democratic Club. On account of his faculty of gathering political strength and his facility in organizing, Mr. Corcoran has often been compared to the late John Kelly, of New York, and by many of his friends he has been dubbed the "Sachem." He is genial in disposition, weighs 240 pounds, and is five feet eight inches in height.

George Mills Rogers

George Mills Rogers, City Prosecuting Attorney, is the son of the Hon. John G. Rogers, now serving his fourth term as Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook county. Mr. Rogers was born April 16, 1854, in Glasgow, Ky., which was also the birthplace of his father. Chicago has been his home since 1857, when his father removed here with his family. He received his early education in the public schools of Chicago, and later entered on a course of study at the Chicago University. In 1872 he entered the Freshman class of Yale College, graduating in 1876. After completing his classical studies he entered the office of Messrs. Crawford & McConnell and began the study of the law, which he had chosen as his profession. At the same time he attended the Union College of Law, from which he regularly graduated, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1878. Mr. Rogers then became a member of the firm of McConnell, Raymond & Rogers, and upon the withdrawal of Mr. Henry W. Raymond the firm became McConnell & Rogers.

From boyhood Mr. Rogers has been a Democrat, and has always taken great interest in political affairs. In March, 1083, he became a member of the Citizens' Association and served as its attorney until January, 1885, when he was appointed Assistant City Attorney. He served in this capacity until June 1, 1885. In February, 1886, he received the appointment of City

Prosecuting Attorney, which position he still holds. In 1880 Mr. Rogers was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for the State Senate from the Fourth Senatorial district, and though defeated, he largely reduced the usual Republican majority. In 1882 he was induced to fill a vacancy on the Democratic ticket, becoming a candidate for Assessor of the West Town. He was defeated by 100 votes by Pleasant Amick, who had been the incumbent for several terms.

Mr. Rogers is a member of the Illinois Club, the Cook County Club and 'the Iroquois Club. Of the latter club he was chosen Vice-President at the first election of officers. He was once Vice-President of the Cook County Democratic Committee, and is now a member of the Naturalization Committee of the Cook County Club.

Mr. Rogers has one brother, Henry, and two sisters, Sarah, wife of S. P. McConnell, Esq., and Julia, residing in Chicago. He was married June 3, 1884, to Miss Philippa Howe Anthon, of New York City. Mrs. Rogers is the daughter of the late Philip Howe Anthon, and a niece of the late Prof. Charles Anthon. of Columbia College, New York.

Canute R. Matson

Canute R. Matson was born near Bergen, Norway, April 9, 1843; his father was Rognald Matson a farmer, and his mother, Gertrude (Johnson) Matson. He came to the United States with his parents in 1849, anc^ they settled in the town of La- Grange, Walworth county, Wisconsin, subsequently removing to Dane county. Young Matson first attended the public school at Palmyra, and upon the removal of his parents to Dane county he worked with his father in clearing the farm in the new country, attending school in the winter. At the age of fifteen he attended Albion academy. In i860 he began a course at Milton college and was there at the breaking out of the war. Becoming imbued with the war spirit and feeling that the country needed his services he enlisted in Company K, Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, August 19, 1861, and after the necessary drill in camp he was sent in the following January with his regiment to Kansas, there to unite with General Jim Lane's expedition to New Mexico. The expedition being abandoned his regiment was ordered down the Mississippi in the summer of 1862 to join the Army of the Cumberland, and he served through the Southwest campaign, going with Stanley's division to Texas in 1865, and there being mustered out in December of that year. Returning north he located in Chicago in 1866 and sought to fit himself for commercial pursuits by taking a course at Eastman's Commercial college, where there was a large attendance of exsoldiers who were seeking to complete the education that had been interrupted by their enlistment in the service of their country. Upon leaving the college Mr. Matson kept books for a coal firm for a season and then secured a position in the postoffice under Postmaster Samuel L. Hoard. In 1869 he was nominated on the "People's" ticket for Clerk of the Police Court ; was elected by a large majority and was re-nominated on the "Fire Proof" ticket and re-elected by an increased majority in 1871. In 1875 he was appointed Justice of the Peace by the Governor of the state, and re-appointed at the expiration of his term. In 1880 he was elected Coroner over John H. Colvin, a well known and popular Democrat, by a majority greater than that received by any other candidate on the Republican ticket, and leading the presidential candidate, Garfield, by several hundred votes. After serving two years as Coroner, during which time he made a splendid record for efficiency, he accepted the office of Chief Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Seth Hanchett, in December, 1882. This office he filled in a manner eminently satisfactory to the public and his party, and so well known and popular had he become, and it having been demonstrated that he was a very strong man before the people, his party recognized these qualifications by nominating him for Sheriff of Cook county in the County convention in September, 1886. Mr. Matson possesses a rugged and striking physique, a genial disposition and has many sterling traits of character which gain and hold him the friends who have again rallied to his support in the most important canvass he has yet undertaken. Mr. Matson has been twice married ; the first time in 1868 to Miss Mary Newton of Chicago, who died subsequently, and again December 13, 1876, to Miss Isabella Andrewson, of La Salle county, daughter of the Rev. O. Andrewson, who came to this country in 1837, and became noted as one of the pioneer preachers of his nationality. He organized the First Norwegian church in this city, and others in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, and was president of the Synod when he died in 1885. C. R. Matson is the father of four children, the eldest nine years of age, and the youngest, a daughter, born the night following his nomination for Sheriff.

Egbert Jamieson

Hon. Egbert Jamieson was born April 29, 1844, in Castleton, Rutland county, Vermont. His father, Dr. Egbert Jamieson, was a practicing physician and surgeon of the old school, a graduate of the Castleton Medical College. His mother, Caroline M. (Woodward) Jamieson, was born in Castleton, and was the daughter of Dr. Theodore Woodward, President of the Castleton Medical College. She now resides in Chicago. Dr. Egbert Jamieson served as a surgeon in the United States Navy. He removed to Racine, Wis., with his family about 1849, an<^ at the outbreak of the war joined the First Wisconsin Regiment as surgeon, and served at the front. He died after the battle of Murfreesboro, where he was surgeon in charge of the hospital. Egbert Jamieson attended the Racine public schools, under the tuition of Col. John G. McMynn, and next took a course at Racine College under Dr. Roswell Park. He started out in life as a journalist, and held an editorial position on the staff of the Daily Milwaukee News, under George H. Paul. His chosen profession, however, was the law, and he soon returned to Racine and began to read law with Sanders and Ladd. In March, 1864, he came to Chicago, and entered the law office of E. S. Smith, and after three years of study was admitted to the bar and formed a co-partnership with Judge James H. Knowlton, which continued until the great fire of 1871 cleaned out the firm. After the fire he remained in practice alone for a year, and then formed a co-partnership with the late Emery Storrs, which continued until he was elected City Attorney in 1873. During his term as city attorney he earned a splendid record by successfully defending many damage suits brought against the city, and he played an important part in the troublous times at the close of Mayor Colvin's administration. When his term as City Attorney had expired he was retained by Mayor Colvin and Comptroller S. S. Hayes as their counsel in the celebrated Hoyne-Colvin contest. Associated with him for a time were W. C. Goudy and Judge C. Beckwith, but he finished the case alone, and secured a verdict in the Circuit Court before the full bench in favor of his clients, and the administration under this decision served its full term out. In 1876 he was made the nominee of the Democratic County convention for State's Attorney, but was defeated, and,- as is claimed, was "counted out," being made the victim of influences at work in the interest of certain County Commissioners then under in- dictment for malfeasance in office. Since that period Mr. Jamieson has been occupied with the practice of his profession He has frequently been brought forward as a well qualified candidate for the bench, and in the summer of 1886 received prominence as an available man for United States District Attorney. September 15, 1886, he was nominated by acclamation by the Democratic County convention for Judge of the Superior Court, was indorsed by the United Labor Party in convention October 4, and by the Cook County Labor League in convention October 11. Mr. Jamieson is energetic, able and popular. He was married December 24, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Daniels, of Chicago, daughter of Hon. William Y. Daniels.

Joseph M. Weber

Joseph M. Weber, representative in the City Council from the Seventh ward, was born in Brooklyn, New York, May 14, 1853. His father, Adam Weber, and his mother were natives of Rhine, Bavaria, who came to the United States in 1848, locating in Brooklyn. They came to Chicago in 1856. Joseph M. Weber attended the Holy Family parochial school for twelve years and then attended the Foster public school, and finally took a course at Dyrenfurth's business college. When thirteen years old he lost his left hand by the accidental discharge of a pistol on the Fourth of July. He first worked in an upholstering establishment; in 1871 was messenger for the German National Bank; next became bookkeeper for the commission firm of Wahl & Jaeger, afterward Philip Jaeger, where he remained eleven years. In 1882 he established a manufactory of house mouldings at the corner of Twenty-second and Laflin streets, but finding himself not adapted to the business gave it up after six months. In the fall of 1883 he engaged in the wholesale meat commission business at 48 and 50 West Jackson street, where he still conducts a profitable business. Mr. Weber lives at 400 Maxwell street, and has been a continuous resident of the street for twenty-eight years. He has the confidence and respect of the people of his ward ; has attended closely to their interests in the Council, and has been mentioned prominently for Senator and Representative in the Legislature at Springfield. He was the first Republican elected in the ward for ten years, defeating John Riordan, the Democratic candidate in April, 1885, by a majority of 167 votes.

A. M. Jones

Alfred Miles Jones, Chairman of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee, was born Februarys, 1837, in New Durham, Strafford county. New Hampshire. His father, Alfred S. Jones, and mother, Rebecca (Miles) Jones, were natives of New Hampshire, and his father was a farmer. They moved from New Durham to Rutland, Vt., and in 1846 came west, settling in the town of Hebron, McHenry county; removing thence to Warren, Jo Daviess county, in 1857. Alfred M. attended the public school in Rutland, district school in McHenry county, and afterward took a course at Kimball's private school at Rockford, 111., a celebrated school in its day. Subsequently he opened a jewelry and bookstore at Warren ; next became a dealer in farm machinery, and finally established a loan and collection office. In 1862 he was elected Coroner of Jo Daviess county, and after serving his term out was appointed Deputy Sheriff. He always took an active interest in politics, and in company with Jacob Fossett, now County Judge, William Spensley, afterward County Judge, Capt. D. W. Corey and others, was generally found opposed to Elihu B. Washburne in the politics of his district. He was an ardent supporter of Gen. Grant in 1864 and 1868, and in every campaign conducted .in his interest. In 1866 he was elected Chairman of the Jo Daviess County Central Committee ; was elected to the Legislature in 1872 and again in 1874, was elected Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee in 1880. and re-elected Chairman of each new committee since. For upward of twenty years he has been an influential delegate in county, congressional and state conventions, and his reputation as an active organizer and an able and experienced promoter of the interests of his party extends throughout the country. His popular political sobriquet is " Long '' Jones, derived from a generous stature. He was a member for two terms and Secretary of the Board of Penitentiary Commissioners, was Collector of Internal Revenue for the Galena district under the Hayes administration, and was transferred to the Chicago district and appointed United States Marshal of the Northern District of Illinois by President Garfield. While serving as Marshal he took an active part in ferreting out the Chicago election frauds and in the prosecution of Mackin, Gallagher and Gleason. In the great Republican National convention of 1880 he was a conspicuous marshal of the historic "Old Guard," or Grant "306;" in 1884 an active supporter of Gen.

Logan for the presidency, and in the famous contest of the latter for election to the United States Senate he was one of the principal organizers of the " Logan 103." While Mr. Jones retains his residence at Warren his business keeps him a greater part of the time in Chicago ; he being now the general manager of the Bethesda Mineral Springs Company. Mr. Jones was married in 1857 to Miss Emeline E. Wright, of Lynn, Wis., and is the father of two children ; a daughter aged twenty-three, and a son seventeen years of age.

Seth F. Hanchett

Seth Frank Hanchett, Sheriff of Cook county from 18S2 to 1886, was born April 30, 1841, in Chautauqua county, New York. His father, Joseph Cottrell Hanchett, was a native of New York and a farmer, and his mother, Sabrina (Howard) Hanchett, was born in Vermont. Seth F. lived on his father's farm until he was fifteen years old and attended the district schools. In 1856 he came to Chicago, but soon went to Mc- Henry county where he was employed, and attended school for several winters. In i860 he returned to Chicago and entered the employ of the North Chicago City Railway Company. In the fall of 1 861, while yet a minor, he enlisted in Company M, Nineteenth Illinois Cavalry, and served in this company a year and a half when he contracted fever and was discharged as an invalid. J4e soon recovered his strength and returned to his old home, and re-enlisted in the Fifteenth New York Cavalry and served at the front in Virginia, the Shenandoah valley, under Sigel and Hunter, and in Custer's Division, Sheridan's Cavalry Corps, and at the battle of Five Forks, eight days before the surrender of Lee, his left arm was blown off at the elbow, and its amputation at the shoulder was necessitated. He was mustered out April 1, 1865, and returned to Chicago and engaged in business for a year ; was superintendent of the Soldiers' Home for a year, and in 1867 was appointed bailiff in the County Court, under Sheriff John L. Beveridge, and served under four successive sheriff's until Sheriff Charles Kern was elected in the fall of 1876. He again engaged in business for himself, and in the fall of 1877 was elected Clerk of the Probate Court and administered the affairs of that important office acceptably to the public for a period of five years. In the fall of 1882 he was nominated for Sheriff of Cook county by the Republican County convention, and was the successful candidate in a heated campaign, defeating his op- ponent, William J. McGarigle, by a majority of 4,385 votes. Sheriff Hanchett was dependent upon his own efforts from boyhood, and won distinction by energy and faithfulness. He administered the important office of Sheriff with ability and satisfaction to the public. He was married in 1867 to Miss Lizzie L. Atkins, of Chicago, and has three children - Frank S. Hanchett, aged 18 ; Seth R., aged 14, and Bessie, aged 5 years.

Edward P. Burke

Edward P. Burke, Representative in the City Council for three terms from the Fifth ward, was born in Madison, Jefferson county, Indiana, January 17, 1848. His father, John Burke, and mother, Mary (Fallon) Burke, were born in Roscommon county, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1833, settling in Indiana, coming to Chicago in 1870, returning to Indiana in 1872, and returning again to Chicago in 1880. In the latter year his father died, and his mother died in 188 1. After attending school until his sixteenth year Edward P. Burke came to Chicago in 1864, and pursued the trade of a stonecutter, in which he became an expert, and was elected President of the Stonecutters' Association. In 1874 he abandoned stone cutting, and accepted the position of foreman for Fowlef Brothers, at the Union Stock Yards, where he remained nine years. He then engaged for a time in business for himself, and next became a member of the firm of McKeon, Kelly & Burke, cut stone contractors, having extensive yards on Twenty-first street, near Archer avenue. Mr. Burke has resided almost exclusively in the Fifth ward since coming to Chicago, and his popularity is attested by three successive elections to the Council. In 1880 he defeated George Turney, Independent Democrat, and Thomas Ryan, receiving a plurality of nearly 600 votes; in 1882 he defeated Edward O'Hare, Independent Democrat, and Fred Aye, Republican, by a plurality of nearly 1,400 votes; and in 1884, in a close and exciting contest, defeated Charles Hillock by six votes, in a total of 5,584. In 1886 he again contested the ward with Mr. Hillock, and was defeated by the latter. In September, 1886, Mr. Burke was nominated for State Senator by the Democrats of his district, and also received the indorsement of the Cook County Labor League. He was married in June, 1873, to Miss Mary E. McKeon, and has five children living, the eldest twelve years of age, and the youngest two years.

Michael B. Bailey

Michael B. Bailey, Superintendent of Repairs of the Chicago Custom House, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, April 16, 1837. His father, Henry Bailey, whose business was that of a blacksmith, died about 1846, and in 1851 Michael, with a party of friends came to the United States, locating in Chicago. The rest of the family came later, and his mother died in Chicago some years ago. He received some schooling in Ireland, and in Chicago carried on his studies and perfected his education at the night schools. He learned the trade of a mason and plasterer with the firm of James H. Ward & Bro., with whom he remained for five years. In 1856 he began the business of a contractor and builder on his own account, which he has followed nearly ever since. Mr. Bailey may rightly be called one of the builders of Chicago. He built the Father Waldron school on Clark street ; the Washington school on Morgan street ; the Empire block on LaSalle street ; the present county jail ; the H. A. Cohn building on Lake street ; the McCormick Block on Lake street ; the Thurman building, and scores of buildings and residences throughout the entire city. In 1857 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, to repair the Courthouse, and then went to St. Joseph, Mo., where he erected several of the more important buildings and residences. In 1858 he left St. Joseph for Pike's Peak, and in 1859 ne went to New Orleans. He worked as a mechanic on the plantation of Gen. Bailey, on the Red River, until the breaking out of the war, when he went to New Orleans and removed with his family to Memphis, Tenn. He was compelled, with many of the citizens of Memphis, to assist in the transportation of Gen. Price's troops to the field of Shiloh. After the capture of Memphis by the Union army in 1862, he returned to Chicago and resumed his old business of a builder. Mr. Bailey has always been an ardent Democrat, and has been prominently known in political circles for many years. In 1870 he was indorsed by the Republicans and elected Alderman of the old Eighth ward, over J. H. Hildreth. In 1872 he was re-elected Alderman of the Eighth ward on the Greeley ticket. After the great fire he helped to pass the ordinance extending the fire limits, and in 1874 he attempted to secure the passage of an act by the Legislature providing for the appointment of a Building Commissioner for the city of Chicago. Failing in this, he was largely instrumental in the adoption of the charter of 1872, under which, in 1874, the office of Building Inspector was created. In 1875 ne was appointed by Mayor Colvin the first Superintendent of Build- ings, which position he held until the election of Mayor Heath, when he resigned. Mr. Bailey took an active part in public affairs during some of the most noted periods of the city's history; his judgment was always relied upon in political matters and he possesses a valuable fund of anecdote and reminiscence about public men. He was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee from 1878 to 1882. In May, 1885, he was appointed Superintendent of Repairs of the Custom House, which position he still retains.

He was married in Quincy, Illinois, in 1859 to Miss Ellen Dignen. They have eight children, five of whom are grown ; Henry L., John R., George J., Mary E., Katherine, Matilda, Nellie, and Gertrude.

Halyor S. Paulsen

Halvor S. Paulsen, ex-West Town Supervisor, is well known in political circles in Chicago, where he has resided for more then twenty years. Mr. Paulsen was born in Grue Salor, Norway, in 1848. His father, Peter Paulsen, died when Halvor was but nine years of age, leaving a family of eight children in very good financial circumstances. He received a good education in Norway, and in 1864 emigrated alone to America, coming direct to Chicago, where some of his family were already located. In Chicago he learned the trade of a cooper with his brothers, who were coopers. He followed coopering for two years and then became a clerk for his uncle, Martin Paulsen, in the hardware business, where he learned the tinner's trade. In 1868 and 1869 he acquired a commercial education at Bryant and Stratton's Business College. In the spring of 1871 he engaged with his brother Ole Paulsen, in the hardware business under the style of H. S. Paulsen & Bro., at No. 233 North Wells street. In the great fire of the following October they were burned out. losing not only all their savings but all they had brought with them from Norway. After the fire they started again in the same business at 149 W. Indiana street. In 1882 Mr. Paulsen bought out the interest of his brother and has since carried on the business alone. For eight years he has been located at 150 and 152 West Indiana street. He has one brother and one sister in Chicago, the most of his family residing at Grinnell, Iowa. Mr. Paulsen has taken an active interest in politics for several years, and has always been a pronounced Republican. In the spring of 7885 he was the Republican candidate for Supervisor of the

West Town, and was elected by 2,400 majority, while his predecessor had been elected on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 8,000. While Mr. Paulsen was Supervisor, an effort was made to have him compromise with the seven ex-Collectors of the West Town who had retained two percent, of their collections as a commission. This he declined to do/ hoping for a decision in the long-delayed cases before the Supreme Court. After a fruitless correspondence with the Clerk of the court, he employed ex-Gov. John M. Hamilton as an attorney to see all the Justices of the Supreme Court, and urge the importance of an immediate decision. By this action decision was obtained, ordering the two per cent, to be turned over to the West Town Treasury; the compromisers were defeated, and $63,494 saved to the people.

Daniel Shepard

Daniel Shepard, Secretary of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee, was born in Aurora, Cayuga county, New York, November 13, 1835. His father, Charles E. Shepard, and his mother, Catherine (Cuyler) Shepard, were both natives of New York state. His father was a lawyer, as was also his grandfather on both the paternal and maternal sides. He first attended the public schools of Aurora, and next a private school at Buffalo, and then took a course in Hamilton College, New York, graduating therefrom in 1855. He then took a complete course of legal studies under Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, in the Columbia Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1856. He arrived in Chicago January 1, 1858, and has since been a resident of the city. He first entered the law office of Shumway, Waite & Town, and then formed a law partnership with Aleck F. Stevenson, which, after a brief period he terminated, not finding the law suitable to his temperament for a lifetime profession. In 1868 he was elected Clerk of the Republican State Central Committee, and was elected secretary in the campaign of 1870, and re-elected prior to every campaign since. In 1869 he was elected Assistant Clerk of the Illinois House of Representatives ; in 1870 was Assistant Secretary of the Constitutional Convention ; was elected Clerk of the House in the Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth General Assemblies ; was Secretary of the Mili- tary Affairs Committee of the United States Senate in 1874 - 5 - 6-7, of which John A. Logan was chairman, and held the position of Appointment Clerk in the Chicago postoffice during the incumbency of Postmaster Frank W. Palmer. Always a staunch and active Republican Mr. Shepard's great ability as a political organizer and manager and conductor of campaigns has been amply proven in many hard-fought campaigns, and the practical working organization and invariable success of the Republican party in the state of Illinois is due in a great measure to his hard work, superior judgment, and intelligent discrimination. His methods have not been questionable, and his reputation for able and meritorious service to the cause of his party is not confined to his own state alone. He is genial, obliging and popular, and readily makes friends in every walk of life. Mr. Shepard was united in marriage in 1859 to Miss Harriet A. Scott of Oneida county, New York, and is the father of four children now living.

Thomas J. Carney

Thomas Joseph Carney, Alderman of the Seventeenth ward, was born in Chicago October 4, 1858, on North Branch street. His father, Thomas Carney, and his mother, Sarah Carney, were both born in County Mayo, Ireland, and came to the United States in 185 1, coming direct to Chicago. Thomas J. first attended the Christian Brothers' school in connection with the Church of the Holy Name, on Cass street, up to the date of the great fire. He then attended St. Ignatius College for three years; next went to the Kinzie public school on Ohio street for two years ; next to Bryant and Stratton's Business College, and finally took a course at Bourbonia College at Kankakee, 111. His first business venture was a grocery store, which he successfully conducted for six years at the corner of Market and Illinois streets. After disposing of this business he became connected with the City Fire Department, Engine Company No. 27; and served two years ; then two and a half years on the police force as a detective. His next venture was in the flour and feed and coal business, and a sample room, in which he is still engaged. Aid. Carney has always been active in the politics of his district. His father, Thomas Carney, is an old-line Democrat, who was elected to the City Council in 1868 and served three consecutive terms. Thomas J. Carney took the field as an independent candidate in the spring of 1886 ; was indorsed by the Republicans, and his popularity was attested by the fact that he was elected by a majority of 147 votes out of a total of 3,140, defeating Charles D. Wells, the regular Democratic nominee. He is the youngest member of the Council of 1886-7, and an able representative of the interests of his ward. Aid. Carney was married November 2, 1883, to Miss May Morris, of Chicago, and is the father of two children, the eldest a daughter, aged two years, and the youngest a son, Thomas, born shortly after the close of the polls on election day in April, 1886.

Charles W. Woodman

Charles Wolhart Woodman was born in Schlesswig, Northern Denmark, on March 11, 1844. He attended the common schools of his native place until 1857, an<^ m^de the United States his adopted country in 1861. For a period of ten years, from 1857 to 1867, he followed the sea as a sailor. During this service he crossed the equator eight times and visited nearly every important port in the world. In 1862 he was a member of the Arctic expedition, and in 1864 enlisted in the United States Navy at Philadelphia, serving on board the man-of-war Monongahela. After his discharge from the navy he came to Chicago and followed the lakes as a sailor for two years. He next entered the insurance business for three years, and in 1870 began the study of the law in the office of James L. High; was admitted to the bar in 1872, and to practice in the United States Supreme Court in 1882. In 1879 he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in the lower courts of Cook county, and served until 1882, when he was appointed Justice of the Peace to succeed the Hon. A. L. Morrison, which position he yet holds. Justice Woodman has been a resident of the Second Congressional district since 1865, and in his various positions of honor and trust has demonstrated abilities of a high order. In politics he has always been a consistent Republican, and for several years was mentioned prominently as a candidate for Legislative and Congressional honors. He was a member of the Republican County Central Committee for three years. October 16, 1886, he was made the nominee for Congress of the Second district Republican Convention, and subsequently received the indorsement of several independent organizations. He was married May 16, 1867, to Miss Cornelia M. Hamilton, daughter of Prof. James E. Hamilton, Instructor of French in the University of Chicago, and his family occupy a comfortable home at No. 448 West Fifteenth street.

Hon. Richard Prendergast

Hon. Richard Prendergast, Judge of the County Court of Cook county, was born in Ireland November 8, 1854. His father, John E. Prendergast, was a farmer and a merchant, and his mother Anne (Judge) Prendergast, died when Richard was eight years old. He came to the United States with his father in 1864, and they settled at La Salle, 111., where Richard attended school for two years and worked in a store during vacation. From the age of twelve years he depended entirely on his own efforts for his education, and has made his own way in life. He was of a studious turn of mind and was well read at an early age. In 1872 he went to Montreal and attended college for a period of two years; returned to Chicago and entered St. Ignatius college and pursued his studies for another year. The full course in this institution required seven or eight years, yet at the end of a year he graduated second in a class whose other members had all studied the required eight years. He graduated in 1876, receiving the degree of A. B. He entered the law office of Judge Moran and read law for two years, and acquired a very complete knowledge of the theoretical and practical principles of the law. During a portion of the second year of his studies he attended the Union College of Law, graduating in 1878, and* receiving the Horton prize for the best essay on law, his subject being "The Law of the Land.1' In lieu of the two years' course in the law school, as required by the rule of the Supreme Court, he took the alternative of examination by the Appellate Court, and was rated at 100 ; the highest grade ever received in such an examination at that time. He achieved a prominent position at the bar immediately upon his admission, and secured a large clientage. He conducted and won two celebrated contested election cases, those of Stauber vs. McGrath, for Alderman of the Fourteenth ward, and M. W. Ryan for West Town Collector. In 18S2 he was made the nominee for County Judge by the Democratic County convention and was elected over his Republican opponent, C. C. Kohlsaat, by a majority of 1,177 votes, thus becoming the youngest judge who ever occupied the bench in Cook county, being but twenty-eight years of age on the clay of his election! As a judge he attained popularity with the bar; his rulings were ever fair and just, and in the hearing of many noted cases he gained wide approbation for quick and keen insight and thorough mastery of knotty problems. Especially was he commended for his unbiased judgment in the celebrated mayoralty election contest between Sidney Smith and Carter H. Harrison. During his first term he effected an entire reformation of the treatment and care of the insane who come before the County Court. He was renominated by acclamation in the Democratic convention of 1886, and was indorsed by the United Labor and Labor League Conventions. Having charge as County Judge of the supervision of the Board of Election Commissioners, his office was made the central fight of the campaign, yet in the face of united and bitter opposition he was re-elected by a majority of over 13,000, leading the two Democratic candidates for Judges of the Superior Court, who had the United Labor and Labor League indorsements, by 5,000 and 6,000 votes respectively.

Henry Best

Henry Best, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook county, was born near the corner of Indiana avenue and Fourteenth street, then known as Weldon Station, December 22, 1848. His father, Matthias Best, was born in Pfalz, Bavaria, and came to Chicago from Berlin, Germany, in 1841. His mother, Annie M. (Homan) Best, was born in Hesse Cassel and is yet living, being the oldest German speaking resident of Chicago ; a member of the German "Old Settlers'' Association and possessing the medal of the Association presented to the oldest German speaking resident. Matthias Best established the first lager beer brewery in Chicago, at 717 to 721 Indiana avenue. He was well known as a staunch Democrat ; a personal friend and ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency. He was the father of seven sons and two daughters, Henry Best being the third son. Matthias Best died October 24, 1874, aged 67 years.

Henry Best was first employed in his father's brewery, going to work at 3 A. M. and going to school at 8 A. M. and returning to work until late at night. He first attended Mrs. Fox's public school in 1855, then the only one south of Harrison street ; next the Mosely school in 1857 and the Haven school in 1861. When the war broke out he ran away from home and enlisted as a drummer boy in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and got as far as Cairo when his father overhauled and brought him home. When seventeen years old he was quite an athlete and took numerous prizes for diving and swimming, and in 1869 was an active member of the South side Turners. In his 17th year he engaged with T. D. Randall in the commission business at State and Washington streets, and remained three years; going next with R. H. Countess in the grocery business and remaining one year. His father having sold out his brewery and rented his building to J. L. Hobart for a tobacco manufactory, Henry engaged with this concern as shipping clerk and in one year worked his way up to foreman. In 1872 he was waited on by a committee who notified him of his nomination on the People's ticket for Constable. Up to this time he had taken no interest in politics, and refused the nomination. He was left on the ticket, nevertheless, and was elected by 9,000 majority, but did not serve until nearly a year after. He then made his headquarters with Justice Haines and transacted a large business. In 1876 he was re-elected on the Republican ticket and served two years. In 1878 he was appointed bailiff under Sheriff Hoffman, served one year and then was promoted to Clerk of the Grand Jury. In 1880 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Mann, and served two years. In 1882 he was a candidate for Coroner against C. H. Harris of his own ward, and carried the ward delegation, and his friends claimed that he had three votes majority in the convention, but the nomination was awarded to Harris by three majority. After the election he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Hanchett and served two years, and in 1884 was made the Republican nominee for Clerk of the Circuit Court, receiving 215 votes in the convention and defeating Emil Hoechster, Democrat, in the election by 7,676 votes, receiving the highest majority of any candidate on the South side ; carrying his own ward by 2,992 votes and running ahead of James G. Blaine in the country towns. His term expires in December, 1888. Mr. Best is able, energetic, and popular, and has fulfilled the duties of his various offices in a manner beyond criticism. While serving as constable he did a great amount of notable detective work. In one instance he seized the renowned Cremona of the famous violinist, Remenyi, and carried the celebrated Madame Voislowsky diamond case to successful conclusion in 1803. Mr. Best lived in the place of his birth in the Second ward for twentyone years, and has been a resident of the Fourth ward for seventeen years. He has always been an active Republican and has elevated himself to his present enviable position by his own efforts. He is a leading member of the Cook County Republican club; was Town and Senatorial Committeeman, and also City Central Committeeman for two years. He is a charter member of Court Energy, Independent Order of Foresters, and Financial Secretary two terms ; a charter member of Garfield Lodge,

Ancient Order of United Workmen, and held the office of Overseer ; a member of Dearborn Lodge, 310, and also LaFayette Chapter Blue Lodge Free Masons ; and of Chevalier Bayard Commandery Knights Templar. He was married April 7, 1870, to Miss Minnie Myers, who was born in New York and came here at an early age, and they have two sons and a daughter, aged 15, 5 and 12 years respectively.

P. Bird Price

P. Bird Price, Chief Grain Inspector, and Secretary of the Cook county Republican Central Committee, was born near Springfield, Sangamon county, 111., October 3, 1844. His father, Charles W. Price, was born in Kentucky and came to Illinois in 1832 ; and his mother, Caroline E. (Duncan) Price, was born in Illinois. Before his majority, Mr. Price attended the district schools of Sangamon county, and in 1865 engaged in the drug business at Springfield, and for some time was engaged in the same business in Nebraska City. Returning to Springfield he became Secretary of the Life Association of America, and was also for a time chief bookkeeper in the Ridgely National Bank. He located in Chicago in J 877, and became connected with the grain inspection bureau, where he has remained ever since, except from July, 1883, to July, 1885, when he was cashier of the New York Life Insurance Company, and had charge of the office business of the Western department of the company. He was appointed Chief Grain Inspector September 1, 1882 ; reappointed July 26, 1S85, and is yet serving. Mr. Price has always taken an active interest in politics. In 1880 he was the Acting Secretary of the Garfield Campaign Executive Committee, and has been Secretary of all Republican campaign committees since, except in 1882. He has bee-n a member of and Secretary of the Cook county Republican Central Committee for three years, and has rendered his party much valuable service in various capacities. The great success attending the Republican campaign in Cook county, in the fall of 1886, was acknowledged to be due in a great measure to Mr. Price's careful supervision and efficient work, and he was acknowledged by the successful candidates to have no superior in his position. Mr. Price is an energetic business man; genial in disposition, is respected, popular and widely known. He was married February 5, 1868, to Miss Jennie Cone, of Springfield.

Chicago, Cook County, And Illinois. 55 I. Hon. George A. Meech

George Appleton Meech, eldest of three sons of Appleton and Sibyl (Brewster) Meech, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, January 19, 1824, and he comes of a long line of ancestors noted for patriotism and Puritan virtues. His father was born in Preston, New London county, Connecticut, as was also his paternal grandfather, and his mother was born in Griswold in the same county, a daughter of Elias Brewster. His father, Appleton Meech, was Captain of an American war vessel in the privateer service during the war of 1812-14, and afterward had command of a vessel engaged in the East India trade, and his grandfather, Jacob Meech, was Captain in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary war ; was a member of Washington's historic bodyguard ; was taken prisoner at one period, and was wounded at the battle of White Plains. His mother was a descendant of the Rev. William Brewster, of the Mayflower, and Brewster's Neck, on the Thames River, is named after a son of the preacher, who at one time relieved Uncas, when the great chief was besieged by the Narragansetts or Pequots, and who attested his gratitude for the service by ceding his friend a large tract of land.

George A. Meech first attended private school iti Norwich and then in New Haven. He entered Yale College in 1839 and graduated in 1843, witn tne degree of A. B. He taught a district school in Bozrah for a short time and then became principal of the Academy of Norwich, and at the same time read law with the Hon. Lafayette S. Foster, afterward President of the United States Senate. He next went to the South and remained until 1847, teaching at Demopolis, Marengo county, Alabama, and reading law with Mr. Manning of that place. Returning to New England he completed his legal studies with Hubbard and Watts and Hon. Robert Rantoul of Boston, and was admitted to practice in 1848. The next year he was appointed Justice of the Peace in New London county, and in the spring of 1853 was elected Judge of Probate of the Norwich district. These positions he filled with dignity and ability, but he could not remain in a field so auspiciously entered for the reason that an invalid wife demanded his entire attention, and he resigned the office of Probate Judge and, with the view of improving his wife's health, removed to the West in the fall of 1853. ^e set" tied in Chicago and entered upon the practice of law, and his first case became a celebrated one and gave him prominence and a lucra- tivc practice followed. He was assigned by the late Judge Robert S. Wilson to defend a criminal who was being prosecuted by the noted Daniel Mcllroy, who was then State's Attorney. Lawyer Meech attacked the prejudices of the jury and the result was that the culprit was convicted and sentenced to twenty-seven years' imprisonment. The young lawyer immediately applied for a new trial ; secured it, and promptly cleared his unprofitable client. In the important practice which immediately came into his hands he found full scope for the exercise of his superior legal talents. In the spring of 1862 he was made the Democratic nominee for City Attorney, on the same ticket with Mayor Francis C. Sherman, and, although the war feeling was at its height, and the Republicans were carrying everything, he was elected by a decisive majority. He discharged the duties of the office with signal ability and retired, standing high in public favor. The following year (1864) he was appointed City Assessor, receiving the unanimous vote of the Common Council, which was evenly composed of Republicans and Democrats. This office he conducted for two years, with conspicuous fidelity to public interests. From 1864 to 1875 he devoted his attention to the practice of his profession and secured a wealthy and prominent clientage. In 1865 he became the attorney of Commodore Bigelow, and was given the management of the celebrated Bigelow estate, and this important trust he conducted with great prudence and business and legal tact up to the transfer to the Government for $1,250,000, of the portion now occupied by the Custom House. In 1875 he was selected by the Judges as a Justice of the Peace. In 1879, and again in 1883 he was re-appointed, and both times indorsements were presented to the Judges, requesting his re-appointment for the publicly known reason that he was able, experienced, and his faithfulness and rectitude were well known, and that he had already filled the office with the intelligence and dignity becoming a court of justice. The petitions represented, besides lawyers and judges, many prominent men in business circles, containing the names of such well known men as Thomas Hoyne, F. H. Kales, Leonard Swett, E. B. McCa^c:, Van H. Higgins, ludoe George Gardner, Elliott Anthony, B. F. Ayer, S. Corning Judd, Robert T. Lincoln, I. N. Stiles, Arno Voss, Thomas Dent, Sol. Smith, Lyman J. Gage, Nelson Ludington, George Schneider, George L. Otis, James D. Sturgis, John DeKoven, and others, many of whom wrote personal appeals for his retainment on the score of public interest, and his acknowledged ability and fitness for the position. In August, 1885, Justice Meech was designated by the Mayor and Common Council to preside over the Police Court. In this position his ability and knowledge of the law again came into play. He was thorough in his analysis, clear, prompt and decisive in his rulings, and unbiased in his judgment. The position was one which had always had certain political connections and incited the antagonism of many persons having political influence, and Justice Meech, like all his predecessors in the office of Police Justice, was made the object of partisan attacks, directed in the main at the city administration, of which he was held to be the representative. In this trying position Justice Meech has ever retained the confidence and respect of his friends, and has steadfastly pursued the even tenor of his way, and performed his duties in an exemplary manner. He made many improvements in the method of conducting the court ; established rules of cleanliness and proper conduct and dispensed justice tempered with mercy. Of his personal traits a Chicago journal once said : "As a citizen he is loyal and true, and has been especially faithful to the community in which he lives. As a man he possesses most admirable qualities ; warm and sympathetic in his friendships ; courteous, affable, social and genial, he possesses that plain style and matter-of-fact directness of purpose, and that modest, unobtrusive manner, to oe expected in one who, like himself, has an utter contempt for all shams and mere pretense."

For a period of thirty-three years Justice Meech has now been before the people of Chicago, and identified with many of the most important interests of the city. He is a polished and high bred gentleman of the old school ; firm in his convictions, blunt, honest, and straightforward ; his integrity is unimpeachable. During his earlier years, when the care of his invalid wife and a number of dependent relatives fell to his lot, he passed through trials and performed duties which firmly established him in the respect of his friends, and their admiration of his character has increased with years, nor been diminished by the vicissitudes attending public office. In politics Justice Meech has always been a Democrat, as the term applies to the theory of government ; but he has always had personal and independent views, and during the Lincoln-Douglas campaign was an ardent supporter of the " Little Giant." He has long been a member of the Masonic fraternity; a life member of Waubansia Lodge ; a life member of Washington Chapter Royal Arch Masons ; a Knight Templar and life member of Apollo Commandery.

Justice Meech was first married in 1850 to a daughter of the Rev. Daniel Dorchester, of Norwich, Conn., who died in 1859. In JS6i he married a daughter of the Hon. Milo Hunt, of Chenango county, New York, who died in 1878, and in 1880 he married Florence, the accomplished daughter of Capt. William Story, of Norwich, Conn., by whom he has his only living child, Harold Appleton Meech, aged five years, a precocious, bright and promising boy.

John H. Colvin

John Henry Colvin, member of the City Council from the Sixteenth ward, was born October 25, 1839, at Little Falls, Herkimer county, N. Y. His father, Hon. Harvey D. Colvin, ex-Mayor of Chicago, and his mother, Nancy (Churchill) Colvin, were born in the same town. They came West in 1854, locating in Chicago. John H. attended the public schools of his native town and after coming to Chicago attended the old Dearborn school. From 1856 to 1S59 he was engaged with the United States Express Company here and was agent for the same company at Ottawa, 111., from 1859 to i§02' In June of the latter year he enlisted in Battery M, First Regiment Illinois Light Artillery, and was commissioned First Lieutenant. He served till October, 1863, when the War Department commissioned him to organize a new battery of artillery. He speedily raised the battery, and it was jnustered in at Knoxville, 111., October 12, 1863, and he was commissioned Captain, and served till June 12, 1865. He was Chief of Artillery of the Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps during 1864-5. He was engaged at the front in the East Tennessee campaign, and in all Western battles in which the Army of the. Tennessee participated. Returning to Chicago in 1866 he was appointed Agent of the Atlantic and Pacific Express Fast Freight Line, with headquarters in New York. In 1868 he returned to Chicago, and was General Agent of the United States and the American Express companies during the memorable "express war" in which these two companies and the Merchants' were engaged. While always actively interested in politics it was not until the fall of 1880 that Mr. Colvin held any public position. At this time William Vogt, North Town Collector, requested him to assume charge of his office and he did so, and conducted it in a highly satisfactory manner for two years. In April, 1882, he was elected Alderman of the Sixteenth ward, and was re- elected in 1884 and again in 1886, by increased majorities. He has done much in the City Council to advance public improvements. In 1880 he was without solicitation on his part made the nominee of the Democratic convention for Coroner of Cook county, and the entire ticket was defeated, his successful opponent being C. R. Matson. Mr. Colvin has been tendered the nomination for various legislative and county offices, but has declined. He was a member of the Democratic County Central Committee seven years, Vice Chairman three years, and Chairman in 1886. "He has been a delegate to all important state and local conventions for several years, and in 1884 was Chairman of the Committee on Reception of delegates to the National convention. He is a member of Delphi Lodge No. 23, A. F. & A. M., of New York ; of Lincoln Park Lodge 2620, Knights of Honor ; of the Royal Arcanum and of Court Lincoln Lodge of Foresters. He was united in marriage to Miss Annie Wickliffe, of Collinsville, Madison county. 111., April 7, 1873, anc* has resided in the Sixteenth ward for the past nine years.

James H. Farrell

James Henry Farrell was born November 19^ 1842. His father, James Joseph Farrell, and his mother, Ann (Highland) Farrell were natives of Tullamore, near Dublin. They came to the United States in 1851 and settled in New York; his mother dying in 1871, and his father in 1875.

James H. Farrell first attended the public schools in New York, and for three years was employed with Christy, Constant & Co., the great wall paper manufacturers. In April, 1861, when but sixteen years old, he enlisted in the gallant and famous Fifth New York Zouaves, and served under Gen. Judson J. Kilpatrick, who later on was promoted to General of Cavalry. He_participated in one of the first battles of the war, that of Big Bethel, and was at the famous Siege of Yorktown ; at Williamsburg and Hampton, where his regiment was the first to raise the Stars and Stripes over Ex-President Tyler's house ; through the Peninsular campaign, in the famous seven days' battles, Chickahominy, Fair Oaks, Mechanicsville, Charles City Cross-Roads, Harrison's Landing, and then with the Fifth Army Corps under Gen. G. K. Warren and Fitz John Porter and McClellan until honorably discharged at Sharpsburg, Maryland. His regiment was the favorite of the people of New York, and was considered the best in the volunteer service. He came to

Chicago in 1869, and engaged with Faxon & Co., house decorators, and was next employed at the Adams House with Pearce & Benjamin, and subsequently with Potter Palmer. In 1872 he was elected Captain of the Mulligan Zouaves, to succeed John J. Healy. After the Second Regiment Illinois Militia was formed he became Captain of Company C , succeeding John Meaney, and participated in the riots of 1877. He served as a deputy collector under South Town Collectors William Best and John Fenelon. In 1879 ne was appointed Deputy North Town Assessor by Assessor Sam Chase. In 1880 he went into the real estate business, which he still pursues ; was a deputy under North Town Collectors Frank Neisen and William Vogt, and assistant Chief Deputy under John Tempel. In politics Capt. Farrell has always been a Democrat, and his active organizing ability has been recognized by his friends. He is a member of and assistant Marshal of the Cook county Club, and in 1884 assisted in receiving the clubs in attendance at the National convention ; campaigned through the state with the club when Carter H. Harrison ran for Governor; was an ardent Cleveland man, and had charge of the club on its trip to the inauguration at Washington and return, and was assistant Marshal in charge of the Hancock and Hendricks funeral demonstrations, and when Gen. McClellan paid his last visit to the city he was on the reception committee and mustered the Democratic war veterans to receive him. He has been a member of the Democratic City Central Committee for six years, and is now Vice-President of the Committee for the second term. In October, 1886, he was nominated by acclamation for member of the Illinois Legislature by the Sixth Senatorial District convention, and in the election received a vote that fully attested his popularity, receiving a total vote of 10,191 and a majority of 1,900. He has been twice married, the last time in 1879, and was the father of three children, all deceased.

James T. Appleton

James Thomas Appleton, member of the City Council from the Second ward for three terms, was born in Chicago, September 29, 1843. His father, James Appleton, was a native of Manchester, England, and his mother, Rachel (Ludby) Appleton, was born in New York. The family settled in Chicago in 1832, and Mrs. Appleton, who still survives, has the medal of the "Old Settlers' Association " presented to her as the oldest English speaking woman in Chicago. James first went to Mrs.

Barnard's school, on Twelfth street, then to the Jones school; received tuition under Professors Woodward and McChesney, and attended also Mrs. Lewis' private school, on the corner of Taylor street and Fourth avenue. After his school days were over he engaged in and for a period of nine years conducted, a baggage express business. Christmas day, 1862, he was married, and three weeks subsequently he enlisted in Company D, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, under Col. Jim Stewart, and served in the Seventh Army Corps under Sherman and Sheridan until 1865, when he was mustered out at Shreveport, La. He was on the raid through Arkansas ; at Little Rock, Brownsville, Pilot Knob, at the Siege of Vicksburg and of Nashville, and in many of the hardest battles of the war. After his discharge he returned to Chicago and bought a vessel, the " Scandinavian," and went into the Michigan fruit trade for a period of two years. Subsequently he engaged in a variety of enterprises, finally opening a sample room in the Second ward which immediately became a noted political headquarters. In the spring of 1881 his friends urged him to become a candidate for alderman, and receiving a popular call, he took the field, and defeated A. M. Billings by a majority of 126, the ward having up to that time been Republican. He was re-elected in 1883, defeating Charles Lithgow by a majority of 800; and again in 1885, when his popularity was put to the test by both a Democrat and a Republican - Martin A. Driscoll and Martin Best - and he was elected by the large plurality of 1,200. Alderman Appleton has been a member of the Democratic County Central Committee six years, and of the City Central Committee three years. He was married December 25, 1862, to Miss Rosanna E. Fagan, and is the father of two children. George W. Appleton, aged twenty, and Hattie Elizabeth Appleton, aged eighteen years.

Commissioner Of Health

Oscar C. De Wolf, M. D., Commissioner of Health of the city of Chicago, was born on August 8, 1835, at Chester, Hampden Co., Mass., the son of Dr. T. K. De \Volf, for half a century a prominent practitioner in that vicinity. He obtained his earlier education in the schools of his neighborhood and received the degree of Master of Arts from Williams College ; pursued his medical studies at Berkshire College and graduated there- from in 1857. *n l&5& ne attended the New York Medical College and from this institution received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The succeeding two years he spent in the Medical Department of the University of France, at Paris. Upon receiving news of threatened war in 1861 he sailed for home, arriving in Massachusetts in July and being at once appointed surgeon of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, afterward becoming surgeon of the Second Massachusetts and of the Reserve Brigade, consisting of five regiments of cavalry. He served through the war, being attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and to the Army of the Potomac during Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign. In the fall of 1865 he was discharged for disability and returned to his home, where he established himself as a practitioner. Later he located in Chicago, and in 1867 he was appointed Commissioner of Health by Mayor Monroe Heath, and he has since filled that position by successive re-appointments, notwithstanding changes of administration. By his great energy and thorough knowledge of sanitary science he has brought the Chicago Health Department up to the highest grade of any in the country, and during his administration at the head of this important department the death rate of Chicago has decreased until it is the lowest of any great city in the United States. Dr. De Wolf is an enthusiast upon the subject of public health, and his measures are always radical and effective. Chicago, once subject to small-pox epidemics, has, by a general system of vaccination in the public and parish schools ; rigid quarantine and disinfection methods, become free from this destructive pest. Through his instrumentality a thorough system of tenementhouse inspection has been perfected and much important sanitary legislation has been adopted, including laws governing the construction of tenement-houses, and the ventilation, drainage and sanitary arrangement of all habitations. For two years Dr. De Wolf held the chair of Surgical Pathology in the Medical Department of the University of Ohio, and is now professor of State Medicine and Public Hygiene in the Chicago Medical College, and he is the author of many treatises on sanitary topics that have been considered standard authority. He is a member of all the local medical societies and of the State societies of Illinois and Massachusetts, and of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. As a public official he is thorough, obliging and popular. Dr. De Wolf was united in marriage in December, 1873, to Miss Harriet L. Lyman, of North Hampton, Mass.

Alexander Kirkland

Alexander Kirkland, Commissioner of the Department of Public Buildings, was born in Kilbarchen, Renfrewshire, Scotland, September 24, 1824. His father, Captain James Kirkland, served under Wellington at Waterloo, and in the Peninsular campaign, and at the time of Alexander's birth had been already retired on account of wounds received under the famous commander at Waterloo. He died in 1859. Alexander attended the parish school and subsequently the high school at Glasgow, and next the college, from which he graduated in 184.4. At an early age Mr. Kirkland developed an aptitude for draughting and architecture, and while attending college took up these studies and engineering, and completed them before graduating. Upon leaving college he entered upon his profession, and successfully followed it for a period of more than twenty years. In 1868 he came to the United States, and located in Jefferson county, Wisconsin. In 1871 he removed to Chicago and followed his profession until May, 1879, wnen he was appointed Commissioner of Public Buildings. In this position he has conducted a department from which permits have been issued for the construction of buildings amounting in value to $25,000,000 per annum, or an aggregate of over $200,000,000, ana! under his management this department has been revenue-producing. Under his supervision also the owners of theatres and public halls have been required to carry out improvements that insure the safety of patrons. As supervising architect he had charge of the entire construction of the City Hall, and his experience and able management saved to the city many thousands of dollars. Mr. Kirkland's geniality of disposition and sturdy principles have attached to him many warm friends who have the highest admiration for his character. He has been an active member of the St. Andrews society since his arrival in Chicago and was three times elected President of that society. When in Scotland he was a prominent Free Mason, and Past Master of a flourishing lodge, but has not kept up his connection with the Order here. He has been twice married, his first wife, Jane Hewittson, dying in 1847. ^n 1855 ne married Miss Eliza M. Kirkland, a second cousin. By his first wife he had two sons ; R. B. Kirkland was for four years District Attorney of Jefferson county, Wis., and later the law partner of Congressman James H. Ward ; and James K. Kirkland, assistant manager of the Grand Trunk railroad machine shops at Port Huron, Mich. A daughter by his present wife, Jearmette Law Kirkland, some years ago became the wife of William Edgar, Secretary of the Building Department.

David S. Mead

David S. Mead, Secretary of the Department of Public Works, was born at Tarrytown, Westchester county, New York, July 13, 1827. His father, Ezra Mead, was one of the early settlers of Tarrytown, and fought through the war of 181 2. His mother was Elizabeth Van Wert, whose family was identified with the capture of Major Andre during the struggle of 1776. Mr. Mead commenced his education at a select school, erected on the spot made historical by the execution of Andre. In 1836 his family removed to Orleans county, where his education was completed. In 1854 he moved to Buffalo, and was engaged in steamboating during the life of the passenger steamers plying between Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo, and Detroit, after which he entered the employ of the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad, having charge of the freight and ticket business at the western terminus of the line, then located at State Line City, Ind. He came to Chicago in 1865, holding important positions with the Merchant's Insurance Company of Chicago. He entered the employ of the city in 1867, and was assigned to duty in the Special Assessment Department. In August, 1876, he was appointed Secretary of the Board of Public Works, under the administration of Mayor Rice, and he still holds the position, being one of the oldest and most faithful city employes. For a period of nearly twenty years, under recurring changes of administration, his great serviceability in the various positions filled by him has been recognized, and the experience he has gained in the different departments well fits him for his present responsible position, and would qualify him for important duties under any municipality. He holds his duties superior to party affiliations ; is genial, obliging, and possesses the confidence and esteem of all officials and citizens who make his acquaintance. Mr. Mead was married in October, 1850, to Miss Adelia L. Munn, daughter of Abner Munn, a well known farmer of Orleans county, New York, and has two children, - Morton E., and Walter W. Although educated a strict sectarian, Mr. Mead is progressive and liberal in his religious ideas, and was among the first with his family, to join in the organization of the Central Church Society of Chicago, of which he is now an officer.