ALBERT F. KILBORN

Albert F. Kilborn

Age: 54 years, 5 months, 18 days

ALBERT F. KILBORN

DOB: August 10 1878
Indiana USA

DOD: January 28, 1933
Hammond, IN USA

Son of Charles J. and Emeline “Lucretia” (nee Perry) Kilborn

Kilborn Family before 1919

Kilborn Family before 1919

 

Brother to: Ardella F. (Albert F. Baker), Sarah and Gertrude R. (Harry V. Klein) Kilborn

Husband of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dole, married June 3, 1906, Lake County, IN, USA
Father of: Charles “Albert” (Mildred Thielman), and Marguerite (Carl Schau) Kilborn


January 28, 1933  – THE GARY EVENING TIMES

Albert Kilborn obit 1Albert F. “Biddy” Kilborn, 55 a well-known baker, and 30 year resident of Hammond, Indiana, formerly of Crown Point, died tragically Saturday January 28, 1933 at his place business. “Biddy” and two other colleagues started the Hammond Modern Bakery in 1912 at 34 State Street. From its small beginnings the bakery became one of the most modern plants in the Midwest, occupying three floors at the State Street address.

Upon coming to Hammond, “Biddy” worked at the Wells-Fargo Express Company prior to his becoming a baker. The Kilborn family is one of the oldest in Lake County, Indiana.Albert Kilborn before 1919

 

Albert Kilborn Biddy Bread

“BIDDY’S BREAD”

“Biddy’s Bread” for years has been the trademark of the company. The name just grew on the company, his partners said. Years ago, mothers sent their children to the bakery to get “Biddy Bread.” And so the name gained prominence throughout the region as the company expanded.

Albert Kilborn obit 2“Biddy had been in charge of the business office of the bakery since the start. He managed the drivers and was also in charge of the sales.

Throughout his life the deceased had been noted for contributions to numerous charities in the city. When the Great Depression became acute and necessitated the establishment of various relief agencies. “Biddy” willingly contributed bread and money while at the same time his own bakery was suffering heavily in the Hammond bank closures.

The deceased is deeply mourned by his widow, Elizabeth; a daughter, Marguerite, 15 years old, and a son, Charles, 24 years old, a grandson Richard, and two sisters, Mrs. Dell Baker, of South Chicago, and Mrs. Gertrude Klein, of Burdett, Kansas


 

He was active in the Elks, Moose and Modern Woodmen of America fraternal lodges.

 


(Editor’s note: Albert & Elizabeth Kilborn were moved to the Beecher Mausoleum after the Mausoleum where they were originally interred, located in Indiana, was so badly vandalized it was ordered demolished by the city. I believe it was in Crown Point, IN.)


Albert’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Dole) Kilborn
Brother & Sister-in-law of son (Charles): Walter L. Thielman & Paula M.(Kuhlman) Thielman
Father & Mother-in-law of son (Charles): Henry F. Thielman & Minnie K. (Bielfeldt) Thielman
Nephew: Loren W. Thielman
Nephew’s Wife: Dollie J. (Johnson) Thielman

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

 

 

 

 

 

ARTHUR STRUVE

Arthur Struve

Age: 62 years, 1 month, 16 days

ARTHUR STRUVE

DOB: June 11, 1870
Monee, IL USA

DOD: July 27, 1932
at his office in Chicago Heights, IL USA

(Editor’s note:  Arthur’s headstone was broken by vandals back in the 1980’s. We are in the process of raising funds for the replacement of all the damaged marble)

Son of William and Rosamond (nee Van Jordens) Struve
Brother to: Rosemunda and Emma C. Affolder Struve (Paul J. Weigand)  (Emma Affolder was adopted by the Struves)

Husband of Caroline “Carrie” L. (Kappmeyer) Struve, married  May 10, 1895, Beecher, IL USA

Father of Rosamond (William J. Orr) Struve


 PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY

The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago  1907

ARTHUR STRUVE

Arthur Struve, whose name is an honored one on commercial paper throughout Will County, and who is now a worthy representative of financial interest, being president of the First National Bank of Beecher, is a native of the country, having been born in Monee, June 11, 1870. His father, William Struve, was a native of Brunswick, Germany, born December 15, 1832. He acquired a good education in his native country and early displayed business qualities which later made him a successful man. His father was engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil and it is said that after the workmen were gone for the day that William Struve would gather up the scatterings, manufacture oil therefrom and make a little money for himself. His mother was in poor health, so that in 1848 the family decided to emigrate to the United States, hoping that the change would prove beneficial to her. It was their plan to go west to the Mississippi River, where the father might get work as an architect and builder, for he had carried on business as an architect in his native country as well as the linseed oil manufacture. On the ocean, however, the father died and the mother was thus left with six children. They proceeded on their way to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where they had friends. The mother then invested the money which she had in one hundred and sixty acres of land for each of her four boys and put a similar amount in the bank for the two daughters. In less than a year her death occurred. The six children and two hired men, who came with them from Germany, lived together for one year. An older brother died a year after the mother’s death and another brother still older was married and was drowned while trying to save the life of a comrade. Thus in course of time the family became broken up.

When eighteen years of age William Struve went west to the Mississippi river and for two or three years engaged in buying wood and selling it to steamboats. He found this to be quite profitable and when twenty-one years of age he returned to Sheboygan and sold his land, after which he bought lumber which he shipped by vessel to Chicago and thence on the Illinois Central, which had just been completed, to Monee. In this place he established the first lumber yard and engaged in business there for fourteen years. He likewise bought lots in the village and also bought and sold farms, and his real estate manipulations as well as in his commercial interests met with success.

William Struve Hecker's regiment 1

William Struve , Hecker’s regiment Company D, Eighty-second Illinois Volunteer infantry

In July, 1862, he answered the call for volunteers to aid in suppressing the rebellion, enlisting in Company D, Eighty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, known as Hecker’s Regiment. He participated in the memorable march to the sea and was a faithful and valorous soldier. He was mustered out and honorably discharged at the close of the war in June, 1865.  About 1869 or 1870 he removed to Beecher, which had just been established following the building of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. Here he established a lumber yard and conducted it for twenty-five years, when he turned the business over to his son. While not a member of any church, he attended and contributed liberally to its support. In politics he was a republican, and he took an active interest in advancing the welfare and growth of the party, but never sought or desired office for himself. He was a good businessman and one well educated. While in Wisconsin he worked for his board and the privilege of attending school.  He was anxious to learn the English language and he not only mastered the text books, but read much beside. He also taught school in that state after returning from the west. In his business life he eagerly improved his opportunities, making steady advancement along well directed lines of labor, and as the years passed he became a prosperous citizen. He died December 1, 1894, and is still survived by his widow.

Mrs. Struve bore the maiden name of Rosamond Van Jordens and was born near Dusseldorf, Germany, January 25, 1837. When twelve years of age she accompanied her parents on their immigration to America, the family settling at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Her father, Peter Van Jordens, became a farmer and lived at Manitowoc until his death. On the 4th of June, 1857, the daughter gave her hand in marriage to William Struve and went to Monee with her husband, who had been in business there for some time. She is still living in a comfortable cottage in Beecher, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, in the faith of which she was reared. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Struve were born five children. Rose, a sister older than our subject, died at the age of twenty-four years, while three younger children died in infancy.

Arthur Struve was only a year old when he came to Beecher and here he was reared, attending the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he took charge of his father’s business and on attaining his majority became the owner of the lumberyard which he conducted with success until 1895, when he disposed of that enterprise and turned his attention to banking,

Arthur Struve Bank Block 1905

Arthur Struve Bank Block 1905

establishing a private bank, which he conducted from 1896 until the 11th of May, 1905. At that time the First National Bank of Beecher was organized and Mr. Struve became president. It is capitalized at fifty thousand dollars, with Hon. Fred Wilke as vice president and Carl Ehrhardt as cashier. Mr. Struve is half owner of the brick block where the bank is located and which was built by him in 1906 in association with Thomas Clark. He is also treasurer of the Eastern Illinois Brick Company of Beecher and his business enterprises and activity have contributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding of the village.

In 1895 Mr. Struve was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Kappmeyer, a native of Will County and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kappmeyer, her father now living retired in Beecher. Mr. and Mrs. Struve have a daughter, Rosa. Theirs is one of the finest homes in Beecher, built in attractive style of architecture and tastefully and richly furnished, and its hospitality, too, is one of its most attractive features. Mr. Struve is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity at Crete, the Elks Lodge at Kankakee and the Modern Woodmen camp at Beecher. In his business life he has made steady progress. Keen and clear headed, moving slowly and surely in every transaction, he possesses that determination and perseverance which ultimately reaches the objective point.

masonic elblem

Elks-Logo-EmblemModeran Woodmen of America


Illustrated Prospectus of Beecher, ILL.

Complied by A. Gordon, Publisher of Prospectuses for Towns on the

C. & E. I. R. R. and Frisco Systems

BEECHER, ILL., July 1905

ARTHUR STRUVE

President of the First National Bank

Arthur Struve, president of the First National Bank of Beecher, and founder of the Bank of Beecher, the first institution of its kind in the Township of Washington, was born in Monee, Ill., and first saw Beecher when only a year old, his parents moving to Beecher at that time.

At a very early age he began his business career, first joining his father in the lumber business. At the age of nineteen he controlled the entire lumber business, at which time, after establishing a large trade, he sold out to H.F. Wilke. He then started the Bank of Beecher, and made such a signal success that this spring the “First National” was incorporated. The First National is therefore the offspring of the Bank of Beecher.

Arthur Struve Residence, Beecher

Arthur Struve Residence, Beecher

Mr. Struve is thirty-five years of age, is married and has one daughter. His residence, as seen by the illustration, is one of the finest to be seen in any town along the line of the C. & E.I.

 

EASTERN ILLINOIS BRICK COMPANY

One of the Best Manufacturing Plants of its Kind

Supremacy in the brick industry was the goal of the incorporators of the Eastern Illinois Brick Company when the plant was established some three years ago (1902), and with the strength of purpose characteristic of Beecher push and enterprise, the business has been exploited until now this goal has been reached, and the euphonious slogan “Beecher for Brick,” is being surely raised as the banner cry of the brick industry. This is no vain or empty boast, for the company owns over thirteen acres of the finest brick land in the state, and, after some experimenting, the top notch has been reached in the product turned out. Every foot of the land is available, and the plant is being extended rapidly, more machinery is being installed, and, before the summer wanes, the plant will give employment to from 75 to 80 skilled workmen. At present the demand for Beecher Brick is in excess of the supply, but with the rapid growth of the works the facilities will soon be such as to meet all requirements.

The above is, in brief outline, a synopsis of the history of Beecher’s brick industry.

The stock is all held by local capital, the leading business men of Beecher being the directors. The following are the officers:  Thomas Clark, president; Dr. Van Voorthis, vice-president; Arthur Struve, secretary and treasurer; Henry Stade, superintendent. The directors consist of all the above with H.F. Wilke and H. Wehmhoefer.

Eastern Illinois Brick Co. 1902 "Beecher for Brick"

Eastern Illinois Brick Co. 1902 “Beecher for Brick”


March 25, 1910 – Beecher Herald

example of a Halladay automobile

example of a Halladay automobile

Arthur Struve brought home a brand new, “Spank-up” Halladay automobile from Streator, Ill., Saturday. It is a four-cylinder, five passenger car and is equipped with electric lights and all the latest improvements.

(Editor’s note: In 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Struve and daughter, Rosemond, and Miss Esther Hack ventured on a four month trip through the south and to the Pacific coast)


December 30, 1910 – Beecher Herald

CHANGE IN THE FIRST NATIONAL

Arthur Struve Disposes of His Interest in the Beecher Bank

Was Head of Institution Since Its Organization

The First National Bank of Beecher this week made a change in the personnel of its officers and directors, by the resignation of President Arthur Struve. Thos. Clark succeeds him as the head of the bank, Henry Stade succeeds Mr. Clark as vice president and Cashier Carl Ehrhardt has been selected to fill the vacancy on the board of directors.

Mr. Struve has disposed of his shares in the bank, he informs us, for the purpose of entering the banking business in a larger field.

Ever since the organization of the First National Bank of Beecher nearly six years ago Mr. Struve has been its president and held the confidence of the people through all those years, and through his careful handling of the funds entrusted to the bank, has sustained it as a safe and sound institution. He was also president of the Bank of Beecher for over nine years before the organization of the First National. Mr. Struve, in severing his connection with the bank, makes the following statement:

Beecher, Ill., Dec. 28, 1910

I desire to announce that I have severed my connections with the First National Bank of Beecher, having sold all my holdings. I hereby desire to earnestly thank all my friends for the many favors done and shown me in the past. You having entrusted me and associates with your money and confidence these many years. I assure you it is the happiest thoughts in my life you know and tell you I have not abused that confidence and trust. I also desire to bespeak the same confidence for the new management as you have bestowed upon me. The officers and directors are well known and capable and there is no reason why the First National Bank should not prosper. I shall continue to make Beecher my home and hope to continue your confidence and friendship. Again thanking you all and wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year, I am,

Yours truly,

A. Struve

As Mr. Struve states above, there is no reason why the First National Bank should not prosper. The officers are well known and are capable gentlemen, and we know they have the confidence of the community.


1910 – 1932

(Editor’s note: Arthur continued his business ventures after he left the Banking Business. We found many ads in the newspapers showing that Arthur had entered the Real Estate Business)

Arthur Struve ad 1919

Arthur Struve ad 1927

Arthur Struve ad


1912-1914

The construction of the Beecher Mausoleum

(Editor’s note: Arthur is attributed with helping to finance the construction of the Beecher Mausoleum. The pre-sale of crypts was to be the primary source of funds to pay for the construction of the mausoleum. We can’t find any financial accounting as to the cost of the construction, nor how much money was raised by the pre-sale of crypts. According to the Struve family’s historical accounting records, it appears that a note of over $5000 remained held by Arthur Struve even after his death)

Click on the links below to read the newspaper articles about the construction of the mausoleum:

03-12-1912 Mausoleum for Beecher

03-22-1912 Beecher’s Proposed Mausoleum

10-25-1912 Beecher’s New Mausoleum

02-27-1914 Now Ready for Visitors

06-19-1914 Mausoleum Dedicated


August 4, 1932 – Beecher Herald

SUDDEN DEATH OF ARTHUR STRUVE

Arthur Struve obitBeecher friends were shocked last Wednesday to hear of the sudden death of Arthur Struve at his office in Chicago Heights.

Mr. Struve died so quickly and quietly that friends who were with him in his office scarcely realized what had happened. It was known by a few that he had been a sufferer of angina pectoris and recurrent attacks had weakened his resistance, but on each occasion he rallied and refused to take to bed.

On Wednesday he appeared to be feeling exceptionally well. He appeared at his office at the usual hour both in the morning and afternoon. After lunch he was seated at his desk in his office, chatting with Ray Schultze, his business associate and Dr. Frank J. Haessler, a friend. Schultze left and the conversation between Dr. Haessler and Mr. Struve continued. Glancing up from a newspaper he had consulted, Dr. Haessler observed Mr. Struve’s head had fallen limply against the back of his chair. Both he and Miss Marion Oliver, clerk in the office, rushed forward to offer aid, but it was useless. Dr. Spencer Blim was summoned and pronounced Mr. Struve dead and gave the organic heart disease as the cause.

Arthur Struve was born in Monee June 11, 1870, but came with his parents a the age of two years to live in Beecher. Here he lived continuously until he moved to Chicago Heights in 1917. For many years he was president of the First National Bank of Beecher. He was married to Caroline Kappmeyer on May 10, 1895. To this unions one child was born. Rosamund. (Mrs. Wm. J. Orr) of Chicago Heights. Besides his widow and daughter, he is survived by one grandchild Margaret Caroline Orr.

In Beecher, he was the possessor of a large number of friends and during his residence and business career in Chicago Heights, he was linked with innumerable admirers. He was on of the foremost realtors in the Heights.

Funeral services were held, Saturday afternoon, at the Orr home in Chicago Heights and his remains were laid at rest in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The Beecher Herald joins with the many Beecher friends in extending profound sympathy to the grief stricken relatives.


 

Arthur’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Caroline “Carrie” (Kappmeyer) Struve
Mother: Rosamond (Jordens) Struve
1st cousin of wife: Caroline (Kappmeyer) Horn
2nd cousin of wife: Clara (Horn) Hager
2nd cousin of wife: Walter L. Horn
2nd cousin of wife: Reinhold W. Horn
2nd cousin of wife: Arthur H. Horn


Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening.